Larry Mantle Host, AirTalk
- Phone: (626) 583-5161
Larry Mantle has been the host of AirTalk on KPCC since April 1st, 1985. It is now the longest continuously running daily talk program in the Los Angeles radio market. Mantle also hosts the movie review and interview program FilmWeek on AirTalk, heard every Friday at 11:00 a.m. on KPCC.
A fourth-generation Angeleno, Larry has interviewed thousands of prominent guests on an extraordinary array of topics, and received many journalistic awards in the process. Larry grew up in southwest Los Angeles, Inglewood, and Hollywood. He's a graduate of Hollywood High School and Vanguard University of Southern California. Larry and his wife Kristen are the parents of Desmond.
Stories by Larry Mantle
Officials respond to alleged Medi-Cal fraud
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has pledged to impose stricter regulations on a state-sponsored home health care program. The governor said that limiting alleged fraud and abuse could save the state up to $5 billion a year.
Life in Reloville
Talking with author Peter Kilborn of "Next Stop, Reloville," I thought about the reasons I resisted going into radio when I graduated from college. Chief among them was my belief that it would be impossible to progress in broadcasting without moving from city to city.
AirTalk Page Seared By Angry Listeners
I’m not surprised that some "AirTalk" listeners had no interest in hearing Michael Jackson's memorial event this morning. But I am taken aback at the tone of many of the comments about our decision that were made on the "AirTalk" page.
Is Michael Jackson's Memorial News?
This morning we tapped into a passionate debate on whether the coverage of Michael Jackson's death is commensurate with his artistic and cultural importance. Some listeners have been critical of how we, and other media, have spent time looking at Jackson's legacy.
LA Democrat attacks Republicans over health care
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are debating the health care issue again.
Paying By the Mile
My family and I recently returned from a vacation that included time on the Navajo reservation in the Four Corners are of the Southwest. It's spectacularly beautiful country, juxtaposed with the serious economic challenges that reservation residents face.
New high speed rail cooperation between California and Nevada
Federal transportation secretary Ray LaHood is meeting in Las Vegas Thursday afternoon with US Senate majority leader Harry Reid of Nevada. La Hood told KPCC’s AirTalk that the two will formally announce a project Southland travelers may welcome.
Good Looks Net Center Court
Like many of our listeners, I was surprised to hear that Wimbledon's All England Club has taken to putting what it considers more attractive women players on its prestigious center court, regardless of ranking.
Luntz' "Government Takeover"
Political consultant Frank Luntz talked this morning about how he uses focus groups to come up with the terms many Republican politicians use in policy debates. Luntz coined "death tax," among many other favorite GOP expressions.
Iran Moving Fast -- Healthcare Reform Slows
Last week, the debate over healthcare reform and whether there would be a competitive public plan was the biggest story. The pace was swift and it looked possible that President Obama's timeline might be met.
Theocracy, God, Politics, and Real Estate
One of the most frequent questions I get from listeners is how I can feel comfortable talking about the range of topics we cover on "AirTalk." My answer is that, unlike most people in their work, I don't have to be an expert at anything.
Listeners Critique President Obama
This morning's topics provided great opportunities for listeners to weigh in on the President's response to Iran's public protests, and additional legal rights for Gays and Lesbians.
Obama administration to release new financial oversight regulations
The Obama Administration plans to release new regulations for the country’s financial industry tomorrow. Under the new plan, the Federal Reserve will act as a systemic risk regulator. That will allow the Fed to monitor large financial institutions in trouble, such as AIG and major investment banks.
Iranian-Americans Speak Out
Over the past couple of days, "AirTalk" listeners in our local Persian communities have made great contributions to the program. Hearing the accounts of those who've been in contact with family and friends in Iran significantly widens the coverage beyond news reports from Tehran.
Laker Pride -- Shame of the Vandals
As a 40-year fan of the Lakers, I'm celebrating our city's NBA championship. As a lifelong Angeleno, I'm embarrased and ashamed of the violent and destructive behavior on some on our local streets last night.
