Katie Thornton, a reporter on conservative talk radio's history, joins Nicole Hemmer, a historian and author, to unpack the rise of conservative media. They dive into how early radio programming shifted from the 1930s, the impact of the FCC's Fairness Doctrine, and the transformation of the media landscape during the Civil Rights Era. The discussion highlights the emergence of influential figures like Rush Limbaugh and the connection between Christian media and conservative talk radio, showcasing the profound effects on American political discourse.
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Radio's Golden Age
In the 1930s, radio was central to American culture, hosting debates on politics and the future.
The Great Depression fueled these discussions, with figures like Huey Long and Father Coughlin gaining prominence.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Father Coughlin's Influence
Father Coughlin, with a vast audience, used radio to spread anti-Semitic views, blaming Jews for persecution.
This hate speech, alongside rising fascism fears, led to the FCC's Mayflower Doctrine, restricting opinions on air.
insights INSIGHT
Fairness Doctrine's Initial Impact
Post-WWII, the FCC reversed course, mandating coverage of controversial issues with diverse viewpoints.
This Fairness Doctrine was initially embraced by conservatives as it provided them with airtime.
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In 'Talk Radio's America,' Brian Rosenwald and Thomas Lebien explore the significant impact of talk radio on American politics, particularly its influence on the Republican Party. The book delves into how this industry shaped political discourse, public opinion, and policy-making in the United States.
News for All the People
The Epic Story of Race and the American Media
Juan González
Joseph Torres
This book reveals how racial segregation distorted the information Americans received from the mainstream media and how publishers and broadcasters fomented racial violence through their coverage. It chronicles the struggle of Black, Latino, Asian, and Native American journalists who fought to create a vibrant yet little-known alternative and democratic press. The authors depict key government decisions, corporate battles, and the rise of media conglomerates, highlighting the role of individual journalists and media executives in shaping the media system.
How did the right get their vice grip of the airwaves, all the while arguing that they were being censored? On this week’s On the Media, a look at the early history of American radio, and why, in the post-war era, the U.S. government encouraged more diverse viewpoints on the airwaves — until it didn’t. Plus, the technological and legal changes that led to the popularity of conservative talk radio hosts like Rush Limbaugh.
[00:10] Reporter Katie Thornton explains how radio programming shifted from the 1930s to the 1960s, and how the FCC attempted to prevent propaganda on the airwaves. Plus, what legal challenges conservative radio faced during the Civil Rights Era.
[10:07] Reporter Katie Thornton takes a deeper look at The 700 Club, a Christian television news show that helped give rise to a network of conservative Christian radio stations.
[22:51] Reporter Katie Thornton describes how the introduction of high-quality FM radio led AM radio to focus on talk radio, and the factors that made way for Rush Limbaugh to become the breakout star of conservative talk shows.
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