More storytelling samples from Ira Glass

Posted on March 25, 2007 by Melissa Worden

Need some more inspiration? Glass has a new TV show on Showtime, a version of his This American Life radio show.

Here’s a summary of the show’s concept from PR Newswire:

“Each episode will be hosted by Ira Glass and will explore a single theme or topic through the unique juxtaposition of first-person storytelling and whimsical narrative, allowing for the show’s distinct and original voice. The visual interpretation of the television series will reflect the structure and spirit of the radio show that has grown to be one of the most popular and innovative radio programs in the medium.”

Of course we know there’s discussion about how newspapers are getting into video, and how TV is behind. Andy Dickinson points out the need for radio to get on board, too. I’m curious about the fact that PBS didn’t pick up this idea and run with it. Seems like a missed opportunity. Until I found this quote from Glass:

“But what about taking the show to public TV? Don’t even suggest that option to This American Life host and creator Ira Glass.

” ‘Public television is terrible,’ Glass said, breaking up a roomful of TV critics in January. ‘I work for a public radio station, and many of the stations which carry our show are affiliated with public TV stations. So this isn’t the greatest thing for me to say, but it’s the truth. In terms of innovation and what they do, you know, it’s just not that interesting most of the time.’

“Sad to say, Glass is right. Besides, PBS didn’t come to him, Showtime did, and courted him for years before the famously nerdy host of the Chicago-based radio program said OK.”

Ouch.

Check out the trailer here: