The bad boy of radio: The continuity and extension of African American communication dynamics through talk elements of the michael baisden radio show

This study sought to examine the continuity and extension of African American communication characteristics in the talk elements (the host, guest, and callers) of the Michael Baisden Radio Show by exploring the specific oral practices that characterize talk elements of Black radio as well as the way(s) these practices related to the African American oral tradition. The African American communication characteristics of the vernacular use of language, humor, empathetic understanding, and community harmony are readily apparent in this research. The findings of this research also support the idea that when motivated by the power of the spoken word, listeners respond to the call of their radio griot.