Posted on 10/14/2004 1:37:02 PM PDT by TownhallMeetup
From Sacramento, California to Columbus Ohio there's a low buzz starting to swell every hour on the hour when Clear Channel affiliates flip the switch to air ABC network news. Some conservative talk radio hosts apologize to their audiences in advance for what they are about to hear from a network they or their stations have no control over.
Last night's presidential debate was a prime example. Local talk shows who aired the debate were pre-empted from comment afterwards. ABC's San Donaldson and Cokie Roberts had to declare Bush the looser before turning stations back to conservative hosts. Given the ABC marching orders exposed by Free Republic and Matt Drudge a day earlier, ABC's removal of the evidence and viewer comments on ABC's website, it's no longer a smoking gun. By default, Clear Channel Communications has become the co-conspirators of ABC's political ploy.
One look at Sinclair Broadcasting Group's actions in the television market should make Clear Channel think twice about being in bed with ABC. Aren't stations outside SBG clamoring to air Stolen Valor. Clear Channel listeners are probing their talk show hosts for information on when and where the program will air on local television stations. There's a wedding to be had here and Clear Channel Communication seems to be the reluctant bride.
Is it time for Conservative America to let Clear Channel Communication know we're concerned about this unholy alliance with ABC. Is it time for CCC's Mark Mays, Interim CEO, President and Chief Operating Officer to stand up to the networks like his namesake, MARK HYMAN of Sinclair Broadcasting Group?
Freepers have been known to make things happen. If you agree it's time to send a message to Clear Channel, here's a link. Let us know if we can share your e-mail with the growing list of organizations doing the same.
Click this link to send an email Clear Channel Executives
Will I ever live this down? :-)
A lot of stations run ABC radio network news because they want to keep Paul Harvey. He's the only bright spot in a sea of leftists on ABC radio news.
Speaking of Sam Donaldson, I used to watch This Week with David Brinkley years ago, with Sam Donaldson as a guest commentator. He spoke in steady and measured sentences, not the halting phrases I have heard him use after these debates. It seems like he's doing an impression of David Brinkley nowadays: "And now..... we go..... to our correspondent.... in New York.... Cokie Roberts." It cracks me up.
Speaking of Sam Donaldson, I used to watch This Week with David Brinkley years ago, with Sam Donaldson as a guest commentator. He spoke in steady and measured sentences, not the halting phrases I have heard him use after these debates. It seems like he's doing an impression of David Brinkley nowadays: "And now..... we go..... to our correspondent.... in New York.... Cokie Roberts." It cracks me up.
I'm not sure what CC does with news programming. Columbus is not necessarily a large radio market, however, they have made a large local commitment to local news here. I've been in other markets, larger than Columbus, where I hear the network feed virtually all day long with a small local news coverage. Many CC stations only have AM and PM drive with local air talent. In columbus, only Rush, Glenn Beck and Bell/Noory are not local. We have am, pm and two evening shows that are local. Again, for our market size, that is a large commitment, especially from CC that has syndicated shows in their portfolio that could easily feed the station at a lower cost.
Thanks for the info. Other than the winters, I have really enjoyed my visits to Ohio. I don't think my fellow left-coasters realize what the rest of the country is like. When you don't have to sacrifice comfort for work and family I don't think you appreciate things as much. I would guess that's why the heartland is mostly Bush country.
Have you ever thought about looking up the Columbus Townhall folks and Protest Warriors? Very active conservative bunch and they're looking to network with others. Here's their link: http://www.columbustownhall.com/townhall/index.php
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