Political Talk Radio: A Stereotype Reconsidered

Abstract

Despite its popularity and controversial character, few studies of political talk radio have been conducted. Little evidence for the hypothesis that political talk radio leads to alienation, social and political isolation, cynicism, and political withdrawal was found among a population-based sample of 525 adults in San Diego, California. Respondents reported widespread exposure to talk radio, although they often did not discriminate accurately among political, nonpolitical, and other program ming. Exposure was associated with traditional forms of political participation, beliefs in self-efficacy linked to specific political behaviors, and psychological involvement in politics. Increased penetration of the public may have altered the nature of the political talk radio audience so that exposure to talk radio is more closely associated with customary forms of political involvement than with social and political alienation.

The Effects of Political Talk Radio On Political Attitude Formation: Exposure Versus Knowledge

“…Political talk radio provides a good context in which to test Zaller's (1996) claims about media effects because sound 370 GangHeong Lee and Joseph N. Cappella measures of media reception are available, and variance in the content of the messages sent by hosts about political leaders is large. Under these circumstances, Zaller predicts that the effects of messages will be large when receipt of those messages is properly measured.Studies of the impact of political talk radio have focused on the nature of democratic participation (Bick, 1988;Page & Tannenbaum, 1996), political and social alienation (Hoffstetter et al, 1994;Petrozzello, 1994), and public opinion and political behavior (Barker, 1996;Boyer, 1992;Herbst, 1995). However, there is little systematic research on the impact of political talk on attitudes toward political leaders.…”

“…Studies of the impact of political talk radio have focused on the nature of democratic participation (Bick, 1988;Page & Tannenbaum, 1996), political and social alienation (Hoffstetter et al, 1994;Petrozzello, 1994), and public opinion and political behavior (Barker, 1996;Boyer, 1992;Herbst, 1995). However, there is little systematic research on the impact of political talk on attitudes toward political leaders.…”

Talk Radio Listening, Opinion Expression and Political Discussion in a Democratizing Society

“…Results showed that, contrary to the earlier understanding, political talk radio listeners have higher levels of political interests and internal efficacy (e.g. Hofstetter, 1998;Hofstetter & Gianos, 1997;Hofstetter et al, 1994;Newhagen, 1994). They also pay more attention to the news media and are more likely to participate in politics (e.g.…”

“…Opinion expressions and public discussions occur in all kinds of contexts and vary according to many dimensions, such as the relationships between the discussants and the existence or absence of discord. Past studies, however, have focused almost solely on political participation (as discussed above) and discussions with acquaintances (Bolce et al, 1996;Hofstetter et al, 1994). Hence one of the aims of the present study is to examine a wider range of phenomena and concepts relevant to opinion expressions and discussions.…”

The perception of community radio as public sphere and its potential impact on political action: lessons from Tanzania

“…Although some have criticized political talk shows as "irreverent, often directing citizen anger at ruling establishments, their political opposition, or at each other" (Mwesige, 2009, p. 221), there is some degree of agreement among experts that radio talk shows influence perceptions of political efficacy (Hofstetter, et al, 1994;Hofstetter & Gianos, 1997;Hollander, 1995aHollander, , 1995bHollander, , 1996. The programs connect citizens and their government, thereby providing a means of political discussion (Katz, 1992;Verba, Schlozman, Brady & Nie, 1993).…”