New Progressive Radio Show Launched

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Beginning May 2, local radio personality, Tony Trupiano, will return to the airwaves weekday mornings from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. to host First Shift, a progressive talk show on WDTW 1310 AM.

"This show will make news. We will be front and center in the conversation from Lansing to Detroit," Trupiano said. "We will work through complex issues to get to the truth. The show will offer everyone a voice, but we will hold them accountable with thorough fact checking. First Shift will present uncommon discussions rarely heard in today's media."

Trupiano, a 17-year radio veteran, spent the majority of his broadcasting career as a syndicated radio show host, where his passionate defense of progressive ideas, combined with his ongoing advocacy of organized labor, earned him a reputation as  "The Voice of Labor."  It is in that vein that First Shift will find its message and audience.

"My advocacy for working families, progressive leanings, and support of union values are well known, but the goal of First Shift is to educate people on all sides of the issues," Trupiano said. "Whether it's the reality of the Governor's tax plan or the void created by the political shift in state government, First Shift will present all sides of the issues impacting everyone in Michigan."

Many in the labor community are looking forward to Trupiano's return to radio and First Shift's programming.

"The focused political effort to destroy the middle class and the labor movement is being fueled by the conservative media," Roger Robinson, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 876, said. "On First Shift, the public will hear the truth about current issues and workers' voices will finally be heard."

Clear Channel, WDTW's parent company, also welcomes Trupiano's return.

"Tony is a veteran broadcaster with a passion for getting to the heart of issues," Til Levesque, Clear Channel Detroit President/Market Manager, said.  "We are confident listeners will find Tony entertaining and informative, and we welcome him to the 1310 AM airwaves."

First Shift will be streamed live and available on podcasts.

Trupiano, a lifelong resident of southeast Michigan and small business owner, left radio in 2006 to run for Congress in Michigan's 11th District, losing a close race.  

SOURCE United Food and Commercial Workers Local 876