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 Roseann, 8:38 a.m. Sunday, May 4 2008 Permalink
With the exception of the #17, I am wholeheartedly in accord with the other comments. PLEASE, PLEASE take away "The Takeaway!" I felt someone had changed my presets to some annoying AM, so-called "news," program. It also SOUNDS like you are trying to make the co-hosts into "personalities" in their own rights, rather than neutral reporters delivering the news. What is with the "cute" bantering between them? What we do not need is more of that dominant format-that is why we subscribe to NPR-to escape that. AND all this annoyance at 6AM! While you may want to increase/change your audience, please do not disregard/disrespect your loyal,long-time supporters that have brought you to the respected and valued position you are at today.
Posted by margaret quinlan, 12:09 p.m. Sunday, May 4 2008 Permalink
I would have WNYC go back to broadcasting Morning Edition from 6:00 to 7:00. If I wanted to listen to a talk-show, I'd wake up to a commercial television station or a commercial radio station! I gather I'm not alone in being annoyed by the banter; it's not particularly fluid or artful or interesting. Please, give us Steve Inskeep and Renee Montagne!
Posted by Nancy Olson, 5:27 p.m. Sunday, May 4 2008 Permalink
Well, I'm not sure why the moderator(s)/censors removed my original comments (I'd love to know!), but then it's not as if there's a shortage of negative criticism against this hideous travesty of a programme, anyway. They may be oversensitive to the mention of Noam Chomsky; the sordid nature of his exclusion from NPR is explained by himself in the documentary "Noam Chomsky: Rebel Without a Pause"; it does NPR no credit.
I stand by my previous comments about WNYC's move towards the too-common "chewing-gum-for-the-ears/bubble-gum-for-the-mind radio stations", full of banal, time-wasting chit-chat, and this long drop in presentation standards at WNYC.
Posted by Joe Huybens, 6:56 p.m. Sunday, May 4 2008 Permalink
I agree with the comments by other young listeners. I am in the "young & cool" demographic; I also watch MTV and have an iPod and whatever else it is that makes me "young & cool." AND I HATE THIS SHOW. Enjoying guilty pop culture pleasures is not mutually exclusive to wanting well-informed, intelligent, non-commercial information/news coverage. Let MTV be MTV and let NPR be NPR.
And I agree, call WNYC and make it go away. Make Listener Services actually listen.
Posted by Michael, 7:34 p.m. Sunday, May 4 2008 Permalink
I don't understand what all the hullabaloo is about on here! Golly, I just *love* this new show! The topics are insightful, the camaraderie is delightful, and the music is delightful! Congrats to the Takeaway! You've been such a great change to my mornings!
Posted by Totally Fake Person, 7:36 p.m. Sunday, May 4 2008 Permalink
I tried writing to the listener@thetakeaway.org twice but my messages were undelivered. Suggest strongly that you tone it down; too giggly and morning zoo-ish at 6 AM. I could handle the gab at 8 AM but sooo much chatter and banter over silliness at that hour is just unwelcome and unengaging.
Posted by Jane Kramer, 9:19 p.m. Sunday, May 4 2008 Permalink
Thank you, The Takeaway, for helping me reorganize my mornings!! I get my day started earlier, and have re-discovered WBGO, Newark - Jazz 88! They have NPR Hourly News followed by calm, intelligent talk, and great music - much better than listening to the **** that plays on WNYC during your show. In fact, I even became a member (so long, WNYC).
Posted by Dave, 8:21 a.m. Monday, May 5 2008 Permalink
Hey.
Congrats. I just turned 50 and have been NPR listener for a long time. Why? Because my friends and I used to car pool and listen to the iran-contra saga unveiling twenty years ago and we thought it was amazing that no one else was reporting it. Plus, we were young but mature enough to know truthful and good reporting would probably make us smarter, safer (with respect to our own government) and, frankly, more mature. We followed everything else that was cool at the time (e.g. MTV) but always new where to get the news when seriousness mattered. That was always NPR's value proposition and that's where the decision to produce the Take Away went very wrong.
Posted by Gary, 11:27 a.m. Monday, May 5 2008 Permalink
"Femi Oke's diction is jarringly unacceptable. Radio, especially public radio, really ought to maintain some standards there ..."
Well, I did enjoy her (if that's who it was) laboring over the "N.", "H.", "L." this morning (Monday, 5th), awkwardly enunciating each letter.
Gary
Posted by Gary, 11:42 a.m. Monday, May 5 2008 Permalink
Nope, a week later it's still just as bad. Hearing serious news delivered with this razamataz is just disorienting, particularly at this hour of the morning. If I had to explain it to some fortunate soul who hadn't heard the TasteAway, I'd say it's an experience akin to hearing Adolf Hitler deliver MLK's "I have a dream" speech. Is there a number of negative comments that has to be reached before the plug is pulled on this atrocity?
Posted by Paul, 2:05 p.m. Monday, May 5 2008 Permalink
Oooh, Dave! Great call! I tuned in to WBGO jazz 88 (88.3FM - or http://www.wbgo.org/listennow/) and had a fantastic morning!
They're in the middle of their pledge drive, and it IS STILL better than the Tasteaway! They treat you like an adult - gently reminding that it's 40% listener supported - without a major disruption of the music!
WBGO FM is Fantastic! I joined for a hundred bucks (and didn't even bother with their great jazz giveaways - it seems they need the money which WNYC seems to take for granted)
WOW, THANK YOU! (and thank you WNYC for helping me turn the radio dial to another station!) I haven't been this excited since first hearing ATC in 1979!
Posted by Mike, 5:34 p.m. Monday, May 5 2008 Permalink
Uh, according to the overly-glowing NY Times article on the weekend (overly-glowing because the Times is a partner, somehow, in this monstrosity), The TakeAway is destined to expand to FOUR HOURS. That's right people, no more mild inconvenience to switch from FM to AM in order to dodge the banter. Look for this "news" program to take over one of the bands completely, for the whole morning. Just like the "Today" show on TV - gee, that's popular, so I guess everyone will like the same drivel on their radio, right?
Posted by DT, 5:48 p.m. Monday, May 5 2008 Permalink
Four hours....Yikes! Please do not schedule this program on AM 820. Please play this program in the afternoon. Why not after the Lehrer and Lopate shows?
Please return Morning Edition & Marketplace Reports to my morning AM820 programming.
The inane chatter, over-talking and inappropriate laughter has not improved.
Posted by midtown, 10:36 p.m. Monday, May 5 2008 Permalink
BTW, I have finally figured out what the electronic blips and bleeps that "announce" audio clips remind me of. . . The sound my mobile phone makes when the battery is dying. Maybe the blips and beeps are indicating that the TakeAway is dying. . .
Posted by midtown, 10:38 p.m. Monday, May 5 2008 Permalink
OK does anybody know another public radio alternative to WNYC and The Takeaway? I can't bear it! I haven't changed the numbers on my HiFi since 1994, and will have to find the manual in order to do so. Sometimes I listen to WBAI in the car, Is that a good morning alternative. Do they feature the BBC? Can anyone suggest anything else? I am so sorry to leave WNYC, but maybe they need to check with some of us before they make big changes to the morning format.
Can anyone make a suggestion and tell me what numbers to push? Thanks so much. Here is my personal email Barndtbrett@gmail.com
Posted by Brett Barndt, 6:39 a.m. Tuesday, May 6 2008 Permalink
MEE-yan-mar, MY-yan-mar, what's the difference? This morning's show was very sloppy and the mispronunciation of Myanmar by Ms. Udoji, was just another example of the casual approach and lack of preparation that is a hallmark of "The Takeaway". For the life of me, I can't figure out what the show is trying to do. One thing is certain ---if presenting intelligent news with insightful analysis based on high journalistic standards is the goal, then "The Takeaway" and it's hosts are failing miserably.
Posted by Paul, 7:35 a.m. Tuesday, May 6 2008 Permalink
what is an alternative? I sometimes find WBAI in the car, do they have a good morning show and cover the BBC?
I haven't touched the digits on my hifi since 1994 when I finally fired WQXR. I have no idea how to change the digits but, if someone can recommend a new show for me, I will find the manual and do so.
Thanks so so much for putting me out of my misery. Here is one of my emails. barndtbrett@gmail.com
PS steve post got fired from morning news for his 'no news' show or whatever it was. I was so relieved to get that so called entertainment off the air at a crucial time in the 'framing' of the day.
Posted by Brett Barndt, 9:47 a.m. Tuesday, May 6 2008 Permalink
Yes, The Takeaway has made 2 changes in my morning. The first is that I now listen to WQXR's insipid morning programming between 6 and 7. The second is that as soon as I go on my computer, I check this site to read the latest listeners' comments, which are a lot more entertaining than The Takeaway.
Posted by Charlie, 9:55 a.m. Tuesday, May 6 2008 Permalink
Take away a rich uber yuppie's Boring Edition in the morning and you'd think the world ended. NYC folks are annoying, can never be pleased and Lemmings to the NPR status quo. Given that wnyc has some serious $$ to spend on the takeaway, i sincerely doubt it's going anywhere soon. nor should it. Hockenberry makes all of you look like dunces. Udoji is still finding her stride. But the comments are just reminding me how rich upper middle class professional are so completely out of touch with the rest of mainstream america.
Posted by Mike R., 1:35 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 2008 Permalink
TO: #159 Mike R., May 06, 01:35PM
Just to clear you of any stereotypes...
I am not a "rich upper middle class professional" and I don't like the new program, the TakeAway. Because of listener comments, improvements have been made.
The program wants an interactive audience, so we, the listeners of all stripes and incomes, are interacting.
Interaction does not mean that the listener must agree with everything that comes from the mouths of the host or the format of the program.
This is a new program, and yes, it will probably be around for awhile.
One can only hope that the producers are reading + listening to their audience and realizing that the news does NOT have to be delivered at a frenetic pace, most listeners want their news in a measured tone, without inane chatter, unnecessary background noise, and over-talkative hosts.
As has been stated earlier, this format is better suited for an afternoon program.
Producers, hosts, WNYC management. . .
Are you listening?
Posted by cm, 1:49 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 2008 Permalink
Now that I have figured out how to get the Takeaway I have a problem -- it isn't on long enough. I want it from 7 to 9 or from 6 to 8.
It makes me happy to hear real voices and not stagey stylized delivery. I like Adora Udoji's giggle and I like it when she or John Hockenberry report serious news soberly. You both have a different and much more interesting take on the news than the morning show. Why are you more interesting? I don't know, but to me, you are. Thank you.
Posted by Mary Wallis Gutmann, 8:38 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 2008 Permalink
Why would you change something that is good, very good? That is how a feel about The Take Away ‘concept’ that comes to replace one hour of Morning Edition. What I do not like? The two commentators talking to each other, completing each other comments or starting to talk before the other person finish, the music, the loud voices and the tone they use; like if, they need to wake me up.
I love Morning Edition! Good news, delivered without too many additional comments, in a concise way so I get my news while I commute to work. I am sorry but after two days, I switched to my radio to WBUR.
Posted by Barbara Gutierrez, 9:16 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 2008 Permalink
Why can't these hosts do some research and practice the correct pronunciation of foreign names, particularly heads of state? This morning Ms. Udoji completely mangled the pronunciation of Dmitry Medvedev, As I recall, the BBC did a segment on how to pronounce his name. Maybe our hosts should listen to that segment. By the way it's Mehd-V(y)EHD-yehf.
Posted by Paul, 6:31 a.m. Wednesday, May 7 2008 Permalink
I tried listening again this morning (and by that I mean, I was forced to by the schedule WNYC is using to try to shove this show down listener's throats). It was truly horrendous. If the Takeaway is here to stay, at least get skilled interviewers. Hockenberry may be the genius his fans claim he is, but he stumbles while interview and it is painful to listen to (not that we have a choice unless we want to get up every two hours and change the radio station). I do, however, quite enjoy reading the other listener comments on this blog. Maybe WNYC could just add a blog to discuss topics on Morning Edition and get rid of the mess they created here?
Posted by Loyal Listener, 4:09 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 2008 Permalink
Petition anyone? I suggest a petition to NYC requesting termination of the Takeaway(there are various online softwares that we can use to set this up).
This message board will be taken down at some point and it doesnt seem like the negative reaction is being listened to - and there are many who HATE the show who are not posting here.
If all the people here send to their NPR listening friends we could get a good "viral" effect going and maybe several thousand names...this combined with a stated intention to withhold subscriptions to NYC could actually mean that we could win this one.
If interested in participating please email me on berentp@yahoo.com.
(For anyone who might be concerned I have no evil ulterior motive and will not use your email address for anything other than forwading you the petition)
Posted by Phil , 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 2008 Permalink
Takeaway the Takeaway! Give us back Morning Edition. We don't get AM reception and are now held hostage to annoying hosts, music that fights the show, incessant promos, and bad stories. Even the website colors are lame. Commercial radio has more than enough too clever by half line-stepping-on hosts who love only to hear themselves. A+ for trying something new! F- for execution.
Posted by Jesse, 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 2008 Permalink
please please take the take away away.they spend more time telling us that we are in fact listening to the take away than giving any content and repeatedly stating what they are talking about without talking about what they are wanting to talk about....are they targeting those sufering from alzhiemers ...too much fluff and cute musical backround...please in the am reporting news would be nice even though it wouldn't be cutting edge....why are you trying to reinvent the wheel
Posted by keith lovinggood, 6:53 a.m. Thursday, May 8 2008 Permalink
I defintely agree with (most) of Angela's comments (Post 173). I don't understand why people are being so cruel regarding this show. If you don't like it, tune in elsewhere. There are plenty of us who are enjoying the show. I don't mind the little "bleeps" that so many people are complaining about. What's the big deal?? I think everyone at The Takeaway is doing a great job. I enjoy that it's different than other morning news programs, and that's exactly why I'll keep tuning in!
Posted by KASW, 10:53 a.m. Thursday, May 8 2008 Permalink
Thanks, KASW (and Angela) for going against the grain of the mood of so any of these responses. I've always avoided blogs/online opinion sites b/c the extreme negativism is such a turn-off. But I welcome this site and program b/c the idea of a morning alternative (and I **do** enjoy ME as well as Weekend Edition) that involves an NPR stalwart like Hockenberry will be interesting to watch evolve.
Posted by PNW Listener, 11:31 a.m. Thursday, May 8 2008 Permalink
Well, I'd like to agree with Angela in post 173. But I have the inescapable feeling that my loyalty to WNYC has been brushed aside by someone, or a group of someones, who is more interested in their resume than in the best interests of the audience. Read Joe Nocera's column from this past weekend in the Times--you will see that it's all about the money.
BTW, Angela's discomfort with some of the comments aside, there have been a lot of perceptive comments and intelligent observations on this board, not just about the electronic background gimmicks, but also about whether The Takeaway's concept and format will alienate the audience that WNYC has cultivated and presumeably wants to retain. Hopefully, the folks who make the decisions are following the debate here. If they are, by now they should be getting a pretty good idea of how successful their idea to introduce their audience to a format that was inspired by AM radio really was.
Posted by Charlie, 3:27 p.m. Thursday, May 8 2008 Permalink
Give us back our Morning Edition!
I understand WNYC's strategy in trying to wean us off the expensive NPR feed but The Takeaway is embarrasingly bad.
1. We don't need the cutesy banter.
2. Hockenberry is channeling Charlie Rose; seamlessly seguing into answering his own questions thus hoggong the air from smart guests.
3. Adora udoji(sp?) sounded this am like she didn't get enough sleep.
4. We don't care about your opinions and your attempts at wit.
Basta.
Posted by R W, 10:01 p.m. Thursday, May 8 2008 Permalink
The Takeaway is to radio what Hillary and McCain's summer gas tax rebate is to the campaign:
Superficial, Gimmicky, Pandering, and dumbed down to the intelligence level that journalists and politicians think the American people can tolerate.
News Flash; we are smarter than that, we crave substance and we can handle complexity.
Posted by R W, 10:20 p.m. Thursday, May 8 2008 Permalink
I also appreciate Angela's point, but Angela, these complaints come from a place of loving NPR, not hating the Takeaway. We are frustrated by the format of this show because it truly is not keeping with the high quality of programming that we've come to appreciate from NPR. And if it truly is PUBLIC radio, then isn't it our responsibility to speak out? (Also, it's difficult in New York because the frequency on which Morning Edition is offered is AM--not clear, poor quality.)
Incidentally, the next meeting of WNYC's Community Advisory Board is coming up this week:
Wednesday, May 14 (7-9pm)
Adler Study, room 514 - The New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West
Posted by Alan B, 10:40 a.m. Saturday, May 10 2008 Permalink
Oh, hello Alan--in case you didn't notice, one complete cycle of "ME" is still heard on the FM from 7 to 9 a.m. and the first hour is heard from 5 to 6 a.m. on the FM before "The Takeaway." That means that 1 1/2 cycles of "ME" are still on the FM--and the 7 to 9 a.m. block is during the heart of the rush hour.
[[Comment partially removed. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. - http://www.thetakeaway.org/about/comment_guidelines.html]]
Posted by Mark Jeffries, 2:29 p.m. Saturday, May 10 2008 Permalink
Wow, that's rude. I have indeed familiarized myself with the schedule of WNYC. I have also familiarized myself with the schedule of my job, which requires me to arrive at 7:00 AM. This makes it difficult to listen to the complete cycle of Morning Edition from 7-9.
There's no need for personal attacks here; I am simply noting that there are those of us who are listening from 6-7 AM because that's what our lives dictate. And many of us would much prefer Morning Edition. So, being familiar with technology as I am, I have taken to streaming a feed from a different public radio station that plays Morning Edition.
Posted by Alan B, 5:50 p.m. Saturday, May 10 2008 Permalink
Don't sweat it, Alan. Mark has an obsession with the so-called "progressives", "intellectuals", and "elitists" that he apparently sees stalking him.
[[Comment partially removed. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. - http://www.thetakeaway.org/about/comment_guidelines.html]]
Posted by enoch needles, 11:04 p.m. Saturday, May 10 2008 Permalink
Why is Mark Jeffries so angry? Maybe that's a topic "The Takeaway" could investigate. At least it would be of interest to wnyc listeners.
Every post he responds to seems to bring a festering cesspool of anti-intellectual hatred to a rolling boil. Phillip Queeg-like, every poster is an elitist, a snob, a luddite, a progressive -- all challenging his world view - whatever that view is. Now, he lets us in on the "big secret" - no one EVER likes ANY new show on NPR. Garrison Keillor is not the man we thought he was...Bob Edwards likes to kick puppies. How could we have not known, and who knows what else we elitist morons aren't privy to.
Keep'em coming, Mark. So, far, you're the only thing about "The Takeaway" that's remotely interesting.
Posted by Anger Management, 2:58 p.m. Monday, May 12 2008 Permalink
I tried to listen for 2 weeks, but the Takeaway is not getting any better: these 2 so-called "journalists" are just doing chitchat about the news. The woman especially sounds like she would be right at home on CNN, fluffy and fake concern about all these poor people in Burma and in China.
I would rather listen to a repeat of Morning Edition or the BBC than to this inane magazine.
Oh, I have an idea!!! How about some...music?
Best regards
Anne
Posted by Anna, 10:18 p.m. Monday, May 12 2008 Permalink
Ok, Mark - you got me. Obviously, I can hide my name but not my writing style.
As for you, you're not the simplistic neanderthal jerk I first took you for - and I apologize. Clearly, you're complex and at least a cro-magnon.
But so damn angry and awfully defensive.
And for the record, Keillor lost a lot of his spark when he returned after first closing down PHC. Click and Clack are (ironically) pedestrian. Shearer is ok. I don't plan my listening around any of them. I have no problem with humor or satire anywhere, but if I want obvious jokes, I'll watch "Lil Bush" (ok, just kidding there).
Posted by enoch needles (aka "Anger Management"), 10:24 p.m. Monday, May 12 2008 Permalink
I *do* like the humor on NPR. I enjoy Car Talk and Wait Wait. I find that many of Ira Glass's segments are extremely compelling. But I also like Ugly Betty, Project Runway, and guiltily, the Real World. None of this has anything to do with the Takeaway, which purports itself to be news coverage. As has already been said here, I look for my news to be informative and not entertaining, and *that* is the complaint that so many are registering with the Takeaway.
Stick to the news, people! And for that matter, stick to the topic. Let us not let a forum for constructive criticism digress into petty, personal squabbles. (For the record though, I agree that the most productive criticism has been to nix the Takeaway altogether...)
Posted by Will R, 11:45 p.m. Monday, May 12 2008 Permalink
All,
Suggest all listeners (or ex in my case) keep their comments on this show focused and about the show if you want any decision makers to pay attention. Engaging the troll is counter-productive in that regard. There’s an old saying: “Don’t wrestle with the pigs because they enjoy it and you’ll just get dirty.”. Ignore the troll and he’ll go away or perhaps buy a CB radio, the original medium for such behavior. Last word from me on the matter. Period. Gary
Posted by Gary, 10:29 a.m. Tuesday, May 13 2008 Permalink
Dear other unwilling listeners to the superficial and thoroughly unsatisfying TakeAway:
Follow the money! Scroll to the bottom of this screen and click on the links to the sponsors. Call, send an email, let them know that their money is being wasted!
Best regards
Your companion in dissatisfaction.
Posted by Anna, 12:21 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 2008 Permalink
Too early in the morning for this content lite format. Also, hosts seem like they are often rude / have an agenda with interviewees (especially the female host; get the sense that she often doesn't listen to actual answers). If WNYC intends to keep this show, it should be moved to a later hour (like after the work day begins).
Posted by OK, 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 2008 Permalink
To: #183 Posted by Mark Jeffries
No we are not "...Luddite like most elitist snobs...," and personal attacks don't resolve any issue. It is a RECEPTION issue. Unfortunately in NYC some people can only tune in the FM channel, or like me, only the AM channel can be tuned in clearly. So get off your own soapbox and contribute to "the Mix" in a more collegial manner. thx.
Posted by cm, 6:19 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 2008 Permalink
and furthermore, this "conversation" has already encouraged the show to make some changes and -slightly- improve the format. Maybe all those shows you listed had early complaints, but I bet they helped their development into the shows we know and love today. And yes, I have listened to Faith in the evening and as was stated by someone else earlier, it is a perfectly appropriate show for its time slot. The TakeAway needs to find a new time slot.
Posted by cm, 6:28 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 2008 Permalink
one change to my morning is that i will *not* be listening to THE TAKEAWAY, for reasons i see stated in comments #6 to #10 on this thread.
when THE TAKEAWAY debuted, it only took me two programs to be completely put off by the hosts' brusque manner with their guests! why are they the only interviewers who have to interrupt their guests to, for instance, let them know the interview's just about over? maybe i'm used to the other npr hosts, who get the subtleties of timing and paying attention to an interview so that it ends smoothly and graciously. until this unforgivably brusque and clumsy manner of THE TAKEAWAY hosts is corrected, i will NOT be listening to y'all's program. shame on you guys!
Posted by DeePee, 11:53 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 2008 Permalink
Dear Takeaway Producers, Editors, Hosts and Interns,
I am surprised and disappointed by your unwillingness to acknowledge or respond to the complaints/negative comments that dominate almost every topic on the Mix. The Takeaway was presented in the weeks before its April launch as an open exchange of ideas and information. Those of us who post on the Mix are even called 'contributors'. Yet, the comments selected to be read on-air by Ms. Udoji and Mr. Hockenberry always relate to the Takeaway script--"this person would tax marijuana", "Bob would visit Mars". Have the courage to read some of the negative comments. Other programs (ME, BL, ATC) admit when they get it wrong, stop censoring and respond. If you are going to attempt to fix what's not broken you should at least explain your intentions.
Posted by Co-Producer, 2 a.m. Wednesday, May 14 2008 Permalink
HOCKENBERRY! Why do you insist on adding your editorial comments when delivering the news at the top of the hour? You piped in your opinion on a story about MySpace winning a lawsuit this morning. If you are going to editorialize, why bother presenting this segment as "news"? Why not just call it opinion and be honest with your listeners?
I must say, in markets with Morning Edition as an option, you folks are going to loose audience like crazy. This is my main gripe with this program: don't corrupt the "newscast" segments with your opinions...then you can do whatever else you want elsewhere in the show. Otherwise, you're not much different than commercial talk shows intent on being sensational for the sake of entertainment.
Posted by Jay Slenth, 6:33 a.m. Wednesday, May 14 2008 Permalink
Ugh. This needs changing completely. At 6AM I can take waking up to the well written journalist reports of Morning Edition or the serious interviews of BBCs Today Program but my ears just start to reverberate at this jarring inane chatter. Its either Take Away free WBUR for me - or its a hammer through the radio. Horrible!
Posted by Eilidh, 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 2008 Permalink
I live in NY and have listened to WNYC every morning for a very very long time. But because of "The Takeaway" I have changed the channel to WNPR in Connecticut because I live on the border and can clearly receive it. Now I have "Morning Edition" back and WNYC will not get me back until "The TakeAway" is taken away. Whoever gave the show its name is probably sorry now...having given listeners the pleasure of using the phrase: Take away "The TakeAway" !!!
Posted by Margie, 9:39 a.m. Thursday, May 15 2008 Permalink
I offer a few constructive suggestions for making The Takeaway more listenable:
If you lIsten to the excellent NPR program, Day to Day with Alex Chadwick and Madeleine Brand, you will hear the correct way to handle a news/feature program with two hosts. This show is a model of intelligence and freshness. To my ears, it represents precisely what WNYC has failed to achieve with "The Takeaway". "Day to Day" has convinced me that a major factor in it's success is the warm and appealing personalities of it's hosts. Unfortunately, these qualities are lacking in the hosts of "The Takeaway. I urge the producers of "The Takeaway" to listen to this show and you'll see where you're going wrong.
Posted by Paul, 1:45 p.m. Thursday, May 15 2008 Permalink
I think it is interesting that in the current WNYC pledge drive, the endless hype about "The Takeaway" appears to be missing, and when the announcers are talking about all the good things about the station, "The Takeaway" never gets the slightest mention. Somebody knows what a turkey this show really is.
Posted by FrankD, 9:42 p.m. Thursday, May 15 2008 Permalink
Good point by Frank D. During the fund raising segments of the broadcast yesterday afternoon, I heard about the great shows like All Things Considered and Morning Edition, but not a peep about The Takeaway.
Also, this morning, I alternated between WNYC and WSHU (CT station which still carries Morning Edition). Every time I went to WNYC, I heard Hockenberry/Udoji cutting short a discussion with one of their guests, including the great NYT columnist Nicholas Kristof. If this show has any chance (very little, I believe) it has to at least stop rushing things.
Posted by Sean, 8:02 a.m. Friday, May 16 2008 Permalink
Yesterday, Listener Services responded to the email I sent them on the first day of the show. It seemed to be a form letter, and apologized that the AM solution did not work in my case because of reception issues. It also asked me to stick with the show and give it a chance to work things out.
As long as The Takeaway continues to employ a host who has forgotten to remember that she is not with CNN anymore, I will take a pass on this request.
Posted by Charlie, 9:41 a.m. Friday, May 16 2008 Permalink
I got an email too. I’m pleased they are listening. So listen to this: I have to say I enjoyed the Take Away today. I laughed when Ms. Udoji accidentally interrupted her guest, then announced they were out of time anyway (while also pointlessly noting that she and the guest had the same alma matter). I was bemused, as always, by her choice of the word “travesty”, since it didn’t relate in any logical context to the conversation. And, I was nearly hysterical when Mr. Hockenberry kept trying to cut off his guest, making it sound like my radio was malfunctioning and drifting between two competing stations. Despite my curiosity about how bad it could get, I reluctantly turned them off and went back to ME in Philly. It was a great five minutes however, like those bloopers shows on TV, except somehow done live and daily for an hour. To twist a phrase, you couldn’t do worse, better. Gary
Posted by Gary, 10:45 a.m. Friday, May 16 2008 Permalink
I listened to ATC last night and ME this morning. During the "fund drive" speeches, when they give examples of "quality programming, "The Takeaway" is *never* mentioned. Quite a change of tune after all that pre-debut build-up, no?
Hopefully, WNYC has realized that this show will soon go the way of "Satellite Sisters."
Posted by Robert, 11:19 a.m. Friday, May 16 2008 Permalink
Woke up early, which subjected me to the TakeAway again for a bit. Today I noticed a couple of things...
1) A song parody ("My Cubicle"). Wow, they have really taken this morning-zoo-for-intellectuals too far.
2) WNYC was going to great lengths to not mention the TakeAway during their pledge drive on ME. Paraphrasing Soterios: "...if you scroll through the dial and listen to other radio you understand how different Morning Edition is... a different kind of radio on the airwaves of New York...". And then another WNYC staffer said "the news is one of the things that NPR reporters do so beautifully... this is what I count on - WNYC and National Public Radio" No mention of PRI, no mention of Hockenberry et. al.
3) The English-accented newsreader still stumbles over her material and has trouble getting through the headlines.
4) Rehash of being rude to the rescue organizers in Myanmar.
Sigh.
Posted by DT, 2:50 p.m. Friday, May 16 2008 Permalink
Funny! The most viewed topic is mysteriously moving down the most viewed list.
Also, the posters who are adding positive comments... you are owned. Or should I say friends, employees and relatives. Come on you are not working hard enough.
most viewed in order (supposedly in order)
1. cubicle story - 5 posts
2. david wall rice - 3 posts
3. Salmon fishers with no article - 0 posts
4. mornings need a makeover - 213 posts most of which are complaints
This means that at least 213 people have viewed and not posted articles 1-3.
We are supposed to be paying for honest reporting.
Posted by morning edition listener dealing with static, 1:57 a.m. Saturday, May 17 2008 Permalink
quite the observation!
a news show which should be engendering our trust lies on their website? incredible!
most viewed in order (supposedly in order)
1. cubicle story - 5 posts
2. david wall rice - 3 posts
3. Salmon fishers with no article - 0 posts
4. mornings need a makeover - 213 posts most of which are complaints
This means that at least 213 people have viewed and not posted articles 1-3.
We are supposed to be paying for honest reporting.
Posted by dave, 10:01 a.m. Saturday, May 17 2008 Permalink
The Take Away should be TAKEN Away! This is a very poor substitue for what WAS during this vital time slot on WNYC. The other morning I found myself having to switch to the dreck on 101.5 (anything)for a few seconds because the drivel coming out of John's mouth was too painful (the sidekick no better). This should be cause for concern by WNYC. This is a program that is intelectually on par with that geared to the QVC zombies. It is not a program for those of use who have relied on WNYC to proved the latest news during the 1 hour or so that we listen to the radio during our morning commute. My financial support will be withheld till this pollution is removed from the airways.
Posted by D.FORTUGNO, 10:31 a.m. Saturday, May 17 2008 Permalink
Well put Joe. And as a corollary, why should Laura R. Walker get another penny of my money when she is planning to expand this trashy program to four hours a day. Because of her vision and her good decision making?
The clumsy attempt at controlling information about viewer protests reminds me of the worst Washington DC cover-ups.
FrankD
Posted by FrankD, 4:59 p.m. Sunday, May 18 2008 Permalink
Joe:
"The Takeaway" is NOT an NPR program. It is produced by WNYC for PRI, the *other* major public radio network. Does it say "NPR" at this bottom of this page?
[[Comment partially removed. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. - http://www.thetakeaway.org/about/comment_guidelines.html]]
Posted by Mark Jeffries, 5:13 p.m. Sunday, May 18 2008 Permalink
My opinion of Laura Walker was highly positive until this piece of crap hit the air. I have given everything I could over the last 20 years, and gave several times in the months after 9-11.
Your vituperation is completely baseless. I live quite a ways from Central Park. Who else but insiders at WNYC or PRI would be faking the "most read" rankings of topics here? And as you know (because it may be you doing it) the deletions on the Wikipedia site are being made by nameless users listed only by ISP numbers.
This is unbelievable, who would think WNYC would come to this?
FrankD
Posted by FrankD, 6:09 p.m. Sunday, May 18 2008 Permalink
And oh yes--documented proof that WNYC is faking page view figures, please. Don't you know that many more people read a page than ever comment on it? Same thing as in talk radio--more people consume than actually contribute. Comments do not reflect anything except that people's buttons are being pushed. Deal with it and start living in the real world.
Posted by Mark Jeffries, 6:23 p.m. Sunday, May 18 2008 Permalink
And didn't you read this:
I deleted the last paragraph in the article, describing angry listener response to the show. While such response is certainly worth noting in the article, the whole thing was unsourced (it suggested readers click on "The Mix" link below, and while that link does show some negative feedback, it's hardly enough by itself to support the notion that the show is sending listeners into widespread revolt and outrage), and a lot of it was pretty clearly POV (complaints about comments being "unfairly" removed from the show's website). Jcb9 (talk) 14:12, 17 May 2008 (UTC)
Is that anonymous, Mr. "Affenbart?" What part of neutral point of view ("NPOV") don't you understand? Perhaps you should read the section in the guidelines about NPOV and go discuss it with Josh on the "Takeaway" article's discussion page in Wiki before you undo the delete again.
Posted by Mark Jeffries, 6:28 p.m. Sunday, May 18 2008 Permalink
Just for the record, The Takeaway is a production of PRI (Public Radio International) not NPR. Please don't blame NPR for this train wreck. WNYC in New York (where this program is produced) is just an affiliate of both networks and talked some jive to get the BBC, et al to sign on. The producers have apparently studied some audience statistics, can talk a good line and think they know what "the public" really wants. They really do think they know better than you (those writing here to complain) what you want! It's truly a monumental act of hubris. But I would not worry about it...in six months when few if any other radio stations around the country pick up the show, they will have to close up shop and apply for unemployment. We'll soon have Morning Edition back on the air to complain about!
Posted by Sammy, 7:39 p.m. Sunday, May 18 2008 Permalink
[[ Comment partially removed. "Personal attacks will not be tolerated." --http://www.thetakeaway.org/about/comment_guidelines.html ]]
Innovative? This show is run of the mill. I have to say that I am getting really frustrated with the misrepresentation. I am going to start looking for my money back. I pay a monthly fee to this station. I don't pay for crap. It's free on all the other stations. We are promised quality programming. Quite clearly, prevailing public opinion does not think this show is high quality.
New shows? I know I listen to new shows. For instance I listen to that new spiritual show on saturday mornings, and I am not even religious. Why? To state the obvious, because it's interesting.
Posted by Morning Edition Listener, 11:01 p.m. Sunday, May 18 2008 Permalink
Takeway The Takeaway! Contact the two major backers of this train wreck:
The New York Times
Arthur Sulzberger Jr., Chairman & Publisher:
publisher@nytimes.com
Scott H. Heekin-Canedy, President, General Manager
president@nytimes.com.
BBC World Service
Bush House, Strand, London
WC2B 4PH. UK
Tel: (+44) 020 7240 3456
Fax: (+44) 020 7557 1258
Email: worldservice@bbc.co.uk
Posted by Steve, 7:24 a.m. Monday, May 19 2008 Permalink
Per the request of listener services, I tuned away from Philly ME and gave the Take Away another try, around 6:45 today (so as not to miss Market Place on Philly). Much to my delight, my timing coincided with senior editor Femi Oke’s attempt to read the news headlines, stumbling over at least two words in as many minutes (“valedictorian” and “analysis” or “analyst” – it’s still unclear what she was trying to say.) and culminating with Mr. Hockenberry cutting her off, presumably getting in shape for his next guest. After that, I went back to Philly. I see from a wiki that Ms. Oke has an impressive education and background (including language) which once again makes me wonder how so many hosts with such impressive resumes can collectively be so awful? Too many egos in the kitchen? Gary
Posted by Gary, 8:32 a.m. Monday, May 19 2008 Permalink
If I wanted commercial radio I would not be tuned into 93.9! How many times do they have to play that music and announce their names..I get it OK!? I aggree with everyones negative comments and am begging you to bring back Morning Edition and Steve I. ASAP before I take back my pledge. I like both hosts as reporters but not in my cup of JOE! H.E.L.P.!
JW
Posted by John W, 10:36 p.m. Monday, May 19 2008 Permalink
I have also noticed that in addition to squelching any mention of The Takeaway in the pledge drive, WNYC has also taken to making an announcement that "you can find tips for better AM (or FM) reception on our website." Why would anyone need tips for better AM reception but for their complaints about the Takeaway? I have never heard such an announcement in all my years of listening to WNYC...
If there are that many people telling you they don't want to listen to Morning Edition on AM, perhaps you should START LISTENING TO THEM!
Posted by JB, 6:14 a.m. Tuesday, May 20 2008 Permalink
I find The Takeaway a refreshing change from the sweet, squishy tone of much of the rest of WNYC news programing. And it's ironic that all the complaints here is so shrill. These comments are as close as NPR/PRI have come to right wing talk radio. Keep the Takeaway!
Posted by Elliot Tao, 7:18 a.m. Tuesday, May 20 2008 Permalink
Eliot: Odd that you consider professional, unbiased news reporting to be "sweet and squishy".
That report yesterday about China's 3 minute national tribute to its earthquake dead was sure "squishy". And who wouldn't find the story about increases in teenagers getting HIV to be "sweet"?
Sorry, but like Joe Friday, I prefer "just the facts" without a giggling soundtrack and fights over the microphone. As one of 3 kids, I've long since had my fill over fighting for attention.
As for "right wing", I don't see where anyone is attacking "The Takeaway" for any political bias - it's the format, it's the commercial-grade badinage, it's the ADHD blips and jumps. Unlike Rush, TT sounds like "talent on loan from Stern".
Shrill? See "Mark Jeffries".
Posted by The Pooh-Pooh of Tao, 10:09 a.m. Tuesday, May 20 2008 Permalink
re 233:
Elliot, there may be a critical mass of listeners out there such as yourself who enjoy listening to the Takeaway and consider it to be innovative and entertaining. However, if that is the case, this segment of the listening public is not very well represented on this board, which seem to be the only open forum where WNYC's audience can make express its views, both pro and con. BTW, what specifically do you see in the comments about the show itself (as opposed to attacks on their authors) that you find shrill?
Posted by Charlie, 10:14 a.m. Tuesday, May 20 2008 Permalink
I've already expressed my opinion in both the right and wrong "mix" (according to the media consultant troll), but perhaps letting the WNYC (or your local station's) management know your feelings might have an impact too.
Use this: [listenerservices@wnyc.org] for listener and membership inquiries.
At the WNYC site there are other addresses, phone numbers and email addresses that could be used. Inerestingly, there is not one on that page for the Takeaway - have they taken it away?
Another thought - don't withhold pledge support - but express a strong opinion while pledging. However, I get up every morning and switch my radio to music on WFUV although I prefer to hear current events while I shave and shower.
I expect that there will be more some print media and significant web comment on this show and its reception soon. Can anyone help this along?
Peace
Posted by Tony, 10:41 a.m. Tuesday, May 20 2008 Permalink
For people who have reception issues, I haven't seen anyone mention this. You can listen to WHYY in Philadelphia over your computer. Either use iTunes and go to Radio, or go on the web directly to whyy.org. They still have M.E. from 6 to 9 AM.
Frank
Posted by FrankD, 10:50 a.m. Tuesday, May 20 2008 Permalink
I strongly dislike the Takeaway and hope that NPR reconsiders this mess. The hosts are horribly rude and insulting to interviewed guests - some of whom are the most distinguished in their fields or are people struggling to make a difference in this world. While I prefer to get a run down of news events via the Morning Edition format, I would be open to a talk show format if only it was insightful and balanced. The Take Away is not that at all. The hosts need to stop talking over each other and picking innane topics.
The show annoys me so much that I am actually losing sleep over it...I force myself to get out of bed early now to catch 25 mins of Morning Edition before 6AM when the Take Away comes on...at which point I turn off my radio and go to work early.
Posted by Rachel, 2:18 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 2008 Permalink
I strongly dislike the Takeaway and hope that NPR reconsiders this mess. The hosts are horribly rude and insulting to interviewed guests - some of whom are the most distinguished in their fields or are people struggling to make a difference in this world. While I prefer to get a run down of news events via the Morning Edition format, I would be open to a talk show format if only it was insightful and balanced. The Take Away is not that at all. The hosts need to stop talking over each other and picking innane topics.
The show annoys me so much that I am actually losing sleep over it...I force myself to get out of bed early now to catch 25 mins of Morning Edition before 6AM when the Take Away comes on...at which point I turn off my radio and go to work early.
Posted by Rachel, 2:18 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 2008 Permalink
Morning changes? I'm looking for a new radio station. The Takeaway has taken away my primary source of news in the morning. I can't stand the format. The humor is inappropriate, the casual diaologue style is annoying, the music is cacaphonous, and the news is not very relevant. I desperately miss the Morning Edition. I'm considering buying a sattelite radio or internet radio or some other extreme change in order to fix this enormous problem.
Posted by Paul Yager, 2:35 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 2008 Permalink
[[Comment removed. Be civil: Please respond insightfully and respectfully. There is room for disagreement, but please disagree with people's ideas. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. - http://www.thetakeaway.org/about/comment_guidelines.html]]
Posted by Mark Jeffries, 11:04 a.m. Wednesday, May 21 2008 Permalink
Just wondering why all of a sudden WNYC is spendig its har-won listener dollars on full-page ads in Newsweek for The TakeAway... I don't recall ever seeing such a thing for any other shows, such as oh, let's say the Peabody-award-winning Brian Lehrer Show... What is going on with this show???
Posted by Paul, 12:40 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 2008 Permalink
This is the second time I am posting this comment. I wonder if this will get past the gatekeepers. Funny how all of the diatribes of Mr. Jeffries get through....(who I am beginning to think is a self-loathing "elitist snob")..
#218. The Wikipedia comments have been reposted (not by me).
[ Listeners can also participate in feedback for "The Takeaway" by joining "The Mix," see link below. Many of the user comments in the show's blog are complaints about the style of the show which is patterned on Howard Stern's radio show. In the New York Magazine interview (link below, published April 27, 2008), is the following quotation: " J.H.: I really think that, you know, Howard Stern is a model here." Hockenberry and Udoji go on to say "We gotta find a Baba Booey." ]
Posted by me, 3:50 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 2008 Permalink
I was disappointed that I needed to mentally screen out the overreaction in this morning's stories. Ted Kennedy's sad news was reported as if he is already deceased. At least twice he was inappropriately described as having an "inoperable brain tumor", although you corrected it on two occasions, saying "perhaps inoperable"- but the seed was planted. Sometimes it is merely inappropriate to guess, here I think it was inexcusable as was the early "retrospective" on the Senator's career? "Highlights"-maybe, not retrospective--he had made no decision to step down, nor do we know whether to give up on his medical condition. The subject deserved a sensitivity that it was not afforded. Finally, I hope it is constructive to point out that there was altogether too much giggling and fear-mongering for an early morning news program. There are somethings right with the world!
Posted by Elizabeth Barbour, 6:33 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 2008 Permalink
On May 14 there was a meeting of WNYC's CAB, Community Advisory Board, which was dominated by "expressions of outrage & disgust toward the program". People here could apply to join the board but AFAIK there won't be another meeting until September, by which this situation may be resolved.
http://www.wnyc.org/about/cab/
Mark Jeffries, who seems to be a paid consultant for the show, makes an interesting point. The Takeaway is designed for people who "hate you" meaning the serious intellectuals who listen religiously to public radio. It is as if the Metropolitan Opera decided to switch to country music in order to attract the huge fan-base of NASCAR. In order to appeal to the new audience they would have to drive away the old audience.
This is a quixotic idea to say the least. Look it up, Mark.
F
Posted by FrankD, 7:56 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 2008 Permalink
I called listener services at wnyc last week to express my opinion that the Takeaway does not belong on station or NPR, where I turn for contextual news and insightful commentary. It is lightweight, and plain silly. I spoke to a young woman who listened patiently, but insisted that they "would be tailoring the program and that new programs are often not well received, etc., etc."
I suggest that people call listern services and make a more concrete fuss. I'm not sure these comments here will matter, and suspect they will be removed before long!
Posted by Joanne, 8:46 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 2008 Permalink
"In order to appeal to the new audience they would have to drive away the old audience..." Yes, indeed, and that is exactly what they did when they abolished daytime music on WNYC FM. We (many of whom had recently saved WNYC from Giuliani's threatened depredations -- remember Steve Post's Quixotian calls to arms?) protested, called, wrote, stopped our memberships, and attended those laughable community board meetings -- where we were told, in effect, "you're superannuated and we know what the audience (younger, and allegedly richer (?)) want -- or WILL want after we tell them what they want." I still tune in for Leonard, Brian, ATC, and ME, but after donating generously in the past, I will never give another cent.
Posted by Susan, 10:22 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 2008 Permalink
FrankD: I don't which shows the bigger lack of judgement on wnyc's part - airing The Takeaway or hiring Mark Jeffries as a "paid consultant for the show" (could they be that dumb?).
I can't see how calling loyal listeners "elitists" and "morons" helps build support, although people do seem to be posting in the correct threads now. Money well spent.
Posted by Sancho Pander, 11:50 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 2008 Permalink
Sorry to intrude on your healthy debate - just wanted to point out that I am not the 'angry' Mark Jeffries with posts below. Nor am I a media analyst. I am a communications consultant from England. 'Ironically' I coach people on how to communicate with impact, style and grace. Please do no not confuse us both. Thank you. www.markjeffries.com
Posted by The Real Mark Jeffries, 8:15 a.m. Thursday, May 22 2008 Permalink
Please switch the TakeAway at 6 a.m. with the later BBC news broadcast if possible. The Takeaway has ruined the mornings of many people who depended upon WNYC for news before work.
The condescending and not very intelligent banter (are they trying to sound that dumb?)plus the constant promos of the show are so irritating I'm thinking of throwing my radio out the window. Certainly no more donations to WNYC even if you threw in a mink coat in return.
Susan Manuel
New York City
Posted by susan manuel, 8:25 a.m. Thursday, May 22 2008 Permalink
It gets worse. I woke up to the "John and Adaora" show accidentally today and heard Ms. U. blathering on about the 13 people who were "wounded" in the Minneapolis bridge disaster... until John informed her that 13 were killed, at which point she mentioned the higher number of "wounded"... "Wounded"?!? Was there a shootout at the ol' bridge thar? To add insult to injury, Mr. H. then felt the need to say "Terrible, terrible..." at the disclosure of the figures. We don't need this on-air water-cooler tripe! Incidentally, the cost of a full-page ad in Newsweek (NY edition only) is around $28,000. To whoever's resposible for this gross mismanagement of listener dollars, no amount of advertising is going to fix this sorry insult to the previously unimpeachable standards of WNYC's broadcasting.
Posted by Paul, 8:52 a.m. Thursday, May 22 2008 Permalink
Don't write to Listener Services. Don't go to Community Advisory Board meetings. Don't call the station.
DO stop giving money -- not one cent. If you give $1 they can count you as a supporter when they go to foundations.
DO write to the organizations/people who are funding this tripe.
WNYC will continue this drivel as long as they get the money. They will stop only when the funding stops. That's what happened when Laura Walker "created" Satellite Sisters, which was (believe it or not) perhaps even worse than the Takeaway. Hockenberry should be ashamed.
Posted by Dorothy, 11:19 a.m. Friday, May 23 2008 Permalink
This is news in a Top 40 radio format and the "news" part is weak. I listen to public radio to get AWAY from this broadcast format. I have a lot of respect for John Hockenberry and admire the work he's done in the past, but this show is a horrible idea.
Posted by pbbird, 2:41 p.m. Friday, May 23 2008 Permalink
Singwithme--
If you follow the postings here from the beginning, many of us have AM reception issues that prevent us from listening to ME as an alternative. Also, as we all know, AM, even at its best, is an inferior listening experience, full of static, pops, and fade ins/fade outs. Why should the superior program be rerouted to the inferior band?
Posted by Charle, 7:53 a.m. Monday, May 26 2008 Permalink
Yeah, I agree with the other posters on this board, The Takeaway needs to be taken away it's just unlistenable. Between the hosts who insist on talking on top of each other and their guests, and the quasi- news stories, I wake up in the morning feeling like I'm already at work. Please give us another chance at some intelligence first thing in the morning. I have been shutting of WNYC and tuning into Howard Stern, for the hours of 6 - 7, at least they're interesting.
Posted by Sarae, 12:08 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 2008 Permalink
An interesting point on the topic here is that at least one of Mark Jeffries' offensive posts has been removed by a moderator.
In a way I would like to point out that those of us who enjoy Morning Edition, Leonard Lopate, All Things Considered, Radio Lab (fabulous), Spinning on Air, Car Talk, etc. etc. -- Think about it, we really should not be withholding our pledge dollars. If your best friend suddenly got a hideous cancer on his face, would you stop being his friend? I think we are in a position where, when it comes our turn, we really have to help out even if there is a braying jackass on the air from 6 to 7 AM. And we have to trust that SOMEONE at WNYC will come to their senses and pull the plug on this ridiculous mistake.
Frank
PS Did he ever get rid of the bicycle horn?
Posted by FrankD, 4:54 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 2008 Permalink
The Takeaway is just awful! Why on earth would a public radio station that appeals to the intelligence and sophistication of its listeners (at least when it begs them for money)create a "news" program that dumbs-down the news to the level of a college bull session? And tries to emulate the dynamics of the Howard Stern Show (according to Hockenberry). If this is what WNYC is going to do with my annual contribution I will stop making an annual contribution.
Posted by Michael Spielman, 8:04 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 2008 Permalink
This show is so bad and it's not funny. It would be good if it were so bad it was funny. It should not be on this station or on the air. However, someone is desperately trying to make this dumbness work. Too much invested to turn back, and probably it's hard to admit you are wrong when you are at the top.
Posted by Early Morning Listener, 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 2008 Permalink
New "improved"? Some years back marketers realized that Coke had less than half of the cola drinkers. The other 'big market share" was going to that other,sweeter,thinner, lighter,
younger, cola..... So they introduced NEW COKE.
Wow. What happened? Did the lighter sweeter, younger folks suddenly switch to NEW COKE? No, they already had Pepsi. The Coke loyalists just stopped buying the stuff.
It was the worst marketing strategy ever.. built on faulty logic, and goodness knows what sort of understnding of brand loyalty. Take Away? There are dozens of lighter younger, programs to be heard at 6am There is only one..
CLASSIC MORNING EDITION.
Posted by Rachel , D., 7:42 a.m. Wednesday, May 28 2008 Permalink
Can I just say that every time I turn on NPR and hear 'The Takeaway" I check my dial to see what station I've erroneously set it to. The 6AM ET hour is prime news hour. I can't count how many important news items there are any given morning, and I'm subject to bickering and chatter. That's not mentioning how half the show is self-promotion in solicitation to email or sponsor mentions. Please, please I beg you, make this show go away, or at least move it to the afternoon.
Posted by Holly, 9:57 a.m. Wednesday, May 28 2008 Permalink
In general, the show is fine, but I hate the sound of the woman with the creepy British accent. I'm sure you could find an American for the job -- NYU, Columbia and Fordham have great journalism programs. I just can't abide the sound of the Yankees winning two to nil or the Celtics leading their playoff shedule by two to naught. Are we so in thrall to the Brits that we have to abide by their way of speaking English? Sorry, most New Yorkers I know speak American.
Posted by Kate Flynn, 10:37 a.m. Wednesday, May 28 2008 Permalink
This show just meanders on....with someone hoping it will ingite a spark. Is it still going to get four hours of air time a day in June? Isnt it time to change our mornings back to what they were before April 28? Full of Morning Edition!
Posted by fond of orange, 11:18 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 2008 Permalink
Here's what I don't get. Critics of the show criticize the show. Supporters of the show attack the critics. I don't get it.
Here's what I don't get. I listen to Morning Edition because it's professional, no nonsense reporting and analysis that helps start the day with information. WNYC puts on a show with amateurish reporting and lightweight features better suited to a weekend or afternoon show, or better yet - local TV AM. I don't get it.
Here's what I don't get. It's ok for Hockenberry to emulate Stern and TT's need for a "Baba Booey" as if that's a positive, but when anyone else mentions it - it's "tired".
Wait, maybe I DO get it - Howard's format IS tired. So why tout it as innovative just because public radio hasn't wallowed in it before?
Nope, still don't get it.
Posted by Exploitation Radio, 1:03 a.m. Thursday, May 29 2008 Permalink
okay, i think i finally got it. you're trying to be funny and tongue and cheek on your show. but your not. the grease piece- i think you were trying to be the jon colbert of radio. its really not working for you. just let the guests talk.
Posted by debbie, 8:10 a.m. Thursday, May 29 2008 Permalink
The banter on your show is tolerable to a point but I would appreciate it if you would allow your guests to finish a sentence before you unceremoniously cut them off. It's not like you're going to a late-breaking story. Many of your guests have a lot to say that's more interesting than John's or Adaora's comments. Your attempts to be a fast-paced program that covers a lot of issues are lame. As the previous poster says, let the guests talk.
Posted by Betty, 8:10 a.m. Thursday, May 29 2008 Permalink
I love the Takeaway. It's fun to listen to. I often find myself thinking about one interview or other later in the day. I also love Morning Edition which I've been waking up to for the last 20-odd years. Something about the Takeaway, however, makes it easier to wake up to. I like the new WNYC schedule--waking up to the Takeaway puts me in a good mood and I happily settle into Morning Edition once I get to work, drink my coffee, etc...
Posted by Alison Duncan, 8:35 a.m. Thursday, May 29 2008 Permalink
Right on the money, "Enough is Enough!" I, too, find WNYC's silence in response to the groundswell of criticism puzzling and unacceptable (my excessively courteous email to listener services objecting to the Takeaway was not deemed worthy of a reply). Given its reliance on our financial support, the station is not doing itself a huge favor ignoring listener input.
C'mon, Laura Walker et al., I'm sure you guys are reading the stuff posted here and elsewhere, and you're probably aware by now that starting this show was not really the brightest idea on earth. Got anything to say? Or are you simply hoping & praying the critics of this idiotic show will go away in the end and everything will be just honky dory? The WNYC community you talk about so much during pledge drives is eagerly awaiting your response.
Posted by Thomas Heinrich, 8:45 a.m. Thursday, May 29 2008 Permalink
I'm not sure anyone at WNYC could find this site, which is really well concealed, so who knows if they are reading listeners' comments. The question is whether the directors of other public radio stations, which is the intended customer base for WNYC to sell this show to, are following the debate before they decide whether or not to pick up the program. I'd like to see On the Media, in its usual unbiased way, feature a segment on The Takeaway, which of course should include comments posted on this board. However, I doubt that Laura Walker would go for that sort of open reporting.
Posted by Charle, 11:21 a.m. Thursday, May 29 2008 Permalink
New morning schedule: turn on WNYE at 5 am to catch BBC World Service. Physically get out of bed at 6 a.m. to position radio by window to pick up scratchy WNYC AM for Morning Edition. It's like living in a war zone and searching for contraband news, underground. Please WNYC take away the Take Away. It continues to be lousy. It is contributing to an uninformed electorate. It's anti-democracy.
Posted by susan , 8:58 p.m. Thursday, May 29 2008 Permalink
The show was better this morning without Ms Udoji. There was less awkward banter and rude cutting off of guests. This confirms my view that a major fault with this show lies with the hosts. Their is no chemistry between them and the constant stepping on each others lines is jarring. I'm sure Ms. Udoji is an otherwise nice person, but she is wrong for this show.
Posted by Paul, 7:07 a.m. Friday, May 30 2008 Permalink
Here's the problem - There is way too much 'personality' in this show, and it's bad personality. The hosts are laughing idiotically, asking leading questions and then not even listening to the answers, cutting each other and the guests off, and laughing in the background. Yesterday Udoji asked a aguest to give two reasons for something and cut him off after only one. Sometimes you can hear the guests sighing and resigning themselves to the inanity.
I don't care what words total strangers misspell, or how they take their coffee. Maybe there can be a slow transition back to morning edition. Kind of like New Coke. One good thing about the Takeaway is that now I am listening to more music, I mean, I have switched to WFUV for the most part,and that is very pleasant and relaxing.
Posted by Jenny Murphy, 7:42 a.m. Friday, May 30 2008 Permalink
To "Morning Listener": NOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Don't even THINK about these two having their own shows! I think a containment policy where we know where they both are at any one time is probably best, particularly seeing as the powers that be are still pushing this claptrap despite all the naysayers on here. And I'd just like to add that the bizarre way my wife has snaked the AM antenna around my bedside table so we can still get ME is ticking me off. And I know who's to blame.
Posted by paul, 12:59 p.m. Friday, May 30 2008 Permalink
Thank you to the Takeaway!
After the Takeaway's loud banter forced me away from WGBH, I landed on a great jazz program broadcast by my local university radio. (http://wriu.org/programming.html).
News, I like. Well thought-out analysis by the regular NPR commentators, I like. Flat jokes from TV hosts and feedback from listeners about the news, I do not need.
Posted by Anne, 2:32 p.m. Friday, May 30 2008 Permalink
At 6 a.m in the morning I want intelligent news and commentary so I know what's going on in the world as I start my day. I could care less about listeners' comments on "words they stumble over and frequently mispronounce." This show is dreadful!
But what really is disengenuous are the fund raising drives that repeatedly tell us that this is OUR radio station. Really? If so, respond to these comments and ditch The Takeaway for good. And...thanks!
Posted by Joanne, 10:16 a.m. Saturday, May 31 2008 Permalink
I got a response from listener services:
"We’ve spent a great deal of time considering and developing a program that would appeal to new audiences and offer a different sound and style than Morning Edition. We’re hoping that The Takeaway will, in time, appeal to listeners of many different backgrounds and ages who are not currently served by public radio’s offerings in the morning. To reach these new listeners, we’ve created a program that moves in a tempo more consistent with the rest of the media landscape, but which still retains the integrity and depth that you have come to expect from public radio."
...Moves in a tempo more consistent with the rest of the media landscape...
Is that what you thought you were contributing to when you made your pledges? You can get this stuff for free why pay for it?
Posted by Morning Edition Listener, 10:20 p.m. Saturday, May 31 2008 Permalink
I am really liking the show. It is making progress. I like the snappy beginning and that the show tries to ask/interview multiple people about a topic. This a different way at getting at depth than the packaged pieces we are all used to. I think another way to use the Mix would be to ask people, not only their opinion or something from their life, like what was a word that stumped you, but how could you use the community to crowd source around something that is more investigative in nature? Keep moving forward, there are a lot of us out there who are liking the new approach. As you know, it is often those who dont like things that you hear from the most!
Posted by Jason, 8:17 p.m. Sunday, June 1 2008 Permalink
Fifi. It was not made up. In fact there was more, but I am not sure I should post the whole thing on this board. You might as well have addressed the letter, "Dear Sucker."
Jason, are you affiliated with the show in any way? Why were you listening to this station to begin with?
Posted by Morning Edition Listener, 2:32 p.m. Monday, June 2 2008 Permalink
Ever hear the expression: Hurt me once, shame on you, hurt me twice, shame on me?
Why are you all wasting precious time everyday listening to a show you hate, then spending more time writing about it, furthering the negativity? If you don't like this show but you keep tuning in, you've got no one to blame but yourselves.
Shut the radio off and get a life.
Posted by Jan, 4:21 p.m. Monday, June 2 2008 Permalink
I hate this show.
I hate their voice.
I hate to listen to their opinions.
What is wrong with them?
Why are they so condescending?
I think format is not bad, but the host of the show is horrible.
Though the pace of the show is too fast, it irritates me.
Posted by C.P, 7:08 a.m. Tuesday, June 3 2008 Permalink
I have not yet decided what I think of he show but am giving it the benefit of the doubt because I have enjoyed other work by the hosts. But I really don't understand the complaints from WNYC listeners since all we have to do to avoid it is switch between AM and FM when it comes on. I listen all morning & love Morning edition, but it repeats after 2 hours & that was boring, so I am glad for the change. Now if they could eliminate "Fair Game" which makes me pop out of bed in a panic to switch stations (I am disabled), that would be great. I HATE that show and it is completely un- NPR/WNYC-like with its adolescent "humor" and celebrity chasing.
Posted by Millie Niss, 9:06 a.m. Tuesday, June 3 2008 Permalink
I hate the takeaway. This show does not belong on WNYC FM in the mornings. You talk about the most ridiculous things and chat amongst yourselves. I want my morning edition back, where there's quality reporting, insightful news analysis, and interesting things to learn. The takeaway is ruining my mornings. It's definitely an embarrassment to public radio. For the stats hounds out there: I am a hip cool 31 year old.
Posted by April Silver, 12:03 p.m. Tuesday, June 3 2008 Permalink
I am disappointed with the quality of "The Takeway" and miss the in-depth reporting of "Morning Edition." The hosts interrupt and talk over guests, and they end interviews awkwardly by cutting their guests off mid-sentence. I appreciate the effort to engage the audience and make us active participants, but really, who cares where we would go in space or what our favorite cover songs are? I happily defer to the news gurus at NPR. I want to begin my day learning from the experts. Please consider significantly revising this new show or bring back Renee and Steve!
Posted by Sadie , 4:53 p.m. Tuesday, June 3 2008 Permalink
Thanks, April Silver (#301) for adding that you are a cool 31 year old who doesn't like the pandering of The Takeaway. I suspect the producers have made this investment in the hope of attracting young people. But there are many intelligent, discerning young people who want to return to the quality and sensibility of Morning Edition. This is not about age - it's about smart, serious listeners who want news and thoughtful commentary - not fluff! Are the producers listening?
Posted by Joanne, 10:49 p.m. Tuesday, June 3 2008 Permalink
90.9: That is the frequency for WHYY, Philadephia's Public Radio station. Although I can't receive WNYC AM in Central NJ, I can receive WHYY, and that is how I pick up ME between 6 and 7 am. Not WNYC FM, which is losing me because of their bone-headed decision to force The Takeaway down my throat. Maybe there are others out there who can tune WHYY in--it's a pretty good solution, even though it's a little odd to hear local traffic reports about the Schuylkill Expressway and I95, or a lead story on how the Phillies did last night.
As WC Fields said, I'd rather be in Philadelphia.
Posted by Charle, 12:01 p.m. Wednesday, June 4 2008 Permalink
As a routine NPR listener, I am incredibly disappointed at the introduction of the takeaway. What is the objective of this program? There is almost no substantive information imparted. There seems to be some sort of clock running that the hosts are incapable of managing. Topics discussed are uninteresting and superficially addressed. The hosts are irritating to listen to and have no chemistry. Hockenberry is not funny and Udogi is humorless.
It has been a great source of daily irritation to listen to this program for the past several weeks. Please end it so I don't have to switch to the AM dial to go back to Morning Edition (which incidentally is excellent).
Posted by abbas, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 4 2008 Permalink
Between your overlong pledge drives with the promise to cut a day off for every $150,000 pledged (a day off what) and the excessive program breaks for the pledge plus the introduction of an annoying and offensive new program, "The Takeaway", you are driving away a long-time supporter of WNYC.
What bothers me about "The Takeaway" is the very frequent and constant reminder that I am listening the "The Takeaway", plus the wise-cracking, rude and stupid comments of the two hosts, plus the very annoying voice of the British news reader that really rubs me the wrong way.
Please take away "The Takeaway" and bring back Morning Edition.
Posted by Milt Snitzer, 5:53 p.m. Wednesday, June 4 2008 Permalink
According to this article in the International Herald Tribune, things are about to get much, much worse. It's June now. Do they dare to do this for real??
[For now, "The Takeaway" is running live from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., with a second hour, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., that repeats some of the original pieces while adding new, live segments. In June, though, when WNYC moves into new studios, the show will expand to four hours, two of which will be completely live. Which means that Hockenberry and Udoji will be on the air at the same time as the mother of all U.S. public radio shows: "Morning Edition."]
Posted by FrankD, 8:37 p.m. Thursday, June 5 2008 Permalink
I've tried to give "The Takeaway" a chance over the past few weeks, but I can't listen to this garbage any more. Beeping segues, insipid self congratulatory jokes about segues, rude interviewing, guests not allowed to finish a sentence, forced hilarity: it's all too much. I used to wake up gradually to the NPR in the mornings, but no longer. I've switched over to the 80 decibel beeper: even that is less irritating than this show.
Posted by Dave, 12:06 a.m. Friday, June 6 2008 Permalink
wow, the WNYC lies continue:
"Most Commented" - The beginning of the end: Andrea Bernstein on the end of the primaries
Total comments - 12
"Third Most Comments" - Morning's need a makeover ..
Total Comments - 310
This is from a "news" show we should trust?
It's been more than a month, and the predominant sentiment expressed on these "interactive" pages (which seem to go ignored by the producers at WNYC) is that The Takeway is a horrible show.
Clearly, WNYC couldn't care *less* what the listeners really think.
Posted by Dave, 8:10 a.m. Friday, June 6 2008 Permalink
I cant believe PRI is cancelling "Fair Game" which actually is more youthful and culturally relevant commentary show at a reasonable time for its format. And what's more, they are spending precious resources on this "Takeaway" show which tries to be hip in all the ways that old people think that young people are hip.
Posted by Matt Carnes, 1:21 p.m. Friday, June 6 2008 Permalink
Matt, you hit the nail on the head. Old people doing cool. Let's face it though, these guys were never cool, even when they were young. They are nerds. Which is cool too, but only if you are a nerd as well, or have an IQ above 140.
In the morning I wake up to FM and when I get annoyed I switch to AM and then at 7am switch back to FM which is why it's FM in the morning.
I hear a few minutes of this show. I always start out groggy thinking I guess it's not so bad then someone says some really strange or annoying comment, or they cut off a guest, or I get confused by that beep or that jarringly, out of place, aggressive music link. Come on guys there are more music clips out there. Try a new one. Sad, but after all this posting the show is still the same.
BEEP, DUN,DUN,DUN,DUN,DUN,DUN,DA,DUN,DUN
Posted by Morning Edition Listener, 2:50 p.m. Friday, June 6 2008 Permalink
I've stopped using my WNYC tote in public.
Oh yes, I used to take pleasure in my WNYC tote, which said to everyone who saw me carrying it "I'm not one of the ignorant masses who listens to the likes of Howard Stern; I listen to and support quality radio. I believe in public broadcasting because it maintains high-standards that are not market-driven". Now I'd be embarrassed to be imagined by anyone to be a listener—worse, a supporter—of The Takeaway. The Tote is now under the bed, relegated to being a receptacle for cat toys. I doubt it will ever see outdoors again.
There's no point in listing my objections to The Takeaway; Each has been touched upon at least once by other posters.
(Can you imagine walking into a library with a WNYC tote now? I'd rather wear Mickey Mouse ears!)
Posted by Fifi Steinweg, 2:33 a.m. Sunday, June 8 2008 Permalink
Posted by swingwithme:
``I am enjoying the stream and podcast of the program. I like the energy of the show and I actually like the beeps and more energetic sound and pace of the show. Less sleepy. Keep it up. ``
Thank you for posting -- it`s always nice to hear from Laura Walker`s relatives.
Posted by Dorothy, 9:49 a.m. Sunday, June 8 2008 Permalink
I have ADHD, so naturally I LOVE the Takeaway. With its short segments of little depth, its interrupting and snarky hosts, and, of course, the bleeps and blips to remind me to pay attention, it's the perfect show for my lifestyle.
What was the question again?
Posted by short attention..uh..short...attention...span, 10:32 a.m. Sunday, June 8 2008 Permalink
To Laura Walker:
What arrogance. "Trust me. It works." Baloney.
"The Takeaway" was and is a terrible waste of WNYC air time. Suggestions: Two conflicting mediators are unnecessary. Get rid of the annoying British news reader. Take away the whole program and bring back "Morning Edition" or air it at 3 am where nobody will hear it.
Posted by Milt Snitzer, 1:25 p.m. Sunday, June 8 2008 Permalink
Hi Milt
I think what "Enough is Enough" posted was a parody.
Although who knows, it strikes me as close enough to the probable truth that it could easily be confusing.
I hope people here do read through the older messages, it seems that most people do.
Let me say something again. THE PLAN IS (or was) TO EXPAND THE TAKEAWAY ON WNYC IN JUNE. And it is now June. I would say that if the show is not expanded to more hours soon, perhaps that would represent a small victory for the majority of listeners who absolutely hate the show. Can anyone find out what the current plan is?
Also -- if you come here and complain, perhaps you can be creative and also find somewhere =else= to complain. Letters to the editor, online blogs, call-in radio. There has to be some place other than this hidden corner of the internet where people can express themselves, especially when so very many people feel so very strongly.
Frank
Posted by FrankD, 2:59 p.m. Sunday, June 8 2008 Permalink
Why is your style of questioning so pretentious? I was so excited to like this show but I can't even get through 20 minutes of it. You interrupt people, answer their questions for them and don't even really listen to what they're telling you. It's like you have a list of questions in front of you and are rushing to just get through them and move on. This has gotta change in order for me to want to listen again. Sorry.
Posted by Della, 6:10 p.m. Sunday, June 8 2008 Permalink
Did you know that your WNYC donations are being spent on large bus shelter posters promoting The Takeaway?
I will take a picture and post a link as soon as I can.
Why were there never large posters for Morning Edition or any of the other fine WNYC shows?
This is a complete waste of money.
I encourage you to voice your complaints to WNYC listener support directly.
Posted by Steve G, 10:16 a.m. Monday, June 9 2008 Permalink
I'd like to suggest to all the professional kvetchers on here that you read Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth." Clearly this constant whining makes you feel good about yourselves, but all you're doing is adding to the negativity in this world. There are REAL problems, real suffering to be organizing around -- whining about a radio show is truly a luxury problems. Poor you!
Posted by Jan, 2:07 p.m. Monday, June 9 2008 Permalink
"There are REAL problems, real suffering to be organizing around -- whining about a radio show is truly a luxury problems. Poor you! "
Sorry Jan, but whining about responses from people who have been invited to respond (that would be all of us critics)is even worse by your standards. No?
Take it away. Please.
Posted by Tony, 4:33 p.m. Monday, June 9 2008 Permalink
PETITION!!!!
I posted this idea once before and got only 1 response !!!
Seriously folks (all you who post here and hate the Takeaway)...we are a group of listeners that all relly care about this issue, and Im sure have a bunch of other WNYC listening friends...if we put together something we could be the kernel of folks large enough to get a critial mass going...and actually stop the show and return to ME as we all wish...
The thrust of the petition i propose is very simple: "Replace the takeaway with ME..or we the undersigned will make no more contributions to WNYC..."
Come on people lets do this...if interested please send me an email at berentp@yahoo.com...(I promise that I will not use your email for anything other than sending you a copy of the petition to forward to your friends....)...
Posted by Phil Berent, 7:05 p.m. Monday, June 9 2008 Permalink
I am a long time WNYC supporter and am about to renew, but The Takeaway hasn't exactly motivated me to act quickly. I really hate that show. It's almost as bad as if you scheduled that horrible Radiolab in the morning news time slot. After the great legacy of shows like On the Media, Studio 360, Leonard Lopate and the unparalleled Brian Lehrer, WYNC is looking really desperate the last few years to reach out to a younger demo. Please, please, please do what you do best: Thoughtful, intelligent and considered news and arts programing. Stop this "edgy" crap. It is total garbage (and I have lost all respect that I used to have for the now smug and annoying Hockenberry).
Posted by Peter, 9:28 p.m. Monday, June 9 2008 Permalink
I tried again and only lasted about 4 minutes. During that time, John explained what beef was (“hamburgers, ribs, …”.). Who knew? What about hot dogs? That’s a gray area for me. Adaora announced that “The Koreans, 16lbs of beef a year, they eat.” or some similar disjoint sentence, went on to mispronounce the capital of South Korea, and finally gave the guest a whole few seconds to answer the last question. Though I missed the infamous beeps, the few minutes I listen basically was representative of everything I and everyone else here has complained about. I tuned back to ME in Philly. I see some people here comment favorably. I envy you’re ability enjoy this show. I have to endure poor reception to get my satisfaction elsewhere.
BTW - I like radiolab but it's not news, more science. Weird but interesting.
Posted by Gary, 8:07 a.m. Tuesday, June 10 2008 Permalink
Imagine you prepaid your newspaper carrier for a year’s subscription to the NY Times or WSJ. Then your carrier unilaterally decided to substitute its own amateur newsletter instead of the newspaper you paid for because it determines that its newsletter is less expensive for the carrier and more in tune with younger readers. You’d be outraged, of course. WNYC, that’s what you’ve done to your members and longtime listeners. In your fundraising drives, you “bait” contributors with promises of Morning Edition, then “switch” and give us The Takeaway. In the morning prime time, please understand that your limited role is to be the vehicle to deliver the content we want from NPR, the content that we were promised and paid for. Otherwise, get out of the way. We don’t want your amateur newsletter.
Posted by Bill , 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, June 10 2008 Permalink
On June 1st, I moved from Piscataway, NJ to Staten Island, NY. How this changed my mornings? My morning comute to Brooklyn was reduced by 1 hour, no more frustration sitting in traffic, i get to spend time with my girlfriend commuting together. I get to sleep an hour extra ...and many more advantages ;o)
Posted by Viral Trivedi, 10:46 a.m. Tuesday, June 10 2008 Permalink
Please bring back Morning Edition! The voices of NPR are such an important aspect of the radio experience. Soterious Johnson, Brian Leher, Leonard Lopate, John Schaefer and Terry Gross all have voices that resonate warmth and character. I'm baffled by NPR's choice of quick speaking, chatty, I'm smarter then you, dueling hosts . The talk show humor bit is so overplayed on commercial radio that it was easy to find NPR while searching stations, now it is a struggle (I have poor AM reception.) With all the negative feedback I would hope that NPR -a listener supported radio - would move to reformat the morning show. Was someone complaining that Morning Edition needed some lights, bells and schtick?
Posted by Holli Schorno, 9:08 a.m. Wednesday, June 11 2008 Permalink
To Holli #342: Just a point of clarification. Don't blame NPR, which originates Morning Edition and All Things Considered. The Takeaway is the mistake of WNYC, your local public radio station, not National Public Radio. WNYC took away our quality NPR programming and gave us this ridiculous show. It would be great if we could bypass WNYC somehow and get NPR programming directly (other than through a computer). In the meantime, withhold support for WNYC until they correct this mistake.
Posted by Bill , 2:26 p.m. Wednesday, June 11 2008 Permalink
Bill, good point, but if it were only WNYC it would be easier for them to make a U-turn and kill this turkey. Look at the bottom of the page. WGBH, PRI, the New York Times, CPB, the Knight Foundation, and "The Responsibility Project" (of all things) all share the culpability here. And WNYC is under pressure from the people they took tons of money from to make this program a success. So I expect them to blunder onward for a few months minimum. And they might even expand the show to four hours, as planned, when they move into their new studios. THAT will be interesting, in terms of the response from listeners.
Posted by FrankD, 6:28 p.m. Wednesday, June 11 2008 Permalink
Celeste, I wish I had inside info. I am positive that there are a lot of people at WNYC who see this show for exactly what it is. See my post 309 (I think) about the International Herald Tribune. Everything I know comes from the internet and Google.
Posted by FrankD, 8:05 p.m. Wednesday, June 11 2008 Permalink
Hmmm, I hope that's the case, Frank, but who knows. Sometimes when you're inside something, it's very easy to drink the kool aid and/or just stick your head in the sand. I'm not sure WNYC staffers really see what's going on. In any case, I'll start googling this show, too.
Posted by Celeste Katzenberg, 10:22 p.m. Wednesday, June 11 2008 Permalink
This may seem trivial, but I have a physical aversion to your theme music. To me, it’s sort of like listening to the sound of fingernails scratching a chalk board. Based on other comments I’ve read, I don’t think I’m alone in finding the music irritating. Please, please, please change your music. For more years than I can remember, I’ve relied on NPR in the morning for news. My radio cannot pick up the signal to WNYC AM and I may be forced to turn to commercial radio (!)
Posted by Erin G, 7:10 a.m. Thursday, June 12 2008 Permalink
I've been giving the Takeaway a chance to settle in during my morning breakfast routine since it's start. I'm usually not the kind of guy that gets irritated about the WGBH format but the Takeaway is not sitting well with me.
I gave up talk radio a few years back because of dj opinions, attempt at humor, unnecessary hyping of issues (sensationalism). I see much of this on the Takeaway and find it hard for me to pay attention. I appreciate the attempt to change the morning radio routine on WGBH but its not my cup of tea.
Posted by Greg, 8:58 a.m. Thursday, June 12 2008 Permalink
I listen to your show online from VA and it is head and shoulders the 2nd best show on WNYC in the morning (Brian Lehrer's show is my favorite).
Please keep up the good work and your voices are wonderful (I can't stand the sterotypical NPR whispering voices. They are very annoying).
Posted by Meredythe Gray, 9:37 a.m. Thursday, June 12 2008 Permalink
I enjoy your show over the web from Dallas and think that most of these critics are more opposed to change than anything else... You have a good variety of topics, good guests, and sound like real people. I love NPR, but the "radio gods" style of Morning Edition never appealed to me as much as the in-depth conversational elements of Diane Rehm, Terry Gross, BBC Outlook, Day 2 Day etc. It's also evident that the format is evolving as you guys go along. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Brando, 1:29 p.m. Thursday, June 12 2008 Permalink
I think you guys are doing an excellent job. I have long admired both of you. But would you do me a favor? When referring to a torrential tornado that killed four innocent children, please don't refer to it as a "twister." There's something hillbilly-ishly insensitive about that term when describing a storm that killed four boy scouts. I hate to be overly formal, but I feel "tornado" adds more dignity to the loss of life than "twister." Twisters knock over barns; tornadoes kill people.
OTHER THAN THAT, keep up the good work and don't sweat the critics. People are afraid of change. (Morning Edition hasn't been all that great since Bob Edwards left anyway.)
Posted by Zak, 2:20 p.m. Thursday, June 12 2008 Permalink
I know I'm a day late, but I want to join in on the feedback about the show. I think the hosts are good at what they do, the content is good, but I just don't want to hear the takeaway at 6:00 am. I just don't. John Hockenberry's voice is not a 6:00 AM clock radio voice. It's harsh. And that "bleep bleep" transition noise is irritating.
Give me a break: I want to listen to the news, and to Karl Kassel and the other familiar NPR voices and, more importantly, timbres that I'm used to waking up to.
Posted by Nick W., 6:27 a.m. Friday, June 13 2008 Permalink
Certainly better than hearing the same show twice in the morning as in the past. The occasional snarkyness IMO doesn't rise to olfactory high crimes and misdemeanors.
The Hock is a serial snark
But rarely misses his mark,
By lob or by peg
He cannot renege
From lifting his leg in the dark!
Unfortunately, almost nothing rhymes with Adaora Udoji!!
Posted by Burnt_at_both_ends, 8:19 a.m. Friday, June 13 2008 Permalink
steps to complete Takeaway's transition to Fox & Friends / AM Radio format:
- bring in a third host.
- Add telex typing background noise.
- More electronic sound effects.
- Instead of broadcasting the same hour twice, broadcast the same ten minutes 12 times.
- Traffic reports on the 1's.
- Sign up CarCash, 800-MATTRES and Autoland as sponsors.
Posted by Davis, 10:32 a.m. Friday, June 13 2008 Permalink
In response to #352, I have to respectfully disagree. The overwhelming negative response to The Takeaway is not about people resisting change! It's about people wanting substantive, news and intelligent commentary, and not wanting to waste time on nonsense, e.g. "What surprised you at the grocery store?" The style, the music, the talk overs are what we don't want on public radio and provide no added value.
Posted by Joanne, 11:15 a.m. Saturday, June 14 2008 Permalink
I agree with Joanne. This isn't an issue of being resistant to change. When I relocated from NY to Chicago for a year, I thoroughly enjoyed the offerings on WBEZ, though they were very different than WNYC's. That's because the core values of NPR programming--thoughtful, calm, tempered, in-depth, non-commercial, unique--remained at the heart of their programming. These elements are lacking in The Takeaway. It seems as if we are somehow in a rush to get through each segment; hosts seem to view their role as entertainers as much as (or more than) journalists, and for a morning time slot, the program lacks the breadth to make me feel that I truly have garnered all the day's headlines and understand them in context.
If you can do better than Morning Edition, I'd be all for it, I guess. But Morning Edition does a great job at giving me exactly what I'm looking for, so that's a really tall order.
(And for the record, I'm 26 and I watch MTV.)
Posted by Al, 6:18 p.m. Saturday, June 14 2008 Permalink
This morning the show sunk to a new low. At the end of the segment on miniature golf, in the midst of the pointless banter that this show is becoming infamous for, Ms Udoji asked Mr. Hockenberry if he played miniature golf. He reminded her that he is in a wheelchair. It was very awkward, and seemed to me to be an unnecessary and insensitive question to ask Mr. Hockenberry. This show is going from bad to worse. I am disgusted.
Posted by Paul, 8:11 a.m. Monday, June 16 2008 Permalink
You have to remember, these guys are rolling in corporate dough, and foundation grants. They don't have to please anyone but Laura Walker. If the show gets worse and worse until the money runs out, they will still be on the air for a year or two...
And nobody is showing the slightest sign of recognition that this show is the rat on the hors d'oeuvres tray of the Public Radio banquet.
Think about other recent changes. St. Paul Sunday, Speaking of Faith, Radio Lab, Lehrer's fresh ideas that won the Peabody. Anybody here protest those? I sure didn't. They were welcome. Appetizing. Give us more of THAT and take this crap away.
Posted by FrankD, 4:03 p.m. Monday, June 16 2008 Permalink
Thank GOODness I am not alone-- this show is way too obnoxious for the morning-- and I actually really like the hosts-- but it's too much like everything else you hear in the morning. Also-- that MUSIC! Please-- that is ultimately made me change the station. The newer shows on NpR are all starting to sound very frenetic-- the cloying wanna be John Stuart Hope Whatever her name is at 8pm on 820, that one where the two guys talk and everything is edited in a layered/finish his sentence way-- ugh. I can't even listen for one sec!
NPR-- calm down! We liked you just the way you were!
Posted by lizzy, 3:26 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 2008 Permalink
I now find myself having to thank WNYC and "The Takeaway". It used to be I would wake at 6AM, listening to Morning Edition to get a good start on the day. Now, I get out of bed before 6AM and get in a good hour's bike ride, knowing that I'm not missing anything important. When I get back, my coffee is ready and Morning Edition is on.
Thanks!
Posted by Naysayer, 3:52 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 2008 Permalink
The hosts sound like a couple of teenaged girls. During the earthquake coverage, Udoji had this profound observation: "Is it just like surreality there, or like, total incomprehension?"
And what is up with the underwriting announcer wnyc has started to use? she sounds like a demented robot. I switched to BGO just to escape that awful voice.
This all started when they made the brilliant decision to replace Bob Edwards.....
Posted by Ann Toth, 3:15 p.m. Thursday, June 19 2008 Permalink
What is the point of this show???
The take away is a mis-take. Please pull the plug. Take the funds alocated for the remainder of the year and give it to some unknowns who have at least a concept, a germ of an idea, something to work with.
Posted by what is the point?, 5:39 p.m. Thursday, June 19 2008 Permalink
Your show is contributing to my attention deficit disorder. I used to be able to listen to a complete thought when it was offered by the intelligent reporters employed by NPR. Now you provide lots of attitude and scattershot commentary instead. I am afraid I will not listen to the morning show any more. It seems as if you decided to throw over the old loyal listeners for a fictitious set. Is it paying off? Who are the listeners you want? Is this about commerce? What happened to the public in public radio?
Journalism, RIP.
Posted by Patricia Markert, 8:05 p.m. Thursday, June 19 2008 Permalink
pls stop telling us that we are listening to "the take away" and give us more content....your self promotion is appalling.it seems as though every 30 seconds(ok i know thats an exageration)we're being told..'this is the take away'...'you are listening to the take away'..blah blah blah...we are smart enough to know what we are listening to(even me)
Posted by keith lovinggood, 1:49 a.m. Friday, June 20 2008 Permalink
For several weeks, I've tried to avoid The Takeaway by switching to WNYC-AM, despite the poor reception here in north Jersey. Earlier this week, I gave up.
I went looking for an alternative, and found the comforting voice of Carl Kasell at WNYE, 91.5 FM. It's a show called "Wake Up New York," and is mostly music, with a smattering of NPR/BBC news and weather. But it's a nice change, and far more intelligent than the inane, amateurish commentary of The Takeaway. I suggest that New York City listeners give it a try.
Of course, I mostly look forward to the ultimate cancellation of this misbegotten show and a return to Morning Edition. But in the meantime...
Posted by Chris Riemer, 11:13 a.m. Friday, June 20 2008 Permalink
I wanted to see how many times the words 'The Take Away', or 'The Take' were mentioned during the show. Even though this meant having to listen for the entire hour. It was 32 times, not a record (36) but close. That's once every 2 minutes. What is going on? Not even crass commercial radio comes close to such insidious self promotion.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH please put the Take Away out of it's misery.
Posted by ben, 3:27 p.m. Friday, June 20 2008 Permalink
I've finally made the decision to call and cancel my monthly contribution to wnyc that is charged automatically to my credit card. I regret doing this, but perhaps, this will drive the message home? I do feel no one in charge is listening to the astute comments, from listeners of all ages on this site, that The Takeaway is not a program we want at 6 am on FM, or for that matter at any time!
Posted by Joanne, 9:11 p.m. Friday, June 20 2008 Permalink
I sent to the following to listenservices:
I'm often up as early as 6:00 and in the kitchen and therefore not reading the New York Times but rather listening. I used to enjoy Morning Edition - in depth, erudite, serious, and more global than most stations. I liked that time puttering around and learning.
Not any more. If I wanted chitchat and cutesy talk, I'd watch those awful morning television shows. Bring back the Morning Edition. If you must keep the show, and frankly I can't think why, perhaps lunch time, another take away time, would be a far better time.
Or if you really wanted to get us the news, you could simply run the BBC news service. I don't want a friend in the morning - or frankly from the radio during the day - I want information I use to help me make decisions.
Additionally, I should have asked, if you show is live, why does am get it later than pm? Are there 2 shows?
Posted by Elaine Ellis, 9:42 a.m. Monday, June 23 2008 Permalink
I am so dissapointed in morning programming (WNYC NPR) that you have replaced morning edition with THE TAKE AWAY. WHICH BY THE WAY SHOULD BE BLOWN AWAY!
I have to switch to AM radio to get regular programmking (morning edition) then swithch back to FM to avoid hearing The Take Away.
I find the interviewing is so poor and the talk is so obnoxious.
Please bring back morning edition, BBC ANYTHING BUT THE TAKE AWAY.
Thank you for listening!
Posted by suzanne salan, 9:44 a.m. Monday, June 23 2008 Permalink
Joanne, I am not so sure that nobody is paying attention. They are now in the new studio and there has not been one peep about expanding the show to four hours.
I am leery of withholding financial support from WNYC, as angry as I am about The Takeaway. They do so much that is right, this one awful mistake probably will not stop me from contributing. Of course it would be a lot easier if they would cancel these clowns ASAP.
Frank
Posted by FrankD, 10:31 a.m. Monday, June 23 2008 Permalink
I take the opposite position.
I (sort of) like the takeaway.
I hate the fact that WNYC has it on AM from 8-9am only, and is live on fm at 6am.
Personally speaking, I'd prefer for them to:
a) air the live show as is on FM 6-7am
b) repeat the live show 9-10AM on AM INSTEAD of the BBC.
That would give EVERYONE the alternative they like.
PS: If the other folks getting the show on PRI don't like it, it apparently has only a max life of 2 years (see the show 'fair-game' that is now defunct, after 2 years..) for it's initial funding...
PS: I think with two different broadcast streams, that putting alternate shows on against the BBC is a great idea.
I get tired of the 'we're better then you' attitude that the BBC gives off
Posted by markb, 11:33 a.m. Monday, June 23 2008 Permalink
This show is a complete waste of resources, and a blot on the station. What I enjoy about WNYC is the lack of mindless talk-show type chatter. I refuse to support the station again until you get rid of The Takeaway. Even repeats of Morning Edition or NPR are preferable.
Posted by Al, 12:07 a.m. Tuesday, June 24 2008 Permalink
Thank you WNYC for ruining my mornings. I've been listening to morning edition for two decades. Every morning. And now I have to wake up to this effing garbage that you've decided to cram down our throats in what I can only imagine is a lame attempt at attracting a younger, stupider, more vapid audience. I'm canceling my membership and will have to find some other NPR station to listen to online because trying to discern what's being said over your AM transmission is just as infuriating as listening to the two brainless idiots you've harnessed for your half-assed morning drive moronathon. Seriously, what are you thinking?
Posted by effing outraged, 12:08 a.m. Tuesday, June 24 2008 Permalink
And by the way. I'm twenty seven years old. All of my friends are under thirty. Like me, all of my friends used to listen to morning edition before going to our grown up jobs each day. All of my friends agree, this show is a disgrace. Stop pandering to imagined idiots.
Posted by effing outraged, 12:09 a.m. Tuesday, June 24 2008 Permalink
I find it curious that within a few days of the start of the Takeaway on WNYC the station started telling listeners where to find information on getting "better AM reception." I guess it didn't take long for the smell of this "stinker" to overwhelm listeners and have them begging for the return of Morning Edition. It's clear that this move is solely motivated by financial concerns and possibly a little power politics. Otherwise, I can imagine no reason to replace Morning Edition with this amateur hour.
Posted by Robert, 7:53 a.m. Tuesday, June 24 2008 Permalink
Frank: As someone who's received one of Laura Walker's condescending "I'm right-you're wrong-now make a contribution" letters, I can only imagine that Ms. Walker has "people" who read message boards for her. I can only further imagine the fear that those poor souls would experience having to deliver bad news. No, my guess is that Laura Walker thinks that The Takeaway is yet another one of her brilliant programming decisions.
Posted by fear is the key, 7:44 a.m. Wednesday, June 25 2008 Permalink
well, it's been two months ... and while the show has clearly made changes to reduce their rating on the obnoxious meter, the show is still a failure.
Weekdays at 8am (or earlier) is NOT when I want to listen a mendacity-laden talk-show. What *really* gets my day going is news; Bob Edwards knew this. PRI/WNCY is clueless.
This show is ill-conceived, poor executed and miserably slotted into the daytime schedule. How about moving it to Sundays at 2pm when no one's listening?
Posted by Dave, 12:12 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 2008 Permalink
Am I confused or has there been a change to the WNYC schedule?
-- 93.9 FM --
06:00 AM The Takeaway
07:00 AM Morning Edition
09:00 AM BBC World Service
-- AM 820 --
06:00 AM Morning Edition
08:00 AM The Takeaway
09:00 AM BBC World Service
I for one, am much happier with this new schedule as I really can only receive AM frequencies in my apartment and the scheduling fits nicely with my morning schedule...Yahoo! Minimal encounters with the Takeaway.
Posted by cm, 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 2008 Permalink
My goodness, this show has turned me into the cliche of a cranky old man shouting at my car radio every morning. It's quite awful, and I think most of your loyal listeners would agree. Nothing against the hosts-but it comes off as unprepared and trite.
Posted by Frank Bradley, 4:05 a.m. Thursday, June 26 2008 Permalink
I completely agree with Post 377. The Takeaway sometimes gets close to being slightly original but never close enough to being something worthwhile. And far too often they sink to a low that I consider astonishing. Astonishing because I'm trying to understand just what they are trying to accomplish. I either think I've figured it out and I disagree with their finished product or I think, they are making this up daily and don't know what they are really trying to accomplish. After trying to give the show as much of the benefit of the doubt since it started, I now have made the decision to turn it off in the morning, and probably end my monthly donation to WNYC. I wonder what other cities think of the show - I don't see many other cities represented.
Posted by Greg, 11:19 a.m. Thursday, June 26 2008 Permalink
I used to listen to "Morning Edition" on my drive to work. This was a great way of receiving world news, as I cannot take the train and read the newspaper. Starting in April I gave "The Takeaway" a chance, however, I found very little real content in the program. To spend my time listening to a program I need it to be informative and/or entertaining. "The Takeaway" is neither. The new PRI show has a chatty style, but I don't find it amusing.
I now listen to "Mike and Mike" on ESPN Radio during my morning commute. It too is inane, but it is genuinely funny.
(sidenote: One minor thing which irritated me all month is the use of empty business-speak phrases on the show, such as "going forward." This way of talking sounds like a cover for being inarticulate.)
Posted by Josh, 6 p.m. Thursday, June 26 2008 Permalink
Though I feel as though it's just piling it on, I have to speak up. I used to be able to get ready in the morning and get informed reporting that was in depth enough to want to know more. Morning Edition was better than coffee. Now I don't even listen to the radio.
So, a list:
1. Ditch the sfx and music
2. Ditch the snarky banter
3. Try to stay on a topic for more than 45 seconds.
The Takeaway feels far too produced. It's all style and little substance, sort of like a bad Zeppelin cover band playing the blues for an awards show at a regional sales conference.
Posted by Chris, 10:32 p.m. Thursday, June 26 2008 Permalink
I have "missed" hearing the TakeAway for about a week. Adaora wasn't on the air today.
Instead, we had John interrupt guests so we could listen to his six-year old children.
He had a guest online, seemingly asked her a question and when she tried to reply, he interrupted her by playing a second (third?) clip of his children. Who couldn't even be understood.
GIVE ME A BREAK.
This is NOT the way a REAL news program operates. Isn't anyone overseeing this poor representation of public funds, news, so-called "journalism" junk?
Posted by midtown, 10:09 a.m. Friday, June 27 2008 Permalink
I have tried to listen to this show but I cannot anymore. Every morning my routine includes waking to NPR Morning Edition. And then your show “The Takeaway” comes on. And it makes me cringe and I now turn off the radio. I don't want to listen to the NPR version of a shock jock in John Hockenberry-- His snide jaded commentary is demeaning and if I really want to here this kind of banter I would listen to Howard Stern, where I expect rude, crude and juvenile radio.
I want my news unbiased and delivered with intelligence. If I didn't I would watch Fox News or listen to Rush Limbaugh. I don't want to hear your hosts-- banter with each other or with the guests with their bitter, caustic kibitzing. PLEASE STOP.
I want my news unbiasied and delivered with intelligence. If I didn't I would watch Fox News or listen to Rush Limbaugh. I don't want to hear your hosts-- banter with each other or with the guests with thier bitter, caustic kibbitzing. PLEASE STOP.
Posted by Dina Rosenthal, 10:12 a.m. Friday, June 27 2008 Permalink
The Take-Away is an example of "the new media"? Take it away!
This program is absolutely FRANTIC to promote the hosts. EVERY guest is prompted at least once to be quick about their answers to long-winded questions, as there is so little time allotted to each guest. The whole pace of the presentation is frantic; nothing is examined in any depth. And many of the topics are trivial in relation to those explored on the highly superior "Morning Edition".
One of today's guests was ignored in favor of quotes from the host's six-year-old children! Guests are interrupted rudely, as they try to respond to the hosts' statements. This is an amateurish mish-mash not worthy of WNYC or NPR. Away with it!
Posted by Tom Noble, 10:14 a.m. Friday, June 27 2008 Permalink
Been listening since you began airing. Sorry to say this, but the show was better off this morning for Udoji's absence. Hockenberry is often sharp and funny, while also getting to the essentials of the story. Udoji - not so much. I kept thinking she'd get better, and perhaps the chemistry between to two would come together, but it hasn't happened. I immediately tune out some days when I hear some of Udoji's awful commentary or lines of questioning. She should go back to reading a script, because it's honestly not working for her in this format. She's not bringing anything to the table. Bottom line though, this show is not an improvement over the BBC broadcast that used to be in its slot. And certainly it does not come close to measuring up with "Morning Edition" or "All Things Considered."
Posted by Les, 10:15 a.m. Friday, June 27 2008 Permalink
Your riff on Unity was stupid and boring. Grow up. Report the news. Stop trying to encourage people to agree with you. I get the sense that The TakeAway is an attempt to to compete with other idiotic morning programs like Imus.
I have been switching to NYC AM when your show comes on. I decided this morning to give the TakeAway another try. I'm switching to the AM.
Posted by Arthur Pellman, 10:38 a.m. Friday, June 27 2008 Permalink
Sadly, this show has become the topic of jokes and scorn within my group of friends. Today was a perfect case in point. Unintelligible clips of Mr. Hockenberry's six year old kids were played on the air. What a joke! This is public radio? This is quality? What is up with this mess masquerading as a radio news program. Too bad George Carlin never heard it --- he would have had a field day mocking it!
Posted by Paul, 11:41 a.m. Friday, June 27 2008 Permalink
Once again the person/machine who/that aggregates the "most commented" tallies is way off the mark.
Today the "most commented" is the program from June 18, entitled "Today's Conversation." This program has 52 posts or 6 pages. Several of the comments were moved by the moderator, so that makes the real post/page count even less.
Yet, this was listed as the "most commented?"
Posted by me, 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 27 2008 Permalink
I just tried to send the following letter expressing my frustration with the show through the 'Contact Us' page but the 'submit' button didn't work so I'm going to post it here.
I was extremely disappointed, as well as irritated, when I heard the debut show of The Takeaway. I wondered why WNYC was airing what sounded like another obnoxious cable news show. The hosts came off as arrogant, ill informed and rude toward their guests. The periodic inappropriate giggling did not benefit the mix either. In an effort to keep an open mind, I listened on the second day of airing but sadly, nothing had changed. For weeks I kept the radio off until 7am. Today, I gave it another shot but again, noticed no positive difference. I’ve spoken with colleagues, family and friends who share my frustration with this program and on behalf of all of us; I hope that WNYC seriously reconsiders airing The Takeaway.
Posted by gina, 2:13 p.m. Friday, June 27 2008 Permalink
I have long ago stopped listening to WNYC AM in favor of morning edition on the FM. I however love to read the comments on this page. People have been very creative in describing just how miserable this show is. It has given me hope that the community of NPR listeners have shown their sense of humor while so soundly rejected this show.
Posted by Matt, 2:26 p.m. Friday, June 27 2008 Permalink
Like many listeners who have already shared their views here, I have tried to listen to this show, and will do so no more: I find the show juvenile, uninformative, and trite (the very notion of a one-phrase "takeaway" is the very opposite of why I listen to public radio!)
However, what most compels me to leave this comment is the disrespectful way in which interviewees are treated. Over and over, I have heard the two hosts cut off the people they were interviewing, often after a word or two of response from an involved question!
Posted by NS, 2:53 p.m. Friday, June 27 2008 Permalink
Matt, I agree, I will miss this board when the show is finally cancelled. Or if it is not cancelled, there will have to be another round of "Mixie" awards at 600 or 800 messages. Meanwhile this is part of my daily entertainment.
NS, about the "disrespect" -- the whole concept here is Howard Stern on Public Radio. You have to give Hockenberry the nod, he did what WNYC told him to do, and every day is a Howard Stern imitation. I think Laura Walker and her people knew this would irritate the Hell out of the "old" audience but they were desperate for a "new" audience. As far as I can tell the Howard Stern listeners are listening to HIM instead of migrating in droves to Public Radio. Oddly enough.
"me" - they lie. You are surprised?
Posted by FrankD, 3:45 p.m. Friday, June 27 2008 Permalink
I have listened to public radio since high school, and I am truly shocked at how bad this program is. I have tried to endure The Takeaway, hoping it would get better. It hasn't. PLEASE bring back Morning Edition to the 6am timeslot on WNYC FM.
Posted by PN, 4:25 p.m. Friday, June 27 2008 Permalink
Sorry, guys, I've been listening since the first show, and I just have to say this -- THE TAKEAWAY irritates the heck out of me. It's too cute, too quick-cut, too filled with unnecessary bleeps and sound effects. Above all, the attempts at humor fall flat far too often. Humor is a binary thing -- you succeed or you fail, and there is no middle ground. I wish I liked your show more, but I don't. It helps me to get out of bed and out of the apartment when it comes on, and for that negative benefit I'm grateful, but I don't think that that's the kind of thing you want a morning news program to do. MORNING EDITION does a better and more efficient job of getting me the news.
Posted by R. B. Bernstein, 1:46 a.m. Saturday, June 28 2008 Permalink
The Takeaway is a sad parody of Imus in the Morning. It's a show obviously intended to flatter the most plebian taste with a mix of objective reporting (sort of) and over-excited commentary. It's hard to do unscripted radio, and your hosts are simply not up to the task. I heard, this morning, John Hockenberry actually say that unity as a place name must imply "deep dark secrets." What could the man possibly mean by such idle chatter? Public radio should not mean promiscuous radio, don't you think?
Posted by lewis meyers, 1:47 a.m. Saturday, June 28 2008 Permalink
I continue to get annoyed trying to listen to Morning Edition on AM through the static of poor reception, while the Takeaway occupies the spotlight on FM. The Takeaway is dreadful, and frankly insulting to public radio's intelligent audience. If you must continue this show put it somewhere else in the schedule (or put it on AM) - not in the prime time morning hours, when people want thoughtful news and commentary to equip them in starting their day.
Posted by Joanne, 9:45 a.m. Sunday, June 29 2008 Permalink
NPR, do we really need another fluff news show like The Takeaway? Aren't there enough "human interest" stories on NPR already? And was the morning commute really the best time for a fluff show? This show seems like it goes out of its way to be irrelevant. Recently, they had a story about an Indiana archaeologist to celebrate the new Indiana Jones movie. This kind of waste of air time in the name of news is inexcusable in the middle of a war, an economic recession, and an important election.
Posted by Dan Mache, 10:14 a.m. Sunday, June 29 2008 Permalink
I really miss the full news at 6am and do not enjoy the "take away patter." I have always kept NPR on my wake up so as to get the news before going to work. By chance several of us at the office got into a discussion about the "take away" nd I was surprised to learn that everyone felt as I do.
PLEASE bring back the news.
Posted by Linda Feinstone, 9:29 p.m. Sunday, June 29 2008 Permalink
Speaking of distraction, one problem that I have listening to "The Takeaway" is that its producion seems to include lots of extraneous noises with nothing to do with the information in the stories. Why do we need these beeps and boops everywhere? For that matter, some of the comments made by the presenters do not make much sense in context, so that the listener spends a lot of time thinking "huh, what was that?" rather than about the content of the story. I'm afraid The Takeaway is adding to the distraction problem.
Posted by Arlin Crotts, 9:45 a.m. Monday, June 30 2008 Permalink
6:00 am is about the time I get down to the kitchen and put the radio on. I automatically switch to WHYY (90.9), Philly's NPR station, which thankfully carries ME at that time. Funny thing is, at night, when I get home, I have started listening to WHYY instead of WNYC. It's a great station, and if WNYC hadn't driven me away with The Takeaway, I would never have discovered it.
Posted by Charle, 10:02 a.m. Monday, June 30 2008 Permalink
About "The Take Away" is an awful way to wake up. I feel like I'm listening to the Howard Stern Show--------a bad party at 6am. The voices of the two moderators is very similar, their laughter irritating. They are disrespectful to guests by cutting them off. The social hour construct of the show is perhaps ill-timed to be kind. Please create a show that is catering to adults not teens.
Posted by olivia beens, 11:55 a.m. Monday, June 30 2008 Permalink
This show is abominable, and simply not good enough for public radio. The format of the show is hopelessly rushed, interviewees are constantly cut off and barely have any time to say anything of consequence, and the hosts and Ms. Oke cannot read a paragraph without tripping over words left and right. This show is an insult to listeners' intelligence, and I am suspending my monthly contribution to WNYC until this show is euthanized and Morning Edition is back on the AM station when I wake up.
Posted by DKH, 1:16 p.m. Monday, June 30 2008 Permalink
HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE this show.
The one thing I had to look forward to in the morning has been taken away from me.
Bring back morning edition. I will not donate to NPR again while this show is gone or permanently relegated to AM on all time slots.
EVERYONE join me in this boycott.
Posted by Peter Gordon, 3:13 p.m. Monday, June 30 2008 Permalink
John,
You've been hosting for several weeks now, so let's work on your time management skills: when you ask your last question, tell your guest how many seconds they have to answer.
Your current method of - interrupt, apologize, explain why ("I have another guest") and finally ask if it's ok to cut him off - takes too long and is rude to the guest.
Posted by Davis, 10:12 p.m. Monday, June 30 2008 Permalink
Why are these negative comments being hidden away on this thread?
Isn't it about time the management allows a thread to be titled 'Complaints about The Takeaway'?
This just compounds the insult to the audience being perpetrated by this amateurish throwback to the Mid-1970's happy-talk news.
Posted by Steve G, 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 1 2008 Permalink
Ok. After a bit of getting used to, I like the show. But PLEASE GET RID OF THAT IRRITATING 'BL-BLEEP' NOISE. Sorry for shouting, but that beeping noise that one of your erstwhile production people thought sounded so cool and contemporary when they were using ProTools HAS TO GO!!
No joke. We're bombarded by system beeps, alerts, ringtones and other digitalia all frickin' day. I just can't tolerate it in the morning.
Posted by nick, 9:46 a.m. Tuesday, July 1 2008 Permalink
Dear Friends: I find the presentation of straight news by your newscaster disconcerting. She unfortunately sounds like a little British pixie, and I suppose in an effort to be "conversational" or "new" or "something" the news is delivered as if it were conversation, with folksy "thank you" delivered by either of the two hosts. It makes the program, which I enjoy otherwise, seems vaguely unprofessional.
Can't you just have a regular newscast as the other programs do?
Posted by Joan Gross, 9:47 a.m. Tuesday, July 1 2008 Permalink
Steve G, there is a lot of money riding on this show. They are still taking out expensive ads, posters at NYC bus stops, full page ads in the NY Times, etc. And the people with a stake in this show are desperate to conceal the true response of listeners. It is to their credit that they allow this thread to exist at all.
Look at the Wikipedia article. If you read through the history files you can see that it has been a struggle between some people who are trying to accurately depict the outrage and anger that most listeners feel and media insiders trying to tone it down and cover it up. What is there now is a bland compromise, but there is a link to this thread so those who are motivated can see the truth for themselves.
Posted by FrankD, 10:59 a.m. Tuesday, July 1 2008 Permalink
I would enjoy the show much more if Adoara would get her timing down so as not to keep cutting off her inerviewees. Also, the news person's voice is so breathy that at times she is almost unintelligible. As always, John Hockenberry is marvelous.
Posted by Barbara Boyce, 9:59 a.m. Wednesday, July 2 2008 Permalink
w0w ... you guys must know that this show sucks. Everyone that works on this show MUST know it sucks. The people that write saying "Good show!" should know it sucks ... but I guess this show is for the 90% of people out there that just dont get it.
Dont give up your night jobs.
Posted by p0, 10:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 2 2008 Permalink
The show is unbearable. i use to be a regular listener to NPR but can't listen anymore in the morning. i have swtched to regular radio now. Why can't you bring back the old show. I need something less offensive to my ears in the morning
Posted by John Weed, 10:02 a.m. Wednesday, July 2 2008 Permalink
Seriously, is this show ever going to end? Or should we just consider our mornings trashed for the next ten years. I find both hosts so arrogant and tasteless. This is just terrible radio; it's not some typical response to something new. I just don't like it. No more support from me WNYC. Maybe when you see your contributions drying up you'll get rid of this joke.
Posted by Beth Doyle, 10:36 a.m. Wednesday, July 2 2008 Permalink
OK i have lost all respect for John Hockenberry. This show is so incredibly awful it is almost worth listening to as a audio train wreck. Please pull the plug on this sad experiment. No more contributions to WNYC until it's gone.
Posted by walter gropius, 12:37 p.m. Wednesday, July 2 2008 Permalink
I listen to WNYC/NPR in the morning because I want to wake up to thoughtful, insightful commentary. Listening to the Takeaway, I feel like I've tuned into one of the countless irritating morning shows with moronic, tasteless (you said it, Beth) DJs you can find on nearly every other FM station. The hosts are terrible interviewers, and simply come off as unintelligent. I weep a little bit every time Soterios Johnson dolefully says, "And next, is the Takeaway."
Posted by Eve, 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, July 2 2008 Permalink
Ugh. I'm sorry; I've left WNYC preset on my clock radio for about 12 years now and have given the show a chance to grow on me (i.e., I'm a slave to inertia). I'm going to have to look for other stations to fill the 6-7 a.m. hour. The show's just too smarmy. Whenever the actual WNYC staff break in for time, station ID and carts, it's a relief. Please consider making this show a flagship of the network's podcast strategy. Thanks,
Posted by Scott, 6:18 a.m. Thursday, July 3 2008 Permalink
Once again, the pro-TT "lobby" stoops to attacking the critics as Joe D tells Frank to "get a real job". It just points out how little there is to recommend this disaster when those who purport to like it continue to ridicule those of us who expect something better from public radio.
BTW, it's actually Hockenberry and Udoji who need to get real jobs. With any luck, it'll be soon.
Posted by Never Never Again, 8:19 a.m. Thursday, July 3 2008 Permalink
Sorry, I have given your show a few weeks chance... and now will be switching to AM... I just can't stand the constant interruptions you need to foist on your guests and the constant misuse of the English language!
My message to NPR-- please take away the takeaway!
Posted by Sara Abraham, 9:29 a.m. Thursday, July 3 2008 Permalink
I just found WNYE (91.5) has a good morning show if you can't get clear AM. It is a mix of modern music and news.
Wake Up // English
Monday through Friday 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
An inclusive mix of alternative rock, hip hop, electronic, roots, soul, and global — as well as exclusive music features, NYC show info and news from NPR and the BBC.
Posted by Morning Edition Rocks, 2:28 p.m. Thursday, July 3 2008 Permalink
Fact correction -- actually the most commented thread today is the conversation about what WNYC should do soon: cancel the show. It's listed as number 5 on "Most Viewed": Mornings need a makeover. If you noticed the banalities on today's show, you can join the club and comment.
Posted by public radio geek, 5:17 p.m. Thursday, July 3 2008 Permalink
All efforts to be "trendy" and pandering to the "younger audience" of which this show reeks on both counts should be avoided. The NPR audience of any age group expects better than this. The constant mindless jangle in the background, interferes with the content and distracts the listener. This is now endemic in all audio programming and I note that many others posting to this site are similarly irritated by this. Worst of all is the audio quotation mark that used to introduce each sound clip, this is completely unwarranted and very jarring.
The presenters indulgence in what might be defined as "ping-pong radio", batting trivial comments back and forth, is equally irritating.
Some serious news gathering and commentary is what is required at this time of the morning, either at six or eight.
I could go on.
Take it away. Permanently.
Richard P
Posted by Richard Pare, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 3 2008 Permalink
Never Never Again said
"It just points out how little there is to recommend this disaster when those who purport to like it continue to ridicule those of us who expect something better from public radio."
That is true throughout this thread.
What explains it is that the very concept of this show is based on contempt for the average public radio listener. And the people who are connected with this show and support it seem to exhibit that same contempt.
Frank
Posted by FrankD, 7:03 p.m. Thursday, July 3 2008 Permalink
I don't understand why people keep listening if they don't like the show! I do believe they have other options. I, on the other hand, truly enjoy your upbeat attitudes early in the morning. Your stories are interesting and I enjoy the interviews. Keep up the good work everyone!
Posted by Sasha, 10:12 p.m. Friday, July 4 2008 Permalink
I couldn't agree with you more, Sasha. I'm astonished at the time/effort some ppl put into dissecting details about this site and program so they can endlessly criticize. Like you, I'm enjoying the differences and have no need for this show to duplicate others on NPR that I also enjoy. But be warned -- positive postings here reap a harvest of negative retorts!
Posted by Evelyn C., 1:02 a.m. Saturday, July 5 2008 Permalink
Sasha and Evelyn: Here's the problem. AM is an inferior radio band. The Takeaway is an inferior radio program. The Takeaway belongs on AM where its inferior content quality well suits the inferior sound quality.
FM is a superior radio band. Morning Edition is a superior radio program. Morning Edition belongs on FM where its superior content quality well suits the superior sound quality.
The Takeaway should have premiered solely on AM without displacing Morning Edition. Then, if there had been a groundswell of kudos and support, perhaps it could have been moved. But, as anyone can plainly see by reading the comments here, the overwhelming reaction by loyal listeners and contributors (many now former contributors) is that The Takeaway is a failure, an attempt to produce a Howard Stern/Morning Zoo lite program for public radio. Imagine A Prairie Home Companion with wet T-shirt contests. You get the idea.
Posted by Never Never Again, 10:59 a.m. Saturday, July 5 2008 Permalink
Thanks, Tony (#459) for sharing the fact that the WCAI website reiterates and supports the more than 400 negative reactions to The Takeaway posted here. My question is, beyond these comments, what can we do to be heard by the decision-makers to urge them to end this dreadful program on wnyc?
Posted by Joanne, 9:54 a.m. Sunday, July 6 2008 Permalink
Tony,
That is exactly the same letter I received from Listener Services several weeks ago. I guess TT is still a work in progress, although from the looks of things on this board (I never listen to the program), you'd never know. It seems more like what's broadcast now is the final result, and the producers are loving it. Meanwhile, FWIW, I have sent a second email to Listener Services, suggesting that someone on their staff take a look at this site if they want to see the unvarnished truth about what their listeners really think.
Posted by Charle, 10:08 a.m. Monday, July 7 2008 Permalink
I also received the form response from WNYC, What else can they do? such an embarassment.I was listening just to count the number of times they repeated the name of the show but my wife put an end to it. Now i just like to sneak a listen to see how bad it can get.
Posted by ben, 2:10 p.m. Monday, July 7 2008 Permalink
How was what I said in any way a "personal attack"? Whom did I attack? I disparaged Ms. Udoji but so did message 462 above, and that was not removed. I did not mention any other participant in this thread.
FWIW the post suggested imagining Udoji being replaced by Gwen Ifill or Cokie Roberts, in light of the fact that she can't pronounce the unusual name "Barack Obama." And I mentioned that Hockenberry showed up for work on the first day carrying a bicycle horn and a guitar for a news show, which is simply the truth.
Somebody is getting an itchy trigger finger. And that is not intended as an attack on the moderator.
Frank
Posted by FrankD, 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 7 2008 Permalink
It's like I always say to pro-lifers...if you don't like abortion, don't have one. Same thing with listening to this show. The whining is really getting old, and there are so many larger problems in this world to address.
And re: Hockenberry not having intelligence...? The man won several Peabodys and Emmys -- trust me, just because you don't LIKE him doesn't mean he isn't smart.
Posted by Bonnie Blue, 9:50 p.m. Monday, July 7 2008 Permalink
There is some very interesting information everyone needs to know about the genesis of this show. It is the result of the WNYC producers and executives going to the design school at Stanford seeking a new way to "design" a morning program. In fact, according to an article in Fast Company (http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/127/nextmedia-morning-revision.html) students in a d.school course called Design + Media, are using the show as a class project, and are helping producers generate ideas and track online response.
It all becomes clearer now. This mess of a radio program is a Stanford design school class project --- and we, the listeners and contributors, are the guinea pigs in this horrific experiment. Stanford students, if you are reading this, it isn't working!
Posted by Paul, 6:55 a.m. Tuesday, July 8 2008 Permalink
Aside from Bonnie's questionable (or perhaps apt) comparison of The Takeaway to an abortion, she misses the point about choice. For those of us with inferior or unreliable AM reception, there is no choice between 6-7 AM. Well, that is, there is no choice if we want thoughtful, informative news programming.
But, Ms. Blue does hold up the tradition of attacking TT's critics. Well done.
As for awards, let's not forget that both Titanic and Marisa Tomei won Oscars. How's that for Hockenberry-grade snark?
Posted by Never Never Again, 7:50 a.m. Tuesday, July 8 2008 Permalink
Hiding behind the hypocritically self-righteous pretense of censoring “personal attacks”, TT appears to be dishonestly censoring pertinent criticisms of its on-air personalities.
Given that the hosts’ personal characteristics comprise the definitive core of TT--it was promoted to listeners as a vehicle for their special talents, and it would not be what it is (ojala que si) without them--criticisms of their performances are not only legitimate but crucial.
Isn’t it obvious that what makes TT so bad is that the hosts, and most of their guests, come across as so lacking in natural grace, wit, insight, nimble-mindedness, depth, respect for the audience, and journalistic integrity?
Would you please start to show at least the mechanical journalistic integrity and respect for the audience of allowing all comments about the on-air personalities to appear uncensored on the blog?
Posted by mgduke, 9:44 a.m. Tuesday, July 8 2008 Permalink
Snarkin' on the air
(apologies to Martha and the Vandellas)
Callin' out around the dial
Are you ready for another day
Morning's here so lose that smile
It's time for "The Takeaway"
It doesn't matter what you think
Or if you make a stink
So come on, every host interrupt
Every story ends abrupt
There'll be snarkin'
They're snarkin' on the air
Posted by Adaora and the Berries, 11:37 p.m. Tuesday, July 8 2008 Permalink
my mornings took a nose-dive for the worse the day the radio alarm turned on and you two inane, self-congratulatory and wildly uninteresting people came on the air, with a weird mix of music - it sort of feels like when somebody's grandmother pierces her tongue. please just give us back the BBC and Morning Edition. Please don't let the Republicans dumb us down even here in New York, our last enclave - I thought- of intellgence.
This show is an insult to viewers. Every morning now i push through the dial trying to find something else to listen to and now end up just getting out of bed. This used to be the way i stayed informed.
This show is a real loss for New Yorkers.
Posted by julie, 7:56 a.m. Wednesday, July 9 2008 Permalink
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, powers that be at WNYC, get rid of this terrible show. Or at the very least move it to am. It's horrible: the hosts are so self-congratulatory and inane. I am in withdrawal from hearing Morning Edition in the morning. I understand you think this is the standard resistance to change among public radio listeners. I assure you that is not at all the case. There is no integrity to the show at all. It's a disaster. I am seriously going to stop contributing to WNYC if it doesn't go away soon.
Posted by Kathy Bunk, 11:43 a.m. Thursday, July 10 2008 Permalink
Radio program by committee, what a joke. No wonder it is a failure. Why haven't KQED or any of the other SF / San Jose public radio stations picked-up this show...because it is awful.
Why doesn't Stanford just keep this on their college radio program? That is where it belongs!
Go here and comment, let the readers of Fast Company know that this is not the example that future public radio programs should follow.
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/127/nextmedia-morning-revision.html
Posted by downtown, 1:26 p.m. Thursday, July 10 2008 Permalink
I am writing about the new program at 7am during the week. I find it jarring with so much talk and sound effects. The bass and the tambourine are enough to jangle anyone's brain. I heard that others wrote with similar comments. Help! So unpleasant, so early in the morn.
I am sure there is substance there but I cannot bear the window dressing.
Posted by j silverman, 12:04 a.m. Friday, July 11 2008 Permalink
Please WNYC, take away the Takeaway! Because I find the show irritating and a waste of my time, I don't listen to it on the radio. Instead, I have to listen through the tinny speakers of my laptop, as I don't get WNYC AM at my place. Today's technical issues online means I can't listen to my local radio station, even online (unless the Takeaway has blessedly been replaced with a tapeloop (Good Morning WNYC online....). What a rotten time to be running a fundraiser.
Posted by Beth, 6:14 a.m. Friday, July 11 2008 Permalink
I just read the article referenced above, about the input of Stanford design student. That totally makes sense. Has there ever been a product with great design that really works well? Think about all those uncomfortable but gorgeous chairs that have been on the market for years. Who buys them? People with a lot of money, and a willingness to overlook a sore ass in exchange for hip cred. The rest of us go with what works, not just what looks like it should.
Posted by Beth, 6:28 a.m. Friday, July 11 2008 Permalink
Let's face it. The essential problem with The Takeaway is that the hosts are just not good at live, on the fly radio. Moreover, I find just plain sloppiness in their preparation. Today, Ms Udoji mispronounced the name of Kathleen Sebelius not once, but twice. It may seem a small matter, but professional radio newscasters are supposed to get it right. The format is ill-conceived and the hosts are not up to the challenge of rising above the flawed format. What a mess! WNYC should be ashamed to be associated with such low standards.
Posted by Paul, 8:18 a.m. Friday, July 11 2008 Permalink
I remember an SNL skit in which the crew of the Enterprise sighted a Cadillac maneuvering toward them and realized that the network executives were coming to yank Star Trek off the air. Where is the Prius full of PRI/WNYC honchos when we need them?
Posted by BJ, 11:54 a.m. Friday, July 11 2008 Permalink
The Stanford article is great, and it explains a lot. Thanks.
BJ I enjoyed the reference but it was a 1968 Chrysler Imperial that intercepted the Starship Enterprise in that SNL episode.
Maybe we should make a list of the names Adaora CAN pronounce?
F
Posted by FrankD, 1:20 p.m. Friday, July 11 2008 Permalink
Frank: I think we all now that Adaora can pronounce "Adaora Udoji" and "John Hockenberry" correctly as she does it about 50 times each morning.
As for the rest, perhaps she should use easier nicknames like "the head Russian guy", "one of those running-for-president fellows", or "that lady who runs Kansas".
Posted by Miss Pronunciation, 3:31 p.m. Friday, July 11 2008 Permalink
I want to hear news on the radio. I don't tune into trashy talk radio like Howard Stern or Imus. I don't need to feel like I have friends in these "radio personalities." I am greatly disappointed by NPR's decision to mimic that kind of show with The Takeaway.
Everyone I know who has heard the show has taken to calling it "The Throwaway." It's not the most creative pun, but it's dead accurate.
Posted by john r, 12:11 a.m. Monday, July 14 2008 Permalink
The NY Times article is in today's paper (Quatorze Juillet!) and describes the BPP as an "expensive failure." It also specifically compares the Bryant Park Project to "The Takeaway." One difference is that the BPP was a product of NPR which perhaps never got 100% behind the concept (according to the article), and TT is from PRI and WNYC who seem to support the show with glassy eyed devotion.
At any rate the Bryant Park Project lasted 9 months. Today's news at least gives one hope.
[[Comment edited. There was no "censorship," just a spam filter.]]
Posted by FrankD, 8:29 a.m. Monday, July 14 2008 Permalink
The BPP sounds a lot like the TakeAway:
QUOTE: The live two-hour program ranged through news and cultural topics in an informal, conversational manner and differed from more traditional NPR broadcasts, which rely heavily on prepackaged reports.
“Bryant Park Project” includes cheeky features like “Make Me Care,” which points up news reports’ real-life relevance. It also has a robust Web presence that is updated with blog posts throughout the day and also includes video. END QUOTE
PRI/WNYC.....get the hint?
Listeners don't want this type of radio program on public radio. Most listeners tune into public radio as alternative to that type of programming.
Posted by downtown, 2:29 p.m. Monday, July 14 2008 Permalink
My heart skipped a beat when I read the headline in the NY Times: "Public Radio to Cancel a Morning Experiment!" And then, of course, I was disappointed to learn it wasn't TT, but Bryant Park Project. It does give me hope, however as I think these programs are similar in their "conversational style" and goal of trying "to capture the online audience." Perhaps, someone in charge will make another sound "strategic" decision and end the dreadful Takeaway. Hurry, please.....
Posted by Joanne, 7:41 p.m. Monday, July 14 2008 Permalink
Like every other time I've heard a story on this horrible program, I learned nothing and heard the guest get interrupted several times by John Hockenberry's "humorous" comments. I give up. The radio will stay off from now on between 6 and 7, and I won't be donating to WNYC again until this show is gone (or at least on at a less prominent time so I can avoid it).
Posted by Joe C, 10:16 p.m. Monday, July 14 2008 Permalink
So Sorry Sudden Sam: But it's obvious that Laura Walker's underlings only show her the good reviews. Not unlike Max in "Sunset Boulevard" writing and sending Madam fan letters for all those years.
Just look at TT's wikipedia entry: "This phenomenon of initial negative response by some listeners to programming and schedule changes on stations is not new. According to quoted industry sources, many changes in schedules elicit less than positive responses in the early/initial phases by some listeners for a variety of reasons, including not liking a change in their schedules or preferring previous programming due to host, tone or style."
You see, we're all just malcontents who can't accept change. Even change for the worse.
Posted by Never Never Again, 10:18 p.m. Monday, July 14 2008 Permalink
How appropriate that this morning's "question" is about audio torture by the CIA. Top of the list: forcing Guantanamo prisoners to listen to The Takeaway.
Evil CIA interrogator: "heh, heh, this'll make him talk"
(from the radio we hear an electronic "bl-bleep," followed by 15 seconds of idiotic snarky banter) "Hi, I'm John Hokieberry and this is the Takeaway" (annoying music)
prisoner: "NOOOOOOOOOOO! I CONFESS!!!!!!!! I SHOT THE SHERRIF AND I KILLED THE DEPUTY, TOO!"
Posted by dave, 8:18 a.m. Tuesday, July 15 2008 Permalink
From the FastCompany article on the Takeaway:
"The first goal was to create a public-radio news program that replaces highly produced, carefully edited segments, such as those on Morning Edition, with something that feels a little more on the fly--open and conversational."
Well, PRI/WNYC have certainly done a good job of getting rid of highly produced, carefully edited radio. Geez, can you believe how long we've had to put up with that "professional" nonsense from Morning Edition "whose 12.9 million listeners make it the second-most-popular radio show in the country"?
Thank God The Takeaway arrived on the scene to rescue us from efficient, informative, interesting radio.
Posted by mike, 8:35 a.m. Tuesday, July 15 2008 Permalink
also pertinent from the FastCompany article:
"Notes executive producer Graham Griffith: 'Our hope is that pretty soon The Takeaway will be not just a radio program but an active environment.'"
An "active environment"? You mean, like an active case of dysentery?
Posted by mike, 8:40 a.m. Tuesday, July 15 2008 Permalink
With trepidation, I tuned into The Takeaway. I can't wait, can't wait, CAN'T WAIT until this flavorless program gets cancelled. This $7 million dollar albatross is exactly why I have declined to continue contributing to WNYC. When the station starts justifying the salaries and management bonuses with talent and good programming, I'll be glad to participate once again. Your producers that have bailed or are bailing are smart. Hopefully, when the show gets expanded, it will only serve to speed up its demise.
Posted by P G, 10:16 a.m. Tuesday, July 15 2008 Permalink
The take away is a train wreck, i love to listen to it. The fact they they have persisted week after week to continue this drivel is great. The more money they pour into this insipid side show the better, keep up the good work! i love disasters.
Posted by love the take away, 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 2008 Permalink
If we read between the lines, there ARE little victories. The show was to be expanded to four hours "in June, when WNYC moves to its new studio" -- has not happened. In "Fast Times" there is the quote: "By the time you read this, The Takeaway should air on 15 stations. 'They need Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Chapel Hill,' says Ken Mills, a public-radio consultant." Hasn't happened. Despite the continuing puffery for the show, including constant ads on WNYC and "outside" ads that must cost a fortune, the footprint has remained small. And that has to be the result of executive decisions which are being affected by the overwhelming listener response.
They may seem deaf dumb and blind but there are indications that someone is listening.
Frank
Posted by FrankD, 1:20 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 2008 Permalink
My same reaction to the headline of WNYC cancelling a program. Can it be true? Is there a god who oversees 6 to 7 a.m.? Honestly I have tried to listen, but that in itself is an act of endurance. In addition to all else that has been expressed on this site over the past 3 months, one has to say that even the guests are second-rate, including those I agree with.
We are in an incredibly serious situation--politically and economically. WYNC and NPR are doing a huge public dis-service with the Take Away, at an hour when people setting out for the day need information. Please cancel this show!
Posted by susan , 9:42 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 2008 Permalink
I tried one more time to listen to The Take Away this morning. And yet again - another hour wasted. What a pleasure when ME came on. The Take Away is too frenetic. The hosts are rude to their guests. Why are they so important that they continually cut off their guests- in mid-sentence? And perhaps they can practice speaking prior to going live each morning - that way they will be able to speak without stumbling and mumbling.
You know, I used to get annoyed at the repitition on ME .. now, it's a real pleasure. Real, in-depth content.
Posted by Lisa , 7:20 a.m. Wednesday, July 16 2008 Permalink
WNYC is asking for money for a corporate campaign -- they want to do more new programming. Yikes! The people who came up with this assinine program want me to give them money to do more of the same kind of thing. This program has changed my life in that instead of listening to my radio from 6-7am I listen to CDs and then turn on my radio at 7am when this program is gone from FM for the day (thank you G-d!).
Posted by Waldo, 11:50 a.m. Wednesday, July 16 2008 Permalink
naming their show 'the take away' the English term for take out, perfectly characterizes the trying-so-hard-to-be-hip insidious nature of this program. The hosts are unbearable, please please please pull the bloody plug asap.
Posted by english chap, 11:54 a.m. Wednesday, July 16 2008 Permalink
It's all about the hosts, isn't it? It's certainly not about the guests, or the relative importance of what they have to say.
I suppose there was a point to the calorie count bit this morning, but to interrupt - really rudely - a gentleman talking about his experiences under Taliban captivity, in favor of a chef who was presented as an airhead, is more proof that this is a frivolous program designed as "entertainment", not news.
As I noted in previous comments, I'm "forced" to listen to this replacement for Morning Edition, since I commute in a "radio sink" in which I can't receive WNYC AM during the 6 to 7 AM hour. In every single segment of this Take Away thing, I am provoked to yell at the hosts for interrupting their guests, emphasizing the shortness of time, leaving out detail, minimizing the guests, butchering their presentations, etc., etc. Dreadful!
PLEASE, PLEASE, bring back Morning Edition, all morning!
Tom Noble
Posted by Tom Noble, 8:49 a.m. Thursday, July 17 2008 Permalink
Listening for the first time to "The Takeaway" today, I am shocked that the hosts can't/don't avoid cutting their guests off in mid-sentence to go to a break. It is amateurish and highly annoying. I was put off by the outdated name "The Takeaway" to avoid the show until now. Now the show itself has put me off.
Posted by Penny Fearon, 9:08 a.m. Thursday, July 17 2008 Permalink
The Takeaway possibly hit a new low today in terms of program quality and interview skills by the hosts. Please bring back Morning Edition to the FM line up and for the good of journalism please remove the Takeaway from the air.
I appreciate your helpful tip to avoid the blather on the Takeaway by tuning to Morning Edition on AM but i dont recieve good AM reception where I live. Any other tips?
Posted by Greg Luper, 11:28 a.m. Thursday, July 17 2008 Permalink
Tom,
When I jumped into my car today with the radio pretuned to WNYC FM, I happened to hear, as you did, Adaora's abrupt termination of the compelling interview with the Taliban captive. It was really infuriating, and I immediately switched over to ME on WHYY. Where did Adaora pick up this offensive style and what makes the producers think that this is what listeners, hip or not, want?
Posted by Charle, 12:29 p.m. Thursday, July 17 2008 Permalink
I was also offended by that rude and abrupt end to the interview today.
But it wasn't the first time. Just when the stories get really interesting,
the guests are cut off. I keep trying to give this show a chance, (really, only because my AM reception is bad), but it just seems to irritate me more each day. Some days I just turn off the radio before it comes on.
I agree with all the previous emails, (style of the show, the hosts, and the most annoying sound effects repeated ad nauseam). I'm so glad everyone
is speaking out; I only hope someone out there is reading.
Posted by Denise, 1:57 p.m. Thursday, July 17 2008 Permalink
I agree with the vast majority on here: this show is appaling. To this add (in my opinion) Radiolab, Prarie Home Companion (I know, some people love it), Car Talk (in New York City?--why don't we have Mass Transit Talk?) and you end up with ALOT of pathetically wasted air time. I urge everyone to turn their dials (and their donations) to 99.5FM WBAI for excellent, intelligent talk.
Posted by Alan Rosenberg, 10:21 p.m. Thursday, July 17 2008 Permalink
It appears I'm not alone in loathing this nightmare of a program. I don't need another chatty, silly morning gabfest, and I am not particularly interested in the constant "what do YOU think?" solicitations for viewer input. What I want is a serious, adult news show. Way to go, WNYC, play to the lowest common denominator, just like the rest of the mainstream media. They also cancelled Warren Olney's "To the Point," an excellent hard news program aired at 2pm on 820am, replacing it with Michelle Martin, who, while not as irritating as Hockenberry and Edogi, focuses on softer news.
Posted by Jenny, 11:06 a.m. Friday, July 18 2008 Permalink
former listener:
Those dollars in the toilet are mainly from foundations, read across the bottom of the page here. But otherwise your point is valid.
At least the 7 million dollars will make for some nice bonuses for Laura Walker and certain other folks at WNYC. Appropriate thanks for a job well done.
Right?
F
Posted by FrankD, 5:02 p.m. Friday, July 18 2008 Permalink
Anyone looking for this board on the "most viewed" links won't find it, and I can't believe that it is because it isn't the most viewed. I think that Ms. Walker and her yes-people feel like they have had enough ego bashing, and are trying to stifle well-deserved criticism by making it even more difficult for critics to find this forum than ever before. Well, it's easier than yanking the show.
Posted by Charle, 3:11 p.m. Sunday, July 20 2008 Permalink
I dont want to sound chronic, but this show stinks and is stinking more each day. It is personality driven news commentary--that may have a place on radio, but it should not pretend to be serious news coverage and it absolutely should not be allowed to bump what was expert and relevant news coverage. Plus the personalities in this case are not interesting, authoriatative or even slightly attractive. And the leaders of this sad band are attuned to the standard and pathetic NPR left wing, "them republicans are evil" John Dean party line. What is even more galling is that this biased drivel, coupled with desperate attempts to be precious and entertaining, are paid for by tax dollars--in other words, taxpayers are expected to pay for propagandizing that they may or may not agree with. "THE TAKE AWAY" should absolutely be taken away.
Posted by Ken Zarecor, 10:08 a.m. Monday, July 21 2008 Permalink
Last night I set the alarm for 7am - but I awoke at 6 this morning. I decided to putter around the house during the extra hour, turned on the radio and found: The Takeaway. I turned off the radio and went back to bed. I'll putter around the apartment another time.
Posted by Waldo, 10:09 a.m. Monday, July 21 2008 Permalink
I've seen no sign of the TakeAway's ability to provide coherent news and insightful commentary. (Bring back Morning Edition!) But what struck me was that even a discussion about the opening of the Batman movie was complete drivel. An interview with the sheriff of Gotham, Wisconsin (Clever, huh?). Questions like, "Do you make it to the bat cave?" and "Any characters like the Joker in your Gotham?" The sheriff commented that "it's a very, very good movie; the acting is great." WNYC - wake up! You have an intelligent audience, and you're losing us, one by one, with the quality and general level of this dreadful show.
Posted by Neal, 8:55 p.m. Monday, July 21 2008 Permalink
Please take away the Takeaway. The journalism is unprofessional - names are flubbed, interviewees are interrupted and its generally impossible to listen to without becoming frustrated. The news items are trivial - who cares about the Big Mac song?? This is the worst radio show I have ever heard.
Posted by David, 9:33 a.m. Tuesday, July 22 2008 Permalink
So much for public radio? This has been a horrible experiment, and producers at WNYC should now move the Takeaway to am and let us have our mornings back. I used to really like John Hockenberry, but now he comes across as so pompous it's horrible. And Udoji is just a trainwreck. Really, guy, give up and let us enjoy WNYC again. At this point, I'd be interested to know if your contributions are suffering as a result of this new show.
Posted by Kathy Bunk, 9:35 a.m. Tuesday, July 22 2008 Permalink
Yep I agree this station has gone to the toilet. My husband told me they are expanding this crap to 2 hours. How could they knowing how crap the show is? Those kids at stanford must have some pretty powerful, and wealthy dads. They sure do waste a lot of time messing with the website statistics. I mean who could be viewing, and viewing website pages so much that this topic gets pushed down. There are hardly any posts on the mostly viewed topics. It's a ridiculous ploy.
Posted by fomer listener as well, 11:37 a.m. Tuesday, July 22 2008 Permalink
Bad News
I just heard JH announce that the TakeAway was going to two hours on the AM station starting next week. The new schedule:
FM: 6AM-7AM
AM: 8AM-10AM
I called listener services and gave them specific reasons why I disliked this show...the interrupting hosts, the lack of "real" news, the bleeps and beeps, etc. etc. etc.
I suggested that the show be moved to the afternoon, to the web, anywhere but in the morning.
Posted by downtown, 12:03 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 2008 Permalink
When this show gets expanded to 2 hrs on FM that's when the riots start. What deal was struck to keep this crap going for 3 months after it has been so universally rejected by the listeners? I have lost all respect for John Hockenberry, his extended exposure has ruined his reputation and fouled our airwaves. Please remove this putrifying mess as soon as possible.
Posted by walter gropius, 2:24 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 2008 Permalink
It is disingenuous to advertise this awful program as "journalistic excellence" and a slap in the face to members to expand it to 2 hours! When fund-raising, wnyc is "our" radio station - we are begged to offer support, and we happily do. WNYC, listen. We do not want the TakeAway on "our" radio station. It was just a misguided experiment. Admit it, and move on.
Posted by Joanne, 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 2008 Permalink
One of the great things about NPR and WNYC is the focus on content, an outward focus on the subject at hand, the music, etc. The No Show and the Takeaway are notable exceptions. In both shows the hosts focus on themselves as media personalities to the detriment of both content and enjoyment. I don't listen to either of these shows because the hosts and their commentary are inane.
Posted by Mary A., 10:44 a.m. Wednesday, July 23 2008 Permalink
I have been a daily listener of WNYC for over 20 years. I always listen to it from 6:30 - 7 am. While I find The Takeaway modestly interesting, I miss the former program, as I am getting less news now. But my primary reason for writing, the first time I ever have, is that the person who comes on to do the intermittent news reporting (is it Femi Oke? -my apologies for not knowing how to spell her name - I couldn't find it on the WNYC website), speaks in a manner that makes it very difficult for me to hear her clearly and to understand what she is saying. I think it is because she speaks too quickly, and her words slur together. I never have had this problem with any other person on WNYC or NPR/NPI. It is a constant, daily problem with her. I hope that she can be coached to speak more clearly asap. Thx.
Posted by Ted Maynard, 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, July 23 2008 Permalink
despite having WNYC on all day in our office this will be the first time we will not contribute to the station. unfortunately this may be the only way to get through to the directors. This show is such an embarassment, i feel sorry for the WNYC staff for having to be associated with such lame inane insipid crap.
Posted by john b, 7:57 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 2008 Permalink
I have to agree - The Takeaway is a bogus excuse for a radio news program. How many time each minute do you have to mention LIBERTY MUTUAL? How many times each minute do I have to hear the stupid Takeaway music - with the stupid drip sound? How many time a minute do I have to hear chit chat with no substance WHATSOEVER? I am not going to switch to FM I am going to switch stations! P.S. I also think New & Notes SUCKS.
Posted by special monkey, 10:03 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 2008 Permalink
The new studios are at 160 Varick Street, near the entrance to the Holland Tunnel. Easy to get to. You might want to walk past and have a look.
If you use Google Image Search and look for 160 Varick WNYC you will get images of both the new studio and Ms. Laura Walker.
I tried to "embed" the image according to the instructions but I got an error message, "contains markup."
Posted by FrankD, 10:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 2008 Permalink
In our house we call "The Take Away"-The Leave Behind - the Get Away (from me) - and my favorite - The Stay Away
Idora is terrible! I don't think I have heard one intelligent question or comment come out of her mouth. John is not very good either and I think he agrees that Idora is terrible as well when he must constantly correct her.
If my bathroom radio dial was not set to WNYC in the morning I would not subject myself to the show at all - but noise used to beat silence during the morning's constitution, however in the case of the Stay Away, silence is golden.
Femmy find a new show for your cute (although too thick to actually understand the news) accent and try to reduce the trip ups and you may survive the train wreck that is the Leave Behind and perhaps you wont be left behind. Whoever thought they deserved a second hour should be fired immediately.
I love NPR and this show is ruining it. This is my first comment. Please NPR take away The Take Away!
Posted by D.D.A NYC, 7:01 p.m. Thursday, July 24 2008 Permalink
This morning I called Listener Services to complain about this terrible show (the new number is (646)829-4000). I couldn't get a live person on the phone, but left a message. Surprisingly, there was a message on my machine when I got home tonight, from a very nice woman who wants to hear my feedback about the show. I think we should all call and loudly communicate that this show is simply not up to par. When they replace BBC News FM at 9:00 with TT, it's gonna get ugly.
Posted by Jenny, 11:58 p.m. Thursday, July 24 2008 Permalink
With all the negative comments about The Takeaway, whose stupid idea was it to expand the program to two hours every morning on WNYC/AM? Perhaps it's cheaper than airing Morning Edition, or is there another reason. Also, do we have to be told every two minutes that we are listening the The Takeaway and then every five minutes about Liberty Mutual. Please, oh please, take away The Takeaway.
Posted by Milt Snitzer, 2:51 p.m. Friday, July 25 2008 Permalink
a commenter said "Listeners don't want this type of radio program on public radio. Most listeners tune into public radio as alternative to that type of programming."
I am a long time NPR listener.
I do want this kind of programming. It was always
relevant, innovative and full of heart.
I remember a similarly innovative show called "heat" that asked me to go outside with my radio on summer's night because we were going to talk about astronomy.
NPR can be so academic, earnest and pedantic
that it feels rigid.
I want the feeling of life in my programming.
I'm looking forward to trying "the takeaway"
thanks.
Posted by kevin redman, 3:55 p.m. Friday, July 25 2008 Permalink
"I'm looking forward to trying 'the takeaway'"
Believe me, it is better in theory than in practice.
[[Comment moderated. Personal attacks will not be tolerated.]]
Kevin, get back to us after you have "tried" listening to the program.
There was a reply to Kevin earlier, was it deleted??
Frank
Posted by FrankD, 10:02 p.m. Saturday, July 26 2008 Permalink
So WNYC is going after Imus listeners -- Good luck with that Laura!
People who are interested in finding out what's going on and making views known should go to WNYC board meetings. Time and place are announced on air (if you're still listening to the station). Othrwise you can call Listener Services for dates/times. It's something of a mutual admiration society but it's just about the only chance to go around Laura and make your views known to the board.
Posted by Dorothy, 12:58 p.m. Sunday, July 27 2008 Permalink
Like your show - but twice in a row??
When WNYC advertised two hours of your show in the mornings, it gave the impression of a two-hour show. Judging from the opening I just heard - again - it seems they are just rebroadcasting the first hour.
Bring back the BBC!
Sorry guys.
Posted by Katherine, 9:29 a.m. Monday, July 28 2008 Permalink
I gave the Takeaway a try when it first aired, and was disappointed by the interrupting and shallow nature of the conversation. I listened again today and found the same issues persist.
Ms. Eudogi reads so aggressive and unsubtle-- it is clear she knows nothing about pardons and could not drop her agenda long enough to learn about them from the expert brought on the show.
I will be turning off WNYC whenever the Takeway airs. Please reconsider continuing this show.
FYI, I am a 33 year old woman who is a performing artist - just so that you understand the demographics here.
Posted by Meagan, 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 28 2008 Permalink
If you truly haven't listened to the program, please download some of the earliest broadcasts and compare them to the more recent broadcasts. Yes, the program is still lacking in providing news, but it has dropped some of the really annoying features.
Now, if we can just drop the hosts, the annoying beeps, the interruptions, the lack of news coverage, the.... oh just bring back Morning Edition.
[[Comment edited. Stop insulting other posters.]]
Posted by downtown, 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 28 2008 Permalink
question for moderators....
How can quoting what another poster wrote without changing their words or taking them out of context be considered "insulting other posters...," I am curious, so please explain.
If a comment is labeled as disingenuous, it is not an "insult" is a disagreement with what was said, which was (to summarize)...if you haven't listened to the show, how can you comment on how it is better than what it replaced...
Posted by downtown, 10:41 a.m. Tuesday, July 29 2008 Permalink
In response to Downtown #561--
I had the TA on today on my kithen radio, and did note some signs of progress: They made it through a very fluffy piece about bad-girl rock stars, like Amy Winehouse, without angering me with their attitude or incompetence, and Femme has learned how to pronounce Yosemite since yesterday (sounding it out?). Well, if fluff is what they do best, leave the heavy-duty stuff to ME, and bring on the fluff.
Posted by Charle, 2:01 p.m. Tuesday, July 29 2008 Permalink
If you must continue this show, please do at least 2 things:
1) Be honest in how you sell it. Call it info-tainment, and not news that "advances journalistic excellence in the digital age." This advertising is arrogant and totally disengenuous.
2) Move it to AM completely, returning Morning Edition to FM where the sound is of higher quality.
Or you could be truly wise - you can acknowledge how unpopular this show is, stay true to your mission of quality public radio, and just take it away.
Posted by Neal, 10:23 p.m. Tuesday, July 29 2008 Permalink
The remainder of the message above:
I'd be curious to get your audiences reaction to the program. Offering the program as a 2nd choice to Morning Edition is a lot less riskier than replacing M.E. with the new program. It would be interesting to see how the program does at alternative times on your main channel.
F
Posted by FrankD, 9:35 a.m. Wednesday, July 30 2008 Permalink
FrankD....thanks for posting this most enlightening commentary by an "insider."
Surely, the WGBH employee cannot be alone in his opinion and other public radio employees also are advocating for the listeners to (re)move this program to a more logical time on the schedule, or better yet, make it a web-only broadcast.
Posted by downtown, 3:50 p.m. Wednesday, July 30 2008 Permalink
If they had really wanted and believed in the concept of a cutting edge program, they would have introduced it as a web-only program. Then all those supposed hipsters that wanted that type of programming would flock to it. But, it's obvious to anyone who listens that it became obvious to Walker and Co, that the whole concept was shaky. So, rather than take a chance and try to build a new audience, why not just spring it on the 2nd largest radio audience in existence - voila - instant success.
Well, except for the fact that they've managed to alienate that audience. Of course, we'll never know the extent to which TT has negatively affected donations, and I don't expect wnyc to own up to its failure anytime soon.
I can only hope that someday, Hockenberry will look wistfully at that Peabody of his and think "I really used to be a journalist, didn't I?"
Keep hope alive.
Posted by On The Takeaway, 9:56 p.m. Wednesday, July 30 2008 Permalink
I've just moved to New York from the Midwest. After listening to "The Take Away", I honestly feel that the worst broadcasts of college radio seem better organized and more intelligently discussed. This program almost seems like a crossover from mainstream media and lacks the unique and fresh flavor I'd associate with public radio. Having read the comments above, I hope I am able to find "Morning Edition"...
Posted by Brooklyn Bill, 8:57 a.m. Friday, August 1 2008 Permalink
Are they being a little more polite all of a sudden? I only listen to the end of the show -- and Udoji was pretty awful with the "pardon" expert just a few days back, but since then the only interruptions I have heard was when the "Hispanic vote" guys interrupted each other.
If the hosts have started learning some manners, well, there are still 100 things wrong with the show, but THAT was what made me really angry.
Maybe they just forgot their extra cup of coffee, or maybe WNYC is sending them to Finishing School.
Frank
Posted by FrankD, 11:22 a.m. Friday, August 1 2008 Permalink
Please take a look at the Wikipedia entry. Currently the entry is a corporate p.r. statement. I made some edits the other day to correct what I thought were some very slanted statements, and it was completely replaced with the original press release. Surprise.
There is very little opinion about this show beyond the Mix, and there are no media reviews of this mistake for a morning show (anyone else notice the blackout?). Let's at least make it at least a bit closer to reality.
Posted by Beth, 10:24 a.m. Saturday, August 2 2008 Permalink
(Continued)
I do not expect to adore every moment of programming on WNYC. I will
still love the station, even if it persists in nurturing shows which seek to public radiocize the Howard Stern/Morning Zoo/Generic Wacky Crazy Dudes Morning Show hijinx formula for dubious mega-successt would take a lot more than the Takeaway to keep me from my daily dose of Brian Lehrer. Still, I hope that WNYC sees the folly in trying to apply commercial radio morning show lipstick to its already beautiful, informative, and entertaining face. Please leave the awkward banter, vapid call-in questions, and bleeps and bloops to the pros, and please continue providing the substantial alternative to fluffy commercial programming which I and other WNYC listeners have come to expect.
Thank you so much for your time, consideration, and the service WNYC provides to me and my community.
Cheers!
Posted by Jordan, 5:06 p.m. Sunday, August 3 2008 Permalink
I'm weighing in with those of you who don't like the show and wish it would go away. In addition to the comments on the quality and appeal of the show, I question the demographic targets. I presume that spiffing up the web site and enabling the blogs is part of the approach to a younger, hipper demo group but the posts here are overwhelmingly negative. So much for the hipster vote.
I am in a fast growing demographic with lots of disposable income. That's right, I'm a Boomer, and we will be around for at least 30 more years, listening and contributing to public radio, or not. I might not be hip but I'm brand loyal, and if WNYC loses my loyalty now I won't be listening when they change their mind about this show.
Posted by Riverside , 5:23 p.m. Monday, August 4 2008 Permalink
Today's interview of Evan Kohlman, a terrorism consultant who produced a film used in the Hamdan trial,has to be heard in order to appreciate its staggering combination of pretentiousness, rudeness, and ignorance. Hockenberry was condescending, impolite, and uninformed about every aspect of this subject, and about the "guest." He spent the entire interview mocking him because of his youth. He would ask questions like, "what are you going to do next? Learn about the culture?" The poor guest responded that he had a degree in Islam, and had spent more than ten years studying terrorist organizations. Then Udoji jumped in to observe that she had "different perceptions" about terrorism, because she had travelled to the middle east. I suppose we should give her props because she did concede that she hadn't actually ever studied the subject. Oh it was nauseating. Maybe there was an intelligent discussion to be had about this subject, but it isn't happening on this hideous show.
Posted by Ann Toth, 6:28 p.m. Monday, August 4 2008 Permalink
Ann, I just want to ditto your thoughts about Hockenberry's unacceptable cross (crass?) examination of Evan Kohlman, whose credentials and presentation were truly impressive. Why book a guest to interview if you're only going to set him up for 10 minutes of insults?
Posted by Charle, 9:40 a.m. Tuesday, August 5 2008 Permalink
Concerned listener said: "I expect a national radio host to be able to pronounce Solzhenitsyn" Is this a "national" program? Go to the "station finder" and look at the list of stations. Thirteen states, which is misleading because in Illinois it is not Chicago but the local community college station in Kankakee that carries the program. In California the only station is in the town of Hoopa. I don't see Philadelphia listed. It is the college station in Athens Ohio that provides the only coverage there.
Perhaps this show has been a hard sell. Perhaps the people commenting here are not the only ones who see quality issues with The Takeaway.
Frank
Posted by FrankD, 12:58 p.m. Tuesday, August 5 2008 Permalink
I listen to this program when I wake up early because I am too lazy to look for another station.I also enjoy a train wreck. Hockenberry seems to have lost his mind, Udogi is not ready for prime time and what can I say about Femi Okey? she fits in perfectly:off-key,self absorbed and vacuous. Even a train wreck can become tedious, I've had enough, please put this program out of it's misery.
PS if this program ever enters into the post 7am slot on the FM dial WNYC will have hell to pay.
Posted by had enough, 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 5 2008 Permalink
I get aggravated every morning now that Morning Edition at 6 am has been shifted to AM where I get mostly static. I'm astounded that WNYC just dumped its loyal ME listeners to promote this empty exercise in info-tainment. You've ruined my mornings - I want intelligent news and commentary, not talk-overs, rude interviews, mispronunciations, and silly questions posed to the audience. Move this program to AM, or put it out of its misery altogether!
Posted by Joanne, 11:11 p.m. Tuesday, August 5 2008 Permalink
I'm wondering what effect The Takeaway is having on my station, WGBH.
When GBH began to air ME, I switched over from WBUR, because I like their local host better and they offer Garrison Keillor's Writer's Almanac. But I've found The Takeaway so hard to take that I've switched to WBUR at 6:00 and often forget to turn the dial back to GBH at 7:00. If GBH were to pull out, it may hasten this show's demise.
Posted by BJ, 12:18 p.m. Thursday, August 7 2008 Permalink
WGBH owns a piece of the Takeaway Pie. They stand to gain if the show succeeds, and they lose if it fails, just like WNYC. So both this show is going to be on the air in both Yankee and Red Sox territory until the last dog dies. Or until someone in charge smacks her forehead and says "what was I THINKING?!?!"
Frank
Posted by FrankD, 8:35 a.m. Saturday, August 9 2008 Permalink
Before "angry angered's" comment gets deleted, let me chime in with support. TT is a disgrace and an embarassment to public radio. I too, will probably never contribute again to wnyc and certainly not why TT pollutes the FM band. Good luck with that capital campaign.
Posted by anonymous, 10:21 p.m. Sunday, August 10 2008 Permalink
This show is an amalgam of intelligent topics and totally inane banter that amount to a waste of precious time in the morning. I just listened to a another listener sing a Paul Simon song (off-key) to Barak Obama, to what end I cannot say. It was not entertaining nor informative. I do not know what they were thinking when they came up with this idea, but it is a total disaster. It means that I (and many of my NPR-listening friends) must keep two radios in the kitchen and bathroom so we can switch back and forth from AM to FM so we can hear Morning Edition. This show is an impediment to an informed electorate and the antithesis of everything NPR stands for. I know this will be a difficult show to kill given the strength and investment of the Co-Producers, but I am sure some farsighted executive at NPR will have the courage and foresight to close this show before it causes real damage to the NPR listener base.
Darrell Paster
Posted by Darrell Paster, 9:12 a.m. Wednesday, August 13 2008 Permalink
Darrell, if this were an NPR show, you might have a point.
Unfortunately the "co-producers" are PRI and WNYC and various other letters you see at the bottom of this screen.
They seem to be deaf to what is going on here, or nearly so.
Frank
Posted by FrankD, 12:02 p.m. Wednesday, August 13 2008 Permalink
Darrell, I couldn't agree with you more, and the vast majority of the postings here also do. I've stopped my monthly contribution to WNYC, but I'm not sure this strategy will have any impact. The answer I received was to "just give it time." It's a dreadfully thin, silly program, and the kind of program I turn to public radio to avoid.
Posted by Joanne, 12:05 p.m. Wednesday, August 13 2008 Permalink
Like, OH. MY. GOD.
No softball in the Olympics? Theme songs for McCain and Obama?
My alarm was less annoying than the mindless chatter of TT that I endured by sleeping in this morning.
No contributions from me while TT is on.
And maybe forever.
If this is the future of public radio, it deserves to die.
Posted by Deb, 10:55 p.m. Saturday, April 26 2008 Permalink