Air America Now Just Dead Air

As you may have heard by now, Air America has gone bankrupt, having announced on their website yesterday that they'd be ceasing live programming operations immediately. The progressive radio station's chairman explained in his statement: "The very difficult economic environment has had a significant impact on Air America's business. This past year has seen a 'perfect storm' in the media industry generally. National and local advertising revenues have fallen drastically, causing many media companies nationwide to fold or seek bankruptcy protection."

The station will be airing reruns through Monday night, before going silent. Last year we interviewed Rachel Maddow who at the time said she was "still very connected to Air America... I'm still one of their talents and one of their shows. I'm still very loyal to them as a company." While she hasn't commented on her former employer's situation, the NY Times credits the station for helping to boost her career, as well as other former hosts. Though they go on to say that half a dozen former employees cited complaints about merry-go-round management, and a team that lacked "broadcasting business expertise."

As for the hosts who were still broadcasting, at least one, Montel Williams, said that his program would "rise again" (via Twitter, obvs).

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By Jen Carlson in News on January 22, 2010 5:30 PM

Comments [rss]

thelexiphane

The comic's a Senator and the cute lesbian's making serious big-time bank. Welcome to America low-level liberal proles! You gotta get yours.

Rocknrope

I remember when they started out, and how cocky they were. I tried listening to the station, but my whine tolerance was exhausted in about three minutes.

Darius

I lost respect when they were messing with Randi Rhodes for comments not made on the radio. Stopped listening, too bad they were good once.

NannyState

The whole industry is screwed. Clear Channel, the gawdawful purveyor of all things Rush, is in the same boat. RIP, weak attempt at lefty radio.

blink

Mark Green strikes again.

robingee

There are more ignorant people than smart people in the USA. Smart things tend to die out but the stupid keeps on going.

Pull My Finger

I thought they went off the air months ago.....lol!

adeez

Well, considering I know a few heads (in addition to myself) who listened to the station regularly, the "no listeners" comment needs to be withdrawn.

I blame Mark Green. They used to have an all-star lineup, with Mark Maron and Mark Reilly, Chuck D, Jerry Springer, Al Franken, Rachel Maddow, Thom Hartman, and of course Randi Rhodes, who was their star. Those were the days.

But no, Green had to run the station into the ground.

longacre

All-Star lineup != making money.

For example, NBC has arguably 90% all of the funniest people on network TV on their payroll, yet look at the boat they're in.

robingee

Exactly.

longacre

"The very difficult economic environment has had a significant impact on Air America's business. This past year has seen a 'perfect storm' in the media industry generally. National and local advertising revenues have fallen drastically, causing many media companies nationwide to fold or seek bankruptcy protection."

If you never made a penny before the economy tanked, you're not allowed to blame the economy. Real reasons: No listeners, no business model, no one who knew what they were doing. How you lasted this long can only be attributed to having some overly generous comrades.