Today we’d like to introduce you to Leonard Assante
Hi Leonard, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
About 2 years ago I was approached by the owner of WQKR Radio in Portland, TN. He was concerned about the lack of diversity of editorial opinion in local media in Sumner County. He felt that Democratic/Progressive messages were not being heard and he wanted to do something about it. I had appeared as a guest on his station several times over the years and so he thought I’d be great as a host of a talk show focused on “the other side of the story” in local and state politics. He offered an airtime slot and I took it. And so “The Loyal Oppostion was born. After some prep work, we went on the air in July, 2022.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been mostly smooth. We’ve had a few bumps here and there, but they were overcome. Early on, we were not exactly clear on what the mission of the show would be, then we came up with the name “The Loyal Opposition,” and it became clearer. There were also worries about how to find guests, whether there would be a podcast element (kinda), and how to support the work of the show financially. I also had to learn to be a radio personality, or how to let my personality come through in a broadcast. That took some time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Loyal Opposition?
TLO is a weekly radio show airing on Wednesdays from 5-6pm (drive time) on WQKR AM/FM/.COM. Shows are also podcast on the wqkr.com website after broadcast.
TLO is a show based on the American ideal that nations like ours benefit when government and media reflect a diversity of voices and make space for dissent. That’s why we’re here -to air the voice of dissent to the supermajority’s policies and ideas.
We are Sumner County’s only progressive media voice. We offer news commentary and interviews with an interesting and diverse array of guests from across the political specturm and representative of the wider community. We focus on local government, our local elected officials and we highlight members of the community “doing good,” regardless of their politics.
We broadcast on WQKR 101.7fm/1270am/wqkr.com and podcast via the wqkr website, We have our own website at theloyalopposition.online and a social media presence as well.
How do you think about happiness?
It may sound trite, but I get satisfaction from making a positive difference in my communtiy, whether it comes from the show, my civic engagement or my day job.
I imagine that if the candidates I support win their races that would also make me happy, but since that has never happened, I can’t be sure. Maybe this year!
Spending quiet time at home with a good book and my cat Sterling also makes me quite happy.
Finally, as a native New Yorker I must say that a great slice of pizza makes me very happy!
Pricing:
- Guests are not charged
- Advertising on the show starts at $100/month.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theloyalopposition.online
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloyalopposition/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loyaloppo
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@theloyalopposition
