| 21 february 2002 | the best show you might not be hearing Early last year, several North Carolina NPR stations began broadcasting a new talk show. My buddy Phil and I were discussing it a couple of months after the debut, and comparing reactions. We didn't know quite what to think of the show. It was vibrant, sometimes off the cuff, and sometimes created the kind of dialogues that made us want to pour pop onto the radio. Who was this brash, fearless guy who can interview Halle Berry and Kofi Annan with equal aplomb? It's Tavis (not Travis) Smiley, and Phil and I are hooked. I try real hard not to miss this guy's show. It's good. Really good. It's provocative, relevant, and unique. Named one of Time Magazine's 50 most promising young Americans, Tavis is talking about what you need to know about. From interviews with leading Democratic presidential candidates like John Kerry, to another interview with the guy who runs FUBU clothing, he can have a compelling discussion with anyone. (I gotta tell you, that FUBU guy was pretty darn interesting.) The show has been big news--and a big boon--to NPR. This their first nationally-syndicated show out of Los Angeles. It is also wildly more diverse and intelligent than almost anything on the dial. While I love NPR, you have to admit that it's so white it's blue. The powers that be have recognized their dire need, and their listeners' desire, for more diverse voices. He's not afraid to get chummy with some of the folks he interviews and call them, "brother". He doesn't pander. He doesn't apologize. He doesn't throw softballs. As with tonight's show, he can discuss the plight of African refugees in America, feature "tech tips", and then have a great discussion regarding how same-sex unions are affecting family law in our country. If you go to his website, TavisTalks.com, you can keep yourself busy for hours. Listen to previous shows, check out some of the books that he's featured, and read his newsletter. Like many radio talk show hosts, Tavis Smiley has an agenda. Unlike many of them, however, his is inclusive. He aims to be credible, and provide us with a wide variety of viewpoints and information. Not too many broadcasts can make you smarter these days, but his just might. The future for radio isn't looking much brighter with increased media deregulation and Clear Channel-zilla deciding on everything you hear. Don't let a bunch of corporate chowderheads push you around. Support your local NPR station, and tune in to Tavis. He'll help make your brain bigger. "The Tavis Smiley Show" |
