I've always said that the Conservatives own Talk Radio and the Liberals own the Internet. This week's article in the City Pulse, Jack Ebling: Sportswriter turned lonely liberal radio host just might start to change that opinion.Trying to find a liberal viewpoint on AM radio in Lansing is like trying to nail gelatin to a wall. It’s pretty much impossible.Thankfully, it's starting to get a little easier, thanks to 1320 AM host Jack Ebling. It's quite the story about Ebling and his road to radio, spurred by his own dedication to the community.
Growing up in Redford Township, he saw the racism and riots in Detroit in the late ‘60s, recalling how his father would sit on the porch with a shotgun at night.While I'm not sure I agree with reporter Benjamin Ray's description of "lonely liberal", it's a great article about a good man. Be sure to check it out for the full scoop.He wound up rooming with a black militant at MSU and began taking part in Vietnam War protests. An injury at one of those halted Ebling’s ability to play football, which led him to pursue coaching and teaching.
But from the protests and civil rights struggles Ebling witnessed grew a social agenda that he still adheres to, one that revolves around equal opportunities, social programs that provide to the needy, the importance of political involvement and a desire to give back to the community. The latter reason was a driving factor in creating the show.
“I care more about the common good than individual greed,” he says. “I can make a difference here.”
Of course, Ebling's not the only guy from the left on local talk radio. First Gentleman Dan Mulhern now has his own show on 1240AM WJIM Monday - Friday from 6pm to 7pm. The show is a great addition to his new book - Everyday Leadership. Be sure to listen in, and call in with your thoughts.
I'm a big fan of Ebling and Mulhern, and I can only hope that we continue to see more of them and others here in Lansing and around the state.
10 comments:
Hopefully we start to see some other progressive voices on the radio soon.
With the decline of right wing or conservative talk radio this should be a great chance for different liberal talk show win back some of those blue collar workers who got sucked in by the Rush Limbaughs or Sean Hannitys of talk radio.
Bring on Ed Schultz, Stephanie Miller and Bill Press...they will rock talk radio in Lansing...
1310 in Detroit is WDTW and is progressive radio all day. Best informed of the lot is Thom Hartmann, by far. I can't stand WJR and won't turn it on.
Jack Ebling is a welcome addition to the airwaves. Danny Mulhern not so much. His "leadership" shtick is about as authentic as a Amway leadership seminar. I expect more from progressives than warmed-over Tony Robbins BS.
I listen to Sirius Sat-Radio. They have a decent Left Talk Radio set up.
I agree with dkmich...Thom Hartmann is very informed and very knowledgeable on his subjects. He is a true breath of fresh air.
For national progressive talk (long on facts, short on cheap-shot namecalling), you can listen to Air America either on XM satellite radio, or by streaming audio from www.AirAmerica.com.
With Chris Holman leaving the WILS morning show, it is a great time to campaign for another progressive LOCAL voice to counter the right-wing lineup on WJIM 1240, as well as right-wing accolytes Rich Michaels and Tim Barron.
They need to have someone who uses the Air America formula - rational facts, not the political bile that is so common from the right wing.
I'm going to disagree with you on the Mulhern crack, Anon. If you've truly listened to one of Mulhern's shows, you'd see that it's a whole lot more than just schtick. I wish we had more leaders like Mulhern engaging our citizens, and getting them to actively participate in leadership here in Michigan, whether it's in the classroom, the church, the workplace or the government.
Progressives who control local advertising dollars need to step up and support Ebling's show. A big reason the right wing owns talk radio is simple business: it is profitable.
WILS1320 won't keep running Jack's program (or get rid of all the right-wing garbage they run in other time periods) if there it isn't profitable.
I listen to 1310 AM in Detroit when I get the chance. They have so many comercials that I usually don't get to hear much.
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