IF only we could get the producers of ME or ATC to do something like this. I've always enjoyed these promos and it's fun to see the people behind the scenes. Hey, I know, YOU can do the promos for ME and ATC. Let me call my station rep...

Sent by Anthony Hunt | 12:31 PM ET | 07-17-2008

Note to self..never wave while wearing short sleeves. Ever again.

Or I could start exercising.

Nope. Pretty much the only real option is to stop waving.

Sent by Tricia, NPR | 1:23 PM ET | 07-17-2008

Knowing that the number of shows is limited, the Rundown always makes me well up a little bit.

I dislike you so much right now, NPR.

Sent by Sarah | 2:11 PM ET | 07-17-2008

Nice dig on the Kroc money. Get meaner!

Sent by Marc Naimark | 2:28 PM ET | 07-17-2008

Oh no, no more Pesca? Will he be co-hosting at least?! I REALLY hope he will, that guy is hilarious!

Sent by Jeremy | 3:36 PM ET | 07-17-2008

I have loved the BPP and will miss it greatly, but here's an idea: After next Friday, keep doing The Rundown, discussing ideas for stories that you are doing as if the show is still running. Then, put The Rundown each day on YouTube, where it will be seen and enjoyed by millions of people who will, first, be curious about where is this thing called the BPP. When they find out it no longer exists, they will all rise up in unison and say, "We're willing to pay someone, somewhere to actually produce the show." Maybe some network will take them up on it.

Sent by Tom | 7:21 PM ET | 07-17-2008

I am sorry to see your show leave. I had gotten to appreciate the very talented people and the true journalism that is here. But if I may suggest some points that certainly doomed the program:
1. The mismatch between format and medium. Putting this on NPR was as inappropriate as putting All Things Considered on the Cartoon Channel, or Daniel Schoor (sp?) on MTV. The format of BPP is very similar to all the chipy, noisy crap that is on most other morning radio and television. The NPR audience expects a higher standard of presentation. Your jounalism matches NPR, your format doesn't.
2. Never, NEVER, NEVER-EVER play a disco loop soundtrack behind the news. This was just indescribably stupid. Sorry, but that's the truth. We are adults here, not high school kids with ADHD. Kill the background noise.
3. Show some consistency. Who are you people? Even though I listened 2 or 3 times per week, I could never figure out who was on this show. Identifications of the various cast members were scarce. You may all know who you are, but the audience can't tell one of your from another. OK, some are male, some are female. But it is hard to identify with you folks if I don't know who you are. You can bet that I feel that I know Steve Inskeep or Anne Garrels, but I never got the chance to know you fine folks, because you didn't identify yourselves. Furthermore, your appearances on air seemed all scattered and random, like "Hey, who's available to take the mic?"
4. You are a national radio program. I listen on Sirius. You suffer from the affliction of NYC centerism. Folks from New York think that everyone else wishes they were in NYC. I have news for you. New York represents maybe 3% of the US population. NYC is not the heart and soul of America, any more than Orlando is. No other NPR program relies so heavily on such a limited identy. Bryant Park is NOT historic to those who live more than 20 miles away from it. You folks graduated to the Big Time, a national audience. Save your local references for your friends after the show.

Again, despite my critique above (and I sincerely apologize if I've been rude) I did come to enjoy the program and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. NPR took a chance on you all and I think it was a good gamble, but in the end, BPP wasn't a good fit for the only popular national medium that is driven by substance over form.

Sent by Chris | 9:40 PM ET | 07-17-2008

Chris:

I'm very sorry your aversion to the form caused you to miss all the substance. Your loss, not mine.

Sent by Stewart | 11:55 PM ET | 07-17-2008

I can't believe I am actually going to miss Mike Pesca. Mike, you irritated me at times, but I will miss you! Can't he co host with Allison? I was hoping that would happen. Keep the whole BPP Family. I am excited about Allison coming back.

Sent by Jim Trenton | 1:31 AM ET | 07-18-2008

I remember thinking at times that Mike was annoying, but that's fine. In the end, I actually will miss Pesca along with everyone else. Great sendoff today guys.

Sent by Greg | 8:57 AM ET | 07-18-2008

I also hoped Mike would stay on into the final week and co-host. That would have been great. Now I have this image of Alison and an empty chair. And that makes me sad.

Sent by Susie | 9:09 AM ET | 07-18-2008

Chris, you're way off base. Most of what you mentioned is what makes the BPP great. You want news with no background? Listen to Morning Edition and hear Carl Kasell say "hhhI'm Carl Khasell" and "This is NPR News" after EVERY news item. And you dated yourself calling it disco music.

The BPP isn't the normal NPR formatted show, and that is why it is so important. NPR needs a younger audience to start listening to stay relevant. I never had any trouble knowing who was speaking on th BPP either. Each person on the show was unique and easily distinguishable from others. I feel that I got to know them very well (for only listening to them on the radio).

Enough with the "get off my lawn" and "damn kids and their music," Chris.

Sent by BPP forever | 9:30 AM ET | 07-18-2008