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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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)

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!