The 90′s talk radio was before my time. I was focused on my date for the prom in the late 90′s. I had always had an unusually large interest in politics for a our whose parents weren’t very politically active. They followed it, but not heavily involved personally. I started listening to talk radio probably in about 2002. Going home after dates/visiting my girl friend I ran across Rusty Humphries on 101.1 at night. I gradually started listening to more and more. During college, I listened at lot. Outside of class I was doing homework listening to talk radio during the week. I don’t listen near as much now as I used to, but I read more articles and blogs. I’m a night owl and read and comment after the family goes to sleep.

I like Matt’s wit. I have some libertarian leanings myself. I’m not as far as Matt, but tilt that way a little. Actually, I credit Matt with opening my eyes on a few things my first instinct and family put me on the other side of (medical mariuana use for instance for terminal cancer patients, not California style).

I also listen to sports radio podcast on college football (which for Alabama is topic #1). So I balance the two. I wish one of the two was a spring peak, but I don’t see either moving. My smartphone has changed the way I listen. I still listen to the live radio some during the day when I travel for work, but not regularly. I’m always in different signal areas though in north Alabama and NW Georgia. I don’t focus that much on Birmingham, as I’m not really in that local area. I occasionally listen to Dale Jackson out of Huntsville. Dale did a good job on the state elections. His style can be annoying sometimes, but I do like his Thursday segment with the political professor from Athens. I haven’t listened to him as much since the 2010 elections. My projects have migrated away from the Huntsville area lately.

I hit a dead spot in the afternoon. I frequently can stand the callers on Finebaum’s show (his podcast cover the guests I want to hear, which is the only worthwhile part of his show anyway). I like Dave Ramsey but don’t generally listen to his show. I never really got in to Dr. Gina’s show.

Crawford Broadcasting can’t ever leave well enough alone. They constantly shuffle. Ending the talk format a few years ago really got me with them. I’m sure they have their reasons, but no warnings, no explanation just playing Christmas music in July one day. I bounced around between AM stations that didn’t pick up well it all I had for a while. I try not to get to attached to anything they do. Give a month if you don’t like something, and they’ll change it. I get tired of keeping up with what’s coming and going. I haven’t really checked out the new schedule yet. Would listen to more Lee and Michael if they get podcast up.

By the way, did you ever listen to Kim “The Kimmer” Peterson out of Atlanta back in the ’90′s? He was hilarious.

So far, I’ve been unable to pick up EE’s show anywhere in Birmingham. I really wish one of our local stations would pick it up.

I listened to Herman Cain occasionally before Erick took over. He was average, but not spectacular. I’m sure his name ID will help with taking over Neil’s national syndication. EE would have my choice, but I don’t know his other obligations balance out or if he was considered.

I’ve listened to many, Rush, Sean, Laura, Herman Neil, Erick, Rusty Humphries, Savage, Levin, Miller, numerous local shows out of Birmingham, Huntsville, Altanta, Gadsden, Chattanooga, etc. For my time Erick is the best for national and Matt Murphy, 1070 AM, 100.5 FM out of Birmingham is the best for Alabama state and local politics. One thing I like in particular about Erick is the lack of phone calls. I don’t really care about Joe Blow’s two cents for the most part. Some on occasion is okay, but too much is generally the sign of a weak or lazy host. I also realize EE only needs an hour of content, where others need much more (Neil probably needed 3+ to fill his 4.5 hour show).

Maybe he can run for Congress!

(TAMU Class of ’82)