For a public radio show to have 1.6 million listeners there has to be some engaging material that listeners want to hear.
Ira Glass, who hosts as well as produces “This American Life,” is a man who collects stories that are so compelling the average listener will, according to Glass, tune in for 48 of the 59 minutes the show is on the air. Glass will be in New Orleans at the Orpheum Theatre to peddle his stories on Feb. 27. His show can be heard on Sunday nights on WWNO 89.9 FM at 6 p.m.
“I once heard a guy, Joe Frank, who could tell such stories, you couldn’t help get caught up in them. I would think why am I listening, nobody makes radio like this,” Glass said.
But Glass could not stop listening to the stories and the show; “This American Life” is an imitation of Frank’s style.
With a background in broadcast journalism, it should be no secret that Glass’ success comes from years of repetition and experience. He started as an intern at age 19 with National Public Radio. Those years helped him form his craft. And, as he says, “broadcast journalists are like savages compared to print journalists with all the rules.”
Glass’ material comes from a mix of pitches, conversations and questions. He said he is easily bored so his material must be engaging, surprising and, basically, good stuff that people can listen to easily. His stories reflect what is going on inside our country – from the wife who is having an affair to a gay college student coming out to his parents.
“Stories are everywhere, like, who are these guys – these private American citizens over in Iraq serving in armies for hire?” asked Glass.
With the show in its 10th season, there are plenty of story ideas that come and go. Out of 20 original ideas there may be six or seven that are researched and prepared, but Glass said that only three or four of those make it to the air.
Glass said that most college students do not listen to public radio, but he stresses that his show is not like any other show.
“We are not like good for you, the idea is to be fun and to entertain, to tell stories like little movies, not talk news or sports,” Glass said.
Glass also suggests that coming to his show would be extremely helpful to creative writing students as well as students in drama to trigger ideas and creativity.
According to Glass, the idea to take the show out on the road stems from not having a lot of advertising dollars. He said that it was a technique used in the 1920s. The “scam” is that loyal fans of the show will drag their reluctant friends, and they could become new listeners.
Listeners old and new can enjoy Glass’ works on his two CD collections “Lies, Sissies, & Fiascoes” and “Crimebusters & Crossed Wires.”
For fans, as well as friends who are forced to attend the performance, tickets are $20 and the show begins at 7 p.m.
Anita Oubre can be reached at [email protected].
