Talk Radio Trail Blazer Dies

When I was first breaking into radio in the late 80's my very liberal friend moved to New York City.    He sent me cassette tapes of some Talk Show host named Bob Grant on WABC, with a note that said "Here's something we don't have in Michigan."

 Ok, I have to confess that I was a big "Lib" in those days too. But I listened to those tapes, and couldn't turn them off.   How could a guy say those things on the radio? How could he yell at a listener, "Get off my phone!" and hang up on them.   Bob Grant was the "token" conservative on a liberal station in the most liberal city, put on the air to satisfy the FCC's "Fairness Doctrine".  WABC would put on some caller that was left of Lenin, (take your pick, Vladimir or John) and as a listener, you would just wait.  How long before Bob completely erupts?   He'd calmly engage the guy, but you could tell he was getting agitated and then he would just explode.   Then on to the next call.   Bob Grant was a pioneer of Talk Radio.  He paved the way for Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Michael Savage.   After I got into Talk Radio, I thought, why shouldn't it be ok to rant and rave at an idiot caller?  The listeners are probably screaming at their radio.  Why shouldn't a host be able to do it too?   Some call it a lack of civility.  I call it honest.....and entertaining.  Thanks Bob.   We'll miss you.  Bob Grant died on New Year's Eve at 84.