The Power of Televised Hate

This chapter explores the pervasive influence of propaganda used by white supremacists on public access television during the 1980s and 90s. It recounts the efforts of figures like Roy Frankhauser and Herbert Poinsett, who promoted racist ideologies through their shows, while also examining their connections within the extremist movement. The narrative underscores the significance of televised messaging in shaping societal attitudes toward race, as well as the implications of these efforts on broader cultural discussions.

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For over a decade, neo-Nazis and Klansmen were hand-delivering VHS tapes of a California-based public access TV show to local television stations in cities across the country. The stations had no choice but to run the show on local public access channels. The show's host, Tom Metzger, received a gift of $300,000 in 1984 that gave him the financial freedom to pursue his dream of delivering his racist message to as many Americans as possible, right through their television screens.

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