CHICAGO, Jan. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association:

The power of talk radio has become as plain as day to the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA).  After several months of partnering with a Chicago talk radio host, the numbers indicate that "On Target Radio" has boosted public interest in the ISRA's legislative and shooting sports programs.

"Our leadership was a bit skeptical at first about the effectiveness of a Sunday night talk radio show," said ISRA Executive Director Richard Pearson. "Many of us assumed that, by that 9:00 p.m. Sunday, potential listeners would be too busy getting ready for work to listen to a firearms-oriented radio show. Happily, that assumption was wrong – very wrong indeed."

"In the time since the ISRA has become a regular feature on 'On Target,' we've seen a definite uptick in new memberships," continued Pearson. "Many of the firearm owners who are calling our office to join these days say that they heard about the ISRA while listening to 'On Target.' Callers appreciate the fact that they can get regular gun rights news and commentary on the radio from a source right here in Illinois.  We're very happy that we established our partnership with 'On Target,' and plan to continue that relationship in the months to come."

"On Target Radio" is hosted by David Lombardo and may be heard on WIND 560 AM on Sunday nights at 9:00 p.m. News and information from the ISRA is a regular feature on the show as are in-studio appearances by ISRA officers and lobbyists.

The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership.  For over a century, the ISRA has represented the interests of millions of law-abiding Illinois firearm owners.

SOURCE Illinois State Rifle Association