Frequently Asked Questions
Almost every Web site has a “FAQ” or “Frequently Asked Questions” section but we’re not sure frequently most of the questions really get asked. What we have done is started to build a list of questions and answers. You can participate by adding your question to the list. Just click here: [email protected] and we will respond to your question. We may even add it to this list!
This section is split into two parts. First, we have a list of the questions. You can click on any question and you will be taken directly to that question and the answer. We have attempted to group the questions into areas of interest but don’t know how good a job we really did. Tell us what you think about our effort.
SHOW PRODUCTION
For the most part, they are not “live.” On occasion – for example, immediately after the 11 September 2001 attack on America – “live” shows will be done to address critical issues in a timely manner as well as take calls from viewers but, for the most part, the shows are recorded one to three weeks in advance.this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
No, what you see is what you get and what originally gets said is what you see. On occasion, an edit will be done. This happens only a few times a year. In one instance, a camera shot of a guest’s reaction was lost so a filler shot was used. In another occasion, Aaron made a statement about Jerry Falwell which the Station thought was libelous (it had something to do with sexual activities about which Aaron was joking) and the comment was deleted – with everyone’s approval (including Aaron).
All of the shows are completely unrehearsed. Aaron often has a set of questions he would like to ask his guests but he usually doesn’t get to even half of them. The guests tend to control the pace and content of the program. They usually meet for the first time right before the show and often are given the topic of the program just the day before the taping.
Believe it or not, Aaron’s goal is to be invisible. That’s why, on some shows, you will rarely see or hear him. This happens when the guests are going hot-and-heavy or are otherwise doing a great job. If you hear and see a lot of Aaron, that’s usually not a good sign, and probably is due to the guests being less involved in the show. So, from our perspective, the less you hear from and see Aaron, the better!
Guests are selected using a number of factors. These include (1) expertise, knowledge, or experience in a particular subject area, (2) potential “chemistry” with other guests, (3) known sense of humor, (4) comfort in front of a TV camera, (5) how well known they may be to the viewing public, and (6) contribution to the show’s diversity. The program has a policy of putting people on the air who represent different views and who are not commonly seen on television. It also had its own affirmative action program and aggressively seeks guests representing different racial, religious, ethnic, political, social, and other backgrounds.
NATIONAL SHOW
Not at this time. While some interest has been expressed in Aaron’s shows on a national basis, all required him to leave Colorado. He was unwilling to move to Los Angeles, New York, or Washington in order to do a national show and is very content being based in his home state of Colorado.
FINANCES
None of the programs are designed to make a profit on their own. All revenues generated by the shows – including advertising, sponsorships and underwriting – are used to defray the costs of production and staffing. Any extra funds are used to pay for marketing and promotion as well as overhead. The programs’ budgets are structured intentionally so they are “breakeven” in nature and do not generate profits.
While USA Talk Network has nothing against profitability, because the programs are broadcast under the aegis of Public Television, the company decided at the beginning of its relationship with Colorado Public Television that all revenues would be used to pay for and improve the programming. This makes USA Talk Network’s endeavors with Public Television stations much more compatible as the stations all are non-profit entities.
AARON HARBER
Isn’t it obvious he dresses himself? So far, no one is willing to accept responsibility for his wardrobe. At +6’5″, Aaron is not easy to dress.
He’s partial to songs by Staind, Dido, Everlast, Foreigner, Sheryl Crow, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Fiona Apple, The Beatles, Enya, Fastball, Sarah Maclachlan, Robert Palmer, Alanis Morrisette, Randy Newman, Bonnie Raitt, David Gray, The Eagles, Fiona Apple, Kenny Wayne Shepard, and Loreena McKennitt, as well as almost any classical music. He grew up listening to radio stations all his life and continues to work with music in the background throughout the day.
Aaron typically works a 12-hour day, seven days a week. He gets up by 3:00 am most days and is done by 10:00 pm or so. Yes, he needs a break and has been talking about taking one – since 1994.
Yes, he considers all of them his best friends. He hasn’t had much time for Jerry Seinfeld or Martha Stewart recently and rumor has it both are pissed off at him.
A: Aaron believes his personal life is pretty boring. He has found that it is better for him and everyone who is part of his life if he keeps his personal life out of the limelight. He does this for obvious security reasons.
He thinks he’s even funnier off-the-air but those who work with him may have a different opinion. (Just kidding, Aaron…)
Root beer.