99% Invisible

The Divided Dial

Dec 6, 2022

Katie Thornton, a seasoned reporter and radio expert, discusses the fascinating evolution of AM and FM talk radio. She delves into the historical shift towards right-wing dominance on the airwaves, highlighting the challenges marginalized groups faced in gaining representation. Thornton explores the impact of deregulation, contrasting prominent figures like Alan Berg and Rush Limbaugh, and reflects on the role of media design in shaping these narratives. It's a captivating look at how our airwaves became so divided today.

46:15

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Episode guests

Katie Thornton

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Voices of Change in Mid-20th Century Broadcasting

13min

The Rise of Talk Radio and Call-In Shows

4min

The Shock Waves of Deregulation: Radio Transformed

3min

Polarizing Voices: The Rise of Talk Radio

19min

The Influence of Design Choices in American Talk Radio

4min

If you’ve ever flipped through the radio dial — not satellite, not podcasts, but good old-fashioned AM and FM radio — you may have noticed something. Right wing radio talk is everywhere.

But the airwaves weren't always so dominated by such a narrow range of voices. Reporter and friend of the show Katie Thornton has the story of how talk radio has evolved (and perhaps devolved at times) over the past century, and what all of it means for the airwaves today.

The Divided Dial

Hear the rest of the the series from On the Media

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