by Trish Nelson

As you know, if you have been following this blog lately, BFIA has a renewed focus on (1) Progressive Action; and (2) Media Reform.  The over-saturation of conservative talk (shock jocks, hate speech, etc.) on the radio airwaves is a problem that needs our urgent attention. In our research we have been stunned to discover the prevalence of hate speech readily available in Iowa, broadcast over our airwaves daily, under the misnomer of “conservative talk” radio.  In the interest of civility, BFIA will also adopt the term conservative talk radio to discuss this strange and disturbing phenomenon.

In our Dec. 27 post, we listed ten stations in Iowa that carry Rush Limbaugh.  Today the BFIA spotlight is on Glenn Beck who, according to his website, is “known for his quick wit, candid opinions and engaging personality.” You can get Glenn and a full slate of his conservative colleagues on the following radio stations in Iowa: 

Burlington KCPS-AM 1150  (locally owned)
Des Moines KWQW-FM 98.3  (Citadel)
Sioux City KSCJ-1360AM   (locally owned)
Waterloo KXEL-AM 1540  (locally owned)

If you listen for a couple of minutes, you will probably experience an overwhelming urge to call the local station to ask why they are broadcasting such things over the publicly owned airwaves with no opposing point of view.  When that happens, click on the links above which will take you directly to the station’s website for contact information, or click on the link for the Citadel station.

In the event that you do not turn on your radio right now or start your online streaming of Glenn’s show, I would like to post just one of Glenn’s ideas here so you’ll understand what we’re talking about.  Then, it is very important that we all figure out a way to take action.

From the May 17 [2005] broadcast of The Glenn Beck Program:

Beck’s program is syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks (owned by Clear Channel) on more than 160 radio stations across the country to an estimated audience of 6 million listeners.   How many are in Iowa?

If you are of the attitude that conservative talk is harmless entertainment and nobody really pays attention, you may want to check out the work of Bill Moyers, Rage on the Radio.  You can also go to  Talkers Magazine, “the bible of talk radio and the new talk media” for a good scare.  In addition, we bet you could come up with several people you know personally who listen to these shows and take them seriously.  We know we can.

The point is, if the publicly owned airwaves are going to be saturated with nothing but one point of view, what happens to the public interest?  What about the stations’ responsibility to  be fair and balanced?  There is essentially no progressive talk radio on the air in Iowa.  Frequently, conservatives point to NPR, as a liberal institution, but NPR is mainstream, not progressive or liberal.  Therefore, we would argue that NPR alone does not correct the imbalance. 

We have found only one station in Iowa , KBIZ 1240 AM, Ottumwa, that broadcasts a bona fide, syndicated, progressive talk show – Alan Colmes’ aptly titled Liberaland,  9-midnight, M-F!  Woo!  Go Ottumwa!  Go KBIZ! If you live in Ottumwa, call KBIZ and let them know you’re listening.
 
Station owners use the public airwaves free of charge.  At very least, our communities deserve more than just one point of view.
 
And that is the BFIA rant for the day on the subject of conservative talk radio in Iowa.  Unfortunately, there is more…much, much more…  Stay tuned and take action! Media Reform Now!