Toxic Talk: How the Radical Right Has Poisoned America's Airwaves
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A timely cannon blast at the right-wing media machine and how it subverts the principles of democratic representation Talk radio has done an end run around the voting populace. With Rush Limbaugh now the unofficial leader of the Republican Party and the far right controlling the five major syndicates, conservatives have a disproportionate voice in the medium—even in liberal cities such as New York, Boston, and San Francisco. Writing with his characteristic and incisive wit, Bill Press exposes the destructive power of Rush, Glenn Beck, Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, Michael Savage, Bill O’Reilly, and the other polarizing figures of talk radio who dominate 90% of the political airwaves today. Citing their own words as evidence, Press brilliantly makes the case that much of what is broadcast on radio and television today is—at best—distorted and partisan, and—at worst—lies, propaganda and bigotry sold by these talented modern-day pitchmen who have followings in the millions. Library Journal Press, who hosts the liberal talk radio Bill Press Show, takes on his conservative competition in this witty rundown of the major actors and themes of right-wing political broadcasting. Individual chapters are devoted to Rush Limbaugh ("the big fat liar"), Glenn Beck ("the big crybaby"), Sean Hannity ("the party hack"), and Michael Savage ("the savage"). None emerges looking good. After trashing the top tier of conservative broadcasting, he moves on to critique conservative talk television, minor league talk radio, and selected local radio shows. One chapter is devoted to providing data on the demographics of the audiences of talk radio (mostly older white males) and analyzing why conservatives predominate in this format. Press wraps up with a peek at emerging progressive talk-show programming. VERDICT Liberals unhappy with the predominance of conservative talk radio will relish this impassioned, personal attack on the personalities of right-wing broadcasting.—Judy Solberg, Seattle Univ. Lib.
