"All talk" radio programming becoming popular.
1970
National Public Radio, a private, non-commercial network devoted to non-partisan news, information, and "infotainment" founded. Programs are aired on local public radio stations nationwide.
1971
John Crittenden conducts survey research and concludes talk radio can impact "local democracy."
1984
New York "shock jock" radio host Howard Stern appears on Late Night with David Letterman, and is propelled into the national spotlight.
1986
The Annenberg Public Policy Center's study of talk radio released.
1987
The FCC's "Fairness Doctrine," a policy requiring all broadcast stations attempt to achieve what the FCC deems to be "fair" and "balanced" coverage of all controversial issues, is repealed during the Reagan administration. An increase in broadcast outlets due to the popularity of cable television is thought to provide enough opportunity for various opinions spanning the political spectrum to have equal access to broadcast media; therefore the Fairness Doctrine is deemed by many to no longer be necessary in ensuring the public has access to a range of opinions.
1988-1990s
ABC Network gives Rush Limbaugh, a then relatively obscure DJ, his own radio talk show. Limbaugh's unabashedly neo-conservative viewpoints and his sarcastic and unapologetic delivery attracts a large audience, who are often in agreement with, shocked and appalled by, and/or entertained by the radio host's brash comments. Limbaugh grows in both fame and infamy and spawns more conservative "liberal-bashing" talk show personalities.
1990s
Ten percent of all radio networks air call-in talk shows.
1994
A Republican-majority Congress names Rush Limbaugh an "honorary member of Congress."
2000+
Twenty-five percent of the American public obtains some of their daily news information from talk radio programs.
2004
"Air America," the liberal answer to the dominance of conservativism in talk radio, is first broadcast in a few large cities nationwide.
