More from The Takeaway
We've made one change to your morning. What else would you change about mornings? If you've recently made a change to your morning, we want to hear how it's changed your life.
(The Takeaway)
mytake@thetakeaway.org | 1-877-8-MY-TAKE
This is a different kind of radio show. You are a big part of it. Send us your story and we'll read or play back the best of them on air.
Here's how:
Leave a message for John and Adaora on our SpinVox line — 1-877-8-MY-TAKE (1-877-869-8253)
Email us from your computer or phone — mytake@thetakeaway.org.
Or click on "get in the mix" to add your story to our Web site.
I quit my late evening job, but hubby brings me coffee from dunkin donuts every AM like clockwork and comes and checks in on me. doesn't get much better than that. And I have a cool freelancing gig. With The Takeaway starting up and hearing John and Adaora every AM, that's a pretty good change/ upgrade.
Posted by Mike R., 11:14 p.m. Sunday, April 27 2008 Permalink
When I open The Takeaway site in the morning, I'd like to see the graphic of US sites include the Beautiful Pacific Northwest. :^> Mt. Rainier would fit in perfectly behind/to the left of the California 'palms'.
With or without your acknowledgment of our existence, I'll be listening!
All the best,
Evelyn
Posted by Evelyn, 1:04 a.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
i agree with Henry about getting rid of the music transitions, which are also too loud vis a vis the content, and also with getting rid of the subtle humor tone. I also think that there's a too fast and frenetic tone to the whole show. I need a slower, calmer, presentation of your pieces or I'm gone.
Posted by hank, 8:20 a.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
"The take away" you are so wrong. Let me count the ways: 1. commentators don't need to talk to one another and 2. laugh at each others comments as in every other morning talk shows. 3. Quiet, thoughtful news stories encourage reflective thoughts. 4. If I wanted music, I would go elsewhere.
Posted by Nik, 8:29 a.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
Sorry, this format was driving me batty this morning. All that bantering sounded like any ole commercial radio, I kept wondering about what the news were. The music got on my nerves too, I ended up switching stations until 7am so I could listen to regular WNYC programming. Too hectic & campy a program for 6:30am! (or any other time for that matter)
Posted by Ana, 8:40 a.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
Some changes I've been intending to make to my morning ... mmmm ... well, instead of listening to the news, I've felt I should turn off the radio and go get some fresh air (resuming my morning walks). Your program has given me the incentive to turn off the radio. Thanks!
Posted by Mike, 8:50 a.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
Why the fake light-hearted banter? Why the annoying background music? Why the tired old listener poll thing; who cares? Why the constant reminders that this is a new kind of radio, when it sounds like a couple of commercial radio bozos?
Posted by john hunger, 9:10 a.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
Look folks, I appreciate you trying to be innovative, but at 6:00 a.m. I want to hear news in the traditional way. The whole talkshow thing is exactly why I began listening to NPR to begin with. I don't want a talkshow. I want news. I don't want to hear two people talking to each other. I was so frustrated by the fact that you changed the purpose of your news reporting. People are busy and they just want to get a run down of current events. This is a horrible addition to my morning and now I feel like I literally have nowhere to go to get decent news coverage in the morning. Move this show off of FM to AM and keep it there.
Posted by Very Frustrated Listener, 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
I agree wholeheartedly with all of the comments above. My family wakes up to NPR every morning. This shows comes across like a bunch of older adults desperate to be a "cool" show to appeal to the younger generation. Please - I am begging you - bring back the other show. I'd honestly rather listen to a pledge drive than this show.
Posted by Loyal Listener, 10:50 a.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
I would change the way you two present the news. I know this was your first morning, but you are both experienced journalists. Please stop talking over one another. Please stop talking over the guests and the reporters. Please stop the background music when the news is being presented. Please stop. thank you.
Posted by dyan, 11:20 a.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
I liked the show -- I find Morning Edition gets really slow and I'm tired of the repeats. I work from home and always have to find a way to occupy myself between 8-9am until the BBC comes on. I get a little bit of what people here are saying, but I'm going to give The Takeaway a chance. Thanks for shaking things up a bit!
Posted by Staying Open-Minded, 11:25 a.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
Ditto to many of the comments about the obnoxious backround music and the chirpy banter between the commentators. After the first ten minutes of the initial show, I couldn't tell that I was listening to WNYC; it sounded too much like the programming on other AM stations that I abhor. Time to go back to the drawing boards on this one.
Posted by Michael DuBick, 11:42 a.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
I know this is the first show and that things can change but the fact that someone thought that sounding like commercial morning radio was a positive change from the "clubby"(NYT 4/27/08) sound of Morning Edition
troubles me. The show is an example of why journalism is edited before being presented. The hosts' interrupting each other and stepping on each other was annoying. I felt like I was listening to Robin and Howard. While you are trying to attract a new demographic make sure you don't give the old one a reason to move on.
Posted by Rudy Lopes, 12:28 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
I can't agree more with the sentiments of my fellow listeners. This new format is by far the worst "improvement" ever. NPR has been transformed into commercial radio. If I wanted to listen to unprofessional banter with very little news, I would simply turn on the "Today Show." Bring back the old format, please.
Posted by Kelly Williams, 12:36 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
Please fix an egregious fault on the Website immediately.
Make it clear how to listen to the show via streaming audio. It took me more than 45 minutes to figure this out.
The download the show button led to an archived show from April 23. Maybe this was a dry run?
If so, what was it still doing on the site at 12:30 PM EST?
More importantly, a miniscule and cryptic icon without any accompanying text remains just that: cryptic. There is nothing to indicate that clicking on the icon leads to what many visitors are looking for: audio of program segments.
Surely you want people to listen to the show via the website. Why make it so hard?
Be more obvious. Much, much more obvious. Now.
Right away. Tout de suite. You are losing listeners -- maybe forever -- every minute this fault remains uncorrected.
Posted by Dan Freedman, 12:37 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
No judgment on the show yet...but, website usability note:
While reading comments, when you reach the bottom of a page, you must then scroll back up in order to click on the "Next" arrow or to navigate by page number. Obviously, this should be available to readers at the bottom of the page, where they have just finished reading the last comment on that page.....web design 101, guys! People will not read the comments if they have to scroll constantly in order to navigate.
Posted by Nick, 12:53 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
This morning's show was exactly what I don't want from NPR - Good Morning America!
Seriously, if I wanted the smiley-happy-chatty "news-bites" with no depth, I'd be watching the local morning TV shows. How John Hockenberry ever got a whole show I don't know, I can't even stand his 5 minutes on "The Infinite Mind".
The only bonus: this show chased me out of the house in time to be *early* for work.
Posted by Disappointed in NYC, 12:57 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
I hate to welcome you all to the air with a chorus of naysaying, but chipper banter instead of the news isn't cutting it. I thought this was supposed to be a new kind of radio?
It sounds like the same old chatter that I can get on pretty much the whole rest of the dial. Sure, it isn't as bad as Faith Salie, but her show has got me digging into my record collection for things to listen to when I get home from work.
What might be changing about my morning is that I'll have to tune our kitchen radio in to FM or be out of the house by eight.
I still want to start the day with news, please.
Posted by Amanda, 2:03 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
Heavy on Noise, Light on News
This “Takeaway” show is very disappointing--loud-mouthed, poorly-prepared hosts, intrusive bass-pumped muzak, and dumbed-down news nuggets.
“Takeaway” is ironically telling moniker, given that the program is dishing out the news radio equivalent of cheap take-out food--fast, greasy, attention-grabbing, but with almost none of the substance or savor of a meal in a good restaurant--or a decent news program such as BBC or, for all its flaws, Morning Edition.
I was hoping WNYC would produce something that would cure the deficiencies and biases of NPR. This shallow noise is very disappointing. The half-hour I’ve been listening to on line is all I can stand. Good to hear Bob Edward’s voice, why can’t we have someone like him design and host?
WNYC could well use an innovative news program to remedy NPR deficiencies, and also generate revenue for the station, but The Takeaway’s noisy take-out joint of news McNuggets is certainly not it.
Posted by mgduke, 3:32 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
Give this program a chance to reach its stride! Is there room for some tweaking? Sure. (I was annoyed by the numerous interruptions.)
I sincerely hope the good listeners of WNYC realize what a gift they have been given to be able to hear John Hockenberry live on the radio every morning. No other journalist possesses his distinctive combination of deep intelligence and hilarious wit. Those of us who were around for his launching of "Talk of the Nation" and his innovative program "Heat" are thrilled Hockenberry is back on public radio.
Embrace this change to your usual morning routine and see what it brings.
Cynthia Schubert
Portland, Oregon
Posted by Cynthia Schubert, 4:28 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
My thanks to Ernest, Tim, & Cynthia for doing a better job than I could have to express my sentiments. (And to Barbara Hanson for the spelling correction -- can't believe I missed that ;^> ).
"Trust the process" and give this great idea a chance to find its way. Anything that brings Hockenberry back to the daily airwaves is a good thing.
Posted by Evelyn Clarke, 5:07 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
I'm looking for a new morning news program - one without as much hype as Take Away. If I wanted to watch network news or listen to it, I would buy a television. I'm hoping that other NPR affiliates in New York will still be carrying Morning Edition, and I hope that good morning newscasters like Siterius Johnson remain fully employed.
Posted by Greg Brown, 5:11 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
I just read an article from the WSJ that says this is supposed to be "a morning news program that aims to shake up the public radio model by allowing listeners to interact with hosts in real time via the Internet." I'm sorry... I have no desire to "interact with hosts via the Internet" when I'm getting up and taking a shower. Or at all. I'd like to hear in-depth news stories, or in-depth human interest-type stories like This American Life. Not this!
Posted by Chris, 5:52 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
Now that is different! The Takeaway is completely unfamiliar and totally familiar -- a blend of a popular format with serious content. It might even capture a new audience for public radio. Wouldn't it be great if all the people who listen to inane chat format commercial radio got turned onto more intelligent Takeaway. They might even start listening to other public radio programming, join and the next thing you know, on air fund raising might become a thing of the past!
Posted by Joshua Jablons, 9:31 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
To those who ask us to "trust the process," I understand where you're coming from. My guess is that you are not part of the block of listeners in the New York area who are awake from 6-7 AM and now have to retune our dials at 6:00 to the AM station so that we can continue listening to Morning Edition. The Takeaway is taking away our mornings with Steve Inskeep and Renee Montagne, and that is, frankly, traumatizing.
Tweak the format all you like, but don't make me listen to it while you do so. I couldn't agree more with the scores of listeners before me who felt like they were being subjected to the Z-Morning Zoo or the Today Show. Please TAKE AWAY THE TAKEAWAY!
Posted by Alan, 10:13 p.m. Monday, April 28 2008 Permalink
I think the people lamenting Renee Montagne are really off. Talk about faking enthusiasm! Steve Inskeep sounds like a real person, but Renee is incredibly insincere. I like Morning Edition, but let's not pretend it's perfect. I think I'll be spending time with both the Takeaway and Morning Edition each day.
Posted by Kerry McNicholas, 7:34 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I have to agree that as much as I do like you two radio hosts - I don't like this program. Give me back my Morning Edition and everything else - at least let one of WNYC's station go back to the news commentary, etc., that it used to have - please!
Hate to say this but this new show is reminding me of the kind of bantering, ephemeral programming I avoid on regular radio. I don't like to be negative but I am very disappointed in this as it is way too much like the nonstop annoyance found elsewhere - and, in the past, never on WNYC. I know the hosts are good radio journalists but this program is not a positive mood, in my view.
Posted by BB, 9:04 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
Just to add an editorial note - I didn't see that there were so many more pages of comments when I first found my way on to have my say.
Now, having read more than just the first page, I can see that I really did pull my punches a bit. What I didn't want to say was how much this program, again whose hosts are individually very talented, were reminding me of Howard and Robin. Oy.
Also had meant to type "This program is not a positive move" - but perhaps the Freudian slip was that it did not exactly put me in a positive mood while listening to the frenetic and light weight commentary.
Perhaps you should move this to 7pm? Then those of us WNYC addicts can move over to the Lehrer News Hour.
Posted by BB, 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I'm not sure what I'd change about my morning routine, but I know what I wouldn't change is the radio program that wakes me from my slumber. I heard one "news" vignette this morning on "the mix" that was so ridiculously one-sided (you guess which side) that I had to check if my daughter played with the tuning dial. What I don't understand is why WNYC would devote its FM spectrum to this sideshow instead of relegating it to the AM spectrum. (technolgy limits?) Rest assured I'll be waking up to Steve & Renee on WNYC's AM station.
Posted by Dana Dratch, 9:28 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I have been listening to news on public radio virtually every morning since 1979, and have been contributing generously since then. Sometimes all I catch is about 15 minutes of Morning Edition or Market Place, but, hey, it's something, and something is better than nothing, which sadly is the alternative anywhere else on the radio dial.
This morning, however, most of my 15 “news” minutes was consumed in chatter about a photograph of a 15-year old’s naked back—a story which was plastered on the New York Post last evening because of its obvious sensationalism.
Hey, that’s the Post. But WNYC??? Are you guys nuts? Or are you trying to drive me nuts?
Why in the world would I contribute money to the production of trash which I could get for free anywhere else on the radio dial if I was interested in it?
I vote to abort "Takeaway." Early.
Posted by Fred, 9:47 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
Biggest change to my morning? - well you have certainly been that! I have to say I have not been this dissapointed in a long long time. I am so dissapointed with the programming. I agree with the comments about the the loud and annoying music; the inane innuendo and sophomoric incessant banter - who is your audience? First you take away Bob Edwards, now I have to hunt to find the thoughtful Morning Addition on AM no less! M.E was a great start to the day and brought at least some global perspective. Who asked for this change - 6 AM is the only hour I have to listen to the radio while getting ready - I miss Market Place - my six year old misses it. We have terrible AM reception and I am really upset with this choice of programming. I am greatly disapointed. Consider this audience lost - and the next generation as well. Forget about further funding. BIG MISTAKE.
Posted by elizabeth, 10:16 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
The comment regarding whether The Takeaway should be covering the Miley Cyrus story made me laugh. Had the commenter been listening to Morning Edition, as those of us to who don't have The Takeaway available on their drive to work choose to, they would have heard a segment dedicated to the same issue. Don't be so quick to throw punches.
Posted by Tim, 10:20 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I'm disappointed. I used to be a huge fan of John Hockenberry and tuned in hoping it would bring a brighter shine to morning radio. That being said this new show is trying too hard. The co-host Udogi is obnoxious and I feel like listening to her and Hockeberry is like listening to an old married couple fight. The news topics are not any different from NPR, which remains the gold-standard in broadcast news. I'll be staying loyal to Morning Edition.
Posted by Beth Ann Riley, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
My first comments were sent to a different link. After two mornings, this septugenarian will await Morning Edition on FM, since I do not get AM reception. I kept clicking on and off, and over to WQXR. Why would WNYC put this noisy, juvenile -- to me -- attempt on the radio, mimicking all the other noisy radio talk shows at 6 a.m.? Trying to appeal to millenials/YURN (young urban narcissists, a mnemonic from Brian Lehrer's Union Sq. segment)? The choice of almost non-stop music is awful: a repetitive,intrusive,driving percussive beat through much of the links and segments, esp. during Richard Haik's bulletins. I also miss Market Place. Whoever was in charge of the choices made here should have sought outside input. This is a real downgrading of quality, whoever funded it. As someone else wrote, first Bob Edwards disappeared, only lately having returned on Saturday afternoons. Decisions like this make me question my NYC membership.
Posted by susan, 11:08 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
News: good. Happy-talk bridges between stories: not so good. Your first show reminded me too much of the inanity of local tv news. I expect better things from John Hockenberry. I hope the news-talk balance improves as the show continues.
Good luck.
Posted by Joanne, 11:17 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
Come on, guys. If the whole idea of this show is honoring the voice of your listeners then how can you possibly highlight on the homepage the *ONLY* positive comment from a 6 page stream of criticism? Don't be manipulative; be honest with yourselves that this show is currently missing the mark and that it needs a serious retooling if it is to stay on any NPR station (hopefully AM!)...
Posted by Alan, 11:33 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I forced myself to listen to your program from 8-9am this morning 4/29. Why are you jazzing up the news and making public radio more like the other AM morning news programs? The only news that was worth listening to was the analysis of the Farm Bill. The long feature on H. Montana was trash, which I had already read about on CNN Internet News and other means. The background drum music on the local news was most distracting. Why are you dumbing down the news? This program should be on at a different time or on FM where it belongs. I shall return to Morning Edition, which may not be perfect, but at least I will hear the news. The few minues of BBC news at 9am told me more than the hour I spent listening to The Takeaway, the public radio fast food equivalent
Posted by Regina Barra, 11:34 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
News: good. Happy-talk bridges between stories: not so good. The first show reminded me too much of the worst of local tv news. I expect better from John Hockenberry. I hope that the news/talk balance will improve as the show continues. Good luck.
Posted by Joanne, 11:48 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I was looking forward to The Take Away. However on Apr 28 I was somewhat disappointed. I don't appreciate the far-from-funny jokes - they remind me of other morning radio programs where the hosts laugh among themselves about at jokes only they get. Please give us the news your way but don't try to make us laugh because you are not funny.
Posted by Ricardo Rezk, 12:34 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I listened to “The Take Away” yesterday and today. I got nothing useful-just fluff. I’ll leave it on the shelf.
The day after the Supreme Court says that requiring photo ID’s for voting, I get to listen to John Hockenberry’s kids talk about Hanna Montana. And Mr. Hockenberry has the audacity to call it “cultural reporting”. Please. This isn’t culture. This is free advertising for Vanity Fair and Ms. Montana.
The evening music program is bad so now I listen to WQXR at night. I can’t get WYNC AM on my radio during my commute so I guess I’ll listen to WQXR in the morning.
I can get WHYY in Philly for part of my commute. Next time I’ll send my pledge donation there.
Posted by Marcia Hannigan , 2:27 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I have great respect for John and Adaora but I won't be listening to them any thime soon. As a long timelistener of WNYCam, I have never e I been dissapoiinted by their journalism, their impacable style and vivid coverage of all issues big and small. I enjoy the calm, professional and adult tone and sound of WNYCam so, sorry butdon't count me as one of your listeners.
Posted by Evie Soter, 2:38 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
You are losing me as a listener! I can't get The Morning Edition clearly on AM and The Take Away should be... well, taken away. It's like Regis and Kathy Lee doing the news. The show is insensitive to the gravity of the stories (joking about executions in Iraq and the Supreme Court decision), no contextual depth, people talking over each other, music in the background throughout the story. PLEASE return Morning Edition to WNYC at 6 AM. PLEASE!
Posted by Joanne Eichel, 2:57 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I was going to give The Takeaway a week before commenting, just in case it improved drastically, but I see I'm in synch with many other listeners regarding the music and the banter. In addition, I've grown accustomed to a certain prioritization to the order the news stories are slated to, which I feel is lacking. The broadcast feels disjointed and scattered. I understand the need for changes & updates, but let's make it an improvement, not just a change.
Posted by Adrienne, 4:52 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I thought I was alone! I have enjoyed John Hockenberry's comments on 'Infinite Mind.' He is obviously bright. However, when he and Adaora were doing election coverage, and now, the two brief times I've listened this week, I must say I am disappointed. I don't care for banter; I want intelligent, considered views, and hard news to start my day in the brief time I have in the morning. It's hard now to feel I might be missing something; I' m not sure creating this 'choice' was necessary.
Posted by Lauren, 5:16 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I,too, was not impressed by this new program. If I wanted to listen to happy talk and banter, I would watch Regis and Kelly or the Today School. I much prefer Morning Edition -- solid blend of local, national, international hard news with softer, cultural and general interest stories, but without the chit chat.
Posted by Lisa Berger, 5:36 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
Now I understand why in all your announcements you never indicated the actual time slot for this new show. If you had I think you would have had a ton of protests. Morning edition between 8 and 9AM was the best.
Please bring Morning Edition back.
Put your Takaway Show on at a different time, please.
Posted by Thomas Brett, 5:59 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
Oh my. I thought someone in my house had changed the station. Then I remembered my children moved out several months ago. This show is a real disappointment. It is not aimed for the intelligent and discerning listener of NPR. Please, please do this as a podcast or stick it on AM only...do not "Takeaway" Morning Edition.
Posted by Jane in NJ, 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
Could you create podcast feeds that separate the whole show download from the individual story mp3s? I'm a whole show man, myself. I don't need the broken up bits clogging up the iTunes.
To address the question: my morning is changing very little, but I am taking your podcast on my afternoon stroller walks with my twin boys. So my afternoon is more morning-y, or possibly morning-ish.
I'm enjoying the experiment. Fortune favors the bold, my friends.
Posted by Listening in SF, CA, 6:12 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I can't help but think of The Onion's prescient story from 1998, "Ratings Low For NPR Morning Zoo Crew"
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/31980
The emphasis on fluff and jokey banter has swept over most other news formats over the last 10 years and NPR has been one of the last bastions of real news. Please reconsider this ill-advised move toward the lowest common denominator.
Posted by Mark Boyer, 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I actually love Udoji on her night program. I honestly didn't recognize her on Takeaway show. I am a regular listener and contributor and I am sorry to say that this show is totally off the mark of what I expect to hear on public radio. I too was confused and thought I was on the wrong station. When I realized I was on the right station, my reaction was of total disappointment.
Posted by Michele Ocasio, 8:32 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
I've been listening to Morning Edition for the last several years, and I like that old guy Carl Cassell, but it drags on at times. Some of the stories they give a lot of time to just aren't that interesting. They elevate topics that arent't relevant to my life (I remember Weekend Edition calling the Queen's hat a "very important story": insulting). So, I like the idea of the Takeaway. And unlike many people on this site, I like the comraderie between the hosts and the co-interviews. However, I'd like to see more hard news. I get that Hannah Montana & Grand Theft Auto are all over the place & you probably felt as if you HAD to acknowledge them (yep, even Morning Edition did; I heard that too) but including them in the headlines was enough. They didn't deserve additional commentary / interviews. Oh, and the Hair thing: c'mon. Too soft. But the idea works for me, so keep evolving and get me the harder news the other guys got me used to.
Posted by Eduard Rudavsky, 11:14 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/31980
The person who posted this onion story didn't get the joke. The high-minded / super serious attitude of NPR was the punchline, not the attempt to do a "Morning Zoo". Chomsky & Rachmaninoff. Get it??
Posted by Angela Morra , 11:21 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 2008 Permalink
First they take away the calming and relaxing voice of Bob Edwards ... OK, so we still have morning edition. Now they've taken that away and we have this show where everyone is talking over each other like a cleaned up version of Howard Stern, and trying to give us a frantic chatty take on the news like a commercial radio station. This is exactly the opposite of what I want to hear in the mornings. I want a calm, intelligent voice to gently wake me in the morning. PLEASE STOP THE NOISE AND GET BACK TO WHAT NPR DOES BEST!!!!!
Posted by Peter, 7:07 a.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
OK, so I'm not quite the demographic you're after, but I'm trying to listen with an open mind (any since I live in a NYC apartment building, AM radio is not an option). And I admit that the music that you use on the program is not exactly my music. But I can live with the music vocabulary, and I can even live with the cutesy banter (as long as you don't go to the shock jock language). But please TAKE AWAY the rhythm/drums or whatever it is running behind the bits of actual "news."
Given the state of the world, or even the state of New York City, we don't need the background rhythm to give weight or emphasis (or whatever the intent is) when we're actually being given information about what's going on.
Posted by Ben Shute, 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
I *AM* the coveted twentysomething demographic that this show would seem to be tailored to, but I am no different than anyone else (septagenarian or otherwise) in my distaste for it. It just misses the mark. The whole reason that I, like anyone else, tunes to NPR is to escape the commercialism and downright silly banter that other programs offer. I don't need to be MTV'd; I don't need to be Morning Zoo'd. I do not need editorial sidebars like "gee, it feels like ages since we've heard about that guy!" (in reference to yesterday's headline about Tariq Aziz). I just want the same in depth coverage that I've always gotten from NPR and Morning Edition. Please make it stop!
Posted by Will from Jersey City, 7:46 a.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
We are supporters of long standing, and my wife and I have one comment: "Takeaway the Takeway!"
I sounds like the chatty TV so-called news that we detest. We now have to wake up to AM at 6:00AM and then switch.
Takeaway has too much nonsense and commercials.
Posted by Robert Rosenberg, 8:26 a.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
I also realize The Takeaway is an attempt to create/capture a certain (younger?) demographic. A forty-something listener, I like experimentation, too. A couple comments. The show is edgy, but at times the denseness of sound-overs and banter is a bit too much "in one's face." Please, please jettison the computer-tone segways; sorry to burst someone's bubble, but they're just plain tacky. The show does make great use of guest commentary and man-on-the-street reporting, and in that I think it has succeeded. Good luck!
Posted by Eric, 9:25 a.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
I am so far not a fan of The Takeaway (too glib, informal, unprofessional, edgy, unpolished), but I accept the fact that others may disagree. I just wish WNYC found a better time (say 9 am) to air the program, rather than to usurp one of the prized hours for listening to the premier, professional morning news program, Morning Edition.
Posted by Bill Whelan, 10:11 a.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
Ayiee. How can I get my Morning Edition back? As problematic as that show could be at times, the Takeaway is much much worse. Whose idea was this? I'm disappointed in John Hockenberry for participating in something some aggravating. And Udogi is just annoying. The overall format of a lot of talk and a little news is not right for the morning. Please take this off the air!
Posted by Candance Czernowski, 10:59 a.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
Living in the mountains of rural California, I will never hear TAKEAWAY unless it is on XM radio. (Our 2.4K byte dialup makes downloading impossible.) But if it avoids endless repeats of headlines, I would sometimes prefer it to MORNING EDITION or BBC.
Posted by frank, 11:57 a.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
I'm also in the twenty-something demographic that The Takeaway supposedly targets and I don't like it either. People tune into NPR because they don't like the sound of commercial radio. So why are The Takeaway trying to imitate commercial radio? I have the feeling that The Takeaway is the result of one too many focus groups.
Please ditch the fluff (the sound effects and the cheesy banter) and focus on the substance. You are really insulting your audience if you think that they care more about style instead of substance. And frankly the style of the Takeaway (older adults trying to act cool) is not going to impress us.
Posted by joe, 2:33 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
John Hockenberry doesn't need to "act" cool buddy. John H. exudes coolness with everything he does. I think a large part of the problem is that it is hard to be an interactive show when you have to cut to local news, national news and weather. Sure the show isn't perfect, but you name a Morning Edition Host besides Bob Edwards that isnt just a pretty voice. Hockenberry has emmys and peabody's and is an accomplished writer, speaker and MIT Faculty. He is an iconoclast that makes your criticisms of "older adults trying to act cool" laughable. He's cooler than you'll ever be.
Posted by Mike R., 4:39 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
WOW!! I wondered if I was the only person who thought this new show was a horrible...and now, reading all of the negative comments about the show here, I feel, well, sadly vindicated that my opinion was not contrary to the majority.
I frequently take a different path the work, eat a different breakfast, and buy a new pair of socks to keep my morning routine from becoming mundane. What I would change now is the fm programming on WNYC and take away the TakeAway and bring back Morning Edition WITH Bob Edwards.
Of course, I am not hopeful that the powers that be at WNYC will go along with the majority of viewers that appear, based on the comments here, to put Morning Edition back in the fm 6-7 am slot. After Bush v. Gore it is clear that majority rule is no more.
Posted by curlyhairedmom, 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
For all of the reasons posted here, please cancel this program now, as well as the other glib, happy-talk show, “Marketplace.” Use the saved resources to develop what public radio is lacking in New York – first-rate local news and business coverage.
Posted by Gerry, 4:53 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
Now I know what happens when WNYC, WBGH, PRI, the BBC World Service and the New York Times collaborate on a radio program - pure and utter drivel bad enough to make this NPR-junkie change radio stations in the morning.
I finally remembered today to check out this site to see the feedback, only to be pleasantly surprised at how many listeners are finding this an incredibly grating aural experience. Personally, what I find most annoying is the insufferably fake casual-conversational style of the whole show.
I mostly agree with the other critical comments, but I haven't really noticed the musical transitions, though, to be honest. I do remember hearing "Ball and Biscuit" by the White Stripes and hearing that on the radio is enough for me not to mind.
Posted by Teresa, 7:50 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
I can't comment intelligently on today's show as I'm no longer listening to this station in the morning due to this show (and can't get the AM station). I'm 27 and professional in NYC. I don't know if that takes me out of their demographic, but I play video games and have been known to surf celeb gossip sites. However, in the morning, I'd like to listen to straight-up (informed) news - not a Howard Stern impression (per Hockenberry's quote in NY Mag). Please remove this program from the morning. I desperately miss Morning Edition. Moreover, I will pledge money to WNYC if you do so. It's a sad way to get money from your listeners, but in this case, it's kind of a "don't know how much you valued it until it was gone" effect. This show is horrible - I don't care how many awards these journalists have won, nor how much money is backing this program. Please. Listen to your loyal listeners.
Posted by Loyal Listener, 7:59 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
Come on folks, Morning Edition wasn't perfect in the first week either. All in all, this is a refreshing change and I'm excited to see where they go with it. I like that they are trying to create a national dialogue, and I like the humor. Sign me up.
Posted by J in Boston, 9:48 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
I would think a show dedicated to listening to its listeners and creating a real dialogue would heed the feedback they get here, but alas, no. (I've listened to the first few minutes each day to see if things change to no avail, but then I change the station.)
Perhaps those in the New York area will, like me, contact Listener Services: 212.669.3333. Here's hoping *they* are listening...
Posted by Disheartened WNYC Member, 10:33 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 2008 Permalink
Please return to serious news. This show is AWFUL. The whole point of listening to WNYC at that hour is to get the news of the day particularly the rest of the world and to come to work informed.
[[Comment partially removed. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. - http://www.thetakeaway.org/about/comment_guidelines.html]]
Please dump it and return to news.
Posted by susan manuel, 8:02 a.m. Thursday, May 1 2008 Permalink
The website is quite good, but the radio show sounds like a day-time television talk show. I expect the next report to state "There's like this place? In Africa? And there's this totally nasty dude running it? And . . . ." I'll stick to Morning Edition.
Posted by Jonathan Cohen, 10:31 a.m. Thursday, May 1 2008 Permalink
Though I agree with most of the comments, while wanting to give the show a chance to respond to user feedback, I find even this music is preferable to the intolerably upbeat arrangement of the Morning Edition theme that they've had since 1999. I have regularly turned off the radio volume for the first 60 seconds of ME to prevent this from worming its way into my ear. No matter how annoying the music on The Takeaway may be, at least I don't have to turn it off.
At least here in Boston I still have a choice between the two programs, given two FM NPR stations at 6 AM (I hope...). That's what "choice" is all about, isn't it?
P.S. Adaoro Udoji needs a grammar check. I heard her say "between John and I" this AM. Aaaaaaaarghhh!!!!!
Posted by Batchman, 12:42 p.m. Thursday, May 1 2008 Permalink
And another thing! (This is my second posting here)
I note there are many, many posters here, who, like myself, have been scathing of The Takeaway. Is it because they feel angry?
I feel ANGRY with WQXR because, frankly, I feel INSULTED by this programme. I want intelligent, precise news reporting first thing in the morning, not casual time-wasting drivel. A return of Morning Edition on FM would put my mornings back in order; right now I feel cheated and a victim of crass popularism and vacuous unctuosity. There really should be a way of market-testing this sort of programming to avoid making such a huge mistake.
Posted by Joe Huybens, 1:09 p.m. Thursday, May 1 2008 Permalink
I admire the attempt at a new type of show on WNYC, but I have to say that The Takeaway is the sort of radio I try and avoid by listening to NPR. If I wanted banter and listener call-ins, I'd listen to some "Morning Zoo" rock station, where at least it might be funny. I really rely on Morning Edition for a lot of the news and important current events that I gather each day - most of what I've heard covered on The Takeaway can be read on the subway over some Metro-reader's shoulder. Thank goodness I can still hear Morning Edition from 7AM until I leave for work.
Posted by Kris Powell, 2:35 p.m. Thursday, May 1 2008 Permalink
I just caught the Takeaway for the first time today, and wanted to check out the site. WOW. You guys have one tough audience, huh? I'm sorry someone felt the need to criticize Adaora's photo -- I guess it's hard for some people to accept that black people can do things like host news shows and look intellectual. Ditto for making fun of Femi Oke's pronunciation. I guess I expect public radio listeners to be smarter -- and less racist -- than that.
Posted by Malikah Jackson , 3:18 p.m. Thursday, May 1 2008 Permalink
Re Malikah Jackson's comments:
Adaora is striking a pretentious pose in her photo; My comment had nothing to do with her race (I''m surprised her gender wasn't included there; that would have been just as logical). I was objecting to the site's photography trying to lend an air of sophistication to a radio program, implying that it has some genuine quality, whereas it is simply rubbish. This is not personally directed to Adaora or how intelligent she might be; I can well imagine that some photographer or art director came up with the ruse. Such transparent and unconvincing ploys cheapen the general image of WQXR.
Femi Oke's diction is jarringly unacceptable. Radio, especially public radio, really ought to maintain some standards there.
"I guess" I expect public radio listeners to be more discerning than that.
Posted by Joe Huybens, 4:15 p.m. Thursday, May 1 2008 Permalink
Though well-intentioned, I believe the rollout of this show is a mistake. I agree with many of the negative comments posted on The Takeaway website to the effect that a conversational newshow at 6 am is not what I want or need to listen to. Relegating the Morning Edition to am from 6-7, where reception is substandard, and then switching to fm at 7 is too clever by half. I'm a devoted listener and contributor to WNYC, but I do not like this new format and hope its broadcast schedule will be reconsidered.
Stuart Cochran
Posted by Stuart Cochran, 9:26 p.m. Thursday, May 1 2008 Permalink
What's with the "bleep" before each tape comment? I kept looking to see if my phone or my PDA was beeping. Get the hint, we have enough electronic beeps and burps in our lives already without more from a news radio program.
Adaora, Giggling at someone else's troubles is not very professional. The economy is in trouble, people are having trouble paying their bills, if they can make their dollar stretch more by shopping at the Salvation Army, it is not something to laugh about. And, who said they weren't there donating something? In any event, giggles during a discussion on today's sad economic situation is not appropriate.
Posted by star, 8:13 a.m. Friday, May 2 2008 Permalink
You are trying too hard. It is annoying to hear you talking over each other, laughing at marginally amusing comments. Thoughtful commentary would be appreciated.
I had hopes for a fresh take on the news, since I generally listen to WNYC straight through the morning and got the same program twice, but this will make me crank up a CD (and perhaps forget to return for Leonard and Brian?)
Posted by Suzanne, 9:11 a.m. Friday, May 2 2008 Permalink
I wake up every morning to NPR. If I wanted to listen to banter, I would set my radio dial higher. This show is not NPR, it's just a co-opt of the NYC NPR affiliate with local programming. However, unlike Brian Leher or Leonard Lopete, this is really horrible. The Takeaway is not for everyone, so at the very least, keep it on one band...AM...and restore Morning Edition at 6am. Please.
Posted by James, 9:38 a.m. Friday, May 2 2008 Permalink
Look, this complaining about the Takeaway is ridiculous. I love the new program. Hockenberry, a national treasure that NPR is lucky to have landed, is a hilarious, a smart as a you-know-what genius.
Using small snippets of factoids, like motor scooter sales in Minneapolis, the Takeaway gives me far more news and insight than Morning Edition, and is far more edgy and entertaining. And I'm a 65 year old white male who was rooting for Edwards.
I don't want to hear about the sweet little shoe maker in Marin County who plays Woody Guthrie on his zither at night. I want more snarky humor, enlightening facts.
Don't change a thing, just put this on for more hours every morning!
Posted by Steve, 10:13 a.m. Friday, May 2 2008 Permalink
After all the hype, what a disappointment.
First, I don't have to be told every three minutes that I'm listening to The Takeaway.
Second, I don't need two fast-talking, wisecracking hosts who are continually interrupting each other with dumb comments.
Bring back Morning Edition to WNYC AM and please take away The Takeaway.
I'm a long-time listening and supporter.
Posted by Milton Snitzer, 10:27 a.m. Friday, May 2 2008 Permalink
Most of the comments here are negative, and strike the same themes. What was the brass thinking when it gave this program the green light? The Takeaway is WNYC's Edsel. The question is whether they will believe their own press releases and keep it going, or acknowlege the obvious damage it has done to their core listener base and give it a decent burial.
Posted by Charlie, 12:32 p.m. Friday, May 2 2008 Permalink
If you like the takeaway, then you will probably like the other WNYC production: The Bryant Park Project. Thank goodness that the BPP does not air in NY. More prattle, more inappropriate music, etc.
Regarding Faith Salie (a Rhodes Scholar), her program is different, but it is appropriate for its time slot.
Posted by star, 12:49 p.m. Friday, May 2 2008 Permalink
Please bring back Morning Edition on FM.
I gave The Flake Away a fair chance but it's just plain annoying.
- Free flowing banter between a male and female co-host, a la "morning zoo" commercial radio. Is this the Howard Stern show for people with higher incomes?
- Insipid, spurious "roger" tones beeping away when cutting to a clip, as if the whole show's being produced over Nextel's push to talk network.
- Dumb questions. Ms. Udoji asking this week why sectarian strife is bad for Iraq.
- Dumb new briefs. A (bomb or grenade) "rocked" the capital of Somalia. Big grenade? Small capital?
- Local NYC news accompanied by a pointless, muffled, trance/techno track in the background? Is that supposed to be more "dynamic"? Gee, let's just break out the Ecstasy.
I have learned nothing this week of morning torture except for how much more I appreciate podcasts.
You can Take (it) Away please. Hopefully that's already a tired joke at your offices.
Gary Perry
Posted by Gary, 1:35 p.m. Friday, May 2 2008 Permalink
We've tried to give "The Takeaway" a chance, but its chatty style and weak news coverage is simply annoying at 6am. If we wanted this type of radio programming, we'd select from any one of the dozens of other stations that air morning talk shows.
As two young professionals, we prefer to listen to real news in the morning, which is why we would normally tune in to the "Morning Edition" at this time. Please bring the "Marketplace Morning Report" back!
Why not move the show to an afternoon slot, where it would probably do much better?
Posted by Kristen & Todd, 2:59 p.m. Friday, May 2 2008 Permalink
Love the show, John Hockenberry is a fascinating and enlightening host. Moves from new media to US finance with ease. I suspect there are lots more people like me who enjoy the new format. But the right wing of the NPR audience - and I don't meant mean politically RW - has rushed the stage to complain and drown the rest of us out. Ignore the belly-aching, make a few concessions, and forge on. Great radio!
Posted by Elliot Tao, 7:11 a.m. Saturday, May 3 2008 Permalink
In all honesty, who are these people that find the show "fascinating and enlightening"? Those of us that have rushed to complain do so out of an impassioned commitment to NPR and public radio in general--in defense of formats that offer more substance than found in commercial media. This show, in contrast, wants to be more like the commercial media from whom we (the "right wing") seek refuge. I was horrified to see Hockenberry cite Howard Stern as an influence (see NY Mag: http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/46473/). The show focuses more on entertainment than news and this is a grave mistake.
I really have a hard time believing that these overly positive comments can come from anyone but an intern on the Takeaway production staff! Again, please make this show go away, or at least move it to AM radio, or 3 AM...It has cost WNYC this listener's monthly donation, hopefully others.
Posted by Alan, 10:23 a.m. Saturday, May 3 2008 Permalink
I have talked with a number of colleagues who agree that they can't listen to The Take Away in the early morning hours and want the sanity and seriousness of Morning Edition back at 6 a.m. on FM. I'm a long time supporter and will continue supporting wnyc if it responsive to its listeners. Please test this program out on AM if you must....
Posted by Joanne, 6:23 p.m. Saturday, May 3 2008 Permalink
In response to Elizabeth who said: "Is it just me, or are all the positive comments planted by the shows active PR agents?
I don't think they're all PR agents saying nice things. I think some of the nice comments come from the mothers, grandmothers, sisters, brothers, spouses, lovers of the people involved in this revolting development.
The comments (especially the negatives) are much more entertaining and informative than the show. Remember -- the NYTimes reported that they're going to 4 hours/daily (2 hours each station?) when WNYC moves to new digs.
Posted by Dorothy, 11:13 p.m. Saturday, May 3 2008 Permalink
I've had to change to a new NPR station. The Takeaway needs to be taken away. Your banter has no point -- the cackle has to go. I would like to hear real news and in depth conversation. I don't need another airheaded morning show in my life.
Posted by Christa Persico, 7:29 a.m. Sunday, May 4 2008 Permalink
Good question. I think I tend to go on auto-pilot and wake up, have coffee, watch the Today Show (sorry), and then get in my car and go to work. I used to listen to radio in the a.m., but the frenetic talk on commercial/public radio has become white noise to me. I feel sometime that the announcers are following their rundown, and even if they talk to "listeners", they don't really listen, but are speaking to forward an agenda. I guess like Thoreau it's not a bad idea to examine morning routines, and remember that each day is a new chance to change the world. Good luck with your new show. You're off to a great start.
Posted by Deb, 10:55 p.m. Saturday, April 26 2008 Permalink