PRAISE FOR “THE PUB”

I am a huge fan of Current’s new podcast THE PUB.  Host, producer and creator Adam Ragusea is a confident guide and appealing companion. THE PUB is a magazine program that is timely and provides a valuable mirror of public media.  You’ve got to hear it.

Adam Ragusea -Host, producer, creator THE PUB

THE PUB is the latest improvement by the new management at Current.  Before American University acquired Current, it had become tired and increasingly irrelevant. Now Current often leads the public media conversation. THE PUB provides smart criticism of a business that sometimes takes itself too seriously.

Here is my take on the most recent edition of THE PUB – Episode Six:

• SEGMENT ONE: FRED ROGERS’ LEGACY

While I enjoyed the tie to Adam’s son also named Fred, this segment went on WAY too long.  Around 40 minutes of the 64 minute podcast is devoted to everything Mr. Rogers. Individual moments of interviews work, but as a whole this piece wanders. I hit fast-forward.

• SEGMENT TWO: WNET DROPS INDIE DOCUMENTARIES

I would have put this story at the top of the program.  Adam Ragusea shows terrific enterprise by going behind the scenes of public television’s “clearances” issues.  If WNET drops your program, the loss of viewership can threaten your fiscal existence. Please continue this type of coverage. Also, it is good to hear Andrew Lapin on THE PUB.

• SEGMENT THREE: DAVID CARR

Thank you for providing David Carr’s voice so soon after his sudden death.

• SEGMENT FOUR: NPR CREDIT VOICE & MAILBAG

I wish you had included audio samples so we could hear the people you are discussing. I love the idea of “audio letters.”  I am looking forward to future episodes of THE PUB.