"A player in Christian and talk radio stations is buying up popular conservative websites — moves that could make Salem Communications the next big thing in right-wing media." That's the first line from a piece at Politico that indeed has them a little nervous.
Salem Communications, based in California, seems intent on making an impact in the inherently liberal media world. Salem was started 26 years ago, primarily serving up Christian and family-centered content. Now they are acquiring popular conservative websites to expand their audience - namely TownHall.com, HotAir.com, RedState.com and Twitchy.com.
Salem is also making huge strides into the conservative talk radio market as well, securing talk show hosts Dennis Prager and Michael Medved. Because of this growth, Salem's Jonathan Garthwaite had this to say about the companies future:
It’s fair to say that we are not done. We are always looking to grow organically and through acquisition. We’re always looking for opportunities, personalities to fuel that growth.
This growth has led Salem to gross $108 million on $229 million of revenue in 2012, according to Politico. This may be why they, and other liberals, are so nervous. Salem is using these resources to bolster conservative causes and candidates. One that really sticks in the liberal's craw was Salem's monetary support for the "California Defense of Marriage Act." Politico points to the mad Mother Jones site, who learned that $780,000 was spent in an effort to defend traditional marriage.
The realization here is that conservative media is on the rise, it has plenty of audience hungry for its content and solid resources to get the conservative message out there.
This is almost too much for liberals to take, and the sweat beads can plainly be seen over at Media Matters. They are playing this off as no big deal. So says senior writer Eric Boehlert:
There’s a reason (these websites have) been independent for a while. I don’t think they offer the most tantalizing business prospects. It is what it is, it’s a niche business. There’s clearly a market for that and if you can super serve it you can make a good living ,but this is not mainstream content with mainstream advertisers.
The conservative message is one of freedom and self-reliance. These are certainly not niche ideas. They have been a part of the fabric of America since its inception. These are mainstream ideals, and people want to hear about them and discuss them. The mainstream media are the culprits in suppressing these truths and are more than a little upset when conservative voices pop up. Now that the liberal market density is showing a fissure, it is time for truth to have a voice.
*Disclosure: TruthRevolt Founder Ben Shapiro currently co-hosts a morning radio show produced by Salem. He did not contribute to this peice.


