Diane Rehm on the radio: Why?
Moving now to media criticism, I would like to respectfully suggest that NPR move The Diane Rehm Show to some time slot when I'm not listening. Let's say 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. As it stands, I'm forced to curse and make pained facial expressions during the two morning hours she's on KMUW here in Wichita. And that's not always convenient.Look, I know about the spasmodic dysphonia, the vocal condition that makes her sound like somebody's dotty grandmother trying not to slur her words after a second bottle of white zinfandel. That's a tough break and she can't help it. Far be it from me to criticize someone's disability. On the other hand, since there aren't many slots open for radio personalities, you'd think they could find one with the minimum qualification: a voice that does not evoke fingernails on a chalkboard.
You'd also think they could find one with a personality. That's my real beef with Diane Rehm: the personality. She has no sense of timing, she interrupts knowledgable guests to interject inane non sequiturs, and worst of all, she has no discernible sense of humor. Don't ask me why she's smiling in the picture; maybe she's imagining a deadly strain of ebola that infects only Republican males. That's another thing about Diane: she eschews any pretense of objectivity. Fine, there are plenty of right-wing ranters out there too. But couldn't she at least make a joke once in awhile?
The prosecution rests. Except to add that Diane Rehm's familiarity with world events doesn't appear to extend much past 1997. All in all, it's a crappy radio show and I'm at a loss to explain its purported popularity.
Comments
I thought she was somebody's dotty old grandmother. I had no idea she was merely post-menopausal.
Stock
She could still contribute to a show without being the on-air talent. I hope she retires.
Basically, a nightmare where you are stuck in slow motion.
My fingers can't change the station fast enough.
Yes I am insulting YOU! You are soo off base. I am a well educated, well read, well spoken listener and long term subscriber to NPR. That being said, you are representing the absolute WORST stereotype about "educated liberals" or , perhaps you are a name calling "Republic" supporter? The beauty of this country is Freedom of Speech. One can disagree without calling names or assaulting someones intelligence, or perhaps you missed that point!
I have no desire to listen to ANYONE, left or right, who is inane and uneducated. Ms. Rehms is guilty of all the things being said about her here in this posting. I am happy to hear, for "Diane"'s sake that at least one person finds her tiresome inanity entertaining but I just spent an hour listening to her ask the stupidest questions and say the dumbest things to the great Dr. Ralph Stanley. I was apoplectic ( angry to you) listening to her idiocy and only stayed tuned because Dr. Stanley is one of Americas great treasures.
A good host lets the guest speak for him or herself, may guide the conversation, but doesn't restate the speakers points and certainly doesn't talk about themselves.
I enjoy the show very much when Diane is away.
I don't know if she is involved with guest selection and booking -- if so, then she should remain on staff and help out in putting on the program. She could certainly act as guest host from time to time - especially when there are "more sentimental" guests on - but, honestly, she should retire her seat to a new regular host.