The Grinch Who Stole Progressive Radio

This is from Progressive Ohio  Blog. It is specifically for a station in Columbus Ohio but if you want to try to get Progressive Radio back in our area, it is worth signing this petition and  then sign the petition at the Ohio Majority Radio Petition http://www.ohiomajorityradio.com/. 

 

 

Clear Channel is dropping 1230am's progressive format and will be taking a hard right turn. WTPG (We're Talking Progressive) will change it's call letters to WYTS and will abandon voices like Ed Schultz, Stephanie Miller, and Al Franken in favor of Michael Savage and Laura Ingraham.

You can help by signing the online petition.

In a recent Columbus Dispatch article, it is claimed that "The progressive-talk format, in place at WTPG since September 2004, never took off here despite live broadcasts in Columbus by Franken, Miller and Schultz." What it doesn't tell you is that WTPG TRIPLED its ratings since switching to a progressive format 2 years ago, and moved the former WCOL frequency into the top 25 stations for the first time in years.

We are working on ways to join others in direct action to prevent this move like Madison, Wisconsin did. They did it with a massive public outcry from citizens, community leaders, and dedicated advertisers. We need to fuel the same her in our community.

A wide coalition is forming around this and we'll be looking to find those willing to do some direct action around it as well as trying to find local businesses willing to pledge advertising dollars to keep the format the same. Contact me if you fit either bill or know someone who might. And don't forget to sign our petition.

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There is a website and another online petition where you can also let your voice be heard. I encourage you to do so and keep your eye on that site for more information as well:

www.ohiomajorityradio.com

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FROM OHIO MAJORITY RADIO:

 

 

On December 23, 2006, the Columbus Dispatch reported that WTPG-1230am Progressive Radio would be changing formats on Monday, January 9th.

 

Instead of Stephanie Miller, Al Franken, Ed Schultz, Randi Rhodes and Rachel Maddow, Columbus will be subjected to the likes of Jim Quinn, Laura Ingraham and Michael Savage. The station will get new call letters, WYTS and will be promoted as "the Talk Station in Central Ohio"

 

Bruce Collins, the local program director at Clear Channel, the owners of WTPG, says:

 

"Whether it's politics or sports, financial information or general advice, central Ohio listeners will have the opportunity to talk about it on Talk 1230."

 

Here in Ohio, we ARE the majority. In Ohio in 2006 almost 55% of the votes cast for statewide and legislative races were cast for Democrats. In Central Ohio that number was over 58%. And while Ohio turns blue, Clear Channel decides that they "cannot sell" progressive radio here. They've pulled out of Cincinnati and are leaving in Columbus. We have to show that we want progressive radio in Columbus and other places in Ohio.

 

We ask all visitors to this site to sign the petition and state why they believe progressive radio is important in Ohio. Show radio station owners and local advertisers that you are willing to take a stand to protect progressive radio in Ohio.

 

Please sign the petition below. All of the fields, except for comments, are required.

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