TALK RADIO AND DEMOCRATIC CONVERSATION
This Critical Process exercise looks at the role of talk radio in democracy. Pre-Exercise Question: What topics do you normally associate with talk radio?
As noted in the Case Study "Host: The Origins of Talk Radio," on page 177 of the text, contributors to the show use the intimacy of radio perhaps better than anyone else on the air. For this project, listen for thirty minutes to an hour to two radio talk-show programs
on National Public Radio and a talk show on commercial radio (such as one hosted by Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, or Ed Schultz) or a local equivalent.
Compare the two talk shows:
1. Describe the range of topics and the typical callers/participants on the shows. Also consider the pace of each show, the musical intros and outros, the tone and language style of the host and contributors, and other elements.
2. Analyze the similarities and differences of the shows. How does each program work to engage a listener? Are there patterns here?
3. Interpret each show's ultimate effect. Do the talk shows seem to be open to a wide range of topics and various points of view? Are the talk shows creating a democratic discussion, an entertaining sideshow, or both?
4. Evaluate the role of talk radio in American democracy. Do both shows have a democratic forum for marginalized people and ideas?
5. Engagement. If you were to become involved in talk radio, what format would you choose? Consider launching a talk show on your college station. What sort of innovations could you bring to the format?