R.I. governor won't do talk radio, calling it profit-driven

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

R.I. governor won't do talk radio, calling it profit-driven
By The Associated Press
01.14.11

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee is freezing out talk-radio shows from his new administration, saying he and state workers who report to him will no longer appear on them because they're profit-driven enterprises that are more entertainment than news and are a diversion from state business.

News of Chafee's policy began spreading last week, but it wasn't until this week, after the assassination attempt on Democratic Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and public criticism about a divisive atmosphere that some say is fostered on radio talk shows, that his office publicized his stance.

Chafee, a former Republican-turned-independent, told the Associated Press on Jan. 11 that his decision had nothing to do with Giffords' shooting. When asked about the shooting on Jan. 10, however, Chafee criticized what he called "ratings-driven media outlets" that encourage a vitriolic atmosphere.

On Jan. 11, Chafee said that divisiveness did contribute to a minor extent to his decision, but politics had nothing to do with it.



Read more: http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/news.aspx?id=23795

[DCKit]

1. "Please Don't Feed the Animals"

Also, "We Don't Swim in Your Toilet, Please Don't Pee in Our Pool"

[David__77]

2. Isn't TV news also for profit?

I don't understand the distinction.

[former9thward]

3. What media is not profit driven?

[RufusTFirefly]

6. Pacifica. PBS. NPR. The St. Petersburg Times.

There may be a few more. There should be a lot more.

[former9thward]

7. No doubt.

But if the governor limits himself to those outlets he certainly won't get his message across.

[RufusTFirefly]

8. But if he doesn't, his message will be sliced up, packaged, marketed, and sold like luncheon meat...

... instead of serious policy for tough times.

I realize this cheapening of discourse is so standard for many people that they don't even notice anymore, but I for one am glad that a least someone in a position of power is finally saying "Enough is enough."

[TheCowsCameHome]

4. Good for him. He's no fool.

:thumbsup:

[RufusTFirefly]

5. Hooray! Good for him! n/t

[OnlinePoker]

9. Our local talk radio station isn't bad

The only thing I don't like is when they have guests on, they rarely give the opportunity for the public to call in to ask questions or voice opinions. Instead, we get the bias of the hosts, either left or right, as the basis for the questions asked. I feel that politicians we elect(hire) need to provide some forum for their constituents to have direct access to them, and talk radio is a good method that reaches a large audience.