How Political Donors Are Changing Statehouse News Reporting A growing share of statehouse reporting in state capitols across the country comes from conservative groups, blurring the lines between journalism and advocacy. Daniel C. Vock | November 2014 The talk radio segment started with the opening guitar riffs of Guns N’ Roses’ “Paradise City.” Then, over the first drumbeats of the 1987 rock anthem, came the deep, resonant voice of a male announcer, “Holding government accountable for how they spend our money, it’s Illinois Watchdog Radio: Watching the statehouse and cities across the state.” Finally, host Benjamin Yount took the microphone. He playfully mimicked the driving sounds of the Guns N’ Roses guitar for a few seconds before launching in with his name, a Twitter handle and a number to text. Then, with a cadence common on conservative talk shows -- rapid succession of escalating questions, dramatic pauses and a tone of incredulity -- he got down to business.