Jennifer Granholm makes smooth transition to hosting political TV show - DetNews

[Bozita]

Good review from Detroit's RW newspaper.


July 10, 2012 at 1:00 am
Jennifer Granholm makes smooth transition to hosting political TV show
By Mekeisha Madden Toby
Detroit News Television Writer


San Francisco

The set of "The War Room with Jennifer Granholm" looks a lot like a politician's campaign headquarters. Posters that boast slogans like "Occupy the Majority," "Forward with Roosevelt" and "Speaker Nancy Pelosi" hang on exposed brick walls in an open, airy and modern space undeniably influenced by New York lofts. A cluster of staffers type away at computers, check the wires and watch Granholm on flat-screen monitors on their desks in the center of the room as she sits in front of the camera, perched behind a desk of her own.

But this isn't the nerve center for a political race. It's a TV newsroom and the former Michigan governor doesn't need votes, she needs viewers. (Nielsen doesn't track Current TV's ratings because fewer than 1 million people tune in to the network.)

For five months, Granholm, 53, has been honing her no nonsense, conversational style on "The War Room." This is a Current TV program, but it's clearly her show; and Granholm, who grew up in California, is visibly in her element talking to professors, politicians and authors.

Her chocolate blazer and a raspberry-colored blouse convey authority as well as a playful, predilection for color. What viewers don't see is that Granholm is wearing jeans, a trick veteran anchors employ all the time. Yes, this woman was born to do TV.

more...
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120710/ENT10/207100303#ixzz20C4QsSWj

[senseandsensibility]

1. Great article at the link.

I read the whole thing; thanks for posting. I didn't even realize that her show is filmed in San Francisco.

[Warpy]

2. I agree, she is a natural for broadcast news

Her show is definitely worth watching. She's suffering both for being on a small channel and being opposite Maddow's powerhouse show, but she's well worth a look. She's picking a lot of stuff apart as thoroughly as does Maddow.

[MADem]

3. Current has some wonderful programming. They aren't growing fast, but they are

steadily getting better and better. I enjoy their shows--they are smart and thoughtful and sometimes even fun. If they can hang on, I think "slow grow" is the way to go.

"I enjoyed poking fun at Romney," Granholm says after "The War Room" has ended. "That was a good show."
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120710/ENT10/207100303#ixzz20C4QsSWj