Which Way L.A?

Warren Olney, a former local television newsman, with high interests in politics, and a man with a mind full of specific opinions and views, and a desire to spill what's been kept in his head for so long, "bolted across the threshold of public radio" and established himself as a talk host on KCRW-FM (89.9). There he created a show called "Which way, L.A?" where it responded to the historic civil unrest of the aftermath of the Los Angeles riots. Olney began to interrogate people who were rarely heard of on the radio and began discussions on the air between the warring tribes in our midst. By the time the urgency sparked by the riots had ebbed, "Which Way, L.A.?" had become an institution, looking beyond the crisis in South Central to "the issues Southern Californians care about," as its on-air signature proclaimed. Olney states, "The way I see my role is I don't take sides because I want everyone to be comfortable and be able to express their views. There are times when someone comes in and says the Earth is flat, and I have to say, no, it's not. But if the subject is controversial, then by definition what we need to know is the richness of the argument, and let people decide for themselves." With many guests speaking to the host by phone about national topics, the show is broadcast live to the East Coast at 11 a.m. and replayed an hour later in Los Angeles.


I think this is a really good addition to the variety of radio shows that are aired. I think it is a great way for people to express their opinions and ask questions about a certain issue that they might be confused about. The show has been airing for fifteen years, and it has been proven that it has been quite successful. I hope the show continues to become a success because a radio show talking about historical and national issues such as the L.A Riots, probably appeals more to the youth than reading it in textbooks, and most probably allows them to get involved and participate with the debates more.