Brooklyn GOP Takes to the "Internet" Airwaves

By Ilya Galak,

It’s no secret that national leaders are trying to find new and interesting ways to attract young people to their end of the political spectrum.  Well, the Brooklyn Republican Party has developed a novel and innovative approach through a combination of social networking, new media and good ol’ fashioned talk radio – and it’s called “Brooklyn GOP Radio”.

Brooklyn GOP Radio is an internet-based radio talk show which broadcasts online on the BlogTalkRadio platform.  Every Wednesday night at 9 PM, the Brooklyn GOP produces an hour-long show featuring live call-ins, a live internet chat, special guests and lively debate of the political issues of the day.  You can also listen to archived shows online, or download them through iTunes and take them on the go.  The show even has its own blog – brooklyngopradio.blogspot.com – to keep listeners informed and involved. 

Gene Berardelli, a vice chair of the Brooklyn GOP developed the concept. “I came to the Chairman (Craig Eaton) with the idea of a weekly live streaming web broadcast based on technology I had some experience with.  It took some convincing, but thankfully, he green-lit the project and we started the show.  The rest, as they say, is history” 

Brooklyn GOP Radio has attracted esteemed guests from the local political scene like Senator Marty Golden, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, and Councilman Dan Halloran as well as national political figures like former Lt. Governor-turned ObamaCare opponent Betsy McCaughey.    The show even received full-access press passes to the 3-day Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C.

While the show is informative, it’s not all business.  Hosts and guests shares lots of laughs – usually at the expense of their “Buffoon of the Week”, a dubious honor bestowed on a public figure or show member who did something worthy of some form of light-hearted ridicule.  “It’s nothing malicious, but everyone gets a kick out of pointing out those moments that make you go ‘huh?’ ”, said Berardelli.

Russell Gallo, who is the Leader of the 47^th Assembly District and President of the Brooklyn Young Republicans, co-hosts the show every week with Berardelli. Initially, he had his doubts that Brooklyn GOP Radio would take off.  “I wasn’t totally on board at first mainly because I wasn’t familiar with what it was.   But after my first broadcast, I was totally hooked - and I realized that we were starting something that has a lot of possibilities.”    

“But neither of us thought it would take off this well this soon.”

In the summer of 2010, what started as a Saturday morning broadcast from Berardelli’s home turned into a cross between a politicalmeeting and a regular mid-week party by the end of the year.  Every week, anywhere from 15 to 25 Republicans gather at the Brooklyn GOP Office, which showgoers has dubbed “The Victory Center”, at 7620 17^th Avenue in Bensonhurst to hang out, talk politics and be part of the show.  “It seems like every week, there’s someone new coming through those doors”, said Gallo.  “The show has been a great ice-breaker for people who have never been involved before.”

“It started off as Russell and I talking to ourselves, then a few people would come to the office and take an interest.  Now, everyone is showing up, bringing food and drinks and they’re mingling around, sharing ideas and opinions and they’re all so excited to be here.  It’s amazing.” said Berardelli.    Some even get into the act on-air, as people are invited to grab a microphone and talk about the issues of the day.

Both Berardelli and Gallo credit the show’s success for the decision to re-launch of the Brooklyn Young Republicans, headed by Gallo.  “It’s brought new life to the Republican Party in Brooklyn”, said Gallo. 

But it’s not just the young activists that took notice.  There is a wide diversity in age, background and religion showing up to the show, but is united in their love of Republican values.  “When I didn’t expect is the range of people who come to the show.  It’s not just the internet generation, our older leaders are getting into the act, too.”, said Gallo. 

“Everyone is welcome.”, said Berardelli.  “That’s the beauty of the show.” 

You can listen to Brooklyn GOP Radio live every Wednesday at 9 PM or on replay online at blogtalkradio.com/brooklyngopradio