I've traditionally not been much of a public radio listener — I find many of its programs too serious, analytical and stuffy. However, the new "Fair Game" with Faith Salie from Public Radio International is a different matter.
This news and entertainment program — with a satirical touch — premieres Monday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m., on KCPW (FM-88.3/105.3, AM-1010). It will air Mondays-Thursdays after "All Things Considered."
It has already been tested in some markets, and after listening to a few archived shows on its Web site (morefairgame.org), it delivers what it promises. A telephone interview with Salie last week proved she's as personable, witty, intelligent and energetic as I thought she'd be.
"We're like an old (radio) variety show," she said. "The evolution of the variety show, if you believe in evolution."
The show has interviews, tackling international and national issues, and it even includes live music.
Voice-overs have made up Salie's previous radio experience, but her talent quickly makes up that void. She's a capable actress, too, having had roles in "Sex and the City," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" and other TV shows. She's also an accomplished comedian and a Rhodes scholar. And she's written some shows for the Oxygen Network.
Salie and executive producer Kerrie Hillman came up with the idea for "Fair Game" to fill the void of excellent evening "real estate" for young adults on public radio stations.
She spends 12-14 hours a day working on the show as "the news never stops," she said — always reading, on the treadmill, on the subway. It requires a staff of about 10 to produce the show at the studios of WNYC in New York.
Salie doesn't believe her new career in radio is a step backward.
"This job's challenging and fulfilling," she said, stressing she likes the freedom in radio the most.
Salie, having been a rather physical comedian, said the fact that radio doesn't show what the face or body is doing was initially a drawback.
She admits the show is irreverent but still fact-based. It uses "insightful humor to tease out what it all means," according to PRI.
She's hoping the show will bolster the sagging young-adult audience for public radio, and it should. The show is fast-paced, and Salie's sexy voice won't hurt either.
Spinning off timely news, the program is a fresh change from typical public radio. From discussing talking urinals to the intelligence of chimps, from culture wars to techno-toys, this is truly a variety radio show for the 21st century.
"'Fair Game' is wonderful," said KCPW news/program director Bryan Schott. "It's perfect for our listeners who are culturally connected and politically savvy."
"To the Point" has been dropped by KCPW to add "Fair Game." "Open Source" moves to 8 p.m.
RADIO HAPPENINGS — Remember Holly Braithwaite, a former Salt Lake radio personality? She had worked at KZHT, FM-97.5 and KSL and is now the new spokeswoman for Hogle Zoo.
—Mark Waldi was recently let go from KRSP (FM-103.5) after two years at the station. He hosted afternoons and was told it was due to budget cuts. Waldi was program director and morning host at the former "Star 102.7" prior to that. He's hoping to find a new radio job in Utah. Fans can reach him at OnAirWaldi@comcast.net.
—A recent KUUU contest focused on text messages. Its "Platinum Hip Hop Prom" event will award the school that sends the most text messages to "U-92" with its own prom event hosted by the station. Over 90,000 text messages had been received as of Tuesday, and the winning school was to be announced by the end of this week.
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com