
Talk radio around the nation long been the domain of strident conservative voices. Many of those voices have used racism, homophobia and overt sexism to draw in listeners. In Portland, KPOJ has been the alternative. KPOJ has been opinionated and passionate but in ways meant to draw our community together instead of tearing it apart -particularly with their local talent, people like
Carl Wolfson and
Thom Hartmann. I've enjoyed many times over the years being a guest on the station to talk about religion and public issues (
as recently as Election Day). KPOJ is one of the only stations willing to air religious viewpoints that are moderate or progressive. What you get on the other stations is the Religious Right 24/7. Portlanders responded by listening and making the station profitable. All that changed right after Barack Obama was re-elected. The station, owned by Clear Channel, changed formats. Gone was progressive talk and there was FOX Sports (in a city that already has two other radio stations devoted full time to sports). Now Portlanders are crying foul and I'm one of them. Visit
savekpoj.com and tell Clear Channel that you want progressive talk back on the air.
A great community like the City of Roses deserves a great radio station like KPOJ.