It's safe to say that NPR is probably better known for serious in-depth reporting and coverage of domestic and international affairs than for its humor and ability to make listeners laugh, but as one of NPR's most popular programs demonstrates, public radio doesn't have to be serious reporting all the time. In fact, as hard as it can be to imagine (at least while listening to the hourly news) it can actually be a lot of fun!
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is certainly proof of that. Not only is it funny, but it is one of NPR's staple programs, regularly attracting over 6 million listeners and broadcast on more than 500 stations across the country. It's a news quiz, but one that definitely doesn't take itself too seriously, and is more about wit than getting any answers right.
In recognition of this lighter side to public radio. we spoke with the funny and charming host of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Peter Sagal about his unlikely beginnings in public radio, the role of comedy in politics, and about his propensity for being a subversive overachiever from early on.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is certainly proof of that. Not only is it funny, but it is one of NPR's staple programs, regularly attracting over 6 million listeners and broadcast on more than 500 stations across the country. It's a news quiz, but one that definitely doesn't take itself too seriously, and is more about wit than getting any answers right.
In recognition of this lighter side to public radio. we spoke with the funny and charming host of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Peter Sagal about his unlikely beginnings in public radio, the role of comedy in politics, and about his propensity for being a subversive overachiever from early on.
I was far too self-conscious to be the class clown because the true class clown has to be subversive, the true class clown has to be willing to get him or herself thrown out of the class and that so wasn't my style. I think I was too deferential to authority to be a really great class clown, to be that kind of rebel figure. I was the guy who tried to be funny to make everybody like me, not to get anybody pissed at me - Peter Sagal of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
Listen to our interview with Peter Sagal, and for more in-depth conversations with the voices of public radio from Ira Glass to Jad Abumrad subscribe to the Radiowaves podcast in iTunes or Stitcher.
Peter Sagal during a taping of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
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