Let's just say that my radio listening now begins at 10 AM, instead of about 8 or 9. If I want to hear childish rantings and glib commentary I can turn to pretty much any other radio or television network, I certainly don't need NPR for that....

Due to temperature inversions and other factors that I have no idea of, our FM reception of western MA NPR often comes in better than our local NH station. So, "The Take-Away" now gets us out of bed in the morning. And it does so efficiently! I used to spend a few minutes listening to BBC news and catching up on events before starting my day. However, the prattle of the hosts, the superficiality of questions posed to guests, the inability to control the interviews, and -- most annoying -- that faux, hip music and pointless sound effects launch me out of my bed and out of the room like a projectile. Please revamp radically or disband.

I'm astonished to read people criticising John Hockenberry and asking for more of Adaora. Her work has left me assuming the worst- that the producers have sacrificed journalistic excellence for political correctness. I've often thought that Hockenberry does a very professional job acting as though Adaora was his journalistic equal.
I suggest you replace Adaora with Femi who seems much more imaginative and spontaneous.

I've been trying to give this show a chance, but I think it's been on long enough to give it a thumbs down. I don't understand how this show is all that different or innovative besides that it's more annoying, less informative, and a bigger waste of airtime than other morning news services. I put most of the blame on John H. -- I like Adaora and Femi. It seems like John dominates the show with inane chatter, whining, and sometimes just outright rudeness, often talking over Adaora, Femi, and the guests. The show NEEDS MORE ADAORA! I get the sense that she has more of an opinion on things than has been shown thus far. Let her do her thing, John! Maybe what comes across as douchebaggery on his part is better suited for other forums. I'm just not interested in hearing him [in the mornings] (I won't say "ever" in an effort to be generous).

Also, if the show's only an hour, why try to cram all those guests in? Why not focus on one or two topics and actually get a discussion going rather than constantly (and abruptly) cutting the guests off? Otherwise, what's the point of having them????

I enjoy posting and commenting on the segments of the program. I also see how listener thoughts on the various topics get into the program.

Very mature, making fun of the criticism you've been getting. While of course you chose to air the least constructive comments, you could actually have mentioned something about changing the show in response to the outpouring of disappointment that was evident. You didn't.

Please grow up, suck it up and take this show off the air.

In a landmark 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that forcing Guantanamo detainees to listen to "The Takeaway" constitutes "cruel and unusual punishment". In a rare opinion delivered from the bench, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas said "I wouldn't wish it on Anita Hill".

Spectators were visibly moved, many to tears.

Evelyn: If you take the time to read all the negative comments, you'll see that we "naysayers" overwhelmingly criticize the show, NOT those of you who enjoy it. In fact, it's the other way around - many of the comments from show proponents are directed at we stick-in-the-mud, living-in-the-past won't-give-it-a-fair-chance elitists.

And as for your advice to J & A:

do nothing
say nothing
be nothing

That pretty much describes the show. There are plenty of other places besides NPR where that can find a home.

This topic tickled me enough that, late as it was, I had to listen to the show tonight. I've enjoyed commenting on different show topics since it started, but have avoided saying how much I enjoy the program and its potential b/c the slams by the naysayers (not only toward the show, but toward those who dare to enjoy it), are quick and predictable.

I'm a long-time fan of John's work and peppy humor, heh heh, and Adaora's rich, warm laugh makes me smile.

To avoid criticism, simply do nothing, say nothing, be nothing(quote/unquote). John & Adaora, please keep doing, saying, and being!

Sorry guys, do not like the show at all, and that sentiment is pretty much across the board --- did not like how the show was pushed on the website in the days leading up to the launch (the ad for the show took the computer screen hostage and had to be manually closed), do not like the format (if you are supposed to be getting more in depth on the topics then just a news show, why are the questions so inane?) do not like the hosts (John is rude and it seems like Adaora does not even listen to the guests, she has her list of questions and that is what she is going to ask). I given the show a real try now thinking maybe I was just being resistant to change, but nope, its just that I don't like the show.

I'm guessing you are trying to launch this show so you can sell it to other NPR stations, but I don't think this is going to be the vehicle that does it for you. Sorry.

Since I only have AM radio in the car, I have been forced to become a Takeaway listener. That said, I have grown to enjoy the show and look forward to it, except for one thing in particular...When John interrupts Femi Oke during her news segment. I find it rude and a sign of male arrogance. That male arrogance also came out when discussing Hillary. But, I'm trying to move on from that. The interrupting has to stop, though.

Also, I miss hearing Soterios do the local news! No offense, Richard.

Condescending, Stern-grade treatment of criticism. Playing only the dopiest, or is it the "ZANIEST, CRAZIEST, MORNING ZOOIEST!!!" comments (such as how Adaora pronounces her name) and then smirking about them, doesn't really convey the overwhelming disappointment with this lightweight fluff. But, I guess when Laura Walker tells you to pretend to care, that's what you gotta do. I have to admit, I never saw Udoji on CNN so I can only judge her by her dreadful performance here, but I did at one time have respect for Hockenberry. That's gone now.

Peppy enough?

I am still chuckling over your fun with "peppy". So glad you finally publically addressed all those really mean and nasty folks (I can’t believe someone would criticize how Adaora pronounces her own name!!!!!!). And glad you were able to counter the critics with the people who commented the show took some time to get used to but they are enjoying it now. Wish more of the naysayers would do that.

I look forward to the show everyday. I listen online during lunch at work out here in the Pacific Northwest. The time lag makes my two-cents seem after-the-fact, so I am happy to hear a continued discussion of comments from a few days before (the growing your own food story, for example). Well, back to my garden.