You're sitting at home listening to your local sports radio talk show, and you believe that the host of the show is way off the mark on a particular subject. So, you decide to make a call and offer your opinion on the sports talk show. The host disagrees with you, and in the process, berates you for feeling the way you do. He disconnects the call due to time restraints and other callers holding, and you are disgusted with his/her reluctance to give you an opportunity to have explained your views and reasoning. Such is the world of Sports Talk Radio.

The problem here is that these radio hosts, for the most part, are fans...just like the callers. Naturally, former players may have more of an insight, and their views should be respected, but for the most part, radio talk show hosts have no more credibility than the callers. The radio talk shows have their own views, as do the listeners and callers. What makes the talk show host's opinions better than the fan's view? The fact is, that many callers are smarter and have a better view than many talk show hosts. Of course, there are callers who sound like bozos when they can't get their point across in a proper manner. But those people have been "screened" by the producer, and it's the screener's fault for allowing those people on the air. Then again, allowing dopey callers on air makes the host look better. But the only real difference between the talk show host and the caller is that the host probably went to school and majored in communications. Other than that, a fan's opinion is a fan's opinion.

It's the job of the talk show host to entertain. If he/she entertains, their doing their job, because ratings will be good. But a host has to allow their fans the opportunity to give their views, and if the host disagrees, then they should respectfully disagree and give their explanation. But how talk show hosts can berate their callers is beyond me. Too many sports talk hosts know no more than many of the listeners, but with some hosts, that fact is forgotten. This is not to say that all talk show hosts are guilty of this, but there are many.

A fan is a fan. Some fans are radio talk show hosts, others are not. Just as I and my views are no more correct than my readers views. I have a sports website...other fans do not. But that doesn't mean my views are correct and yours are wrong. Too many talk sports hosts forget that.

Perhaps this is most prevelant on the radio station that started the sports talk radio craze...WFAN, New York. I will say that the station was ground-breaking, and I enjoy listening to the "FAN". But some of their hosts are a joke (right or wrong, just my opinion). The hosts seem to forget that just because they're on the radio, doesn't mean they know more than the fans. Now granted, not all callers use professionalism, and often blurt out worthless ramble, but there are some intelligent fans calling in to the shows as well...contrary to the belief of the hosts. Listen to just one Mike and the Mad Dog show to realize that these two berate all callers who have an opinion different than their own. In fact, the two are so arrogant, that you can't help but feel bad for the callers, especially those who actually know what they're talking about. Mike and the Mad Dog have warped views on various topics. Often, I wonder how they even got a talk show, as they sound like a couple of loud-mouth guys talking on the subway (yelling, "fuhgeddaboudit", "what a jerk", "he's an idiot", etc...), though that may be part of their appeal. Frankly, I disagree with many of their views, but that's the beauty of sports. And of course, because it is their show, they can say and do what they'd like, but don't berate and belittle your callers. I wonder why anyone calls in to their show, but people do. And that, and the fact that people listen, is the reason they are successful. I do commend them for being entertaining...and despite my views on the subject, that's why they're successful.

Sure they know more than a passing fan, but if I were to ever call in to the show (which I won't), I'd venture to say I am more knowledgeable than they are. That's not a knock on the hosts, but if I disagreed with a host, and was rudely dissed like most knowledgeable fans, I'd be upset. That's the way it works with sports talk radio, depending on who you speak with. Of course, there are many hosts who are a pleasure to speak with and listen to on WFAN (Steve Somers, Tony Paige), but others like Russo, Francesa, and even late night host Marc Malusis are confrontational. Now, this is New York, where confrontations are common, so you won't hear many fans complaining. And the fact that I still listen, despite not liking these hosts, is a testament as to how successful they are.

I will continue to listen to WFAN. Despite my negative opinions, they're just that....opinions. I am no more right than those fans who enjoy hosts like Mike and the Mad Dog. That's what sports radio is all about....opinions. Okay, now I think I'm ready for my own sports talk show.


Court Adjourned!