Progressive Talk host says he'll finally speak his mind
As a new host on the Boston Progressive Talk stations, WKOX-AM (1200) and WXKS-AM (1430), Jeff Santos could be viewed as preaching to the converted. But as host of the first live, local talk show on the stations -- which primarily carry syndicated ``Air America" programming -- Santos doesn't see his mission as limited.
``We've had 16 years of Republican rule in the State House," he says. ``The Big Dig controversy has been in and around Republican governerships. It goes without saying that they've been in control."
Santos, a Massachusetts native who began his Sunday 2-5 p.m. show earlier this month, had been working in Washington, D.C., before starting the weekly show, which can also be heard at www.bostonsprogressivetalk.com.
``I'm very glad to be in a progressive state," says the Northeastern graduate. ``I was talking with Deval Patrick on our first show about how it's great to be in a state that you can be proud of."
On his first few programs, Santos has already spoken with Patrick, Ted Kennedy, and Jimmy Smits. But in addition to such big names, he's also interviewing less well-known people, such as Jack Powers, head of the machinists union local 7626.
Originally set on a career in sports journalism, Santos, 43, grew up as what he calls a working-class Democrat. ``I walked the streets for George McGovern in '72 as a kid," Santos says. What changed his course, he says, was volunteering for Gary Hart in 1984. That went so well, he was set to be Hart's volunteer coordinator in 1988, when the campaign fell apart.
That turning point put him on the path of political journalism. Jobs in New York and D.C. led, most recently, to a position with the Hispanic Radio Network, where he planned to work on a bipartisan show that never came to fruition. When this job came up, he jumped.
``I've had to bite my lip at times" in other jobs, he says. ``This gives you freedom to say exactly what you feel."
