New Orleans radio listeners finally regained a rational choice Monday...
New Orleans radio listeners finally regained a rational choice Monday when WSMB, which had rebranded as "PT1350" during the summer, resumed its pre-Katrina lineup of progressive talk with Air America and Ed Schultz. WSMB had been simulcasting with talk giant WWL, which continues airing hurricane recovery information with local hosts, except during Rush Limbaugh's slot. I wondered what was the point of WSMB's simulcasting anyway, since WWL, one of the few remaining clear channel stations, has by far the stronger signal. Marginal signals, alas, remain the biggest obstacle to Air America's growth, since the choice frequencies have long since been snapped up by the mega-right-wing broadcasters.
WWL remains the choice for local issues; its only syndicated programming is Limbaugh and George Norry in the overnight hours. By contrast, WSMB's only local show is a three-hour food talk show with restaurant critic Tom Fitzmorris. This is still New Orleans, after all.
The New Orleans home of the wingnuts is WIST (formerly WTIX), led by Hannity, Boortz, and Savage. Interestingly enough, one of the local hosts on the station's first day back was calling for massive federal government action to upgrade the levee system, including private property expropriation. Katrina really was some powerful storm -- she's turning conservatives into liberals.
Thanks to all Kossacks for showing support.