Talk Radio: The Lost Art Of Listening
The Sad State Of The American Spirit Is On Display For All To
Hear
Talk Radio: The Lost Art Of Listening
By Richard Markland, Monday, September 26, 2005
Talk radio is a mirror of the American mindset. Those who host
program after program take great pride in what they perceive as
conservativism. Assurances that everything will somehow work out
is the platform many talk show hosts use as a standard.
Callers opinions are rare because various hosts spend hours
expressing a wide variety of personal views with little input
from listeners. Only if a caller agrees with the host is a
person allowed to talk. If any hint of disagreement is
expressed, a caller is interrupted and cut off. Nothing further
can be said on the part of anyone who has been put on hold for
perhaps 30 to 60 minutes or longer before being permitted to
speak a single word.
Politics is the driving force behind talk radio. Anything
spiritual is completely disregarded and the inability to be
balanced by the host is more than obvious. The perception of the
host is that he either represents views held by many like minded
Americans or contrary views are attacked against those who don't
agree. The average talk show host does not understand what it is
like to be an average American who struggles from 9 to 5.
Although they may have at one time had to sweat and toil as so
many Americans do, they now have a high profile job that is out
of touch with the average person.
Listeners are simply at the mercy of those who control such
programs. To call in is impossible because the host rambles on
and on without allowing callers to express an opinion beyond 60
seconds in most cases. Callers are cut off with the push of a
button and the host of talk radio can say whatever he wants
about comments made. Some program formats border on the
ridiculous while others strive at some semblance of sanity, but
fail.
Television is a world all unto itself. Debates are ongoing with
guests interrupting each other. If verbal abuse was a crime,
many guests, including the host, would be in jail. TV and radio
personalities address issues as if they are the only ones that
have an understanding of whatever topic is discussed.
Scoffing at anyone who disagrees with an opinion of a host is
rampant. Various presenters ramble on endlessly and reminds
anyone with a different opinion that he or she is simply
uninformed and out of touch if a disagreement is expressed by
the caller. It is amazing that anyone would want to take the
time to call because talk radio is one sided and the opinion of
the host is all that matters. Competition is fierce and ratings
are the number one driving force behind each programs format and
listeners are constantly reminded of how knowledgeable and all
knowing various hosts are.
What happened today is what has prompted this editorial. The
first of a three hour program I listened to was shout radio by
the presenter. The program suffers from misdirected enthusiasm.
Anyone who is hard of hearing doesn't have a thing to worry
about. The second three hour program is heard nationwide as well
and an all knowing view is more than evident by the host.
Listeners are reminded daily that he is "on loan from Gawd". The
word "God" is exaggerated when expressed. The last three hour
program I listened to today presented shout radio by everyone
throughout the afternoon. Constant bickering was the theme. The
host feels he has the most comprehensive format on radio, but I
was left with the impression it was a constant verbal boxing
match..
II Timothy 2 gives a modern day portrait of talk radio
2 Timothy 3:1-5-But know this, that in the last days perilous
times shall come. vs. 2-For men shall be lovers of themselves
(high opinion of self), ... boasters (all knowing)... vs. 3-...
slanderers (rude), without self control (not able to speak
calmly but constantly interrupting)... brutal (an in your face
attitude)... vs. 4-...headstrong (personal opinion without open
mindedness), haughty (arrogant)... vs. 5-...from such people
turn away."
What has happened to common sense on the part of those who
represent talk radio? I shook my head in disgust today because
of the arrogance and pride was more than obvious on the part of
those I listened to. Talk radio is a mirror of just how America
does not listen, but only wants to talk. Someone else's opinion
is not respected and by constantly interrupting one another on
the nation's airwaves shows just how much disrespect is a fact
of daily life. It is more than obvious that in so many cases,
another person's opinion is not important and we simply do not
listen to one another with an open mind. Talk radio is a mirror
of the nation and many people are influenced by an in your face
attitude.
It is a sad day for the country when a talk show host is looked
to for answers. Little do those who rule the airwaves realize
there are Americans who are capable of drawing conclusions
without their input. There are actually people who have a far
more balanced approach to what is happening around them and know
that it is futile to call any given program and express an
opinion. Why? Because radio talk show hosts do not give the
benefit of the doubt to anyone who disagrees with their views.
They feel threatened by those who can hold their ground and may
know more than they care to hear.
Many Americans do not listen to talk radio and so perhaps what I
have addressed is a non issue. I wish it wasn't for me. I wonder
what it would be like if America's air waves would be quiet for
just one day instead of a shouting match and in your face
approach taken by hosts who have a high opinion of themselves. I
think those who rule the airwaves may find out we can live
without them.
(c) 2005 By Richard Markland