Paradise lost?
To the editor:
Over the years there has been a major change in the way the public can participate in the local political issues facing our community. Lost is a chance for the average person to voice their views in a major outlet that influenced many local elections. Lost is what used to be called the town meeting of the air, local talk radio. At one time there were three major radio stations that featured talk shows which encouraged many to participate and allowed much controversy. The talk show hosts were excellent facilitators as well as entertainers. Forums often occurred that featured competing candidates for local office. Community attention was great and often these shows were the topic of many private conversations.
Unfortunately this has been replaced by one station that calls itself a talk station but only features one show and that is headlined by a right wing ideologue who has lost much of her audience. The rest of the day has again nationally syndicated, all right wing, neo-con hosts who spout an agenda now rejected by many voters. Unfortunately, much of their rhetoric has become much hate inspired. A suggested alternative is Air America which has a left wing agenda. This again only has limited appeal to some listeners.
An alternative is to go back to what worked. Hosts and programs that allowed all points of view and allowed full discussion, a local literal “Town Meeting of the Air”! The question that should be asked is whether there is a radio broadcaster who is willing to try this format that worked so well years ago and helped the democratic process.
John E. Traube
Cape Coral