Industry Views

The Fine Line Between Serious Investigative Journalism and Flimsy Conspiracy Theory Mongering

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Historian, author, and investigative journalist Mark Shaw joins TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison in a revealing discussion about the preponderance of conspiracy theories and flimsy sourcing currently flooding the nation’s talk and print media under the guise of researched reporting. Shaw, the author of dozens of critically acclaimed books including the 2016 best seller, The Reporter Who Knew Too Much, is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel video series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison” (see it here) as well as the award winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview” (listen here). Harrison and Shaw examine the important role responsible journalism and critical thinking play in maintaining a healthy, functioning democracy. Have we entered a “post-truth” era? Harrison says, “There’s a growing tendency in the rapidly unfolding digital age for the media, the politicians, and the intellectually dishonest from all strata of society to seek victory at the expense of truth.” Don’t miss this provocative thought-starter!

Industry News

The Case for AM Radio

One of the many video highlights from TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – “The Case for AM Radio” – is now posted on the brand-new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. The presentation took place at the 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running national gathering held at Hofstra University on Long Island this past June 7. The event, which took place at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, was presented by TALKERS in association with the university’s multi-award winning WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. The special address was delivered by Bill Brady, owner of news/talker KFNX-AM, Phoenix. Brady, a seasoned broadcaster, gave a thorough presentation in support of the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” that is currently working its way through Congress in addition to citing all the benefits of keeping AM radios in new automobile dashboards in spite of the intention of a number of car manufacturers to phase them out. The segment was introduced by Alex Fife, VP of Southwest operations, iHeartMedia Total Traffic & Weather Network.  To watch the video, please click here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond Glenn Beck Keynote Address Video Posted

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One of the highlights of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – Premiere Networks syndicated star Glenn Beck’s keynote address – is now posted on the brand-new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. The speech took place at the 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national gathering held at Hofstra University on Long Island this past June 7.  The event was held at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication presented by TALKERS in association with the university’s multi-award winning WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. Beck, who spoke for approximately 20 minutes, discussed the importance of storytelling in attracting and maintaining an audience within the multifaceted talk media paradigm. He went beyond that, however, delving into the importance of authenticity on the part of the talent in developing a lasting relationship built on trust with the audience. He was candid about his own personal life struggles over the years coming to that conclusion telling the audience that, although flawed, he tries to be a better person every day and that helps him be a better talk show host. Beck also discussed the negative impact of massive cutbacks on the product provided by radio due to its economic struggles imploring the powers-that-be in the business do whatever is possible to bring this medium into the future. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison stated, “This address was classic Beck – his performance on face value was as instructive as the important messages it conveyed.” To watch the video, please click here.