A Taste of “Hometown Radio,” Dave Congalton
Sandra Sansoni introduced Dave Congalton, the number one talk show host on the
A native of Chicago, Congalton is married to Charlotte Alexander, who currently serves as executive director of the Emergency Medical Services Agency for
Congalton began his comments by pointing out one of his proudest creations, our own "Miss Etiquette," Anita Shower. He also mentioned that a $50 fine should be assessed to Mayor John Shoals for not appearing at the Rotary meeting and for saying on air, "Who would want to watch slides of
Commenting about "Hometown Radio," Congalton described his philosophy for the show as "holding a mirror to the community, not just adopting a paradigm." He credits Rush Limbaugh for "saving AM radio," but draws a strong line between his style and Limbaugh's. Congalton discussed the state of the Media, describing his hopes for his show in the words of H. L. Menken on the proper role of journalism: "To afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted."
"I deal in opinion. I have a license to kill… In 18 years, you do some shows you wish you could do over again. I like to think that my worst show is behind me and my best show is yet to come…. I'm aiming for that driveway moment," Congalton said.
Congalton opened the floor to questions, which ranged from local media topics to the Annie the lost dog story.