Saturday, May 19, 2007

Toledo's Don Imus?

I sporadically listen to talk radio in Toledo. I usually have talk radio on when I'm driving and since most (all) of the talk radio is conservative around here, I find myself screaming at the radio half the time. There's nothing wrong with conservative talk radio except when they claim to be mainstream. Is there a Toledo Don Imus out there? Not since the guy from WSPD-AM left (I can't even remember his name) there has been little uproar -- racially speaking -- about what's been going on in radio. I don't know if it's because talk radio here is better or fewer people are listening. I kind of think it's the latter. I hardly think Toledo talk radio has become warm and fuzzy all of the sudden.

Why don't we have more talk radio on African-American issues. Beyond Juice Talk on WJUC-FM, there is no radio outlet for African-American issues. I have to applaud WTVG-TV for making an effort in this area with the public affairs show Bridges and including Fletcher Word on Conklin and Company. It's strange that the other stations have not been as forthcoming with public affairs shows. Surely, they all need the programming. Maybe this should be the next NOBMA project, to look at TV and radio and see if we can encourage opportunities for African-American public affairs shows. I believe Buckeye CableSystem provides slots for public affairs shows, but those shows need to be produced elsewhere. Something to think about. Let me know what you think.