Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Air America Revamps Mornings, Marszalek Joins As Producer

Air America Revamps Mornings, Marszalek Joins As Producer:
"Air America Revamps Mornings, Marszalek Joins As Producer
Nov. 29, 2005
By Paul Heine

Looking to make its mornings more competitive, Air America Radio is dropping �Morning Sedition� from its lineup and replacing it with a new reformatted morning block, beginning January 3.

�Air America Mornings� will consist of a pair of separate two-hour programs. Current �Morning Sedition� co-host Mark Riley will highlight the day�s top news stories and interview guests from 5-7 a.m., followed from 7-9 a.m. by �The Rachel Maddow Show,� which the network describes as �fast paced news and witty sound bites,� along with guest interviews."


It's not clear what will happen to Morning Sedition during December. Unfortunately I haven't listened to it for the last week, so I'm not up on current status.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Rumor on the new morning schedule for AAR

Air America Firing Marc Maron: "I'm a little late on this, but it looks like Marc Maron is gone from Air America? Apparently being replaced by Mark Riley from 5-7 and Rachel Maddow from 7-9."

Friday, November 11, 2005

Save Morning Sedition

Save Morning Sedition:
"Save Morning Sedition (& Marc Maron too)
Hey Danny Goldberg, listen up! We are the listeners of the Morning Sedition radio program. We love the radio program in its current form, with its current staff and radio personalities. If it is true, that Marc Maron and perhaps the show itself is in jeopardy, you will lose a large number of loyal listeners!
This site is designed to be a starting point for everyone who is upset about the proposed future (or lack thereof) of Morning Sedition and/or Marc Maron. This site will continue to grow and expand (EVOLVE even) over the coming days and weeks.

Marc Maron, keep up the good fight. Every loyal Morning Sedition listener, make your voice heard! Contact AAR management, Contact the CEO, Danny Goldberg. We can contact the affiliate stations that carry the program in the middle of the night. We can contact the Air America advertisers. SIgn the petition! Mark your place on the map! "


A New Save Marc and MS Web Site. Go there! Sign the Petition if you haven't already.

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

The Future of Morning Sedition: Air America's Next Big Mistake?

WFMU's Beware of the Blog: Air America's Next Big Mistake?:
"It looks like Air America is about to lose one of their best on-air personalities, Marc Maron. There's been no official announcement, but on his show, Morning Sedition, Maron has repeatedly said he's probably on his way out. And yesterday he said it's unlikely he'll be part of the Morning Sedition air team (with radio veteran Mark Riley) after this month. And they're promoting their live remote at O'Neal's in the Upper West Side this Thursday as their 'last live appearance.'"


This is an indepth article discussing the future of Morning Sedition, definitely to be read!

Go sign the Petition to keep Marc on the air!

Saturday, October 08, 2005

Thursday, September 29, 2005

The Blog | Danny Goldberg: Right Wing Media Gets Desperate | The Huffington Post

The Blog | Danny Goldberg: Right Wing Media Gets Desperate | The Huffington Post: "A recent piece in the New York Post by John Mainelli states that �Air America is in...bad financial shape.� On September 20th Bill O�Reilly on Fox News which, like the New York Post is owned by Rupert Murdoch�s News Corporation said that Air America �could be on its last legs.�
This is untrue.
Air America is in strong financial shape. Last week we started broadcasting from our new multi-million dollar studios. "

Danny Goldberg responds to the rightwing propagandists about Air America.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

E-Mail Senator Murray - U.S. Senator Patty Murray - Washington State

My letter to Senator Murray:

Senator Murray,

It seems almost like old times to address Senator Murray, as the first Senator Murray I knew of was Senator James Murray from Montana and in 1952, as a 10 year old, I somehow got sucked into passing out handbills accusing him of being a "Red". Fortunately I grew up understanding the foolishness of that and becoming a strong Democrat and liberal. But now, as I approach retirement age, I see that we are again in a period like that Red-bating age, and I dispair that our democracy is on the verge of being lost.

As you may have figured out by now, this is a letter asking you to VOTE NO on John Roberts for the Supreme Court. As is obvious from the history that we do know of him, Roberts is much more conservative than we need on the SCOTUS at this time. And there are serious questions about the propriety of his ruling on issues involving the civil rights of prisoners at the time he was being considered for the Court by the Bush administration.

You have probably heard all the arguments so I won't belabor the point. But my opinion is that unless the Democrats stand firm and deliver a strong NO vote on Roberts, we will see continued submissions of conservatives by the Bush gang. Given their record of ignoring anything the Democrats do, there is nothing to be gained by cooperating with them.

Please Vote NO on Roberts.

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Seattle Program Lineup Shuffling

According to the Seattle PI



KPTK-AM (1090) is shuffling its weekday lineup to emphasize West Coast hosts
beginning Monday. Stephanie Miller's Los Angeles-based show takes over the 6-9
a.m. slot currently held by "Morning Sedition," which moves to 3-5 a.m. Thom
Hartmann's show, originating in Portland, takes over the 9 a.m.-noon slot
currently held by Al Franken, who moves to 3-6 p.m. Ed Schultz stays at noon-3
p.m., while Randi Rhodes takes the 6-10 p.m. slot and Mike Malloy is heard 10
p.m.-1 a.m.



I guess it won't bother me too much since I have XM Radio, but at work I will have to listen to Thom in the morning, and download the podcast of Morning Secition.

Friday, August 26, 2005

blatherWatch: air america scandal: whole lot of nothin' goin' on

blatherWatch: air america scandal: whole lot of nothin' goin' on: "air america scandal: whole lot of nothin' goin' on
It's like one of those big high-geared contraptions that clowns drive around the circus: no matter how furiously they peddle, it goes nowhere. "

Blatherwatch presents a good summary of the alleged scandal at AAT

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Janeane Garofalo - Janeane Garofalo links

Janeane Garofalo - Janeane Garofalo links

I stumbled across this fan site for Janeane tonight. Its got everything!

Blogcritics.org: Rush Limbaugh Faltering, Air America Radio Gaining in Florida

Blogcritics.org: Rush Limbaugh Faltering, Air America Radio Gaining in Florida: "Warning to conservative talkers: objects in the rear-view mirror may be closer than they appear.

Rush Limbaugh better not look in the rear-view mirror because he might not like what he sees coming up from behind. Despite fictitious and cherry-picked press releases from Rush Limbaugh's syndicator Premiere Radio Networks, Rush Limbaugh is faltering across the country. In Florida, Limbaugh�s home state, the trend is even more pronounced, as the newly formed 'liberal talk radio' station Air America Radio is exploding in popularity almost overnight."

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Internet Daily: Independent podcasters losing ground - but Air America is doing OK

Internet Daily: Independent podcasters losing ground - but Air America is doing OK: "As podcasts have become available to a mass market, the media giants are moving in. ABC, ESPN, the BBC, CNN and Air America account for 16 of the most popular shows. " (Registration Required)

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Public Broadcasting needs your help!

I didn't believe this when I heard about it a couple of days ago but apparently it is true.
This isn't Air America but it is a vital part of the American Media picture.

Do what you need to do.

Dear Friend of KCTS,

On Thursday, June 9, a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee voted to cut federal funding of public broadcasting by 45 percent. If passed, KCTS will lose about $500,000 of our funding for our next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

This would also curtail funding for the national Ready To Learn initiative -- meaning decreases for Sesame Street, Arthur, Reading Rainbow, Between the Lions and many other children's television programs that teach critical reading and pre-reading skills to all children, including those who don't have cable television.

Additionally, it means many public television and radio stations will not have funds to replace deteriorating or outdated broadcasting equipment, possibly hindering our ability to bring you the high-quality programming you expect from public television.

If you are concerned about the future of locally owned and operated public media, you must act now. The full House of Representatives could take action on these cuts as soon as Wednesday, June 22.

Call your Congressional Representative
A national poll recently found that 76% of Americans feel their quality of life would be affected if their PBS station went off the air. Tell Congress how you would feel without KCTS in your community. A phone call is the best way to have your voice heard and make an impact in Washington, D.C. Visit KCTS.org for information or simply look up your congressional representative in the blue pages of your phone book today.

Support KCTS
When our funding is challenged, we rely on viewers like you -- people who value excellence -- to demonstrate the power of public television. The sheer number of members proves that locally-owned, independent stations serve a vital role in communities across this country. We need you now more than ever.

Pledge Now

Please help protect the programs you love. Call your congressional representative and show your support for KCTS by making a gift today. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Bill Mohler

William P. Mohler
President & CEO


Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
Tell-a-friend!


Tuesday, June 14, 2005

thetyee.ca Building a Left Wing CNN

thetyee.ca Building a Left Wing CNN: "Independent World Television will go public on June 15. The goal, as bold as it is big, is to create an alternative news and current affairs network that is, as its name implies, global in reach and free from corporate or government pressures.

The network’s success depends on changing the economics of media, with an audacious plan to raise $25 million a year made up of $50 donations from half a million people around the world. Money from business, advertisers and government will be prohibited."

From this Canadian site. Janeane Garofalo and Laura Flanders are on their advisory board. Other friends of Air America on their Advisory Board include Greg Palast, Howard Zinn, and Gore Vidal.

They are launching their web site on June 15.

Monday, June 13, 2005

Howard Kurtz covers the Talkers Conference and Left Radio (but not Air America much)

On Radio, More Laughter From the Left:"Stephanie Miller is watching Fox News, as she does every night, looking for laughs.

'It's like Comedy Central for liberals,' says the Los Angeles radio host. 'They don't know they're funny -- they just are. It's a right-wing freak show.'" (Registration required)

Not much Air America content.

Rachel Maddow to join Tucker Carlson's new show on MSNBC.

USATODAY.com - Carlson tied in with MSNBC: "Carlson will be joined on his new program by two regulars from different sides of the political aisle: radio talk-show host Jay Severin, a former Republican political consultant, and Air America talk-show host Rachel Maddow."

I will reserve judgement as to whether Rachel is selling out. I suspect she is not and I hope that she will have a positive effect on the left-right dialog (which of course from my persepctive means she leads more righties to the left than Tucker and Severin lead to the right).

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Friday, June 10, 2005

Republican Atrocity of the Day

Daily Kos :: Sensenbrenner cuts off hearing on Patriot Act: "C-SPAN WILL RE-AIR TWICE TONIGHT (none / 1)

08:15 PM EDT
2:00 (est.) House Committee
Patriot Act Reauthorization
Judiciary
John Conyers Jr., D-MI
Frank James Sensenbrenner Jr., R, Wisconsin

11:21 PM EDT
1:58 (est.)
House Committee
Patriot Act Reauthorization
Judiciary
John Conyers Jr., D-MI
Frank James Sensenbrenner Jr., R, Wisconsin "

TIVO it or watch it here. It's also up at Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz' congressional web site for web download.

This has been extensively covered on Air America by Randi and also by Ed Shultz.

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Augusta Free Press : Outing the liberal Democrats at NPR

Augusta Free Press : Outing the liberal Democrats at NPR: "I personally suspect that 'growing audience of 26 million' consists mostly of the hardcore left-wingers left over from the student radical movements of the 1960s and '70s."

This little piece is talking about NPR, interestingly enough. My take: "I personally suspect that the "growing audience" isn't growing quite as fast as it was because the "hardcore" is listening to Air America. I only listen to NPR during AAR commercials these days." --Earwicker

OpinionEditorials.com – A review of Outfoxed - Fulks

OpinionEditorials.com – A review of Outfoxed - Fulks: "Does anyone remember when the liberals tried to do an all leftist radio show called Air America? Neither do I, because nobody listened to it and they went under. Go figure. "

I think this piece has been around for awhile but I didn't pick up on this quote. Apparently the original article was from April 1, 2005. Maybe that was appropropriate, or maybe one of our side wrote it.

Saturday, June 04, 2005

The Raw Story | Raw Radio goes on the air!

The Raw Story | Raw Radio goes on the air! Raw Radio, in cooperation with Brad Blog, is on the air and on the Internet. They are running a 4 hour show live on Saturday nights 7-11 EST with repeats at other times during the week. It's also on the Internet while the show is being aired. This is not just an Internet broadcast but is going out via satellite and can be picked up by your local station.

Saturday, May 21, 2005

Al Franken back home in Minnesota - PittsburghLIVE.com

Al Franken back home in Minnesota - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Comedian and liberal talk-radio host Al Franken has purchased a townhouse in Minneapolis but remains undecided about a U.S. Senate run in Minnesota."

This article has appeared in several papers recently.

TV Squad: No show for Janeane

TV Squad: "Janeane Garofalo's poker-oriented comedy-drama All In is gone for good, "

Friday, May 20, 2005

The Huffington Post | Al Franken Posts on The Blog

The Huffington Post | The Blog

Al passes on the Norm Coleman Bill Maher appearance and the missing 8.8 billion to a larger/different audience via Huffington Post.

Sunday, May 15, 2005

Jerry Springer The Opera is in London (England) and coming to Broadway

Jerry Springer The Opera : "Jerry Springer The Opera" is reviewed in a New Zealand fashion site. It's now playing at the Covent Garden in London and is expected to head for Broadway in a few months. Jerry himself attended the transfer from the National to the West End this month.

It appears to be based on the TV show and not the radio show.

Fans of Al Franken's radio show welcome him to the left side of country

Coverage of the Al Franken Show West Coast tour began in Seattle, in this Seattle PI article Fans of Al Franken's radio show welcome him to the left side of country

Then off to Portland with coverage by KATU channel 2 and a longer article in the BlueOregon Blog, which was reprinted in the PERRspectives Blog.

No coverage of the California leg of the tour has shown up by Saturday, but it may come in the Sunday papers. Stay tuned. . .

Mark Riley: Information From Answers.com

Mark Riley: Information From Answers.com: "This article is about the American radio host. There is also a British radio host called Marc Riley." Of course, they ripped it off from Wikipedia, but so it goes.

Thursday, May 12, 2005

CiN Weekly - Marc Maron at Go Bananas Last Weekend

CiN Weekly - Marc Maron at Go Bananas: "Marc Maron at Go Bananas
Comic/actor/author performs special engagement

"

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

AlterNet: MediaCulture: Calling Air America

AlterNet: MediaCulture: Calling Air America: "Before Air America and Democracy Radio it was a settled truth that talk-radio was right-wing territory. But in some form or other, progressive talk is here to stay."

Nicholas von Hoffman covers Air America and the rest of the progressive radiosphere in the Nation--reprinted here on Alternet.

The rest of the issue covers other left talk radio throughout the country, including many local shows. There is also an article about NPR.

Friday, May 06, 2005

Liberal Talk Radio

Liberal Talk Radio covers the entire liberal talk radio scene, including Air America Radio and other stations and programs. Our competition!

Brilliant at Breakfast: The Vindication of Marc Maron

Brilliant at Breakfast: The Vindication of Marc Maron:
"The Vindication of Marc Maron


Regular listeners to Air America's Morning Sedition program have been hearing for nearly a year about the Saga of the Feral Cats. It seems that following the death of his female cat Butch last year, Maron found a cat with kittens in his neighborhood and brought them in. I believe he had the mom cat spayed and released, and one of the kittens proved to be untameable, so he gave that one to a guy across the street who wanted a mouser, and that cat is now living in Brooklyn. But barely a day goes by that Maron doesn't expound on his latest exploits in miniature lion-taming."

More stations are climbing aboard Air America

More stations are climbing aboard Air America:

"Air America debuted as the liberal counterpart to conservative talk radio in March 2004 with a lot of publicity -- and a lot of questions about its ability to survive financially long enough to build a national network of stations and an audience.

A year later, Air America this week has added two more stations in midsize markets to boost its total to 55, with more coming. And in the most recent Arbitron report on the Seattle-Tacoma market, local Air America affiliate KPTK-AM (1090) posted a respectable performance for a station that has had the new format only since last October."


From the Seattle PI in anticipation of the Al Franken show visit to Seattle on Monday.

(DV) Walsh: Al Franken is a Big Fat Phony

(DV) Walsh: Al Franken is a Big Fat Phony:

The far left takes on Al and Air America for supporting the war in Iraq. The demand for ideological purity is typical of the far left, who are intolerant of the "liberal" point of view. This piece overlooks the fact that Air America is trying to build a wide audience, and is not just preaching to the converted.
This piece seems to be making the rounds of the far left internet press--it's been posted on several sites including this one (Dissident Voices) and Counterpunch.

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

Janeane to appear on "Now" this week - The Washington Times: Business - May 04, 2005

Program on PBS scanned for bias - The Washington Times: Business - May 04, 2005:

" Because of the budget cuts, 'Now' has been forced to devote one program each month to interviews, which are cheaper to produce than investigative reports. This week's guests: Janeane Garofalo, a liberal actress, and Bob Barr, a Republican who represented Georgia in the House from 1995 to 2003. "

FOXSports.com - USA- Air America's Mark Riley loves his Arsenal

FOXSports.com - USA- Air America's Mark Riley loves his Arsenal:

"I've often said the following — 'Sports and politics, just don't mix'.

Nick Webster the voice of the EPL on Fox Soccer Channel writes about the Prem every Monday.

This weekend I had to take that back after chatting it up with Mark Riley, co-host of 'Morning Sedition' on the decidedly political, Air America Radio."


This is one of two major articles/interviews about Mark Riley.

FOXSports.com - USA- Mark Riley Bio

FOXSports.com - USA- Mark Riley Bio:
"Radio Journalist/Political Commentator/Public Speaker

When it comes to talk radio, Mark Riley has become a household name in the #1 Market, New York City."

Biography of Mark

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

The Daily Vanguard - Portland State University - A shallow victory for Air America

The Daily Vanguard - Portland State University - A shallow victory for Air America:

"I was stuck in terrible suburban traffic last weekend flipping endlessly through the radio when I settled on the innocuous atonal drone of old man humorist Garrison Keillor. And just as I was hoping I could drift easily into sleep on the clogged-up Hillsboro highway, who should arrive on the show but liberal humorist and Air America celebrity Al Franken. He told the most delightful story about a man who had a penis growing out of his forehead. Nestled between off-key vanity gospel, Minnesotan agedness and bluegrass meanderings was the backbone of the progressive talk radio movement assuring us that everything was OK, because the man couldn't see the penis on his forehead because the balls were covering up his eyes.

I almost died laughing."

JUST FOR FUN 0

JUST FOR FUN 0: "Rent 'The Truth About Cats and Dogs.' This silly 1996 movie is a romantic comedy that strains credibility a bit -- well, a lot. But the pet expert (played by Janeane Garofalo) beats out Uma Thurman for handsome love interest Ben Chaplin. You gotta love a movie with such a clever ending. "

Progressive Talk Launches in Chicago

Progressive Talk Launches in Chicago:

"Progressive Talk Launches in Chicago
May 03, 2005
By Chuck Taylor
Progressive talk WCPT-AM Chicago launches May 5, billed as “Our Kind of Talk for Our Kind of Town.” "

Chicago Tribune | `Air America' return may not be a good thing

Chicago Tribune | `Air America' return may not be a good thing:
"There's good news and bad news for Chicago-area liberals this week. And it's the same news.

Air America, the left-wing talk-radio network that disappeared from local airwaves due to a financial dispute shortly after it debuted a year ago April, appears certain to return to a new home at 850 on the AM dial."



Because it will be on a low power station that may not give good coverage.

The Book Standard Weekly Deals Report, Starring The Rock, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Courteney Cox and Stifler

The Book Standard Weekly Deals Report, Starring The Rock, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Courteney Cox and Stifler: and also include Janeane Garofalo.

Sunday, May 01, 2005

St. Paul Pioneer Press | 04/30/2005 | Al Franken talks about running for U.S. Senate

St. Paul Pioneer Press | 04/30/2005 | Al Franken talks about running for U.S. Senate: "Frank talk about Minnesota

In the latest edition of the online magazine Salon, Al Franken talks about running for U.S. Senate from Minnesota. He tells Salon he's moving his Air America radio show to the Twin Cities and buying an apartment in Minneapolis. " (Registration required)

A mention of the Salon article (see below)

Air America Doesn't Need Defending [Randi Rhodes Is Female]

Air America Doesn't Need Defending [Randi Rhodes Is Female]:
"A recent column jumped on the Right-wing bandwagon and repeated the silly notion that a male host of an Air America radio show supported the assassination of someone; it went on to suggest that the outfit is doing poorly.

Randi Rhodes is female - she can be a bit of a liberal shock-trooper at times, but she's much tamer than her opposites - just look at Ann Coulter to see what I mean. "

Frederick J. Smith defends Air America (in spite of his headline statement above).

Interestingly, he suggests that it might have been better to sprinkle some liberal talk shows on the regular talk stations. And it might--but that would not allow us to fight back in all time slots in some markets. And those liberal talk shows on the regular talk stations will emerge as AAR sweetens the atmosphere.

Saturday, April 30, 2005

Daily Kos :: How Bush is Destroying the Middle Class [Not Air America Related]

Daily Kos :: How Bush is Destroying the Middle Class Normally I don't do non-Air America stuff in this Blog, but I think this post on Daily Kos is important enough to link here. Read it and weep! And then internalize it, memorize it, print it, and use it whenever you can to let Americans know what is happening to them under King George.

Friday, April 29, 2005

BostonHerald.com - e-Letters to the Editor: Bias showing on Air America issue

BostonHerald.com - e-Letters to the Editor: Bias showing on Air America issue:
"Bias showing on Air America issue
By Susan Pierce
Friday, April 29, 2005 - Updated: 12:47 PM EST

If you are going to criticize Air America for their tasteless skit (for which they apologized), why don't you also criticize right-wing Republicans who have made threatening remarks about judges, Clinton visiting Helms' state, 'friendly fire' against Gore and Kerry (Coulter), and most things out of Limbaugh's big mouth?
Your bias is showing. Shame on you.
We should add balance to our political commentary and tone down the rhetoric to make this country more civil.
You people in the media are not helping."

BostonHerald.com - Opinion & Letters: Air America goes too far

BostonHerald.com - Opinion & Letters: Air America goes too far: "Silly us, we thought liberals were for gun control and against violence. Apparently, not the folks at Air America, the year-old liberal radio network, formed with the intention of providing a counterweight to conservative talk radio. "

Salon.com News | Senator Franken?

Salon.com News | Senator Franken?:
"That stuff includes moving home to Minnesota after three decades away. He's buying an apartment in Minneapolis, and moving his radio show to the Twin Cities. "

Subscription or Free Pass Required for Salon (watch an ad).

Al Franken Show to move to Minneapolis. No Date mentioned.

This is an excellent article and well worth reading.

Naples Daily News: Columnists

Naples Daily News: Columnists: "The other night, in an almost unrelenting barrage of barbed 'humor,' the center gave out its annual awards in a hotel ballroom packed with the faithful. The titles and winners of the various 'dis-honors' tell it all. Among them were the Really Time to Retire Award, Walter Cronkite; Send Bush to Abu Ghraib Award, PBS's Bill Moyers; Al Franken Award for Stupidest Analysis, CNN's Bruce Morton; I'm Not a Political Genius But I Play One on TV Award, liberal syndicated talker Janeane Garofalo. Needless to say, none of the recipients was there."

This has been around since last week but always seems to require registration. I am finally linking it; unfortunately registration is still required.

This is typical of the kind of attacks that the rightwing MSM are using to fight back against Air America. At the same time they disparage the humor on Air America programs they engage in it.

Oh, well.

Black Entertainment | Black News | Urban News

Black Entertainment | Black News | Urban News: "*'No, I didn’t leave Air America nor did I get fired,” writes Chuck D on his Web site, responding to reports by bloggers and others that he was axed by the radio network in favor of Jerry Springer."

Chuck clears the air in response to blog articles that have been reported here.

His new show "On the Real" will air on Sunday nights from 10-midnight starting in May.

Chuck D's BLOG

Update: Also Covered here.

Last two showings for now: LEFT OF THE DIAL: AMERICA UNDERCOVER

HBO Schedule: LEFT OF THE DIAL: AMERICA UNDERCOVER In case you haven't seen it yet, the last two showings (for now) of Left of the Dial will occur on Saturday, April 30 at 1 pm and 4 pm EST on HBO. Check your local schedules to make sure.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

The Volokh Conspiracy - -

The Volokh Conspiracy - -: "A brief First Amendment analysis: Joking about shooting the President certainly isn't a crime as such; threatening to shoot the President is. Threats (whether against the President or not) are indeed constitutionally unprotected, but to be a punishable threats, a statement must at least be understood by a reasonable listener as a true threat, rather than just hyperbole (or humor)."
Scroll down the page or search for some of the words above.

Eugene Volokh sites cases that are relevant to the Rand Rhodes Show Bit from Monday.

Weekly Planet | THIS WEEK IN TALK OF THE TOWN

Weekly Planet | THIS WEEK IN TALK OF THE TOWN: "MARC MARON Sounds familiar because: A contemporary of Janeane Garofalo and Jon Stewart, Maron's been around a little longer than some of the others on this list, and has made countless cable appearances as both stand-up and strange, scene-stealing bit player."

Marc is one of seven comics covered in this Comediens review in Weekly Planet. Others include Lewis Black and David Cross, who was on Majority Report recently.

The Moderate Voice - How Do You Spell "DUMB?" Air America's Randi Rhodes' Assassination Humor

The Moderate Voice - How Do You Spell "DUMB?" Air America's Randi Rhodes' Assassination Humor

A middle of the road comment from The Moderate Voice on Randi's "bit" from Monday. I added the following comment:

"Sorry to be posting so late on this issue. I would suggest that if you haven't listened to the "bit" that you should probably not comment about it. You can listen to it by going to whiterosesociety.org, clicking on Randi Rhodes box, then playing the April 25 show. The bit is right at the beginning, after the opening theme. If it has been removed for some reason, I should have a copy on my computer and can possibly post it.

When I heard the bit on Monday, my interpretation was that it was a satire on the new gun law in florida, which allows people to shoot if they are threatened. I don't think it has anything to do with Bush directly, but rather indirectly since it is also a comment on the proposed changes to Social Security."

New York Post Online Edition: Air America Apologizes

New York Post Online Edition: for the Randi Rhodes "Bit".

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Air America: 'We Are Not Under Investigation'

Air America: 'We Are Not Under Investigation': "Air America: 'We Are Not Under Investigation' " as reported in billboard radio monitor.

The Drudge Report allegation that the somewhat tasteless bit opening the April 25 Randi Rhodes show was being investigated by the Secret Service is slowly permeating the right blogosphere and the right internet press. I'll do an update with links later, but if you want to find out where it is going right now, goggle randi rhodes secret service.

The link to the clip on the Dridge site doesn't work, but the clip is actually still posted as of a few minutes ago. Follow our link to the White Rose Society and then Randi and then select the show for April 25.

I doubt that the clip was actually aimed at the President anyway--it actually combines a spoof of new Florida gun laws with the Social Security issue.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

TheRealityCheck.Org Guest Writer

TheRealityCheck.Org Guest Writer: "It was a year ago that the most ambitious project the modern left had ever undertaken since trying to make Al Gore interesting began amidst a flurry of activity and fanfare. Few people outside of the mainstream media gave Air America a snowball's chance at Uncle Satan's Happy Time Eternal Damnation Camp of lasting beyond a year, and I was one of them. Now, one year later, I'm having to admit they have not only survived, but managed to expand a bit more into the marketplace of ideas."

More Rightie Drivel and lies.

Air America Radio to leave Sirius

Air America Radio to leave Sirius

Discusses the transition schedule (slightly)

The Nation | Blog | ActNow! | Nat'l Media Reform Conference | Peter Rothberg

The Nation | Blog | ActNow! | Nat'l Media Reform Conference | Peter Rothberg: "Close to 2,000 attendees are expected to join an illustrious roster of lefty luminaries including Nation publisher Victor Navasky as well as Naomi Klein, John Nichols, Robert McChesney, Patti Smith, Al Franken, Jim Hightower, Amy Goodman, Laura Flanders, David Brock, George Lakoff, Robert Greenwald, Jenny Toomey, and many others for what will be the country's largest media conference."

In St Louis May 13-15.

From blogs to music, podcasting brings Internet audio to mp3 players

From blogs to music, podcasting brings Internet audio to mp3 players: "Some of the liberal talk network Air America's programming is available this way, including 'Morning Sedition,' and the Al Franken and Randi Rhodes daily talk shows."

I'll be adding Podcast links to the AALinks home page soon.

SILive.com - Staten Island Advance - Air America celebrates anniversary

SILive.com - Staten Island Advance - Air America celebrates anniversary: "And they said it wouldn't last.

After 12 months of management struggles, low ratings, budget scares and conservative criticism, Air America Radio is celebrating its first birthday."

(Quick Registration required)

Local paper on Staten Island interviews Randi Rhodes.

Monday, April 25, 2005

HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: Dead Air (America) by Pat Sajak

HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: Dead Air (America) by Pat Sajak: "What will eventually kill Air America is its redundancy."
Strange Analysis from the host of Wheel of Fortune. Wanker.

Air America F.A.Q.

Air America F.A.Q.: "Are you considering adding Air America’s programming to your station? Billboard Radio Monitor asked Air America Radio co-COO Jon Sinton and president Gary Kratz to answer a few affiliation questions."

Voices from the Urban Archipelago - Left of the Dial

Voices from the Urban Archipelago - Left of the Dial comprising a short review of Left of the Dial in which the reviewers express surprise that Air America personalities expected there to be money available (based on the NPR model) and whining about the ads on both conservative and liberal talk radio.

My brain has generally learned to tune those pesky things out, although I have to admit that the single background tune used on several ads on my local AM station get somewhat annoying. And XM radio's ads for their other channels are, well, boring. I doubt that many America Left listeners actually are Nascar fans.

But the fact is that the advertising model works to finance talk radio, and the Public Radio model probably won't. Blogs seem to be able to use both models and maybe radio can too. But for right now it's the Advertising model that is being used.

What's wrong with the media!

NewsChannel 5 Network: "Tennessee Man Discovers What May Be The Deepest Cave In The Country
Posted: 4/25/2005 1:58:44 PM

A new federal parks study will map caves around the Lookout Mountain Battlefield.

That pleases caver Kent Ballew because he thinks he's found the deepest pit cave in the country, perhaps 800 feet deep.

. . .

The deepest known pit cave is in Alaska, a hole 598 feet deep.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)"


The above article (slightly abridged in an irrelevant way) demonstrates what's wrong with our media in a non-political article. The Headline drew my attention because it referred to the "Deepest Cave" in the country. When I read the article I discovered that they were talking about the "deepest pit cave" which is a horse of a different color. And they they go on to talk about the "deepest known pit cave" being in Alaska, which might just be true depending on the definition, but in fact is not "The Deepest Cave" and is not even "the deepest pit" in a cave in the US.

So we have three different definitions all applied to the same thing, which mean completely different things: Deepest cave; deepest pit cave [in the country]; and deepest pit cave [known, presumably anywhere]. All of which are essentially wrong.

And this in a short throwaway paragraph on a TV News Channel.

How do you suppose they could ever get an abstract thing like Tom Delay's morality right?

Earwicker, under the nom de plume of A. Speleothus.

Sunday, April 24, 2005

commercialappeal.com - Memphis, TN: Columnists

commercialappeal.com - Memphis, TN: Columnists: "Wade: 'One-trick pony' Al is taking us for a ride"
But this guy didn't like Al, and interviewed a bunch of people who didn't like him either. (Registration Required) 2 for the price of 1 today

commercialappeal.com - Memphis, TN: Opinion

commercialappeal.com - Memphis, TN: Opinion: "During a visit this month, Air America's frontman stopped in to talk barbecue, Memphis and of course, politics" Al Franken visits Memphis and is interviewed (registration required)

Saturday, April 23, 2005

Telegraph | Arts | The blunted edge of British comedy

Telegraph | Arts | The blunted edge of British comedy:
"It's very noticeable now, with an election due, that comedy has too little force in this country. British television especially has lost sight of great comedy's ambition for arresting argument, from positions on the Right and the Left, and instead goes in for star vehicles and soft titters. Britain has very little of the comedic energy currently to be enjoyed in America. On its radio and TV talk shows, some of the best writing, the best argument and the most focused political outrage is getting a robust airing every day. People who wanted to engage with the competing issues in last year's presidential election - and be entertained while doing so - listened, according to their taste, to Al Franken's radio show or that of Rush Limbaugh. They watched the TV shows of Dennis Miller, John Stewart, and Bill Maher."

Radio's Air America Is Finding an Audience

Radio's Air America Is Finding an Audience: "LETTERS
Radio's Air America Is Finding an Audience" in response to an earlier anti-AAR article. [Registration required]

Gothamist: Air America's Liberal Arts

Gothamist: Air America's Liberal Arts: "Air America's Liberal Arts

2005_04_artsairamer.jpgHousing Works Bookstore Caf�is self described as Soho's best-kept secret, and it looks like we're not very good at keeping secrets. Starting this Sunday (and recurring on Sundays) Air America Radio will begin taping their new 'Liberal Arts' show live from Housing Works.
The program is hosted by Katherine Lanpher, who also co-hosts 'The Al Franken Show' on Air America. In the continuing series she will entertain authors, singer-songwriters and artists in an evening of conversation and performance."

No word yet on when the series will air.

Friday, April 22, 2005

Holy Crap: Christo-Fascist Zombie Brigade

Holy Crap: Christo-Fascist Zombie Brigade: "Christo-Fascist Zombie Brigade" blognostic phones in to Morning Sedition and gets through.

Livejournal gives Jerry Springer a boost

grandimagineer: Happy Earth Day: "“Talking to Dick Cheney about environmental issues is like asking the Pope to make a contribution to Planned Parenthood.” Jerry Springer said that.

Jerry Springer has a new radio show on Air America Radio that in my opinion is worth checking out. It is on from 9 am to noon, Monday through Friday. To look for an Air America Radio station in your area, or to listen to it on line you can go to www.airamericaradio.com ."

Cincinnati Black Blog: The Whitening Of Air America

Cincinnati Black Blog: The Whitening Of Air America

This article was previously linked from here in its incarnation in Counterpunch. If you've got comments, you may want to go to this blog and put them there, since they probably get more readers than I do here.

Out here in the west, they didn't take away Unfiltered to put on Jerry Springer--they took it away to move Morning Sedition to the morning drivetime slot. Which is OK with me. I've listened to Jerry a few time on XM Radio, but he doesn't turn me on. I prefer the Marks. However, I think what I'm going to start doing is podding Rachel's new program and listening to it in the car on the way to work. Certainly that's what I'll do if they put Springer in that slot like they are doing in San Francisco.

Of course, first I have to get an Ipod.

Update: I guess I didn't previously link to the article in Counterpunch. See above for the link. Let's face it--this is intended as a Pro-Air-America-Radio Blog. But a healthy discussion of the issues is not necessarily bad for Air America. I will probably ignore the absolute Freeper stuff out there, or characterize it as the backlash that it is. More Black participation in Air America (and the progressive movent as a whole) would certainly not be a bad thing.

News Hounds takes on York's Vast Snow Job To Discredit Democratic Groups

News Hounds: York's Vast Snow Job To Discredit Democratic Groups: "Byron York in the Vast Left Wing Conspiracy says that Democrats tried to organize in 2004 not just to win an election but, as his subtitle put it, 'to Bring Down a President.' How dare they try to get George Bush out of office just because his term was up?

Using similar rhetorical tricks throughout his book, York tries to make something sinister out of the new organizations and tactics that grew up to support the Democratic ticket in the last presidential election -- groups like Moveon.org, the Center for American Progress, Air America radio network, and America Coming Together, and tactics such as voter registration, guerilla documentaries, and Michael Moore movies. York�s main storyline is that Democrats in 18 months copied the array of think-tanks, media, and so on that make up the Republican echo-chamber, which Senator Clinton labeled a 'vast right-wing conspiracy.' York's story, of course, loses some of its sinister sheen since the Democratic effort did not succeed. But he uses Kerry's loss to show his other point -- that the Democratic groups were only the radical fringe preaching to the choir and never appealed to the mainstream. Well, 59 million voters is a pretty big fringe group."

Newshounds takes on York's book in detail.

Air America and NPR want nothing to do with the Mercury-autism link (which the Bushies say is non0existent)

vaccines042105: "National Public Radio wants nothing to do with David Kirby.


Air America cancelled him.


But the Christian Broadcasting Network wants him on.

Kirby is the author of the hot-selling new book, Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic: A Medical Controversy (St. Martin’s Press, 2005)


The book is sympathetic to parents of autistic children who believe that mercury in vaccines is responsible, in part, for the recent upward spike in autism cases – from one in 5,000 in 1987 to one in 166 today."

This according to Corporate Crime Reporter

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

The Moderate Voice - Is Air America Failing?

The Moderate Voice - Is Air America Failing?: "Once again liberal talk radio Air America is being pronounced on (excuse the expression these days after what our country has been through) life support — this time via an intriguing commentary in the Los Angeles Times." This is the opening for an AAR article in The Moderate Voice, a blog that attempts to straddle the Equator of the Blogosphere but appears to be read mostly by the dexter side and not the sinister.

The article tries to argue that you can listen to programs on both sides of the dial. "Listening to another idea does not cause brain cancer."

FWWeekly: Second Thought: Wednesday, April 20, 2005

FWWeekly: Second Thought: Wednesday, April 20, 2005: "Who cares if Air America is liberal if it’s just more trash talk." A review by a local journalism professor trashes Air America and concludes that "...the real progressive radio station is already left of the dial. It’s on the FM band, and it’s called National Public Radio."

Those of us who abandoned NPR because it was too conservative, and jumped onto AAR in spite of the advertising, will disagree with the caustic review. The article's author has an e-mail address at the bottom of the article.

Liberal airwaves blowing into Cleveland's earshot

Liberal airwaves blowing into Cleveland's earshot: "Air America Radio is finally coming to Greater Cleveland.

WJMP AM/1520 in Akron will start airing the liberal talk-humor network Monday, May 2."

Air America replaces WJMP's current "Music of Your Life" format, and will be available only during the daytime hours that the station can air.

New York Daily News - Entertainment - Radio: A hit since the 1950s: Stations' live shows

New York Daily News - Entertainment - Radio: A hit since the 1950s: Stations' live shows: "AWARDS: The trade mag Talkers is giving its annual Freedom of Speech Award to Air America's Al Franken, heard locally [New York City] at noon on WLIB (1190 AM)."

Monday, April 18, 2005

Why the Liberals Can't Keep Air America From Spiraling In

Why the Liberals Can't Keep Air America From Spiraling In (Registration required) The backlash continues. Another article by a conservative whose approach to fighting back against Air America is to continue spewing the myth that liberal talk radio will always fail.

Sunday, April 17, 2005

Yahoo! News - POLITICAL RHETORIC GROWS STEADILY MORE TOXIC

Yahoo! News - POLITICAL RHETORIC GROWS STEADILY MORE TOXIC and according to columnist John Leo, part of it is due to "democratization of the media, particularly the arrival of the Internet and big-time talk radio, which allow all of us to say whatever we like, no matter how crude." He quotes Janeane Garafalo as an example of the "toxic" rhetoric: "During the presidential campaign, comedian Janeane Garofalo referred to the Bush administration as 'the 43rd Reich.'"

My comment: If they are behaving like toxic people,they will probably get called by the names of toxic people.

Saturday, April 16, 2005

ContraCostaTimes.com | 04/15/2005 | MULTIMEDIA NOTES: BILL MANN

ContraCostaTimes.com | 04/15/2005 | MULTIMEDIA NOTES: BILL MANN: 9Registration required) "MEDIA NOTES: An interesting new ad pitch is running on Air America's local affiliate 'The Quake' (960 AM). One spot for a local yoga studio concludes, 'You'll look great naked, too!' Superficial? Oh, just a tad ... ... I was as surpised and saddened as you were by revelations that ABC anchor Peter Jennings has lung cancer. I've interviewed Jennings, and the best word to describe this class act is 'courtly.'

When the news broke Air America's midmorning host, Al Franken, thanked Jennings for Jennings' help with 'LateLine,' NBC's short-lived satirical series in 1999 that starred Franken and spoofed ABC's 'Nightline.'

'Peter introduced us to the term 'news nun,' Franken recalled. 'It refers to someone who's married to the news.' Franken added: 'Jennings was such a gentleman.' Franken again, defining the president's ideal, the 'ownership society': 'What this means is that the president and a few of his friends basically own everything,' Franken chuckled."

the futon critic - the web's best primetime television resource

the futon critic - the web's best primetime television resource: Speaking of upcoming NBC Season Pilots: "the Janeane Garofalo-led comedy pilot about the life of poker champ Annie Duke has been retitled once more to 'Deal'"

The vast left-wing conspiracy - PittsburghLIVE.com

The vast left-wing conspiracy - PittsburghLIVE.com A review of the new book and interview with the author in which he argues that the left has a good chance to win the 2008 election, and the right should not ignore us.

Friday, April 15, 2005

BlueOregon: Finally, a KPOJ local show.

BlueOregon: Finally, a KPOJ local show.: "This just in. Thom Hartmann, who's been a guest host for Air America host Randi Rhodes, will now be doing a live local show on Portland's [Oregon] progressive radio KPOJ AM 620. It will be in addition to his national show on the Sirius digital radio network."

MY BRAIN IS MADE OF THINGS MADE OF GOLD: Mind Fuck: Sam Seder

MY BRAIN IS MADE OF THINGS MADE OF GOLD: Mind Fuck: Sam Seder: A good review from a fan.

Air America Radio to leave Sirius - World News Online :: 123Bharath.com - Updates India News when it happen

Air America Radio to leave Sirius - World News Online :: 123Bharath.com - Updates India News when it happen: "The affiliation with Sirius will cease completely June 11. Sirius spokesman Jim Collins said it's too soon to say what the programming department will do with the vacant Air America channel."

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Nathaniel Livingston, Jr.: Ethic Cleansing at Air America

Nathaniel Livingston, Jr.: Ethic Cleansing at Air America The backlash begins. Air America is trashed by this article that seems to come from the radical black left. The attack focuses on the fact that Unfiltered was replaced by Jerry Springer, causing Chuck D to be off the air. It seems to overlook the fact that Mark Riley is still on Air America, and that the question of where Chuck D will end up is not yet resolved.

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

And the Milwaukee Journal's not sure either . . .

Scroll Down to bottom: "Speaking of XM, the satellite radio company has signed a new deal with liberal Air America Radio, changing the name of its 'America Left' channel to 'Air America,' which becomes 'the official satellite radio network' for the year-old talk radio service that features Al Franken. It's not clear if this deal will change Air America's status on rival Sirius Satellite Radio."

FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News

FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News: "Air America can currently be heard on both satcasters, XM and Sirius Satellite Radio, but that arrangement will end when the new XM-Air America pact kicks in." So says FMQB. Still can't find any information directly from Sirius.

Daily Kos :: Air America signs exclusive deal with XM

Daily Kos :: Air America signs exclusive deal with XM: A Daily KOS Diary has more detail on the Air America XM compact. Among other things in the comments section is the e-mail address of the Talk Radio programming person at XM: mailto:Megan.Robertson@xmradio.com where we can write and request that they carry two channels - one with the full Air America feed and another with the remaining Talk Left channels such as Ed Schultz and Alan Colmes. This way we can have the full Randi and Mike Malloy on XM.

Apparently this is going to be an exclusive deal so Sirius will drop Air America.

More to follow.

Monday, April 11, 2005

Q-C native reins in Franken

Q-C native reins in Franken: It's Katherine, of course, in this article from her home-town paper in Davenport, Iowa. It's also the site of a new Air America station.

XM and Air America Radio Announce Long Term Agreement; XM to be Official Satellite Radio Network of Air America

XM and Air America Radio Announce Long Term Agreement; XM to be Official Satellite Radio Network of Air America: A press release from Air America and XM Radio. XM will be the official Air America Satellite Channel. America Left will be renamed Air America. Looks like they will still carry Alan Colmes and Ed Schultz. No word about what will happen at Sirius.

Tuesday, April 05, 2005

ASU Web Devil - Davis: Starbucks coffee and a cause

ASU Web Devil - Davis: Starbucks coffee and a cause:
An opinion piece in the Arizona State University Web paper complains about conservatives who are offended by slogans on Starbucks Coffee cups. One of the slogans is from Al Franken. He argues that the conservatives should confront the issues instead of whining about being offended by them. He concludes the piece with:

"As they exist today, the categories 'liberal' and 'conservative' are far too constraining for me to ever consider myself as one or the other. For those of you not so hesitant to label yourself, be aware that when you unquestionably follow someone else's agenda you earn another label: 'sheep.'"

Sounds like a young turk to me.

Monday, April 04, 2005

Air America Welcome to Jerry Springer makes the Taipei Times

Taipei Times - archives: "Jerry Springer extends reach of radio audience" is a free version of a previously published New York Times Article.

"NYSUT launches 'Save Social Security' project." April 14, 2005. New York Teacher.

"NYSUT launches 'Save Social Security' project." April 14, 2005. New York Teacher.: "New York State United Teachers" will produce a video on Social Security featuring Al Franken.

Friday, April 01, 2005

Carlson's PBS Show to End After a Year

Carlson's PBS Show to End After a Year I hope that my vocal refusal to renew my local PBS station membership was the causative factor, but probably not--unless enough other people did the same.

New Voting Reform Site Now linked

VELVETREVOLUTION.US : link has been added to the main page in the Politics section. Check this out and support them.

Welcome to eTruth!

Welcome to eTruth!: "Progressive voices needed", A letter to the editor in Elkhart, Indiana asking for Air America and Ed Schultz on AM radio!

Quad Cities Online - Q-C talk radio making left turn starting Monday

Quad Cities Online - Q-C talk radio making left turn starting Monday: "A progressive talk station featuring Air America's Al Franken, Janeanne Garofalo, Randi Rhodes and more will debut at 5 a.m. Monday on WKBF-AM 1270, formerly Classic Country 1270." This is Central Illinois, as near as I can tell. A quick web search reveals that its Moline and Rock Island in Illinois and Davenport and Dettendor in Iowa. Should be on the Mississippi in the middle of the state.

BoreAmerica.com: Monitoring Air America

BoreAmerica.com: Monitoring Air America so you don't have to ever monitor it.

I stumbled across this Blog today for the first time. It claims to have been up for a year, but it's pretty clear that no one reads it. It has an Alexa rating of "no data" which means that very few people with Alexa toolbars have stumbled across it.

Apparently run by The Lonewacko Blog which bills itself as a Non-"liberal" blog and is clearly a righty blog.

I've added a link to BoreAmerica on the Air America Enemy/Ripoff pages line of the Program Links. Maybe they need to be monitored? Probably better to just ignore them.

Thursday, March 31, 2005

Air America blows out its first candle

Air America blows out its first candle: "Since switching from an oldies music lineup to progressive talk, KPOJ has moved into the top 10 most-listened-to stations locally. 'We went from a 0.4 rating to a 3.7, and that's a pretty substantial jump,' Dirkx says of the latest Arbitron ratings, for fall 2004. 'It's the most successful progressive talk station going right now.'"

Good feature article. Registration required.

AM 1090 Progressive Talk Seattle

AM 1090 Progressive Talk Seattle finally got it's web site up, and it was worth the wait. This is one of the best of the local sites that I've looked at. Stylistically it integrates well with the Air America Site, but gives it a Seattle Flavor. Top Stories, current happenings, and links to lots of local sites are included. Be sure to check it out.

HBO: Documentaries - Left of the Dial

HBO: Documentaries - Left of the Dial. This is the link to the Show Home Page. It starts tonight at 8:00 PM Eastern on HBO. Here is the complete Schedule.

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Newsday.com: A network that winged it

Newsday.com: A network that winged it A review of Left of the Dial. It's fairly balanced.

JS Online: Liberal radio can't tempt local stations in Milwaukee

JS Online: Liberal radio can't tempt local stations: "Just as she does on the radio, afternoon host Randi Rhodes emerges as Air America's most interesting personality." Milwaukee area Web column discusses Air America and Left of the Dial.

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

New York Post Online Edition: Covers Left of the Dial

New York Post Online Edition:Reviews Left of the Dial which will open on HBO Thursday Night. This review tends to lean to the right, emphasizing the "bad" things that happend during the opening days of Air America.

Monday, March 28, 2005

The American Thinker trashes "Left of the Dial"

The American Thinker read an article about Left of the Dial from the LA Times and put his particular spin on Air America. Not much Thinking was going on!

Sunday, March 27, 2005

Scribe Journal: Can Jerry Springer Boost Air America? - The National Ledger

Scribe Journal: Can Jerry Springer Boost Air America? - The National Ledger and of course the NL trashes Air America as usual. They do have a response button at the bottom of the article.

PressBooth - Michael Jackson To Go Live on Radio

PressBooth - Michael Jackson To Go Live on Radio on the LA Air America station, and apparently it already happened, today around noon. It probably won't be on Air America since it was on the Jesse Jackson show which to the best of my knowledge isn't on Air America.

Conservative radio springs a surprise

Conservative radio springs a surprise and the suprise is that this piece is not about conservative radio, but about liberal radio--in particular Jerry Springer. Air America is mentioned.

TIME.com: Radio's Bushwhackers Make It Through Year -- Apr. 04, 2005

TIME.com: Radio's Bushwhackers Make It Through Year -- Apr. 04, 2005 and Time magazine seems to miss the point and twist the facts, as usual. Oh, well, what else do we expect of the MSM?

"But Air America came close to folding for a reason the right couldn't have guessed: it ran out of liberal fat cats and went broke in two weeks. When its checks bounced, it lost stations in Los Angeles and Chicago."

We'll see what the documentary says--but losing the stations in LA and Chicago didn't happen because of being broke. The reasons were more complex than that, and basically came down to politics as usual. . .

Revisionist history as usual.

Jeanean will do the sitcom from New York

According to a New York Times article reprinted here in the Times Argus, Jeanean Garafalo will stay in New York and continue as host of the Majority Report if she gets a roll in a sitcom next year. According to the article:

In fact, Garofalo is taking two weeks off next month to shoot an NBC pilot called "All In," in which she'll co-star as a professional poker player. If the network picks it up — always an iffy proposition — she'll do the comedy series in New York while simultaneously being host of "The Majority Report." Meanwhile, coming months will bring the releases of a TV movie for the Oxygen cable channel, a feature directed by Marc Forster, and the independent "Duane Hopwood," recently shown at Sundance. Perhaps, she said, she can alternate intermittent acting and stand-up with "a long-term radio career with Sam."

Alternate Post

caused by a Blogspot software crash that created a duplicate post. Since I don't know how to delete a post once its here (at least from the front end) I'll take this opportunity to edit one of the posts into a different post.

Have you seen today's Dilbert cartoon? I think it sums up the state of dialogue in this country today.

Friday, March 25, 2005

Link TV - Your connection to the world

You may have noticed that I've added a link in the Main Stream News section to Link TV - Your connection to the world. I'm probably going to move that link to a new section for "Real News Sources" that will include a link to C-Span and other non-Air America information sources. However, in the meantime I's like to explain why I added this link and urge you all to check out Link TV.

In our house, LinkTV has replaced the local PBS stations and CNN as our most watched channel. After watching The Daily Show or Bill Maher, we invariably end up watching or Tivoing LinkTV, which is on DTV Channel 375 and is also on the Dish Network. I'm not sure whether it is on cable or not, but it should be.

Tonight, since Bill Maher was off, we watched Afghan Massacre, a documentary that has been around on the Internet for some time and was mentioned a few times on Air America last year. This is the story of 3,000 Taliban who were allegedly massacred in Afghanistan after the American Invasion. Of course, the Pentago is in denial about any American involvement, but has done no formal investigation. This is the first time it has been shown on American television. It will be shown several more times this week.

This is just one example of the type of programs tht are on LinkTV. Actually the name of the channel is WorldLinkTV and it is dedicated to bridging the gap between America and the rest of the world.

From their mission statement: Link TV broadcasts programs that engage, educate and activate viewers to become involved in the world. These programs provide a unique perspective on international news, current events, and diverse cultures, presenting issues not often covered in the U.S. media. We connect American viewers with people at the heart of breaking events, organizations in the forefront of social change and the cultures of an increasingly global community.

New Yahoo! Group : Air_America

Yahoo! Groups : Air_America From the Group description:
This is a discussion group regarding Air America Radio. Are you one of the growing number of people who love to listen to Air America Radio? If you are... come on in and join the discussion. There is no waiting, so members can subscribe and unscribe as they wish. NO CONSERVATIVES!!! This group is for people who enjoy Air America Radio. Trouble makers will be eliminated from the group. To avoid the problem of spam and possible trouble makers, initial posts will be moderated. Once you have made your first post, you will be placed on non-moderated status, and your posts will appear as you make them. The main rule is this...no ad hominem attacks against other people on the forum.

Dr. Orman eyes Washington - The Fairfield Mirror - News

Dr. Orman eyes Washington - The Fairfield Mirror - News (registration required) . . . and Listening to the debate between the College Democrats and College Republicans Tuesday night, Orman went to his office for an interview with Janeane Garofalo and Sam Seder on Air America, a national liberal radio network.

More on Janeane's TV Pilot

According to the futon critic - the web's best primetime television resource: "ALL IN (NBC) - Geoff Pierson ('24') has joined the cast of the comedy pilot, about a single mother (Janeane Garofalo) of three in Las Vegas who earns a living as a professional poker player. He'll play the father of Garofalo's character in the project, which comes from creator Jack Burditt, Lisa Kudrow & Dan Bucatinsky's Is or Isn't Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television."

So here's the question of the week: If the pilot goes, does it mean Janeane will be giving up on Air America? Presumably it wouldn't be until next season. Perhaps Rachel Maddow could team up with Sam while Janeane was off taping shows. Or Sam could do Majority Report by himself.

Stay tuned for later rumors . . .

Chicago may have Air America on AM in a few weeks

Scroll down the page to find notes on Jerry Springer and Air America.

Air America's Sinton Airs It Out as management team expands

Air America's Sinton Airs It Out Gary Krantz will move from Premiere Networks to take over as president at Air America.

Thursday, March 24, 2005

The Austin Chronicle: News: Air America Who is That?

The Austin Chronicle: News: Air America Who is That? This was probably a sidebar in the print edition that became a Related Story on the Web.

The Austin Chronicle: News: Talk Radio Turns Blue

The Austin Chronicle: News: Talk Radio Turns Blue A good article that examines Air America in depth as it comes to Austin, Texas. Photo of Al.

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Wizbang Pans Air America

Wizbang (A wingnut Blog) discusses the upcoming HBO Special on the founding of Air America Radio and pans the left and the Network. According to them, the movie demonstrates how bad Air America is. Reader comments demonstrate how wierd these wingnuts are. A couple of leftwing trollers have entered comments. Perhaps it's time for a few more.

New York Post Online Edition suggests that Jerry Springer may fill "Unfiltered" slot

Jerry Springer is currently in that time slot on his other stations, and he is trying to negotiate with Air America for a spot on the network. Air America is not commenting.

I know that the Unfiltered morning drivetime spot has been replaced by Morning Sedition in the Seattle market. I can still listen to Rachel Maddow on XM Radio while I'm in the car. I used to listen to Morning Sedition over the internet. It's nice to have the choice over the air. According to the AP as of two hours ago, this is now a firm deal. They don't say which slot, but the morning slot makes sense.

Nothing on the Air America site yet.

Update: Now officially confirmed on Air America site, and by Rachel Maddow on the air. Springer will start on April 1. Still not sure which local stations it will affect.

Monday, March 21, 2005

Springer ready to take radio show national

Springer ready to take radio show national via Air America, and it's covered in a couple of papers. Air America remains mum.

KRT Wire | 03/21/2005 | Liberals hope to bring Air America to Orlando

KRT Wire | 03/21/2005 | Liberals hope to bring Air America to Orlando, Florida. Not sure how this article made it to an Indiana paper, but it did . . .

Jeaneane Garafalo to star in TV Pilot

according to Reuters.com. Also they say her latest movie is a dramatic thriller called Stay.

Sunday, March 20, 2005

El Mitote: 03/20/2005 Mentions Al Franken in a humor piece

El Mitote: 03/20/2005 a column in the Santa Fe New Mexican tells about Al Frankens dinner with New Mexico Governor Richardson last Tuesday night.

Watching the Watchers.org Attacks Al Franken and Ed Schultz for being Liberal "Appeasers"

A post on the blog at Watching the Watchers.org attacks Democrats in Congress as well as Al and Ed as being "liberal" appeasers who "support the troops" while pretending to be "progressives".

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Rio Rancho Observer Online covers Al Franken Show in Albuquerque

Rio Rancho Observer Online, a local paper in a suburb of Albuquerque (where I used to work 35 years ago) covered the Al Franken Show appearance in Albuquerque on Tuesday, and gave details of the weather problems that the crew faced in getting there.

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Clear Channel to offer non-Air America Progressive Talk in San Antonio

According to Reuters.com Clear Channel will off non-Air America Progressive Talk on FM in San Antonio, including Jerry Springer, Ed Schultz, Phil Hendrie, Alan Colmes, and Jesse Jackson. Apparently Air America is negotiating with an AM station in the same market. The new format debuts on KRPT-FM on Thursday.

New York Daily News - Entertainment - covers Randi's return

New York Daily News - Entertainment covers Randi Rhodes' return to radio (scroll down the link).

The Albuquerque Tribune: Local Gives Al and Katherine a good review

The Albuquerque Tribune gave a good review to the live broadcast of The Al Franken Show from Albuquerque on Tuesday.

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Rhodes Back On Air America March 17

Rhodes Back On Air America March 17 according to this snippet from Billboard. Of course we listeners already knew that.

Star-Telegram | 03/15/2005 | Air America in Austin

Star-Telegram | 03/15/2005 | Air America in Austin (Registration required) to read this article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Photos of Al and Katherine broadcasting the show from Austin on Monday are included with the article.

Sunday, March 13, 2005

Do Federal Agents tell people not to post signs critical of Bush when he is around?

This topic will be discussed by Sam Sedar when he sits in for Randi Rhodes on Monday, March 14, according to Memphis Flyer :: Issue 837 :: BARNSTORMING EXCLUSIVE! John Gasquet of Memphis will call into the show, among other callers.

Saturday, March 12, 2005

HoustonChronicle.com - Multimedia extravaganza SXSW hits Austin

HoustonChronicle.com - Multimedia extravaganza SXSW hits Austin and Al Franken will be appearing. See the previous Blog entry somewhere below for more details.

ContraCostaTimes.com | 03/12/2005 | Air America finally taking off

ContraCostaTimes.com | 03/12/2005 | Air America finally taking off according to this article in the Contra Costa Times.

Wilson's Blogmanac

Wilson's Blogmanac has nothing to do with Air America, but is an interesting proto-Discordian Blog from Austrailia and the US that may be worthy of perusal.

Friday, March 11, 2005

Air America coming to Dallas on March 21

Per an article in the Dallas Morning News (registration required). If you read the article, be sure to check out the reader comments--it's an interesting cross section of the Dallas population. Unfortunately the knee-jerk right dismisses Air America out of hand, as usual, but there are a lot of liberals in Texas!

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

VELVETREVOLUTION.US : VR's Divestiture for Democracy Campaign

VELVETREVOLUTION.US : VR's Divestiture for Democracy Campaign Andy Stephenson, who formerly worked with Bev Harris at Black Box Voting, is now working with this new organization that has as it's objective "to bring together all the many progressive movements, organizations and people in the country to oppose the arrogance of power in Washington today." I haven't heard them on Air America yet, but once they get their message together they probably should be.

From their site you can send letters to all the voting machine manufacturers asking them to voluntarily open up their processes and among other things to provide paper trails for their machines.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Lizz Winstead exits Air America

according to Media Week, Quoting an Air America press release. Of course, this is old news to Unfiltered listeners and Bloggers.

Laura Flanders Show quoted

Laura Flanders Show Story on Sgrena shooting was reprinted on the Guerrilla News Network site.

Friday, March 04, 2005

58877241

58877241 So we don't forget

"Al Franken Show" to Return to Sundance Channel and On Tap for SXSW '05

"Al Franken Show" to Return to Sundance Channel and On Tap for SXSW '05

Franken Taking on Bill O'Reilly?

Brand New Day: BusinessWeek Online's Daily Blog on Marketing and Branding Bill Kiley suggests that Al Franken may be the only one who could effectively compete with Fox News' Bill O'Reilly in O'Reilly's timeslot for network news. Kiley claims that lefties watch O'Reilly for the laff value. Except for those eight heroic bloggers at News Hounds whose slogan is "We watch FOX so you don't have to . . .", I can't imagine any lefties who could stand to watch Fox News for free. I know I can't.

More on "Al Franken Show" to Return to Sundance Channel and On Tap for SXSW '05

"Al Franken Show" to Return to Sundance Channel and On Tap for SXSW '05 Another announcement of the Sundance show, and Al's appearance in Austin later this month.

Thursday, March 03, 2005

PRESS RELEASE Al Franken to Speak at South by Southwest

PRESS RELEASE Al Franken to Speak at South by Southwest on March 14 in Austin, TX. This has probably been coordinated with the Arrival of Air America in Austin. (See below)

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

Sun Star | Story

Sun Star | Story Chuck D visits Alaska on his world tour to speak about "waking up America."

C.J.: Big-headed, but in a good way?

C.J.: Big-headed, but in a good way? Al Franken makes the gossip column in his home town paper.

The Atlantic Online | April 2005 | The Air America Plan | Joshua Green

The Atlantic Online | April 2005 | The Air America Plan | Joshua Green (Subscription required). For those of us who are familiar with Air America the start of this article is just a rehash of the usual stuff . . . and I didn't read it either. But if you have or want to have an Atlantic Monthly subscription, go for it!

Monday, February 28, 2005

dogmatika :: books culture stuff reviews the Alternative Media in the US

dogmatika :: books culture stuff reviews the Alternative Media Scend in the US in this web article. Air America gets a couple of paragraphs.

Sunday, February 27, 2005

KPLY shakeup brings new faces to Reno talk radio

KPLY shakeup brings new faces to Reno talk radio in the form of Air America and Ed Shultz. Starting Monday, February 28.

Saturday, February 26, 2005

Scribe Journal: Al Franken: Bush Win Good for Air America - The National Ledger

Scribe Journal: Al Franken: Bush Win Good for Air America - The National Ledger: but the allegedly truthful but apparently rightwing National Ledger refers to Air America listeners as "left wing moonbats". As a proponent of the "Bats Need Friends" movement who handed out brochures and the Seattle Mariners "Bat Day" one year, I'll pledge to help protect the "left wing moonbats" Myotis lunasinistris? as well as the usually endangered chiropterae.

New Haven Advocate: Air America the Beautiful

New Haven Advocate: Air America the Beautiful, a review of Air America from February 10, 2005.

USATODAY.com - After 'America,' a liberal dose of political satire

USATODAY.com - After 'America,' a liberal dose of political satire is on the way this fall from Al Franken, Sam Seder, and Stephen Sherrill, a Majority Report producer, as well as Bill Maher, the host of Real Time on HBO.

Liberal talk radio strikes back - 02/26/05

Liberal talk radio strikes back - 02/26/05 in Detriot, where they aren't carrying the entire Air America lineup. This article in the Detroit News focuses on a local progressive show by Nancy Skinner, with a mention of the rest of the lineup carried by the Clear Channel outlet in Detroit, WDTW-AM.

Friday, February 25, 2005

HBO on AAR Special upcoming

Documentary Upcoming on HBO A documentary about the startup of Air America Radio is scheduled for HBO March 31.
(This isn't new news, but as long as I'm cleaning up the main page, I might as well move it here.

Chicago Tribune | Air America plugs top slot, aims for Chicago

Chicago Tribune | Air America plugs top slot, aims for Chicago

According to the Chicago Tribune, the new Air America Chairman Danny Goldberg will be focusing on returning Air America to Chicago by March 31, the first anniversary of the network.

Thursday, February 24, 2005

Air America coming to Austin (TX)

Industry sources have confirmed that Air America will be coming to Austin, Texas soon. As the site of one of the best parties I have ever attended, I'm sure that Austin is ready and waiting for Air America to be on the air.

Also, Air America will have a new CEO, Danny Goldberg. Details later.

Another Test Blog

This is a second test since the first one didn't get loaded.

First Post

This is a test post. More to come later.