It always amazed me that the funniest people in Hollywood and New York were always politically very liberal – but liberal talk radio has been some of the most boring radio that has ever existed. I mean, Al Franken, a friggin former comic for cry-eye, had me veering off the highway, eyes rolled back in my head, and drool running down my chin when I listened to his liberal “show”.
Meanwhile, you’ve got conservatives – who outside of radio would be labeled boring troglodytes – bring passion and humor every day. Say what you will about Hannity, Beck and of course, Rush; a lot of their content can be funny and it’s eminently interesting radio, whatever side of the aisle you’re on.
People like Randi Rhodes and Stephanie Miller are changing progressive radio for the better. They bring humor through their quick John-Stewart-like wit, their cast of characters on the show with great timing and impressions, and their banter with guests.
It’s what Air America needed but never really had.
I don’t know if it helps a liberal host endorse a company any better – but I’ll tell you this: it’s going to keep listeners, and that’s more than what they did in the past. I think the trick with the typical progressive listener will be suspending their natural more cynical nature and be open to endorsements from their favorite host(s). More on writing for conservative audiences versus liberal audiences later.
The short of it is that progressive radio is embracing what makes liberals more fun: humor. Which makes me think, maybe Tom Leykis should come back to the airwaves – this time, going back to where he started: politics.
Thanks for your show, Stephanie Miller. Enjoy New York!
Here’s a bunch of us meeting with Stephanie at her New York studio.

Stephanie Miller stays awake during boring business meeting!
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