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Conference back40::soapbox

Title:Soapbox. Just Soapbox.
Notice:No more new notes
Moderator:WAHOO::LEVESQUEONS
Created:Thu Nov 17 1994
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:862
Total number of notes:339684

491.0. "Time for David Brudnoy to retire?" by TOOK::MORRISON (Bob M. LKG1-3/A11 226-7570) Wed Jul 19 1995 14:02

  If you are beyond the range of Boston's radio stations, feel free to hit
"next unseen" now.
  For the last 10 years or so, with one exception (see below), David Brudnoy
has had a talk show on WBZ AM radio on weekday evenings. WBZ has a virtual
monopoly on local, evening, general-interest radio talk shows in Greater Boston.
David is highly intelligent and, until recently, had an interesting and infor-
mative talk show. 
  When I listen to the radio, I want to learn something useful. WBZ has had
evening talk shows for the last 30 years and, since 20 years ago, most of its
weekday evening talk shows have been interesting and informative. I also want
to hear about local issues and get a local slant on national issues. Therefore,
I dislike national talk shows.
  Around 1990, WBZ decided, apparently as an economy measure, to replace this
show with Tom Snyder, a national syndicated talk show. There was a flood of
protests from listeners who wanted to bring David back, and they did bring
him back.
  David is a libertarian and has some unconventional views about many things.
About a year ago, I noticed that something was wrong. He was coughing a lot on
the air, and became more testy. He said there was something seriously wrong
with his health, but didn't say what. Last fall he passed out while walking
down the street and was rushed to the hospital. After several weeks of sus-
pense, he revealed that he was gay and had AIDS. After 2 months or so, he got
well enough to go back on the air. During the first two weeks or so back on
the air, he was a changed man, feeling much more positive about the world and
more receptive to opposing views from callers.
  Recently he has gone back to being vitriolic and vindictive about almost
everything. He says he is well enough to stay on the air, as long as he takes
it easy most of the time while off the air. But it's obvious that his con-
dition has made him bitter and unhappy. I think it's time for him to retire,
and for WBZ to find another highly intelligent, conservative talk show host to
take his place. Finding such a person, at a price WBZ can afford, may be im-
possible, but I think they should try. I am not suggesting that David Brudnoy
should get off the air entirely. He would make a fine substitute talk show
host, just as his program now has substitute hosts about one day out of five.
  What do other readers think about him, and about this situation?
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
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491.1BIGQ::SILVADiabloWed Jul 19 1995 14:068

	Personally, I don't like his talk show. But if he reverted back to the
guy that made listeners bring him back to WBZ, then the majority of listeners
are getting what they wanted. Why would he retire?


Glen
491.2EDSCLU::JAYAKUMARWed Jul 19 1995 14:409
	I personally like his arguments and forceful style of delivery. I have
had instances wherein I sat in my car for quite sometime listening to him
even after reaching home. But I should admit I was intimidated by the way he 
snubs callers and haven't hence made an attempt give him a call.

Just curious: How expensive are these talk shows, in particualr D.B.? I can't
imagine a popular radio station like WBZ, in a huge metropolis like Boston
can't afford him.
491.3MKOTS3::JMARTINI press on toward the goalWed Jul 19 1995 14:4634
    I listened to him only Friday evenings for a few years and still listen
    occasionally.  I happen to align with many of his position while some I
    disagree with.
    
    As of late, I have figured out what is driving his energy.  Brudnoy
    knows that the next serious attack will most likely do him in.  He has
    made it clear as of late that his intentions are to really focus on the
    non politically correct issues that his colleagues in the business
    simply don't want to deal with.  "We need to tell the truth on these
    matters as society is on the road to perdition!"  
    
    Brudnoy believes that cities are the meccas of civilization...city and
    civilization come from the same root word (?)  If you don't have well
    ordered cities, you don't have civilization.  Now consider the
    following, the crime wave of today does have a racial line...and most
    of the crime committed in cities are committed by young black
    males...period.  Jesse Jackson was quoted as saying that it is a sad
    day when I hear footsteps walking home at night only to feel a sense of
    relief to find the footsteps were those of white youths....it is truly
    a sad day.  
    
    These are the types of discussions Brudnoy takes on...and he pulls no
    punches on his positions.  Although he may or may not be making
    generalizations, I appreciate this type of dialoge because it forces us
    as a society to have to confront these issues...no matter how much the
    truth hurts...and try to rectify them.  You cannot solve societal
    problems until you stop the whining, the demagogery, the hiding your
    head in the sand, the covering of ears...none of this will do any good
    until you are willing to come to grips with facts.  
    
    Brudnoy presents the data and awaits the other side of the story...and
    usually doesn't get it.   
    
    -Jack
491.4Keep him onSHRCTR::SIGELFlock of SigelsWed Jul 19 1995 14:476
    David is very interesting to listen too. How old is he??? It is really
    sad that he contracted AIDS.  If he takes good care of himself, and
    feels well enough to be on the air, he should keep talkin'
    
    
    Lynne S.
491.5MKOTS3::JMARTINI press on toward the goalWed Jul 19 1995 14:483
 ZZZ   dialoge
    
    Dialogue you idiot!
491.6Keep Him OnGLRMAI::WILKESWed Jul 19 1995 15:426
    I listen to David Brudnoy frequently when I am driving in my car.
    Lately, he is very agressively dealing with issues that PC people like
    to keep hidden. I would say his medical condition has enabled Brudnoy
    to be more candid than ever. 
    
    The basenote idea that he should retire is nuts.
491.7MKOTS3::JMARTINI press on toward the goalWed Jul 19 1995 15:525
    Like I said, I'm hoping Brudnoy establishes somewhat of a trend since I
    believe many of the liberal media outlets are robbing the citizenry of
    rich dialog with their mumbo jumbo.
    
    -Jack
491.8TROOA::COLLINSLife is a great big hang up...Wed Jul 19 1995 15:545
    
    Don't know why, but I had the sudden urge to start the topic:
    
    `Time for Divine Brown to retire?'
    
491.9WECARE::GRIFFINJohn Griffin ZKO1-3/B31 381-1159Wed Jul 19 1995 16:272
    
    Er, one could always change the channel, no?
491.10CONSLT::MCBRIDEReformatted to fit your screenWed Jul 19 1995 16:281
    So this Brudnoy guy, he a ball player or something?
491.11CSLALL::PLEVINEWed Jul 19 1995 16:424
    Wasn't it Brudnoy who mockingly imitated Haitians during the Haiti
    crisis? I lost a lot of respect for this "highly intelligent" man at
    that point.
    Peter
491.12Who Will Be B. Brudnoy's Replacement?ICS::EWINGWed Jul 19 1995 18:0314
    
    
    I listen to David Brudnoy every now an then. The biggest beef I have
    with his talk show is, he's constantly beating a dead horse(welfare,
    black on black crime, Haitians, immigrants), which are real issues,
    he beats the hell out of them nightly. He's always saying, "why don't
    the politicians tell the truth?". Well, why doesn't he ever have on his
    talk show representatives from the Federal Reserve Board, CIA, FBI, 
    Tri-Latteral Commision and other secret groups in order for his listeners
    to call in and ask them questions. To me, he only gives his listeners a
    vivid lop-sided view of certain issues he tries to relay. Lately, he
    does seem to be more arrogant toward his call in listeners. The one 
    thing that I give D. Brudnoy, and that is he has one the most knowledeable 
    minds around.
491.13SHRCTR::SIGELFlock of SigelsWed Jul 19 1995 18:266
    He is sick, I am sure if he was not in the condition he is in he would
    be more polite to his listeners. The poor guy knows his time is limited
    since he has AIDS and basically knows there is no way out of it. 
    He is worried about himself and takes it out on the listeners.
    
    Lynne
491.14EDSCLU::JAYAKUMARWed Jul 19 1995 18:4211
	There is essentially nothing wrong if he cuts in to say that the caller
should stick to the topic, and not make lengthy, windy statements without
coming to the point. But, I have heard him using the words, "stupid, fool, 
idiot",  in reference to a previous caller. Indeed the caller sounded stupid 
to me, but then saying so in the air, doesn't make Brudnoy look any better.

	But then one could argue, it takes intelligence and guts to be arrogant
and still be popular. Very few like him, would call - a spade, a spade.

-Jay	
491.15One vote to keep Brudnoy on.SALEM::PORTERMike Porter, 285-2125, NIO/A19Wed Jul 19 1995 19:5513
         I too have noticed a vindictiveness, a hard edge, to David Brudnoy
    since he started showing the ill effects of AIDS. However, I think his
    audience is aware of his problems and recent short-comings, and still
    like and respect him.
    
         I think he is one of the best radio talk-show hosts around. I
    don't get to listen very often, but if I find myself in my truck
    between 7PM and midnight, I listen to him. Can't say that I always
    agree with him, but I agree with him far more often than not. I appreciate
    his having Republican presidential candidates on. It is a good forum to
    find out where these people really stand.
    
    	Mike 
491.16SPSEG::COVINGTONWhen the going gets weird...Wed Jul 19 1995 20:003
    What freq. is WBZ?
    
    -a transplant
491.17CSLALL::HENDERSONLearning to leanWed Jul 19 1995 20:0715



 1030




 I like Charles Adler on 'RKO better than Brudnoy.




 Jim
491.18MKOTS3::JMARTINI press on toward the goalWed Jul 19 1995 20:105
    Brudnoy will have his libertarian panel on once every three
    months...Friday evenings.  If you think Brudnoy has no compassion,
    check these guys out!
    
    -Jack
491.19BIGQ::SILVADiabloWed Jul 19 1995 21:096
| <<< Note 491.10 by CONSLT::MCBRIDE "Reformatted to fit your screen" >>>

| So this Brudnoy guy, he a ball player or something?


	Uh huh.... he certainly is. :-)
491.20BIGQ::SILVADiabloWed Jul 19 1995 21:1010
| <<< Note 491.13 by SHRCTR::SIGEL "Flock of Sigels" >>>

| He is worried about himself and takes it out on the listeners.

	Lynne, I could almost believe that if he didn't already do this before
he was sick. He hasn't really changed all that much. 


Glen

491.21MKOTS3::JMARTINI press on toward the goalWed Jul 19 1995 21:206
    Glen is correct.  Brudnoy has always been a very direct person because
    he cannot tolerate stupidity.  
    
    Listen, if one has a strong self image, this is a moot point!
    
    -Jack
491.22BROKE::PARTSWed Jul 19 1995 21:243
    
    I like the man and always have.  I like his candor, his civilized
    discourse, and emphasis on reasoned arguements.  
491.23TOOK::MORRISONBob M. LKG1-3/A11 226-7570Thu Jul 20 1995 16:519
  I agree with some of the replies that David is virtually irreplaceable, and
that is something that makes me sad, that he will probably stay on WBZ until
he dies or until he is absolutely too sick to go on, because the alternative
is probably to get a run-of-the-mill talk show host to replace him.
  I think David is much more arrogant now than he was 3-4 years ago, before he
knew he had AIDS. He always was sort of that way, but it's so bad now that I
don't want to listen to him any more. And I think it's mainly his illness that
is causing it, both that he feels lousy and that he knows his time is short.
Secondarily, the world really has gotten worse in the last 3-4 years.
491.25poor substitutesEDSCLU::JAYAKUMARThu Jul 20 1995 17:1412
    
>>    I like the man and always have.  I like his candor, his civilized
>>    discourse, and emphasis on reasoned arguements.  

	True. This becomes quite apparent, when his substitutes are on the air.
These substitutes are probably equally knowledgable and intelligent, but then
they totally lack even the basic oratary skills: No command over the language, 
style and delivery. 

	Some of the news anchors in WBZ like Gary Lafeyette (sp?), come quite 
close to Brudnoy. Especially the news snippet, 'Lafeyette on the loose' is a
riot.
491.26MKOTS3::JMARTINI press on toward the goalThu Jul 20 1995 17:192
    I think it's LaPierre.
    
491.27PENUTS::DDESMAISONSperson BThu Jul 20 1995 17:212
  .26  that's what I thought too, handsome.
491.29The face behind the voiceSHRCTR::SIGELFlock of SigelsThu Jul 20 1995 17:373
    What does Brudnoy look like? 
    
    Is he good lookin'? or Gak time?
491.30BIGQ::SILVADiabloThu Jul 20 1995 17:393

	Average looks. 
491.31MKOTS3::JMARTINI press on toward the goalThu Jul 20 1995 17:453
    I notice Glen isn't commenting on the accolades I got for my looks by
    the MSO babes!  Glen is searing with anger because he knows I'm right
    and he's wrong Nyahhhhhhh!
491.32BIGQ::SILVADiabloThu Jul 20 1995 18:3811
| <<< Note 491.31 by MKOTS3::JMARTIN "I press on toward the goal" >>>

| I notice Glen isn't commenting on the accolades I got for my looks by the MSO 
| babes!  

	I made plenty of mentions about how you are an old ross....

| Glen is searing with anger because he knows I'm right and he's wrong 
| Nyahhhhhhh!

	U huh.....
491.33CSLALL::HENDERSONLearning to leanThu Jul 20 1995 18:5715



>    What's with Gene Burns? After he left WRKO I think he went to NYC, then
>    to the west coast, had a heart attack etc.  Still alive?



   Last I heard (and I hadn't heard about the heart attack so this may be old
   news) Gene Burns was on KGO in San Francisco.



 Jim
491.34I Like Gene BurnsLUDWIG::BARBIERIThu Jul 20 1995 19:341
      Burns is really sharp too.
491.35Gene BurnsLEADIN::REITHThu Jul 20 1995 19:398
    
    Gene was on WBNW about a month ago being interviewed by one of the
    talk show people there.  He was fine at that point, although
    he did have serious medical problems about a year ago.
    
    One of the most rational person I ever listened to on the airwaves.
    
    	Skip
491.37SHRCTR::SIGELFlock of SigelsThu Jul 20 1995 19:548
    Re: .23
    
    I agree with you. His illness is causing D.B. to be even more arrogant.
    It is pretty scary when you know you got limited time on this earth. He
    knows his time is almost up unless some sort of a miracle cure of AIDS
    comes along fast.  
    
    How old is he?? He sounds like he is like 40 or 50 something
491.38CSLALL::HENDERSONLearning to leanThu Jul 20 1995 19:5812



 I believe Brudnoy is in his mid 50's






 Jim
491.39EDSCLU::JAYAKUMARFri Jul 21 1995 14:2118
	Yesterday night, once again the topic was, "Whites flight from the
city to the suburb". This reason he says it happens is,  *only* because of
the lower-class blacks degenerative behaviour like teenage pregnancy, 
involvement in theft, crime and drugs. 

There was one African American who called and was upset that this
issue is being beaten time and again by David. He snapped back: "I cannot
talk about Hugh Grant(sp?) and his nonsense for days and hours like the other 
zillion talk shows going on this country. These guys (talk show hosts) are 
cowards and cannot talk about the real issues facing the country. They wear
a PC mask, and they are afraid to say the truth in the public, even though
privately everyone agrees with me."

	I cannot agree less. The more I listen, the more I like him.

-jayakumar

491.40MKOTS3::JMARTINI press on toward the goalFri Jul 21 1995 15:327
    I heard that excerpt also and after the call, Brudnoy pointed out that
    he spoke one evening on the good ole boy party and barely got any
    calls.  In 1979, every call was about the hostage crisis.  The reason
    he talks on this so much is because this is a major issue in todays
    society.
    
    -Jack
491.41SOLVIT::KRAWIECKIBeen complimented by a toady lately?Fri Jul 21 1995 16:387
    
    re: .39
    
    >I cannot agree less.
    
    
     Oh mz_deb???    Mr. Binder????
491.42POWDML::LAUERLittle Chamber of Big VsFri Jul 21 1995 17:049
    
    Well, I looked askance at it for a moment, but it makes sense:  if you
    agree with someone totally, you might say that you can't agree less,
    although it'd probably be easier to understand if you say you won't
    agree less.
    
    ...? 8^)
    
    
491.43POLAR::RICHARDSONYurple Takes The Lead!Fri Jul 21 1995 17:061
    My head is spinning.
491.44SMURF::BINDERFather, Son, and Holy SpigotFri Jul 21 1995 17:117
    .42
    
    No, it doesn't make sense.  The statement "I cannot agree less" means,
    can be rephrased as "I am not able to agree less."  This, when parsed
    according to the usual rules of English, means, "I agree so little that
    to agree less would not be possible."  Which in turn means, "I disagree
    as much as it is possible for me to disagree."
491.45SOLVIT::KRAWIECKIBeen complimented by a toady lately?Fri Jul 21 1995 17:127
    
    <------
    
     I couldn't agree more!!
    
    :) :)
    
491.46I couldn't have said it better. :*)NETCAD::WOODFORDIndecision Is Key To FlexibilityFri Jul 21 1995 17:124
    
    
    :*)
    
491.478^)POWDML::LAUERLittle Chamber of Big VsFri Jul 21 1995 17:126
    
    I took it as he was a man of high moral character and his conscience
    would not allow him to agree less than the 100% agreement he already
    had with the subject.
    
    
491.48EDSCLU::JAYAKUMARFri Jul 21 1995 18:062
Ok.. Ok.. I couldn't agree more with all you guys -): but then I couldn't
care less on these semantics -):
491.49CONSLT::MCBRIDEReformatted to fit your screenFri Jul 21 1995 18:141
    By jove I think he's got it, wot?
491.50SMURF::BINDERFather, Son, and Holy SpigotFri Jul 21 1995 18:235
    .49
    
    Contrary to the all-too-usual practice of some others whom I won't
    embarrass by naming them, the second half of his remark in .48 is
    phrased correctly.
491.51POWDML::LAUERLittle Chamber of Big VsFri Jul 21 1995 18:366
    
                               , ;
    	8^pppPppPpPPppPPpPpPpPP , .
                               '
    
    
491.52SMURF::BINDERFather, Son, and Holy SpigotFri Jul 21 1995 18:441
    Did you get your screen dried off, Mz_Deb?
491.53LANDO::OLIVER_BFri Jul 21 1995 20:374
>whom I won't
    embarrass by naming them

Is this a bit redundant?
491.54SMURF::BINDERFather, Son, and Holy SpigotFri Jul 21 1995 20:501
    No.
491.55My two cents worthVIDEO::SOELLNERTue Jul 25 1995 16:5121
    I'd rather listen to David Brudnoy than Howie Carr. I miss Gene Burns,
    and Jerry Williams. They had two of the best talk shows for my money. I
    know that Jerry is still on but from 10 to 12 only, when most of us are
    at work.
    
    It must be difficult for David with his health conditions, but I like
    his show and would not like to see him retire unless the show was
    wearing him out physically and mentally. A lot of things he talks about
    I don't agree with, but I'm glad he's around to say them.
    
    Claprood and Wheatley (sp) I don't like. Moe Lauzier (sp) I like. 
    
    We need talk shows that talk about the real issues, like jobs, bringing
    them back to the USA, instead of selling out Americans to NAFTA and
    GATT!
    
    And others too, like abuses of the constitution (alleged) by some of
    our federal law enforcement agencies.
    
    I hope David stays until he retires gracefully. He should know when
    that is.
491.56LANDO::OLIVER_BTue Jul 25 1995 18:282
I hate all radio and TV talk shows.
Except for Click and Clack, the Tappit Brothers.
491.57NOTIME::SACKSGerald Sacks ZKO2-3/N30 DTN:381-2085Tue Jul 25 1995 18:291
Tappet.
491.58LANDO::OLIVER_BTue Jul 25 1995 18:301
Tap what?
491.59SHRCTR::DAVISTue Jul 25 1995 18:321
<------- what they said
491.60Days gone by....PERFOM::LICEA_KANEwhen it's comin' from the leftTue Jul 25 1995 19:564
    
    I miss Clique and Claque.
    
    								-mr. bill
491.61LANDO::OLIVER_BTue Jul 25 1995 20:361
Our attorneys:  Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe.
491.62NOTIME::SACKSGerald Sacks ZKO2-3/N30 DTN:381-2085Tue Jul 25 1995 20:371
Cheatham.  HTH.
491.63LANDO::OLIVER_BWed Jul 26 1995 15:111
TYVM.  BTW, ES. HTHT.
491.64NOTIME::SACKSGerald Sacks ZKO2-3/N30 DTN:381-2085Wed Jul 26 1995 15:141
ES?!  ES!?!?!?  Mods, if that's not a r.o., I don't know what is!
491.66NOTIME::SACKSGerald Sacks ZKO2-3/N30 DTN:381-2085Wed Jul 26 1995 15:161
You bet I'm steamed!
491.67WAHOO::LEVESQUEcontents under pressureWed Jul 26 1995 15:315
    >TYVM.  BTW, ES. HTHT.
    
     PMS? :^)
    
     Nice to see I'm not the sole target of her caustic tongue.
491.68LANDO::OLIVER_BWed Jul 26 1995 15:331
I missed you Mark, I really did.
491.69tant mieuxWAHOO::LEVESQUEcontents under pressureWed Jul 26 1995 15:341
    But it seems your attentions have been distributed somewhat.
491.70I really did.LANDO::OLIVER_BWed Jul 26 1995 15:371
My attentions?