Ian Masters Background Briefing

Every Sunday, even though I don't have to leave for work until a quarter after, I try to get in the car at noon so I can hear the whole second half of Ian Masters' Background Briefing, which I consider to be the best political show on radio. Masters, who appears here in LA on KPFK 90.7 fm and nationally on the Pacifica Radio network, is a BBC trained broadcast journalist, commentator, author, screenwriter, documentary filmmaker. His interviews are insightful, informative, and, often, scary as hell. He gets into the truth of matters that show how totally fucked this planet is. Honestly, after listening to his shows, I'm always amazed that human beings have survived as long as they have.

Just go look at the caliber of guests that appear on Background Briefing. Listen to a podcast. The sheer knowledge and intelligence that emanate from this broadcast is astounding. This isn't some lunatic leftist show. This is extremely serious, progressive examination of the issues of our day, from the middle east to energy independence. Since the Bush cabal took over this country, he has become a level headed journalist with the balls to critically examine the strategy and politics that have gotten us into one of the biggest messes in American history.

Lately, Masters has been extremely interested in the quest for war with Iran. Despite denials from the Bush Corporation, the Cheney cabal seems intent on attacking Iran, or at least setting the stage for an attack to be carried out by the next president (presumably John McCain or some other hawk who will keep the Cheney war machine intact).

If you're sick of main stream media, which discounts intelligent criticism of Bush when it comes from a so-called "Bush critic," then you need to listen to Masters. If you'd like to hear criticism that holds up to conservative scrutiny, because often the criticism comes from conservative guests of his show, then you need to listen to Masters. And tell your friends. If more people listened to shows like his, we'd have a much more educated electorate, and people like us could offer much more informed opinions.