You've reached our premium or archival content
To access this page, and more great content just like it, you need to become a paid subscriber.
If you already have an account, please login.
Otherwise, registration is quick and you'll have access instantly after payment.
Many topics addressed in this article could be made into a thesis. My concentration will be on "opinion-based" talk radio.
In Sydney, we are well-served by many spoken word stations including RN, ABC Metro (2BL 702), News Radio (AM and DAB especially during Parliament), Nine Radio (2GB) and the SuperRadioNetwork (2SM).
When it comes to opinionated talk personalities, our airwaves today are lacking. There aren't the equivalent presenters such as Alan Jones, Jim Ball, Stan Zemanek (RIP) and Dean Mackin on air.
Each presenter was compelling listening, engaging, entertaining and consistent in their views.
My concern was Rush Limbaugh (RIP) as an example. Some of his comments if made on air in Australia in regards to a person's sexual orientation would be subject to litigation before anti-discrimination and human rights tribunals.
There has been an instance where a local broadcaster has been found by a tribunal for inciting hatred against a race and religious group.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-02/tribunal-rules-alan-jones-incited-hatred/4292052
Such talk against a particular personal orientation, race or faith promotes disharmony in the community and does not make great radio.
There are many topics which can form compelling opinionated talk radio such as the imposition of new cultural and economic values being imposed by transnational banks, investment firms and corporations.
There are opinionated personalitites such as Glenn Beck and Steve Turley who give the picture of what is happening in the US and the world.
Glenn Beck:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvqtzdcURSqNjY9RQEK4XmQ
Steve Turley:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCsiAKRKcgzA_372WbXNBaw
But we have no one on Australian radio who gives an Australian perspective of what is happening in the world.
It is true the above examples are conservative speakers. There could equally be a compelling left wing speaker. Instead of saying "...socialist criminal..." the presenter could say "...capitalist criminal...".
At the same time, as at August 2023 there are proposals to introduce laws against misinformation.
https://www.internationalcybertech.gov.au/our-work/security/disinformation-misinformation
Then who is to decide what is misinformation when an opinion is proferred by the opinion maker?
Be mindful that opinions aired may be those of PR agencies and political think tanks and not necessarily those expressed by the presenter.
Whether it is misinformation or truth, winning the hearts and minds of the listener and consenting to those opinions is another topic.
Thank you
Anthony, Strathfield South, in the land of the Wangal and Darug Peoples of the Eora Nation.