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The local stations have officially agreed to broaden their lineup and include a wider range of perspectives. I am genuinely overwhelmed by how this community pushed for a media landscape that actually reflects our city. Let us keep paying attention to ensure these changes stay in place for the long …

April 8, 2006

Syracuse media needs fairness and balance

Syracuse media needs fairness and balance

🏆 Won — 94 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Lonnie C.
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marty n.
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Sandra N.
B
ben f.
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Ruth G.
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Bob H.
B
bruce h.
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Colleen C.
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Annette B.
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Chris C.
+84 more
Started by Anonymous 21 years, 10 months ago
From Austin Ted Paulnack Syracuse WSYR Radio (Clear Channel 472-9797, 685-8672) and WFBL Radio (421-9325, 635-3971) feature about a dozen rightwing pundits (including O\'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Hannity, Savage, Ingraham, Coulter, Liddy, Beck, Colley) but only one progressive, (Ed Schultz, who WSYR added Aug. \'05), as a result of this PETITION AND YOUR CALLS TO LOCAL SPONSORS. But in fifty cities, Clear Channel airs Air America pundits like Al Franken, Molly Ivins, Arianna Huffington, Jim Hightower and Thom Hartmann. We are lobbying local sponsors on Syracuse WSYR Radio (like Centro/CNYRTA, 442-3333; OCRRA, 453-2866; Attys. Alexander & Catalano, 800-529-1333; and Dunk & Bright Furniture, 800-724-4173) and also WFBL Radio, 421-9325, 635-3971, to be honest with their potential customers and also sponsor Air America or at least more progressves. In the Syracuse/CNY market, a study by ABC-TV shows that only 28% identify themselves as Republicans but 35% as independents and 32% as Democrats, totaling 67%--and that\'s a HUGE audience. (This is comparable to Onondaga County voter registration party selection.) In the national election Nov. 2, NY Times cites exit polls showing: combined 63% of votes cast were from Democrats (37%) and independents (26%); but only 37% of the votes were from self-identified Republicans. Syracuse advertisers of rightwing pundits on WSYR Radio and WFBL radio should be told that most (67%) of their potential customers are Democrats and independents who might tune-out the rightwing pundits, and their local advertsing.

Updates

January 14, 2006

I have been hearing from so many of you who are tired of only hearing one side of the story on our local airwaves. Your calls to these sponsors are starting to get their attention and we need to keep the pressure on our local businesses.

January 14, 2006

Seeing the numbers climb proves that my neighbors are just as tired of this lopsided programming as I am. It is validating to know that so many Central New Yorkers agree that our airwaves should reflect the actual diversity of our community.

6 Comments

K
Karen Patterson
21 years ago Featured

BALANCE. Thats all we are asking for. Enough with the same talking heads 24/7.

L
Linda Santana
21 years ago Featured

I stopped listening to WSYR years ago because of the constant noise. Bring on some different perspectives already.

M
Mike Kennedy
21 years ago Featured

Sick of hearing the same 3 guys ranting all day while I'm trying to drive to work. Give us something else for once.

D
Dave Mehta
21 years ago Featured

Total monopoly on the airwaves. Needs to stop.

T
Tom Lyons
21 years ago Featured

Used to be a loyal listener but im done. If they want my money they need to represent the community not just the loud ones.

S
Sarah Wells
21 years ago Featured

About time someone looked at the numbers. Syracuse isnt just one side of the aisle.