Diane Rehm's voice

[Anonymous]

From the website.

The Diane Rehm Show is produced at WAMU and distributed by NPR, NPR Worldwide, and SIRIUS XM satellite radio. It can be heard on more than 135 stations nationwide. The program is also broadcast in Germany, Japan, and Finland, and is available on U.S. military installations worldwide on the Armed Forces Network.

[Anonymous]

Her voice is like nails on a chalk board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Her voice is like nails on a chalk board.

Ok. I'm laughing because you're just being mean for no apparent reason.

[Anonymous]

You all must be new to the area. She is a fixture and very much loved in this area. I remember when she became ill, and how tragic many thought it was. Despite the voice (which I've gotten used to), I think she's still good at her job.

[Anonymous]

wow, this thread really shocks me. I love Diane Rehm and think we are lucky to have her. She elevates the discourse by modeling graciousness and thoughtfulness and puts the ridiculous hosts found on cable news to shame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:By now I don't mind her voice, but her show is just awful --- she goes for the most boring, plodding, predictable questions. The show is invariably much more interesting when hosted by one of her stand-ins. That time slot should be put to better use.

Totally agree. I can't stand her. She is so biased and her questions are not all that insightful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, I can't believe the negative comments.

When I first started listening to DR, I didn't know what the issue was, but came to learn about it over time.

Either way, I think she's a great interviewer! And, I LOVE that NPR keeps her on. In this day and age, when youth prevails, it's great to see that they value her experience and knowledge.

And, you know, DR actually asks some of the harder questions. I think the guests sometimes feel rude interrupting her and so she's able to dig a little deeper?

Another thumbs up for Kojo though - he is just my favorite!

While Diane is in her early 70's now, her voice is not at all an issue of age and she has had her condition for a long time. I think DR is wonderful! She interviewed my boss (head of a trade association) and he was VERY nervous because she is known for being kind, but very aggressive.

[Anonymous]

AdequateParent wrote:She has two million listeners each week. That's why she's on the air. It's a huge audience for an NPR show.

It's the market at work.

The one-legged basketball analogy doesn't hold up because "sound nice" is not the job description. She does the job, which is why she has listeners and a job.

I find this thread very sad. In my previous incarnation as a politico I did her show a couple of times. She was far and away the most savvy, gracious, fair, non-sensationalist media personality I met in my entire career. A great lady in every sense. Hope she keeps the show for as long as she wants and then gets some well-deserved rest.

For once we agree, AP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I first started listening to DR her voice really grated, but at this point I no longer notice. If what she's saying isn't worth the annoyance for you, then don't listen. (Kojo's voice is extremely melodious - listen to him instead.)

Ditto ditto. When I first heard her voice, I was quite contemptuous. Then I learned about her dysphonia and the knowledge turned my head. Whenever now I hear a similar "irritating voice, I bite my tongue and remember back to learning about DR's condition.

[Anonymous]

Did anyone hear the show today? She actually briefly explained her medical problems. I wonder if someone showed her this thread.

[Anonymous]

Her voice is especially bad this week, so I think that's probably why she explained it. Plus, she's been probably getting questions (she mentioned that no, she does not have throat cancer). She's a fabulous interviewer.

[Anonymous]

I listen to her show because she has good topics and good guests. But she herself is often misinformed and self-congratulatory.

[Anonymous]

Her voice bugs me as well. Until this thread, I did not know it was the result of a medical condition -- I had this vision of her being of the same generation as Helen Thomas!

Old age, medical condition, or whatever still doesn't mean I can't be bothered by the sound of her voice. If she has a really interesting guest on, I'll listen. But otherwise, yes, I change the station because it really does irritate me. Why is it so offensive to say that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Old age, medical condition, or whatever still doesn't mean I can't be bothered by the sound of her voice. If she has a really interesting guest on, I'll listen. But otherwise, yes, I change the station because it really does irritate me. Why is it so offensive to say that?

I don't think people are necessarily offended by the voice itself bothering anyone (at least I wasn't). I was offended by people wanting to summarily fire her because of her voice. In my mind, you are entitled to like and dislike whatever you want for whatever reason. All you need to do is change the station if you don't like it. Easy fix. No need for anyone to lose their job b/c of it.

[Anonymous]

OP said please take the microphone away. If you want to change the station, fine. She's in her 70s, by the way.