American Experience Season 1 Episode 11 The Radio Priest

In season 1 episode 11 of American Experience, named The Radio Priest, the life of Father Charles Coughlin is explored. Coughlin was a Catholic priest in the early 20th century who became famous for his radio broadcasts, which at their peak had an audience of 30 million listeners. He was a controversial figure, using his platform to espouse political and economic views that were ahead of their time.

The episode explores Coughlin's early life as a working-class kid in Canada, his path to the priesthood and his eventual move to Detroit, Michigan, where he became pastor of the Shrine of the Little Flower. It was during his time in Detroit that Coughlin began broadcasting his weekly radio show, which launched him into the national spotlight.

The Radio Priest delves into Coughlin's passionate denunciations of what he saw as the evils of capitalism, the banking system and the political establishment. He also railed against communism and fascism, which he saw as perversions of traditional Catholicism. Coughlin's fervent rhetoric struck a chord with millions of Americans who were struggling through the Great Depression and looking for someone to blame for their economic woes.

However, Coughlin's message wasn't always popular with the Catholic Church hierarchy. Many bishops and cardinals were uncomfortable with his outspokenness, and they eventually silenced him by forbidding him from broadcasting political commentary on his show. Despite this setback, Coughlin remained a significant figure in American politics throughout the 1930s and into World War II.

The episode also explores the controversy surrounding Coughlin's views on Jews and anti-Semitism. Although he began his career as a friend to the Jewish community, his later broadcasts became increasingly filled with anti-Semitic sentiment. This led to widespread condemnation and a loss of support from some of his former followers.

The Radio Priest is a nuanced portrait of a complex historical figure. Coughlin was a man of contradictions, at once a devout Catholic and a political activist, a champion of the working class and a purveyor of hateful ideas. The episode shines a light on the power of the mass media to shape public opinion, as well as the dangers of scapegoating and demagoguery.

Overall, The Radio Priest is a fascinating episode of American Experience that sheds light on an important chapter in American history. The show offers a valuable reminder that even those whom we admire and respect can hold views that are abhorrent or misguided. It's a cautionary tale about the power of words and ideas to inspire and to harm.