The Young Turks Announce Candidacy for MSNBC Slot | 31 comments (31 topical, 0 hidden)
I also enjoy the co-hosts (none / 0)
But I think the majority of TYT fans agree when I say that Cenk is the main talent. He's the meat and potatoes of the show.

Sure, it's fun to have a side dish here and there, but a side dish does not a meal make (or something like that, man I need to eat dinner).

Also, I happen to enjoy the (in)appropriate and (non)value added sexual topics, etc. But of course appropriateness and value addedness (?) is in the eye of the beholder. With that said, I really enjoyed when Sam Seder co-hosted because he brought a different perspective on domestic issues.

You know, like when he argued with Cenk on Bill Clinton and Free Trade. I wouldn't mind more of that type of thing.

by Tom Hanc on 02/05/2009 11:11:47 PM EST

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Bring Back Ben, Wes, Michael & a Female Host (none / 0)
I respectfully disagree.  I would argue that the highest ratings periods of TYT program coincided with shows that had presence of Cenk's cohorts/co-hosts. Cenk is not yet a big enough talent to carry a major radio show (TYT even not among top rated progressive radio talk shows) let alone a major television program. 

Again, I am of the opinion that what made the TYT a good/successful show to date (relatively speaking) is not because of a single personality (Cenk Uygur) but rather the dynamic personalities (plural) which made up The Young Turks (plural).

by jon from cali on 02/06/2009 12:58:01 AM EST

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I disagree 1,000% (none / 0)
When I first got turned onto TYT, I immediately found Cenk to be the one who entertained me, and the others just played off of him.

Again, I *like* most of the others (I started listening shortly after Jill had left and based on what I've heard I'm not a huge fan), but almost none of THEM could carry a show on their own. Cenk is by far the funniest, most animated and most interesting and *unique* host of the bunch.

He's intelligent, but there are plenty of intelligent people. But try finding intelligent and *funny* people who are witty with viral catch phrases (like "of coooourse" and "waseekda") and it takes it to a different level. Throw in his legendary and entertaining rants, and of course his ability to distill complicated issues into something that even non-policy wonks and non-experts can understand and you have a recipe for success.

PS---Wait a minute, how do we know you aren't Jill Pike?!    ;)

by Tom Hanc on 02/06/2009 11:53:52 AM EST

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Jill, Jill, Jill........... (none / 0)
Yes, Jill Pike, the gone but not forgotten Trust Fund Babe.  It's too bad b/c Jill could have worked out well as a female counterpart to Cenk, but she  just wasn't the sharpest or sufficiently well-read diva (disclaimer: Jill may be one now after her stint in DC).  But eye candy Jill definitely was!!!

Back to Cenk and TYT, if as you say Cenk is such a unique talent, as is the show so great, how can it be that TYT aren't doing too well?  Hmmm...from your adoring endorsement, Ihavenobias, Cenk should be one of the most sought-after personalities right now.  Last I checked, Cenk got let go by Air America, then also by satellite radio, so something's not adding up.  Sorry Cenk, just want to offer a voice of reason here among the choir here.

For MSNBC to give Cenk/TYT a shot, they'd have to take on a huge leap of faith.  Cenk if you're reading this, call me. I'd manage you and together we'll charter a more successful path for TYT.  Yes you are intelligent, funny, talented, and with sufficient gravitas....but this just ain't been enough buddy.  Right strageties and business plan matter !

P.S. How do we know this aint Cenk, aka: IhavenoBias?

by jon from cali on 02/06/2009 05:33:02 PM EST

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Nope (none / 0)
How is it that the youtube channel has EXPLODED (that's not rhetorical, it's a direct question)?

Here's another question since you fancy yourself as being media savvy:

Which format has the brightest future going forward:

A)-TV
B)-Radio
C)-The Internet
D)-Print

If you answered "C" you're correct! New Media IS the future, and the other formats are either slowing down or outright dying. So if you put two and two together, the most important fact is that the youtube channel (which represents New Media) is thriving.

You know who agrees with me? The main Editor of Talker's Magazine. He was on Ed Schultz a few weeks ago, and he said that the future of talk radio is (drumroll) The Internet. Live video, pictures, blogs, chats, etc.

I knew that *before* that particular segment, but it's nice to know that a leading voice in the industry backs me up.

PS---How many poor decisions has Air America made? How are Malloy and Randi Rhodes doing these days after getting booted from Air America? How is Lionel (who's still with Air America doing)? Oh, and Thom Hartmann is is going to be gone soon as well.

And tell me, how is the financial situation over at XM/Sirius? Last time I heard they weren't doing so well. That either means the format is dying, that they made bad decisions or BOTH.

Finally, if you truly are media savvy, you know how much of the business boils down to hype, connections and perceptions. The most talented cream does NOT necessarily rise to the top (Glenn Beck anyone?), but if you can change one of the 3 items I mentioned it can happen overnight.

by Tom Hanc on 02/06/2009 05:47:49 PM EST

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The Young Turks Announce Candidacy for MSNBC Slot | 31 comments (31 topical, 0 hidden)