Larry Mantle

KPCC marks 10 years of news/talk format

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:25:57 -0700

I find it almost impossible to believe that Saturday marked a decade of KPCC being a consistent format NPR news/talk broadcaster. It seems like nowhere near that long.

The lease agreement for newly-created Southern California Public Radio to operate KPCC went into effect the first day of 2000, but SCPR's new format didn't follow until just over three months later. On March 13th, 2000, all non-news and talk programming was dropped and the schedule was significantly realigned.

I was extremely excited about the changes, as it had been obvious for years that the only way to grow KPCC's audience and to serve more listeners was to give people consistency and depth in news, talk, and information programming. I personally loved some of our old music programs, but our eclectic schedule led to constant churning of the audience, with listeners coming and going depending on whether the particular progam of the moment interested them. That might help you find the unexpected gem from time to time, but it's not a good way to cultivate listener expectations for what they're going to get when they tune in to a station.

As part of this transformation, my life changed quite a bit. "AirTalk" moved from afternoon drive (4-7 p.m.) to weekday mornings.

I'm a night person -- ideally going to bed and waking up on the late side (this was before becoming a father). "Theater hours" are just perfect for me. I've adjusted, but my default is still for the earler body clock.

I also remember how big a risk I thought it was in SCPR putting so many resources into local news. I was confident that the signature NPR news/talk format that was successful in almost all the nation's other large markets would work in our region. What I wasn't so sure about was how big a listener appetite there would be for local news. Even local television stations don't seem to have much faith in viewer interest in local issues, aside from crime. I assume that's borne out from extensive audience testing. However, it's been just the opposite for us.

I'm continually impressed by how many listeners care deeply about the challenges we face in Southern California. Some of these stories aren't the sexiest, but they really matter in our day-to-day lives. My hope, as grandiose as it might sound, is that KPCC can make a substantive improvement in the quality of our lives. As we better know our communities, and the people who live in them, the better chance we can find commonality in solving the problems we have share.

Whether that substantive improvement happens or not, it's the hope for it that drives what we've done for the past ten years. Our duty is to provide you with comprehensive coverage that you can use in many different ways. Some of those will most affect your personal life, but others might lead to the kinds of common understanding that moves your community forward. Regardless, I hope to be sharing with you in ten more years my surprise about how much we've grown in the interim.

Joe Biden Goes to Israel

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:36:43 -0700

The Vice-President's visit to Israel has produced plenty of interesting side stories, including Mr. Biden's criticism of Israel's plans to build 1,600 new apartment units in east Jerusalem. He said that Israel's move "undermines trust," just ahead of mediated peace talks.

Wednesday morning on "AirTalk," we'll talk about how the VP was received, and what the overt and underlying messages he delivered were designed to do. A recent poll of Israelis showed a majority thought President Obama was less supportive of Israel than the previous administration. Do you share that perception? If so, is that a good thing or cause for concern?

California's greenhouse gas law targeted by proposed ballot initiative

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:23:45 -0700

Monday morning's "AirTalk" featured a debate on the greenhouse gas emissions rollback (AB 32) signed into law four years ago. AB 32's supporters claim it will not only set an example for the rest of country, but spur the in-state development of green technologies that could create jobs and expand our local economic base.

However, opponents of the measure are gathering signatures for a November initiative that would shelve AB 32 until unemployment drops below 5.5-percent for four consecutive quarters. Supporters of AB 32 say that would essentially do away with the greenhouse gas limits, given the state's historic unemployment levels. Opponents of AB 32 say unemployment is way too high to add the law's burden on California businesses.

Several newspapers in the state report the Valero and Tesoro oil companies are the funders of the signature-gathering effort. The two companies are based in Texas, but have significant presences in California. Oil companies are also undoubtedly concerned about the prospect that more states could adopt such restrictions on emissions.

What do you think? Will implementation of AB 32 lead to job losses or more jobs? Monday's guests cited dueling studies on AB 32's costs to businesses. Which argument was more compelling to you?

8th annual "Film Week" Academy Awards preview airs Friday

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:59:41 -0700

Last Sunday, February 28th, about 400 “Film Week” listeners attended our yearly Academy Award preview. Not only was the turnout a thrill, but the back-and-forth between our critics was particularly spirited. The show airs Friday at 10:30 a.m. on KPCC.

Though I have a great time hosting our in-studio “Film Week,” it’s even more fun to see our critics and audience members respond to each other at the Oscar show.

This year was particularly lively, as James Cameron’s “Avatar” polarized. Critic Henry Sheehan was a strong defender of the movie, and he had plenty of support in the audience. Sharply disagreeing was critic Charles Solomon. His blistering ridicule of “Avatar” also hit home, triggering guffaws.

Katherine Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker” was universally acclaimed by our critics, all of whom are members of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA). LAFCA was the first critics’ organization to choose “The Hurt Locker” as Best Film.

Probably my favorite part of each year’s show comes from our critics championing the movies and performances that they thought were overlooked. This year was no exception, even with the Academy expanding the number of Best Picture nominees to ten.

We look forward to next year’s “Film Week” On the Road at the Egyptian, and hope to see you there. Our critics put great care and passion into “Film Week,” and I know that your support of their work means a lot to them. As always, it’s a real treat to see listeners like you at our programs throughout the Southland.

Statewide Day of Action protestors expected to call for higher taxes

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:48:55 -0700

Students, teachers, and professors are planning protests at numerous schools throughout the state, arguing that planned cuts to public education will decimate instruction. Some of the flyers I've seen have specifically called for increasing taxes on California corporations and higher-level earners.

Thursday morning on "AirTalk," we'll talk with KPCC reporters at various campuses to hear from protestors. Do you think the protests will have any impact on what happens with the budget in Sacramento? Do you think supporters of tax increases should seek to qualify initiatives that would enact such hikes? Do you think such measures would stand a chance of passsage?

Roland Lazenby's new book, "Jerry West: The Life and Legend of a Basketball Icon," is essential for Laker fans. I've always heard about West's intensity and eccentricities, but this book really explains how he got to be that way. I read the book straight-through Tuesday night and have been thinking about it since. I'm also looking forward to West's autobiography that's coming out later this year.

Is "hyper-sexuality" hype?

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:24:36 -0700

Tuesday morning we heard contrasting opinions from a pair of eminent psychiatrists over whether sexual addiction should be considered a psychiatric classification, or a misguided effort at pathologizing relationally-damaging behavior. I was impressed with both of our guests, but am still unclear on how you classify something that's such a part of human nature as a psychiatric condition. Isn't part of our nature to do battle between our short term impulses and longer term benefit? If we consistently fall short of our longer term interests by indulging a particular pleasure, is that really evidence of an addiction?

I'm particularly skeptical of labeling as a sex addict a high profile athlete who travels the world taking advantage of sexual opportunities along the way. It's clearly a violation of the pact he has with his wife and, once public, a tremendously unfair burden on his kids. However, it's hard for me to see that as an addiction. The athlete engaged in short term gratification, ultimately at the expense of those he loves. There are, however, many examples of such behavior from non-sexual areas of life, and they wouldn't be looked at as stemming from an addiction.

What do you think? Perhaps you've struggled with sexual obsessions or addiction and would like to share your experience and what it's led you to conclude.

Wednesday on "AirTalk," we'll talk with members of the UC community about race relations on Southern California campuses. You've probably heard about the incidents at UC San Diego. If you're part of a UC community, what have you observed?

Excellent turnout for our 8th annual Film Week Academy Awards preview

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:26:51 -0700

I had so much fun at Sunday afternoon's "Film Week" on the road event at the Egyptian Theater. If you attended, thanks for coming and being part of the event. Though I have a great time with the critics each week, it's even more fun to have listeners participate in the program. If you weren't able to make it this year, I hope to see you for next year's program.

As you can guess, our producers, engineers, and critics put a lot of work into our annual Egyptian show. Something as simple as playing clips from the nominated films requires that our producers find snippets that work well both visually and on radio. That's easier said than done.

On the engineering side, our Doug Gerry had to balance the audio of ten microphones during our final segment of the Oscar preview. That's also very challenging.

As for our critics, even after more than 20 years of working with them on "Film Week," I'm still amazed by how they stay "up" for reviewing hundreds of movies a year. Their stamina and continued love for movies is remarkable.

Thanks, again, for your ongoing support of "Film Week." We're very happy to bring it to you each week.

"Film Week" 8th annual Oscar preview at the Egyptian

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 11:28:00 -0700

I'm sure looking forward to our annual Academy Awards preview at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. I hope you can join all of our "Film Week" critics and me Sunday at 1:30 p.m. We'll watch clips from the nominated films, hear our critics' pointed opinions, and talk with some members of the audience, as well.

Tickets are available at the door for $11. Admission goes directly to the non-profit American Cinematheque, which owns the Egyptian and puts on its terrific film series. I look forward to seeing you there.

Will the healthcare summit amount to much?

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:30:33 -0700

I was able to watch and listen to some of the Blair House summit before Thursday morning's "AirTalk," and actually enjoyed the experience. Regardless of whether this summit was largely political theater or not, I'd like to see more such debates and public negotiations over big public policy questions.

Of course, this is what we do each day on "AirTalk," but I liked hearing elected representatives hashing out these disagreements directly with each other. I thought there were good points raised by both parties this morning, and some glaring unaddressed holes in their arguments, as well. What did you think of the historic meeting?

Wednesday night our CEO Bill Davis, Program Director Craig Curtis, and I went to a retirement reception for KCRW's Ruth Seymour. It was hosted by the Getty museum and included some very nice words from Warren Olney and Ruth, herself. It's truly the end of an era at 89.9 I wish KCRW's new GM, Jennifer Ferro, the very best as she takes the station forward. I know her selection was very popular within KCRW.

Can politicians agree on healthcare reform that's "good enough?"

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:58:30 -0700

Thursday morning, Congressional leaders and President Obama will meet in a televised summit to debate how to address rising healthcare costs and the high numbers of uninsured. On "AirTalk," we'll talk about how the first few hours of the summit go.

Wednesday morning we talked with Lori Gottlieb, author of "Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough." We had a lot of listener response to Gottlieb's contention that young women are setting such unrealistic expectations for a prospective partner that they're setting themselves up for a less fulfilled life down the road.

I guess everything these days is reminding me of the healthcare debate. Is there a "good enough" reform that might pass?

President Obama's healthcare plan unveiled

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:53:49 -0700

Monday morning, the President's plan was announced as the starting point for negotiations with Congress at this Thursday's televised summit at Blair House in Washington. GOP leaders are already labeling it a massive tax increase on the middle class and small businesses. Coming out of that meeting, President Obama will have a tough decision over how to proceed. It doesn't appear likely he'll get any Republican support, so that limits his and Democrats' options.

What do you think the President should do? Moderate Democrats are running scared that any reform will be successfully labeled a government takeover of healthcare. Is there more Obama can do to increase support for his plan in middle America?

Tuesday, we'll talk about cyber crime and terrorism, and the extensive efforts being made to better secure cyberspace.

An excellent weekend for new movies

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:40:06 -0700

If you're like me, you might still be catching up on the Oscar nominated films. However, it's great to have several options for brand new releases.

Leading the pack is Roman Polanski's, "Ghost Writer." Both our critics, Wade Major and Claudia Puig, were very impressed with the film. That was in contrast to Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island," which was only intermittently involving. Parts of "Shutter Island" were quite creepy and effective.

Our critics were also high on the French movie, "The Girl on the Train," directed by Andre Techine, and the Israeli film, "Ajami."

Monday, we'll update the surge in Afghanistan. Have a great weekend!

Can't UCI students just get along?

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:52:55 -0700

Undoubtedly, most of them can. However, members of the Muslim and Jewish groups on campus have found it much tougher to do. The latest skirmish was early last week when eleven students of UCI and UCR were arrested after repeatedly trying to shout down a speech by Israel's ambassador to the United States.

Friday on "AirTalk," we'll talk about the ongoing complaints of UCI's Muslim student group about how the university treats them. We'll also hear what Jewish students think about the most recent incident.

On "Film Week on AirTalk," our critics will review the creepy new Martin Scorsese film, "Shutter Island," and we'll hear what they think about Roman Polanski's new movie, as well.

Lefty auto critic Dan Neil takes right turn to WSJ

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:42:32 -0700

It's safe to say that Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Dan Neil won't be asked to join the editorial board of the Wall Street Journal. However, Dan is making the move from the Los Angeles Times to become the Journal's automotive columnist. Dan's not only an amazing expert on cars, he's a truly gifted writer on any topic, whether you agree with his politics or not. Thursday morning on "AirTalk," we'll talk with Dan about his move and about Toyota's enormous challenges.

Also, outgoing Assembly speaker Karen Bass will joins us to talk about her run for the Congressional seat that Diane Watson is leaving for retirement. As you might have heard on "AirTalk," or read elsewhere, the Assembymember contributed campaign funds to the initiative effort to do away with California's new independent redistricting panel. We'll ask her about why she thinks the legislature is better suited for the job.

Do you care if "they" know where you are?

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:54:39 -0700

Wednesday morning on "AirTalk," we'll talk about whether the federal government should have the right, without probable cause, to use cellphone information to track the location of a person. This has become a big issue for civil libertarians, who see it as a potentially serious invasion of privacy. I welcome your reaction.

Also, we'll kickoff our member drive, so that we can raise money to continue providing you with the service of KPCC. I know that member drives can be an endurance contest for all involved, including listeners. Thanks for your support and understanding. On air drives are the only way for us to identify new listeners and to give them a chance to contribute. For those like me, it also gives an extra nudge to renew. This time I'm going to sign up for the automatic sustaining membership so that I don't have to think about renewing.

KCRW's retiring GM, Ruth Seymour, joins us Tuesday

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:36:15 -0700

KCRW's Ruth Seymour is in her final days as General Manager. Tuesday we'll talk with her about how public radio has evolved during her years bringing KCRW from a small, college laboratory station, to prominence across the country. Ruth has also been a controversial figure within public radio, given her decision to operate KCRW as a split-format station that pairs music with long-form news.

Have you been watching any of the Winter Olympics over the weekend? I particularly enjoyed K. D. Lang's performance at the opening ceremonies. It made me think of the nice conversation we had with her just a few months ago at our studios. She's an incredible talent.

Saturday was a beautiful day, but I ended up spending several hours of it sorting through all the books I've collected over the years that we've been broadcasting from Pasadena City College. At our new facility, I don't have an office to display all the great signed books I've collected over the years. I've brought those books home and have had to creatively find a place to store them, as our house isn't big enough to have them out. Though lifting all the boxes has left me a bit sore, it's been nice to have my memories of each book stirred by picking it up and organizing it. The nearly 25 years of hosting "AirTalk" have elapsed so quickly.

The Final "AirTalk" from PCC

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:27:08 -0700

This morning marked our final live, local, broadcast from studios at Pasadena City College. For me, this brings to a close 27 years of coming to work here. Beginning tomorrow morning, "AirTalk" and other KPCC programming will originate from the new Mohn Broadcast Center on south Raymond Avenue in Pasadena.

I'd been so busy I hadn't had a chance to think about how I would feel doing our final program from the PCC studios. The excitement of the new facility has also been my primary emotion. Nevertheless, I was a bit blindsided by nostalgia just before going on the air. The reality of the move, and the realization of the thousands of interviews I've done here, started to sink in.

Preparing for each day's "AirTalk" requires so much attention to the subjects at hand that I don't tend to dwell on past programs. However, over these past few days, I've found myself thinking back on how I felt when I started with KPCC, and my excitement over moving into the building that we're now leaving.

I'll miss the community of PCC and being on the campus of one of the state's finest community colleges, but I'm also looking forward to all we'll be able to do in our new home. Very few people in radio get the opportunity to work in the cutting-edge technical environment that we're moving into. I'm thankful to all the contributors who've made this huge upgrade possible.

Thank you for supporting the growth of KPCC. We've been overcrowded and heavily compromised in our production capabilities for some time. Now, we'll have the chance to stretch out and challenge ourselves anew. It's an exciting, and memorable, time.

Packing up 27 years of great memories

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:07:02 -0700

With our upcoming move to the new SCPR/Mohn Broadcast Center in southwest Pasadena I'm packing up 27 years worth of books, files, and mementos of my years at KPCC. We're just days away from the move and I'm being constantly reminded of some of my favorite interviews.

There was Steve Allen and his wide-ranging intellectual curiousity and intense seriousness, Bobby Knight biting his lip to avoid yelling at me for probing the nature of his intense anger, and Barack Obama and John McCain hanging out for a few extra minutes talking with our staff.

I've also enjoyed coming to work on the beautiful Pasadena City College campus. There's a lot to be said for being in an educational environment with young students and their views of the world. Though I'm excited about the move, and all the things our new facilities will allow us to do, there's no getting around the fact that I'm leaving the location that's been my professional home for more than half of my life.

Throughout this week and next I'll share my thoughts on SCPR's huge move to the Mohn Broadcast Center. It's going to create tremendous opportunities to better serve you.

L. A. City Council struggles with budget gap and the phantom dream of bipartisanship

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:18:37 -0700

Wednesday's decision by the L. A. City Council to delay laying off 1,000 city workers wasn't a political surprise, but left a lot of folks scratching their heads. In this morning's conversation with councilmembers Bernard Parks and Jose Huizar, it still wasn't clear to me what the alternative will be. I'm aware of the proposal from the city employees coalition, but don't see how that will solve a shortfall of this size. I'm not aware of any evidence for a rebound in local tax collections, so the city's looking at a widening chasm for the forseeable future. No one at city hall wants to use the work "bankruptcy," but the possibility can't be ignored.

I appreciate all the great listener comments about bipartisanship and whether it's possible -- either politically or philosophically. This morning's conversation was mostly about all the factors working against cooperative governance.

Darjeeling or Earl Grey? -- Tea Party disagrees about its convention

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:00:19 -0700

The Tea Party movement open its first-ever national conference in Nashville on Thursday and, just like a formal political party, there's passionate internal debate. Some Tea Party advocates see the gathering as an important step in better organizing the push towards lower taxes and smaller government. Others within the movement view the conference as antithetical to what they see as the grassroots and de-centralized nature of Tea Party activism. They don't want another political party, or anything that looks like it.

We spoke this morning with two organizers of major Tea Party events in California. They differed in what they thought about a conference, but were in full agreement on how they thought independent voters would embrace the limited government message.

Thursday on "AirTalk," the battle over dealing with the city of Los Angeles' budget gap is heating up. Now it appears cuts to LAPD and the fire department are in play. What do you think?