I wouldn't have a problem with Ian if he went in his own direction at all. He's a great host on his own. He can make almost any topic interesting, even some I wasn't excited to hear about beforehand. Ian has good interview skills, especially if it's on something he's interested in. It's clear when he is shoehorned into topics as his distaste for the guests and callers shows.
Instead Ian should be left to do his own thing. He is interesting enough to carry his own show. Whether that show needs to be about the paranormal is for the host to decide. Frankly some of the regular guests on Coast are terrible and I'd look forward to a night of open lines instead (let's never hear from the numbers lady ever again). Ian's approach is more of an examination of a general pop culture which the paranormal is a very small part of, and I like that angle. I know it's impossible for Ian to carry his own show because of his obligation as the morning guy in Minneapolis but I really do think that's too bad. Coast may not be the best vehicle for him but there is a lot of potential with Ian.
I always found Ian to be more accessible than Knapp, though I've warmed up to George over the past few years. People point the finger at Ian because it's easier to identify when he's not into a show but Knapp does this as well, and has had some real stinkers as a result.
Aside from all that the best shows on Coast were with people who were not involved in the paranormal at all, like Michio Kaku or the show Art did on caving. As long as an eye is kept to the unknown and mysterious the show will hold someones attention. Granted maybe not the current audience. But right now I think that may be an improvement on the whole.
Excellent post, AO. Given the current state of C2C, weekday variety under Snoory, I'll take Ian talking about police issues or Knapp talking about wild mustangs over almost anything Georgie Boy does, simply because
--the weekday version of Coast has turned into a "hawking snake oil" health show
--the weekday version of Coast has turned into a "hawking gold and e-foods direct" show
--the weekday version of Coast is all about the doom and gloom we inevitably face (despite Georgie's constant refrain that he doesn't believe the Mayan calendar means the end of the world)
--the weekday version of Coast is hosted by a moron who can't be bothered to prepare for his guests and
--the weekday version of Coast is hosted by a moron who has no background to draw from (other than a quick trip to Wikipedia) which would allow him to engage in conversation with the guest, hence his reliance on canned questions, one size fits all!
A week or so ago, he was introducing two women psychics. He read the canned introductions, which clearly explained why each woman had become interested in/involved in psychic phenomena. After the introductions, the first question he asked each woman was, "
So how did you become interested in this field?", the very thing he had JUST explained to his audience!
Give me Ian or Knapp any day of the week, regardless of topic, over Noory doing the paranormal.
Poll