The rise and fall of the radio shock jock

Throughout #RadioHistory, broadcasting stations have invested in many different kinds of entertainment to keep the masses happy.

Some stations turned to music to engage their audience with the latest tunes. Even now, countless people tune in to listen to the latest chart toppers on their morning commute. Other organisations, turned their attention to talk radio, competitions, and discussions with the public.

Eventually, a new kind of talk radio emerged for those seeking a more authentic, and censor-free approach to broadcasting. This part of the airwaves was dominated by the “shock jock.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the past, present and future of some of the most electrifying personalities in radio history.

Shock and awe: What is a shock jock?

Shock jocks are the bad boys of the radio industry.

These are the people who aren’t afraid to discuss taboo topics and go “over the line” when talking about sensitive ideas.

There are two main kinds of #ShockJocks that have remained popular throughout history. The first was the comedic disc jockey. Hosts like Howard Stern used bad language and raunchy discussion to get people laughing, or capture attention. The second option, and the one that remains prominent in the US today — is the political shock jock.

Rush Limbaugh and his ilk are a more aggressive form of shock jock, dedicated to making sure that politicians pay attention to their listeners. These hosts emerged in a time where people were sick of the “political correctness” on the airwaves. The Fairness Doctrine — a rule that demanded all radio stations give both sides of a political argument, was abolished in 1987.

When Limbaugh started his show in 1988, people were eager to hear the opinionated and authentic views of a person who didn’t have to abide by censorship laws.

Comedic shock jocks, on the other hand, are an evolution of the blue comedy era. They’re the people who use dark comments and dirty humour to appeal to an audience of niche listeners. People like Howard Stern built their legacy on the back of painfully honest comedians like George Carlin, and Lenny Bruce.

Thanks to his cutting wit and willingness to cross any boundary, Stern has become perhaps the best-known and most respected #ShockJock in history.

Where are the shock jocks today?

Today, shock jocks aren’t quite as popular as they once were.

For the most part, these aggressive and offensive radio hosts were a product of their time — a way for people to rise up against censorship and feel as though they were being listened to. In the age of the internet and social media, there’s less of a demand for this than there once was.

However, that doesn’t mean that the age of the shock jock is entirely over. Many comedic shock jocks have evolved to suit the new marketplace. Howard Stern has an ongoing presence on the Sirius XM premium digital radio channel. Other popular disc jockeys like him have also maintained a presence on specialist podcasts and late-night broadcasting.

In the United States in particular, political shock jocks remain just as popular as ever in their chosen niches. People in certain groups are looking for authentic people in an age of “fake news,” and they appreciate the somewhat harsh approach of people like Rush Limbaugh.

In the UK, the demand for shock jocks is dwindling. In recent years, more customers have begun to turn their attention away from radio stations that broadcast bad language and disruptive conversations. One report published in 2013 found that 85% of radio listeners in the UK wanted bad language on the radio banned altogether.

While we’re a little more open-minded today, there are still many people out there who would rather listen to music than get riled up over a #TalkRadio program designed to generate controversy.

It seems that radio for shock jocks has taken on something of a cult status. Audiences will seek out the content that they want to hear on FM, AM, and even digital radio channels. However, it’s difficult for the shock jock status to remain as meaningful as it used to be today — even for those who appreciate the genre.

In the age of the internet, where truly shocking things are only a click away, many radio presenters taking the “shock” approach have gotten into increasingly expensive trouble attempting to give their listeners what they need. Shock jocks may not be the best investment for radio stations anymore.

Are radio personalities changing?

Today’s #RadioHosts come in many different styles.

Some people still seek out the authentic approach of shock jocks, looking for presenters who are willing to cross political lines to get their message heard. Other people prefer to listen to radio stations that are more accepting of all communities and opinions.

The great thing about radio is that there’s plenty of diversity available.

For those who still love the shock jock concept, there are still people out there fighting to deliver the genre, including Howard Stern and Rush Limbaugh. However, many of these hosts have their own apps, digital radio stations or podcasts, which helps to take some of the heat off the stations that host them.

On the other hand, if you’re one of the people who believe that shock jocks are just people who spread hate through a community, there’s nothing to stop you from switching to a different station or choosing a broadcaster who ignores the shock jock strategy completely.

What’s your opinion on shock jocks? Let us know in the comments below!

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