Us against Them

Us against Them: The Political Culture of Talk Radio examines the phenomenon of talk radio and the role that it plays in the American political process as well as popular culture. Among the central questions addressed is a basic one regarding why people choose to listen to political talk instead of music. Do they listen to get objective information on both sides of political issues to help them make their own voting decisions, or do they seek out the hosts and content that simply validates their own beliefs? After a consideration of the history of talk radio as well as where the industry stands today in terms of audience demographics and advertiser support, Randy Bobbitt takes a theoretical look at how talk radio may or may have not impacted political issues and campaigns from the 1950s through the 2006 mid-term election, as well as the real impact of talk radio on the 2008 presidential campaign. Finally, Bobbitt considers the future of political talk radio in light of the newest threat to the First Amendment: the possible return of the Fairness Doctrine, a twentieth century law that once required broadcasters to provide politically balanced programming.

Auteur
Randy Bobbitt is assistant professor in the department of communication arts at the University of West Florida and author of Lottery Wars: Case Studies in Bible Belt Politics, 1986-2005.

Résumé
Us against Them: The Political Culture of Talk Radio examines the phenomenon of talk radio and the role that it plays in the American political process as well as popular culture. Among the central questions addressed is a basic one regarding why people choose to listen to political talk instead of music. Do they listen to get objective information on both sides of political issues to help them make their own voting decisions, or do they seek out the hosts and content that simply validates their own beliefs? After a consideration of the history of talk radio as well as where the industry stands today in terms of audience demographics and advertiser support, Randy Bobbitt takes a theoretical look at how talk radio may or may have not impacted political issues and campaigns from the 1950s through the 2006 mid-term election, as well as the real impact of talk radio on the 2008 presidential campaign. Finally, Bobbitt considers the future of political talk radio in light of the newest threat to the First Amendment: the possible return of the Fairness Doctrine, a twentieth century law that once required broadcasters to provide politically balanced programming.

Contenu
Chapter 1. Hot Air
Chapter 2. The Audience: Who Listens and Why
Chapter 3. The Sponsors: Who Advertises and Why
Chapter 4. The Conservatives
Chapter 5. The Progressives
Chapter 6. The Libertarians
Chapter 7. The Women
Chapter 8. The Haters and the Shockers
Chapter 9. The Locals
Chapter 10. In Theory: Talk Radio and American Politics
Chapter 11. In Practice: Talk Radio and the 2008 Presidential Election
Chapter 12 Epilogue.Talk Radio, the First Amendment, and the Fairness Doctrine