I enjoyed the show. Keep it coming. I signed up for the podcast, but any idea when it will start airing on NPR?

Sent by Celeste | 10:03 AM ET | 12-27-2006

I love that NPR is cornering the market on African American women journalists with names in the Michelle family and ABC histories. It is like a secret society or a scholarship. Great to catch you on Talk of the Nation and this sounds like it should be provocative and informative. I've added to the homepage thanks for taking the chance.

Sent by Frank | 12:47 PM ET | 01-02-2007

Nothing against Ms Martin or the theme of her new program, but why do we need another talk program? I wont support my local public radio station (WETA) until it unloads most of the indistinguishable talk programs (BBC and Fresh Air are the only exceptions) it installed to replace the irreplaceable classical music. You didnt go bankrupt like Tower Records? Why would you contribute to the decline in appreciation of this music for more talk? In the Nations Capital we need more of the music, and less of the talk.

Sent by Ellen Goldstein | 1:07 PM ET | 01-02-2007

I am really excited about your show idea! I am a Bahamian woman married to a Swiss man living in Indiana! Phew! We have one daughter and we attempt to share time with our families abroad as much as we can.

There are so many issues that interracial, international families face. Not only are the external perceptions of others difficult but also the internal pressures to manage family with all of its traditions, requirements and expectations.

It sounds as if your show wishes to focus on diverse voices. I'm not quite sure if it will be mainly family based. I would love to hear from other women who have to not only juggle to regular day to day family life but also need to assess language and cultural issues.

My husband and I constantly weigh the pros and cons of where to live and finally settle our family. It would be wonderful to have other like minded families to express their concerns as well as the possible solutions to the various problems.

I cant wait to hear more about the show.

Sent by Kim Pulfer | 2:05 PM ET | 01-02-2007

When will this program start? What stations will carry the program? I would like to listen live online.

Sent by Hans Wortman | 2:11 PM ET | 01-02-2007

What a welcomed idea! As an immigrant to the US, I am always wondering when the issues about other parts of the world will be aired to help bridge gaps in geography and world histories ABSENT from the pre-college curricula of my adopted country.

The presence of this lacuna in the American consciousness can explain why incomplete news-worthy stories or even equivocal policies are almost unquestioned by the public.

Another reason is the lack of knowledge in the geography of other places which is always apparent with game show contestants (Jeopardy, Who wants to be a millionaire, to name a few) which makes me disappointed about a place with so much potential but very full of itself.

Please, on this show, may I suggest picking on some of the poor grammar expressed even by journalists.

When we speak the English language, help us all recognize the beauty of the language by using the words and vocabulary properly.

Sent by Deborah | 2:27 PM ET | 01-02-2007

Interesting concept. I will try my best to keep up with the stories. I use NPR stories often on my blog, and I plan to link your programs.

Sent by Brian | 2:29 PM ET | 01-02-2007

Welcome to the blogosphere! Hopefully, you'll find this blog a great way to generate ideas for your new show. However, I hope that this blog is promoted more because as an avid public radio listener and blogger, I just noticed this blog on 1 January 2007...

Sent by Steve | 2:54 PM ET | 01-02-2007

Michel,

Perhaps a topic for another show....my wife attends a HBCU Law School here in Orlando, Florida. Shes of Mexican heritage so she doesnt really meet the "profile" of a typical student at a school that tries to reach out to African-American students. The school markets itself as one that is concerned about excellence but "seems" to reverse discriminate against other students "of color" (and even some white students) who arent African-American. Its interesting along the concept of "two wrongs dont make a right". I understand your husband is an attorney so I wondered if you might have a discussion about balancing the environment for African-American students at a HBCU school and whether those standards are compromised (culturally and professionally) by not including the views and participation of non black students?In the interest of full disclosure, you should know I am a ?white guy? who was smart enough to marry a wonderful Southern California girl of Mexican heritage?..and loving every minute of it! Good luck with your new show and have a Happy New Year!

Sent by Kevin Duncan | 3:13 PM ET | 01-02-2007

I love the idea of the show and would like to review your test segments. However, I'm not part of the iPod generation and my computer doesn't have sound. Sorry. Is there a way to read the conversation pieces? Thanks.

Sent by Sandra Malone | 3:56 PM ET | 01-02-2007

As a white male born in Montana, I am clearly not the target audience for this. And yet, I find this concept refreshing. Im dismayed at the other post about not supporting public radio because of more talk and less classical. Most markets have multiple public radio stations that do jazz/classical all day. Please contribute to them, but don't be a hater because of programming like this.

I love the concept. I plan to listen. I plan to contribute. I heard about you today on the wiki- program on TOTN. I'm a journalist (commercial TV and I'm trying to quit, but its like being addicted to nicotine and trying not to smoke), and I am highly interested in how you use the feedback to massage your stories. Good luck! (p.s. You might talk fast for some folks, but this Montana boy thinks you have excellent diction and I like your delivery)

Sent by Frank Field | 5:41 PM ET | 01-02-2007

I am a long time listener and supporter of NPR. Without a doubt, you are doing important work. I look forward to the show.

Sent by Rick Sparber | 9:08 AM ET | 01-03-2007

Sounds like a great idea! I look forward to following it. Good luck.

Sent by Dianne | 9:58 AM ET | 01-03-2007

I hope all the stories wont be about African-Americans. There is so much more out there than going on that needs attention than focusing on how African-Americans look at their plight in America. We need to get beyond race in this country.

Sent by Janet Morris | 10:06 AM ET | 01-03-2007

I look forward to your program. I would like to hear issues discussed from other points of view. Since I live in DC, race is an everyday issue so I think it does need to be discussed, but not just from the perspective of black vs. white. This country is much more diverse than that and everybody needs to be heard.

Sent by MK | 3:51 PM ET | 01-03-2007

I'm going to give your blog a try - I'm following a few NPR podcasts but would definitely rather prefer a pointer or two which is why I most religiously listen to the Most-Emailed Stories.

So I would expect:

- a few hot stories or insights highlighted

- any controversies

- upcoming "big" features

Thanks!

Sent by Sara Rosso | 4:21 PM ET | 01-03-2007

Our country and our media must seek to break with the recent past and the absolute preoccupation with "what is big in the news today" thinking.

Follow up on interesting and important things is totally lacking.

There are manyideas that would and should be covered, if only the right questions (probing questions) would be asked of some old guy in the first place:

How safe is lower Louisiana from Mississippi River flooding (water level is always higher than the level of the floods post-Katrina)?

How is the neurological recovery of the SD Senator, who had a stroke coming along? What is the pattern of neuro recovery in 59 yr olds? Is he speaking anywhere near normally?

Easily available internet maps show a large pattern of 40" of snow in Western Kansas---why all of the stories from Colorado? What role do WWII-build airfields play in the "feeding the stranded cattle" programs? Hint: there is a major airfield in Jetmore, KS (Hodgeman County)

When will we get motor vehicles with far better fuel mileage?

How is stuff built/who are the people who really get stuff done--and why dont we have any windmills (to generate electricity) built in the US?

All these and many more questions need to be asked by the media, the country--and presented to our corporate and government leadership

Of course, All Things Considered does the best in the whole country....but you have a chance to do more..

Thanks

Sent by Roger Harms | 4:31 PM ET | 01-03-2007

We need more attention to things that really work to make our society and our country better.

Right now, we have a major crisis with our low graduation rates and our high incarceration rates.

As a long time observer of our public schools, I see that a dramatic proportion of our children who are experiencing difficulty DO NOT have the influence of both of their biological parents--plainly and simply, most have parents who know or knew far less than is required "to respect and work with the chosen person of the other gender."

We can teach children not to touch a hot stove, we can train them to ride a bicycle, and we can send adults to college or voc school to learn any number of skills and trades.

Yet we "give away" the idea that good human interacting skills belongs, somehow, to psychiatry, and requires drugs.

I look forward to the possibility that you may visit Denver in June to see the work of every race, every state, every religion, etc. in the Coalition for Marriage, Family, and Couples Education.

You will see real progress in teaching everyone to be better fathers, mothers, husbands, and wives--to the great betterment of society, completely WITHOUT the requirement of the acceptance of some universal dogma

Sent by Roger Harms | 4:50 PM ET | 01-03-2007

I just found this podcast. I find it very different and educational. Keep up the work. I can not wait for more topics to be posted on itunes.

Sent by Kat Thaxton | 10:34 AM ET | 01-04-2007

I listened with interest your discussion, last night about the new show. How about doing a candidate interview WITHOUT any negativity about their opponent. But then again maybe this inst possible!

Sent by Jaynee Beechuk | 10:39 AM ET | 01-04-2007

Ms Martin...

Thank you for Rough Cuts.

I have hungered for an Afro centered podcast that informs from Black and Brown perspectives where talk sheds light rather than sound. I will continue my subscription to NPRs Roundtable but I am often disappointed by its right/left conservative/liberal presentation. The faces there may be of color but the voices often present content indistinguishable from mainstream programing.

Rough Cuts seems more in line with the journalistic tradition established by Gil Nobel?s ?Like It Is?, one of my favorite programs, and I look forward to hearing more. I am interested in news of the day, but I am equally interested in topics off the beaten path that touch on social trends and cultural nuances affecting Black and Brown peoples in the areas of employment, education, housing, travel, and culture.

Please continue your fine work.

Sent by Victor Montgomery | 10:45 AM ET | 01-04-2007

NPR is my first choice for news in America and the world. Therefore, I welcome the opportunity to gain more perspectives and hear more voices. We, the American people, make America great.

Sent by Andre Elliott | 10:59 AM ET | 01-04-2007

zzzzzzzzzz, Oh sorry show put me to sleep.I am sure the censor will cut this portion from my email (just like in "Good Morning Vietnam."

What is going on at NPR ? Why does everything over there have to be defined by race ? I'm black, I have black santas, I'm Asian I have Asian Santas, I'm biracial, oh no, (does that mean I have some black santas and some white santas or are my santas black and white like dairy cows ?)

It seems like everyone over at NPR is bending over backwards to attract a new ethnically diverse younger audience, but no one over there has any idea of who they are and what they are about.

This younger generation isn't defined by race, gender, or sexual orientation.

They date interracially, and are openly gay. They dont really care about what people think of them. They are a "microwave" generation and want everything quick and are largely driven my fame and money(like on "American Idol" where everyone can sing because their mother told them that they could).

Hey NPR ? How about a show done by young people for young people. Drop the race card. If their story is worth telling, the color of their skin wont matter.

Take me to places that 99 percent of Americans havent heard of.Tell me the story that cant be told in a four minute segment on ATC or that I cant catch on any of the major news networks.

It has been soooo long since I have had a "driveway moment."

Please NPR - Take risks, Don't be afraid to be different, Don't be afraid of failure.

Sent by BC | 6:28 PM ET | 01-04-2007

Hey, it is Steve again.

I would like to echo some of BCs comments. Don't get me wrong, I do feel that there is a need for more African American discussion at NPR, but -- bare with me -- must "diversity" only refer to race and ethnicity?

There are many ways that make me different from my fellow human beings. Some of these metrics are: age, religion, education level, socioeconomic standing, sexual orientation, geography, family type, and skills (the ability to use the Internet or replace a cars engine).

Will the show lose its focus if it tries to cover more than one or two ways people diversify themselves from each other?

Sent by Steve Petersen | 11:49 AM ET | 01-05-2007

I like the show--keep it up. There are many stories on NPR that I think at first aren't interesting, but then for some reason I listen and like what I hear. I like NPRs digging for stories that I cant heart anywhere else. I am not a blogger or interested much in these sites described in the show but I might be someday. I also think Scott Simon is a great interviewer.

Sent by Kate Chopin | 11:52 AM ET | 01-05-2007

BC, I concur. And, why does everything need to be new and different? How about going back to the basics and giving us real news and raw uncut interviews, positive and negative? I'm so sick of entertainews.

Sent by Mark Benjamin | 12:14 PM ET | 01-05-2007

Cool sounding idea - I just heard about it on Talk of the Nation. So I was prepared to some degree for what to expect.

But even so, I had some trouble finding the "there" there. I find this web page confusing. Is it the "rough cuts" show itself? Is it a blog that sometimes points to rough cuts candidates? Will the rough cuts themselves show up elsewhere?

Would this sort of text help in the italic intro at the top of

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6663918

Do I have it right?

"below you will find entries describing story ideas, and links to the current versions of the stories. based on your input, the stories will be revised and later show up on the air (in a new time slot? as part of ATC or Morning edition?)."

Maybe you think youve already said that, but the terminology is confusing. You say "...and play "rough cuts" of pieces were piloting" at the top now. But you're not "playing" anything. You're "linking" with "please listen" to audio content that you invite US to "play". So I got confused.

And you say "listen to the commentary". But I CAME to the site expecting to personally COMMENT. Are you saying that the elements of "rough cuts" are "COMMENTARY"? Again, lots of room for confusion.

Sent by Neal McBurnett | 4:32 PM ET | 01-05-2007

Hi,

I've subscribed to your blog via my RSS reader (Netnewswire) and I had a comment.

When I read the post in my reader, nothing in the post indicates to me that I'm not seeing the whole article.

Usually, if you're seeing an article abstract and not the whole post, there's a "More" link, or "Full article" link.

Sent by Kevin Arth | 5:43 PM ET | 01-05-2007

Hi Neal,

"Rough Cuts" isn't the name of the show. We don't know what the show will be called yet. (Good ideas are most welcome, btw.) Think of Rough Cuts as a proving grounds, a test kitchen or a place for dress rehearsals of this show and other shows in the future. It'll be a place where we can try out new things and see how they work before bringing them on air, while creating a community of listeners around it.

So, when you ask if these pieces will end up on ATC or Morning Edition, thats not what we have in mind. The pieces you hear on Rough Cuts are examples of the types of segments we are considering for a totally new show, with its own host and its own time slot. So it's not about helping us decide whether to air a piece on ATC. It's about helping us figure out how to create a whole new show from scratch.

Since it's clear we've raised a few eyebrows - or shrugs might be a more apt description - we're working on a set of frequently asked questions that will explain all of this stuff. We hope to get that online soon.

As for "listen to the commentary," that probably should say, "listen to our latest audio segment." These segments are going to vary depending on whatever type of concept were trying out - an interview, a roundtable, a commentary, etc. In other words, all the types of things you might find on a radio show, plus a few new ideas if we can come up with some good ones. Then as you listen to these audio pieces, we hope you'll critique them, analyze them, tell us what were doing right and set us straight when were doing something wrong. Does that make sense?

It's probably worth noting that we've never done anything like this before, so were flying by the seat of our pants. We just hope you're willing to join us for the ride. :-)

Sent by Andy Carvin, NPR | 9:48 AM ET | 01-08-2007

Sent by AJ | 10:54 AM ET | 01-08-2007

Right on! Michel keep up the great work. I am a father and husband. I can't wait until next week. Please talk about black families and disabilities.

Sent by Bruce Orr | 11:33 AM ET | 01-08-2007

Heres a diversity focused segment I want to hear: Why does diversity matter in federal politics?

Why does it matter that Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi are women?

Why does it matter that Barack Obama is African American?

Why does it matter that Keith Ellison is Muslim?

Why does it matter that Mitt Romney is Mormon? In fact, why doesn't it seem to matter that Senator Harry Reid is Mormon?

Sent by Steve Petersen | 2:17 PM ET | 01-08-2007

I think you should incorporate some comedy show clips into your program. One of our Boston radio stations does it as "10 After Laughter"...we ALWAYS listen to it! Most of them are a riot and have all of us (in my mommivan) break into a laugh! Good Luck!

Sent by Susanne Gleason | 4:26 PM ET | 01-08-2007

I heard about the show on another podcast and listened to all three shows. I do enjoy this show, keep bringing the different perspectives on everyday life as well as cultural issues, especially health issues.

This would make a wonderful call in show.

Sent by LaDon Love | 4:45 PM ET | 01-08-2007

I'm not into talk shows especially call-in type ones but ANYthing you do and NPR does I completely trust. That being said, I tend to agree with the young person above who asks Why does everything over there have to be defined by race... Ok, well I don't see that everything on NPR fits that glove but I think s/he has a really good point (and I'm probably old enough to be that young person's great grandparent).

I might find this new show more compelling if it started with a non-race specific topic (like healthcare) and then went on to focus on the story from different voices (ex., go to a medical appointment and follow through with the whole treatment and payment process with individuals from different populations and classes as well as from the provider's POV - you'll get input and feedback, I'm sure).

I listen to NPR and other than that, I stick to XM Radio. Everything else on the air waves I no longer bother with - just doesn't speak to me and if I'm listening to NPR at the beginning and end of my day, when I DO listen to something the rest of the day, I need something other than talking.

Sent by Anonyms WasAWoman | 4:48 PM ET | 01-08-2007

enjoying it so far.

Sent by Penny Neuhaus | 4:02 PM ET | 01-09-2007

Here's another segment idea: Is it wise to clump immigrant ethnic groups together?

When I lived in the Sydney area for about a year, most of my time was spent in the western suburbs. Many of the towns were defined by the ethnic group that mainly settled there. Cabramatta is almost a Little Hanoi/Saigon/Hong Kong while Fairfield is like a Little Beirut/Baghdad/Riyadh. People of similar backgrounds were placed together and that soon resulted in the stores in the area catering to towns' ethnic majority. Even the signs were in multiple languages, and many store workers spoke English along with another language or two. We have same situation in many large American cities.

This bothered me as it enabled people to avoid learning English and assimilating into mainstream Australian culture. I see nothing wrong with people bringing their homeland's languages, cultures, cuisines, and traditions with them, but not assimilating into the host country's predominate culture only hinders their progress. Further, as the younger immigrants and second generation attended school and learned English, their parents soon relied upon them to navigate life outside of their ethnic bastion. Further, since Australian culture is so different from Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cultures, many of the younger members of these ethnic groups could not relate to their parents as they experience markedly different worlds during school years. I don't know about anyone else, but going to my parents for advice certainly helped me navigate a world of escalating responsibilities and raging hormones.

So, would geographically spreading out ethnic groups more to force people to assimilate benefit them as well as the host country?

Sent by Steve Petersen | 4:05 PM ET | 01-09-2007

This is certainly interesting so far (three podcasts as yet,) and the interviews are wonderful. Its always good to see NPR broaden. I do find myself wondering how diverse Rough Cuts will be. Will rural perspectives be presented? Groups under-represented in mass media other than African-American? Will topics continue to be as personal?

I haven't quite figured out what the thread and purpose of this series will be and that makes it hard to fully engage but its fun, too.

Sent by Doug Pascover | 11:20 AM ET | 01-10-2007

I listened to the podcasts, and decided its not the show for me.

Sent by John Doyle | 10:57 AM ET | 01-11-2007

I have heard 2 podcasts of this show so far and I have to say I have enjoyed the show, somewhat, but I cannot say there is anything "rough" about it ... meaning that it is not very much different than any other show.

The show on HPV was great, informative and very well put together, but the Mocha Moms didn't really grab me. This show was not only "not rough" but downright smooth. I felt like I was listening to a bunch of women chatting at the foodcourt at the mall. Perhaps you have the wrong name.

Sent by Mark Peloquin | 11:55 AM ET | 01-11-2007

We'll take that as a compliment. :-) As for the show not sounding "rough," we're not referring to sound quality, but the fact that they're still rough drafts. There's always room for improvement, whether it's the rhythm of the segments, their format, the quality of the guests and the topics discussed, music selection, etc.

We're really happy to hear you think we're already sounding smooth. But there's still a lot of work to be done, so keep those comments coming....

Sent by Andy Carvin, NPR | 12:16 PM ET | 01-11-2007

I could not muster the interest in any of the posted articles either to open an audio file or to subscribe to the podcasts.

I am a hard news aficionado, who has little time for features.

Sorry,

Arthur

Sent by Arthur | 2:57 PM ET | 01-11-2007

I would like to echo some of the thoughts here about "diversity".

When I heard the first show I wasn't that impressed. Jazz Christmas carols wasn't that interesting, although it gave me a look into a subculture I hadn't thought about before.

The second show was, again, about Christmas. OK, a little repetitive, but that's OK. It focused on non-standard Christmas traditions, at least that's what the description said. It ended up being African-American women talking about the race of Santa and angels. I found this one very interesting because it never occurred to me before that it would offend non-Whites to have Santa be white (even though Saint Christopher was white ...). At one point, one of the women talks a little about Puerto Rican traditions and how they use the Magi as gift givers instead of Santa. I would have loved to hear more about that.

Then we come to the HPV show. We get to hear about real women instead of doctors, which was great, because then it wasn't dry. But again, the show focused on African-Americans. Why? HPV affects ALL women.

So, I am concerned about Michel Martin's show. It is being advertised as "diverse", but so far all have been about African-American related issues. Will that continue? If so, why not just admit that "diverse" is a codeword for "African American"? If not, when will we hear from other people?

Sent by wydok | 3:24 PM ET | 01-11-2007

It's not what I expected. I listened to all three podcasts. It didn't seem particularly new or fresh. It really irritates me when "diverse" is used as a synonym for African American.

Sent by Kirsten | 5:25 PM ET | 01-11-2007

After listening to the podcasts thus far, I am excited about the potential for this show.

Echoing comments from other listeners, I am not interested in a show that focuses on race issues. However, I appreciate hearing views from a variety of perspectives on everyday life and issues.

Two things that would make me really love this show:

1) One topic for the hour, the way TOTN used to be, so that issues can be fully explored and discussed.

2) No call ins! Please! Anything interesting that callers ask are questions that any decent host can think of, and the rest are irrelevant, biased or uniformed.

I'm excited to hear more shows!

Sent by Anonymous | 10:35 AM ET | 01-12-2007

I've listened to the last two, and both have impressed me. The idea and format are very fresh. I like the fact that you are looking at something with new eyes.

I hope this show continues.

Sent by Carol Miletti | 6:37 PM ET | 01-16-2007

The Supreme Court, in the Brown decision, declared that "... separate education is inherently unequal". My interpretation of that is that separate is missing something. Diversity is diversity. All Black is missing something as well as all White.

I am an African-American male, 64 years, 10 months, 29 days old.

You are an excellent journalist. Keep up the good work.

Sent by Andrew Malveaux | 3:18 PM ET | 01-17-2007

I think theres a big difference in focusing on diverse voices and focusing on diversity. I vote for the former for Rough Cuts. Do we really need to rehash shows that are ABOUT diversity? Why not be a leader by tackling issues WITH diverse voices.

Sent by David | 5:40 PM ET | 01-22-2007

Ms Martin is an excellent journalist. Her professional demeanor, interviewing style and interpersonal communication skills are refreshing and welcome addition to the NPR community. She is a welcome addition to

Her choice of topics have been outstanding. They are relevant to our lives and conversation that has been lacking on the NPR airwaves.

She presents her concerns with the skill of an articulate member of the family intent on engaging the family in a living room conversation on issues that are of personal, civic and national importance.

Sent by Carleton McCredie | 6:10 PM ET | 01-22-2007

I have just started listening, so I am catching up.

Is the intention that the program be centered around a minority/diversity point of view?

I am a white male that is interested in diversity in society, workplace, educational system for several reasons, so Ive enjoyed the perspective of the podcasts Ive listened to. I ask the question because I didn't get the impression, just from the ads, that diversity was the focus of this new program, but do sense that trend.

more comments later...

Sent by Jim Pugh | 6:12 PM ET | 01-22-2007

Dear Michel,

Granted, I am biased, but everything you do, you do well. How could the piece with Herman Badillo have been better?
It couldn't. I liked your format very much and learned from your conversation with him. It is an important topic, and it was covered well.

I look forward to many more interesting pieces from you! How about doing a piece about being a professional in ones forties with young twins?? Or just send along a photo or two...

Your ever admiring friend who is delighted to hear your voice on the radio.

Sent by Toni Callahan | 6:22 PM ET | 01-22-2007

Michel, thanks for giving us the opportunity to critique a show before publication. Just FYI, I currently listen to Story of the Day, Science Friday and Open Mic podcasts. Heres my comment on Rough Cuts: The "theme" that you announce is that nothing is assumed, nothing is off the table, and diversity of perspectives is key. Ive now listened to the first 5-6 shows, and so far they have all been non-Caucasian oriented. Nothing wrong with that at all, but it defies the "diverse" theme. The show seems more like a "minority studies" podcast. Again, nothing wrong with it, but I think you need to change the description/theme of the show. The only non-assumed/diverse opinion show I heard was the Hispanic congressman who is not in favor of how ESL is executed.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment. I will continue to listen for more sessions.

Regards, and good luck!

Sent by Tony Elkins | 6:27 PM ET | 01-22-2007