MSNBC SIGNS CONSERVATIVE TALK RADIO PHENOMENON MICHAEL SAVAGE TO HOST ‘THE SAVAGE NATION’...

NBC Media Village ^ | 2/12/03 | NBC PR

[Croooow]

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- February 12, 2003 -- Conservative talk radio phenomenon and best-selling author Michael Savage has been signed by MSNBC to host “The Savage Nation,” a one-hour weekly issue-oriented opinion show set to air live on Saturday afternoons at 5:00 pm (ET). The announcement was made today by Erik Sorenson, president, MSNBC.

The format of “The Savage Nation” will be based on Savage’s number one rated afternoon drive time radio program, which is heard on over 300 stations, including New York’s WABC and San Francisco’s KSFO. The new show, which premieres on MSNBC in March, will originate from San Francisco. It will feature penetrating and provocative commentary and opinion from Savage, mirroring his #1 New York Times best selling book “The Savage Nation.”

“Michael Savage is brash, passionate and smart,” said Sorenson. “His conservative point of view adds to the kaleidoscope of perspectives already heard on MSNBC - a place where a range of voices have their say, without any one dominating the channel itself. ‘The Savage Nation’ will anchor our Saturday afternoon program schedule and become destination television for those looking for compelling opinion and analysis with an edge.”

“I look forward to continuing on television what has made me so successful on radio,” said Savage. “People love my show because of my hard hitting style combined with intelligence and wit. Those who listen to me say they hear a bit of Plato, Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac, Moses, Jesus, and Frankenstein. I’m looking forward to reaching new viewers while giving my existing audience more of what they have come to love and expect, including a look into my very private studio.”

An independent-minded individualist, Michael Savage fits no stereotype. He attacks big government and liberal media bias, but champions the environment and animal rights. Trained as a scientist, he holds Master's degrees in medical botany and medical anthropology and earned his Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley in Epidemiology and Nutrition Science. Along with the best selling book “The Savage Nation” and CD “Best of The Savage Nation,” he is also the author of the book “Herbs That Heal” and 17 other books. His radio show airs nationally on the Talk Radio Network and attracts one of the most loyal listening audiences in radio.

[Diverdogz]

They want more viewership and they can't deny the fact of Savage's meteoric rise in popularity.

Savage has become popular as fast as a speeding bullet. But I wish he wouldn't remind everyone of that fact every two minutes.

...and my other problem with him is that I can listen for 15 minutes to hear him rant, and I know he'll be harping on the same subject, usually using the exact same phrasing, for the rest of his show.

...and I get tired of his voice. While I agree with most of his message, I find the messenger to be grating. In his radio time slot, I'm already home from work, an adult beverage in hand, and seeking leisurly, soothing tones/flavors/thoughts (...not his fault).

[onedoug]

"Red-diaper-doper-baby" ping!

[The Lake City Gar]

However, I am concerned the ultra left media will use Savage to PROVE their point that the RIGHT is SHRILL.

Exactly.

Savage is either a total and complete phoney just looking for shock ratings or a lunatic.

[Capitalism2003]

See?? Freeping DOES WORK!! :) They got about 100 emails from Freepers a few weeks ago when someone posted that they were considering a Savage show...I bet our support gave him the little boost he needed for his own weekend show...kewl!;)

[ewing]

Drudge would be a great FOX weekend guy. Too bad Alies is still miffed at that picture controversy..

[The Lake City Gar]

I cant take him for more than ten minutes at a time. He could be the downfall of the American Conservative movement. Could drive off everyone to the left of Attila the Hun.

Yup!

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I was in high school when Joe Pine was on in central Iowa. This had to be about 1966 or so.

[xzins]

And major media's goal is to divide the conservative audience so that non-liberal media outlets have a cash crunch. NBC is one of them.

Once the non-lib outlets are gone, it'll be back to all liberal all the time.

And they'll fire Savage faster 'n' he can say "putrid."

[Riley]

It will be interesting to see how he translates to TV.

Indeed it shall.

There are anecdotes that I have heard here in the Bay Area that he is every bit as confrontational in person as he is over an electronic medium.

[ohioman]

Excellent! We have "Released the Hounds" on all liberal trash.

[momma mayo]

Right....You can't even spell Neanderthal.....CL

[Space Wrangler]

They'll probably let him go to do and say whatever he wants....if they really want ratings that is. MSNBC is sucking air big time, and they're looking for anything or anyone that will save them from the trash bin of history. Fox is killing all of them, and someone seems to be noticing that the conservative/family values/flyover country crowd is begging for something to suit their tastes. We'll see how it goes.

[ohioman]

Yeah, well Patton could be a jerk and is still considered as one of our best Generals. Give em hell Savage!

[Clemenza]

(Jeez, how I miss the Joe Pine show)

If anyone knows where I can get a videotape of Joe Pine interviewing Anton Lavey, it would be greatly appreciated.

[ohioman]

You moderates make me wanna puke!

[Dan from Michigan]

Mancow Muller....Heil Klintler!!!!

[windcliff]

I can't wait. Ever see Michael Savage on t.v.? Ever see Michael Savage on t.v.......on weed?

[The Lake City Gar]

Yeah, well Patton could be a jerk and is still considered as one of our best Generals. Give em hell Savage!

Huh? You must not respect General Patton very much.

General Patton was a born leader of men. General Patton was a man of honor. General Patton didn't care about the almighty dollar, he cared about winning a war for America...PERIOD!

Savage is a loud-mouthed bafoon who just happens to be conservative. Well...He says he's conservative. I'm conservative and I don't want to be associated with him so I don't really know what he is other than a screaming, hateful moron.

[anniegetyourgun]

Yep - this is a ploy on the part of MSNBC to let their audience see a raging whackjob so that they'll have to cancel and/or fire him. All to prove that Americans really don't want or like conservatives. Savage is an embarrasment and will not help matters.

[DeFault User]

I remember Joe Pine from 1966-'67 also. As I recall, his guests usually presented some screwball theory or experience, such as being abducted by space aliens to meet their queen on Venus. Joe would elicit the story and then start hammering them with questions and insults.

It could be amusing but most of the time it was degrading to watch. Even if the guest had a reasonable theory or claim, he would be relentlessly attacked.