The American Mind

Mitch Berg, conservative radio yapper that he is, does a great job slicing up the Center for American Progress (CAP) report on talk radio.

The report actually claims the rise of Rush Limbaugh and the horde of lesser yappers “is the result of multiple structural problems in the U.S. regulatory system.” Yes, because the lack of effort from the FCC is preventing me from listening to more Lefties drone on about why I should be taxed more and how horrible America is. If I want that I’ll go visit my nearest college campus.

If the Fairness Doctrine returns like Screech to D-list celebrity status there’s always satellite radio…if they don’t regulate that to death.

“Hugo Chavez would be proud!”

“Babble Radio” [via memeorandum]

UPDATE: For a collective that distrusts government power when it comes to war and national security it’s ironic the Left would love to empower the federal government in order to diversity talk radio. Jeff Goldstein [via Sister Toldjah] rants,

— which, to “liberals,” can only mean one thing: the rightwing noise machine has managed to brainwash the unsophisticated proles, and only by acts of compassionate legislation and forced re-education can the effects of such trailer park indoctrination — maliciously disguised as “freely chosen” or “market driven” — be remedied.

The Left is doing pretty well on the internet. With better, faster, more accessable service in the future a diversified mediaspace is inevitable. Spectrum that currently is used to broadcast analog television will be auctioned off opening more avenues for net access. Our IP future will be filled with streaming radio, podcasts, and YouTube clips. The Left can build on its tech advantage if they offer content people want to listen to.

There lies the crux. The Left has tried to build talk radio stars. But the market has spoken and listeners don’t like liberals ranting. They needed Plan B.

What we have is a power play. Democrats have despised the rise of conservative stars like Rush Limbaugh. They’ve yearned for the moment they would be back in power to satisfy their revenge lust. Now is their chance.