Paranormal radio shows

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Paranormal radio shows are programs focusing on paranormal subjects such as unidentified flying objects, alien abduction, possession (by either demonic or spiritual forces), conspiracy theories, ghosts and cryptozoology. They are broadcast via shortwave, AM and FM radio stations or via internet streaming, often as late night shows. [1]

Depending on the type of programming format, many of these shows feature paranormal discussion between the hosts, include listener participation and also special guest appearances from psychics and other prominent figures in the paranormal community. Such shows frequently feature reports from people on location at supposedly haunted locations, helping listeners feel like they are there. [2]

History

In 1929 Joseph Dunninger hosted the "Ghost Hour" on NBC radio. During the show Dunninger projected mental images to listeners, asking them to write in with their results. The show was an attempt to harness the perceived paranormal properties of radio waves (see also the contemporary experimental television series The Television Ghost , which followed a similar conceit). [3] The pioneer of paranormal radio was Long John Nebel who, from the 1950s until his death in 1978, hosted late night shows dealing with the supernatural. [1]

In 1988 Art Bell launched the late night talk show Coast to Coast AM (formerly West Coast AM, broadcast on KDWN from 1978) which regularly deals with paranormal topics. The popularity of Bell's show caused a rise in similar programs across the US during the 1990s. [1]

Early paranormal radio shows focused on recounting local ghost stories, but with the rise of such concepts as reality television and internet radio, modern paranormal radio tends to focus on paranormal investigators and their research. [2]

Currently, it is easy for paranormal enthusiasts to host their own web-based radio shows, and as a result such shows have proliferated. [2] The quality and content of web based shows varies dramatically, but most are focused on the local paranormal scene wherever they happen to be based. [2]

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<i>Coast to Coast AM</i> American radio talk show

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The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) is an organization that investigates reported paranormal activity. Based in Warwick, Rhode Island, TAPS was founded in 1990 by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson. In 2004, the organization itself became the subject of Ghost Hunters, a popular weekly American paranormal reality television series on the Syfy channel. The show ran for eleven seasons on Syfy in the US. The show aired in the UK nine months after the US premier on Living It.

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Ghost hunting is the process of investigating locations that are reported to be haunted by ghosts. Typically, a ghost-hunting team will attempt to collect evidence supporting the existence of paranormal activity. Ghost hunters use a variety of electronic devices, including EMF meters, digital thermometers, both handheld and static digital video cameras, including thermographic and night vision cameras, night vision goggles, as well as digital audio recorders. Other more traditional techniques are also used, such as conducting interviews and researching the history of allegedly haunted sites. Ghost hunters may also refer to themselves as "paranormal investigators."

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Ghost Adventures is an American paranormal and reality television series that premiered on October 17, 2008, on the Travel Channel before moving to Discovery+ in 2021. An independent film of the same name originally aired on the Sci-Fi Channel on July 25, 2007. The program follows ghost hunters Zak Bagans, Nick Groff, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley, and Jay Wasley as they investigate locations that are reported to be haunted.

Beyond Investigation Magazine (BIM) is an American magazine that features Beyond Investigation, a group that investigates paranormal and conspiracy theory claims. Beyond Investigation was founded by Patrick Wheelock in 2004 to investigate claims of paranormal activity and to publish those investigations and associated research in a printed periodical. Due to the expenses associated with publishing a limit circulation periodical, BIM has changed distribution formats to web and DVD, and only the first issue was distributed in print. In 2005, BIM began webcasting audio programming, most notably a weekly talk show called The Pat & Brian Show.

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Keith, Michael C (2001). Sounds in the dark: all-night radio in American life. Wiley-Blackwell. pp.  242. ISBN   0-8138-2981-X.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Balzano, Christopher (July 1, 2008). Ghostly Adventures: Chilling True Stories from America's Haunted Hot Spots. Adams Media. pp. 70–74. ISBN   9781440515590 . Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  3. Sconce, Jeffrey (2000). Haunted media: electronic presence from telegraphy to television. Duke University Press. pp.  257. ISBN   0-8223-2572-1.