Talk radio has become totally corrupted by corporate influence; It’s time to REBOOT with TalkNetwork.com

October 25th, 2015

Awake Goy

(NaturalNews) Philly talk radio talker Tom Donahue thinks corporations have ruined his industry, and he’s not alone.

In a recent column he penned on his blog site, Donahue said that while talk radio historically had provided Americans with an “opportunity to communicate and connect with others” as well as an “outlet to vent and be heard,” it has become less functional in recent years.

“The vast majority of talk radio programming is conservative political talk and it is the dominant talk media predicated on corporate control,” he writes. “Media consolidation has led essentially to a media monopoly that has dramatically reshaped the talk radio landscape. It has radically reduced locally owned and operated stations, local hosts, along with so much unique programming…”

Now, he says, most talk stations are reliant upon nationally syndicated shows. There are only so many hours in a day, so the choices are limited. Oftentimes, the only “choice” listeners get if they have two or more talk stations in their area is among that small pool of national programs and hosts.

What would real choice look like, Donahue and others ask? It would certainly entail more alternatives. However, that’s not happening, even in the small number of remaining independent stations, which have “had to resort to more brokered shows to survive…not a recipe for success,” writes Donahue.

Too much corporate influence

“Talk radio is a medium seemingly at a senseless standstill, bound by its own inertia. Online, digital and mobile streaming are broadening the base and the boundaries yet, traditional broadcast media to some degree, resists fully embracing and enthusiastically employing it, while younger generations in the alternative have chosen or shifted to You Tube and their social media,” writes Donahue.

He’s not the only one to criticize the current state of talk radio. President Obama has regularly made time to criticize the medium, most likely because he receives his greatest and most frequent criticism from the talk radio industry.

“We forget that sometimes because we’re so caught up in our day-to-day politics, and we listen to a bunch of hooey on TV – or talk radio – that doesn’t really tell the truth about what’s going on,” Obama said in July, addressing criticism over his push to spend more on children’s education.

For Donahue and other talk radio enthusiasts, it’s not about the corporatism of talk radio. It’s supposed to be about the pureness of the medium and how it was intended to be used as a way for folks to get together to discuss the day’s issues free from the influence and constraint of sponsors, network “advisors” and “consultants.”

Returning to talk radio roots

“In my view, great talk radio stems from talk hosts who are fans of the medium and forge a fond appreciation for its format. The best talkers love what they do and bring their unbridled passion, pride, personality, purpose, preparation, presentation and originality to each broadcast,” Donahue wrote. “They care deeply about their content and their communities, while encouraging open discussions and reasoned debate. Most hosts today simply share their angst and agendas while showing utter disregard, disinterest and distain for their listening audience.”

Those who want a new alternative or a “REBOOT” of the talk format don’t have long to wait.

On October 19, the new TalkNetwork.com online radio experience will be launched. It is part of the Natural News-affiliated alternative media network that is growing daily.

The network will feature a number of hosts from a diverse background of interests and subject matter: