Station Break

Heard or seen something on the radio and TV lately that appalled/delighted/enlightened you? Of course you have. That's what Station Break with Paul Farhi is here for. Local stations, cable, radio shows, commercials -- they're all fair game.

Farhi, a reporter in the Post's Style section, writes about media and popular culture. He's been watching TV and listening to the radio since "The Monkees" were in first run and Adam West was a star. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Los Angeles, Farhi had brief stints in the movie business (as an usher at the Picwood Theater), and in the auto industry (rental-car lot guy) before devoting himself fulltime to word processing. His car has 15 radio pre-sets and his cable system has 75 channels. He vows to use all of them for good instead of evil.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

________________________________________________

Paul Farhi: Greetings, all. I'm back from vacation to the swinging-est locales of Florida: South Beach! Orlando! Delray Beach! Okay, maybe those last two don't qualify...Ahem. So, is the FCC finally making good on its Secret Plan to drive Howard Stern off the air? It could do worse than to drop that $495K bomb on Infinity and Stern last week. I'm starting to think Stern's schtick about the government being out to get him is no schtick. What say ye, good people?

_______________________

Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C.: Hi Paul,
Have you ever noticed the extensive, cheesy alliteration on Fox 5 News at Ten? I'm talking about the graphics in the promos and lead-ins to the individual stpries. Here are some typical examples:
Super Soaker (rainy weather)
Water Warnings (lead)
Water Woes (flood/leak)
Train Terror (Madrid bombings)
Kiddie Car Thieves (partial)
and so on! They are usually accompanies by over-the-top graphics and blaring bugle notes. That whole broadcast is SO unprofessional!

Paul Farhi: I've always thought Fox5 was trying to straddle the line between Washington-serious and its true Murdochian tabloid nature. On this one, their tabloid is showing.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Do you have an idea of how "closed" the local radio market is? I ask because I'm hoping the new Air America left-wing talk network can get a station here, but as I understand it they're having difficulty finding a station to buy. Surely the moribund 570 would fair better with Al Franken & Co. at the helm?

Paul Farhi: I'd like to hear it, and I bet a fair number of other people would too (and don't start about internet streaming). Surely, the open-minded folk at Clear Channel (TWO syndicated sports-talk stations?) could find room for a lib talk show format. Oh, wait. Maybe they can't.

_______________________

Chevy Chase, Md.: I was happy to read in the last chat that other listeners get annoyed by the NPR habit of having anchors interview reporters. What really bugs me about it is all the "thank you's" at the end, like it isn't the reporter's job to be on the air!

Paul Farhi: Yep. And here I quote again the great Kenny Mayne (he of ESPN's SportsCenter) who once thanked a reporter in the field, and then added, "On the other hand, it IS your job."

_______________________

Leesburg, Va.: Any idea why the Junkies took such a big hit in the ratings? I really like the show and from what they said the last few ratings periods they were doing really well but it sounds like that had a major drop off. Any clues?

Paul Farhi: Hard to figure. They were chugging upward in the last few books. Let's assume that one book doesn't make a trend. Call me after a couple more lousy ones...

_______________________

Ingus, W.Va.: What's the latest on the Greaseman and WGOP? I recall something about the signal being strengthened so that we can actually listen to him.

Also, how are his ratings? A boon or bust?

Paul Farhi: The-WGOP-signal-being-strengthened story seems to be the Franco-still-dead story (old and obscure "SNL" reference, kidz). It just keeps coming back again and again with nothing to show for it. I say, and I mean this both ways, more power to the Greaseman!

_______________________

Capital Hill, Washington, D.C.: I was wondering if they will bring back the TV show The Amazing Race?

Thanks

Paul Farhi: CBS hasn't announced anything, as far as I know, but it's probably a good bet. Cheap to produce. Fairly solid ratings. Not an embarrassment. Several seasons in the bag already.

_______________________

Air America: Paul,

What are you hearing about the growth of Air America's station roster?

Are they planning to follow the plan they developed in NY/SF: look for the most ethnic-minority-oriented local AM outlet and put that community out of business?

Nice irony--good thing they're looking out for the disenfranchised...

Paul Farhi: It's a little early to start talking about station clearances, don't you think (they've been on the air less than two weeks). As for the "disenfranchised"--ethnic radio hardly seems threatened by this...

_______________________

The Airless Cubicle: Hi, Paul.

As far as I know, these stations will be broadcasting baseball games that can be heard on an AM radio at night in the DC area--the way baseball is MEANT to be heard!;

Braves: WSB-750-Atlanta. This is their last year carrying the Braves.
Cardinals: KMOX-1120-St. Louis
Cubs: WGN-720-Chicago
Indians: WTAM-1100-Detroit
Mets: WFAN-660-New York (English); WADO-1280-New York (Spanish) (watch the interference)
Phillies: WLPA-1490-Lancaster and WEEU-830-Reading before sunset (afterwards, you might be able to get WCCO carrying the Twins, but not often with the Frederick station on 820 carrying WTOP).
Pirates: KDKA-1020-Pittsburgh
Red Sox: WTIC-1080-Hartford CT
Reds: WLW-700-Cincinatti
Tigers: WLQR-1470-Toledo (possibly; the interference is bad around Northern Virginia, where the Prince William station SHOULD sign off at sunset)
White Sox: WMVP-1000-Chicago
Yankees: WCBS-880-New York

A number of high-powered stations that used to carry games are dropping them because they focus on local news/talk.

Speaking of that, Clear Channel has proposed moving its 50-kw station out of wheeling, West Virginia (WWVA-1170) and placing it to cover the Cleveland market. This may make sense for marketing, but its not the reason why Class A, the former clear-channel stations are distributed around the nation!; Even though FM is everywhere and satellite covers the entire nation, these stations would be sorely needed in a national emergency.

Sincerely,

The Original Dubya

Paul Farhi: The management of Station Break makes no representations as to the accuracy of this list. However, the management of Station Break also says, Damn good list, AC!

_______________________

NPR Flap: My mom the liberal do-gooder wannabe loves Morning Edition and she called her local NPR station during their pledge drive just to tell them that she wouldn't donate because they fired Bob Edwards.

My dad calls this a win-win 'cuz now he doesn't have to write a check AND he doesn't have to listen to the radio with her.

Paul Farhi: Ah, something good has come of this fiasco! And after, oh, 17,000 or so emails (and counting)protesting the decision, you have to wonder if NPR is going to reconsider the inexplicable dumping of Bob. Our recommendation: Please!

_______________________

Rockville, Md.: Do you watch "Cable News 21" on Montgomery Community Television? What do you think of their news and sports talent?

Paul Farhi: Funny you should mention it. I find it surprising professional. That station must be a pretty good farm system for stations around the country. Now, I can't name a single on-air person, but there's some talent to be found there (sorry to bore all non-MoCo-ites...)

_______________________

19th Street, Washington, D.c.: Hey Paul:

Any theories on Don & Mike's ratings drop recently? Personally, i'm not sure it's due to the FCC stuff as much as the fact that they seem to ALWAYS be on vacation or "best of's".

Paul Farhi: I think you've got it. The show (on the rare days it's live) seems no different. And D&M have a 20-plus year track record of ratings success. See previous comment about drawing conclusions from one rating book.

_______________________

Which dumping stirred more of an uproar?: Bob Edwards or Frank Herzog?

Paul Farhi: Edwards, obviously (he's national, unlike Frank). But fair question--both moves were unjustified.

_______________________

The Airless Cubicle: Oops. WTAM is in Cleveland.

Paul Farhi: If you say so...

_______________________

Northern Virginia: Hi Paul,

Have you noticed that 104.3 plays songs at an accelerated speed, thus the songs play at a higher pitch than if you hear the same song on a CD or another station? I notice this almost every time I scan past the station. I have also noticed this phenomenon on stations in other cities. Why do stations do this? I find it irritating and unlistenable.

Paul Farhi: I have not noticed this, but will listen for it now. The phenomena, if in fact that's what it is, is aimed at cramming more spots in per hour while hewing to claims of "50-song Super Sets!"

_______________________

Sopranos Question: Hi Paul, Tom Shales mentioned in his review before the Sopranos premiere that a major character would die in the fourth episode of this season. Well, it's been six espisodes now, and Carmine and what's-her-name are the only speaking characters who have been killed. Is it possible HBO sent him a dupe set of shows to review, or am I underestimating the major-ness of Carmine?

Paul Farhi: We've been discussing this very thing around here for the past two weeks (well, I missed a week of the two). Where's our dead major character? I don't know, but your suspicions are worth investigating...

_______________________

Knox, Tenn: Re the NPR flap: I called my local station during pledge week and told them I was withholding my usual donation until a final decision was made about Bob Edwards. The guy who answered the call read me a prepared statement that, in essence, said it was Bob Edwards' decision to leave so he would no longer "have to go to bed with the chickens." When I told the guy it was my understanding Bob Edwards was being forced out to appeal to a younger demographic, he said he hadn't heard that. So, bottom line, no donation from me unless NPR reconsiders its decision to get rid of Bob.

Paul Farhi: If the guy told you that, he's saying something that Edwards himself has contradicted. In fact, NPR announced that Edwards would have some vague "senior correspondent" role that Edwards himself wasn't entirely sure he'd take. I think NPR is betting that the backlash will pass. They may be right. Then again, maybe not....

_______________________

NPR Flap: Is the NPR Flap the new Pledge Drive giveaway garment?

In true All Things Considered fashion, it makes you think it's covered everything, but in fact just spends all of its time on one side.

Paul Farhi: Hahahaha!

_______________________

Laurel, Md.: Paul, you're up against Robin Givhan talking spring fashions, so it's just us guys today...

Is Mariska Hartigay of SVU the worst actress ever to have a regular role on a good show? Closest runner-up would be Connie Stevens of Mr. Ed, who got that part for exactly the same reason.

Paul Farhi: Wait, you're saying "Mr. Ed" was a "good" show?

_______________________

Bethesda, Md.: Interesting that now you are buying Stern's whine. I used to love him and still listen now and then. However, maybe I am becoming a fogey but his whack pak and strippers format is getting old. I actually prefer Imus now (of whom I used to think, like Stern, that he was a lame-o). As for the politics bit, Stern as a libertarian turned Democrat is ridiculous. Kerry (an Imus fan) will not, like Clinton and Gore before him, lift a finger to save him. So all the Bush whacking will be for naught. Stern should switch to late nite TV interviewing on ABC, movies, and satellite radio (his E-show could still re-broadcast it). That way no one worries about the kiddies anymore.

Paul Farhi: This is probably giving Stern far more credit than he deserves, but don't underestimate his political power. Think of it: Stern reaches a demo (younger guys) that has some of the lowest voter turnout rates of any around. Take a few million of 'em, hammer on Bush for months, and surely some percentage of 'em will vote in November. With the election predicted to be close, why shouldn't Bush worry about this?

_______________________

Arlington, Va: The FCC needs a reason to exist and that is why they fined Stern. Fining Stern appeals to a large conservative demographic, thus granting legitimacy to their existence as media watchdog and not unnecessary beuracracy.

Frankly, I think Stern loves it. He wants off the air anyway, and this is an excuse to go out with a bang.

Paul Farhi: No doubt Stern is making hay out of this (he has done so for years). But, in fact, the FCC has always been quite conflicted about the whole indecency business. It waxes and wanes depending on how much outside pressure (i.e., Congress) they get. And right now, thanks to Janet Jackson, the heat is white hot.

_______________________

Charlotte, N.C.: Please tell me The Swan was a ratings disaster.

Paul Farhi: Have not seen ratings for The Swan. But every right-thinking American has a duty to resist this. Even bad taste should have some standards. This was just hideous...

_______________________

Columbia, Md.: The guy whose head is constantly turned sideways on the Sunday nite version of Law and Order is pretty awful too. (Vincent D-Onofrio)

Paul Farhi: He always makes me want to yell, "Hey, wake up!"

_______________________

Silver Spring, Md.: Connie Stevens was not on Mister Ed. That was Connie Hines.

washingtonpost.com: mister-ed.com

Paul Farhi: Darn. I was always a big Connie Stevens fan. Great teeth.

_______________________

12th Floor Metro Center, Washington, D.C.: Paul, I moved last month and have gone from having 700 channels a la digital to the standard 4, 5, 7, 9, 20 and 50, and ya know what? I don't miss my 695 other channels. Of course, it's only been a month, but I'm saving $80 a month. My friends are still amazed that I am now cable-free. And I'm getting a life back to boot.

Paul Farhi: Wow. What are you, some kind of survivalist?

_______________________

Bad Actresses on Good Shows: What about the plug-n-play prosecutor babes on Law & Order? Not an actress in the bunch!;

Okay then, what about Hot Lips?

Paul Farhi: The whole "Law & Order" cast is like your old hatchet--you just keep replacing the parts and it keeps on chopping...

_______________________

Saturday Night Live: I haven't watched the show for a year or two but was compelled recently by the larger-than-life recent guest hosts (Trump, Janet Jackson.)

I found both shows to be hilarious. Is this the recent trend? Should I expect the same hilarity with a common guest?

Paul Farhi: I, too, have noticed a slight comeback in SNL lately (Saturday's Janet Jackson-hosted edish was a good 'un). But the show is notorious for its inconsistency. It'll be bad again, and then good.

_______________________

Anywhere, USA: Wait just a sec. I'm a female and I am here (I wouldn't miss this) and I like Mariska. The dialogue on that show wasn't exactly written for Lawrence Olivier. She does a great job portraying a tough cop with a softer but seldom seen side. She doesn't get in the way of the story, and in fact, doesn't even seem to have a life outside her police work. With the material she's been given, I say she's doing just fine. Are you put off by her short hair and less-than-feminine appearance and affect? If so, go introduce yourself to some real life female detectives.

Paul Farhi: Fair points. All of the dicks (sorry) on "L&O" are basically Joe Fridays--stick figures who are subordinate to the "facts" or "investigation." You don't really get to know them, so much as you see them in action. Mariska is no worse, or better, than, say, Jerry Orbach...

_______________________

Worst actor on good show...: Definitely Jerry Seinfeld (although he got better during the show's run).

Worst actress: Sally Struthers.

Paul Farhi: I think Jerry acted bad on purpose. It was his way of saying, I'm above traditional sitcom schtick, but I'm still funny (and the show is, too) anyway. And he was right on both counts.

_______________________

Rockville, Md.: Yesterday I saw an automotive parts ad that featured a re-worked version of "We Didn't Start the Fire". Stop the insanity!

Paul Farhi: Yes, and this reminds me to give a shout out to my colleague David Segal for a brilliant and hilarious take on Applebee's mangling of "So Happy Together."
Maestro, won't you post the link that one?....

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: I soooo disagree with the post about Vincent D'Onofrio. I look forward every week to Bobby Goren's quirkiness on Criminal Intent. He makes that character so much fun to watch.

Paul Farhi: Pasty. Stiff. Dreary. He is underplaying that character to sheer boredom.

_______________________

Reston, Va.: If he stays on, Stern may have the political impact at the level you suggest but the point made earlier was that even if Kerry wins he's toast .. he knows it too. Plus, Infinity may not wait until the political conventions to fire him if the heat stays on and station licenses are suddenly in jeopardy. Which would mean the FCC has cut off his oxygen so to speak.

Paul Farhi: Whoa, back up. Station licenses in jeopardy? No way. The FCC has never done that, and won't (it would undoubtedly trigger the one thing the FCC doesn't want--a court case testing the constitutionality of its entire indecency regime). Stern will stay on as long as Stern wants to stay on (please note: Infinity almost always contests its fines, and rarely pays them).

_______________________

Air America: Paul - you touched on this but I think it's worth more focus...
Clear Channel (who owns 1200+ radio stations and synicates Rush, Glenn Beck, etc) claims that they have no political agenda, and just want to maximize revenue via serving local markets/listeners.

They then turn around and kill the 'nostaliga' format at 1260 AM in favor of sports programming that is entirely out of market (but clear channel owned) syndicated programming, until the hours 3-7 during which time they simulcast WHAT THEY ALREADY PROGRAM on 980 AM. Of course, the poor ratings at 980 AM don't exactly lead one to believe that if 1 sports talk station does poorly, adding a second one makes biz sense.

Obviously, Clear Channel believes they can make more money by bringing their own syndicated sports programming into the market than by having better ratings via someone else's progressive talk...

Shouldn't the FCC adopt the type of separation between ownership of syndicated programming and local licenses that used to be in place in tv?

Paul Farhi: Nerdy but interesting point. In answer to your question, no, the FCC shouldn't separate programming and station ownership (a la TV's long-dead "fin-syn" rule). Reason: Clear Channel can't control radio programming the way the three TV networks used to be able to.

_______________________

Re: Vincent D'Onfrio: You'd said: "Pasty. Stiff. Dreary. He is underplaying that character to sheer boredom." You are obviously a guy. Women love him.

Paul Farhi: Another reason I don't understand women.

_______________________

Takoma park Oldie: Radio stations DEFINITELY broadcast hits at different speeds, and have been for decades.

Back in 1968 I happened to hear the same "hit" start at the same moment on the two local biggies (KYA and KFRC). KFRC pulled ahead, and was ahead by 5-7 seconds by the end of the tune.

Doesn't seem enough to make a difference, though.

Paul Farhi: Maybe it even helps. For instance, I've always thought that Beethoven's Fifth was a bit pokey....

_______________________

Outside the Beltway: Forgive one more Bob Edwards question. Do you think the NPR people realize just how badly they have handled this situation (even if the original decision was necessary)? I've read all their public comments, and I don't think they do.

Also, to the young person with the "do-gooder" mother. Listen, dude. Slamming your mom in a public forum, even anonymously, is pretty sleazy.

Paul Farhi: After 17,000 (and rising) emails about it, I think they've gotten the message. Whether they'll change their minds, however, is another story.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Love Vincent D'Onofrio and love the character he plays. Oh my my... sexy, sexy, sexy!

Paul Farhi: Hmmm....

_______________________

Re: Nick and Jessica Show: Did you see their show on Sunday night? I watched only a few minutes, but what I saw I thought was amusing and entertaining. I realize that it is not "Art" or even "great TV", but why do some critics have to trash everything that isn't a new idea. TV is not theatre. Most people sit down to watch TV to just escape for a few minutes and be entertained. What do you think?

Paul Farhi: I was amazed that the programming losers at ABC saw fit to revive the old variety show format. Must have seemed really fresh to younger viewers, who'd never seen Hollywood Palace, Flip Wilson, Carol Burnett, etc. etc. etc...

_______________________

Re: "just us guys today": I beg to differ!; I am all woman and I am here!;!;!;

Paul Farhi: You are woman and we hear you roar....

_______________________

Bethesda, Md.: Not tyring to be Oliver Stone (a conspiracy theorist) or any thing but you may be right about the FCC's trying to get rid of Stern. For a guy who consistently raved about Bush, Jr. post-9/11, helped the GOP elect Todd-Whitman Governer of her state and now is urging all his millions of listeners in a prime GOP demographic to defect and vote for anyone but Bush, don't you think his cronies in the FCC have their marching orders to get rid of him before he does any real damage?

Paul Farhi: Well, common sense would dictate just the opposite, wouldn't it? I mean, if the White House even knows Howard Stern exists (doubtful) wouldn't the easiest/smartest thing be to tell the FCC to chill out on him? It would stop his daily diatribes about Bush, wouldn't it? I'm Karl Rove isn't paying any attention to this, but if he were, things would be different....

_______________________

Different Speeds: It's not just music, either. Rush started using that compression software a few years ago, which raised his voice a pitch or two, but wasn't too bad until he started losing his hearing. For a while there he sounded like he was inflated with helium instead of ego. It's better now.

Paul Farhi: Yes. Now if they can do something about Rush sounding like he's broadcasting from a closet, I'd be grateful.

_______________________

Great Barrington: Oops, my error--Connie Stevens recently was on "8 Simple Rules, " not "2.5 Men." Tatum ONeil also was a gueststar on "8 Simple Rules" a few weeks back.

Paul Farhi: Thanks...

_______________________

Disgust, IN: Watched CSI: Miami yesterday -- at least the first five minutes. There, the slit throat of a previously tortured man was shown in closeups TWICE before I turned it off. No telling how bad it got afterwards. The whole thing was presented in the most gruesome manner.
How come this is ok, but we're still upset about Janet Jackson?

Paul Farhi: Because "indecency" is about "sexual" and "excretory" organs, not horrific acts of violence. Horrific acts of violence are wholesome family fare.

_______________________

CTU, Los Angeles, Calif.: Have you reminded everyone yet that tonight's 24 is delayed until Sunday at 9, due to W's press conference?

Paul Farhi: Thank you. And I hope things are working out for you out there in L.A., what with that virus outbreak 'n all.

_______________________

Great Barrington, Mass.: Connie Stevens was on "Hawaiian Eye" with Robert Conrad in the early 1960s, and just recently was a guess star on "2.5 Men", still looking pretty nice.

Paul Farhi: Did I not post this earlier? Ooops. Sorry. This is what the earlier post was correcting. Or something like that.

_______________________

Mr. Ed: ... was reasonably good compared to other sitcoms of its period.

Paul Farhi: Yeah, well, that's a pretty low bar you're setting...

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Obiligatory 24 question. What do you think after it's month long hiatus? The plots seem to be getting more plausible, but Prez Palmer is looking like a chicken, and he's also breaking the "We don't negotiate with terrorists" stand.

Paul Farhi: I think it just hit a higher gear. The whole business in the hotel has been exciting and well handled.

_______________________

Leave Mr. Ed ALone!;: Wiiilbur!;

Paul Farhi: Get outta here, you.....

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Hi Paul, DCRTV speaks of Commu-cast adding a "digital sports tier" to its digital cable lineup very soon. Any idea when Arlington might be getting it? I'm dying -- DYING, I tell you -- for Fox Sports World, so I can actually watch sports from (gasp) OUTSIDE the United States.

Paul Farhi: I don't know specifics of when each local system will add the sports tier, but it sure seemed like junk to me. The NBA channel? Is there not enough sports on now?

_______________________

Bethesda, Md: I'm not opposed to changes at NPR (or public television, for that matter), there are LOTS of interesting things that could be done. But the powers-that-be at these networks seem to be clueless. At least commercial TV and radio can manage cheerful vulgarity as a fallback, when all else fails.

Paul Farhi: Actually, I'll stick up for NPR here. They've increased their audience substantially over the past few years by sticking to solid journalism. There is nothing like NPR on commercial radio. 'Nuff said...

_______________________

Silver Spring, Md.: Since when does Clear Channel own ESPN and Fox Sports, which are the sources of programming on 980 and 1260, respectively?

Paul Farhi: Right. And that's only our 12th correction or clarification of a previous posting today. Way below par!

_______________________

Stern, FCC silliness: Stern, Stern, Stern...

What really gets me is that everyone who complains about him has probably not listened to him for more than two minutes in their lives, if at all.

Sure there's the focus on sex and women (gee, who in the world talks about THAT besides Howard Stern?), but there's much more the neurotic and insecure personality yelling at the world. That's somehow endearing.

But the last thing I want the government to do is to be the public's arbiter of taste. I can do that nicely on my own, thank you.

Paul Farhi: Well, before you say that, you also might want to take a look at what the government has found over the line (check out the transcripts on Smokinggun.com). I'm all for free speech, but we could all have a much more informed discussion of this issue if people were really aware of what the government found objectionable (and you won't read it in any "family" newspapers....)

_______________________

My Favorite Martian was better than Mr. Ed: 'Nuff said.

Paul Farhi: I fear I've opened a Pandora's Box here....

_______________________

Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Paul, won't you buy me a TiVo DVR?
I just love my TV, I'd watch it in a car.
I'm tired of waiting to see my favorite stars.
So Paul, won't you buy me a TiVo DVR?

Paul Farhi: I can only reply: "What you got in your defense, son?/57 channels and nothin' on."

_______________________

Paul Farhi: Folks, we gotta stop the madness right here. But we'll get back to this in two weeks. I'll give you a topic to hold you until then: Samantha vs. Jeannie: Who would win in a head-to-head magic contest? Alrighty then...Regards to all..Paul.

_______________________