PaleyArchive ColorBars TopBanner2

MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO SEMINAR SERIES, THE:
THIRD ANNUAL RADIO FESTIVAL: THE KING OF SMALL
TALK RADIO: MICHAEL FELDMAN'S WHAD'YA KNOW?

Summary

One in this series of seminars conducted by The Museum of Television & Radio. This seminar, held in New York and moderated by Museum radio department manager Ken Mueller, examines the popular radio quiz program "Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?," an unusual blend of comedy, commentary, and audience participation. The seminar panel includes the following individuals: producer Chris Bannon, performer and music director John Thulin, announcer Jim Packard, and executive producer and host Michael Feldman.

Mueller and the panel discuss the following topics, among others: Feldman's return to Wisconsin Public Radio after an ill-fated move to Chicago; the invention of the quiz as a tactic to avoid discussing political issues; the lack of change in the show over its run; a discontinued segment in which Feldman learned a new skill each week; the weekly preparation for the show; how the writing chores are divided; qualities found in a good guest; memorable guests, including Bill Geist and Steve Allen; the show's popularity with urban audiences despite its midwestern sensibility; unsuccessful attempts to book Mike Royko, James Carville, and Garry Shandling; Thulin's role as music director; and the difficulties of taking the show on the road.

In response to questions from the seminar audience, the panelists discuss the following topics, among others: a failed television version of the show; the origin of Feldman's comic sensibility; occasions when Feldman doesn't feel funny or is in a bad mood on the show; Packard's unconscious use of the subjunctive case; the comedic influence on Feldman of Groucho Marx and Feldman's father Dave; whether Feldman listens to radio; how Feldman became involved with radio; Feldman's reputation as the "King of Small Talk Radio"; Gordon Hinkley's "Ask Your Neighbor" radio show in Milwaukee, an inspiration for "Whad'Ya Know?"; the segment on the show in which Feldman takes questions from the audience; drummer Clyde Stubblefield's job touring with the show; the reason for bassist Jeff Eckels pointed unwillingness to speak on the show; the audience's identification of the show with public radio; the consistency of Feldman's humor and sensibility throughout his radio career; early shows hosted by Feldman; the quiz portion of the show; the modest nature of the quiz prizes; the outcome of a legal battle over donuts served to the audience; surprise at the show's success; the origin of the quiz questions; Feldman's family's feelings about the show; the show's production schedule; changes in public radio; Thulin's plans for recording a CD; an upcoming New York broacast of the show; Feldman's voice-over commercial work; the source of the show's satirical news segment; the satisfaction of making contacts between disparate people on the air; hometown audiences versus audiences on the road; Feldman's ability to insult people without causing offense; his willingness to include children and babies in his live audience; his propensity for mocking Lutherans; Feldman's lack of a "killer instinct" a la Howard Stern, which he believes hurts his career; Feldman's nervousness while doing the show; Packard's early radio career; whether the show's guests are familiar with the format before appearing; the composition of the show's audience; Feldman's strained appearance on David Letterman's show; Feldman's habit of steering quiz contestants he likes toward the correct answers; appreciation of Thulin's music; positive and negative responses to Feldman's exploitation of his Jewish heritage; the reluctance by some audience members to play the quiz; whether Feldman has considered a stand-up comedy career; and Feldman's admiration for the generation of comedians including Shelley Berman, Bob Newhart, and Lenny Bruce.

Details

  • NETWORK: N/A
  • DATE: October 28, 1997 6:00 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 1:16:24
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: T:50856
  • GENRE: Seminars
  • SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
  • SERIES RUN: N/A
  • COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

  • Ken Mueller … Moderator
  • Chris Bannon … Panelist
  • Michael Feldman … Panelist
  • Jim Packard … Panelist
  • John Thulin … Panelist
  • Steve Allen
  • Shelley Berman
  • Lenny Bruce
  • James Carville
  • Jeff Eckels
  • Bill Geist
  • Gordon Hinkley
  • David Letterman
  • Groucho Marx
  • Bob Newhart
  • Mike Royko
  • Garry Shandling
  • Howard Stern
  • Clyde Stubblefield