Michio Kaku seems to spend far more time in front of TV cameras and radio mikes than in the lab...just how "esteemed" is he really? Quite a few times I've heard him state obviously questionable things with certainty - which may well be just dumbing-down for the sake of the audience, but I have much more time for science writers and journalists who treat their audience with genuine respect.
When he wins his first Nobel prize I'll consider him "esteemed".

Michio Kaku seems to spend far more time in front of TV cameras and radio mikes than in the lab...just how "esteemed" is he really?

I think he is attempting to fill the rather large shoes of the late Carl Sagan. IMHO, it would help to have a charismatic figure like this in the Peak Oil and Climate Change camp(s). A popular communicator is required to reach Joe Public. Could Michio Kaku fill the bill?

We all must choose between what is easy, and what is right.