The world of MegaphonesThe latest Power Index list is Megaphones, a look at the top 10 shit-stirrers, tub-thumpers or loudmouths in Oz. Matthew Knott examines the people who rustle up controversy, spark debate and help set the tone of our national conversation.
Shock jocks
The death of Glenn Beck
After his successful Restoring Honor rally last year, US shock jock — and Tea Party supporter — Glenn Beck has seen plunging ratings and his show dropped in numerous cities. What happened? Was he too extreme for the conservatives?
Coorey: A shock(jock)ing lack of respect
Shock jocks aren’t journalists, but they should have the decency to treat the political leaders of this country with a little bit of respect, because the recent rudeness just lowers the — already low — standard of public debate, declares Phillip Coorey.
Melbourne and Talk Radio: will it work?
Melbourne loves to tells itself that our city is more literate, more politically aware and more civilised than Sydney. With the launch of Melbourne Talk Radio yesterday, that narrative is about to be tested, writes Margaret Simons.
Kyle and Jackie Oh no: ratings plummet
In the wake of the Kyle Sandilands concentration camp debacle, Crikey asked whether it was the tipping point for the Kyle and Jackie O show. Would the tactics that brought in listeners also make the tune out? The answer seems to be yes.
Could 2GB poach Sandilands to be the new Stan Zemanek?
In all the frothing and hissing about Kyle Sandilands, did anyone notice that it’s a non-ratings fortnight for Sydney radio?
Sandilands and scandal: is this the tipping point?
Kyle Sandilands has hit the airwaves — and headlines — again with another attention-grabbing stunt. Will the provocative tactics that have made his career also break it?
Wankley Awards: Vile Kyle and tacky Jackie
And the Wankley goes to … do we even need to write it? Everyone involved in green lighting the idea of strapping a child to a lie detector to interrogate her about her sexual experiences, live on air.
Rush Limbaugh: Obama wants unemployment
It would be funny if shock jock Rush Limbaugh didn’t have the ears of the right-wing part of the US. Now, he’s busy endorsing the grassy knoll theory that Obama’s trying to lose jobs.
The Chris Murphy editorial that wasn’t delivered by The Parrot
You can just imagine the high-pitched screeching in one of those feral 2GB editorials, but unfortunately, Alan Jones doesn’t treat news on its merits, writes Stephen Mayne.
The Mungo-meter: Bias can be a matter of judgement
There are those journalists who pick sides from birth and never change, whatever the circumstances. For reasons of temperament, heredity or because the Pope tells them, they remain rusted on to one side or the other.
Are we witnessing the death of the shock jock?
Crikey / Tuesday, 27 October 2009
The position of the shock jock on our airwaves is becoming increasingly precarious, writes Luke Williams. Is radio heading towards a younger, user-generated and more democratic style of broadcast?