1. Plot summary
KFI is a radio station that has been in existence for more than 30 years and is closing down. The state of the radio station is in the least pathetic. It is unfortunate for John Ziegler since he is about to get out of a job which he could have considered the best out of the eight or nine jobs he has done so far. The issues of downfall faced by KFI are not unusual but have been the plight of all radio stations in California.
There is little for Ziegler to show for the longest time that he has worked as a journalist. He resides in sheer simplicity, in a poor locality.
There is a presentation of the radio talk shows and the value they receive in the California community. The KFI studio is presented as a poor place with not much to expect. The room is crowded, dirty and stuffy. The studio is smelly, and the equipment is old. There is no decoration in the room and whatever is present is just almost of no use at all. After Mr. Ziegler does his presentation, the John Ziegler Show that is almost the most appealing in a state where there is little to expect from the after 10:00 PM, Ziegler, can only sit and gaze at the loosely hung mikes and his funny desk.
2. Main character
The main character in this story is John Ziegler, a radio journalist and presenter. He is handsome and appear presentable enough like the TV presenters. He has worked in his career, which apparently has given him little returns. He is always moody and unhappy following the less reward that comes with his job. Ziegler tries to keep his faith high in the work of radio presentation and tries to assure the rest that even though they are not the best, hey are more outstanding than other stations.
3. Main idea of the essay
This essay shows how unfortunate the radio stations are in most places, especially in California. Although the presenters are loaded with issues that they can discuss to get people captivated and to get people to listen to them, there are more challenges to this effect than are positive results. The radio stations are very many. This makes it difficult for a single radio station like that of Ziegler, to get any appreciable percentage of listeners. Moreover, people are too busy with their work, or some even drive, so that they are not able to flow with the presenter, but for a while.
The story also gives coverage of the types of programs to expect, whereby the political stories differ so much with other interactive segments. There are stories, filled with political rumor, and uncertainty. Stories of Saddam and his activities, stories of Iraq and other American rivals are all stories that the radio stations try to use to get an audience, but the path is difficult.
