[Nepeta]

Art Bell is a master communicator. George Noory is a passable interviewer.

Bell is a master interviewer; he could handle anyone no matter how absurd their claims and still let them maintain dignity and speak for themselves. He did not believe all the loons or tell his audience what to think.

Briefly, there was another replacement who did the job so poorly that the network brought back Bell--I cannot recall his name, but he was handed Bell's show and proceeded to lose audience and stations. Noory is better, but he is not the interviewer Art was.

[Windflier]

Briefly, there was another replacement who did the job so poorly that the network brought back Bell--I cannot recall his name, but he was handed Bell's show and proceeded to lose audience and stations.

I believe that was George Noory. If you recall, Art tried to retire once, but couldn't, because he hadn't properly grooved in a competent replacement.

From what I remember, he'd had George fill in for him several times already, so George took over full time during Art's first abortive attempt to leave. I think I'm recalling that episode correctly, but it was about ten years ago, so my memory of it may be off a bit.

I distinctly remember when George officially took over after Art's final departure. The man was so fake and wooden, I could hardly stand to listen to him. He got better (and more relaxed) over the years, but he's never matched Art's level of skill and ability behind the mic.

[KC_Conspirator]

Bell is a master interviewer; he could handle anyone no matter how absurd their claims and still let them maintain dignity and speak for themselves.

I always noticed that too; he could have some kooky people on, but always treated them with dignity and respect; even in the face of incredulity.