Air America To Declare Bankruptcy, But Progressive Radio Remains Strong
Air America To Declare Bankruptcy, But Progressive Radio Remains Strong
UPDATE: According to Al Franken, Air America did not file for bankruptcy Friday. We regret the error. See our correction here.
Air America Radio will announce a major restructuring on Friday, which is expected to include a bankruptcy filing, three independent sources have told ThinkProgress.
Air America could remain on the air under the deal, but significant personnel changes are already in the works. Sources say five Air America employees were laid off yesterday and were told there would be no severance without capital infusion or bankruptcy. Also, Air America has ended its relationship with host Jerry Springer.
The right wing is sure to seize on Air America’s financial woes as a sign that progressive talk radio is unpopular. In fact, Air America succeeded at creating something that didn’t exist: the progressive talk radio format. That format is now established and strong and will continue with or without Air America. Indeed, many of the country’s most successful and widely-syndicated progressive talk hosts — Ed Schultz and Stephanie Miller, for instance — aren’t even associated with Air America.
Radio giant Clear Channel is so committed to progressive talk radio that, this week, it will announce a partnership with the Center for American Progress and MSS Inc. to conduct a nationwide search for the next Progressive Talk Radio Star.
UPDATE: Air America responds.
If Air America had filed for bankruptcy every time someone rumored it to be doing so, we would have ceased to exist long ago; it may be frustrating to some that this hasn’t happened. No decision has been taken to make any filing of any kind, we are not sure of the source of these rumors and frankly can not respond to every rumor in the marketplace.
UPDATE II: Comments have been temporarily closed to decrease stress on our server, which is under load. We’ll open them back up when traffic returns to normal levels.
UPDATE III: Comments have been reopened.
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While I hate to hear this, I feel that the radio format is dated. Progressives get their news from reading blogs and other online sources. I don’t have time to sit and listen to radio, AM or streaming.
Let the radio format go the way of the Dodo… let’s concentrate on more and better online media.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:04 pmJason M. Hendler, before you begin posting here, why don’t you make a call for the Pres. Reagan docu-drama to be broadcast?
You seem to think the radical-right-wing being able to show their version of history is just fine, why the double-standard?
By the way, didn’t Rush Limbaugh have a television show that flopped harder and faster than Air America radio? I’ll be nobody wants to bring THAT news up.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:05 pmProgressives get their news from reading blogs and other online sources.
Progressives aren’t the people that need reaching.
I’ve heard many truck drivers and elderly people calling into Air America claiming they’ve been converted.
We can’t cede any format to the right.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:07 pmthat’s too bad. hopefully they can keep operating into the distant future. they certainly gained lots of ground reaching new markets in the past couple years. I’m not a fan of Clear Channel, but their support shows a need in the market for the liberal format. They wouldn’t do it if they didn’t think they’d make a lot of money.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:07 pmYou’re correct about blogs but at the same time you are shooting yourself in the foot. The Repugnican Noise Machine is well-entrenched in radio. Look at Rush and Michael Savage and other hyena’s of similar background. We lose the radio wars and its just another method for the wing nuts to spew their venom without anyone to counter their distortions. Lots of people get their information from radio. It would be suicide for our side to not be a player. Not everyone has a computer and actively blogs
September 13th, 2006 at 12:08 pmDamn I hope Al stays on the air somehow.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:13 pmR.I.P., Air America. If it had been a right-wing network, this administration would have secretly funneled millions of dollars into it. Ya know, if they happen to do that sort of thing.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:15 pmI’m saddened by this. I’m going over to their website right now and joining their premium service. It’s the least I can do. If enought others did this, it might help.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:20 pmI’m going to go over to their website and join their premium service now. It’s the least I can do, and if enough others did, perhaps it would help. Put your money where your mouth is!
September 13th, 2006 at 12:22 pmWell I, for one, very much enjoy listening to my progressive radio on the commute to and from work…
As mentioned in the article, Stephanie Miller and Ed Shultz are HUGE without Air America (although I’m not crazy about Shultz’ show, Miller’s is HILLARIOUS).
It’s not dead, it’s just changing. Air America tried to be a single outlet for progressive radio 24/7 with brand-name hosts. That’s a tall order to maintain profitability.
Whatever happens to Air America, the “stars” on their roster will continue in some way, shape, or form.
Progressive radio, TV, and blogging, are all here to stay. Different niches for different markets in different mediums!
September 13th, 2006 at 12:23 pmnot sorry at all to know springer will go (my opinion, that was a HUGE mistake signing him) - i’d figured as much when sam seder announced that his show is moving to that time slot…
no way is AirAmericaRadio going away… no way…
September 13th, 2006 at 12:23 pm…
This is a sad, sad day.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:23 pmThat will leave the area with no radio voice against the right wing hatred. People do listen to radio in their cars and at work. This is a huge loss to the voice of sanity.
There’s no question that Stephanie Miller and Ed Schultz are the two biggest progressive radio stars, and they are on the Jones Radio Network.
The problem is - who would carry their programming? I have the (possibly mistaken) impression that it’s mainly Air America affiliates who are carrying these two shows. If Air America folds, what happens to Stephanie and Big Ed?
I hope Air America is able to survive, but it seems increasingly unlikely.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:23 pm“R.I.P, Air Amirica” may be a bit premature. I work for Northwest Airlines, a company that has been in bankruptcy for a year. We’re still flying.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:25 pmAir America going under is definetly a good sign that progressive radio is picking up steam. I couldn’t think of a better sign.
LOL
September 13th, 2006 at 12:26 pmI agree with Len at #3. The purpose of left-wing radio isn’t to preach to the choir, but to bring in converts.
Hopefully, syndication of some of AAR’s better folks (Maddow, Maron, Seder among them) on satellite or other stations will be the next step.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:28 pmI’m sad to see Air America on the ropes, but very glad to hear that Clear Channel is doing a talent search for progressives.
Mainly because I want to enter.
Hopefully this will lead to Sam Seder on my TV somehow.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:28 pmWould love to hear MIKE MALLOY again. God, I miss his show.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:29 pmEven though they may go under
September 13th, 2006 at 12:30 pmRethugs better not think that they are going to be any closer to victory in November…
If that happens, a lot of radio stations will have dead air if they don’t replace the programming themselves, such as syndicating Stephanie and Big Ed on their own. I doubt they’ll go anywhere in most markets just because of Air America… Not if the program directors at the stations are smart. :-)
September 13th, 2006 at 12:32 pmI’ll miss Al Franken, but that’s about it.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:33 pmMusic is better for the soul anyhow.
I dread the silence. I listen to AA a lot, and depend on all those voices. I hope something can be salvaged. Fingers crossed. :-(
September 13th, 2006 at 12:35 pmSome of us listen to Air America on our way to and from work.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:38 pmCan I throw my hat in the ring to be the Next Progressive Radio Star?! Can we televise it? Sounds like a great reality show.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:40 pmI just signed up for XM a couple of months ago! Crap! I WASN’T too crazy about Al Franken personally, but he had good guests. I liked Randi Rhodes and Same Seder. Jerry Springer sucked. If I got screwed by signing onto XM, and there’s no Air America, I want my money back!
September 13th, 2006 at 12:42 pmI’m glad to hear AAR is shrugging off Jerry Springer. What I want to know is whether we’ll still have Randi and The Young Turks.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:43 pmfor all the accusations that soros is funding AAR, now would be a good time for him to step up and do just that… not?
September 13th, 2006 at 12:43 pmor how ’bout you, ted? c’mon!!! here’s your chance to help again!
…
Buford @ 1:
“While I hate to hear this, I feel that the radio format is dated. Progressives get their news from reading blogs and other online sources. I don’t have time to sit and listen to radio, AM or streaming.”
How nice for you that your life is so filled with activities that you don’t have time for radio, but I think you might be somewhat out of touch with a large part of society. I spend more time online than anyone I know, but radio still has its place. You must not live in an area where people spend a half hour, an hour, or more in their cars twice a day. You probably also don’t jog or work out, or have a dog to take for a half hour walk in the evenings. And while you evidently aren’t able to listen to radio at your job, many people are and do. Radio will certainly evolve, and XM, Sirius, and podcasting are examples of this, but a portable, audio-based format like radio will always be in demand.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:43 pmI guess I’m not surprised. As much as I love listening to Boston’s Progressive Talk, I felt that only Stephanie Miller and Ed Schultz had real presence on the radio. The others just didn’t stand out. Randi Rhodes, in particular, was too given to just ranting and I usually ended turning her show off after Ed Schultz left the air. I believe there might be some good talent out there but I don’t believe that Air America has found them yet.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:44 pmIf Air America folds, what happens to Stephanie and Big Ed?
There is a lot great Progressive programming out there now…some local some syndicated Bill Press…Peter B. Collins….Jay Marvin…Thom Hartmann.. I thnk stations will have no problem filling in
September 13th, 2006 at 12:45 pmHopefully Air America will find a way. This country needs to have a place for people too smart to listen to the right wing noise machine. those who will dance in the streets and cheer the demise (premature) of Air America only show that they are not in favor of a free country where everyone has a right to speak and also to hear their kind of politics. Why are Conservatives so damn afraid of Air America?
And for those who think that on-line is the be-all of political discourse, there are a lot of people, aka, voters out here who do not have a computer, can’t afford a computer or just plain don’t care about blogs. Do you want to alienate them?
September 13th, 2006 at 12:46 pmSome liberal gazillionaire needs to step up. Many people llisten to the radio and there needs to be a station like this on the air. Choice is always a good thing.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:47 pmBWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 13th, 2006 at 12:49 pmThis is really sad for me to hear. I only hope it will not be going away completely! I live in Texas and we desperately need progressive radio on our airwaves to counteract the crazy right-wing talking heads. I listen to and from work and look forward to Randi Rhodes’ show. She’s phenomenal! Hopefully, Clear Channel will recognize a true talent in her!
September 13th, 2006 at 12:49 pmI don’t know why they had Jerry Springer in the first place. Firing Mike Malloy was criminal, in my opinion. He was the most honest and up front host on Air America. I actually boycotted Air America after they fired him.
As Air America gradually devolved into a front for the DLC I lost all interest in it. There were only a few hosts left who I had any respect for.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:50 pmgetting a left wing noise machine in place to counter the right’s is really the only hope we have in this country.
it doesn’t matter how great our policies or candidates are if we don’t have the medium to get our message out.
we not only need air america (although air america could be a lot better… getting rid of springer is a great start) but we need a liberal version of FOX News as well.
this is a step backwards, and it is frightening
September 13th, 2006 at 12:51 pmThe decay that started when Goldberg briefly took the reins is now taking hold. Canceling the irreverent Morning Sedition last Christmast just as Howard Stern was moving exclusively to sirius was the stupidest thing they ever did. They basically had the Daily Show on the radio 5 days a week and Danny boy blew it out of the water and replaced it with that weak Mark Riley show.
When they got rid of Marc Maron, I was angry for awhile, but got over it. However, when they got rid of Mike Malloy, I decided I did not care whether AAR survived or not. Randi, Rachel, and Sam will find somewhere else to work.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:54 pmI’ve been listening since day 1 in New Jersey. Radio is a very important format. It’s not just preaching to the choir but teaching and informing the public of stories not covered at all or slanted by the MSM. With it’s original lineup i was literally listening from 5am to 11pm.
Then they made some changes.
Right now in this transition period it’s a mix of good and terrible. I get to hear Armstrong Williams, a republican shill with a penchant for lying when sufficiently bribed first thing in the am. Then I get Springer who though a liberal seems to agree with every caller with a phone.
I’ve have to go online to get Rachel Maddow now and then from noon to 10pm its all good with Franken, Randi Rhodes and Sam Seder.
Back downhill after that with the Sattellite sisters intercontenental blab-fest.
I also just signed up with premium membership. I hope it’s not part of the bankrupcy settlment.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:54 pmI really enjoy listening to AL,
Randy, Rachel and all.
Rush proves that talk radio is a very important medium.
I wonder if anyone has done poling on political attitudes in markets after Air America had entered?
September 13th, 2006 at 12:56 pmLooks like Error America fans are learning a little lesson about economics and free markets.
Advertisers won’t pay top dollar if the ratings numbers are bad. That’s been Error America’s problems since day 1. Not enough folks are listening. The “bash America” format doesn’t get a wide audience. I think they’d get better ratings if they took their show to some of the Islamic countries. As long as Franken would throw in an “allah akbar” in now and then.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:56 pmso we got clear channels attention? cool. I elect marie for the Job and spudge boy and Worfeus and unbelievable
September 13th, 2006 at 12:58 pmI like Air America, but here in my hometown it has the WORST reception. I can only get it at certain times of the day, and in certain areas of downtown.
If they had better reception they’ld probably get more listeners. Even the Alex Jones micro-brodcasts come in much clearer than Air America.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:01 pmRush proves that talk radio is a very important medium.
too bad he became a drug addict, besides his hate-baiting style is going out the window.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:01 pmOh yeah, my local Rush Limbaugh providing conservative AM station is now carrying the Alex Jones conspiracy talk show (so I guess that shows that it’s more about the money than ideology)
Who knows, maybe they will carry Al Franken and Ed Shultz next.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:04 pmI listen to Air America sometimes. I do enjoy Al Franken’s show. But the rest of the “talent”? After Franken goes off the air, it turns into the ranting lefty network. Randi Rhodes, billed as the left’s answer to Rush Limbaugh, and just as unlistenable; Mike Malloy, now fired, the worst at ranting of the bunch. I’m as left wing as they come, but I have to say the stereotype of the ranting leftist is as accurate as they come on Air America. I prefer the BBC or PBS radio.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:04 pmThis is a huge bummer. I listen to AirAmerica every day in the car…there’s got to be a voice of the left out there if only to balance the huge right wing radio cadre.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:05 pmShoot.
I love it. I get to listen to AM1090 in Seattle all day long, and I know exactly what crimes the Republicans in power (and a few democrats) are committing.
I can plainly remember Al Franken saying he had been on the air for 1 1/2 years, and had not been accused of lying.
You don’t have to lie when you tell the truth……
All facts support the “progressive” positions.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:05 pmI like randi rhodes and mike malloy, we can still listen online right?
September 13th, 2006 at 1:07 pmThere has been a lot of internal and external sabotage at AAR. I commend those who have worked so hard with such good intentions. But the constantly shifting formats (sirius, then xm), the weak local stations, the pulling of favorite hosts like Malloy and the salaries for people like Franken and Springer couldn’t have been the best investment.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:08 pmI sure hope this does not mean the end of progressive radio–why are the big bucks with progressive tendencies so short-sighted?
[…] They weren’t good enough, they weren’t smart enough, and gosh darn it, nobody liked them. […]
September 13th, 2006 at 1:08 pmSometing has been fishy wiht AAR finances from the beginning. Who was that execs name who kept saying they had enough money to keep operating for 3 years, then all these bills weren’t being paid and then this exec dude disappears while evryone’s wondering where the money is and how they are going to pay the electricity bill. He just backs out and slinks away with his tail between his legs and somewhere someone invested a bunch of money but I guess that’s run out.
No one there is happy with management, you here all the hosts make little remarks. They hire Jerry Springer, nobody likes that guy, I got nothing agaisnt him but he’s soooooo boring. One of the best talents they have there is Rachel Maddow and they keep screwing with her shows. They fire Mike Malloy.
When I heard that I wrote them and asked if they were TRYING to fail. I was joking…sort of. But now I’m not. I think they are trying to fail.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:11 pmI can’t believe that there have been 50 comments and no one has mentioned the somewhat incongrous relationship between the Center for American Progress and the right-wing media megalith, Clear Channel.
I am unable to cognitively process the statement that Clear Channel is…
I know that many conservative broadcasters will sell out their principles for profit, but it’s still hard to believe that they can be trusted.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:11 pmA nationwide search for the progressive radio talk star. That’s a pretty telling statement. They actually have to do a ’search’. LMAO.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:11 pmAnother “Victory” for the left/progressives?
September 13th, 2006 at 1:12 pmThe Young Turks have just announced that they are going to be the new morning show on AAR.
http://www.theyoungturks.com/story/2006/9/12/162149/915
This must be part of the restructuring. I hope this is a good move for them.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:13 pmGod bless.. go forward.
This is what happens when you sell out to the DLC and AIPAC, and fire the greatest Liberal voice in radio, Mike Malloy.
Hope to see a new and much improved network rise out of this, and if not that, some way for Sam Seder, Randi Rhodes, Thom Hartman, and Rachel Maddow to carry on.
To Hell with Al Franken. He’s part of the problem, not the solution.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:13 pm@muckdog,
You are a liar. Air America may not be doing well, but there is plenty of evidence, that it’s not having problems with ratings.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:14 pmThom Hartmann is the next big progressive radio star. I just move to San Diego from Portland, and Thom’s morning show is what I miss the most. I love it when he fills in for Randi or Sam, but he needs to be a star all his own. He’s level, insightful, analytical, rational, and SMART! He’s not inflammatory the way Randi Rhodes or Mike Malloy are, and he doesn’t try too hard to be funny like Seder (who I do like). I want Hartmann to run for office, but if not, a nationally syndicated radio AND TV show are the next best thing.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:15 pmWE NEED TO SUPPORT THE TALENT — NOT MANAGEMENT AT AAR:
I think the issue of the management filing bankruptcy comes down to a couple of important issues that go beyond the talent of Air America: Recently, a defense contractor sued AAR and the Randi Rhodes show for libel (Randi won her case) which extremely expensive. Then you have what seems to be management with little radio experience and marketing.
I agree we need Progressive Talk to counter the right wing blow hards who litter the AM frequencies. AAR has helped organize progressive bloggers. It’s given liberal and progressive bloggers a national forum. Yesterday, Randi had Amy Goodman on her show promoting Amy’s new book. Host like Randi, Sam and Laura Flanders understand that the network can bring a lot of us together and give voice to many in the country who feel isolated.
I also think Randi, Sam and others were instrumental in helping with the Lamont victory — so don’t write off AAR or the medium of progressive radio as useless. Just look at the frightening corporatized re-writing of history in last weekends, “Path to 911″. Where else other then Pacifica radio, AAR and the blogs would you get the real story.
Randi Rhodes from what I understand is actually on loan from Clear Channel, where she ruled the South Florida airwares, beating Limbaugh badly in the 90’s. Let’s hope that maybe Clear Channel wisens up and gives Randi a fully funded syndicated national show. If you watch the C-Span Q&A interview with Randi, when she was beating Limbaugh in the ratings in South Florida, Clear Channel would not risk the business lost of revenue if they syndicated her. So they gave her the freedom to go shop. Maybe now that’s she’s a proven commodity, they will give her the 500+ station syndication she deserves, along with Sam Sedar and Mike Malloy.
Clear Channel and the big evil radio empires don’t care what’s on the air. All they care is if it makes money. Progressive talk has proven it can survive commercially, with the right management, so let’s hope this new hitch with AAR, won’t silence the talent, but hopefully expand their possibilites.
Best of Luck to you Sam, Randi, Laura and Mike.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:15 pmBankrucy doesn’t mean folding or going off the air- One advantage is they will get out of the LOUSY exclusive XM contract. NO ONE knows enough details of the restructuring to comment on ANY detail.
One can assume the hosts with ratings will stay those who don’t won’t. (Employment contracts will be invalidated.)
All that said I think AAR needs a passionate visionary dynamic leader with a great promotional ability.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:16 pmBill O’Rielly will mostly likely open up his show with this story.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:16 pmIf Air America, as an organization, goes under, it does not mean that the individual shows/talent will be gone. The good ones will be picked up by other organizations, such as those involved with the Ed Schultz or Stephanie Miller shows, and may become stronger. This is a natural and healthy evolution. Now, if ALL progressive talk just disappears, we should be concerned. I remember Chrysler going bankrupt and reorganizing, then creating the mini-van which turned them around financially. If Air America reorganizes and finds the right talent and format (product) then they may become a stronger force.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:17 pmAs a broadcaster myself, I have been disappointed in the overall way that the programming has been handled. There is definite talent at AA, but there have been major flaws in some of the timeslots and scheduling.
In particular, the AM show has been extraordinarily weak. It isn’t just the talent, but the way the show is produced. In AM drive, for example, if somebody has just 10 minutes in their car to listen, how sad is it when that period of time has to include the Kent Jones sports report? Benchmarks for a progressive talk format should be elements you can’t find in any other format. Mark & Mark’s biggest flaw (or more correctly, the flaw of their program director) was scheduling entertainment interviews that often had little to do with progressive politics. With all the high-profile morning shows to choose from, why would somebody listen to AA in the morning for an entertainment interview?
At any rate, a good friend of mine works there and I am just concerned that his job is safe. No matter the flaws, AA is something we need to root for and support.
http://scootmandubious.blogspot.com
September 13th, 2006 at 1:17 pmWhoever the next “star” is of progressive radio, he/she needs to be someone that isn’t afraid to tackle the issues and facts that really affect America.
The Democrats have too long tip-toed through serious issues, and now is the time to quit the tip-toeing, and stomp into the realm of the Neo-conservatives and religious-right Evangelical movement that are attempting to take over America. Being controversial isn’t necessarily being wrong - and someone that can capture the imagination of a population that for far too long, has heard a mediocre stance on several important issues that must be addressed.
We need someone that is unafraid of the opposition and has the ability to speak in a clear and firm voice that will rivet the listeners - not bore them with the same old rhetoric! I know he/she is out there, I just hope they find that person who will act as a catalyst in the movement to rid our country of the Neo-cons and make the Evangelical Christians’ ultimate mission known to all who listen so America will actually be aware of what we are fighting, and how to succeed!
William Cormier
September 13th, 2006 at 1:20 pmHow about Keith Olbermann and Air America?
September 13th, 2006 at 1:21 pmI stopped listening to AAR after a**hole Danny Goldberg cancelled the Morning Sedition show with Marc Maron and Mark Riley. That was the best morning show I had ever heard.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:22 pmCome on TP… I could go to a Republican sight if I wanted my intelligence to be insulted.
The bankruptcy of the leading progressive radio outlet is not a sign of strength for progressive radio!
This is not a hopeful occurrence… but quite the opposite.
Let’s just say this is a sad day for the progressive movement… we are down but not out… if we are to succeed we will have to work not only harder but also smarter.
There is a lesson to be learned here… and it is not everything is fine… we’re doing everything right!
September 13th, 2006 at 1:23 pmI’m surprised it’s lasted this long, how many stations are left carrying it, 3-4?
September 13th, 2006 at 1:24 pmBest news so far today!
September 13th, 2006 at 1:25 pmWhy don’t they just steal more money from the boys and girls clubs?
September 13th, 2006 at 1:25 pmI don’t understand why AA is going bankrupt?
Well, it’s a shame. I’ve listened to AA ever since it started but very seldom anymore. I used to be able to crank it up on the computer and listen as I worked, RealPlayer didn’t seem to use enough bandwidth to
September 13th, 2006 at 1:26 pmkeep me from doing other online things on the computer, then it seemed to change and I couldn’t get it
to work. OK try the radio - Cincinnati started carrying some progressive shows and I was able to get Al’s show and then Ed Schultz ( my fave ) but no more. Cincy changed the channel where they carried the
shows and since I live 60 miles from Cincy I can no longer get the shows very clearly.
I miss listening to Randi and Ed especially. Al’s show is not that great IMO unless he has good
interviews like Tom Oliphant or Larry O’Donnell, but in general his show is awful, just boring.
If progressive radio is to have a future they need to get control of some radio stations and get
the better programs out there - Randi, Ed, Rachel …….. all need to be heard. Unfortunately in my area
the only option for talk is from Louisville which only carries blow hard conservatives. As far as I know
progressives have nothing in that area of millions of people. Progressives Come on Pony up and buy
some stations and get serious about communicating the message.
Good Ridance, more room on the dial for Salsa music!
September 13th, 2006 at 1:27 pmWhat a shame…I’m sure this is Bush’s fault too.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:29 pmLOL, GREAT NEWS
September 13th, 2006 at 1:29 pmToday, Air (anti) America; tomorrow Keith Odormann’s gameshow Meltdown. Are some people still unable to draw the proper conclusion from both events?
September 13th, 2006 at 1:31 pmIt’s Bush’s fault. Heh, heh, heh.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:31 pmFunny thing about the Market….people vote in radio with their dials. Maybe listening to a bunch of hyperbolic liberals calling Bush names doesn’t make for good radio. Al Franken? Hack. The ugly chick from that movie with Uma Therman? Hack. If there was really a demand for this kind of crap, Air America wouldn’t be filing bankruptcy. You went into the marketplace and lost. Deal with it.
I have no problem with “progressive” (which is just fancy cocktail party code for LIBERAL) talk…but the host has to keep in mind the majority of his audience is going to be hostile ideologically and perhaps bomb throwing might turn off listeners?
September 13th, 2006 at 1:32 pmGood riddance for Ed Schultz, the Democrats answer to Rush Limbaugh. Just as bombastic and up on pro Football, Ed should be hired opposite Rush on an EIB Hannity and Colmes format.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:32 pmWhy doesn’t George Soros just write them and check
and bail them out????
Georgy’s “progressive.. left leaning” lawyers and accountants make sure he doesn’t have to pay any taxes so there should be lots “left” for great causes like Air America.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:33 pmI had no idea one could file for intellectual bankruptcy. But if any one could, Air America qualifies.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:33 pmTheir new name is OFF THE AIR AMERICA. You can’t preach gloom and doom and expect to survive. There are only so many :Black Helicopter” theories that you come up with. They just ran out of helicopters.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:34 pmI wonder how much “K” street has to do with steering advertisers away from Air America. It seems like it would be a cheap ad buy for automobiles and stuff. Unfortunately, we’ll probably never know.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:35 pmThe radio isn’t about ideology, it’s about entertainment and selling advertising. If you’re serious and what to learn about something, you’ll hopefully go elsewhere. But if you’re just looking for some cheerful distraction in between exits, that’s what radio is for. Limbaugh could do the exact same show from a liberal perspective and he’d be just as successful. Too many people in radio think they’re out to save the world and it’s beneath them to even consider such a possibility. The smart ones know better, and they’re more successful because of it.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:35 pmIt’s no surprise “Air America” is going down in flames. You’s have to be crazy to spend THAT much money on a pair of basketball shoes! They don’t really make you jump any higher…and they smell.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:36 pmOh well, there goes Al Qaeda’s voice on our air waves…how long ’till Al Jazeera gets a hold of ABC??
September 13th, 2006 at 1:36 pmi truly believe there is no way AAR is going away…
about franken - he is not a great radio voice, but he can pull in the guests who are the most important voices that need to be heard… his style can be annoying (too many “uh”s) but i listen for his guests…
speaking of which - TPs own judd occasionally, and CAPs christy harvey…
and no one has the facts to back up the rant like randi… no one…
no, it ain’t going away…
September 13th, 2006 at 1:36 pm…
This does seem woeful for Progressive Talk, yes, but we will not give up.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:36 pmEach morning we will sniff check our own assholes and the assholes of other progressives
and we will spread “the truth” in that manner, the way we spread everything else, via anus; it’s only a matter of time til we come back bigger and better and this time with KY in our pockets. We will have our way the way Frankenstein had his way.
I am going to be biggest liberal ever, I am going to hit more people with
folding chairs and hire more tokens and give huge sums to the ACLU to remove teenie weenie Crucifiexes from cereal boxes, we will have our way, we will learn force and torture, and there will be ten thousand bodies left in our wake, because being liberal means never having to say you’re sorry. Zeig Heil!!!
Air America is and may be the worst radio net I ever heard. Randi Rhodes? Al Franken? No discourse just venom. Good riddance I hope.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:37 pmComment #37 is quite funny:
“it doesn’t matter how great our policies or candidates are if we don’t have the medium to get our message out.”
I guess ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, NPR is not enough! Perhaps the Democrats policies and candidates are just not good.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:37 pmIf Air America is such an informative format and “Lot” of people listen then why is it folding. Maybe nobody is listening to it except the fringe left bent on Bush hating.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:37 pmJohn
If “Progressive Radio” is so strong, then why is Air America declaring bankruptcy?
September 13th, 2006 at 1:37 pmI don’t see the problem. There has been liberal radio for decades, it’s called NPR! As long as elected representitives want to waste taxpayer money there will be NPR.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:44 pmHilarious. But don’t fret young bureaucrats, the nutroots are there for you yet.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:44 pmRIP Hotair america……. Neal Boortz, and Sean Hannity has better programming anyway. By the way wasn’t Alec Baldwin supposed to move to Canada if Bush was re-elected!!!! Alec if your out there let us know were took up a collection to cover your moving cost, maybe you’ll have enough to take that nut case Cindy Sheehan with you.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:44 pmHa, listening to all these comments just confirms why the Liberal agenda in America won’t ever work…becasue you are all devoid of original ideas and can only bitch and moan about conservatives without actually bringing fresh ideas or the ability to solve problems. This is also why I PROMISE that the Dems will NOT get the seats necessary to form a majority.
Bunch of sorry whiners, and what exactly is a Patriotic Liberal Christian..you believe in God and Abortion….You all are the sorriest lot ever.
Thomas
September 13th, 2006 at 1:46 pmA Reagan Conservative
I guess the fundamental thing missing from most of the above posts is “why” they are going bankrupt.
Bankruptcy comes from not pulling in revenue.
Revenue comes from advertisers.
Advertisers want ratings. They want to put their money in the best time/station slot to maximize ROI.
Ratings come from people listening to the station.
If only a handful of people listen, they do not generate ratings.
So, to all you Liberal/Progressive/Democrat talk show supporters out there… this is your fault. You didn’t listen, you didn’t get other people to listen, you didn’t pony up the cash to get it going in thr first place. It’s time to stop whining about the “Neo-Con Conspiracy” or the “Republican Machine”, why don’t you try and figure out why there are more people who agree with Rush Limbaugh than with Al Franken.
Free Market rule says Air America is doomed. Majority rule says the same.
I guess, in the end, Al Franken is simply not good enough or smart enough, and people just don’t like him.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:46 pmAir America failed not because of its political point of view—love or hate it, there’s a place for its POV and a constituency for it that buys stuff sold in radio ads, which is the only test of that. It failed because it was BAD RADIO. It was a constant rant, a one-note samba, and not entertaining or even enlightening because of it. You may hate Rush, but he’s got variety and a sense of humor and STYLE. The very proof of this is what you say about Stephanie–she’s FUNNY and doesn’t bang on the same theme over and over and over…but don’t fool yourself about the size of her audience compared to Limbaugh, Hannity, etc. etc. She and the rest of the so-called progressive “stars” are fleas compared to giants. Radio is a COMMERCIAL medium–you have to grow a BIG and BROAD-based audience that actually BUYS products being advertised. It really isn’t that complex. Is there something about being “progressive” that makes you unwilling or unable to grasp the basic tenets of capitalism? Is doing so beneath your principles? Maybe, but this BK filing is only a formal announcement of a financial reality that’s been true since DAY ONE on Air America and has NEVER changed.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:47 pmThat proves that the neo-cons are still back in the dark ages of radio …and all other things….the Progressive and “Green People” are downloading and Ipoding. We are the future!
September 13th, 2006 at 1:48 pmAir America a “balance to hate-filled right wing radio”? You gotta be kidding, right? I listen sometimes to AA on my XM satellite, and never have I heard more hatred, anti-American, reactionary vitriol in my life. Uninformed, delusional, lemming-like mental midgets do not make for good radio, or good business as it turns out. Go figure…and good riddance. Come back with some actual SUBSTANCE and AA might actually find an audience with a brain.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:48 pmImagine that. My only question is why Sorro’s didn’t bail on this loser after the first month. Liberals always fail in an interactive format.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:49 pmWhen you have no listeners and cannot sell any advertising you go bankrupt.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:49 pmSorry kids, that’s how radio works.
Air America should’ve been called Welfare America since that’s the business model they followed.
Not surprising. I’ve been listening and all I hear is “We hate George Bush.” People want optimism and ideas, not the an open sewer of negativity. Good Riddance
September 13th, 2006 at 1:49 pmWow, I stumbled into this strange world you have here through a link from the drudgereport. You people are kinda cute and funny when youre not screaming angry. Don’t feel too bad about low ratings for left wing radio. You’ve still got the majority of the voice in print and TV media including the mainstream “News” sources. Anyway, carry on..have fun. “Make love not war”, ‘bush lied people died”, all that jazz…….Ha Ha Ha
September 13th, 2006 at 1:50 pmProgressive radio will never work. Just stick with the alphabet networks on tv. You’ve got them in the palm of your hand.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:50 pmIn the media business, it’s all about ratings. If you don’t get the ratings, you don’t stay on the air. Period. Just ask Rush Limbaugh. He has THE highest rated radio program on the planet and has been #1 for almost 20 years. Why? Because people, LOTS of them, listen. He’s also experienced the other end (Air America’s end) of the spectrum when his TV show debuted a few years ago. Nobody watched and it promplty tanked. Yanked in a NY second. Based on ratings, Air America should have been off the air months ago. It hung on as long as it could with, shall we say, “creative” financing but in the end you can’t polish a brick and if nobody listens then the show doesn’t stay on the air. It’s ALL about ratings
September 13th, 2006 at 1:50 pmAs to the why it is failing….there is no magic.
Right-wing radio is successful because its rabid listeners actively support its advertisers. They buy from advertisers precisely because they advertise on the “right” propoganda programs with compelling ads that push the correct mental buttons.
If we lefties could get our act together we would make sure there is compelling advertising on our own programs. It is great that people tune in to listen to AAR, but the only way to ensure that such programming stays on their air is to make sure advertisers on these stations create better ads so that people buy from them. If we would make it known that we are buying because of ads on AAR, then AAR would be vibrant.
How can we get better advertisers/advertising? I’m sure this must be the problem.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:50 pmThere sits Al,
September 13th, 2006 at 1:51 pmBroken hearted,
Came to talk,
But only AArted.
GOOD RIDDANCE! THE DEMS JUST DONT GET IT. THEY’RE JUST TO MAD OVER BUSH TRONCHING GORE IN 2000.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:51 pmBUSH 2007!!
The problem is “progressives/liberals/democrats do not listen to talk radio. They would rather watch Duke’s of Hazzard reruns.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:51 pmThis is a great sign that progressive radio is indeed popular. It is sure to grow even further once you realize all the potentual listeners out there who are not yet listening. Kudos to Air America for taking such a bold move to prove progressive radio is popular.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:53 pmAir America is mainly a content provider. They own very few of their stations. They do almost no advertising. Are bankrupt airlines still flying? Yes.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:53 pmIt would not take that much to keep it all going. I for one would be willing to contribute directly to this endeavor. The programing is fantastic, particularly on the weekend with Ring of Fire, etc. Rhandi Rhodes would still be available from her original Florida station.
You people are friggin nuts.
Stop cheering for the enemy.
At least pretend to be patriotic.
Burn a French flag, not an american flag.
And leave my GUNS alone.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:53 pmHa Ha!
September 13th, 2006 at 1:53 pmNatural Selection in action. Apparently, there is little or no market for progressive talk radio. What does that tell you about the people tuning in?
Air America and the rest of the hard left are out of touch with reality.
So to Air America and Moonbats that poplated it…
BUH-BYE
September 13th, 2006 at 1:54 pmWow. The Trolls are out in force today!
September 13th, 2006 at 1:54 pmI guess there are just so many ways you can say “I hate Bush” before the public gets bored. Good riddence.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:54 pmWho wants to listen to liberals whine and bitch?
September 13th, 2006 at 1:55 pmBoy, there is a fair amount of crying going on here. So what if Error Amerika goes off the air. Based on their ratings they should have been dropped a year ago. How can you keep asking Error Amerika’s deep pocket benefactors to keep carrying the load. They have already lost millions on this far fetched sure to fail adventure. So, head over and join their Premiun Service, quickly. Spend your money fast so they’ll have it when they quit. Face it, Progressive (and I use that word loosely) Radio was, is and will always be a bust. No one with a half a brain can sit and listen to all that harping and lying. So Long……………………….!!
September 13th, 2006 at 1:55 pmBankruptcy is always a sure way to tell that something is successful. The pitiful ratings of those other clowns, Shultz and whoever the other one is that was mentioned is another sure fire way to know that something is a success. But then again, how could any business venture such as progressive radio, whos’ business plan is built on lies and conspiracy theories not be a huge success. Someone suggested Keith Olberman; talk about a seamless transition!
September 13th, 2006 at 1:56 pmYES, YES, YES!!! I’m elated.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:56 pmIt’s great to see these idiots fail!
AL MUST STAY on the air!! He is peerless in his ability to make people laugh while making them THINK.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:57 pmRandi Rhodes, on the other hand, is painful to listen to. How many times can one radio host say “these people…un-ba-LEEEEV-able!” While I share her sentiments, it makes me tired to hear the same thing over and over again.
Its about time! What took so long? If it succeeded in creating progressive talk radio, why is it filing bankruptcy? Maybe nobody wants to listen to left wing propaganda.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:57 pmIt wasn’t the political bent that doomed AA, it was the constant ranting of Randi, the monotone voice of Al, and the overall brutal production quality and dead air. On college radio can get away with it, but advertisers and listeners won’t buy what you’re selling if it seems like you really don’t care if you’re quality stinks. Additionally, they needed to have actual guests on a regular basis, otherwise they just seemed endlessly repetitive.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:57 pmI guess they just didn’t steal enough money from the Boys Clubs of America to stay on the air any longer than this.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:57 pm*chortle*
This is ALL Bush’s fault! Just like 9-11 and Chernobyl and the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. I read it all in a Ward Churchill book. Or Al Franken told me. Or Michael Moore.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:58 pmGood Riddance!
September 13th, 2006 at 1:58 pmI could not be more delighted than when I heard of a probably bankruptcy for “the voice of fools”
September 13th, 2006 at 1:58 pmIt took too long, but it was well deserved. randi rhodes rest in pieces.
Gee, now if I want to hear Randi Rhodes I’ll just have to let my toilet back up.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:58 pmNa, Na, Na… Na, Na, Na … hey, hey, hey… Good-bye.
Na, Na, Na… Na, Na, Na … hey, hey, hey… Good-bye
Na, Na, Na… Na, Na, Na … hey, hey, hey… Good-bye
September 13th, 2006 at 1:58 pmOn my way out the door one day, I asked my wife and her friend if they`d like anything from the local store, since I was headed that way. She replied that she`d like a “Peach Snapple” upon which her friend gasped, ” I can`t believe you drink that stuff, it`s what Rush Limbaugh drinks”! I promptly alerted her to the probability that he also partakes of tapwater from time to time, which she could find no reply to. I then asked her if she`d ever listened to Rush. She said that No, her boyfriend Dan warned her that he was a fat blowhard…. Well, there you go, nothing like judging someone with cold hard facts. A little name-calling carries much more weight than actual in-depth investigation and honest debate. My point is: Air America is missing the most important ingredient to being successful. “Honesty” !!!
September 13th, 2006 at 1:59 pmThis is living proof that without the palor of doom and gloom over America, what liberals have to offer is about as marketable as sand is in the Middle East.
When Americans want truth they know where to find it.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:59 pmThat source is noneother than Rush Limbaugh.
woo wee! calling all trolls! make a list - they’re all here now…
I wonder how much “K†street has to do with steering advertisers away from Air America…we’ll probably never know.
Comment by hit_escape — September 13, 2006 @ 1:35 pm
oh, i think we know…
September 13th, 2006 at 1:59 pmLiberal talk radio will never work, and this is why: Conservatives are united because of what they believe in, such as free market, capitalism, secured borders, lower taxes, a strong defense, and Christianity. Liberals are united because of who they are, such as homosexuals, minorities, environmentalists, and celebrities. People will tune in to radio to discuss ideas, but they won’t tune in just to be reminded who they are.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:00 pmIt’s little wonder Air(head) America is having troubles… There’s an old and reliable adage that if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. All the Liberal (ooops, pardon me, “Progressives”) at A.A. can do is speak negatively about the state of the country, the state of the Presidency, the war, etc ad nauseum… but can ANYONE in that Party give us SOLUTIONS???? They are quick to say what is all “wrong” but not a single answer to what would make it right.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:01 pm“It’ll never fly Orville.”
The truth has never been spoken better.
A good liberal, democrat, communist, marxist, leninist, green etc. will never be successful in a capitalist market. We are all too busy trying to make a profit……..Something you never did.
Best of luck in the Comedy Clubs in the Catskills.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:01 pmI love the whinning coming from you guys. Fact is the market has spoke and there is no demand in America for the half-truths you idiots spew.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:02 pmErl W.
Poor Babies
September 13th, 2006 at 2:02 pmI am the only Dem. in a Rep. Texas but I have to say that I turned on Air America and I haven’t changed the dial for along time now. To see that this station might be in trouble with money is sad to see.
I have loved each and every show and it sad to see Jerry go. Hopefully he will do better at his new gig on TV.
Second, Randi… ROCKS.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:02 pmHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
September 13th, 2006 at 2:02 pmLiberals, excuse me, Progressives, sure know how to spin a story. They have done their usual by changing definitions. They have filed bankruptcy, but are strong. And they have changed the radio airwaves. What a joke; and they expect people to believe this garbage? Once again, the libs fail and fail BIG. Good thing most make their living telling jokes, because they are one BIG joke. Whether known as ‘L’ or ‘P’, they are always losers!
September 13th, 2006 at 2:03 pmEd Schultz is carried on some Air America stations, such as Denver’s 760 AM.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:03 pmOh boo hoo……the libs control all the other media outlets…the major networks, all the local media rags…so you couldn’t get your fingers on one more medium, who cares…….Give the conservatives alittle bit of voice…….I know…I know…you tolerant libs are only tolerant of your thoughts and opinions and want to sqaush any one who differs from your answers. Tolerance can only go so far. Just let the conservatives have one outlet….and start being happy you control all the others.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:03 pmThank God. Now if we can only get “progressive” crap off of network TV, this nation will be better than ever before. Adios Airheads! You won’t be missed (hence the bankruptcy).
September 13th, 2006 at 2:03 pm“Progressive” is just the latest way to say LIBERAL DEMOCRAT. Most of us are smart enough to understand that fact. If Air America actually was entertaining it might have attracted an audiance and stayed afloat instead of bilking charity money to pay AL.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:04 pmGREAT NEWS - THIS COUNTRY WILL BE BETTER OFF WITH OUT ANTI AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:04 pmProgressive? What exactly is it progressing into?
September 13th, 2006 at 2:04 pmThe comment about being cancelled proves that progressive radio is strong is so typical of liberals. Even when they lose elections it still means they win. What part of lose can they not understand?
September 13th, 2006 at 2:04 pm#58 - brian. Wrong. But I know you don’t have any proof, so you just screech out “liar!” and think you’ve won an argument. LOL. You sir, have a future in liberal talk radio, should there be a future for that format that is…
Ratings are horrible.
Here is some 2006 rating info from April, predicting that Air America wouldn’t be broadcasting much longer.
Air America registering a weak 1.0 share in Los Angeles, an even tinier share in Chicago, and a catastrophic drop in New York City
And New York hadbad news for Randi Rhodes fans.
Among all listeners 12+, it was a race to the bottom for AIR AMERICA and WLIB as mid-days went from a 1.6 share during winter 2005 to a 1.0 share winter 2006. During PM drive, host Randi Rhodes plunged to 27,900 listeners every quarter hour, finishing 25th place in her time slot, down from 60,900 listeners every quarter hour in the fall.
This one is funny from the Washington Post in 2005.
Air America, the liberal talk network carried on WWRC-AM (1260), went from bad to nonexistent. After WWRC recorded a mere fraction of a rating point in the spring with syndicated shows from the likes of lefty talkers Al Franken, Janeane Garofalo and Stephanie Miller, Arbitron couldn’t detect a measurable listenership for the station this time around.
More ranking info here.
Brian, name calling doesn’t win out over facts.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:04 pmLoser!
September 13th, 2006 at 2:04 pmOne down, one to go. Can we now PLEASE stop funding NPR???
September 13th, 2006 at 2:05 pmThis is indeed sad news, but there may indeed have been some serious problems with the business plan. For example, AA may just have paid Al too much money….
September 13th, 2006 at 2:05 pmGood riddance! If the left could come up with some good ideas people might listen. All you hear from these sorts is that everything in this world is George Bush’s fault. What is the Democrats plan? Just disrepect the people in charge and blame our own country for all that is wrong in the world? Good plan.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:06 pmThe funeral service for Error America will undoubtedly be one of the smallest ever held. Bring a scanning electron microscope…of course, you also will have needed one of those to see the ratings for the network!
September 13th, 2006 at 2:07 pmIs it possible the channel’s programming just sucked? I wouldn’t know what they have to say, my Soviet Union escaping grandfather told me enough about what leftists are about….. (after a brief stay in a gulag, naturally).
September 13th, 2006 at 2:07 pmI am glad to see that you “progressives” are still supporting my innovative ideas. I am shocked to see that putting them forth via the radio airwaves is not commercially viable. My theories have proven successful in practice world wide over the past 150 years. Never give up commrades!!
September 13th, 2006 at 2:07 pmWell, I hope that the crazy pundits on the Right and the Left would just shut up and let a voice of moderation in. In other words, the radicals in Air America is just the flip-side of the coin to the radicals like Rush Limbaugh and Michael Savage.
I’m happy that Air America is going away. I was growing tired of the shouting and ranting from them.
Now if only we can stop the ranting and raving from the Radical Right, the sane people of America can truly get things done without both of these crazies…
September 13th, 2006 at 2:07 pmIt’s no surprise that Air America is going bankrupt.
Conservatives turn away from their leftist “idiot boxes” and turn to radio that offers a better dialog to challenge thoughts and ideas. When the left decides to jump into the radio format among a extremely large conservative base, and cannot support their own arguments with rational thoughts, its no wonder why a leftist talk format will fail.
Good attempt, bad judgment !!!
Good riddens….
September 13th, 2006 at 2:08 pmAnyone surprised by Air America’s failure? Other than a few far-left moonbats, no one listens. Guess George Soros didn’t want to bankroll an obvious failure either. How’s that Al Gore TV network doing? Another great idea…
September 13th, 2006 at 2:08 pmIf AA goes off the air I guess the sales of Dungeons and Dragons Toy sets will go up. Attracts the same victims of poor potty training/psychiotypical types. LOL!!!!
September 13th, 2006 at 2:08 pmThe talk radio listeners are from the Red Country not the Blue. Surprised AA lasted this long.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:09 pmThis goes to show that you cannot continue to rant and rave about the Republicans and make it. At least Rush & Shaun are able to make it on selling ads and did not have to rely on people like George Soros to keep them going this long. Dissent is great for the country but if all you do is call people names and throw out charges (like Karl Rove and the Bush administration leaked Plames name) without ANY proof you tend to lose credibility. If the progressives can find someone that can make an argument without name calling and be able to explain their ideas (if and when they get any) maybe people will listen to them. AA was so far out of the main stream they could not see the it.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:11 pmHmm..did I really read that it failed because progressives are so much more intelligent? Amazing. it failed because people don’t want to hear the stuff Randi Rhodes has to say. Period.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:11 pmApparantly talk radio will remain a media with a strong conservative base. I guess liberals will just have to be happy having CNN, New York Times, Newsweek, CBS, etc. cover mostly their point of view.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:11 pmI tried listening for a few weeks when it first came on but couldn’t take it. I was longing for good ideas, but all I heard was whining. You can’t build a station around “I hate G. W. Bush!”
September 13th, 2006 at 2:11 pmI now listen to Free Talk Live. It broadcasts on about 11 statons nationwide. I download the podcast from Freetalklive.com. More ideas, less whining and hate than the left or right.
I hope Stephanie Miller finds a new home, though, cause she is funny!
Cool!
September 13th, 2006 at 2:11 pmAir America is going under because there is not enough support, in term of numbers, for them to keep the doors open. Period. The left has a forum–CNN, ABC, CBS, The Today Show, Good Morning America, New York Times, etc.
Here is the problem. It is not that we don’t here your ideas, we do. Most of us simply don’t agree with them. Liberals are 20-30 years olds, I know, I used to be as liberal as any brain-washed college mush-head (you know the type, 23 and know everything about the world and politics). Then I got out and got a job and started paying taxes, and paying attention. My liberal views were quickly replaced by common sense once I began supporting a family. The truth is most of us grow up, and part of that is outgrowing utopian liberal idealism. Life is not fair, sorry it is just a fact. There will always be poor people and rich people… Also, I began to see that folks on the left didn’t really live by what they espoused, they just said whatever I wanted to hear so they could count on my vote. Do you think John Kerry or Ted Kennedy really care about some black homeless kid? Or a pregnant single mother struggling with the choice of having a child, or an abortion. If you do, you must still be young and dumb. They don’t, if they truly believed what they say they would give away their millions to the poor people the proclaim to care so deeply for. Yet they live lives must can’t imagine. Mansions, private jets, homes in 10 different countries, etc…
Hypocrites of the worst order.
R.I.P Air America
…it was never meant to be
Kelly
September 13th, 2006 at 2:13 pmAAR is out of business because America already has a liberal left wing radio show that the Govt. must fund called NPR. In the long run a guess folks in America just don’t want to listen to hate filled lies from the left!
September 13th, 2006 at 2:13 pm