Grandpa listens to NPR every night for it's scintillating conversation and programming.
Posted on 12/05/2004 5:39:28 PM PST by Pikamax
10 Questions For Tavis Smiley By CHRISTOPHER JOHN FARLEY; TAVIS SMILEY
The host of National Public Radio's three-year-old Tavis Smiley Show said last week that he will be quitting on Dec. 16, criticizing NPR for not doing enough to reach minority listeners. In his first interview since his announcement, Smiley, 40, whose show drew nearly 900,000 listeners a week but alienated some longtime subscribers, spoke to TIME's Christopher John Farley.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE NPR?
We had agreed on the destination we were to arrive at, but somewhere along the line NPR wavered in the journey. Our show is the most multiracial in NPR's entire history, it has the youngest demographic of any show in NPR's history, so progress was being made. My concern was the pace the network was moving at-- it wasn't fast enough.
ARE YOU PLANNING A JUMP TO SATELLITE RADIO SO YOU CAN MAKE HOWARD STERN — TYPE MONEY?
My decision was based on my convictions. I have no deals signed, no deals on the table. I wanted to return to NPR. I love NPR. But I had to ask myself: Are we doing all we can to bring new audiences to public radio? And I don't think that we are.
IS IT TRUE YOU GOT ANGRY LETTERS FROM LISTENERS WHEN YOU STARTED AT NPR?
I can't begin to tell you the hate mail that I received when I started three years ago. I remember one listener emailing me to complain that my laughter was too boisterous. They didn't like the way I talked, the way I sounded. Because my whole style was so antithetical to what the traditional NPR listener had been accustomed to. And they really didn't like the substance of what I was talking about, initially. But they came to appreciate it.
WHAT'S MORE DIVERSE THESE DAYS — NPR OR PRESIDENT BUSH'S CABINET?
Bush's Cabinet. It is ironic that a Republican President has an Administration that is more inclusive and more diverse than a so-called liberal-media-elite network.
BUT DO BUSH'S MINORITY SELECTIONS REFLECT THE VALUES OF THE COMMUNITIES FROM WHICH THEY COME?
There is a distinction between symbolism and substance — Zora Neale Hurston once said, "All my skinfolk ain't my kinfolk." But whether one likes or loathes the people Bush has chosen to be part of his Administration, he is reaching out.
WHY DID JOHN KERRY LOSE?
We live in a world that is gripped by fear. I believe that in this last election people voted more out of fear than out of hope. We've got to find a way to give people what they need, which is an authentic reason to believe they can do better. Most people I know that voted for Kerry didn't love Kerry; they were simply voting against the other guy. That doesn't get the job done.
ON HIS NEW CD, THE RAPPER NAS NAMES YOU AS A BLACK ROLE MODEL. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE TRACK?
I felt stupid when I first heard it. Nas was on my [PBS] program a few weeks ago. We did a whole conversation on the show, and it never came up. I didn't ask him about it because I hadn't heard it yet. But when a rapper drops my name in a song and says something positive, I'm humbled.
PBS JUST PICKED UP YOUR TV TALK SHOW FOR A SECOND YEAR. VENUS WILLIAMS HELPED DESIGN YOUR SET. WILL SERENA PUT TOGETHER SOMETHING NEXT?
We're going to keep the Venus Williams set. But two or three things are going to be different next year. We're going to be part of the PBS prime-time lineup on Fridays. I'm also going to produce three prime-time specials for PBS.
WHAT OUTRAGES YOU?
I get concerned when our national dialogue can be trumped at a moment's notice by the exposing of a breast or the dropping of a towel. I did not spend any appreciable time on my NPR show talking about Scott Peterson, Kobe Bryant, the Terrell Owens incident or Janet's exposing her breast. It just doesn't interest me.
YOU HAVE A TV SHOW, A TOUR — COULD A CLOTHING LINE BE FAR BEHIND?
I can tell you that there will not be Tavis-wear. That I can assure you.
Typical misunderstanding by the Limousine Left. Enough people were offended by both these incidents that they became the national dialogue, at least for a time.
This failure of understanding is one reason why his side lost the last election, and will continue to lose elections until they figure it out.
Is this guy Tavis a conservative of some sort? I get the feeling reading this interview that he is. But then what would a conservative be doing talking on NPR?
I wouldnt know because I studiously avoid listening to NPR radio.
Tavis Smiley IS NOT a conservative at all. He's a liberal useful idiot IMHO. Just ask Mike about ole Tavis the Sandbagger.
No way, Liberal all the way, but he is not blind to the fact the demo party uses black people.
Small Steps First
(Satirical sticker showing NPR listener falling asleep.)
Grandpa listens to NPR every night for it's scintillating conversation and programming.
If you wanna "bring more listeners to public radio", try being balanced. Try being objective. Try being non-partisan. Try being ........
this is why Smiley quit - his show was dropped by WDET, Detroit's public-radio station, meaning it would just be a matter of time before the show would have ended anyway.
He's a liberal all the way, but he is smart enough to see the changing tide with Black folk and does not want to miss it. Tavis is smart, and he realizes that being Black, liberal and Democrat ain't where it's at these days!!!
Ohmigawd! Tavis Smiley? ROTFLAMO!!!
But do not mistake him for anything but a liberal. He is definitely moonbat material.
A broken clock is still correct twice a day.
I'm surprised Travis is so honest about this.
I get the moonbat thing but then I don't. Could you explain since I've seen this a few times here on FR.
There actually is a very amusing sticker, which mocks the pretensions of public radio.
I see it occasionally when I travel over the Bridge into Manhattan.
Kind of like the "CNN LIES" bumper sticker, but more caustic and humorous.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.