Larry Elder has left his radio talk show host position at KABC-AM 790 in Los Angeles. His final broadcast was Friday, December 12, 2008. He had been at his post for nearly 15 years.
Larry is a popular and influential conservative libertarian commentator who also happens to be black. He has his own style, combining unique insight with a natural sense of humor. His impromptu send-up of Johnny Cochran's O. J. Simpson trial defense summation is particularly memorable.
Much of Larry's values come from a strong upbringing. His parents were loving but firm. Larry did not fall far from the tree. He had wonderful parents who instilled him with good values.
His mother, Viola, was a long time fixture on his Friday show until her death in 2006. It was not unusual for women who had lost their own mothers to call in and seek advice from this good sensible lady. In fact, one caller dubbed her, "America's Mom."
His father, Randy - still alive at 93 - is a similar inspiration to Larry. You can see it in this column by Larry from this past November. You can also see it in this letter Larry's dad wrote to Larry's older brother Kirk right after Kirk was born:
Larry's Dad's Letter to His Son Kirk
May 4, 1951
Kirk my son, you are now starting out in life—a life that mother and I cannot live for you.
So as you journey through life, remember it’s yours, so make it a good one. Always try to cheer up the other fellow.
Learn to think straight, analyze things, be sure you have all the facts before concluding, and always spend less than you earn.
Make friends, work hard, and play hard, most important of all remember this (the best of friends wear out if you use them).
This may sound silly Son, but no matter where you are on the 29th [of] September, see that mother gets a little gift, if possible, along with a big kiss and a broad smile.
When you are out on your own, listen and take advice, but do your own thinking and concluding, set up a reasonable goal then be determined to reach it. You can and will, it’s up to you.
Your Father, Randolph Elder
I like Larry a lot. He has influenced me more than any other political commentator. And I don't always agree with him. In fact, I've turned him off in anger several times.
I know he's not well liked by the all-or-nothing conservatives. For them I have this quotation. It's been attributed to former New York City mayor, Ed Koch:
If you agree with me on 9 out of 12 issues, you should vote for me. If you agree with me on 12 out of 12 issues, you should see a psychiatrist.
Larry makes people think. That may not sit well with the some folks, but it's fine for the rest of us. Thank you, Ed (or whoever really said that). And thank you, Larry.
So why did Larry leave KABC? I've heard much speculation.
It may have started with this:
From 2002 to 2007, Elder's show was nationally syndicated by ABC Radio Networks and its news-talk network, ABC News & Talk. After Citadel Broadcasting took over most of ABC's radio operations in 2007, syndication of Elder's show was discontinued in favor of Mark Levin, and the show reverted to a local show in August of that year.
However, I believe that the death knell was the acquisition of the Los Angeles Dodgers broadcasts by KABC-AM just before the Dodgers' 2008 season. Larry had the 4:00 to 7:00 PM slot. This meant that for seven months of the year, many of Larry's shows were partially or completely preempted.
Larry recently feuded with a couple of his KABC colleagues.
So where will Larry go now? He could certainly get another radio gig. He would also be good on television if given a format that properly showcases his talents. He has been a standout in appearances as a guest and guest host on several shows.
Larry has said that he will keep his fans apprised of his status through his website, LarryElder.com.
References:
Larry Elder Departs From 790 KABC
Official website
Biography at LarryElder.com
Wikipedia article
IMDb profile
The Larry Elder Fan Club on Facebook
Larry Elder's articles at Townhall.com, WorldNetDaily, Jewish World Review, and FrontPage Magazine
0 comments:
Post a Comment