Summary of "On the Media" Episode 1 – The Divided Dial

Podcast Information:

• Title: On the Media
• Host/Author: WNYC Studios
• Episode: Episode 1 - The Divided Dial
• Release Date: May 6, 2023

Introduction: The Rise of Conservative Dominance in Talk Radio

In the premiere episode of On the Media, titled "The Divided Dial," hosts Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger delve into the profound influence of conservative voices within American talk radio. This episode, the first installment of a five-part series, explores how the radio landscape has become predominantly conservative, examining the mechanisms and key players driving this shift. The discussion highlights the role of influential figures like Eric Metaxas and the Salem Media Group in shaping public discourse and propagating specific political narratives.

Eric Metaxas: From Intellectual to Election Fraud Spokesperson

The episode opens by tracing the transformation of Eric Metaxas, a once-celebrated evangelical intellectual, into a prominent voice advocating election fraud conspiracies. Initially recognized for his scholarly work on figures like Martin Luther and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Metaxas hosted the "Socrates in the City" lecture series and even contributed to mainstream outlets like the Wall Street Journal. However, his trajectory took a sharp turn with the 2020 election.

Notable Transformation:

• 07:00 Eric Metaxas: “That is idolatry. Thank you very much. Thank you. If you don't know what idolatry is, you're probably not saved.”

This shift became evident as Metaxas began endorsing and amplifying unfounded claims of election fraud, aligning himself closely with Donald Trump and the broader right-wing movement. By 2016, Metaxas had ardently supported Trump, even penning an op-ed urging Christians to back the then-presidential candidate despite earlier mockery of Trump’s religious appeals.

Impact of Metaxas: Metaxas's extensive reach—estimated at 8 million listeners weekly—allowed him to significantly influence public opinion, particularly among conservative Christians. His fervent rhetoric contributed to the environment that culminated in the January 6 Capitol riot, where many of his listeners acted on the misinformation disseminated through his and similar platforms.

Salem Media Group: Architects of the Conservative Airwaves

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring Salem Media Group's pivotal role in shaping conservative talk radio. Under the leadership of veteran programmer Phil Boyce, Salem has strategically cultivated a network of influential conservative and Christian talk show hosts, including Charlie Kirk, Sebastian Gorka, Dennis Prager, Hugh Hewitt, and Mike Gallagher.

Phil Boyce's Strategy:

• 09:03 Phil Boyce: “So we're going to talk a little bit about what's going on in talk radio and how the news talk format continues to make a difference in America.”
• 10:24 Nicole Hemmer: “This is America first on the Salem Radio Network.”

Boyce’s tenure at Salem saw the recruitment of Metaxas and other like-minded hosts, systematically expanding Salem’s reach across major cities in the United States. Salem’s business model emphasizes consistent, conservative Christian programming, often foregoing the need to adapt to changing audience preferences or advertiser demands. This steadfast commitment allowed Salem to proliferate its conservative agenda without the typical commercial constraints faced by other media companies.

Business Model Insights: Salem’s revenue primarily stems from paid programming, particularly from conservative Christian ministries, ensuring a steady stream of income irrespective of broader market trends. This financial independence has enabled Salem to maintain and expand its influence without succumbing to external pressures, such as advertiser boycotts that plagued other conservative outlets like Cumulus.

Internal Purges to Align with Trumpism: As the political landscape shifted with Trump’s rise, Salem undertook significant personnel changes to align more closely with pro-Trump sentiments. Hosts like Alicia Krause and Michael Medved, who were less supportive of Trump, were ousted, reinforcing a unified front that mirrored Trump’s rhetoric and objectives.

Propagation of Election Fraud Narratives

The episode meticulously details how Salem Media became a cornerstone in perpetuating the narrative of a stolen 2020 election. Through strategic programming and the promotion of influential pundits, Salem ensured that election fraud conspiracies became mainstream within conservative circles.

Key Events and Figures:

• Charlie Kirk’s Influence: In a prelude to the Capitol riot, Salem host Charlie Kirk outlined a strategy to overturn the election results, echoing sentiments that would later fuel the January 6 insurrection.

  • 20:02 Charlie Kirk: “Believe it or not, there is a almost guaranteed way that Donald Trump serves four more years.”

• Dinesh D'Souza’s 2000 Mules: Salem produced and released the documentary 2000 Mules, which falsely claims widespread voter fraud through alleged “mules” depositing fraudulent ballots. Despite its factual inaccuracies, the film resonated with millions, amassing $10 million in sales and being screened privately by Trump and other right-wing figures.

  • 24:35 Dinesh D'Souza: “What you are seeing is a crime. These are fraudulent votes.”

Consequences: The relentless promotion of these unfounded claims not only solidified Salem’s influence but also had tangible political repercussions. In the subsequent midterm elections, numerous candidates who endorsed election fraud theories secured office, potentially impacting the integrity of future elections.

Radio as a Medium for Misinformation

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the unique advantages that radio offers in spreading misinformation. Unlike digital platforms, radio broadcasts are harder to monitor, clip, or fact-check in real-time, allowing hosts to disseminate false narratives with minimal accountability.

Advantages Highlighted:

• Nicole Hemmer: “You have to listen to it live in order to capture what's being said, and that gives a lot more freedom to people who are on radio to say things that aren't true.”
• Phil Boyce: “...to say it on the air than to post it in a tweet. Because you post it in a tweet, it's out there for the end of time to say it on the air. Maybe they didn't hear it.”

This structural characteristic of radio has enabled Salem and other conservative hosts to maintain control over their messaging, fostering environments where deceitful or incendiary content can thrive unchecked.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of the Radio

"The Divided Dial" underscores the profound and often underestimated impact of talk radio in shaping political narratives and influencing public opinion. Salem Media Group, through its strategic programming and unwavering commitment to conservative and Christian values, has cemented its role as a primary disseminator of right-wing ideology. The episode serves as a critical examination of how radio, despite being an older medium, remains a formidable force in the modern media landscape, capable of driving significant cultural and political changes.

Upcoming Focus: The series promises to further investigate Salem's deep ties to the Republican Party and its connections with influential conservative strategists, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the underpinnings of conservative talk radio's dominance.

For those interested in the intricate dynamics of media influence and political discourse, "The Divided Dial" offers a compelling exploration of the intersection between radio programming and political ideology in contemporary America.