We go radio gaga as Ralph welcomes iconic progressive radio host, Thom Hartmann, back to the program to discuss what it will take to hear more progressive voices on talk radio to counter the overwhelming influence of right-wing radio.
Thom Hartmann is one of America’s most popular progressive talk radio hosts, a writing fellow at the Independent Media Institute, and the author of more than thirty books, including The Hidden History of Monopolies and The Hidden History of American Oligarchy. His show is carried on Pacifica radio Monday through Friday, and he recently published an article entitled “Talk Radio: Democrats Can’t Win if They Don’t Play”.
“Even the most skeptical perspective would indicate that right-wing talk radio has put Republicans in the White House at least since Ronald Reagan. And had there been an equal presence in left-wing talk radio, I don’t think Bush or Trump ever would have made it to the White House.”
Thom Hartmann, author of The Hidden History of American Oligarchy
“For a right-wing or a left-wing talk show host, who is talking one on one to their audience three hours a day, five days a week, for years… you build a relationship that is a relationship of trust. And what comes out of that is that when you endorse a particular point of view or a particular candidate, it’s enormously powerful.”
Thom Hartmann, author of The Hidden History of American Oligarchy
“We own [the public airwaves]. We’re the landlords. The radio and the TV stations are the tenants. They pay us no rent, they get the use free 24/7 compliments of Congress and the Federal Communications Commission. And they decide who says what and who doesn’t on our public airwaves.”
Ralph Nader
Why So Little Progressive Radio?