Listening and speaking are genetically imprinted talents, talents that need
to be developed and nurtured. Our ancestors used oral history the way we use
books. Effective listening and speaking skills must be learned much the same as
reading and writing. The average person, who actually claims to be listening
carefully, will only remember half of what she hears. Trust only what you are
absolutely sure you remember and only if it comes from a reliable source.
Radio
Radio goes through phases where we fear it is the lost avenue of
communication, but it always seems to resurrect. Humans come from a long line
of storytellers. If you have complained that radio only broadcasts talk-radio
programs, have too many commercials, or play the same music repeatedly, then
you are not alone. Five non-commercial networks, nine state radio networks, and
a handful of religious broadcasters fight the airwaves for recognition.
Approximately twenty-five commercial radio networks broadcast in the US,
some of these from Mexico.
Viacom, IDT, and Westwood One telecommunications corporations own most of the
previously independent networks. Westwood One owns CBS and NBC. Disney now owns
ABC. Talk Radio constitutes about half of all airtime. I believe all pure music
networks have gone defunct. Music is now programmed by marketing alliances such
as America Online and Infinity Broadcasting’s agreement to “suggest” content
with the guarantee that their recommendations have a “proven track record” for
drawing the largest audiences. Talk-radio consists of individuals sharing their
personal opinions.
Sports broadcasts are usually highly dependable due to competition for
listeners. News broadcasts use the same sources as newspaper and the Internet.
Stock and farm market reports are susceptible to the vagaries of an investment
portfolio. Music is a matter of taste and so are opinion talk shows. Again,
trust only the sources you know or for whom you can find credentials and a
sound reputation.
Television
Television suffers the same problem as radio only to an even greater degree.
Only nine US
television networks broadcast for anyone with a television to receive; however,
not all operate in every area of the country (e.g. America One, ABC, NBC, CBS,
Fox, Omni, WB, UATV, UPN). The advent of cable and satellite television has
expanded opportunity exponentially, but with opportunity comes bias.
Independent television networks, and even some of the major nine, broadcast
with an agenda in mind. Their purpose may be to entertain in one particular
genre, provide news with a political or religious focus, or remain wholly
objective. Whatever their original goal, the lure of advertising dollars
inevitably leans programming in one direction or another. Networks may choose
which advertisers to use, but they all need advertising funds in order to run
their service.
Other Audio/Video Materials
Authorized educators experienced in the associated field usually prescreen
educational audiotapes, books on tape, videos, or radio and television
programming. These are typically safe. They have been edited, reviewed, and
critiqued by authorities before you ever hear about them. Marketing audio and
video materials should be treated just as any print advertising media. Don’t
trust it unless you know where it comes from and who is saying it.