Rachel Maddow Manages to Succeed in Old School Medium

[NorthCarolina]

It would be nice if Obama were to make mention of the positive changes that are already taking place in our cable media", and give kudos to the likes of Maddow and Olbermann as a "truth" based alternative to FOX.

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Amid New Media Landscape, Rachel Maddow Manages to Succeed in Old School Medium

by Steve Miller

Even before the economic meltdown, newspapers, magazines and radio were having a tough time--as newspapers suffered big declines in circulation and ad revenue, and magazines and radio saw audience and revenue figures stagnate."- Erik Sass, Media Post Publications, October 21, 2008

The entire Presidential campaign this year has had one code word: Change. Senator Barack Obama was the first to use this as his mantra and then his message was co-opted by almost every other candidate on both sides of the aisle. The political phrase of 2008 has led Democrats, Republicans, Greens and others to take stands that most of them would not have taken in any other election.

But, this cry for a different direction is not the most significant, long-term alteration that this contest will bring to the American people. That has already happened in our homes, offices, cars and day to day activities. The biggest change has come in media.

It's the internet, cell phones, Ipods and texting, stupid. Our entire society has been quickly transported into a H.G. Wellsian universe of the future through our newly established dependence on technology that did not exist less than a decade ago.

This has changed the way we stay in touch with the campaigns, the candidates, the issues and our opinions. We are all part of the reportage through blogs, You Tube and self-started sites that reach millions in the United States and billions around the world. We are no longer locked into the passive, reactive television existence that forced us to play a waiting game while the powerful few doled out their reports on their schedule.

The change has been driven by 18-34 year olds and they have been dragging their parents and grandparents screaming into the future. The boomers have been forced into learning how to use technology they can't see without their reading glasses or manupulate without larger keys. The women and men that were used to getting their information from the Big Three network anchors and once a day newspapers are forging their way through websites and the blogosphere.

"More important for her bosses at MSNBC is that "The Rachel Maddow Show," her left-leaning news and commentary program, has averaged a higher rating among 25- to 54-year-olds than "Larry King Live" on CNN for 13 of the 25 nights she has been host. While the average total audience of her program remains slightly smaller than that of Mr. King's, Ms. Maddow, 35, has made MSNBC competitive in that time slot for the first time in a decade. The channel at that hour has an average viewership of 1.7 million since she started on Sept. 8, compared with 800,000 before.

Given that advertising dollars -- and the reputations of networks -- rise and fall on prime-time ratings, Ms. Maddow's rise has been closely watched by media executives."- The New York Times, October 21, 2008

Read more here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-miller/amid-new-media-landscape_b_136698.html

[ShortnFiery]

1. I think "The Rachel Maddow Morning Show" should replace "Morning Ho-Jo."

Now that would RIGHTEOUSLY rock. :evilgrin:

[ACTION BASTARD]

2. No

Much rather her take on Larry "Incontinence" King and whip his tired, moldy right wing ass every night.

[NorthCarolina]

7. She's likely more valuable to the network in the primetime evening slot

eom

[glowing]

3. Good article.. I like watching her because she's fun, intelligent, very prepared,

and no matter who her guest are, except with Pat (who continues to scream at her and makes him look like an asshat bully), its a calm show... people speak without yelling, real info is gleaned. She's good.

[CountAllVotes]

5. yes, Rachel Maddow is fresh and smart

two winning characteristics!

I like her very much. She is to the point and is an excellent example for other women IMO.

Of course not all women can afford to go to Stanford Univ. or become a Rhodes scholar, but they can try.

All in all, a welcome change from the status quo of MEN you see on most channels talking politics.

[glowing]

6. I'm rather sure her doing odd jobs, like mowing lawns was for her personal wealth.

Everyone who works and is able and is willing to go the distance, should not be happered by the lack of money when it comes to education.. I hope this concept greatly changes.. I like Obama's give a little, get a little attitude.

[shadowknows69]

4. That's because she's one of the only "Old School" journalists on TV

And I truly think people are finally sick of the spin shows and want some real facts for a change.

[Dollface]

8. Rachel's self esteem isn't threatened just because someone has a different opinion. She reminds us

that we can disagree without having to hate each other. She is what Jon Stewart was looking for when he chastised the boys on Crossfire in 2004.