Jon Stewart might say: "You're ruining America." Maybe so, says media megamonster Clear Channel but poisonous politics are sure working out for us!
David B. Wilkerson quotes Len Klatt, senior vice president at Premiere Radio Networks in a lengthy, MarketWatch piece that didn't much challenge the industry crowing:
“People ask me, ‘What happens when Rush says something very controversial about Obama?’ They say, ‘Well, people are going to tune out,’ [but] no, they’re not. Because he’s talking to his people; they’re not going to tune out at all.”
Premiere, a gold-plated subsidiary of Clear Channel, syndicator Rush, Hannity, and Glenn Beck. And a sterling bevy of others including Randi Rhodes. (Premiere reportedly has first right of refusal on Jesus Christ should He become contractually available as soon as some of their talk hosts claim).
Real ratings and ad revenue info (as so much in radio) are "proprietary," but Premiere allowed that their "... top three talk-radio shows — hosted by Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck — are on pace to see advertising sales increase for those programs by 10% to 40% from last year."
Whither progressive talk? Consultant Holland Cooke adds another piece:
While [Ed] Schultz, [Thom] Hartmann and other liberals are talented and engaging hosts, they face an uphill climb. “The biggest problem is that they’re not on the biggest stations. [Clear Channel] also owns the biggest stations in the most markets,” he said. “So the station where you tend to hear Stephanie Miller and Thom Hartmann tends to be a less-traveled place on the radio dial, 1400 AM as opposed to 600 AM. That hurts.”
(You wouldn't know it from talk radio in Seattle - which is in the ditch - especially KVI and KTTH, who broadcast the aforementioned national talents. Seattle talk programmers are scrambling to change the format to "lifestyle," and sensational crimes, pet atrocities, celebrity dish, sports gossip and whatever YouTube audio that interns can scrounge).
If all that CC says true, (and we've no reason not to believe it about their top three) it shows how thin and shallow this wave of "populism," led by these talented hucksters who are working for these megolithic, profit-harvesting organizations. They have no interest in the well-being of the country.
They actually lose money, if people aren't pissed off.
We shudder at the last year or so as these entertainers took over as mouthpieces of the Republican Party who let them lead them into these nasty, high-decibel, negative, obstructionist stances. These harsh lines will be hard to back away from -- and back away they inevitably must -- if ever they intend to govern or legislate.
(While Clear Channel, may be doing OK - at present - buying up little stations and installing automation and their ownnational syndicated talkers, cookie cutter-style. But local radio has been trashed and the industry is being been starved at the roots. There are few green shoots. The whole damn thing might well tip over when Rush retires, the politics change again, etc. Their business plan is not sustainable).
No matter the deep and abiding problems of the nation, the talking dogs and their corporate masters are vested in things going bad, of government not working, stirring up shit, and keeping it stirred.
Klatt says: “With the tea-party movement and the way those hosts are talking about it,” he elaborated, “I think you’re going to see 85% of the presidential levels.”
Fuck yeah!
“There is a baked-in negativity with the messages of Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, which has a fatigue factor.” said Holland Cooke, a consultant to talk stations based in Block Island, R.I. “These people are angry about the status quo, and there’s a relentlessness to it.”
“It’s only negative if you disagree with it,” Klatt answered.
How many talk stations are based in Block Island, R.I. for Holland Cooke to consult?
Anyway, it seems to me that if every one of you votes Republican this time around and again on Election Correction Day in 2012, the whole nation should be happy, thus there will be no need for Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, Ingrahamm, Dori (it takes a real man to live with that name on not kill somebody), Savage, Larson, Suits or any of the rest of them.
Vote Republican and decimate conservative talk radio. What could it hurt to try? The profits go away and so does talk radio of the conservative nature.
Posted by: Chucks | September 23, 2010 at 01:23 PM
Not necessary, like the wicked witch of the west on Oz, conservative talk radio is melting just fine all on it's own.
Posted by: Rush's Mom | September 23, 2010 at 01:46 PM
Halajulya: Health care is here, now we can all go out and start killing grandmas,but grandpas must be safe as the republinuts never mentioned them.
Posted by: saintrudy | September 23, 2010 at 06:04 PM
Talk Radio, Schmuck Radio.
Just perfect for the potty talking Chuckster. Last seen inviting Andrew to Masterbate.
Idiot.
They just came out with the Republican Talking Points to bring back the Contract On America. More masterbation.
It won't work this time. The American People are to darn smart.
And tAmmy008, Joanie does not have to answer to you or repudiate her comments about the USA being to blame for 911. So shoosh little man. Shoosh.
Posted by: Joanie's Teacher Aide for TAMMMY008 | September 23, 2010 at 06:26 PM
Rush never looked better!
Posted by: RushisaDumbass | September 23, 2010 at 07:19 PM
He looks like the Silly Putty© commercials from the 70's.
Posted by: Coiler | September 23, 2010 at 07:31 PM
We need people like Rush, Hannity, Beck, Dori, O'reily, and all them other great American talk radio show hosts who in the face of our country turning into a socialist state stood up against the NEO-COMs of the left.
They were there before Nov. 2008 warning everyone of the coming doom America was facing if they elected the Un-American Socialist who couldnt produce a birth certificate.
They were there after Jan 2009 reporting the events that have turned this great country on the verge of becoming that socialist utopia Obama has dreamed of his whole adult life.
(ObamaCare. ObamaClunkers, the nightmare awaiting small business after his so-called financial reform.)
And they will be there after Nov 2010 to keep us informed of the socialist movement inside the NEO-COM party that goes by the name of Democratic.
I see in the future, a monument dedicated to these brave men and women of Conservative Talk Radio. A monument so great it will stand the test of time for eons to come so that future generations can visit and listen to the "voices of reason" that overpowered the great NEO-COM revolution one show, one word, one fact at a time.
May God Bless these great Americans.
Posted by: Zounds | September 23, 2010 at 07:32 PM
God will Fuck you up
Posted by: Coiler | September 23, 2010 at 07:38 PM
chucks would rather embarrass himself and look the fool rather than admit he's wrong. Same thing with puget zound's hound.
Savage on Olbermann yesterday responding to another foolish outburst from McCain.
Posted by: Chuck's Father's Failed Condom | September 23, 2010 at 09:06 PM
Olbermann is great...
Posted by: Coiler | September 23, 2010 at 09:10 PM
As long as there is hatred and class derision, money laden interests will pay these hucksters to do their malevolence. The less educated will wear tea bags and tri-cornered hats for the hucksters. They will forgo vetting of possible leaders without regret. They will forgive absolute incompetence, monetary malfeasance and outright lying if the hucksters require. This circle jerk of stupid also includes blog posters, mouths firmly clamped to the hucksters balls, repeating the talking points. The money interests will attain their wishes as long as we fight the trivial battles. I know this post won’t make Chucks or his ilk to think twice about his idiotic post, but maybe someone will think twice…
Posted by: Shabby Cat | September 23, 2010 at 10:37 PM
I subscribe to the Teabagger e-blast and this is an e-mail I received from them. Glean from it what you will.
Sub: Tea Party Patriots} Fwd: Wednesday: Talk to voters in Washington
Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 10:31 PM
Sabotage?
Register and inflate their count?
Spend the time there trying to educate them?
Go and mess up their calling?
Go and make calls on behalf of the other candidate?
Copy their lists?
Infect their PCs?
Other ideas?
Posted by: Shabby Cat | September 23, 2010 at 11:12 PM
RE "How many talk stations are based in Block Island, R.I. for Holland Cooke to consult?"
Two answers, first the TECHNICAL one: There are two FMs sited here on The Block, but neither of 'em talk. One's Hits, the other is Classical.
(Imagine if there were AMs here? We're 12 miles out in the Atlantic. Imagine THAT ground conductivity!)
GRAMMATICALLY, what-the-writer-was-writing might've confused you less if there was a comma in there somewhere.
I LIVE on Block Island, "Bermuda of the North," (www.BlockIsland.TV). But because consultants MUST be experts-from-afar, my client stations MUST be an-airplane-ride-away.
Picture the George Clooney character in "Up In The Air." I've got enough miles that I can fly ANYWHERE...FIRST CLASS...but to attain that level, one has to travel so-DANG-much that all you want to do is go home! And run several loads of wash...
Posted by: Holland Cooke | September 24, 2010 at 03:54 AM
Annoying little TTwerp who calls himself the Joanieseachersaide- Joanie doesn't "have" to do anything. She has posted that the comments attributed to her re 911 have a different logo or whatever its called attached to them , so apparently she's implying that the comments aer not hers and that she doesn't agree with them. Yet you will notice that she hasn't said that she disagrees with them, merely that ii wasnt her logo next to the comments. She needs to go the step further and say she disagress with the odious, repulsive comments, which said we deserved 911. To my knowledge she has not done so. is that you Duffman?. "little man " is your turn of phrase, simply a projection of your own feelingS of smallness aND INADEQUACY.
Posted by: Tommy008 | September 24, 2010 at 06:23 AM
TODAY Luke on Dave Ross BUFFOONISHLY CLAIMED THAT Tom Tancredo is "anti-immigration( uh no , he;s actually anti- illegal immigration) and boasted that his old neighbnorhood in L.A. was so dangerous that "a couple of gang mmenbers were ,like, shot on my front steps".......wow, you're the dude, man. Is this Dave/Luke thing now, like, permanent? i think Dave's show has been seriously compromised....i was going say somehting nasty......controlled myself......
Posted by: Tommy008 | September 24, 2010 at 12:03 PM
careful tommy, the usual suspects will be calling you a racist.
speaking of nasty, racist politics check out this democratic congresswoman engaged in good old fashion race baiting.
Stay Classy Dems...
Posted by: Puget Sound | September 24, 2010 at 02:18 PM
Note to racist Tommy: you're obsessed with Joanie.Have you considered anger management treatment? I haven't noticed her posting recently. Hope she's well. She's a soldier.
Posted by: The Anti-Dori | September 24, 2010 at 04:00 PM
And, she's on Our Side.
Posted by: Elemdearwatson | September 24, 2010 at 04:41 PM
From the WA Post
Pres Obama takes a stand.
UNITED NATIONS - President Obama sharply criticized Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Friday for suggesting in an address to the U.N. General Assembly that the United States played a role in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Obama called the remarks "offensive" and "hateful."
In an interview with the BBC's Persian service, which broadcasts directly to the Iranian public, Obama said of Ahmadinejad's speech Thursday: "It was offensive. It was hateful."
(Wonder what he would say about Andrew's opinion that the US 'provoked' the 9-11 attack)
Posted by: Puget Sound | September 24, 2010 at 06:19 PM
And how aboutColbert making a mockery of Congress today. Now that is an Ass-Clown.
Posted by: Zounds | September 24, 2010 at 07:51 PM
And then there is U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton. Also making a mockery of not only Congress, but the Military as well. When will Judges finally learn they can not legilate from the bench.
Posted by: Zounds | September 24, 2010 at 08:01 PM
I agree Puget, Obama is a Classy Dem…
Posted by: Shabby Cat | September 24, 2010 at 08:07 PM
Well, Zounds, as one of the unusual subjects you fail to see the virtue in our system. Colbert, in jest, made his point and the judge carried out his judicial duties. Face it, finding your side on the smelly end of the shit stick is what you find appalling.
Posted by: Shabby Cat | September 24, 2010 at 08:18 PM
Call me old fashion Shabby, but the system was working just fine the way it was until Friday, the 24th of September 2010. I forsee this case going to the Supreme Court where this Judge Leighton's ruling will be overturned. And like Sparky, he'll have pie all over his face.
Posted by: Zounds | September 24, 2010 at 09:12 PM
Obama seemed to be unemotional and not very convincing - just words. It was more about disappointment from what his former comrade Ahmadinejad had said.
I heard him sound much more emotional at the Union rallies this week. You assessment of Mr. Obama smells of stench, shabby cat.
Colbert made the House committee look stupid, even though he was funny. We are purposely behind the times here though - illegals or people for that matter don't need to pick lettuce or most other crops. In Europe, machines do it - so this whole illegals for agriculture is a mockery. BTW - Cesar Chavez was against illegal immigrants, because of how they made legal Hispanics look back in the 70's, when he was head of UFW.
Posted by: KS educating the usual suspects | September 24, 2010 at 09:12 PM
What i hope the Air Force does is send this lesbo to the Antartica refueling helos so the disease she carries wont spread further.
Posted by: Zounds | September 24, 2010 at 09:24 PM
Zounds, What do you mean? Yesterday was just fine and the sun fell and rose today. Things are just fine today, system is working, and nothing has collapsed. What are you suggesting is not fine?
Posted by: Shabby Cat | September 24, 2010 at 09:28 PM
KS; If you felt stupid due to Colbert’s remarks, then he made his point.
Posted by: Shabby Cat | September 24, 2010 at 09:32 PM
Except for the fact that I didn't say that - Shabby Cat.
Posted by: KS educating the usual suspects | September 24, 2010 at 09:43 PM
Are you saying you’re not stupid KS? Your posts would suggest otherwise, not to mention the rest of this community.
Posted by: Shabby Cat | September 24, 2010 at 09:54 PM
You are not only illiterate, you are an ignorant sheeple and a pathetic excuse for a commenter, jackass.
Posted by: KS | September 24, 2010 at 10:33 PM
KS;
you admit you are left stupid by Colbert then you call me ignorant… strange. I bet you get lost in the mall if mom isn’t holding your hand. Little hint, withdraw the tea bags.
Posted by: Shabby Cat | September 24, 2010 at 10:53 PM
I see the sewers have gotten backed up in Everett again. We have some new turds that have floated to the surface.
Welcome to Scabby Cat, Elemdearwatson and the rest of the new (newly named anyway) liberal Kool-Aid consumption squad. Your idiotic rants will fit right in with the rest of the left wing turds floating in this pond.
Posted by: Chucks | September 24, 2010 at 11:53 PM
Shabby, where is the logic in bringing up global warming when we are talking about Colbert making a mockery out of the Congress and some Judge who made a mockery out of a policy of the Military. Of course the Sun will rise and set each day. No one is questioning that. What we are questioning is the reason of the Progressives to make the US even more the laughing stock of the world since Obama became President. Even you are not that clueless. Or are you?
Posted by: Zounds | September 25, 2010 at 01:33 AM
Having Steven Colbert come testify in character was ridiculous.
Stars have come before but it was to testify as themselves.
It would be as if we called in Robert Young to testify on Healthcare Reform in the guise of Marcus Welby, MD. 'I am not a real medical doctor, but I play one on TV so here are my thoughts..."
Just another reason to turn over this Congress.
KS is correct on Ceasar Chavez. He also led a protest and a strike against those farmers employing illegal workers.
Posted by: Puget Sound | September 25, 2010 at 05:10 AM
Dims punt on Bush Tax Cuts. LMAO.
Now that November is coming down, how will the Usual Suspects feel that the Dims blew a historic opportunity.
Dems still have the power in both houses of Congress and the presidency, yet cannot manage to get their agenda through.
Hey Usual Suspects, how's that 'hope and change' working for you?
Posted by: Puget Sound | September 25, 2010 at 07:31 AM
The only thing missing at Colbert's testimony was Code Pink in the background with cheerlearder outfits on. I have a friend in france and he e-mailedme last night and all it said was...
"America passes France as wimpiest Country."
Posted by: Zounds | September 25, 2010 at 07:51 AM
As i said before, Scabby Cat is an illiterate brethren of the usual suspects. I never said I was left stupid by that, you idjit !! My original comment was that Colbert made the House committee look stupid, besides the fact that what he said was total bullshit. His satire only reinforced how stupid these clowns are. Vote these jack-holes (Lofgren and Conyers) and the rest of them out in November, to counter the statist Obamese agenda.
Posted by: KS | September 25, 2010 at 08:21 AM
Zounds ,
Ok, I’ll rephrase the question; you said “the system was working just fine”. How has the system changed? What has suddenly happened to reduce your confidence in our democracy?
Posted by: Shabby Cat | September 25, 2010 at 08:35 AM
'scrabby cat' is just one of the 'usual suspects' trying to be clever. just play along to humor Spar...er, I mean like uh..'whomever'..scrabby cat is.
KS, ever notice how with November coming up all they can do is play the race card? Did you catch my clip of Congresswoman Sanchez appeal to hispanics?
Posted by: Puget Sound | September 25, 2010 at 08:36 AM
Putez;
This sounds like the same lame cry baby crap from the Bush Roast. Congress looked great, and much attention was put upon the immigrant issue. I laughed while Steve King (R) nearly split his skull.
Posted by: Shabby Cat | September 25, 2010 at 08:48 AM
Zounds, Is your friend really using France to condemn America, and you tacitly agree? Hey everyone look. Zounds is a true Ameriken…or maybe you’re a Canadian infiltrator.
Posted by: Shabby Cat | September 25, 2010 at 08:55 AM
What is the point of having someone testify 'in character' in front of Congress. It's like having Barney Fife testify on 'Use of Force.'
If you can't grasp that, I can't help you.
But if the Dem Congress wants to look like a joke, so be it.
Won't be long until that party is over.
Posted by: Puget Sound | September 25, 2010 at 09:06 AM
Putez;
Are you asking due to curiosity, or is this the faux news talking point?
Posted by: Shabby Cat | September 25, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Welcome aboard, shabby cat. Kind of like Marlo taking over the game from Avon...
But beware, there's no end to the foolishness from Puget Zound's Hound. You gonna feel a lotta circles. Funny, foolishness seems to hunker after intelligence while intelligence tires of foolishness. I be runnin' the wire and enjoying the show.
Posted by: joanie | September 25, 2010 at 03:02 PM
joanie
queen of the seattle scampers...it must suck that your world view is being repudiated come November.
btw, don't you owe tommy 008 an apology?
anywhooo, give an example -just one- in which i haven't given YOU an answer. oh, you may not like the answer but facts/reason are stubborn things.
the question out to you is this: did the USA provoke the 9-11 attack?
Andrew says 'yes'
what say you?
we'll pause and wait for an answer. of course, a seattle scamper without answer tells us all we need to know.
Posted by: Puget Sound | September 25, 2010 at 03:31 PM
Always begging, sputs. Always begging. Get off your knees, fool.
Posted by: joanie | September 25, 2010 at 03:43 PM
like everyone say's, you're just an empty suit.
Posted by: Puget Sound | September 25, 2010 at 04:06 PM
Get off your elbows, joanie, you idiot.
Posted by: Chucks | September 25, 2010 at 04:06 PM
?????????????
You sounding a little desperate, potty mouth. Next time you post, try real hard to say something that makes sense. K?
Fools do flock together, don't they?
Posted by: joanie | September 25, 2010 at 04:38 PM