For thrillers, Beck is becoming new Oprah

[DearAbby]

Authors say appearances on conservative’s programs attract readers


By Motoko Rich
updated 4:15 a.m. MT, Thurs., Nov . 5, 2009

Virtually every novelist in America fantasizes about being picked to appear on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show. But now an increasing number of writers have discovered a new champion: Glenn Beck, the outspoken media darling of populist conservatism.

On his radio show and cable television programs, first on CNN Headline News and now on the Fox News Channel, Mr. Beck has enthusiastically endorsed dozens of novelists, a majority of them writing in the thriller genre. Mr. Beck, who now attracts 9 million weekly listeners on radio and 2.7 million daily viewers on television, often selects authors whose plots or characters reflect political stances that mirror his own. But he also promotes the work of authors who may disagree with many of his views.

“He’s our Oprah,” said Brad Thor, a writer of political thrillers who has appeared on Mr. Beck’s radio and television programs several times. “God love him, we’re very fortunate.”

<snip>

In the past five years Mr. Beck, who was a best-selling novelist with “A Christmas Sweater” last year, has interviewed about 40 thriller writers, including David Baldacci, Nelson DeMille and James Patterson, on his radio program, his cable television shows or both.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33650844/ns/politics-the_new_york_times/

[Kerrytravelers]

1. What kind of self-respecting person would go on Beck's show?

It's like selling your soul to the devil.

[DearAbby]

2. !

The rising star of conservatives (insert troglodytes)

[Vincardog]

3. populist conservatism = oxymoron

[mitchum]

4. Well, he does specialize in ludicrous fiction, doesn't he?

[DearAbby]

5. "Unbelievable Bullshit" section at your local Book Store

right beside Sarah Palin's new book.

[Initech]

6. A Million Little Morans

[monmouth]

7. Three of my favorite writers took a nosedive in my book of admiration...n/t