Do you believe that so-called radio "talk shows" contain phony callers who act as stooges for hidden agendas?

Question

The people who call in and talk as if they were really a part of the listening audience, but in reality they are working with the producers of the radio talk show and have a set of lines in which to read. Do you suspect certain well-known talk shows of doing this? If so, why are these shows using call-in "stooges" in their programs? Do you believe that there is a connection to propaganda agencies in order to change the way that people feel about particular "issues"? This seems to go beyond mere pandering or working to obtain higher ratings; instead, it appears to be the diliberate attempt to change the minds of people who are under the assumption that what they are hearing is real and not contrived.

One example that I recently read about in the New York Times was the case of Armstrng Wlms., in which allegedly involved the acceptance of over two hundred thousand dollars from a U.S. government organization in order to promote a certain cause.

Answer 1

I don't think the radio programs are staging their phone calls with phony callers, but I do believe that there are organized groups who call radio programs and lie.

For example:
A caller gets on the Sean Hannity program and says that they voted twice for Bush and have been a life long Republican, but are now totally against the war and will never vote for another Republican. The same thing could happen on liberal programs, but since I can't think of too many, I don't have a lot of personal experience.

Answer 2

I'm not sure I buy that, in part because I don't think it is necessary. The people who call talk shows usually have a definite point of view, and they probably are listening to a particular show because it comes the closest to reflecting their views. Therefore, radio producers probably don't need to do that -- it's done for them.

(Put another way, Rush Limbaugh's producer doesn't need to go looking for callers of a right-wing vantage point -- they are on lines 1, 2 and 3.)

I would think producers would be more likely to skew guest selections. John Dean is unlikely to be on Limbaugh's show, but he does show up regularly on Keith Olbermann's TV show.

Hosts are often trying to convince people of a particular viewpoints. The callers often call to be convinced, not to merely pile on.

Answer 3

People will do anything for money these days especially those in the public's eye. I don't doubt what you are saying as I've heard on many local shows callers that sounded like plants. Its probably been SOP for years, the same as in govt press conferences.

Answer 4

You don't have to believe it. The fact is they all do. You wont convince people who are fans of the host that most of the calls are set-up. It does make for a better show.

Answer 5

If they are desperate to put over a particular point to the audience, I would not be surprised if it happens. People would be briefed to say what is good for a favourable poll perhaps ?

Answer 6

yes, I've heard of it happening.
I wouldn't put it past any radio producer.

Answer 7

Some radio shows do this, though not from reputable networks.

Answer 8

yes