Stealth Media Alert -- New right wing radio network disguised as impartial "news radio" format

[Armstead]

If you think right wing talk is dangerous now, here's a new format that is potentially even worse.

It's a new network, America's Radio News that is selling itself as an Impartial commercial alternative to NPR. It's format sounds like a straight news radio station (like WCBS or WINS) with news interspersed with short interviews.

It is being sold to stations as a safe, "objective" filler programming that can be integrated with any format.

But although they don't have fire breathing reactionaries like Rush or Hannity, it IS right wing radio in a much more insidious form. It's backers include the Washington Times, and their hosts and staff come from pLaces like Fox News.

And even though it sounds "fair and balanced" on the surface, it's stories and news sources are heavily skewed to stories critical of Democrats and liberal positions, and pushing conservative crapola.

It is worth keeping an eye on, as it is slick enough to seem like straight news while actually advancing the right wing agenda.
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From their Website:

http://www.americasradionewsnetwork.com

Americas Radio News Network’s first block of news only radio delivers non-partisan news reporting to affiliates nationwide, which proves to be “completely compatible” and “complimentary” with all forms of spoken-word radio programming available today. The innovative radio reporting news block is the first of five scheduled 3-hour news only blocks planned and is now available to affiliates nationwide airing live mid-days, from Noon to 3 p.m. EST (9 a.m.-Noon PST), Monday through Friday and streaming live online free of charge at www.americasradionewsnetwork.com.

Mark Masters, CEO of America’s Radio News Network, and its representative Talk Radio Network Syndications, Ltd. says, “The best part about syndicated long-form news blocks – either on a stand-alone basis within an opinion talk station lineup or back-to-back up to 15 hours in an entire news only format – is that they are beautifully produced, highly informative, fast paced and a 'safe island' for revenue in the midst of a talk lineup or as part of an entire news only lineup for both the local and institutional advertising marketplace. Opinion radio can be, in rare cases, a boycott-laden space of 'super sensitivities' for certain agency buyers. Because our anchors are just reporting the news, breaking news stories or interviewing news makers, they won‟t be offering opinions, just great energy and focus on the important topics of the day. News radio is a 'safe buy environment,' the type of environment which is usually bought by music or top of the hour news buyers, making it the best of both worlds for our affiliated stations‟ revenue needs.”

[Armstead]

1. More

From the Washington Times website

http://www.washingtontimes.com/americas-morning-news/

Talk Radio Network Entertainment and The Washington Times have partnered to create a nationally syndicated, morning-drive radio show with an innovative new format aimed at showcasing investigative reporting, accountability journalism and live reporting directly from the Washington Times’ newsroom inside the nation’s capital. This show represents a full spectrum ranging from breaking investigative reports in real-time to entertainment news, financial news, commentary and point vs. counterpoint. “America’s Morning News” launched Monday, June 15. The show will use all the resources of The Washington Times in addition to a specially formed investigative unit with 10 reporters.
The Talk Radio Network companies are noted within the radio industry to have developed more top-ten nationally syndicated talk radio shows than any other radio network, TRN-E CEO Mark Masters says, “We are thrilled at the opportunity to partner with The Washington Times in developing this unique and highly entertaining new program. It will rank with the giants.”

[Skip_In_Boulder]

2. So, more BS only shinier. n/t

[KharmaTrain]

3. Radio Continues Its Death Throes...

So who will this new "network" compete with? Right wing and religious claptrap? AM radio is a dying medium with only old white guys who tune in. If there's advertising...it'll be for colon blow or sexual dyfunction drugs or the Scooter store. The big agencies long abandonded AM radio...their money is on cable and television. But, of course, with the Moonies and Koch money propping you up, that's what matters...

[Armstead]

4. The problem is that people do listen to it -- and this seems innocuous

I recently took a 500 mile drive down the eastern seaboard. Literally all I could get on AM was right-wing radio and sports. Sure there is FM but a lot of that is pop music and semi-right wing shock jocks, or classical music on NPR much of the day.

I did want to keep up with the news and intelligent talk while driving. But if this "objective" right wing format catches on a lot of peopel who are listening for news are going to get a very skewed view without realizing it.

[KharmaTrain]

5. Preaching To The Choir...

I give NPR listeners a lot of credit, they know real news from right wing propaganda....that's why they're there. As you've noted, the AM dial is full of right wing crap...cause its chased away all other listeners. Those that would listen to it already are braindead...so it's a zero-sum game.

For those who do a lot of driving they have satellite and soon there will be mobile internet with lots of alternatives to listen to.

[Armstead]

6. Hope so...But I sgtill wouldn't underestimate the damage they could do

Fox was a bit of a laughingstock when they started

[Armstead]

8. Obviously not as lot of interest in this but it deserves at least one more...

kick

[Armstead]

7. Kick -- There should be more attention paid to this