01/15/2008 01:36:27 PM EST

New Young Turks Format Starts on Wed., Jan. 16th

posted by Cenk

1.    Starting Wednesday, January 16th, we will be doing a live two hour show 3-5PM ET (12N-2PM PT).

It will only have 12 minutes of ads an hour (as opposed to 22 minutes per hour in local radio). This "main" show will be mainly political. It will, of course, have the usual TYT irreverence and personal anecdotes and current events mixed in.

2.    We will do a rolling post game (RPG) from 5-9PM ET. This will essentially be a live video blog, where we come in and out with live content in that four hour block.

There are no set times for broadcasting within that time period. If news breaks or we want to do a segment for any other reason (e.g, to play a TYT game like Dave Koller's America, do an entertainment block, a live interview, or simply to give you a random news story we like), we will go live at that time to share that content with you.

Read more below ...

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3.    The RPG will be a smorgasbord of topics. It will not be purely political. It can range from the racy to the intellectual. I would love to interview people about the meaning of life in this time period. I would also love to interview porn stars in this time period. So, hang on for an eclectic and wild ride.

4.    We will put up all of our video blogs from the rolling post game on our blog below the TV screen (the same place where our blog is right now). Some of the video blogs will be Members Only but most will be available to everyone with a short pre-roll ad in the beginning.

5.    We will make short clips of our content of the day (taken from the live show and the RPG) and put them on our You Tube channel as we do now. But these shorter clips will now only be on our You Tube channel and not on our site.

6.    We will do live event coverage with Brave New Films for important political events of the year. Upcoming planned events are coverage of the South Carolina primary, State of the Union speech and Super Tuesday.

7.    In the times we are not live (we are live in the 3-9PM ET time period), for financial reasons, we are not going to be able to loop the show for the foreseeable future. Instead there will be one of our You Tube clips in the TV screen you normally see the show in (this clip will not automatically play when you come to the site; you have the option of playing it when you want).

8.    Members get every piece of content, all put together with no commercials, in easily downloadable and viewable formats.

Overall, there will be more content, probably significantly more. It will be broader topics throughout the day. And we will also use this as a platform to begin a progressive web network. Accordingly, we might have other hosts and liberal bloggers host certain blocks of time on the site.

There will certainly be plenty of experimentation going forward. So, there should be even more new and exciting facets to this venture as we go forward.

< 'tween music | Hmm...Looks Like I Might Have To Vote For Huckabee After All! >
 Display:
New Young Turks Format Starts on Wed., Jan. 16th | 47 comments (47 topical, 0 hidden)
Very interesting concept (none / 0)
I'm hoping it works. I like the prospect of lots and lots of TYT to listen to. And I like to possiblity of expanding to bring some bloggers and liberal talkers into the mix.

I just hope you pull off the "easily downloadable and viewable" part of the package. 'Cause lord knows it took me a week to figure out how to watch everything here on the site after I got my membership.

by braveomatic on 01/14/2008 02:00:41 PM EST

Sounds Great (none / 0)
Sounds great guys - interesting innovation. Nice that members can download content to play at any time. Thanks for thinking of us. God bless, go forward!

by Verified1 on 01/14/2008 03:46:46 PM EST

I can't wait. (none / 0)
I can't wait for the Turks to go web only.  Maybe I was still coming down from the high of hearing I won that t-shirt this morning, but the new show sounded great.  I'm still a little confused as to how this whole "RPG" thing is supposed to go, but I'm sure the kinks will get worked out soon enough.
Editorial control baby!
WOOT WOOT!

by Spencer on 01/14/2008 06:14:34 PM EST

New Changes (none / 0)
Hey first off, love the show. I am really excited for your new venture into the web only deal, but I really hate the no looping part due to "financial constraints". I understand the whole capitalism deal, make money etc, but I hope you realize that a lot of your listeners, especially here in the West listen to you on the web during the loop time when you're not on live radio. I love the show, but I sure as Hell wasn't getting up at 3-4am to listen. Now with the time change, I wont be able to listen at all (even though I'm a Liberal, I still have to work dammit!). I would imagine as Leeeberals you could understand my aggrevation that now to listen as convienently as before, I will have to pay for a membership that goes entirely against progressive ideals. (What Progressive wants to pay for anything they had for free before?) Even if you just looped on the weekends, that would help a lot of people who are now going to be left out! Thanks for reading, and good luck!  

by bobo1 on 01/14/2008 06:59:38 PM EST

I agree that it sucks for a lot of people (none / 0)
that there will be no loop, but paying $2.50 a week for 10 hours of entertainment (and that doesn't even include post game shows) is clearly a smart, affordable thing to do.

And it's helping to support progressive programming which goes entirely with progressive ideals. We can't complain about how bad the mainstream media is but then ignore opportunities to truly (and cheaply) support the desired alternative.

With that in mind, I think people who *don't* sign up are going out of their way to be left out!   At least that's my opinion.

by Tom Hanc on 01/14/2008 07:25:22 PM EST

[ Parent ]
New Changes (none / 0)
Thanks for your reply. I agree that the cost is not overbearing by any standard, but seriously, how much money would it cost to do a loop over the weekend dead time? Its not like you have to pay somebody to sit there and turn the thing on and off. If you do, y'all are working with some seriously outdated technology. We're not dealing with 8 track tapes, are we?

Secondly, I fear that the whole "paying" for a radio show counters logic, especially for a web only production. I am a school teacher, and with El Presidente Bush my dispoable income is gone before I even see it. The web should be the last unfettered free enterprise to be harnessed, not subdivided for profit. Limbaugh did this a few years ago, switching off his segments so that only members could listen. Turned a lot of radio listeners to shows like TYT seeking free and inspiring radio.

Again, I get the whole capitalist system for operating costs etc, but an established partner like Brave New Films et al has the resources to keep their "customers" satisfied. I cant imagine the costs overunning the show for a dead time loop. Somebody just wants more money. Thats cool if y'all do, but what kind of message does that send? Thanks again and good luck to the new venture.

by bobo1 on 01/14/2008 08:01:03 PM EST

[ Parent ]
A point of clarification (none / 0)
In the last part of the second paragraph, what I meant to say was a lot of raido SHOW listeners who use their computers and the internet as their main source of listening. Most people who have day jobs just cant have the radio blaring out during their work day, so many of us use the internet at times that are most convienent for us. Thanks!

by bobo1 on 01/14/2008 08:09:11 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I understand what you're saying (none / 0)
Really, I do.

I just know how much this means to all of them and and realize that they would TOTALLY keep the stream free if they could.  I'm sure they've weighed all of their options and that this is a (temporary) last resort.

I'm sure the calculations show they just need to get to a certain number of members to make the loop economically viable, and I for one can't abandon my beloved show in the meantime.  I also like the fact that my having signed up at one point (and encouraging others to do the same) helps make that day come that much sooner.

And look, I've got a GOOD amount of debt. If anyone understands a tight money situation it's me.  So while I understand the principle of not wanting to spend money on something that you'd like to be free, I think that's trumped by not wanting to stop watching a kick-ass, uniquely entertaining and informative show that I will NOT find anywhere else.


by Tom Hanc on 01/14/2008 08:13:21 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Thanks for your comments (none / 0)
I appreciate your comments about this matter. I am new to this whole writing into the show bit, mostly preferring just to listen and enjoying the show. You are correct, this is a "kick ass" show. I'm not even privy to the Post Game doings because I dont listen when thats on (or its a member thing - whatever) but I imagine that its entertaining and fun as well.

I know I must sound a bit petulant, but I am upset that the show wont be as accessible to me. I found this to be of the highest appeal to me as a listener. It was there whenever I could get it without having to succumb to this whole "Pay for Play" garbage on the internet. I guess my main beef is with the idea of profit motive. The longer I live, the more I see how greed and money has brought our world down. Not to say that TYT is guilty of any devious motive, but now at the times I'll get to listen I'll get stuck listening to Bill Press or Stephanie Miller. I think I'm going to gag...
 
The podcasting thing apparently is only for the first hour, not much use for this kind of show where Cenk gets worked up by hours 2-3. I'm not upset at the show or its staff, I understand completely the need for change and I appreciate the innovation they are trying to achieve. I am just down because I have a feeling they are going to lose a lot of listeners due to this new restriction. TYT is still kick ass, but now much less easily accessed! Thanks again for your encouragement.

by bobo1 on 01/14/2008 09:51:22 PM EST

[ Parent ]
lil advice. (none / 0)

I can totally understand where you are coming from, being tight on money, enjoying the free show, then all of a sudden having to pay for it. It doesn't seem right.

 I became a member about 3 months ago by putting some junk on ebay and making about $200 that sits in my paypal account. TYT takes $10 a month from that account , which to me is worth it. It was easy to do and I don't think about the money aspect of it anymore at all. I was on the fence about becoming a member for these same reasons you stated in your blog..

I will say TYT is arguably one of the best shows i have heard in the past few years of listening to tons of talk radio. ( right next to Thom Hartmann ) and I'm pretty into the new concept of the show. Iv'e weeded out just about every other talk show along this path. Stephanie Miller, Ed Shultz, Sirius Left etc. All the main media.. except for BBC etc. For whatever reason.. these other shows suck.I mean Stephanie Miller? How anybody can listen to her is beyond me... the point is it's worth it to support the things in life that make you tick. Also being a member has been great. I always missed the show because of the time it aired, So I just listen to it later in the day.. skip around, go back.. podacast it, video it. Don't settle for the crap on radio!! get involved, support the show.. it's worth it! .

by nozini on 01/16/2008 01:32:32 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I appreciate your advice (none / 0)
I didnt think about the Ebay conncetion and working of the residual. I appreciate your candor and support. Thanks!

by bobo1 on 01/16/2008 02:40:41 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Wait a minute (none / 0)
You don't like Stephanie Miller?

What is it about an endless series of goofy sound effects, impersonations and people laughing hysterically at their own jokes that doesn't appeal to you? 

As a bonus, she refers to herself as "momma".  If that doesn't seal the deal for you, I don't know what will!

by Tom Hanc on 01/16/2008 05:17:13 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Bandwidth (none / 0)
Bandwidth costs can be make or break for a new and untested enterprise like this, it's likely they could afford to loop the show, but why not see if it sticks first.   *shrug*

by remmis on 01/15/2008 09:00:56 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Wha? (none / 0)
I didn't know that not wanting to pay for things that once came free was a progressive value. 
Just look at the last few years as a free sample with a toothpick in it.  And that toothpick's name is Air America.  And imagine how good that food will taste without the toothpick stabbing you on the way down. (W.H. Auden eat your heart out)
Membership is really pretty cheap when you think of what you're getting.  But if you can't swing the fee that's fine.  I remember him saying something about how podcasting is still going to be free.  If the internet is your primary way of listening I don't think a lot will change.
And what do you mean you can't listen live?  Nobody on your commune has to get up at 4am to pick the "crops"?

by Spencer on 01/14/2008 08:13:01 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Podcasting is better anyway (none / 0)
at least for me.  It's far more convenient than being glued to my PC.  I just download it to my MP3 player and listen to it constantly.

You can pretty much listen ANYWHERE except for in the shower (that means you can listen at work with headphones on, or plug it into your PC speakers). It's not like people can watch the video portion at work anyway.

Hell, as Cenk has pointed out many times, you can buy a $20 adapter and listen in your car too. 

And KenTX mentioned that a very high quality MP3 player is available for less than $40 (besides, you can listen to music and whatever else on there and they have cheap MP3 players that are HALF that cost)...and it seems like just about everyone already has one anyway.

The only time I watch online is for the live election coverage and the post game show if it sounds like there's something interesting on the video (like the interview with MyRiceGirl which was questionable with audio only).

by Tom Hanc on 01/14/2008 08:19:44 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Yeah (none / 0)
MyRiceGirl was questionable with video too.  I still have no idea what that was about.

by Spencer on 01/14/2008 08:29:18 PM EST

[ Parent ]
podcasting rocks (none / 0)
I agree completely. Unfortunately, my job blocks "political/opinion&quo t; websites (just like China) but they haven't noticed TYT yet, thank god. So I have to be happy with what I can download from home in the morning.

I looked into getting an iPhone which runs iTunes but they can't download podcasts, *sigh*. I hope they add the capability later - that would REALLY rock.

Are you listening Apple?

by toosinbeymen on 01/15/2008 08:23:48 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Actually (none / 0)
I have a Creative Zen V Plus MP3 Player, 2GB.  I'm not someone who uses it to listen to music all day (pretty much only at the gym if I'm in the mood).

I mostly just use it for TYT/Thom Hartmann podcasts which makes 2GB more than enough.

by Tom Hanc on 01/15/2008 12:20:18 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I wasn't aware that podcasting was free (none / 0)
I will check that out, never having thought that the non members would get free podcasting. That is certainly an acceptable alternative to the dilema. I didn't figure that anything streamed through something like Itunes (or whatever server is used) could be free of charge. Thanks for the info, I will check that out!

by bobo1 on 01/14/2008 09:18:45 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Hold... (none / 0)
I wasn't 100% on that "podcasting is free" thing.  I remember him saying something about it but I'm not exactly sure.  I guess we'll all find out on Wednesday.  Plus I'm sure he'll be hammering this whole new venture thing again tomorrow.  Maybe we can get some new info then.

by Spencer on 01/14/2008 10:35:00 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Yeah, I don't remember anything about (none / 0)
free podcasting.  I believe you have to be a member for that.

by Tom Hanc on 01/14/2008 10:40:27 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Well then... (none / 0)
I guess that solves that.  Anybody else have any hopes I can bring sky high only to allow them to come crashing to the ground?  My bad.  I apologize.

by Spencer on 01/14/2008 10:44:18 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Re: "Membership is really pretty cheap" (none / 0)

Re: "Membership is really pretty cheap when you think of what you're getting."

Well, not really.  $10/month is somewhat steep for a single media channel, with only 2-4 hours of programming per day.

That being said, they'll charge what they'll charge and the market will respond.  I'd prefer a lower membership fee, but expect (hope) that they're pricing their service on a cost-plus model (as opposed to "whatever the market will bear") and understand the need to cover costs.

The degree to which the cost model is "progressive" or "capitalist" is in the "plus"... how much is the enterprise driven by increasing profits versus making a reasonable income in pursuit of championing the progressive cause.

by plooger on 01/15/2008 06:33:02 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Cheap Enough (none / 0)
Come on, everyone. Ten bucks a month is pretty cheap for something so great as these shows. I don't have a big paycheck, either, but TYT membership is a basic budget item. It's a whole lot less than one take-out pizza, for heaven's sake.
 
And it's not only about what you get for the money, or whether you get to listen in the gym or the car. It's about supporting truth, and supporting watchdogs of good government. Not to mention some pretty funny stuff.
 
So don't be stingy...cook your own supper once a month. Cough up a few bucks and support this terrific show.

by Verified1 on 01/15/2008 03:35:17 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Exactly (none / 0)
People spend $10 for ONE movie ticket that will entertain them for 90-180 minutes TOPS.

For $10 bucks a month we're talking about 3-6 hours of (informative) entertainment every weekday!

Until we hear about Cenk trading in his Pontiac for a (new) BMW (or we see an inground pool in the background of every shot), any talk of excessive pricing is laughable.

by Tom Hanc on 01/15/2008 04:34:50 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Ouch (none / 0)
That started off pretty harshly but ended with a membership.  Oh well, I guess the membership is the important part so I'm glad you signed up.


And you make a good point (at the end), we NEED to support this new progressive format, or at least we should.  If we do, we'll eventually dominate the internet in the way conservatives dominated (and continue to dominate) radio.

At which point we can make the (stupid) argument that there just isn't a market for conservative talk online. :)

by Tom Hanc on 01/15/2008 06:54:51 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I'm feelin ya but I disagree (none / 0)
Bobo, I think it's cool that you want to listen to the show on the website.  I sometimes do as well.  I decided to pay up and become a member after Air America axed Kent Jones from TRMS and then TYT left Air America.  I look at it like this and Cenk, steal this theory all you want...10 bucks a month works out to 50 cents a show.  That's the price of a newspaper I don't care to read and less than a cup of coffee I won't drink.  Cenk entertains me and Anna is smokin hot, so why wouldn't I give up a few hard earned bucks for the people who make my drive from work bearable.  I have an fm transmitter and I get to listen to the show commercial free.  My local radio station never carried TYT so for me, the only option was via podcast.  I hope this venture works out and as I'm a podcaster, I'd love to fill time if you ever needed someone to fill a slot.  bigshowradio.com

by TheBigShow on 01/14/2008 09:37:24 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Thanks! (none / 0)
I appreciate your look into this. I just posted a response above, so I wont go long again. Thanks!

by bobo1 on 01/14/2008 09:57:46 PM EST

[ Parent ]
New Format (none / 0)
I will continue to support TYT (as a member) even though with the new timings it is almost impossible to catch the show 'live' (I live in Malaysia). God bless and Good Luck.

Ramesh
Kuala Lumpur

by ramesh on 01/14/2008 08:07:59 PM EST

Wow, howdy Ramesh. (none / 0)

Be sure to check-out the podcasting.  Podcasting is just as good as live, unless you're a person who likes to call-in to the show.  And membership also gives you access to video streams for past shows.  Good stuff.

by plooger on 01/15/2008 06:37:53 AM EST

[ Parent ]
help I am confused (none / 0)
hello, I am confused about how to access the format.  I have gone to Bravenet and have it bookmarked. And, I have gone to 'digg-it' and registered there.  Is that how to get on with my young turk life?  Please advise...+trailtime

by trailtime on 01/14/2008 08:46:42 PM EST

(Comment Deleted) (none / 0)

This comment has been deleted by yturks

by plooger on 01/15/2008 07:15:19 AM EST

[ Parent ]
I'm against putting the show on 8-track tapes! (none / 0)

hey, the new changes sound really interesting.  I never watch/listen live, only on the web in the evenings.  I hope nonmembers consider signing up to try it for a month.  Once I did, I was addicted.  Plus, Cenk and Ana and David and Jesus and Jayar and Wes have to make a living!  Ben seems to be making one, but it must be killing his soul.  I'm sure once Cenk is rolling in dough and wearing gold chains, there will be more free content.
--Angela 

by desertpear on 01/14/2008 11:13:13 PM EST

Yeah, I'm very sad to see Ben doing TMZ... (none / 0)
... but I guess he needs to make a buck, eh.

by plooger on 01/15/2008 06:39:28 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Sam Seder (none / 0)
I hope Sam Seder appears on your new show a LOT. He was one of the best on AAR before he was marginalized. His format of having panels of bloggers brings incredible information and viewpoints to bear and we miss him hugely.

by toosinbeymen on 01/15/2008 08:07:15 AM EST

I completely and totally agree (none / 0)
Not only do *I* like Seder a lot, he's a popular draw in the progressive community.

More Seder=Higher Ratings=More Money For TYT

(Which=Win-Win)

by Tom Hanc on 01/15/2008 12:22:44 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Would be nice to hear Seder more (none / 0)
Yes I also would like to see Sam do more than just his Sunday show.  AAR is going DLC on us and it appears any host with a different opinion than Management are being marginalized.   AAR was great for a while with the Turks, Franken, and Majority report, but now there is very little offered there.  Hartmann and Maddow are ok but the rest have no depth and should find a new profession.  Maybe Sam should go web only too.

by jdenham on 01/15/2008 04:22:29 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Maron vs. Seder (none / 0)
Don't forget the web-only videocasts on Seder's site at http://www.samsedershow.com / on Tuedays at 8:00 a.m. PST.  If you missed any of these classics, you can catch up at http://www.samsedershow.com /vod


by rev24 on 01/16/2008 11:40:25 PM EST

[ Parent ]
No cussing in first two hours? (none / 0)
Hi, could you consider not cussing during the first two hours?
Parents may want to listen at that time with small children running around. Also, I like to refer friends to the show and some are offended by "fuck" etc. so if there was a piece that didn't have that it would make it easier. Something to think about.

by villagemon on 01/15/2008 05:21:38 PM EST

I personally have no issue with swearing but (none / 0)
I *do* agree it'd be better to avoid swearing in the first part of the show for the simple reason that it's not like swearing will attract more members but it could easily turn others off.

Some of you might scoff at that notion but we need to get as many members as possible to keep this thing going strong.  I'm more hesitant to send YouTube clips to *some* people if they're filled with f-bombs and crude language.  Again, *I* don't personally care, but I'm already a member.

Besides, with the new extended post game show we'll get more than enough uncensored crazy fun.

by Tom Hanc on 01/15/2008 05:38:35 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Agree with Village Mom (none / 0)
I agree, Villagemom. Swearing doesn't bother me, but is a bit much for kids to listen to. And many people are turned off by it, so it might limit listenership unnecessarily. Save it for the post-game.

by Verified1 on 01/15/2008 07:14:03 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I totally concur like Pat Robertson (none / 0)
I'll never get my mom to subscribe if the whole show is filled with "swears".  But in the RPG I expect cursing like a mother fucker.

by Spencer on 01/16/2008 02:11:01 AM EST

[ Parent ]
As a member (none / 0)
I really like #7.  Why?  It makes the site loadable for several of the devices I currently use to get to the content here.

Cenk/Dave/whoever, is it possible to get the video in downloadable format at some point?  It would be nice to be able to watch on the go.

by jarett on 01/16/2008 01:38:49 AM EST

Fee for TYT (none / 0)
I am a little confused about the membership deal.  Do we have to pay just to listen to the regular show?  Or is the $10.00 fee just for those who want to listen to the post game show.  I've thought of becoming a paid member several times however, it seems like the TYT have too many technical problems and often I can't get the show.
All that being said I love the show even if he does make fun of southerners. :)  If I see Edwards this week I'll be sure and tell him TYT says hello!

by rdbradleyjr on 01/16/2008 10:18:30 AM EST

As a member (none / 0)
you can access downloads of the podcasts of the regular show (commercial free) and video or audio of the postgame show at any time.

I'm assuming that won't change and I've never had any technical problems with it.

by Tom Hanc on 01/16/2008 10:23:33 AM EST

[ Parent ]
No Pay (none / 0)
I'm not an expert, but I think I understand what's going on.  You can come here for the same free experience you have always gotten.  The only difference is, when the current show will be available.  I live here in L.A.  I get up around 9, grab some coffee and sit down at the computer.  TYT is usually the first thing I turn on (the show actually ended a few hours earlier, but it's brand new to me).  I either won't be able to do that anymore, or I'll be listening nearly a day late instead of a few hours.  I'll probably do something else early in the morning and switch to Cenk and Gang at noon.

That said, I broke down and got a membership.  It might not be worth it to everyone.  I think it will for me, but even if not ENTIRELY, I'm happy to support the show at a time like this.  If they ever need my lousy $100 a year it's right now. 

And I've really enjoyed the post game show so far, so I do believe it WILL be worth it to me!

It's another day in paradise...

by happyhominid on 01/16/2008 11:23:13 AM EST

[ Parent ]
You need creative marketing (none / 0)
I know you guys are way too busy preparing for today's launch to read this right now, but I have to say that you lost a few really good opportunities.  One of the most obvious would have been to do something with the free video feed other than run yesterdays last show right up to show time today.  By midnight, I would have put yesterday's show on the video file for Member's Only.  Several weeks ago you guys should have done a one hour video all about the new show.  It could have had straight info about the launch, interviews with people like Greenwald, music and general fucking around between the crew.  Now... THAT'S what I should have seen when coming to the website this morning!

I do have to wonder about your "partnership" though... I go there and not a word about The Young Turks.  They would have been the one site you could have depended on for some cross-promotion and NOTHING.  Wow.  Just sayin'...

It's another day in paradise...

by happyhominid on 01/16/2008 11:16:01 AM EST

New Young Turks Format Starts on Wed., Jan. 16th | 47 comments (47 topical, 0 hidden)
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