Posing as a current events discussion show, Forum managed to studiously ignore the largest news story of 2023-present, the so called “Israel-Gaza war.” Zero Palestinian guests were ever asked onto the program, which instead took its cues from the editorial staff of neo-conservative magazine The Atlantic (that same publication that once sold us Bush’s Iraq War, and whose editor recently colluded with Trump’s state department in a private chat about bombing Yemen). When Forum finally began to address Israel’s genocide of Palestinians two years late (after at least 50 thousand dead, most of them children), they did so in such a cynical way— inviting a vocally anti-Hamas, centrist Egyptian American journalist on the air, only to scorn them for not voting for a pro-genocide politician— that frankly, continued silence from this joke of a show would have been more respectful. As a media outpost of the US government— funded by both the Trump and Biden administrations— it’s no surprise Forum toes the line of the US state department. As to their non-international coverage, it is less terrible, ranging from average (their California political coverage) to pretty good (their coverage on cultural topics, and sometimes local politics). If you skip every episode in which a writer from The Atlantic magazine appears (which seems like literally half of them) and only listen to episodes on specifically California-related topics, then upgrade to three or four stars.

Great guests, timely topics. Alex in particular asks great questions. Always worth a listen!

Thank you!

NPR in general has really went off course over the years in getting a balanced perspective on different topics, and has heavily invested in the victim complex narrative. Which over time, is extremely limiting, and regressive to the public, and patronizing to the people who they claim to be the victims. With this said, I was very impressed with how KQED covered the post election cycle, in particular on November 8 where they brought in Mike Madrid. Excellent discussion, which is exactly what the public not only needs, but I believe want, especially those wanting to peel back our current landscape we live in.

This show has definitely declined in quality lately. Topics are too often some social justice issue. Guests reflect same priorities as topics, rooted in identity politics. Often feels like the shows put together with a formula that requires inclusion of every historically marginalized group & at least 1 “frontline community” activist. Producer should consider starting over with new hosts & see if anything sticks.

This program used to bring together voices with opposing views. While the bias against the conservative side by the host was certainly noticeable, an opposing view was still heard. These conservative voices made great arguments since they knew they were not preaching to the choir. The voice on the left had to up their game in response. The resulting discussions were of a much higher caliber. This no longer happens on the program. Now it just offers voices of the far left complaining about everyone else who is not on-board with their views. On the show I just listened to a caller was making the same complaint. I hope the show gets back to its roots.

The reporting is so biased and blatantly one sided that it is impossible to take this show as serious journalism. Even the callers seem to be screened to support the reporting.

This show consistently delivers excellence following in the stellar footsteps of Michael Krasny who has moved on to his also great Grey Matter with Michael Krasny Alexis Madrigal and Mina Kim are excellent, well prepared and sympathetic hosts who present interesting and relevant topics on a regular basis.

The CEO of California’s high-speed rail project makes the claim that the cost per mile of that project is equivalent to the cost of similar projects in other countries (the per mile cost is actually more than 10x greater). Nina Kim just moves onto the next question instead of questioning the CEO’s assertion. How can Nina Kim, who is so inept as an interviewer, be the replacement for Michael Krasny???

There are so many issues and topics to discuss in the Bay area and California, but it seems that this show only wants to discuss safe topics and book releases. Also the hosts avoid asking hard questions and having opposing views present. I guess that's not to offend anyone and attract more people. The result is very bland and run of the mill.

I used to listen to this every day but now it’s getting less each month. Neither of the current hosts ask challenging questions nor do they discuss topics of interest. Michael Krasney had authors of new books on the show and various people on with differing views debate on his show. It was enjoyable to listen to, now it’s very sing songy and false cadence. The show has lost its rhythm. And for the love of everything could you stop talking about kid topics.

your forum presenter anita k. during the interview with the 2 bakers kept saying “the president” when talking about trump. when you say president i think you mean biden. don’t be a dolt, use “past president” or is that too hard for you and the same goes for the bakers and all people that disseminate news/information.

I so miss Michael an his brain teaser informative forums. Now it seems that every time I turn on the radio I hear mothers talking about kid problems. I do like kids but not a steady diet of talk. It will not keep me from giving the annual donation . I have been behind KQED. since the 60’s. I can only hope that your audience configuration grows older and wants another Michael Krasny. Sally Williams

This show consistently has topics that I’m interested in and handles them in a smart way!

Can’t add more than the title. what used to be a must listen, is now just a little too much of the rest of NPR, all sing-songy gee wiz delivery instead of depth. Long time subscriber, now very infrequent listener. sorry. 12/8/2022 Go-To Karaoke? Just by the title I know who will be hosting. I can only imagine what Madrigal will go on about in a Karaoke show. I’m sure he’ll be all “enthusiastically sing-songy” excited, and just as sure, I’m listening less and less to Forum.

Used to listen to this show during Michael Krasny’s tenure. Michael used to challenge guests from both sides of the political spectrum. From time to time you would get to the bone and the hard data too. Now you get the social justice identity politics side and no challenges at all. Basically partisan monologues from the guests and cheerleading from the hosts. Objectivity, data and accountability are apparently part of the whole toxic white culture. The result is this program on one side and the state of San Francisco on the other.

I start my day in Santa Cruz online live w these two hours EVERY DAY! Always interesting and thought provoking, I appreciate the respectful and enjoyable conversations. I am hungry for ideas and reasonable interactions. Always starting my day w an even keel, I look forward each morning to hearing from these two. Thank you Alexis and Mina and their TEAM ! Today, the author Danyel Smith and the music I grew up with was a treat! Keep up the good work .

These new ‘Viewpoints’ are the usual humdrum of progressive talking points and identity politics. I loved listening to Michael Krazny - I felt he really tried to extend the political spectrum of what he covered - even if he was quite progressive. KQED gave up on this during Trump era and continues to slide down the hill of left wing partisanship with their topics and one sided opinions.

It looks like she is more and more prone to giggling and laughing at inappropriate times. And i cringed all the way through the “podcasts recommendations” episode. Way too oriented to the light and funny. Anybody listening to all the wonderful podcasts of more serious/informative content?

I am reviewing to give the feedback that I’m finding the new-ish format with breaks every quarter of an hour so difficult to listen to. It is so frustrating that just as the introductions end and the conversation warms up and really gets going — there’s the music again!! It is so painful to have to listen to the hosts repeatedly cut the guest off (albeit graciously), multiple times in the show, and then the guests lose their train of thought and have to repeat themselves. Not to mention — sometimes there are so many topics covered now in the forum it’s hard to keep up with who the guests are and get any thorough analysis!!! Please, I beg you, change the format back to 1 break at the half hour mark, and thank you in advance! Also, I would give the moderators, who are all excellent, 5 stars. (Krasny and Mina Kim are the best of the best and I’m sad that Michael is retiring.) I feel very spoiled by their superb interviewing skills and their perfect radio voices; in fact, they’ve ruined me for most other podcasts bc I get annoyed or easily tired of most other podcast or program hosts’ ticks and habits.

I’m a longtime fan - so great to now have as a podcast. Love Michael Krasny and Mina Kim as hosts, covering the topics of the moment with great guests.

Journalism is not dying on NPR, it is decomposing. Used to love it, but Trump derangement syndrome got you bad. A lie every five minutes — deleted.

Delegating important proposition coverage to Bay Curious is the poorest decision ever!!! Katie Orr needs major vocal coaching to be a podcast host. She has so many verbal ticks such as vocal fry - it’s just unbearable to listen to and a shame. The Allen Price gal could also use some coaching. We are used to the fine tuned voices of Nina Kim and Michael Krazney. Really disappointed that you outsourced this important discussion.

I love Michael Krasny and I love Minna Kim! I left SF and continued to listen. Back in the Bay Area again, it remains a stellar, relevant, articulate and thoughtful show.

Idk what crawled up Larry’s posterior. Keep doing your thing and giggling, Mina

Don’t listen to Larry mansplaining! Hey Larry it’s just your opinion, man!

Great example of what you’re prone to, Mina. Listen to the Elizabeth Warren episode you so capably steered. Serious issues, and an appropriately sober tone during the first 2/3 of the broadcast. And THEN. When you laugh during the question you’re asking, it communicates a lot, and all that laugh-borne signaling is bad for the content, quality, and direction of the discussion. You’re laughing at yourself, with yourself, and it tends to demean the topic. It is humble, granted. And human. But it quickly becomes excessive. You’re way too committed to your craft and prepared for your work to let things slip like this. My hunch is that no one around you brings up this weakness and the opportunities it presents for improving upon your excellence and your command. Because if you get the message on this, you’re sure to be more intent on overcoming it than any mere listener like myself might readily understand. Relax, sure. Be personable with guests and callers, definitely. But in the end, neither of those worthy ends is served by giggling.

While Michael has an incredible breadth of knowledge and geniality with guests and callers, I cringe when he is interviewing solo female guests. Often his questions lack depth and insight, and he interrupts and makes way too many inane (useless) comments and “Dad jokes.” I don’t say these things lightly. Five stars for Forum otherwise.

😀

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Makes me sad to say this as I am a huge fan like everyone else, but after hearing the Tony Morrison interview, MK should retire.

I want to report that on Wednesday 10/2/19, the podcast under the title of Paul Tough on ‘How College are or Breaks Us’ is also the content of From ‘Borowitz Report’ to ‘Retro Report’: Andy Borowtz on Unpacking News Through Humor. While the later is a very good show, I would really like to listen to the one regarding college. Would someone please make the correction and post the Paul Tough’s interview? Thanks.

Thank you KQED for the consistently good Forum and for offering it as a podcast!

Krazney is great

Forum is the best current affairs show I have ever listened to. It is my go-to place to get informed on what’s important to know.

Does this podcast not include the local Bay Area topic matters? If not, why? It’s the reason I subscribed...

I've listened to Forum for over 10 years. I love the show. They have great guests and smart journalism. I was a regular radio listener and now I listen to the podcast every week.

Krasny is a smart guy, and is well prepared. But he interrupts way too much. It's especially painful when he has a brilliant guest who needs more than 30 seconds to answer a question and Krasny breaks in as if he's not even been listening. This is really his one sin, but it is a big one, and it happens way too often.

Only kidding, Michael.

No matter the topic, Forum is always fascinating. I love the breadth of subject matter and the even-handed perspective that Michael and his guests offer. I listen to Forum every morning and always feel like I learn something new and interesting.

Some great programming that you can take in your pocket, listen to whenever and wherever you are! This is for those times when you can’t finish listening to a show on your commute! Subscribe to this podcast and you won’t regret it.

I first started listening to Forum after having taken one of Michael Krasny's classes at SF State. He is a thorough interviewer, fair and balanced, and always comes well prepared on the topic with each guest. The show covers a wide variety of current events, politics, history and art. Thank you KQED for making this show available as a podcast so I can still listen even though I don't live in the Bay Area anymore!

Krasny is incredibly fair, even tempered and intelligent. Probably the best forum host in the country. Most talk radio rarely has both opinion-less hosts and gives equal weight to differing opinions. The Forum has both. The show's guests are, for the most part, great regarding the diversity of opinions. The show's topics are, for the most part, very interesting. Contemporary issues in politics, society, etc. spoken about in an ad-free show. AND THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO SHOWS EACH DAY!

Always engaging newsmakers however show tends to have overly Californian emphasis and specifically the bay area. This tends to limit shows appeal.

The show is up to date, has timely topics, and gets the best, most informed guests. Michael Krasney is one of the best radio hosts in the country, if not the best.

Last show is from FEBRUARY...

Good podcasts

One of the smartest shows around, always great topics, and guests, many pertaining to the SF Bay Area. Krasny is great, very informed and has a strong command on all the issues tackled on the show. He also uses great syntax Don't miss out on KQED's Forum!!

Lazy and uninformed, Krasney has all the spark of paste.

Good enough but the host tends to not be up to date on issues and guests seem to be equally out of touch. I live in the area and end up tuning in to this show because that's what's "on". If you are hungry to hear any voice from progressive communities (i.e., Obama supporters, et al), you will be somewhat frustrated by Krasny's forums. Callers can be as described by another reviewer (dingbats) but frankly, having tried calling in once, the gatekeeper at KQED tended to be such a grump and so judgmental, I can see how the sane community just no longer bothers participating as a general rule.