The Ed Schultz Show is a Progressive talk radio show with host Ed Schultz who promises "straight talk from the heartland". He comes from Fargo, North Dakota and is syndicated on some Clear Channel Communications stations that otherwise air Air America Radio shows.

According to his show's website: (Text in italics notes additions)

Ed Schultz is talk radio in the Dakotas. His pull-no-punches, progressive and informed personality has elevated him to the top of his game. Not only is he wildly popular, he is profitable: a word used to describe only a handful of progressive radio talk show hosts in America.

A Virginia native, Ed was lured to the Plains on a football scholarship at Moorhead State in Moorhead, Minnesota. He became a high-profile athlete and an All-American quarterback. After taking a shot at playing professional football, he returned to Fargo, North Dakota, where he put his talents to work as a sportscaster. He spent nearly 15 years providing play-by-play and color commentary for local teams, and serving as Sports Director and Anchor for WDAY-TV (NBC), prepping him for his natural transition to talk radio host.

Ed launched "News and Views," a regional talk show in 1992 (on KFGO -FM). His bombastic nature, fearless approach to topics and innate ability on radio quickly catapulted him to the top of the ratings chart, where he still maintains a 20+ share in a five-state market (Update: Ed had since ended his run as the host of "News & Views" to focus on his national show). He has won numerous awards including "The Marconi" (News/Talk/Sports Station of the Year), "The Peabody," and two "Eric Sevareid" Awards (First place Talk/Large Market).

Ed's views starting shifting left-of-center upon meeting Wendy, a psychiatric nurse, now Ed's wife and producer. For one of their first dates, Wendy invited Ed to join her for lunch at the Salvation Army shelter where she worked so he could witness the "bums" he so often chastised on his show. Ed's epiphany was found in the faces and stories of the people he met, and his views began to change.

As he questioned his dyed-in-the-wool beliefs, he and Wendy took "News and Views" on the road in the Big Eddie Cruiser, a customized motor home, to connect with the people. They met families and farmers. People losing their farms, struggling to make ends meet and keep their way of life. Ed determined that America could do better and it was on that trek that Ed found his true, progressive voice.

Ed's "Straight Talk from the Heartland" makes him a 21st Century Teddy Roosevelt who believes the salvation of the American people lies in their voices, not in the parties. He represents the thousands of Americans whose collective beliefs are the foundation of the United States.

In an industry where the conservative voice is king, Jones Radio Networks is banking on Schultz's popularity, talent and progressive political bent to become one of the dominant radio voices of the nation. Schultz's fearless approach to going voice-to-voice against such radio heavyweights as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity has helped him earn the overwhelming support of listeners, powerful politicos and top-level business leaders. Broadcasting from the heart of America in Fargo, The Ed Schultz Show made its debut on January 5, 2004, and is now heard on more than 90 affiliate stations, along with both XM and Sirius satellite radio.

The promise of an effective voice on the airwaves has captured the attention of media nationwide. From CNBC to The Today Show, CNN to Esquire, The Dennis Miller Show to The LA Times, the nation's top media is paying attention to Ed Schultz and are interested in his formula for successful talk radio.

Despite hosting two thriving radio talk shows, Ed continues to feed his passion for sports and the great outdoors. He loves to fish, hunt, and golf with his son David, a nationally rated golfer at Texas Christian University. He and Wendy live in Fargo and have six children.

External link

• Official site