Losing media voices on local issues: corporatizing radio

Remember Cathy Hughes in the window-front studio on H Street, on WOL-AM, years before the company became Radio One, with "69 radio stations in 22 urban markets" and half ownership of TV One, a joint venture with Comcast? When Marion Barry was Mayor, and he pissed her off, she'd say something on the air.

Nationally, local radio is pretty plain, with local news, and those weekend radio magazine programs too often a distant memory. But not always

Columnist Luther Hughes reports that in Detroit "Radio shows cite city's worst, best."

"Listen to Detroit radio station WCHB (1200 AM) these days, and you'll get two entirely different portraits of the city. From 6-10 a.m weekdays, talk show veteran Mildred Gaddis relentlessly attacks what she views as the many failures of the administration of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

Because of the mayor's bungling, mismanagement and lack of ethical behavior, Gaddis tells her listeners, Detroit has become a laughingstock of inefficient and wasteful government, and the city's long-suffering attempts at a renaissance are simply pathetic. The city's $300 million budget deficit, the flap over the Navigator leased for the mayor's family, the mayor's $210,000 city-issued credit card bill and other perceived Kilpatrick failings are all fodder for criticism.

Gaddis also touches on other topics such as male and female relationships and national affairs. She has loyal supporters who phone in to concur with her mantra that "the mayor's best," is not good enough for Detroit...

But from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., right after Gaddis signs off, there is a much brighter, upbeat and positive picture of the city painted by host Karen Dumas, an appointee of the mayor, who began hosting "Up Front" on WCHB in April.

On her show, Detroit is on the rebound, and officials are dedicated and efficient in tackling the city's challenges. Dumas, director of the department of culture, arts and tourism, bills her show as an information source for Detroiters to make informed decisions on the issues and to acquaint them with various city programs and activities.

She has done that, but guest list has also included city officials and department heads -- such as Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings and even Kilpatrick himself -- who respond to questions and offer their view of an administration working hard and effectively to serve its citizens.
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Interestingly enough, the station is owned by Radio One.