Posted on 02/12/2003 11:45:12 AM PST by 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.
>>>As a result, while the rating roughly remained the same, about 400,000 viewers, the Donahue audience is the same they have regardless; while the Keyes audience, who scored very high on the likely consumer rating, left MSNBC completely. By hiring Savage MSNBC is trying to bring them back.
Sorry for the late reply, missed this originally.
The reason Keyes show was yanked, is the same reason they're bouncing Donahue: ratings!
I love Alan Keyes. I've read his books, seen him speak live on several occasions and generally think he's a brilliant man and a great orator. But, truthfully, that show was difficult to watch...and I hardly ever did. (And the ratings indicate that I wasn't alone.)
Be shocked. He has two Master's Degrees as well as a PhD (from Berkeley).
>>>Only people on amphetamines are crazy enough to find his abrasive exterior appealing.
I stand by what I originally wrote, look again:
"People who let Savage's abrasive exterior scare them away miss out on the wisdom he has to impart."
If you actually read what I wrote, I never said anything about finding Savage's abrasive exterior appealing. I'm sure some of Savage's listeners like the grit; but his mainstream appeal and national ratings success cannot be dismissed as schtick.
Savage listeners are like the first guy to crack open a pineapple--everyone before him missed out because the ugly exterior scared them off.
Look past the exterior. Y'know...don't judge a book by it's cover.
Not so, the responded to what all networks respond to, poor ratings or more correctly the desire for stronger ratings. MSNBC assumed that Donahue was going to improve their ratings. Little did they know their former matinee idol was going to drive the ratings into the ground. I predict that Savage is going to get about the same audience. Its just going to be composed of conservative losers rather than liberal losers. Both Savage and Donahue, and Keyes before them were too strident for TV. None of them are capable of drawing an audience of other than their zealots.
And I predict that Savage will be just as difficult to watch unless he tones it down for the tube.
I wonder what kind of audience he needs to pull in the non prime time spot they gave him?
I predicted that Keyes wouldnt last. Predicted same thing for Donahue. Dont expect any better from Savage although he may be able to survive in his non prime time slot.
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