On Oct. 17, 1926, Catholic priest Father Charles Coughlin went on air for the first time in Royal Oak for his debut as “The Radio Priest.” His controversial views, such as anti-Semitic language and defense of the Nazis actions as necessary to stop Communism, attracted millions of listeners until he ceased broadcasting in 1942.
The Roosevelt administration took steps to take him off the air and prevent distribution of his material. He continued preaching until his retirement in 1966.
Sources:
Michigan Every Day
Charles Coughlin entry from U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Father Charles Couglin Radio Broadcasts courtesy of the University of Detroit Mercy