When getting in the car, about to leave for a long ride or heading to work, the last thing people want to hear are conversations on the radio. When one turns on the car, music is expected, not talking about irrelevant topics. For some, talk shows are exactly what they want, but others may think differently. When I get into my car in the morning, I immediately turn my volume all the way down to avoid hearing whoever is talking on my radio. After I do that, I connect my bluetooth, just as many would do, and I continue to play my own ad free music. There’s something about having no ad breaks in between songs that just makes everything better. 

     Broadcasters on the radio will talk about whatever they think people will find interesting. This can include: hobbies, food, interests, pets, and so much more. Usually when there is a break in between songs, they would bring up one of these topics. Sometimes they might ask a question that makes someone think about it all day long. While explaining some information, talk radio hosts can often prioritize their own opinions over the topic. This can lead to a biased perspective and changing listeners’ viewpoints on different ideas. If the host does not do very good job fact-checking, they may accidentally spread misinformation or promote conspiracy theories. This can have harmful consequences, including a bad reputation on the radio station, and may lose listeners. There are a lot of issues that can arise with being a radio host, but there are also some positives. 

     There may be lots of cons that come with listening to the radio, but it’s not all bad. While hosts may sometimes prioritize their opinions, they can also provide valuable information, share interesting stories, and entertain their audience. They may not always be perfectly diverse, but it can offer a platform for a variety of voices and perspectives for many to think about. Talk radio also encourages engagement and interaction between hosts and listeners. Some stations may have call in contests or ways to win prizes. This can lead to lively discussions, debates, and a way to bring the community into the conversation.

     Many radio stations are strictly for entertaining the public. Along with classic radio stations, there are also other ways to be entertained. This can include apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora. With these apps come advertisements, which at times can be very annoying, but just like everything else that costs money, one can pay to get rid of them. According to Forbes, in the U.S., 90 million people pay for music. This means 90 million people choose to pick their own music over listening to the radio.  

     Although radio hosts talk just a little too much at times, they are entertaining and enjoy engaging with the community. Many still have a choice to make though. Everyone at some point gets to choose to listen to the radio for free or pay to have ad free music.