Archive for the ‘talk radio’ Tag
Enemies of enemies are not friends
Filed under: Strategy | Tags: Air America, broadcasting, Fairness Doctrine, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, talk radio
Comments (1) Rush Limbaugh and other right-wing talkers have been talking about their fears that a Democrat-controlled Washington will bring back the Fairness Doctrine, or something that brings the same net effect. By forcing stations to alter their content, it would present incentives to scrap talk radio altogether.
Maybe that’s the fear that prompted Air America founder Jon Sinton to express his objection to the Fairness Doctrine in the ultra-liberal Wall Street Journal:
When we founded Air America, we aimed to establish a talk network that lived at the intersection of politics and entertainment. Of course, we were motivated by our political leanings. But as a lifelong broadcaster, I was certain that at least half the American audience was underserved by conservative talk radio. Here was an opportunity to capture listeners turned off by the likes of, say, Sean Hannity. The business opportunity was enticing.
It never occurred to me to argue for reimposing the Fairness Doctrine. Instead, I sought to capitalize on the other side of a market the right already had built.
Or maybe it’s just a realization that there’s no need for it. Sinton lays out a great case for the circumstances surrounding the original Fairness Doctrine, and how none of them really apply today. In doing so, he has positioned himself well as a voice of reason.
It’s often assumed that the Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend. Many liberals would like nothing better than to see the Fairness Doctrine if for no other reason that the Rush Limbaughs and Sean Hannitys of the world will have a dent in their reach. However, Sinton takes a broader tack that speaks from a position of strength — he’s not afraid of the marketplace of ideas. He’s convinced his worldview can win on merit.
Tactically speaking, there are often openings you can exploit in your opponent’s statements and positions. Just don’t assume that every one of them needs to be employed, as some can backfire and others may leave you in a stronger position because you took the higher road.
