Text 22477, 397 rader
Skriven 2006-09-13 17:16:00 av Jeff Binkley (1:226/600)
Ärende: Air America
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http://thinkprogress.org/2006/09/13/air-america-bankruptcy

Air America To Declare Bankruptcy, But Progressive Radio Remains Strong
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 Americas financial woes as a sign that
progressive talk radio is unpopular. In fact, Air America succeeded at creating
something that didnt 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 countrys most successful and widely-syndicated progressive
talk hosts  Ed Schultz and Stephanie Miller, for instance  arent 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 hasnt 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.

Filed under: Media

Posted by Nico at 11:59 am

Permalink | Comment (210)


210 Comments
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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 dont have time to
sit and listen to radio, AM or streaming.

Let the radio format go the way of the Dodo lets concentrate on more and better
online media.

Comment by Buford  September 13, 2006 @ 12:04 pm

Jason M. Hendler, before you begin posting here, why dont 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, didnt Rush Limbaugh have a television show that flopped harder and
faster than Air America radio? Ill be nobody wants to bring THAT news up.

Comment by Democrat Soldier  September 13, 2006 @ 12:05 pm

Progressives get their news from reading blogs and other online sources.

Progressives arent the people that need reaching.

Ive heard many truck drivers and elderly people calling into Air America
claiming theyve been converted.

We cant cede any format to the right.

Comment by Len Smith  September 13, 2006 @ 12:07 pm

thats 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.
Im not a fan of Clear Channel, but their support shows a need in the market for
the liberal format. They wouldnt do it if they didnt think theyd make a lot of
money.

Comment by DenverOasis  September 13, 2006 @ 12:07 pm

Youre 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 hyenas 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

Comment by Craig  September 13, 2006 @ 12:08 pm

Damn I hope Al stays on the air somehow.

Comment by Ben  September 13, 2006 @ 12:13 pm

R.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.

Comment by Badmoodman  September 13, 2006 @ 12:15 pm

Im saddened by this. Im going over to their website right now and joining their
premium service. Its the least I can do. If enought others did this, it might
help.

Comment by Metrodorus  September 13, 2006 @ 12:20 pm

Im going to go over to their website and join their premium service now. Its
the least I can do, and if enough others did, perhaps it would help. Put your
money where your mouth is!

Comment by Metordorus  September 13, 2006 @ 12:22 pm

Let the radio format go the way of the Dodo lets concentrate on more and better
online media.

Well 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 Im not crazy about Shultz show, Millers is HILLARIOUS).

Its not dead, its just changing. Air America tried to be a single outlet for
progressive radio 24/7 with brand-name hosts. Thats 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!

Comment by Parrotlover77  September 13, 2006 @ 12:23 pm

not sorry at all to know springer will go (my opinion, that was a HUGE mistake
signing him) - id figured as much when sam seder announced that his show is
moving to that time slot

no way is AirAmericaRadio going away no way


Comment by katy  September 13, 2006 @ 12:23 pm

This is a sad, sad day.
That 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.

Comment by Marie  September 13, 2006 @ 12:23 pm

Theres 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 its 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.

Comment by Paul  September 13, 2006 @ 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. Were still flying.

Comment by Steviemo in MN  September 13, 2006 @ 12:25 pm

Air America going under is definetly a good sign that progressive radio is
picking up steam. I couldnt think of a better sign.

LOL

Comment by Roger_Roger  September 13, 2006 @ 12:26 pm

I agree with Len at #3. The purpose of left-wing radio isnt to preach to the
choir, but to bring in converts.

Hopefully, syndication of some of AARs better folks (Maddow, Maron, Seder among
them) on satellite or other stations will be the next step.

Comment by beemer  September 13, 2006 @ 12:28 pm

Im 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.

Comment by Travis  September 13, 2006 @ 12:28 pm

Would love to hear MIKE MALLOY again. God, I miss his show.

Comment by Matt  September 13, 2006 @ 12:29 pm

Even though they may go under
Rethugs better not think that they are going to be any closer to victory in
November

Comment by lib4  September 13, 2006 @ 12:30 pm

If Air America folds, what happens to Stephanie and Big Ed?

If that happens, a lot of radio stations will have dead air if they dont
replace the programming themselves, such as syndicating Stephanie and Big Ed on
their own. I doubt theyll go anywhere in most markets just because of Air
America Not if the program directors at the stations are smart. :-)

Comment by Timothy Carroll  September 13, 2006 @ 12:32 pm

Ill miss Al Franken, but thats about it.
Music is better for the soul anyhow.

Comment by The DLC are Frauds  September 13, 2006 @ 12:33 pm

Air America going under is definetly a good sign that progressive radio is
picking up steam. I couldnt think of a better sign.
LOL Comment by Roger_Roger

Kind of like how Foxs ratings is a good sign that conservative television is
picking up steam!!!

ROTFL!!!

Comment by btruthful  September 13, 2006 @ 12:34 pm

I dread the silence. I listen to AA a lot, and depend on all those voices. I
hope something can be salvaged. Fingers crossed. :-(

Comment by bumblebums  September 13, 2006 @ 12:35 pm

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 dont have time to
sit and listen to radio, AM or streaming.

Some of us listen to Air America on our way to and from work.

Comment by Spudge_Boy  September 13, 2006 @ 12:38 pm

Can I throw my hat in the ring to be the Next Progressive Radio Star?! Can we
televise it? Sounds like a great reality show.

Comment by The Witch  September 13, 2006 @ 12:40 pm

I just signed up for XM a couple of months ago! Crap! I WASNT 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 theres
no Air America, I want my money back!

Comment by midwestblue  September 13, 2006 @ 12:42 pm

Im glad to hear AAR is shrugging off Jerry Springer. What I want to know is
whether well still have Randi and The Young Turks.

Comment by maxomai  September 13, 2006 @ 12:43 pm

for all the accusations that soros is funding AAR, now would be a good time for
him to step up and do just that not?
or how bout you, ted? cmon!!! heres your chance to help again!


Comment by katy  September 13, 2006 @ 12:43 pm

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 dont 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 dont 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 dont jog or work
out, or have a dog to take for a half hour walk in the evenings. And while you
evidently arent 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.

Comment by Greg  September 13, 2006 @ 12:43 pm

I guess Im not surprised. As much as I love listening to Bostons Progressive
Talk, I felt that only Stephanie Miller and Ed Schultz had real presence on the
radio. The others just didnt 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 dont
believe that Air America has found them yet.

Comment by Wayne Fuller  September 13, 2006 @ 12:44 pm

If Air America folds, what happens to Stephanie and Big Ed?

There is a lot great Progressive programming out there nowsome local some
syndicated Bill PressPeter B. Collins.Jay MarvinThom Hartmann.. I thnk stations
will have no problem filling in

Comment by fred  September 13, 2006 @ 12:45 pm

Hopefully 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,
cant afford a computer or just plain dont care about blogs. Do you want to
alienate them?

Comment by kenoshaMarge  September 13, 2006 @ 12:46 pm

Some 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.

Comment by dlet  September 13, 2006 @ 12:47 pm

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by .adam.  September 13, 2006 @ 12:49 pm

This 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. Shes phenomenal! Hopefully, Clear
Channel will recognize a true talent in her!

Comment by Catherine  September 13, 2006 @ 12:49 pm

I dont 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.

Comment by Joe Buckstrap  September 13, 2006 @ 12:50 pm

getting a left wing noise machine in place to counter the rights is really the
only hope we have in this country.

it doesnt matter how great our policies or candidates are if we dont 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

Comment by Len Smith  September 13, 2006 @ 12:51 pm

The 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.

Comment by Chris Wyke  September 13, 2006 @ 12:54 pm

Ive been listening since day 1 in New Jersey. Radio is a very important format.
Its not just preaching to the choir but teaching and informing the public of
stories not covered at all or slanted by the MSM. With its original lineup i
was literally listening from 5am to 11pm.

Then they made some changes.

Right now in this transition period its 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.

Ive 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 its not part of the
bankrupcy settlment.

Comment by mparker  September 13, 2006 @ 12:54 pm

cont.

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