Bill Moyer's Journal July 24, 2009
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07242009/watch.html
Last year the JOURNAL traveled to Knoxville, where a shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church had left the pastor asking what role hateful speech from popular right-wing media personalities may have played in the tragedy. "A lot of people are hurling insults from the safety of television studios, the safety of radio studio, the safety of cyberspace," said Rev. Chris Buice, "So that's a void in our community — the chance to be in the same room and to have these exchanges and remember the humanity of the person on the other side."
It's been a landmark year for the shock jock industry. Rush Limbaugh has been lauded as the "real" leader of the Republican Party. Great Britain banned radio host Michael Savage from entering the country for his "extremist views." And, the killings of three police officers in Pittsburgh and of Dr. Tiller in Kansas have raised new questions about the role played by virulent speech may have played in their genesis.
The Reach of Talk Radio
Talk radio is loud — very loud. According to TALKERS magazine, the leading publication of the talk radio industry, Rush Limbaugh attracts more than 14 million listeners across the nation each week, one of the largest audiences in any broadcast medium; Sean Hannity, more than 13 million; Michael Savage, more than 8 million. Not all talk radio is politically conservative, but in TALKER magazine's list of top ten personalities by audience, nine are conservative, and one is lifestyle and finance. And, presidents and policy-makers alike know that the power of talk radio is important to energizing the conservative base, especially now that conservatives are in the opposition.
With large and devoted audiences, the topics the hosts focus on may significantly impact the national discussion. Media expert Kathleen Hall Jamieson noted during the last election cycle that talk radio may well wield the power to set the agenda:
When something gets into mainstream media, it has a half-life of about 30 seconds. Where something that moves into talk radio can have a half-life of two or three years.
Hot Topics
Getting a lot of play now on talk radio and cable is the fringe theory advanced by "The Birthers" a group who maintains — against evidence to the contrary — that President Obama is not a legal citizen of the United States and thus not eligible to be president. Some birthers contend that even the president's Hawaiian birth certificate is a forgery. There's been enough "Birther" talk to attract the attention of THE NEW YORK TIMES, which noted that CNN's Lou Dobbs has added credence by repeating the myth on air.
The "Extremist Report"
Another recent topic that is getting a lot of air time is a report from the Department of Homeland Security "Right-wing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment." The report had been commissioned by the Bush administration, which also commissioned reports on potential left-wing extremist dangers. The release of the report under the Obama administration led to a great deal of consternation and more heightened rhetoric in the cable and talk radio realm:
Rush Limbaugh: "So you have a report from Janet Napolitano and Barack Obama, Department of Homeland Security portraying standard, ordinary, everyday conservatives as posing a bigger threat to this country than Al-Qaeda terrorists or genuine enemies of this country like Kim Jong Il. They wouldn't write anything about Jim Jong Il like this. They wouldn't write anything about Osama Bin Laden like this." April 14th, 2009.
Neil Cavuto on Fox News' YOUR WORLD: "It more or less states the government considers you a terrorist threat if you oppose abortion, speak out against illegal immigration, or are a returning war veteran." April 16th, 2009.
Sean Hannity during an interview with Joe the Plumber: "If you have a pro-life bumper sticker on your car, if you have an 'America is overtaxed' bumper sticker, if you have a pro-Second Amendment bumper sticker, they're viewing you potentially as a radical." April 15th, 2009.
* Read the report from the Department of Homeland Security " (PDF)
* "Homeland Security Chief Defends Report On Right Wing Extremists," Daniel Carty, CBSNews, April 16, 2009.
* "Homeland Security Warns of Rise in Right-Wing Extremism," FOXNews, April 14, 2009.
What is the influence of talk radio in your community? Is it counterproductive to civil discourse? http://www.pbs.org/now/politics/talkradiohistory.html
I trust and believe everything PBS says, especially Bill Moyers.
Here's to the crazy ones, the rebels, the troublemakers, the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them.
The last time I checked, no one listens to liberal talk radio and that's why there is so little of it. But then why should they, the mainstream media meets that need. And why should conservatives not have the right to outlets to commune with like-minded people? Conservative or liberal, it doesn't matter, it is our right to free speech.
It amazes me that so many refuse to see where the incremental removal of our rights is going to lead us. The current powers that be are trying to build a case to take away the right to free speech and our right to listen by attacking and demonizing conservative talk radio. Then they have silenced those that do not agree with their ideology. Justice Brandies said "Sunshine is the best of disinfectants", but the current government does not want any light shown on them or pointing out what insidious things are being implemented. There should be checks and balances in any government, conservative or liberal, or else we no longer live in a free country. And that is where we are headed.
So be very careful...because the blogs and the comments posted on these blogs will be next. Then where will you be able to voice your opinions? And it works both ways, it would be the same if a conservative climate was trying to squelch liberal outlets. Will you be free when the only information that we receive is what the government wants us to see and hear?
One last thing...since when do we elect officials to be our fathers and treat us like children. Every official, including the President is there to SERVE us. How many times since January have we heard Barack Obama say, "Look, I am the President of the United States..." as if he should not be questioned. Well, guess what, he is not infallible as we have all seen this week, when once again, he has had to backtrack. I don't need a father to tell me what is good or bad for me. I am an intelligent, reasonable, responsible, self-directed human being. The responsibility for extremism or hate-mongering lies within the individual. Rush Limabaugh or whoever is no more responsible for the things people do than rock music is for teen suicide. Those people are disturbed already.
You want the opposing view silenced...be careful, who decides when your view becomes the opposing one.
You are a dangerous right wing propogandist and shoule have your own show on WSPD. Wolfman isn't going to like this aimeeg.
Here's to the crazy ones, the rebels, the troublemakers, the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them.
Are you politically profiling me fred? Those are incendiary words, next you'll be calling me a capitalist!
".....None so blind as those that will not see. They have baffled their own consciences, and so they walk on in darkness.” ~~~Matthew Henry~~~
enough said.
Locally there is not enough rage.
How long do we need to tolerate a failing school system?
The worst unemployment in the state?
And leaders who seem to not care about any of it, promising the next big project as the one to rescue us?
If we had more rage, maybe Toledo will be in better shape.
All of talk radio must not drive Jeeps. Because they're not patriotic... they're extremists.
MikeyA
Blame government for everything but affix no blame to those that corrupt our government. Slight-of-hand? You bet. Take health care we Americans pay 2 1/2 times more for health care than any other industrialized country. This is not run by government but sure as sh#% we can't have socialism in health care. Our health care is corrupted by the free market a controlled monopoly for the few at the expense of the many. If there are no regulation then the predatory nature of man will corrupt. So those of you that think a libertarian ideology is what is needed live in the land of OZ. No system is perfect whether it be the controlling rich or the welfare queen we need a government that works of all Americans.
~The greater the ignorance the greater the dogmatism~
Sir William Osler
I guess I misunderstood something. I thought this thread was about Rage on The Airways. My previous post was addressing the Consittutional First Amendment Right to Free Speech that EVERYONE, liberal, conservative, libertarian, independent, is entitled to under that amendment; and the slippery slope you travel when you start trying to squelch any opposing views. It also addressed the paternalistic attitude of the current government that we have to be told what to listen to or discuss because apparently we are not able to decide for ourselves.
I don't understand what your post about health care and libertariansim had to do with rage on the airways. I have re-read the comments in this thread and not one post had mentioned either of those 2 subjects. My post about the Right To Free Speech was nonpartisan. The removal of our rights affects all parties, but you chose to make it partisan...I quote "So those of you that think a libertarian ideology ..." Well, apparently fred's comment that my response was going to upset you was correct. I am sorry that you are upset as would be assumed by your use of, or implications of profanity (sh#%). I hope your rage is not incited by listening to too much Bill Moyers.
P. S. I can't speak for anyone else that commented in this thread, but I personally am not a libertarian.
".....None so blind as those that will not see. They have baffled their own consciences, and so they walk on in darkness.” ~~~Matthew Henry~~~
Aimeeg I did take liberty with this blog. My reference to health care was an example of the latest assault on the American people against those that control. The link I provided also has a piece on health care which dovetails into this media/corporatocricy that is now controlling the public debate.
~The greater the ignorance the greater the dogmatism~
Sir William Osler
Thank you for explaining that, I thought I one of us had walked into the wrong thread.
".....None so blind as those that will not see. They have baffled their own consciences, and so they walk on in darkness.” ~~~Matthew Henry~~~
I don't like right wing talk radio because it supports males of European decent to subjigate everybody else, and appears to support having about a 100 th of a percent of the population to own all the wealth in this country while women and others don't have diddly.
call me when the spaceship lands.
MikeyA
Huh. I don't like Left wing radio...and no one else does either...not even those who fall in line with its ideology that keeps the marginalized in the margins as victims and doesn't allow them to rise, create, produce, and succeed.
The idea that all right or conservative talk caters to men of European descent, subjugates everyone else, and supports the uber riche is just what the fanatical liberal camp wants you to see. You've been played.
I listen to conservative radio, I have found listeners from all demographics. I know we all have our own experiences, but I haven't gotten the impression of conservatism only promoting the advancement of male European descendants, nor have I felt subjugated. For instance, today, I listened to a very good interview with Ken Blackwell, who I doubt is of European descent and by his resume he certainly does not appear to be subjogated. I am a woman and I have what I have through education and hard work...while I may not be wealthy by most standards...that is only because of the limitations of my professional field. I guess I never felt that I couldn't be whatever I wanted in any field if I had the proper education or training. But again that is my experience.
".....None so blind as those that will not see. They have baffled their own consciences, and so they walk on in darkness.” ~~~Matthew Henry~~~
Left wing radio doesn't have the support of corporate America. If they did have the cash flow they too would be more entertaining. Ever listen to Rushes program, do you think it is done on a shoestring? No way his support staff is huge with the best entertainers money can buy.
~The greater the ignorance the greater the dogmatism~
Sir William Osler
Too funny wolfmeister.
Here's to the crazy ones, the rebels, the troublemakers, the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them.
"Left wing radio doesn't have the support of corporate America. "
Most left wing shows aren't as profitable. A few have been. Al Franken's was. Randi Rhodes is.
However most don't make a profit because they don't get the listeners. That's why for years you saw them on NPR.
However I encourage everyone, including Helen, to listen to progressive radio. If you limit your views to only one line of thought you won't expand your thought horizon and have well-rounded views.
MikeyA
NPR is successful because it has money, government funding. Really Mikey its that simple!
~The greater the ignorance the greater the dogmatism~
Sir William Osler
I think any programming would be supported if it had the audience to realize a profit. And sorry to use such a capitalist word as profit, but you can't run a business that does not turn a profit.
However, it disheartens me that my original message has been lost in the left/right chest thumping.
So all I will say is...
".....None so blind as those that will not see. They have baffled their own consciences, and so they walk on in darkness.” ~~~Matthew Henry~~~
"The dirty little secret of conservative talk radio is that the average age of listeners is 67 and rising, according to Sinton—the Fox News audience, likewise, is in its mid-60s: “What sort of continuing power do you have as your audience strokes out?”
...and...
"What’s more, it’s the Internet that is the fast-growing and arguably more powerful political medium—and it is the province of the young and liberal. The only sensible market view of conservative talk is that it will contract and be reduced, in the coming years, to a much more rarefied format."
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2009/05/rush-limbaugh200905
Keep believing that the listeners of conservative radio will die off. Please. AS a conservative I beg you to believe that.
The truth is older people turn more conservative as they get older.
shhh come close... I want to tell you this so no one else hears.... those 67 year olds today.... 40 years ago... when they were 20.... they were hippies... that's right... they were 20 years old in 1969.
So you and vanity fair can believe whatever you want. In fact I highly encourage it. But I know how the pendulum swings and I'm not worried one minute about the future of conservatism. In fact, you should be worried. Today's youth isn't procreating as fast as yesterday.... that means their will be more old people. Old people are more conservative. Old people ALWAYS vote. Oh yeah one more thing. They're living longer too.
MikeyA
MikeyA says, "So you and vanity fair can believe whatever you want. In fact I highly encourage it. But I know how the pendulum swings and I'm not worried one minute about the future of conservatism. In fact, you should be worried. Today's youth isn't procreating as fast as yesterday.... that means their will be more old people. Old people are more conservative. Old people ALWAYS vote. Oh yeah one more thing. They're living longer too."
Older people like their Social Security and Medicare too. I don't here them complaining this is Socialism. Facts are this geezer group is sucking up so much unearned income it will make their grandchildren's head spin! I think this so-called conservative group is suffering from group dementia.
~The greater the ignorance the greater the dogmatism~
Sir William Osler
"Older people like their Social Security and Medicare too. I don't here them complaining this is Socialism."
It's not socialism. They paid for them.
MikeyA
Right-wing radio is so popular because they own 90% of the public airwaves. Liberal shows get just as many listeners per station if not more in some cases. The game is fixed. Big money corporate interests go hand and hand with conservative anti-governement propaganda. It's not so troublesome now with the popularity of the internet--something that liberals have done a much better job with. That is, until corporations take control of the internet.
Pink Slip
"Right-wing radio is so popular because they own 90% of the public airwaves."
Then please explain why Fox News is popular? Do they own 90% of the airwaves too?
MikeyA
Apples and oranges. But Fox News did LOSE $90 per year for it's first 5 years in existence. Which would just back up my point about heavy corporate funding.
Pink Slip