Heard or seen something on the pop culture landscape 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, pop culture -- they're all fair game.

Farhi was online Tuesday, March 4, at 1 p.m. ET.

A transcript follows.

Farhi is a reporter in The Post's Style section, writing 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 500 channels. He vows to use all of them for good instead of evil.

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Paul Farhi: Greetings all, and welcome once again...So much stuff, so little time: Yet another attack of the political pundit hordes to look forward to tonight on CNNMSNBCFoxnews, which as you know, all have the "best political team on television/the planet/the galaxy/the universe/whatever is bigger than the universe."...Meanwhile, in local news, Citadel takes an ax to its stations, and Chris Core--a really good guy--gets hit. A shame, if you ask me, although you didn't (but you could have)....Enough of my babble, though. Let's go to the phones for yours...

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Rockville, Md.: Mr. Farhi: Hi. Can we please take some time to acknowledge one of the unfortunate victims of the stupid bloodletting by the Citadel iditots on Friday, Feb. 29 -- WMAL News Director John Matthews, who worked diligently for the station for the last 25 years. That's right -- the last 25 years. John dedicated his entire professional career to WMAL, rising through the ranks, winning awards, overseeing a professional newsroom, covering stories, and just being a good, hard-working, dedicated and reliable fixture at WMAL. For 25 years. So what does Citadel do to reward Mr. Matthews for his hard work? Fires him. And Chris Core, who devoted 34 years to the same station? What does Citadel do? Fires him. And radio suits wonder why no one listens to their stations anymore. John Matthews and Chris Core deserve better than this. This is no way to treat people, in any field, at any time.

Paul Farhi: Yes, this is Shame II in the Citadel bloodbath. And I gotta tell ya, it makes no sense to me. Citadel WILL certainly save something in the shortterm, but what about the longer term. Do you build an audience by undermining the local-ism of your station? I thought that was radio's big advantage. Yet Core and Matthews WERE the local links at that station. And now, no more...Makes you wonder what kind of future radio has, if any.

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washingtonpost.com: Strapped Owner Fires WMAL Host Chris Core ( Post, March 1

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Alexandria, Va.: Did we really need another oldies station since 105.9 dropped its jazz format? Ugh!

Paul Farhi: I may be in the minority on thsi, but I'm more likely to listen to 105.9 now than I was during their "smooth jazz" years. I guess I'm just not a Kenny G fan.

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Alexandria, Va.: I am very disappointed over the demise of WJZW, the smooth jazz station. I am kind of surprised about it too because it was always in top ten in the ratings, wasn't it?

Your article on Saturday mentioned the format of smooth jazz wasn't doing too well. Was that only here in the D.C. area, or across the country as well? What happened to the other smooth jazz stations around?

washingtonpost.com: Strapped Owner Fires WMAL Host Chris Core ( Post, March 1)

Paul Farhi: WJZW usually was very strong overall in the local ratings, but dropped way down to 14th in the last "book." No one should really make too much of one bad ratings period, but as always it wasn't always about how many were listening to a station as WHO was listening to it. And--big guess here--I bet Citadel's suits figures "smooth jazz" wasn't attracting enough of the "right" people--that is, 25-to-54 year olds with money.

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Cyberspace: Lord help me, but I think I'm in love with Erin Esurance.

Paul Farhi: But she's sooooo two-dimensional....

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Gaithersburg, Md.: It should be noted that former Q-107 vet Sandy Weaver, who was quite popular in D.C. for a while, was also fired as part of the Citadel firings on Friday.

We're all glad that Citadel recognizes its talented broadcasters in such a nice way!

Paul Farhi: Yep. And Al Santos, too, who'd been doing the "Sunday Brunch" show on JZW...The media biz (and I include newspapers) is such a bummer of a place these days.

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Potomac, Md.: Well, it's nice to hear oldies back on the air. But it sure takes the fun out of it to know that an entire station full of people --real people, with families, bills, children, houses, mortgages, rents and food to eat -- had to be unceremoniously fired and kicked out on the street because of the format shift. That sort of takes the fun out of listening to the oldies. Think we'll stick with BIG for now.

Paul Farhi: Right. For now, the new 105.9 is on auto-pilot; it's like a juke box, with public-service ads. But expect to hear some actual live human voices soon. Surely, even Citadel recognizes the need for deejays. On the other hand, who knows...

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Cubicle, The Abyss: Hi Paul.

I'm curious to the salaries of local media types, especially radio salaries for hosts like the Junkies on WJFK and Elliot on DC101. I've scanned the usual suspects like DCRTV, but came up with nothing? Any suggestions?

This one might be easier, how about something similar for TV and movie stars? I always wonder when watching a show where a "has- been" actor has a guest appearance for three episodes and think "How much did he make?"

Thanks.

Paul Farhi: Man, knotty question. Short answer: I surely don't know. Longer answer: It depends, of course, on a zillion factors--how popular the personality has been (ratings), how good his/her agent are, how well the station (or its parent company) are doing at the time of negotiations. But, salary-wise, network TV is better than local TV (generally), and local TV is better than local radio (generally).

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DD commercial: Is anyone else annoyed by the new Dunkin Donuts coffee commercial? It seems like it reinforces the stereotype that Americans can't and won't make attempts to speak anything except English. And then at the end, it says that you order your latte in English at DD, except latte originates from Italian. What gives?

Paul Farhi: I'm still mad at Dunkin Donuts for sorta, kinda, maybe trying to suggest that donuts are some kind of health food. "America runs on Dunkin Donuts," with the little animated runner. Oh, really? If it does, it will get a heart attack.

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Lord help me, but I think I'm in love with Erin Esurance.: You're too late. She's dating the Geico Gecko. I think it's because of his cool British accent.

Paul Farhi: Wow. Animated, inter-species dating. Not sure I approve.

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Geico is blowing my mind: Shortly after "Cavemen" was canceled on ABC, I noticed a return of the Geico Cavemen ads. Then, about a week ago, I caught one in which the Geico Cavemen were discussing --- ta dah! - -a TV show about cavemen!

Can this get any more bizarre?

Paul Farhi: Can't blame the GEICO folks for milking the franchise. But I thought this last self-referential ad was one of the weakest in a very funny series. I don't expect anything as inspired as the Caveman-therapist spot (or even the caveman-at-the-airport ad) every time time out, but c'mon--get back to being your Neanderthal selves, cavemen!

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Rockville, Md.: So do you watch The Wire? If so, what do you think of it? Do you think the Post will be around in five years (as a printed medium)?

Paul Farhi: I was just catching up on my missed "Wires" last night (thank you, On Demand). It's a very good show, even close to a great one. But I find it oddly chilly. No one really to root for (although I do LOVE the city-editor character; he's amazingly dead on), and lots and lots of people to dislike...As for the Post's future, it's something we all obsess about around here every day. No good answers there.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I surely won't mourn the loss of "smooth jazz' on the dial, but, c'mon, an oldies format?! That's the best idea they could come up with as a replacement? How tired. Do the station owners honestly believe that's going to gain them some ratings points?

Paul Farhi: I won't defend it, but I will throw the question back at ya: What WOULD you put on if you had a station of your own? And remember, this isn't about your personal tastes; it's a business decision. What are the format "holes" in the Washington radio market? What might get an audience and remain viable as a business?

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River City: I too, wonder about actors who have minor roles, how much they get paid. I saw a TV show about household budgeting and one of the people featured one week used to be the Hispanic (or Filipino nurse on ER, a minor supporting part with a few lines. She lives on the residuals. Not like a star, but in a garden apartment in L.A. with lots of new clothes. She LIVES on those residuals for a few years work with a supporting role setting up one liners like "he's not breathing doctor!"

Paul Farhi: Given the financial uncertainties of the acting biz, I always thought it was kind of amazing that certain actors were able to keep going, year after year. I mean, there have got to be so many dry spells, where you just say, "I gotta eat/pay the rent/buy new shoes. I'm gonna take that desk job somewhere." Yet, somehow, they just keep stringing one paycheck after another. Gotta admire the tenacity...

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America runs on Dunkin Donuts: They should be honest and say "America sits on the couch and gets fat with Dunkin Donuts." But that won't sell the donuts.

Paul Farhi: Hahahahaha. Yeah, that's not gonna move product. Also, probably not a good idea to work the phrase "heart missile" into the ad copy.

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What WOULD you put on if you had a station of your own?: All Electronica, all the time.

Paul Farhi: Two words: "Oy" and "vey."

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FORMAT HOLES: Adult alternative, stuff the 30-50 crowd listened to in the 80s-90s, but was a little more alternative, not just the standard pop.

Paul Farhi: You'd kinda be bumping up against "The Globe" (94.7 FM) there, no? And The Globe ain't doing so hot these days...

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Bowie, Md.: Were any on-air personalities at WRQX fired in the recent "cost-cutting" measures? Haven't seen any names mentioned.

Paul Farhi: No. Looks like they all escaped with their lives, jobs...

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DJ's: The Bob-FM format is doing well down here, and they don't have any DJ's. And frankly, they aren't missed.

Paul Farhi: Well, maybe I'm old school (yes, I KNOW I'm old school), but deejays do add something to the experience. There's something very basic about what they do. I mean, they don't even announce songs any more, but they do stamp a station as something more than a bunch of records. Even the bad ones tell you that there's a pulse somewhere back at the studio.

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Dunkin Donuts: Dude, that commercial was not trying to suggest America runs on Donuts. It was trying to suggest America runs on coffee.

Paul Farhi: I know DD pushes their coffee, but that's not really what the campaign is about. What part of the phrase "America Runs on Dunkin" sounds like coffee, and not Boston Cremes, to you?

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Yet, somehow, they just keep stringing one paycheck after another. Gotta admire the tenacity... : I do think it's a lot like the lottery, the hope to hit the big one -- a role on a hit like ER that'll keep you in residuals for the rest of your life (artisitc fullfillment notwithstanding, of course). Even a bit part in a hit and you're set for life (albeit modestly)

Paul Farhi: Yeah, it's kinda like being a pro athlete, I guess. You put in four years in the NFL or MLB and you can start drawing a decent pension a few years after you retire. But four years is very hard to achieve.

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Format "Holes': I wonder -- what formats are the most popular on Sirius? Oldies, in all their iterations ( 70's rock, 60's R and B) I'm guessing....

Paul Farhi: Funny thing there: the ratings for satradio formats indicate that the most popular formats essentially are the same as on plain old terrestial radio in most cities (with the exception of "urban" formats, which are not quite as popular on satellite as they are in local markets). But satellite isn't really about "popular"--it's about variety and diversity. A "niche" format on satellite doesn't have to worry about drawing large numbers of people. A small, hardcore following is all that's really necessary.

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Centreville, Va.: Hi Paul,

In a recent Post article about local news sweeps, it indicated that News4's lead is decreasing. Do you think it's because the quality of News4 is slipping or if it's because quality of news by the other stations is actually improving?

Also, any word of when Channels 7 and 4 will have permanent 5 p.m. anchor replacements?

Paul Farhi: It's possible that there has been some slippage at Channel 4, given their bloodletting/departures of a year or so ago (Arch Campbell, George Michael, etc.), but more likely is the fact that NBC's network programming is doing so poorly. When the primetime shows don't give your local news a big lead in at 11 pm, it hurts. And when people turn off the TV at night after watching something other than your news, they tend to turn on the set in the morning and not watch your station, too. Vicious cycle. That said, I'm amazed at how strong Channel 4 has been, despite everything.

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Ex-Washingtonian: I was living in the D.C. area at the time, and was listening to WMAL-AM on Chris Core's very first day there (on the afternoon drive-time with Ed Myers). When it came time for Chris to read the sports news, he had to give the results of a tennis match played by a then totally-unknown female player whose last name was clearly daunting: Navratilova. After a momentary silence, he actually navigated it quite well! Am sorry to hear he's leaving, as he was among my favorites at WMAL (along with Hardin & Weaver, John Lyons, Felix Grant, and the rest of the gang).

Paul Farhi: Nice story!...It's really something how much fondly-remembered local radio history WMAL accounts for, how many local legends worked there over the decades. That's not going to continue for long, given current trends.

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Falls Church, Va.:"America Runs On Dunkin" is not meant to be a health-food reference. It's meant to suggest that you can be in and out of DD quickly enough that it fits your on-the-run lifestyle.

Paul Farhi: Yes, of course. But it has the additional benefit of suggesting (without really saying it flat out) that stopping at DD is somehow "active," and "on the run," and food and drink that will fuel your busy lifestyle. Plus, the little running man logo almost says, "Healthy."

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The Airless Cubicle: Were I doing a station, I would do middle-of-the road music, aimed at 30s to 50s... not elevator music, not too far out. I would try to make my on-air staff be someone comforting to listen too, a little funny, but not to controversial. Evenings after drive time, I would go for specialty programming, sort of like Felix Grant used to do with jazz on WMAL and Dick Cerri used to do with "Music American" on WARW, and perhaps even Broadway shows, like WGAY's "Matinee at One."

Would the station be in the top ten book? No. But it would have good, predictable numbers.

Paul Farhi: Reasonable. Different. Kind of outside the typical format boxes these days. I would listen to such a station, yep...

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RE: DJ's: You know, maybe that's 'why' they're superfluous: they don't announce the songs anymore. Maybe if they took a second to tell you what you just heard, or even just 'who' you just heard, they would provide some value.

And, even though I used to be a DJ, I would suggest that most listeners don't really care if there's a pulse back at the station. Those who do care are listening to local talk. Oh wait, there is no local talk any more...

Paul Farhi: I dunno. I listen to the new oldies station and I think it would be nice if someone at the other end of the microphone shared their enthusiasm for the music, instead of the cold here's-another-darn-song manner in which the music is presented now. I'll even let them talk over some of the music (but heaven forbid you talk over the lyrics!)....

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WTMD 89.7/105.5: Paul, when did TMD start simulcasting on 105.5? I can actually listen in McLean in the evenings now. TMD is a lone shining star in the dregs that is DC/Baltimore radio. Allmans to T. Van Zandt to Prince, all in 15 minutes this past weekend. Beat that with your...PGC, or KYS, or...whatever.

Paul Farhi: Thanks for mentioning that. TMD is really good on the weekends, when you can pull it in. Maybe now you can.

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Reston, Va.: I think an adult alternative station (I think that's the proper term) would do really well in this area. This would be for people who want more current music and more variety than what's currently provided on 107.3.

Paul Farhi: I would like a bit more adventurous AAA, too. When I visit my old stomping grounds in the Bay Area, I really enjoy KFOG-FM. Something like that, please, with the cool, knowledgeable deejays.

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Baltimore, Md.: Side note on WMAL: It is interesting that the station's nearest Baltimore analog, WBAL, has decided to go more local, not less. They let Limbaugh go (he was picked up by WCBM) and replaced him with Clarence Mitchell IV, scion of the Maryland civil rights family. And they added a woman talker, decidedly non political, after their low key morning show.

Paul Farhi: Local programming! Amazing. A diminishing concept in Washington, no?

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Herndon, Va.: Mr. F: An old geezer's (65) rant here. WMAL at one time had Hardin and Weaver in the morning (later Trumbull and Core), other local programming, then Felix Grant playing great jazz at night, followed up by Ken Beatrice (an acquired taste, I admit) on sports. Now it has right wing rantings for most of the 24 hours, with the one semi-bright beacon, Chris Core, in a real local show, thrown out the window -- along with Mr. Matthews. The world has gone to hell in a handbasket.

Paul Farhi: The world isn't quite there yet, but it has switched on its turn signal and is moving toward the offramp.

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Union Station, D.C.: I'm pretty sure the Gecko is voiced by an Aussie these days...or maybe I'm backwards and he was Aussie and is now British. Eh, whatever. Erin's dating that beefcake in her adds anyway, right?

Paul Farhi: An Aussie? 'ello, 'ello: That bloke is as Cockney as they come. All together now, sing: "Wit a li'ul bit...wit a li'uh bit...wit a li'uh bit o' luck..."

(Darn good voice work if he is, in fact, an Aussie...)

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Pronunciations: The Chris Core story about pronouncing "Navratilova" reminds me of the story about Johnny Most, the legendary Boston Celtic's radio broadcaster. Most was the ulimate homer, and NOT known for his broadcasting skills. While doing a Celtic's exhibition game in eastern Europe, his call went something like "So Bird is guarding the tall guy, who passes to the guy with the beard..."

Paul Farhi: Hahahaha!...I love watching Olympic hockey games for this reason; amazing to me that the announcers can keep up in, say, the Poland-Czech game, or the Finland-Norway contest.

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River City: What am I getting for my money from HBO? "In Treatment" is boring and self-involved, as was "TellMeYouLoveMe." I'm about ready to cancel. Just what happened to that cutting edge programming? Was there a change in leadership?

Paul Farhi: Dry spell for the HBO. It happens. Not sure I can justify the $10.95 a month on "The Wire" alone. But give 'em time--they usually come up with something very must see....

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23112: I (a former D.C. wage slave transplanted 100 miles south) just heard that Donnie G. was leaving his gig, to be renamed The Mike O' Meara Show. I've missed the boys (they're not on the air here and I don't have time for Web radio), but I'm glad for Don to have a chance to move forward in his life's journey. Call me a sap, but there it is.

Paul Farhi: Will miss the guy. Day in and day out, they are/have been the most creative team going. I suggest WJFK go with "Best ofs..." all weekend-long, for the rest of eternity.

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The only station I listen to anymore for music : is WME. That's ME radio, which is my iPod with all my favorites. Since I can carry a million or so songs with me I don't get bored.

What I can't get on my own personal music station is talk radio. We need to do better than firing people with so much experience in D.C.

Paul Farhi: The thing I like about music on the radio is that it's not about me and my taste, but about collective taste. I like knowing what's popular (or what's been engineered to be popular, as the payola and promotion system might have it). I have my favorites, of course, but if all I did was iPod my favorites, I'm sure I'd miss lots and lots of stuff. Breaking new music is still a pretty good niche for radio.

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Ex-Washingtonian, again: Chris Core was also the one I heard break the news of Elvis's death. I think Ed Myers was the one who reported Nixon's impending resignation the next day.

Paul Farhi: Wow--that's VERY old school. August, 1977, to be semi-exact. Man, Core goes way back...

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Erin's dating that beefcake in her adds anyway, right?: No, that's just the storyline of the ads. In real life, she's been spotted hanging all over Mr. Gecko at nightclubs, parties, you name it.

From Wikipedia:

In the original commercial, where the gecko pleads for people to stop calling him in error, mistaking gecko for Geico, he was voiced by Kelsey Grammer. In the subsequent commercials, the gecko speaks with a Cockney accent, because it would be unexpected, according to Martin Agency's Steve Bassett. Jake Wood, a British actor and comedian, is the current voice of the GEICO gecko.

Paul Farhi: Ah! Facts! (or whatever it is that gets posted on Wikipedia). Love it. Thank you.

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Paul Farhi: And on that note of triumph, let's bring this whole business to its conclusion and go back to making this economy run (slogan: "America doesn't run on Station Break"). But, good news: We'll do it again in two weeks. More on Dunkin Donuts when we meet then. Until then, regards to all...Paul.

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