[BC] Religious radio/localism/generations?

[Rich Wood]

------ At 12:32 PM 12/28/2005, Karen Veazey wrote: -------

>One ongoing dialogue I have with several broadcasters is the need 
>for localism in radio across generational boundaries.  For example, 
>I know that I, in my 30's listen to radio for very different reasons 
>that my board members in their 50's and parents in their 60's.  If I 
>want local news, I go to the online version of our local TV stations 
>or newspaper.  If I want national news I go to SEVERAL different 
>national news websites.  I never take one news source at face 
>value.  I think they're all biased, so I cross-check several sources 
>until I feel like I'm starting to get a picture of the truth.

I don't really mean this to be critical but I find it funny that a 
religious broadcaster would try and avoid bias. After all, that's 
really what religion is. Are you saying that you have no local news 
presence? What public services do you provide for your listeners' 
temporal needs? That's what I think of when I hear "public interest." 
Most stations at least have a wire service that chews up pixels 
whether they use them or not. You seem to be suggesting that FOX News 
isn't Fair and Balanced. Most pure of heart and God-fearing people 
trust Roger Ailes.

I listen to religious talk radio for its comedic value. All that 
Hellfire and brimstone is great radio drama. That's one of the main 
reasons I have a shortwave radio. I can get good Aryan Nation 
programing, truly hateful religion and reports of alien landings the 
government is trying to cover up.

I might listen to a religious music station with a positive spin if 
every song didn't sing the praises of Jesus. You know, stuff that 
praises being a good person as opposed to trying to change my beliefs.

I guess I'm old fashioned but I expect that radio will provide me 
with accurate information. For a radio General Manager to forsake her 
own industry in favor of Internet news tells me a lot about your 
concerns for localism.

Rich