Michael Savage, American radio host and author

Michael Alan Weiner, widely recognized by his professional moniker Michael Savage, is a prominent American figure known for his multifaceted career as a conservative author, conspiracy theorist, political commentator, activist, and former radio host. Born on March 31, 1942, Savage has carved out a unique space in American media, particularly through his impactful radio program.

The Savage Nation: A Radio Phenomenon

Savage is perhaps best known as the outspoken host of The Savage Nation, a nationally syndicated talk show that captivated millions of listeners across the United States. Aired on the Talk Radio Network, the program ran until 2021, becoming a significant voice in conservative media. Its popularity peaked dramatically; in 2009, The Savage Nation stood as the second most listened-to radio talk show in the country, boasting an impressive audience of over 20 million listeners spread across 400 stations nationwide. The show's syndication saw a shift from October 23, 2012, to January 1, 2021, during which time Michael Savage's program was syndicated by major players in the radio industry, specifically Cumulus Media and Westwood One, further solidifying its reach and influence.

Academic Foundations and Intellectual Breadth

Before adopting the combative persona of Michael Savage, Michael Weiner pursued a rigorous academic path, demonstrating a diverse intellectual curiosity. He earned master's degrees from the University of Hawaii, specializing in both medical botany and medical anthropology. His advanced studies culminated in a Ph.D. from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, where he focused on nutritional ethnomedicine. This strong scientific background influenced his early literary endeavors; as Michael Weiner, he authored several books exploring topics such as nutrition, herbal medicine, and homeopathy, showcasing a deep interest in natural health and traditional remedies. The transition to Michael Savage marked a distinct shift in his writing, leading to the publication of numerous political books, many of which achieved the coveted status of a The New York Times Best Seller, reflecting his growing influence in political discourse.

Philosophy and Controversies: Borders, Language, Culture

Michael Savage succinctly distills his political philosophy into three foundational tenets: "borders, language, and culture." He describes his own views as a form of conservative nationalism, advocating for strong national sovereignty, the promotion of English as the national language (supporting the English-only movement), and the preservation of traditional American culture. Critics, however, have often characterized his rhetoric as "fostering extremism," sparking considerable debate and controversy. While his radio delivery is predominantly politically themed, Savage's expansive intellectual interests ensure a broad range of subjects are covered. Listeners could expect discussions on medicine, nutrition, music, literature, history, theology, philosophy, sports, business, economics, and various cultural topics, often peppered with his personal anecdotes, providing a rich, if at times polarizing, tapestry of commentary.

International Incident: The UK Ban

One of the most notable controversies surrounding Michael Savage occurred in 2009 when he was placed on a list of individuals permanently banned from entering the United Kingdom. This drastic measure was enacted by the British Home Secretary, who cited concerns that Savage was "seeking to provoke others to serious criminal acts and fostering hatred." This incident highlighted the international dimension of Savage's influence and the strong reactions his outspoken views could elicit beyond American borders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Michael Savage

Who is Michael Savage?
Michael Savage, born Michael Alan Weiner, is an American conservative author, conspiracy theorist, political commentator, activist, and former nationally syndicated radio host best known for his show, The Savage Nation.
What was The Savage Nation?
The Savage Nation was a nationally syndicated talk radio show hosted by Michael Savage that aired on the Talk Radio Network until 2021. It was one of the most listened-to radio shows in the U.S., reaching over 20 million listeners at its peak.
What is Michael Savage's educational background?
He holds master's degrees from the University of Hawaii in medical botany and medical anthropology, and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, in nutritional ethnomedicine.
Has Michael Savage written books?
Yes, as Michael Weiner, he wrote books on nutrition, herbal medicine, and homeopathy. As Michael Savage, he has authored several political books that have become New York Times Best Sellers.
What is Michael Savage's political philosophy?
He summarizes his political philosophy with "borders, language, and culture," characterizing his views as conservative nationalism.
Why was Michael Savage banned from the UK?
In 2009, the British Home Secretary placed him on a permanent ban list for "seeking to provoke others to serious criminal acts and fostering hatred."
What topics did he cover on his show?
Beyond politics, he often covered medicine, nutrition, music, literature, history, theology, philosophy, sports, business, economics, and culture, interspersed with personal anecdotes.
Who syndicated his radio show?
Initially with the Talk Radio Network, from 2012 to 2021, The Savage Nation was syndicated by Cumulus Media and Westwood One.