air america staffing nearly complete

There’s energy out there around the need for Seattle’s Air America (KTPK 1090 AM) to score some local liberal blabbermeisters to compete with the righties on KVI, and KTTH.

Talk radio has politicized, organized and galvanized Republican support and it’s time Democrats start doing some galvanizin’ of its own.

My desperate call last week for nominees bore a bountiful crop of enlightened suggestions.

The bloglific Goldy (David Goldstein of horsesass.org) topped my list because I heard him on-air recently with John Carlson (KVI m-f 3-6p) who didn’t even bother to argue with the golden-throated Goldy, so obviously up to speed was he.

I nominated him also, because in a post, he’d nominated himself--even volunteering for the dreaded 6-9a morning drive slot. I had him on the schedule and everything, but now he’s reneging and wants something in the afternoon so he can sleep in--you know what a slacker he is.

When he opened up an ’ass-string for more nominations, he got an earful and lots of support from loyalists. My favorite was the guy who told him: “you have the hairline for radio...”

Jeez, Goldy, when you were talking about recession, I thought you were talking about economics.

Me? I like blogging because I have the clothes.

I like Goldy’s point:  “I love and respect Dave Ross, but we need more than just his “common sense” approach to balance the calculated propaganda propagated by John Carlson. We don’t need another journalist like Dave… we need a political partisan like John.”

One of his readers agreed: “I would mostly like to see something between Dave Ross’ overt pragmatism -which is much more a triangulated middle ground then it is left- and Randi Rhodes’ fire breathing.”

Combining BlatherWatch’s and Horsesass’s votes, Dave Ross was the overall favorite. Goldy came in second. 

Jon Stahl, one of the level heads over at Evergreen Politics asks,  “ ...where's the infrastructure that's training progressive pundits in the media skills it takes to be an effective talk radio host?  You think the Discovery Institute doesn't offer its "fellows" media training?"

That’s a great point--where are our local liberal versions of the Discovery Institute or the reactionary thinktank John Carlson founded, the Washington Institute Foundation.

The right has been availing their people of media training for years--remember the conservative “Institute” that gave “Jeff Gannon” his “press credentials?” It steeped him in the basics of nasty conservative hyperbole, dirty tricks and Spin 101.

Before talk radio, Carlson was on KIROTV for 7 years doing point/counterpoint debates with BlatherWatch friend, historian and leftist of record, Walt Crowley of the authoritative and entertaintaing HistoryLink.org.

Kirby Wilbur, (KVI m-f, 6-9a) the highest rated local right-wing blatherer, was a real estate appraiser with no broadcast experience.

A KIRO talent who talks to BlatherWatch off the record suggests that Air America hire radio professional from out of town. He knows the business and figures the odds of getting successful homies like Wilbur or Carson are low. He may be correct.

The sensible and prolific blogger Carl Ballard up at Washington State Political Report  says, “I'd go for a weekend show if they're hiring.” That makes two on my schedule if Goldy doesn’t change his mind again.

Stranger Editor Dan Savage got a lot of votes. He’s good on his feet, been terrific on NPR (“This American Life,” “Rewind” "All Things Considered") and on most everything else except when Bill O’Reilly spanked him hard last year. Frankly, I don’t think he’d do talk radio, he’s got a kid, a nationally syndicated column, is the editor of a weekly paper and writes a book every other year or so. He's gota new one coming out in May.

Savage’s counterpart at the Seattle Weekly, Knute “Skip” Berger got some votes as well. I’d love to see him on the raidie-yo--he was great on Rewind--some commented he isn’t mean enough. He’s funny and smart and a certified adult.

King County Councilman Dow Constantine got some votes, but I nixed that because I live in his district and we fucking need him! thank you very much.

Laura Ruderman, former state senator and candidate for Sec. State was nominated. We need her somewhere working publically for us; she’s bright, hardworking...and funny, in a smart, verbal New York way.

Lefty Seattle Weekly columnist, Geov Parrish was mentioned more than a few times...he does a KEXP early Saturday morning interview show, (some guy interviews him) and edits "Eat The State," the venerable foodie rag touting local produce.

There were votes and lots of discussion about Mark Sidran as well. Many think he’s Darth Vader, but some think he’s a funny liberal. That’s the kind of dichotomy that works in talk radio, and he had talk experience at KIRO over the last few years. Governor Gregoire has appointed him chairman of the state Utilities and Transportation Commission, however, so he may not be available.

(Wouldn't that be an employee Xmas party--Dan Savage, Skip Berger, Mark Sidran and Geov Parrish in the same room? Get a fire hose...)

One of Goldy’s readers made some nominations that sound great but for people about whom I know nothing: ”UW philosophy grad Kim Thayil (formerly of Soundgarden and his deejay days at KEXP) and Art Alexakis of the rock band Everclear  He’s a radio vet and could cover Portland and Seattle media markets.”

Keep ‘em coming, 1090am Program Director Jim Trapp has returned my call--we’re playing phone tag now and I’ll give him your suggestions.

Comments

[Goldy]

Okay, okay... I'll take morning drive time if that's what I'm offered. But I reserve the right to be cranky early in the shift.

[Willis]

Dan Savage has done talk radio before, and done it very well. He'd be great in the morning (assuming he's a morning person).

[karen]

Michael, why don't you put yourself in the ring?
You're quick on your feet and I hear you can get paid.

[Emmett O'Connell]

John Keister of Almost Live fame. Pat Cashman has already proven, a few times, that AL alumn can move onto radio. Keister would be funnier than any other local on air talent, but I don't have many clues to his politics. But, his constant east side of the mountain baiting probably doesn't make him a red stater.

[Mike Barer]

My choice would be Jeff Smith. Deep voice and very outspoken.