I have been a loyal listener to progressive talk radio since its inception. When I heard that AM 1090 was converting from progressive talk to an all-sports format, I was in a state of shock….and anger. And, I didn’t know what I was going to do, but I had to do something.
First step: Get connected with people who have lots more connections than I. I’m a MoveOn Council Coordinator on Whidbey, so my first contact was with the organizers who help me. One of them was knowledgeable about creating on-line petitions. So, with her help, we started a SignOn.org petition, “Don’t let Seattle Lose Progressive Radio,” and I sent out the information to all of my MoveOn members, while the MoveOn leadership sent it around to the Seattle Area members. In the first week, we had 5,000 signatures.
Second step: Get better informed and contact the progressive talk show hosts. I heard back from staff members from a couple of shows with some possible ideas. Then, Norman Goldman, an afternoon host, wrote to me personally. I suggested he look at some of the written comments from petition signers. He wrote back 15 minutes later about how impressed he was with the passion expressed, and invited me to come on his show.
Yesterday (Dec. 19), I was interviewed and provided some contact information. And, as of this morning, we now have over 8,700 petition signers, our MoveOnWhidbey Facebook page is now being visited by several people and I’m getting lots of ideas and suggestions. Some others have come forward and offered to help.
I don’t know where this will go, but I believe there is much to be learned from not simply thinking about something, but also following through and doing something. Yes, this is political, but this can apply to any idea that merits action.
(If you’d like to hear the interview: