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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Paranormal television is a genre of reality television that purports to document factual investigations of the paranormal rather than fictional representations seen in traditional narrative films and TV. Over the years, the genre has grown to be a staple of television and even changed the programming focus of networks like the History Channel and the Travel Channel. By highlighting beliefs in topics ranging from Bigfoot to aliens, paranormal television continues to elevate popular interest in the paranormal.

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Long John Nebel was an influential New York City talk radio show host.

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Art Bell's Dark Matter was an American radio talk show hosted by broadcaster and author Art Bell. Dark Matter primarily focused on paranormal and scientific topics. The program was exclusive to Sirius XM Radio, a subscription-based satellite radio service. Dark Matter debuted on September 16, 2013, and aired live Monday through Thursday from 10 p.m. ET to 2 a.m. ET on Sirius XM Radio's Indie Talk Channel 104. Dark Matter was the first program hosted by Art Bell full-time since his departure from regularly hosting Coast to Coast AM in 2003. On November 4, 2013, Bell announced that he was abruptly ceasing the production and airing of Dark Matter following a dispute with Sirius XM Radio regarding Sirius XM customers experiencing technical difficulties streaming his show live via the Internet.

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.