
S2 THE DIVIDED DIAL EPISODE 2: You Must Form Your Militia Units
On the Media
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The Rise of Tom Valentine and Far-Right Media
This chapter examines Tom Valentine's ascent as a key figure in far-right media during the shortwave radio era, backed by conspiracy-laden publications like The Spotlight. It analyzes the emergence of militia movements and their anti-government rhetoric, fueled by minimal regulatory oversight, which allowed extremist programming to thrive. The chapter also reflects on the violent consequences of hate speech, illustrated by tragic events like the Ruby Ridge standoff, highlighting the unification of diverse right-wing factions driven by disillusionment with federal authority.
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