When I started doing radio in my teens, Larry king was a guy I admired. I would stay up listening to him do the all night show in the late 70's. He would do five and a half hours of talk! Sometimes with cool people, sometimes freaks...but he always made it interesting. Later I watched him on CNN for all those years, even as he faded to a caricature of himself...until he looked like the crypt keeper. He finally got booted by CNN last month, probably because they were tired of waiting for him to die on the air. But no matter what you thought of him, the guy was one of the best interviewers for a few generations. So the replacement CNN chose was some sarcastic, asshole Brit full of attitude. Piers Morgan, who most people only knew from a season of torturing other apprentices...but is actually an accomplished journalist. Great choice and change of pace by CNN. Can u imagine how boring Ryan seacrest would have been night after night? They over-promoted the new shows launch, but he did start with 2 big "gets" for his first interviews; Oprah and Stern. The king and Queen of all media! I was intrigued.
Monday night I sat through the entire O interview. Other than an appreciation for her power and wealth...i don't care about her. But the interview was made interesting by her personality, willingness to open up on some things, and shutting down on others...but mostly by a fresh, less fawning approach from the interviewer.
Tuesday night it was Stern, who's out doing some media to bask in the glory of his new 5 year deal. This interview was more a sparring match than Q&A, but just as interesting. Even though I watch Stern on demand, It was refreshing to see him actually answer another persons question without doing a comic dodge.
No, Larry King would not have made interviews with the King and Queen of All Media as interesting. Piers is a breath of fresh air to an over done format on an over saturated dial, and he may not fair as well when his bookers drag in the latest victim of some manufactured news drama...but at least he's a good interviewer willing to ask the uncomfortable question, not toss the golden King softball. Still, there will only be one Larry King. Long live the King.
