Rt wing media (aka Fox) was a huge part of the Tea Party. There tactic was to take hold of AM broadcasting because the knew they had a captive audience that would listen to Rush Limbaugh all day long without any alternate viewpoints. Those areas still depend on these AM stations for information.
You know how Limbaugh had a call in portion of his show? That fully met the requirements of the Fairness Doctrine. Even if every viewpoint agreed with him, they were still providing airtime for diverse viewpoints. And it met the requirements for the *station* - not just his program.
Also, who the fuck had their minds changed by Limbaugh anyway? His callers would open up with “megadittos” and tell him how they agreed with him 100% on everything. Does anyone think if a Proud Boy hears Maddow they become ANTIFA?
Right? Supposedly if they hear the “truth” from the right person, in the right tone, at that right time they will change their minds! But obviously family members are not the “right people”.
There were knobs on the radio. Nobody was captive, and more importantly if there was content that would have sold better, it would have replaced Rush. People wanted what he was selling.
What do you think would happen if an AM station broadcast ACLU-hosted talk shows or documentary on 17th century opera?
You’re mixing up cause and effect. Rural folks trend red and, like everyone, like content that reinforces their beliefs.
You meanif I start a radio station and play 17th Century opera non-stop it is unlikely to convert my local area into giant Monteverdi fans? Damn. There goes my new venture for 2026!