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.

[bootless]

momma, since you're new to FR, or at least registered after lurking, I'd like to suggest that we all refrain from playing Spelling Cop. It detracts from the discussion. Thanks...

[bootless]

Radio ratings are gathered by handing out "listening diaries". I got one of those in the early 90s, but have never been a Nielsen Family.

[jla]

Payback's a *itch.

[roadcat]

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

Agree. As much as I like Savage (a lot), he does go off on rants every once in a while, scares the sh*t out of me. Picturing him doing that has got to be 10 times scarier.

Maybe they can copy the Hannity & Colmes format and team Savage with Daschle to balance the shrillness.

[jmc813]

I think once a week is better. Savage will be able to produce a show of higher quality if he only has to do it once a week.

I agree. However, as several others have pointed out, the greatest show in the world will not survive a Saturday 5pm time slot.

I think the best bet for MSNBC would be to dump one of their nightly shows (preferably Donahue), and rotate the slot with a different show each night of the week. For instance, have a conservative on Mondays, a liberal on Tuesdays, a Hannity & Colmes-like program on Wednesdays, a unique sports show on Thursdays, and an entertainment based show on Fridays.

This way, the production quality of each show would remain high, as you mentioned, and shows would not "burn out" as quickly as they currently tend to do on MSNBC.

[xm177e2]

Savage isn't going to last, he's too much of a wacko. MSNBC just wants to make conservatives look bad, that's why they chose him.

[apackof2]

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

I have seen him on TV several times.
He was doing a guest spot and he was not he same as he is on his radio show
Some people are just meant for radio

[montag813]

How absurd. Who on earth will be watching Saturday at 5PM? Especially with "MArch Madness" on the way. I love Mike Savage, but desperately want MSNBC to fail, which they will miserably with their new demented lineup of Vetura and Donaldson. IMO, GE will pull the plug on MSNBC within 9 months.

[Dr Warmoose]

A show at 5 PM on Saturday. Can you say "Time Slot Of Death"?

Can you say Tivo?

[CyberAnt]

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

Is that statement your opinion ...??

Or are you stating what you think the dims will say ...??

Since you've only been here a couple of days - I'm curious?

[Dr Warmoose]

even his radio program is not listen-able for more than very short periods of time.

Strange, the ratings books say just the opposite. Savage may not have the number of listeners, but those he has stay tuned longer than those who listen to the competition.

[Dengar01]

Yeah Savage!!! I wish he would be on Fox News instead. I hate MSNBC, but oh well.

[Dr Warmoose]

It's the same with radio. Don't ask me how they do it...but they know when people are watching.

Solution: wrap aluminum foil around your television so they can't monitor what you are watching.

Of course, if you wrap it real well, you won't be able to know what you are watching either.

[StormEye]

The Joe Pyne Show:
http://www.talkers.com/greatest/21tPyne.htm

[Happygal]

Omigawd...'cept fer the shades, that could be jla..

Nope. The guy in the picture was good lookin' ;-)

[NEPAT]

Dennis Miller is Giving it To Phil Donahue!...Dont miss this

[Happygal]

I'm in Ireland. Don't tease me like that!!! ;-)

[OldFriend]

Do you listen? He appears to have the attention span of a gnat. He is often so self absorbed that he makes Sean seem humble.

[LADY J]

"Get rid of Greta and putt Ann Coulter on!..or Laura Ingraham...mmmmmmmmmm!"

I LOVE Laura. Listen to her radio show. She really lets the left have it. Very classy lady!!

[Reagan is King]

First we took over radio, now television, next...the worrrrrld!!!