Traversing the backroads of the U.S. of A. from Tucson, AZ to northern Michigan and back allows for unique cultural observations and noticeable changes over the past 15 years. Numerous insidious corporate takeovers have woven their way into the daily life of Americans, which I will address in this and future blogs. Notably, there has been a distinct evolution in the choice of listening options on local radio.
I’m a fan of tuning into local radio on cross country road trips. No fee-based Sirius radio for me to dial up NPR, classical music, intellectual podcasts, etc. anytime, anywhere. I’m more curious about what the locals listen to. That’s my preference. And it ain’t Sirius!
Over the years the programming has shifted significantly right, currently offering the limited choices of country music, conservative christian services and sermons, christian country music, conservative political commentary, classic rock (mostly playing the same track) or Big Ag news including soybean, corn, hog prices and updates. Only once was I able to pick up NPR – in Fayetteville, AK (a university town) and only for a 50mile range. And there was no TradeO – my favorite program. That will be an entirely different blog. What happened to TradeO?
The reality is that Sinclair Broadcast Group has completely diluted radio program diversity. Sinclair Broadcast Group is the biggest broadcast company in America and owner of the largest number of television and radio stations in the nation. This under-the-radar company has been quietly acquiring stations in major markets (including stations owned by Tribune media, the former owners of the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times) and advancing it’s mostly right-leaning agenda, favoring conservative causes and candidates on its stations. Its acquisitions have allowed Sinclair to reach almost three quarters of American homes. In two days I listened to three sermons by Pastor Bob cruising across Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas – I surely am now a saved soul! As a registered Democrat I was accused of being a commie socialist, determined to destroy freedom as we know it by conservative talk radio and redundantly listened to “Beer can’t fix everything”, “God whispered your name”, “If I was a cowboy”, and “Tennessee Whiskey” on country radio more times than I can count.
Check out this humorous, yet real life John Oliver clip on Sinclair Broadcast Group.
It is time to get out of our NPR/Sirius radio bubble and listen to some local radio and catch a glimpse of life in middle American. It might shake your booties.
