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.

[wayoverontheright]

"Hey guys. You know this Liberal thing that we're all so committed to? Well, it ain't payin' the bills."

This could be the beginning of the end for the control the left has had on the media. Rest assured this move is market driven, as my old boss used to say, "Must is a mighty master".

[ewing]

Or put Mancow in the 9PM slot if Drudge won't come back.

[Steely Tom]

Mike Savage looks a little like Gene Shepard. Sounds kind of like him too, voicewise, anyway.

(steely)

[Mr. K]

I wonder if MSNBC will sabotage his show before it airs with prejorative commercials ala Alan Keyes show, where they were SOOOOOO apologetic about having to out a REAL CONSERVATIVE BLACK MAN on their precious airwaves...

[concerned about politics]

After the viewership increases, MSNBC will move it to primetime and put it up against one of FOX's big hitters. I will not put myself in a position to give viewership to MSNBC versus FOXNEWS.

yep. I'm not going to bother watching it. He should wait for a better network if he claims to be conservative. Why aid the socialist agenda?

[TLBSHOW]

Bttt

and he knows Islam is the enemy!

[RecentConvert]

May long live The Savage Nation.

And may God bless Mike Savage, the only the voice of reason.

[OldFriend]

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

[Mustang]

The Joe Pine Show....now, that's a blast from the past!

I wonder how many of our fellow FReepers recall his show?

Mustang sends w/Best FReegards.

[Inspectorette]

If they sign away Brit Hume from Fox, I wont watch.

I can't imagine Brit anywhere but Fox. It's hard to imagine him having spent so many years at ABC. How was he ever able to stomach that arrogant, narcisstic gasbag Jennings?

[DeFault User]

(Jeez, how I miss the Joe Pine show)

You're revealing your age. Joe Pine could insult your mother, you and the horse you rode in on before the first commercial break.

I always thought the poor souls who came on his show were masochists. On second thought, most were idiots.

[The Lake City Gar]

His rants are out there hilarious and sometimes a bit extreme, just like before Rush started playing golf and mellowing out.

I've been listening to Rush almost since day one. He has never been as nasty as Savage. Rush has never had to be a jerk in order to get shock ratings like Savage.

[RecentConvert]

"I'll give him about 1-3 months. MSNBC should really wake up and realize that people who lean far left OR right aren't going to get too many ratings for them. First Keyes, then Phil, now Savage......it's like a frickin see-saw in their programming department!"

The reason you mention are exactly the ones why Mike will survive. The others are in the middle, and, hence, no strong convictions. Mike goes to the extreme because of his strong conservative convictions. Viewers, deep in their hearts, have no desire for wishy-washy hosts. They want to hear people who say what they mean and mean what they say. Mike Savage is such a man.

[momma mayo]

Savage tells it like it is....not candy coated for you pablum babies. I just found his radio show and I love it, he is funny, witty, and is not afraid to say what we all think. He is the only guy on radio with guts!!!!

[FourtySeven]

God Bless him, and I hope you're right, but Keyes was pretty darn sure of his convictions too, wasn't wishy washy, and he still suffered in the ratings.

We'll see. I can hardly wait to see the show, although if it's going to be on in the afternoons I'm going to have to tape it.

[RecentConvert]

"I guess that settles it ... I need to get cable. I was hoping he would be on Network TV."

Same here. I'll subscribe to cable for the first time just to listen to The Savage Nation.

Go get them Mike!!!

[Diverdogz]

Really. Talk about terrible time slots. Is Hee Haw still on at 5 pm Saturdays?

[and the horse you rode in on]

Time to put tin foil back on the TV Antena/Sat-Dish

He's a perfect balance to Phil Donahue.
They're equally far out on opposite extremes.

[jd777]

Is your loyalty to Fox or to our growing conservative ideology?

[leadpenny]

I am not familiar with his drive time show. Is there a chance that if it does well, MSNBC may start broadcasting his regular radio show like they now do for Imus in the Morning?