Waves of Rancor: Tuning in the Radical Right (Media, Communication, and Culture in America) [Hardcover]

Robert L. Hilliard (Author), Michael C. Keith (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Hilliard (communications, Emerson Coll.) and Keith (communications, Boston Coll.), coauthors of communications textbooks, explore the potentially explosive subject of "hate media" in this intriguing but ultimately uneven book. The heart of their work, based on interviews, is a categorization of the wide variety of radical right groups utilizing electronic media (radio, TV, the Internet) and brief characterizations of leading and regional radio personalities such as David Duke, Rush Limbaugh, and Chuck Harder. The history of freedom of speech on the airwaves and suggested ways to fight the far Right open and close the book. What's missing is actual text from the radio talk shows under discussion, as well as cited research on the interaction of the media with individuals' political views and actions. Recommended only for academic collections specializing in communications.ADonna L. Schulman, Cornell Univ. Libs., New York
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"The 'most controversial' title on President Clinton's 1999 summer reading list." -- New York Times, 8/24/99

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 309 pages
• Publisher: M E Sharpe Inc (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765601311
• ISBN-13: 978-0765601315
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,310,845 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The myth of the liberal media, September 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Waves of Rancor: Tuning in the Radical Right (Media, Communication, and Culture in America) (Hardcover)

Though the authors occasionally overstate their case, this book serves as a useful counterbalance to the extreme right-wing commentators that have popped up on the radio. While these commentators set up a mythic "liberal media" as a strawman, the fact is that the media has become increasingly conservative over the past two decades. This book adds a much-needed sense of balance to the Limbaughs and Schlessingers who try to claim the center for their right-wing agenda.

15 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's about time!, September 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Waves of Rancor: Tuning in the Radical Right (Media, Communication, and Culture in America) (Hardcover)

For far too long, the loudmouths and bullies of radical right-wing talk radio have dominated the political dialog in this country. The "liberal" left has been disenfranchised to a point of powerlessness. The result is the complete control of all media by a few mega-corporations, which ironically limits the exercise of individual rights and free speech. The only real problem with this book is that it may be too little too late. The response by the demagogues of the right proves the point- their intolerance of any point of view but their own. Keith and Hilliard have done us a great service- a must-read for any and all who still care about free speech.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great realizations on how twisted the mind can get., August 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Waves of Rancor: Tuning in the Radical Right (Media, Communication, and Culture in America) (Hardcover)

A wonderfully documented book about on who influences the minds of our society.