Larry O’Connor pushed back against a Time report about Salem Media. He rejected claims that Salem personalities received messaging directives.
What We Know: Larry O’Connor defended Salem Media after a Time report examined the company’s relationship with Chief Strategy Officer Brad Parscale. The article alleged Parscale has worked as a foreign agent for the Israeli government while helping shape Salem’s business strategy. Time also questioned whether Parscale influenced editorial coverage supporting Israel across Salem platforms. O’Connor responded publicly by denying any editorial direction from company leadership. He argued Salem hosts have backed Israel for decades. He also said that support long predates Parscale’s arrival at the company. His comments came as debate continues over media independence, political advocacy, and the influence of executives behind major conservative media brands.
What They Said: “I work for Salem and I have never been told to say anything at all at any time. Furthermore, I supported Vance and Trump throughout the negotiations giving them the benefit of the doubt at every turn. Finally, I and the rest of the Salem lineup have supported Israel for decades, well before Mr. Parscale had any affiliation with the company. We have years of shows, podcasts and columns to prove it. The really disconcerting foreign influence may lie with those podcasters and hosts who supported Israel for those same decades and then suddenly turned on a dime and changed their positions. Perhaps that deserves a little more scrutiny.” -Larry O’Connor
What Remains Unclear: If Salem Media will publicly address the assertion that Parscale is working as a foreign agent.
What It Means: O’Connor’s response underscores how conservative media companies continue facing scrutiny over editorial independence. His defense also highlights Salem’s position that its programming reflects longstanding views rather than executive direction. The dispute could draw additional attention to how media organizations separate corporate leadership from on-air editorial judgment as the controversy develops.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.