Talent on Loan From God?

What's more important, getting it right or getting rich? When it comes to what's put out over the public airwaves these days, it seems making money is most important and responsible broadcasting takes a backseat.

Two recent talk radio incidents point up how this once noble industry has lost its way. One involves radio talk show host Jerry Bader in Green Bay. The other involves El Rushbo.

Bader went on the air and broadcast false and defamatory information concerning Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton. His report was so vile, that I'll spare you and her the details. It also turned out to be untrue. Bader issued a lukewarm apology.

Bader was suspended for a couple of weeks as a result. Now Midwest Communications in Green Bay has a decision to make. Do they bring him back or fire him? The comments from Duke Wright, the general manager of the station are telling.

Wright says he hasn't made up his mind yet, but he's been hearing from fans of Bader's show that want him back. In my mind that is the setup for Bader's return to the airwaves. Who cares about broadcasting in the public interest anymore? If people want to listen to this guy weave fairy tales, why should management get in the way? Hey, it's the will of the people. It's all good for ratings and revenue, right?

And what does that say about the listening public? A guy that gets on the air and viciously attacks a public servant with a bunch of made-up hooey has fans. And station management is depending on the opinion of these "fans" to make a decision on Bader's return to our airwaves.

The other situation that defies logic has to do with recent statements made by Rush Limbaugh. He got on the air the other day and broadcast a report concerning President Obama (shocking) that charged he made comments in a thesis about having disdain for the Constitution. El Rushbo had a field day with this. The only problem is, it turned out to be a fake.

But the story doesn't stop there. When Limbaugh learns it's made up, he gets on the air and rather than retracting the error says, "I have had this happen to me," Limbaugh says he doesn't care if thesis quotes are fake, "I know Obama thinks it." It appears Rush now believes his own brand of BS and really does think he has "talent on loan from God." He can now broadcast fake information because he knows that despite the fact it can be proven to be untrue, the person is thinking it. Wow.

The airwaves that Bader and Limbuagh are using don't belong to them. They belong to the public. The broadcasters are licensed to use those airwaves in the public interest. Is it in the public interest to broadcast false information?

After spending 35 years in the radio industry, I can tell you that most broadcasters don't give a hoot about the public interest. What they care about is money and ratings. Money and ratings are important, but being a good steward of the public's airwaves is more important and codified.

I know all about the First Amendment and the need to generate profits. But for the life of me, I don't know how these people sleep at night.