Ziegler and Talk Radio

John Ziegler sure sounds like an overly-opinionated and brutally honest mofo. However, I couldn't stop smiling, and often times laughing while reading Wallace's article. The KFI radio station sounds like a prime station to tune into if, of course, you are willing to accept his humor and personality which may very well be opposing your views directly. I grew up listening to Fly 92.3 FM, based out of Albany. Every morning on my way to elementary school I would listen to "Reno and Whitney in the Morning." The two hosts would talk about an array of topics, mostly ragging on celebrities or inviting listeners to call in to talk about their most embarrassing sex memory. Though there have been many hosts of Fly 92 since, they all sound more or less the same, and are all fun enough to keep one's interest, but willing to accept everybody's opinion and story. They relate callers' stories to their own lives and welcome opinions on both sides of an issue. They offer a fair share of debate and personal opinion, but generally keep conversation on an even keel. Wallace defines Ziegler's hosting methods as being quite abrasive but wildly entertaining. While he "makes a point of not having a special on-air persona," he inevitably expresses "his experiences, his résumé, his political and cultural outlook and overall philosophy of life." He is described to have an intense hatred for political correctness but "takes pride in his on-air sense of humor." Humor, I believe, is crucial for talk shows. It serves as a means to keep people interested, keep them happy, and provide stimulation for conversation. Ziegler's talk show is spicy enough to sting the public, but can be similarly compared to other radio shows that strive to engage the public and offer entertainment to listeners of all backgrounds.