Several organizations are collaborating to find the next progressive talk radio star.
Clear Channel Radio, The Center for American Progress Action Fund, Jones Radio Networks, and MSS announced a contest that will begin Monday, Oct. 9 with local promotions at participating stations
The search and content ends in a final broadcast in front of a live studio audience in Washington, on Thursday, Nov. 16, where finalists will perform live to compete for a nationally syndicated radio show.
A national at-large contest will be held at the same time as the local promotions at TalkProgress.com, a Web site designed by Nakea LLC. In addition to holding the At Large contest, the site will follow contestants’ progress and provide behind-the-scenes interviews, candid moments, and other contest elements.
Participants said the progressive talk format was born in March 2004 in Portland, when Clear Channel Radio’s 50,000 watt AM changed its call letters to KPOJ and became the first major market talk radio station to program all progressive talk.
Center for American Progress Action Fund President John Podesta stated, “Talk radio has emerged as a potent force for driving the national debate. We’re working towards a return to a balance in the airwaves by supporting this initiative to bring more progressive voices to the microphone.”
Clear Channel has 23 stations doing the format; VP AM Programming Gabe Hobbs said the broadcaster wants to find the generation of talkers.
The local winners and an at-large winner will each receive a $1,000 cash prize.
Clear Channel, Jones Radio, Others to Launch Talk Talent Search
Clear Channel, Jones Radio, Others to Launch Talk Talent Search