Former Congressman Ernest Istook is now on the air as a radio talk show host.
Istook, the 2006 Republican nominee for governor, was a radio news broadcaster prior to his congressional service.
Istook’s show was announced by Heritage Action for America. The show – Istook Live! – will be broadcast live from The Heritage Foundation and be hosted by Istook, now a Distinguished Fellow at the leading conservative think tank.
“Istook Live!” airs from 9 a.m. to noon ET, with Istook getting the real deal from the most relevant Washington players. He’ll also field calls from listeners across America from Heritage’s Robert H. Bruce radio studios at the think tank’s Capitol Hill headquarters.
“Our mission is to bring listeners smart, civil programming from a conservative perspective,” says Istook, who served 14 years in the House of Representatives and joined Heritage in 2007. “Amid the punditry and spin of the 24-hour news cycle, we intend to clarify the real threats to freedom and the American Dream, and talk about how American taxpayers can counter those threats.
“Istook Live!” is a project of Heritage Action for America’s media division.
“Heritage Action has worked tirelessly to promote individual liberty and the free enterprise system,” said Michael A Needham, Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Action. “Talk radio long has been a part of that effort. Now, ‘Istook Live!’ will further discussion of the biggest issues facing our country and provide Americans with a better understanding of the battle of ideas that shapes the news. We’ll give them virtual access to the halls of Congress and inner workings of Washington.”
The show is broadcast via www.istook.com, as affiliate stations are built out.
Istook, the grandson of immigrants, has presented Heritage’s conservative policy solutions on dozens of radio and TV shows — including a stint as a regular on-camera sparring partner with MSNBC’s Ed Schultz. His commentary has appeared in major newspapers and on leading news and opinion sites. Istook’s love of radio dates to his college days at Baylor University and his first job afterward, as a reporter covering the Oklahoma state legislature. Radio eventually gave way to a law practice, which in turn gave way to elective politics.
Gabe Hobbs of Gabe Hobbs Media is consultant on “Istook Live!” Hobbs is a 35 year radio veteran who has overseen Clear Channel’s 275 news, talk and sports stations and has launched careers in talk radio such as Glenn Beck and Lionel.
Media development veterans Ron Hartenbaum of WYD Media Management and Liz Laud of WYM Media Management will lead syndication and affiliate sales for Istook Live!
Advertising sales will be handled by New York-based AdLarge Media, the fastest-growing such media sales company servicing both traditional radio and digital content providers.
The Heritage Foundation is the nation’s most broadly supported public policy research institute, with nearly 700,000 individual, foundation and corporate donors. Founded in 1973, it develops public policy solutions that advance free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional values and a strong national defense.
Heritage Action for America, the think tank’s sister organization, launched in 2010 as a grassroots organization to promote conservative policies in Congress. Its robust government affairs team amplifies the voices of local activists, ensuring that members of the House and Senate get the message.
