The most influential political TV and radio shows in North Carolina

Washington hangs on every word uttered during Sunday shows like NBC’s “Meet the Press,” ABC’s “This Week” and CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

North Carolina doesn’t quite have an exact equivalent. But the state has plenty of TV and radio programs that command the attention of political insiders. These shows regularly bring in high-profile guests, and the things said on these programs break news.

Think I missed one? Email andrew@longleafpolitics.org.

Capital Tonight

This show pulls big name interviews multiple times per week on both sides of the aisle, from Rep. John Bell and Mark Harris to Sen. Terry Van Duyn and former Gov. Mike Easley. Even as a channel that only Spectrum customers get, Capital Tonight is the program with the most influence on North Carolina’s political class.

Station: Spectrum News
City: Raleigh
When it’s on: Weeknights, 7 p.m.
Website

NC SPIN

Host Tom Campbell has an unbelievable resume as a former assistant treasurer of North Carolina and Hall of Fame broadcaster. It shows in the program: NC SPIN brings together four people of differing political backgrounds to discuss the important topics of the week. Regular panelists include Chris Fitzsimon, Becki Gray, Brad Crone, Bob Orr and John Hood.

Station: UNC-TV
City: Raleigh
When it’s on: Fridays, 7:30 p.m.
Website

Photo by NC SPIN via Facebook

Charlotte Talks

Anybody who matters in Charlotte government and politics appears on this show. Host Mike Collins has a unique interviewing style that keeps guests on their toes. With an hour-long show, he has the time for nuanced discussion.

Station: WFAE 90.7
City: Charlotte
When it’s on: 9 a.m. weekdays
Website

Flashpoint

The NBC affiliate’s political show ends right after “Meet the Press” and continues the conversation at a local and statewide level.

Station: WCNC
City: Charlotte
When it’s on: 11 a.m. Sundays
Website

The Pat McCrory Show

The former governor is constantly making news on his radio program. McCrory hopes to syndicate it statewide in 2019.

Station: WBT 99.3
City: Charlotte
When it’s on: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., weekdays
Website

Front Row

Host Marc Rotterman regularly brings in big names, from Mickey Michaux to Mark Johnson.

Station: UNC-TV
City: Raleigh
When it’s on: 8:30 p.m. Fridays
Website

The Chad Adams Show

Adams bills himself as “the voice of North Carolina politics” and was the founder of conservative news aggregator Carolina Plott Hound.

Station: Wilmington’s Big Talker
City: Wilmington
When it’s on: 9 a.m. to noon, weekdays
Website

KC O’Dea Show

This conservative commentator is on the same radio channel that syndicates Rush Limbaugh, and brings the same style approach to local politics and government. Lt. Gov. Dan Forest has been known to make appearances and even break a little news.

Station: 106.1 FM WTKK
City: Raleigh
When it’s on: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Website

Cover image of U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson on Capital Tonight via YouTube

Leave a Comment