Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2009 > January > 04 > Entry
1/5: Clark Howard debuts on CNN Headline News
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I DVRed Clark Howard’s new show on CNN Headline News, which debuted this past weekend, repeated six times at 6 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Here’s a quick recap of the first 30 minutes, which summarizes many of his radio calls you hear on WSB-AM to about a minute or so. He gets his own funky theme song, too!
He’s in his WSB studio (converted to a TV studio) and says: “America. we’re living in tough economic times But I have good news. I’m Clark Howard I’m here to show you how to save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off.” (For those who don’t know and many who are watching CNN Headline News probably aren’t, that’s his signature line he’s been using for years.)
Then they go to cartoon graphics as if his life is a comic book.
“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by money. Making it. Saving it. Studying it. By the time I was 31, I earned enough to retire [he sold a travel agency]. So I embarked on a new mission: helping take care of your money.” The show doesn’t get into the fact this happened more than two decades but in show business, why reveal your age when you don’t look your age!
Then they show video of him taking a call from his radio show. Julie is considering a home equity loan to get her through job loss. He recommends a home equity line of credit as an emergency situation. He also says apply for unemployment benefits asap. “This is not about pride,” he says. “Think of it as insurance.” Then a woman summarizes his thoughts.
The next caller says his daughter traded in a car with a loan balance and the car dealer went out of business. He says this is a big no no anyway. “The risk is too great the dealer goes bust and never pay off your trade in. You can end up with your credit ruined and two loans.”
He does a one-minute consumer tip about the stock market. A large percentage of people over the age of 65 have too much cash in stocks. (27% of people 55-64 have 90% or more in stocks. Wrong!)
The segment after the first commercial break is called “money coach.” Melba is trying to work down her massive $150,000 debt. She needs to get a second job, he suggested. “It can be a noose around your wallet. You have to be careful in school how much debt you take on. Eventually you have to pay it back.”
He then take a call about selling time shares (if you can’t, donate it for the tax deduction), then another person who had a credit card closed because she hadn’t used it in two years and she’s worried her credit score will hurt. (It will, but not a huge amount since she hadn’t used it.)
CNN throws in some economic news at 18 minutes after the hour.
He then addresses a “pay off your IRS taxes” scam you might see in late-night ads. “Scuzzoids” and “crooks” are what Clark calls them.
I missed the last few minutes of the show because WSB-TV (where he’s done consumer stories for years) runs some news updates instead. How ironic is that?
Has anybody caught the show yet? Do you think he’s got a shot at a weekday show with this?
Comments
By frank
January 5, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this
The show was great.What took you so long? The caller who asked about purchasing a car thru craig’s list please beware.If you are serious about buying the car ask the seller can you or a friend or relative can come by and see the car. The red flag is when the seller balks and tells the buyer that won’t be necessary because he/she can arrange free shipping. That’s a sign that it’s a scam.
By KP
January 5, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this
The show was great, vintage Clark. I think he’s got a great shot at becoming a weekday show, especially in our country’s current economic situation. Clark offers common sense advice that can make a big difference in your everyday finances. Good luck Clark!!
By SO
January 5, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this
Clark’s audience would become more huge and international. He gets the attention of everybody by addressing day to day financial issues that affect people beyond the boundary of this country. Clark would not run out of ideas therefore he can never loose.
I wish him more success. S.O
By Diane
January 5, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this
Finally Clark Howard has his own national TV show. Look forward to watching every one of them. Although I think the music is extremely annoying! Please - I beg you to change it!
By Diane
January 5, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this
Finally Clark Howard has his own national TV show. Look forward to watching every one of them. Although I think the music is extremely annoying! Please - I beg you to change it!
By Lisa
January 5, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this
Love Clark - hate CNN. Never ever watch this channel anymore because of the bias in their broadcasting. However, I love Clark so much that I will DVR his segments….Good luck, Clark!
By Doug
January 5, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this
I watched Clark’s show and it was awesome - very entertaining, with a fun, accessible presentation. A nice balance of segments from the radio show and direct features with Clark.
By tony
January 5, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this
Headline News is now called HLN. If anyone is thrown off by the posts here that make references to CNN and Headline News. Clark’s show is on HLN.
By AtlSluggo
January 5, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this
I thought the idea of the show was good but they need to fine tune it. First off, why is he wearing headphones on TV? Also, I think Clark looks uncomfortable in front of the camera. He does not have a TV personality so he needs to look at least at ease. good luck…
By AtlSluggo
January 5, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this
I thought the idea of the show was good but they need to fine tune it. First off, why is he wearing headphones on TV? Also, I think Clark looks uncomfortable in front of the camera. He does not have a TV personality so he needs to look at least at ease. I also don’t like the format of a radio show being shown on TV. Most radio guys who go on TV drop the radio studio style. good luck…
By blackbird13
January 5, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this
Love Clark, hated the show. Clunky format, annoying music, too many news breaks (which is the worst part of the radio show). Compared to the established shows, i.e. Suze Orman, Dave Ramsey, On the Money, etc., Clark’s show needs a lot of work.
By Shauna
January 5, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this
First of all, let me say I love Clark’s show. I podcast it through iTunes, but I was disappointed in the tv show. The reason he was wearing radio headphones was those were all callers on his radio show. I had heard all of those very same calls before. I was expecting some new material with maybe a live show (ala Dave Ramsey).
By Jack Stilton
January 5, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this
I love Clark for the whole setting of the tv show was horrible. We know he site in the same chair as Boortz, so whats up with the old warehouse looking studio? That theme music has got to go too, that is just horrible.
Clark the vacation boy only works 10 weeks a year, so CNN is going to have a hard time filling all of that air time!
By MountainDawg
January 5, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this
Clark’s great on economic 101 advise, and his radio show is good. This show was fair (although the music stank). Clark isn’t as arrogant as Dave Ramsey, so he doesn’t have some of that natural “pizaz” for TV. My only issue with Clark has been he harps too much on travel related info (as if everyone can or wants to travel).
By OIFVet
January 5, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this
To bad those who really need this show would rather watch BET, MTV, or Entertainment tonight, rather then taking responsibility for their actions.
Buy the newest cell phone,drive that SUV you cant afford, put an expensive loud obnoxious stereo system in it and then blame Bush.
By Suze
January 5, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this
I LOVE Clark! But I caught a few minutes of his new show and thought it was horrible. What’s with the headphones? And the studio/background is just weird. He also seemed a little awkward, but who wouldn’t in that contrived situation. HLN needs to put him in a less cheesy setting and let the natural, funny, goofy Clark come out.
By MountainDawg
January 5, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this
OIFVet - Well said! BET, MTV, ET, TMZ & most “reality” TV (trash) are complete Sheeple bait to ensure the lemmings have a daily dose of mindless fluff to keep them distracted from real issues!
By M. J. Duckworth
January 5, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this
I love listening to Clark but I did not like the show the set or the format. He did not come across very professional or knowledgeable. If you did not know him, the show would not hold your interest.
By AJ
January 5, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
I like the idea of his show, but it looked like it was designed for kids with Attention Deficient Disorder. First, they put in too many sound effects and little graphics that just repeat what he said over and over again. The choppy camera work, and switching from one angle to another made one dizzy. Look like a bunch of guys in the basement trying to make a flashy tv show. Also, in my opinion, he didn’t get to really answer some of the questions. For instance, the guy with the daughter who traded in her car at the dealership. He asked what should the do? We never got an answer to that question. All we heard was don’t do it. That doesn’t help his daughter now. What steps does she need to take now? Also, Clark looked as if he was trying to read the screen and listen to people at the same time. Was he looking up answers for them? As stated before, I liked the idea but it needs a lot more work. Stop all the switching back and forth camera stuff, give Clark time to answer questions thoroughly, and stop the annoying sound effects.
By TEE
January 5, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this
LOVE IT!! WHAT A SMART MOVE BY HLN!! I WILL WATCH OFTEN!!! Thanks Clark for all you do to help others become more financially savvy…..I learn something from you all the time! GLAD TO SEE YOU ARE ON HLN!!!
By ATLmom
January 5, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
LOVE Clark, but like an earlier poster, I had heard all those calls. I hope they’ll work on a less cheesy set (just a radio studio might make more sense). I’m really glad more people will have the opportunity to learn from Clark, though. More than just economic advice, it’s his kind, thoughtful, generous attitude that I appreciate.
By doicare
January 5, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this
The concept is good but please lose the pop-ups and the cheesy sound effects. Also, get rid of the headphones.
By STYLE NETWORK
January 5, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
STYLE NETWORK SEEKS THE MESSIEST HOUSE IN THE ATLANTA AREA!
STYLE NETWORK’S “CLEAN HOUSE” IS LOOKING IN THE ATLANTA AREA FOR THE MESSIEST HOME IN THE COUNTRY TO FEATURE IN AN UPCOMING SPECIAL SERIES.
Do you, or someone you know, need help ridding your home of clutter? Are you having a hard time letting go of stuff you don’t need but just can’t seem to part with? Are ALL THE ROOMS IN YOUR HOUSE in dire need of a makeover? Then you need CLEAN HOUSE!!!
If you are chosen, the CLEAN HOUSE crew will get rid of your clutter, clean, paint, and transform your home into a beautiful living space with the help of an interior designer.
You will stay in a luxury hotel while the work is being done, and reap the benefits, but you must participate as the owners of the house in the filming of the show.
If you OWN a SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE (sorry, no apartments, condos, or townhouses) and at least 2 adults live in your home, then please email the following info to us and we’ll be in touch with more details:
Email us at mcolford@mindspring.com
Do You Have the Country’s Messiest Home?
Apply at mcolford@mindspring.com to be considered for upcoming episodes in the Atlanta area. Submit photos now and you could be in the running for Messiest Home 3!
By Matt
January 5, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this
Live on tape it’s Clark Howard! Only Paula Dean does more with leftovers. The TV show is just another heaping helping of the same ole stuff repackaged for television. Get with the times Clark! The show looks circa 80’s television. Segments are so short and the graphics are so juvenille, I thought I was watching a web cam. Howard Stern you are not. If you want a successful television show, do it live and give your listeners and viewers immediate access. Talk about what happened today and not what happened when you taped the show three weeks or months ago. Now with politics out of the question, I expected something better from Clark in terms of having to catch up with Ramsey, Orman and the others who shot passed him in the ranks of leading financial experts. One of Clark’s most endearing qualities is the geniuness he parlays over the radio. His audience trusts him. The zaniness of this television show really taints that trust in place. For Clark’s sake I hope it doesn’t hurt his radio audience. Maybe this is what they meant by “video killed the radio star”. But hey I guess any publicity is good publicity? NAH.
By Matt
January 5, 2009 11:45 PM | Link to this
Live on tape it’s Clark Howard! Only Paula Dean does more with leftovers. The TV show is just another heaping helping of the same ole stuff repackaged for television. Get with the times Clark! The show looks circa 80’s television. Segments are so short and the graphics are so juvenille, I thought I was watching a web cam. Howard Stern you are not. If you want a successful television show, do it live and give your listeners and viewers immediate access. Talk about what happened today and not what happened when you taped the show three weeks or months ago. Now with politics out of the question, I expected something better from Clark in terms of having to catch up with Ramsey, Orman and the others who shot passed him in the ranks of leading financial experts. One of Clark’s most endearing qualities is the geniuness he parlays over the radio. His audience trusts him. The zaniness of this television show really taints that trust in place. For Clark’s sake I hope it doesn’t hurt his radio audience. Maybe this is what they meant by “video killed the radio star”. But hey I guess any publicity is good publicity? NAH.
By Rodney Ho
January 6, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this
I enjoyed your comments about Clark Howard. Nice mix of construction criticism and praise.
By Tamra A
January 25, 2009 11:22 PM | Link to this
I was listening to the radio show last Thursday night when Clark polled people and overwhelming got the response that people thought taking a “haircut” on their salaries to save the jobs of the majority is better for morale than companies laying off people in order to keep others employed at the same pay rate. This goes against the “expert” advice of economists and Clark, you questioned why this was. I meant to send a post or response earlier, but the answer seems quite simple. Since when does an economist really understand psychology? A corporate psychologist can better determine what is best suited for company morale than an economist, who really is focused on the bottom line. Perhaps if corporations were more in-tune with that thought, we would see less unemployment. The optimist in me says that our nation, a founded on Christian values nation by the way, is also a nation of humanitarianism and charity. Not only that, but 85% of our nation’s employers are small businesses, which usually are a role model for these ideals of humanitarism.
By FRED
January 26, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this
We thank you for this informative show. With today’s economy, it’s badly needed.
By oreo
January 31, 2009 7:47 AM | Link to this
Love,love the show. Been listen to Clark on the radio for years. He real and not a stuffy financial advisor. He gives practical advice for real people relating to today’s issues and doesn’t SCREAM at you! He’s intelligent and makes a clear point with empathy. THANKS CLARK!!!
By oreo
January 31, 2009 7:49 AM | Link to this
Love,love the show. Been listen to Clark on the radio for years. He real and not a stuffy financial advisor. He gives practical advice for real people relating to today’s issues and doesn’t SCREAM at you! He’s intelligent and makes a clear point with empathy. THANKS CLARK!!!
By Carson H Marvin
February 2, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
What was the web site for the Mac tv you talked about today? Thank you
By cj
February 4, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this
What is the link/address for your story regarding hotel ratings by travelers, as opposed to “star” ratings, as talked about this a.m. on CNN?
By Vinny Romano
February 9, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know how I can contact Clark Howard, by email, fax or phone? I’ve tried for weeks.
Thank you,
Vinny Romano (239)293-3505
By Vinny Romano
February 9, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know how I can contact Clark Howard, by email, fax or phone? I’ve tried for weeks.
Thank you,
Vinny Romano (239)293-3505
By vinny romano comedian
February 10, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this
Comedian Vinny Romano’s powerful Stop Smoking Seminar is inspiring and informative as well as educational and funny.
Most people would rather die than quit smoking, and as Vinny points out, “Many of them get ther wish.”
Vinny shows how you can save approximately $1200 per year by not smoking.
“Laughter is good for the soul.”
For more information on seminar, contact Vinny Romano, (239) 293-3505.
By vinny romano comedian
February 10, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this
I smoked for years and neverthought about the total cost of smoking until I attended Vinny’s seminar. My clothing, house, car—it goes on and on, the cost of cleaning, plus the cartons of cigarettes. I have credit card debt, and now that I have stoped smoking I can get out of debt in 24 months. Thank you Vinny Romano!
Pat C.