Talk isn’t cheap, as Republicans have learned. The conservative talk show culture is proving expensive for GOP presidential hopefuls. …
Why is this happening? It’s all about free-market economics. The more strident and doctrinaire a talk show, the bigger the financial rewards can be for host and sponsor. Programs prosper by capturing a small but deeply loyal slice of the mass audience. …
The conservative media powers blame GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s defeat on his inability to rally conservative groups. They claim he failed to focus on their issues. However, in championing the niche special-interest groups over a broader national prism, conservative talk show hosts are fragmenting the electorate. [cont.]
Paul Goldman & Mark J. Rozell