FOX News scored again with the top rated cable tv shows, outpacing MSNBC and CNN by a country mile. But before you think this is where America gets its information, think again.
What is the reality of FOX News top rated shows? In a nation of 308 million people the top rated the O'Reilly Factor draws 3 million plus-- less than one percent of the population. Rush Limbaugh boasts over 20 million listeners during an average week, around 7 percent. While the numbers for FOX TV and shows like Limbaugh, Hannity, Savage, and Beck are more than respectable, often they share the same audience. Perhaps their true impact is felt beyond the airwaves in places like blogs and websites--and more importantly in the halls of congress and, yes, even the White House.
While President Obama claims he doesn't pay attention for FOX or talk radio (yet finds time to condemn both) the fact is his advisers are keyed in to every broadcast to take the temperature of the opposition. Senators and Representatives have staff members dedicated to culling TV and radio shows for the express purpose of forming and directing legislation, or finding ways to spin and oppose the "enemy".
However, the truest influence on the electorate, while it may have its impetus with conservative broadcasts, is really coming from websites and bloggers. And the present administration knows that this unfettered information has a life of its own and is partly responsible for the incredible growth and impact of the Tea Party. Why wouldn't you want to try to control the Internet! After all, conservative writers have been able to reflect the passion of much of the nation, and resonate with those angry at politicians who simply refuse to represent them.
Not to downplay the influence of FOX or talk icons like Limbaugh, but their real influence is felt in the news they make beyond their respective programs. Thousands of journalists, opinionated writers, and web sites which give vent to real Americans and their real concern for truth are making far greater inroads in helping to shape public opinion-- without news being filtered by an old guard media bent on being advocates for every liberal agenda.
Internet news sources like Canada Free Press, Lucianne, CNSNews, Townhall, Drudge and many others have changed the game. The old media is losing influence faster than Obama is losing approval points. Bloggers such as Doug Giles, Andrew Breitbart, Killer Cults, and hundreds more combine to give voice to the real majority of Americans who no longer wait for the 'alphabets' daily dish of leftist propaganda.
The byline of Canada Free Press is "because without America there is no free world". Without a free and thriving press there is no America!
Dave Macy (aka: Dave Deppisch) spent 30 years as a conservative talk host on a variety of stations in markets like Atlanta, Nashville, Toledo, and Ft. Wayne. He was drawn out of his profession into the ministry and now serves as an associate pastor. He preaches several times a year and is also available to bring his unique style of common sense conservative talk along with his faith in Jesus Christ to any setting that is looking for a speaker with humor, common sense, and Christian values.
He is the author of DoubtFreeLiving.com,and has been privileged to speak at CBN and appear as a guest on World Harvest TV.
