Description:A timely cannon blast at the right-wing media machine and how it subverts the principles of democratic representation Talk radio has done an end run around the voting populace. With Rush Limbaugh now the unofficial leader of the Republican Party and the far right controlling the five major syndicates, conservatives have a disproportionate voice in the medium—even in liberal cities such as New York, Boston, and San Francisco. Writing with his characteristic and incisive wit, Bill Press exposes the destructive power of Rush, Glenn Beck, Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, Michael Savage, Bill O’Reilly, and the other polarizing figures of talk radio who dominate 90% of the political airwaves today. Citing their own words as evidence, Press brilliantly makes the case that much of what is broadcast on radio and television today is—at best—distorted and partisan, and—at worst—lies, propaganda and bigotry sold by these talented modern-day pitchmen who have followings in the millions. Bill Press is host of the nationally syndicated Bill Press Show, also on Sirius XM, and writes a syndicated column for Tribune Media Services. He is the former co-host of MSNBC’s Buchanan and Press and CNN’s Crossfire and The Spin Room. Press lives in Washington, D.C. Talk radio has done an end run around the voting populace. With Rush Limbaugh now the unofficial leader of the Republican Party and the far right controlling the five major syndicates, conservatives have a disproportionate voice in the medium—even in liberal cities such as New York, Boston, and San Francisco. Writing with his characteristic and incisive wit, Bill Press exposes the destructive power of Rush, Glenn Beck, Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, Michael Savage, Bill O’Reilly, and the other polarizing figures of talk radio who dominate 90% of the political airwaves today. Citing their own words as evidence, Press brilliantly makes the case that much of what is broadcast on radio and television today is—at best—distorted and partisan, and—at worst—lies, propaganda and bigotry sold by these talented modern-day pitchmen who have followings in the millions. "For far too long, conservatives were the only voices heard on talk radio. But no longer. Now there’s a whole community of strong and dynamic progressive voices on the airwaves. As Bill Press shows, progressive radio is alive, well, and growing!"—Congressman James E. Clyburn, House Majority Whip"Good for Bill Press! Finally, somebody exposes that gang of right-wing talk show hosts for the hate-mongers they are. If you want to know how much damage Rush Limbaugh and his clones have done to free speech, read this book!"—Ed Schultz, host of The Ed Schultz Show"I poke fun at the ‘right-wing world’ on my own radio show every day. But Bill Press shows us that the world of right-wing talk is not only stupid, it’s dangerous. I dare Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity to read this book. If they ever did, they would immediately resign in shame!"—Stephanie Miller, host of The Stephanie Miller Show"Finally, a bare knuckled challenge to those bullies on talk radio who invent their own truths. Bill Press is a progressive breath of fresh air."—Senator Byron Dorgan"For too long, talk radio was the exclusive playhouse of right-wing extremists. No longer. Now, we see them exposed for what Bill Press rightly calls them, toxic talkers. We also see the promise, from a progressive perspective, of more and more strong truth-tellers."—Senator Bernie Sanders"Press, who hosts the liberal talk radio Bill Press Show, takes on his conservative competition in this witty rundown of the major actors and themes of right-wing political broadcasting. Individual chapters are devoted to Rush Limbaugh ('the big fat liar'), Glenn Beck ('the big crybaby'), Sean Hannity ('the party hack'), and Michael Savage ('the savage'). None emerges looking good. After trashing the top tier of conservative broadcasting, he moves on to critique conservative talk television, minor league talk radio, and selected local radio shows. One chapter is devoted to providing data on the demographics of the audiences of talk radio (mostly older white males) and analyzing why conservatives predominate in this format. Press wraps up with a peek at emerging progressive talk-show programming. Liberals unhappy with the predominance of conservative talk radio will relish this impassioned, personal attack on the personalities of right-wing broadcasting."—Judy Solberg, Seattle Univ. Lib., Library Journal