Though I am still struggling to find an appropriate definition of journalism, I see it as an objective form of reporting facts about anything of importance and general interest to others. Through its conversational means expressed and explored in this class, I imagine it to stimulate that crucial debate from one person to the other as a portal through which this country’s democracy is accessed. I am having a hard time with accepting all forms of talk-radio to be nestled in with other facets of news production that encompass the journalistic field. Talk-radio that is explicitly political is fair game. Educated people expressing legitimate argument. How are we to trust extravagant, flamboyant hosts who rant about opinion and politics all day long?
I would argue that none of the posted excerpts of talk-radio are truly journalism. They are purely sectionalized shows that each focus on a certain category, or take an explicit political stance from the far left or right. Some utilize angry hosts to entertain, maintain listener interest, and aggressively fuel debate. Others simply portray people who like to talk, are very knowledgeable, and welcome listener concern. I didn’t hear sports journalism; I heard typical “bro-mance” locker-room talk. I saw Car Talk as a broadcasted international vehicle manual/hand-book with vocalizing capabilities and an annoying laugh. I heard angry rightists and leftists denounce the views of their counter parts and brashly speak up for themselves with defensive attitudes and a whiny tone. I feel generally annoyed after listening to these talk-show clips. Commercial break?
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