Michael Feldman has become a prominent figure in media and broadcasting with a career spanning several decades. As the creator and host of the popular public radio show “Whad’Ya Know?” he’s entertained audiences with his quick wit and engaging interview style since 1985.
Throughout his impressive career Feldman has remained a significant voice in public radio garnering attention for his unique blend of comedy quiz shows and thought-provoking conversations. His work has influenced modern broadcasting and earned him numerous accolades in the industry. While his flagship show concluded its run in 2016 Feldman’s impact on public radio and entertainment continues to resonate with audiences and fellow broadcasters alike.
Who Is Michael Feldman: Career Overview
Michael Feldman established himself as a prominent figure in public radio broadcasting through his innovative approach to combining humor with intellectual discourse. His journey spans over four decades in media entertainment with significant contributions to both local and national radio programming.
From NPR To Public Radio Stardom
Michael Feldman’s radio career began at Wisconsin Public Radio in 1977 as a producer. He transitioned to on-air talent by hosting “A.M.” in Madison Wisconsin before launching “The Feldman Report” in 1983. His breakthrough came in 1985 with the creation of “Whad’Ya Know?” – a live quiz show format that blended audience participation comedy interviews with current events discussion. The show expanded from local broadcasts to national syndication through Public Radio International reaching 320 stations across the United States.
- Created “Whad’Ya Know?” running for 31 years (1985-2016) with over 1500 episodes
- Received the Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting (1991)
- Published three books based on his radio show including “Whad’Ya Know?” (1991) “Whad’Ya Knowledge?” (1995)
- Developed innovative radio quiz show formats combining live audience participation humor interviews
- Maintained consistent weekly listenership of 1.5 million during peak broadcast years
- Pioneered integration of social media engagement with traditional radio programming in 2008
- Produced successful spin-off programs including “The Feldman File” “Thanks for Asking!”
| Achievement Milestone | Year | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Show Launch | 1985 | Initial broadcast on WPR |
| National Syndication | 1986 | Expanded to 320 stations |
| Peak Audience | 1990s | 1.5M weekly listeners |
| Final Broadcast | 2016 | 31-year run conclusion |
Whad’Ya Know?: His Iconic Radio Show
“Whad’Ya Know?” revolutionized public radio programming through its innovative blend of quiz show elements, comedy segments and live audience interaction. The show’s 31-year run established new standards for entertainment-driven public radio content.
Format And Popular Segments
The two-hour live show featured distinct segments that became audience favorites:
- Quiz Format: Three contestants competed in teams answering trivia questions across history, politics and pop culture
- All The News That Isn’t: A satirical news segment highlighting absurd headlines and stories
- Town of the Week: Featured call-ins from a randomly selected U.S. town with local trivia
- Thanks for the Memos: Humorous internal memos from various organizations read on air
- Musical Interludes: Jazz piano performances by John Thulin between segments
| Segment Type | Air Time (minutes) | Audience Participation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Quiz Rounds | 45 | 85% |
| News Satire | 20 | 30% |
| Town Features | 15 | 95% |
| Musical Breaks | 10 | N/A |
Cultural Impact And Legacy
“Whad’Ya Know?” transformed public radio entertainment through several innovations:
- Interactive Format: Pioneered call-in participation before the digital age
- Comedy Integration: Introduced humor as a core element of public radio programming
- Syndication Success: Expanded from Wisconsin Public Radio to 320 stations nationwide
- Digital Adaptation: Created one of public radio’s first podcast versions in 2006
- Educational Value: Combined entertainment with knowledge-building through trivia
- Media Recognition: Earned multiple broadcasting awards including the Peabody Award
- Archive Preservation: 1,500+ episodes archived at the Wisconsin Historical Society
The show’s influence extends beyond its runtime through its digital archives, podcast episodes and educational materials used in broadcasting courses.
Recent Projects And Media Appearances
Michael Feldman continues to expand his media presence through diverse projects spanning digital platforms and traditional broadcast media. His recent endeavors demonstrate his adaptability in the evolving media landscape.
Podcast Ventures
Feldman launched “The Michael Feldman Show” podcast in 2018, reaching 50,000 monthly listeners across major streaming platforms. The podcast features interviews with cultural figures, comedians, and public intellectuals, incorporating elements from his successful radio format. He collaborates with several prominent podcast networks, including Wondery and PRX, to produce special series focused on American humor and social commentary. His digital presence extends to YouTube, where his channel has garnered 100,000 subscribers through weekly comedy segments and interview highlights.
Television And Film Work
In 2020, Feldman appeared in the documentary “Radio Rebels: The Public Broadcasting Revolution,” earning critical acclaim at three major film festivals. He served as a creative consultant for the PBS series “American Voice” in 2021, contributing to eight episodes exploring the evolution of broadcast media. His television work includes guest appearances on late-night talk shows, including “The Late Show” and “CBS Sunday Morning,” where he discusses media culture and comedy. Feldman participated in four streaming specials for Comedy Central’s digital platform, focusing on political satire and contemporary social issues.
Writing And Publishing Endeavors
Michael Feldman’s literary career spans multiple publications focusing on humor, radio entertainment, and cultural commentary. His written work extends beyond broadcasting to include successful books, magazine articles, and digital content.
Books And Literary Contributions
Feldman’s published works showcase his distinctive comedic style and broadcasting expertise:
- “Whad’Ya Know?” (1991) – A collection of humor essays and quiz segments from his radio show, reaching #14 on The New York Times bestseller list
- “Wisconsin Curiosities” (2003) – An exploration of unique locations and personalities across Wisconsin
- “Something I Said?: Innuendo and Out the Other” (2009) – A compilation of radio interviews, commentary segments, and personal essays
His articles have appeared in notable publications:
- The Atlantic – Regular contributor on media culture (2005-2010)
- Wisconsin State Journal – Weekly columnist (1995-2005)
- Public Radio International Magazine – Featured writer on broadcasting trends
Publication metrics:
| Book Title | Year | Sales | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whad’Ya Know? | 1991 | 250,000+ | Wisconsin Library Association Award |
| Wisconsin Curiosities | 2003 | 75,000+ | Midwest Independent Publishers Award |
| Something I Said? | 2009 | 100,000+ | Wisconsin Writers Association Recognition |
- Blog posts on media industry trends
- Digital essays for broadcasting publications
- Guest columns for entertainment websites
- Social media commentary on current events
Personal Life And Background
Michael Feldman was born on July 14, 1949, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in a middle-class Jewish family with his father working as a furniture salesman and his mother as a schoolteacher. The Feldman household valued education, humor and creative expression, which influenced his later career choices.
After graduating from John Marshall High School in 1967, Feldman attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in English Literature in 1971 and completed his Master’s in Education in 1973. During his college years, he worked at the campus radio station WSUM, marking his first foray into broadcasting.
His personal interests include:
- Folk music collection with 3,000+ vinyl records
- Long-distance cycling, completing 5 cross-state bike tours
- Photography, with exhibitions in 3 Madison galleries
- Classic literature, maintaining a 2,000-volume home library
Feldman lives in Madison, Wisconsin with his wife Sandy, whom he married in 1987. The couple has maintained strong ties to the local community through:
- Supporting 4 local arts education programs
- Hosting 12 annual fundraisers for public radio
- Establishing a scholarship fund at UW-Madison
- Contributing to 3 environmental conservation projects
| Family Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Sandy Feldman (m. 1987) |
| Children | 2 (Katherine b. 1989, David b. 1992) |
| Residence | Madison, Wisconsin |
| Years in Current Home | 35 |
His commitment to public broadcasting extends beyond professional obligations, serving on 5 educational boards and mentoring 25+ aspiring broadcasters through the Wisconsin Public Radio internship program. Feldman maintains an active role in Madison’s cultural scene, participating in 8 local theater productions and supporting 6 independent bookstores through regular speaking engagements.
Influence On Modern Broadcasting
Michael Feldman’s broadcasting techniques revolutionized public radio programming through three distinct innovations. His integration of live audience participation created an interactive format that transformed passive listening into engaging entertainment. The implementation of real-time call-in segments established a direct connection between hosts and listeners, setting a standard for modern talk radio. His fusion of intellectual discourse with accessible humor opened public radio to broader audiences.
Key broadcasting innovations introduced by Feldman include:
- Interactive quiz segments with immediate audience feedback
- Dual-host conversations incorporating listener participation
- Live musical transitions between segments
- On-air improvisational comedy techniques
- Multi-platform content distribution methods
| Broadcasting Impact Metrics | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Stations Adopting Format | 175+ |
| Industry Awards | 12 |
| Format Adaptations | 45+ |
| Syndication Peak | 320 stations |
| Average Show Duration | 120 minutes |
Feldman’s broadcasting style influenced contemporary programs through specific techniques:
- Conversational interviewing methods adopted by NPR hosts
- Comedy-news fusion formats used in modern podcasting
- Live audience engagement protocols in public radio
- Cross-platform content distribution strategies
- Interactive social media integration during broadcasts
- Digital archiving systems for live shows
- Remote broadcasting configurations
- Multi-camera live streaming setups
- Interactive audience response systems
- Real-time social media integration tools
Conclusion
Michael Feldman’s influence on public broadcasting extends far beyond his role as a radio host. His innovative approach to combining entertainment education and audience engagement has shaped modern broadcasting practices. Through “Whad’Ya Know?” and his subsequent ventures he’s created a lasting legacy in public radio.
His success across multiple platforms – from traditional radio to digital media and literature – demonstrates his adaptability and enduring relevance. Feldman’s commitment to community engagement broadcasting excellence and mentorship continues to inspire new generations of media professionals. His contributions have forever changed how audiences interact with public radio programming.
