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Read for yourself Want a kinder, gentler America? Then turn off the radio and read this newspaper. Journalism professors at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism have determined that it is the type of media a person consumes, not necessarily the message, that determines how polarized Americans become on a certain issue. The school's study finds that radio listeners are the most polarized news consumers, particularly those who listen to "conservative" political commentators like Rush Limbaugh. Newspaper readers, at the same time, are the least polarized. Conservative listeners have their ideals reinforced by radio shows, explains journalism professor Wayne Wanta, which ultimately leads to even more extreme views. Newspapers do not have the same space and time constraints as television or radio, he says, therefore they are able to provide readers with more information on both sides of an issue. As a result, newspaper and Internet readers are less likely to adopt extreme attitudes about certain issues, the professor states. "Overall, our findings point to radio being a possible reason for the increasing polarization of the U.S. public."
INSIDE THE BELTWAY By John McCaslin
I know the moonie times. But I kinda liked this article.
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