Liberal Air America Radio stuck in cellar

[malachi]

On March 31, 2004, Air America Radio, promoted as the liberal antidote to conservative-dominated talk radio, was launched with great fanfare and prolific media coverage.

Now that it's possible to compare ratings for this spring to last year's start-up, it's clear that the network has yet to climb out of the cellar.

Air America's overall ratings, which rose initially after all the free publicity, faded before the November election and haven't recovered.

Limbaugh, still the giant among talkers, with 14.75 million listeners on 600 stations, has squashed Franken like a bug.


http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/magazine/daily/12240137.htm

[Mizmoon]

1. last time I listened it wasn't funny or interesting

I can only listen to Franken say "oy" so many times.

[dArKeR]

17. I have such the opposite view. I've never in my life heard such an

interesting, funny and a variety type political talk show in my life. Day in and day out.

[Jane Austin]

93. I love the Oy Oy Oy Show!

I think it's fun and funny.

[Parakeet]

103. Air America

Life here would be very sad without Air America. Keeps me sane and informed.

[Born Free]

114. There is a reason they are no longer on Sirius

However, the blind followers want to believe the only reason is because XM wanted Air America so much they demanded exclusive contracts. Many Air America fans on Sirius abandoned AAR like they had the plague - no loyalty at all. If you follow any of the threads you will see numerous post on how they don't miss AAR, and choosing to stay will Sirius regardless of what happens. I can't say I liked all the shows but I still supported them to the end, our Sirius radios have been off ever since they dropped Air America and we made sure they knew why we cancelled our subscriptions.

[ET Awful]

2. Why even post this nonsense?

First, Limbaugh isn't a radio network, he's a syndicated program that stations can buy if they so desire. This means that it's very easy to get Limbaugh's show on the air. You only need to block out a 3 hour time slot and pay the syndication fees.

Second, AAR continues to add stations on a regular basis (over 50 at last count). This is more remarkable because stations that get AAR have to get more than just a single show. They are buying complete programming.

Rush hasn't squashed anything except a crapload of Oxycontin.

[DefenseLawyer]

15. My understanding is that they don't buy Limbaugh

I believe, and I could be mistaken, that the "limbaugh model" is that he gives the show to the stations for free in exchange for a portion of the ad spots or a percentage of the ad revenue, which is one reason why he was able to get on so many stations.

[BeachBuckeye]

83. Thats the way it is with almost all syndicated programs

Barter....no paying for programming just bartering for ad time.

[Beaver Tail]

3. With all the Media Mergers

I would have to ask how many of these radio stations are owned by a Corporation that support Bush?

[Greeby]

6. Maybe because

When there's a corporatist in power, the corporations are all to some degree protective of him, because they're getting such a good deal

[Greeby]

4. Here's an idea

Put Malloy on at the same timeslot as Oxyrush, and you'll see some ratings!

[MODemocrat]

41. Limbaugh can't even begin to compete with Mike Malloy

Mike tells the truth, and demands the truth from his callers in. Lying is what Rush is all about. According to some who listen to him for kicks, he is losing it daily. His sheeple are really the ones who are down in the cellar; aiding and abetting him in his drug abuse. Anyone else would be thrown in jail for much less than what he's doing.
Here's to the Great (fake name)Limbaugh:
:crazy: :silly: :freak: :dunce: :hangover: :boring: :puffpiece: :rant: :rofl:

[Talismom]

44. You got that right Greeby! Mike's the man! n/t

[Rich Hunt]

92. yeah, Malloy has charisma

He's got a real radio personality - I found him easy to listen to, like the good old days of AM radio, when there was more variety.

[SoFlaJet]

5. Last night I went to see John Hiatt

with my bass player and old chef of Limbaugh-it was thru him that I found out about his drug use.I asked him if he thought he was still using as we say in the rooms and he said "all I know is he never made amends to me"-to those who understand..well you'll understand(he's probably still sick)

[Tesla]

10. I would like to have it on a local station so I can listen to it in my old

regular radios I have everywhere!!

[blue sky at night]

18. stream it on the computer.......

then install an FM transmitter. We listen on every radio in the house, in the cars we are getting sattilite, xm sucks but AAR went away from sirius. AAR is the only place you can hear the truth on a regular basis so who gives a shit what the ratings are!!! SUPPORT THEM.

[napi21]

26. Tell me about this FM transmitter.

Do you install it in your computer? I did a quick search on google and there are all kinds of FM transmitters, and I don't know wnything about them.

AAR is broadcast here in GA via a fairly low power AM station out of Athens. I can sometimes pick it up in my car, but never in the house. Would this transmitter be able to pick up an AM station???

I currently stream it every day, but would LOVE to be able to listen on the radio!

[CottonBear]

30. Air Atlanta is broadcast out of Atlanta not Athens.

I wish there was a station here in Athens. I can listen to Air Atlanta on top of Signal Mountain in TN but I barely get it in Athens if at all. :(
I can listen to 1530am out of Ohio at night.

:hi: napi21

[napi21]

43. No, not Air Atlanta. Air America is broadcast out of Athens

on 1690 AM. As far as I know, it's the only local station that broadcasts AAR.

[CottonBear]

72. Air Atlanta is 1690 am and it's broadcast out of Atlanta.

Atlanta, GA - WWAA-AM 1690 AM
http://shows.airamericaradio.com/stations

[napi21]

82. Sorry it's not Athens, it Albany, Ga.

http://www.ontheradio.net/RadioStations/WWAAAM.aspx

I can oonly tell you that I can only receive it in my car, and even then, the signal is not great! If I'm driving south from Gainesville toward Atlanta, it gets a little better, but here or anywhere north, the static is terrible, and sometimes I lose the signal completely.

I can only assume it's a lower power station signal.

[Richard Steele]

33. NO, the transmitter picks up the stream from the internet...

...then it BECOMES a low-powered "Radio Station",
broadcasting the stream to the rest of your house
so you can use a radio to listen in any room.

[blue sky at night]

57. The best one I could find is sold by C. Crane Company.

Here is the link.
http://www.ccrane.com/radios/fm-transmitters/fm-transmitter.aspx
The unit is pricey, at $70.00, but it is a quality device, digital and stereo. There is a modification that needs done to make it truly effective; it has a output power pot inside the cover, it needs turned up all the way....then you can hear it clearly all over the house. The techs at C. Crane cannot legally tell you how to do it, but will steer you to the website that will.The device plugs into the back of any sound source, like your computer. We put a "Y" connection into the computer so one runs the transmitter, the other runs the sound system. I have multiple PC's in the house, so the one in the basement has the stream running 24/7 on Windows Media Player. We love it.

[bookman]

60. Wish I knew that...

... when this device was first offered by Crane I ordered it. But I couldn't get it to work well. Crane was great in taking it back. I've ordered other items from them. I might just try it again. Does anyone have the link for the modification?

[blue sky at night]

71. I don't have time right now, but I will find it..........

I contacted C. Crane for a RA when they gave me the heads up. It didnt work at all out of the box. Check later, I will look, but I would not hesitate to order another box from C. Crane, mine works awesome.

[blue sky at night]

75. OK here is the Modification......

these guys are great, they even have a photo to show you exactly what to do. BTW, VR means Variable Resistor, as you turn the screw it changes the resistence.

http://www.xmfan.com/viewtopic.php?t=3257&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[bookman]

107. Thanks so much...

... I appreciate that you took the time to find that. I may have to give it another shot.

[WhiteTara]

89. thanks for the tip. I'm excited because

we can't get AAR in our area.

[Gabi Hayes]

74. go to bestbuy and get this little plug-in transmitter...read below

you plug it into the audio jack (or headphone jack, depending on what you have) of your satellite receiver

it's got four little slots, which go from 88.1 to 88.7 on the FM dial

it transmits a signal that can be easily picked up on any halfway decent FM radio in your place

I have two of them, and broadcast AAR from my computer (and Sirius from my satellite hookup) all over my house

costs 20 bucks, uses two AAA batteries, and is well worth it

[blue sky at night]

79. had one, but the batteries killed it for me.......

I like to listen until I fall asleep, then the batteries would go dead about every other day. C. Cranes costs three times as much, but has an AC converter, is digital and stereo.

[TreasonousBastard]

81. I have several of those, but...

there are a number of problems with them, not the least is that there are too many strong FM stations in my area and they don't have enough transmit frequencies to avoid interference.

Plan B is, well, wires. Easiest way is to run a cable from the sound card output to the AUX jacks on the stereo. Often better sound, too, since those little FM transmitters are made for cheap, not quality.

Plan C I use in the car for satellite radio. Radio Shack, Best Buy, and other places sell a cassette adapter that plugs into the output jacks of sound cards, satellite receivers, CD players... and fits in the cassette slot on the car or home stereo. I've found that even when the FM transmitter works, this also gives better sound.

[freethought]

102. Remember what George Soros said regarding left-media!

Be Patient!

[LosinIt]

113. I don't think his brand of sickness is curable

He would never stoop to making amends or any type of humbling behavior. He is the consummate Republican, "I've got mine and fuck you". I've seen some true miracles in people in the rooms I've encountered through my husband, but I doubt Rush will ever be healthy.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

7. Bullshit.

http://www.blogd.com/archives/000647.html

http://radio.about.com/od/airamericaradio/a/aa060904a.htm

http://www.moveleft.com/moveleft_essay_2004_07_20_the_ratings_for_air_america__bad_news_and_good_news.asp

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/7/8/92849/52300

For starters.

[RatRacer]

65. Unfortunately, the article seems to be right

Three of the four articles you post were from over a year ago...which the Philly.com article already acknowledges was during Air America's initial growth from all the publicity. What they are comparing are this year's ratings versus last year's. There has been significant dropoff.

[Suziq]

8. This is Such Crap!

AAR is now carried on 67 stations. The number of stations has increased dramatically since it's inception.




:hippie:

[RatRacer]

66. Ratings vs # of stations

The article doesn't really address the number of stations. It's comparing overall ratings (number of actual listeners) market to market versus last year, and it appears those ratings have dropped off significantly.

We can't shoot the messenger. We have to figure out how to do better.

[K-W]

9. Comparing AAR to Limbough is rediculous. EOM

[zbdent]

50. Especially when "Rusty" originally got canned in Pittsburgh

and he's been on since the late 80s (I believe). At least since 1988, when he got a free sleepover in 41's rental of the Lincoln Bedroom . . .

[whistle]

11. Here is how this works.....

"Limbaugh...with 14.75 million listeners on 600 stations, has squashed Franken like a bug."

Now, how many radio stations is Al Franken allowed to broadcast on. None in my area of Florida, so I listen to him and others on AAR through web-streaming here on DU. Well, no listeners on the web are counted in the ratings. Since well over 600 stations in those 214 radio markets are controlled by right wing ultra conservatives, what chance does a liberal radio talk-show host/hostess have in getting distributed through such an environment? Almost none. If just one AM/FM station here in Orlando picked up selected shows from AAR for a one year contract and advertised on billboards and TV and other radio shows the way the Limbaugh show is promoted, then just watch those ratings shift.

At the moment Limbaugh and other conservative talk shows are considered cash cows, so the stations which carry them would never go against their own means of making big profits. I know it's not a lot, but throw in the 74,000 plus listeners hera on DU and multiply that number by 100 as a minimum and you will get a better picture of the potential listeners of AAR if the network could get into those markets. At the moment, there is a broadcast blacklist of liberal shows that just can't be penetrated.

[Isere]

13. Not in my market!

In my market, Franken is way ahead of Limbaugh.

[whistle]

101. That's exactly my point....Limbaugh 's national ratings are what

...they are because most of the markets which carry Rush also carry only conservative talk shows. Liberal shows like Frankens and Randi Rhodes and other liberal hosted shows are blocked from many markets.

Run side by side audience tests of areas where Franken is already in the market compared to limbaugh only in those same markets and I'll bet a much different ratings picture emerges. Of course, the Arbitron ratings reports are available only through paid subscription and to view individual market reports by market costs a lot. Could someone shed some factual light on this who might have current access to such reports? I think that would be very revealing.

[peacetalksforall]

12. This assessment disregards important considerations:

The right wing realized the value of hate radio decades ago.
The right wing has groomed these hate spewers and fact ignorers for decades.
The right wing organizes their battalions in lock step.
Right wing foundations fund and support their propaganda.
They have been at it for many years into decades.

Dems have assumed that it was OK to be individualistic.
Dems did not recognize or did nothing about hate radio until 1 1/2 years ago. Any Dem radio person was on his own.
Dems do not march in lock step.
Dems to not receive talking points.
Dems operate by their sense of country.
Dems were just plain slow in recognizing the need because of the belief that it is OK to belong in an unorganized way.

How does one compare decades of a well funded and well orchestrated smooth operational attack and lie organization - with a fledgling un-orchestrated, un-organized money river, non lock-step group of independent Dems?

[annabanana]

37. "this assessment" is a load of crap. . . . . . n/t

[OzarkDem]

99. We still don't have a mighty Wurlitzer

or anything close to it. All those folks going out and subscribing to satellite in order to hear Air American are already Dems.

We gotta build our communications to convert the masses, baby

[greekspeak]

14. This sounds suspiciously like RW radio propeganda/apology

Apology in the sense of a kind of defense. Not the I'm sorry kind. First, AAR is apparently something you buy as a package deal. Limpballs et al are apprently something you buy piecemeal. Apples and oranges. Second, AAR is carried now by what, a bit less than 70 stations. Limpballs is probably carried by that many stations in Texas alone. Apples and oranges. Third, he appeals to the basest part of human nature, hate, and millions of Americans are thirsty to find someone on whom to blame their problems. Americans are psychologically programmed from an early age that their country is incapable of doing wrong. America is the pure hearted guy in white who brings liberty and justice to the rest of the dark world. Thus, when something does go wrong, a scapegoat is needed. Communism, terra, libruls, blacks, immigrants--doesn't matter. Its all "their" fault. Rush is the master of pushing these buttons.

Still, I am sure Limpballs had a slow start too. He did not just say "boo" into a microphone and suddenly have millions of anxious listeners tuning him in for his parade of deceit, hate and hypocracy.

[colonel odis]

16. by that logic, mcdonald's is the highest quality restaurant in america.

garth brooks would be a better singer than the beatles.

passion of the christ is a better film than sideways.

you can never go wrong, as limbaugh learned a long time ago, pointing fingers and making scapegoats out of people. his philosophy and cynicism has translated into numbers that prove what most of us already know -- that there are a lot of dickheads out there.

[still_one]

19. That is a bunch of crap

it takes several years for most new business to even break even

This station has been on for a little more than a year, and this jerk is comparing it to people who took YEARS to catch on

I suspect it is another right wing plant to try to trash AAR

[Larkspur]

20. Where I live in Northeast CT, I can't get the Hartford or New Haven or

Providence, RI AM Radio stations that carry Air America. I have to listen to it via the internet. When I drive into work in Marlborough, MA, I can get 1200 AM Framingham on my car radio and I listen to AAR that way.

My favorite shows are in order

Stephanie Miller

Morning Sedition

Randi Rhodes

I like Jerry Springer and haven't had the chance to listen to Tingle, but I like Tingle's ads for his show.

[Trish1168]

42. Howdy neighbor!

I live one town next to where you work, and we have the same favorite shows, starting with Stephanie Miller!!

That stuff is all RW propaganda. In many markets AAR beats limballs, which is pretty good for brand new shows and a start up network.

[funkybutt]

21. Louisiana just got it's first two AAR stations

and we're so excited

[Talismom]

47. Welcome to the AAR fan club! You should be excited funky, 'cause

it is the greatest!

:toast: :bounce: :thumbsup:

[funkybutt]

52. I've been streaming it since it's first day

but i'm really glad people without computers will be able to listen to it. Seems to be going well. We're getting a list together of the advertisers so that we can promote their businesses and call them to thank them for advertising on the stations.

Al Franken and a few others should be coming to New Orleans soon. I would really love it if Randi came too.

[don954]

64. dont just call them to thank them, BUY something!

[OzarkDem]

22. Maybe they need to re-tool their business plan

do what is necessary to get into as many markets as possible. Maybe it would be better to focus giving stations the option of buy one or two shows instead of the entire package.

If they're going to beat the right wing media at their game, they have to be smarter and better than their competition at doing business.

That said, they've been out quite a while now and they're still not in our area either - one of the biggest Dem strongholds in the US.

[Talismom]

48. Where are you? I'll bet they'll be starting one up soon. n/t

[OzarkDem]

88. Cleveland area

Nothing has happened so far. Jerry Springer is on, but that's it.

[Talismom]

90. I visited your area with ACT to get out the vote for Kerry. Met so

many nice people! I think AAR has a Cincinatti station. Guess you just have to stream on the radio.

:shrug:

[Talismom]

91. I mean computer! n/t

[OzarkDem]

100. Anyone who has to go to that trouble

is already voting for Democrats. We need to reach all the voters, not just the converted.

[Catshrink]

23. Look at the date: March 31, 2004!

This is an old article. When this was written, AAR was only 3 months old.

[OzarkDem]

25. Interesting

[Puglover]

32. No the date of

the article is 7/28/05.

The whole point of this bullshit is that is takes a LONG time to gain in radio. The whole tone of the article is RW slanted IMHO.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

27. Oh Malachi!

What are you trying to stir up here?

[OKNancy]

28. The article is dated today

Here is a link through google news

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/magazine/daily/12240137.htm

If that doesn't work, paste Liberal Air America Radio stuck in cellar
in google news to get link

[malachi]

29. Not the date article was written. That's the date AAR was launched.

[Catshrink]

40. I sure read that wrong... posting before coffee is a bad idea!

Sorry for the misinformation.

[Zorra]

24. Air America Radio up 140% in LA, eating up Rush Limbaugh’s audience

In Los Angeles, KFI, the station carrying Rush Limbaugh lost nearly 15% of its market share, dropping from a 4.6 to a 3.9. KABC, another conservative talk station continuing the pattern for right-wing radio, fell from a 2.3 to a 2.1. Air America’s brand-new affiliate KTLK, 1150 AM, gained in the first quarter of its existence, going from a 0.3 to a 0.8, an increase of more than 140%. Most in the radio business say that it takes 18 months for a new station to establish a consistent ratings pattern, but if early indications mean anything, AAR is in for tremendous success in the nations #2 radio market.

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/07/27/133238.php

[K8-EEE]

39. KTLK Seems To Be Going Great Guns Here In LA

Everyone I know listens to it...I certainly do!

Unless they have the same infrastructure, it seems odd to compare though, like apples & oranges.

[onehandle]

31. The poster selected the most critical lines from the article.

I find this highly fascinating. They didn't even indicate that they selected sentences from four different parts of the article.

Malachi's post was misleading and irresponsible.

The article is not all bad news:

Still, it isn't yet time to call the coroner for Air America Radio, even though some conservative pundits are gloating that AAR is DOA.

"Air America is going to take a long time to grow ratings," said Michael Harrison, editor and publisher of the trade publication Talkers magazine. "People unfamiliar with our industry think ratings are like box-office receipts. But they're not. Radio ratings are slow to build.

"The network got an initial bump from the enormous amount of free press it got. There was a curiosity factor. Now it is settling in."

[malachi]

35. Perhaps I should have selected the four least interesting quotes from the

article. I did it to reflect the tone of the article as yet another example of a negative story regarding Liberals in the Phila. Inq. Irresponsible my ass.

[onehandle]

38. It is a common practice and a courtesy to indicate article breaks.

I could take an article critical of Bush and make him look like a God if I took up this practice.

[ibegurpard]

49. Sure you did

There was nothing in your initial post to indicate your opinion one way or another on anything.
Simply a headline trumpeting liberal radio network's low ratings and more from the article.

[malachi]

78. You're mind reader? You can discern my politics from one posting?

How nice. A tremendous talent to possess. You should join the circus, they're always in need of fortune telling clowns. Imagine posting an article in a discussion forum and having people discuss the topic. And this offends you? Get a grip.

[ibegurpard]

85. I'd have to be a mind reader.

To get the take on your post that you claim in the post I was replying to.

[Edgewater_Joe]

34. That Must Be Why They Keep EXPANDING, Eh?

I mean, XM must be in the buisness of throwing money down a rathole -- otherwise, why would they SIGN AAR TO AN EXCLUSIVE DEAL???????

And why would stupid-ass stations in blue states like LOUISIANA be so insane as to up with AAR just this week??????

And why would those morons at CLEAR CHANNEL decide to create AN ENTIRELY NEW CATEGORY -- PROGRESSIVE TALK -- to COMPETE with AAR????????!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

It's just another attempt, along with the Maglalang smear yesterday about AAR stealing money from seniors and kids, to try to throw water on something the powers that be are clearly worried about.

Besides, what will the ratings be once Rush finally gets indicted or ODs?

[tinfoilinfor2005]

36. I love AAR and I advertise it on the back window of my car along

with AM 940 so anyone driving behind me can tune in. I figure I am reminding the lefties to listen and maybe recruiting a few new listeners. And it's always fun to piss off the wingnuts. :)

[BiggJawn]

45. There are 9 stations that carry Pfleghmball within range of me...

And only ONE AAR outlet that I can hear OCCASSIONALY.

Saying that Limburger is kicking Franken's ass is like saying that Sonic kicks White Castle's ass in LA.

True statement, but not quite the whole story..

[nine30]

46. Only if Franken didn't pause 5 min after every word..

..he might have done better.

Also you cannot become successful if you make guests the centerpiece of your show. Limbaugh is successful because the show is about HIM, one man and his opinion, his rants, his take.

Even in areas where Franken is broadcast, there are more closet Limbaugh listetners than Franken listeners.

[Talismom]

51. ...and Franken is only one of the AAR broadcasters. They've all

got different formats, with Randi Rhondes and Mike Malloy doing more talking about issues and reading from solid sources and taking calls--all so much better than Limpballs that there is just no comparison!

[joeunderdog]

61. I boycott Al Franken and will continue to do so...

until he apologizes for conspiring with Big Media and the RW for not even discussing the harsh reality of another stolen election. No mention of irregularities, lost votes, nothin! I can't get over it. In the hour we needed him most, he's doing what a good senate candidate must do...NOT rock the boat.

He'll make a fine senator if he can sweep these kinds of important issues under the rug.

[Talismom]

I know just what you mean! The morning sedition guys also

poo-pood the whole "conspiracy theory" thing too and it infuriated me! I had left my work and family (6 yr old twins stayed with daddy who ran a calling center to FL)and rode in a crowded van with 14 other people from NYC to Cleveland where we ran around in the sleet and rain for 5 days getting out the vote with ACT. I saw the African americans and working class whites standing in line for hours to vote and being turned away and I KNOW that OH was stolen!! Yet nothing the fascists (neocons) did felt like such a sucker punch to me as 1)Kerry's rapid-fire concession (I heard it in the van on my way back to NYC!), and 2)the continuous denial of reality that I've heard from so many dems. Even to this day, there are still apparently intelligent dems who feel that it was all only due to a poorly run campaign! :mad:

That said, I still feel that Franken and the others on AAR are having a very significant effect and are speaking to and impressing others. I personally can hardly stand to listen to Jerry Springer's milk-toast approach. Yet others call in and are impressed with the facts that they wouldn't have listened to from a Mike Malloy rant that I would have loved. Whatever it takes, we have to blast through the corporate medias smoke screen in any way that works!

:shrug:

[CAcyclist]

53. Good Grief They've Only Been Up For 1 Year

Most people give businesses five years to start turning a profit before declaring them sunk.

I love Air America and would listen to it more if its signal came in better. As it is, I can only listen in my car, not at home or at work.

[Patiod]

54. Not available in America's 5th-largest city

Except between 12pm and 6pm on a very low-wattage station.

Hard to rack up the big numbers vs. hate radio which goes out on the highest wattage station around.

[NNguyenMD]

55. I listen on my podcast and streaming audio, am I counted in ratings?

[donco6]

56. Up to now, I have never listened to talk radio.

But I'm getting into AAR. It's interesting.

[bunny planet]

58. I suppose that's why they've gone from 3 stations to 67 in a year and a

half. They have some dud spots in the day, and some affiliates slice and dice their programming, not broadcasting shows in their entirety, not carrying the whole line-up, broadcasting old shows etc. Franken definitely was more interesting leading up to the election, he lost a lot of audience when he wouldn't talk about the stealing of the election in Ohio, just wouldn't go there at all. I don't believe they haven't recovered, why are they adding so many more stations then. I've heard the exact opposite opinion, that they are a successful venture, amazingly successful considering how long they've been on the air. YOu can't fairly compare them to Limbaugh, he got his right wing money to back him going on 600 stations practically at once. It's kind of like the Republican political machine, they raise gazillions of dollars and make it difficult for Democrats without that bank to compete on a level playing field. If Limbaugh wasn't backed in the beginning by who knows who with long cash, he wouldn't have been able to get on all those stations by himself. I'd love to see how he's doing in his own home town against Randi Rhodes specifically, that's her home market too and she always leaves him in the dust from what I've heard. I guess my long winded point is, the right wing wants very much for this AAR enterprise to fail, and they are not above giving it negative public relations whenever there's a ratings book coming out. Yes, numbers don't lie, but in this case, comparing a behemoth right wing financed machine like LImbaugh, to a fledgling and growing little engine that could like AAR is a ridiculous comparison. Even more importantly, since it might still be struggling, we should be putting aside our litle complaints (like Springer is a boring, he is) and show as much support for the station that we can. It's all we have, it has to survive and prosper. I keep my radio on and tuned to AAR all day (I work at home), even if I'm listening to Thom Hartman or Stephanie Miller on the internet instead of Franken or Springer, I want them to get the ratings. I do write to them with my suggestions, which are to get rid of Springer (or put him on weekends or late night after Malloy), add Thom Hartman or Stephanie Miller, and as RAchel gains more audience for her great job she's doing on Bowtieboy's show, give her more prominent air time and a longer show again on radio (her new schedule might not allow it). Don't know what they are planning but I do know Stephanie Miller is #1 in Washington DC area, they should add her to their line-up when her contract with Jones network expires, if she's interested.

[Greyhound]

59. If there is, In fact, a problem, it's likely because AA is only carried on

smaller day-time stations like KXXT in Phoenix. Can't get the signal after sunset, because of the clear channel/EBS radio regulations. They (AA) are also very into educating the listeners, and asking them to make an effort on behalf of various issues, and that's a great disadvantage in amerika.
IMHO, would do better to help set the progressive agenda, rather that following the Democratic Party line, a la Ed Schultz. :woohoo:

[dArKeR]

62. 1000 Top anti-war song hits then. Now not one new or one of the 1000s

have been played on the radio today.

Heard a speaker say that we've already had more protesters against the war in Iraq than then entire protests of Vietnam. Bush actually lost the Coup of 2004 so at least half of America doesn't share his sick war.

... So why aren't there any protest songs on the radio? Old Top #1, Top 10, and new songs.

Simple, corporate GOP control over the media. 100% proved!

[tmorelli415]

63. I listen all the time - RANDI ROCKS!!!!

I usually stream from the AirAmerica site. I think a huge portion of the listeners do it that way. I wonder if that gets counted in the tally?

Randi rocks - my day wouldn't be complete without her.

[EC]

67. But do these figures count the on-line streamers?

Since most of us stream due to lack of local programming...

[0rganism]

68. How many stations was Limbaugh on 1 year after syndication?

My guess is it's probably taken him a while to attain those 14.75 million listeners. Longer than a year, probably longer than two. Does Fox still pay (bribe) stations up front to carry OhReally's radio show?

The writer of this slant piece might find himself eating his words by the time AAR is on 600 stations.

[bspence]

69. Does it count XM or internet listeners?

I think most people listen via internet or satellite radio because the AM stations that broadcast AAR really suck.

I think Limbaugh has more people who listen to regular radios, but that's because he already has his audience trained that way. If you primarily listen to RW radio, you likely don't listen over the net or through satellite. It's a fact (but I have no proof :) )

[JaneQPublic]

70. Good point. I listen to AAR almost everyday & always via Internet. (nt)

[wanpete]

73. There is a need to re-evaluate AAR

I am so thankful to have progressive talk radio. Living in the ATL area and only having "the kimmer" or boortz to listen to was a real drag. I was excited when AAR came on and I haven't listened to those bozos now for over a year! At the same time, I do think AAR could use an overhaul. Rush should be countered by one of our strongest voices and I do feel that is Mike Malloy. He would TRAMPLE rush. I like Randi Rhodes and I know she's very knowledgeable and passionate about what she does. But sometimes I feel like I'm listening to my nagging mother as I'm driving home from work and it can actually rattle my nerves. We have to be bold in our voices and put forth the best programming possible so that future articles like this will be laughable at best. Diversity is also needed desperately. I nominate Ike Newkirk from atl. He's AWESOME!

[slay]

76. Liberals don't need fake talking points fed to them the way right wing nut

s do - we can actually think for ourselves. Most liberals are also working people who don't have the time to sit around all day listening to Rush's latest bitch-fest, or even air-america radio unfortunately. Politics is important, but most of us have rich lives outside of it - a statement I dare say can not be applied to Rush's listeners who seem angry, hateful, stupid, and in love with that big fat idiot Rush. I just call um like i see um. :evilgrin:

[number6]

77. Total Propaganda

I have no station in my area (Utah) to listen to AAR.
I listen to it via internet. do I count in the ratings ?
I don't think so ...

[blogslut]

84. agreed

Maybe someone should contact Real Networks and ask them how many unique IPs hit AAR per day. I betcha ten to one the numbers will be astounding.

EDIT: Okay, maybe impressive is a better word.

[Rainscents]

80. This article doesn't talk about... Many station don't want to compete

Rush with Randi or Ed... They know, rating will go down for Rush! This article is full of shit!

[dave502d]

86. When i tell people about Air America,They tell me they have never heard it

Maybe they need to do a better job letting people know
about them.I have some idea.
1. Build a bus with Air America rap in the America flag,Than drive
that dam Bus to ever City and stop at every Wal Mart and pass out
Info about them.

2 Make flyer's That say, "DID YOU HEAR WHAT THEY SAID ON AIR AMERICA TODAY"

3 Get the DEM'S to talk about them when there on TV.

4 Send E-Mail to company's and tell them to support Air America.
I don't know what everyone hear think but we need Air America.

[Darkhawk32]

87. WHAT WAS LIMPBALL'S RATINGS AFTER HIS FIRST YEAR?

That's the only way to compare the starts.

[Barkley]

94. If Air America is in the cellar then

I'm going to down to the basement and join 'em.

Stephanie Miller is fantastic and witty.
She makes politics humerous, entertaining and
interesting.

I love the Mark and Mark's "Morning Sedition"

Big Eddie Schultz is the bomb!

Randi Rhodes is truly Miss Air America She's the
the most research and knowledgeable person
radio and TV PERIOD!

Mike Malloy gives me hope and faith.

This is their first year and they are growing.
They also have lots of advertisers so they
must be doing something right.

[Chicago Democrat]

95. LETTER TO THE PHILLY EDITOR ON THIS "ARTICLE"

Subject: You are comparing Apples and Oranges, your article is dishonest


To: [e-mail]


Dear Ms. Gillin,

Your right wing hack job article on Air America is pathetic and reveals the fact that you are not even a real journalist, but merely another Republican operative who lies in a craven attempt to salvage your dishonored and discredited administration. The scandals and crimes are so thick and numerous, your article is just another attempt to change the subject through even more lies. Of course interest in politics declined after the election. It will increase again during the next election. Meanwhile the real story is that Air America is growing and competing well with shows like Rush Limbaugh in markets where they compete.

Those 67 stations cover about 60% of the United States and Air America listeners listen through other methods such as online or satellite. Al Frankens show is the number 2 most listened to show online and that means millions of listeners.

Al Franken has 188,000 listeners on WLIB in New York City and how many does Rush have in New York City? That would be a fair comparison. The only Limbaugh figure is 14 million nationwide and this is how Franken is "squashed" ? No this is how a fake journalist writes a misleading article.

Where Franken and Limbaugh do actually compete what exactly are the numbers? You don't list them because that would undercut your argument. All I can do is take that 14 million number and divide by 600 equals 23,333 Limbaugh listeners per each one of his crappy stations in the middle of Kansas. That a whole lot less than Al's 188,000 listeners! Looks like Al Franken is way way more popular than Rush! See you can prove anything when you use statistics to lie like you do in your article.

Does anyone bother to listen to Rush online? Hardly anyone does. But literally millions listen to Air America every day online and no one does that for Rush cause he's on everywhere. Those streams have their own commercials and that revenue stream is non-existant for Limbaugh cause his fans probably don't even know to use computers.

Oh does Rush Limbaugh have a TV show? Al does on Sundance Channel. That deal secures the financial future of Franken and puts him in a whole different league.

Oh does Rush Limbaugh have an exclusive XM radio deal? Al does and gets paid a bunch for it. Rush provides his crappy drug addled soothing propaganda for nothing, about what it is worth.

Compare Air America to Rush Limbaugh 20 years ago would be fair. Comparing a start up with an aging product is dishonest and so are you.

[bushcrab]

96. Randi Rhoades is #1 in Portland

Just heard it this afternoon from a guy who works for KOPJ 620AM, who called her show.

[blueblitzkrieg]

97. I listen to Air America shows all day at work.

I love it! It helps pass the time at my (very boring) job. I like Morning Sedition, Franken, and Ed Schultz. Springer is just okay. I like Randi too but she comes on after I leave.

They should sell bumper stickers with the station and the AIr America logo. I'd put one on my car to help advertise AA.

[really annoyed]

98. Love Air America Radio!

I started listening as soon as a station came to Detroit. I listen on my way to work everyday.

It's a good thing too... My mother loves Rush. :-(

[Fluffdaddy]

104. I tune in every day via local and XM radio

[yurbud]

105. In LA, Air America is on a station with a weak signal

that can be heard about 60 miles out (during daylight only)

Rush is on the most powerful channel that goes almost twice that far at full strength.

Air America is still building.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

109. Really? I live in Glendale and the signal is perfect.

[yurbud]

110. it's okay in town, but I commute out to Ventura. KFI reaches damn near...

to San Diego.

Hillbilly Hitler art:



Blog:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

111. Oh, I see.

[ShockediSay]

106. Anyway, those guys need it -

someone to tell them their talking points on why the rich should get richer at the expense of the public citizenry.

Take them off their talking points and they're lost.

[The Jacobin]

108. There has been no advertising in Dallas

For the station here (910 AM). I think it was setup very cheaply by one of the local county Democratic parties. I only found out about it b/c I was already streaming from the web and saw it appear on the affiliates list.

A good billboard or ad in the urban weekly would help listenership.

[robertarctor]

112. Do you work for Clear Channel?

Or are you merely some dittohead who thought he'd take a break from Free Republic and go taunt those "libruls" at DU?

Your post is BS; it's unvarnished RNC spin. If anyone's getting squashed, it's Limbaugh.

See you at the water cooler, intern.

[Zhade]

115. Unfortunately, AAR is plagued with conflicts of interests.

By that, I mean its corporate format - full of commercials for companies like Exxon-Mobil and Merck. You're not going to hear a lot of investigate stuff on the network that examines any of the companies they do business with.

They're compromised in a lot of ways (and I find many of the shows to be far too focused on "this Republican said this and that Democrat said that" and not enough on actual, real issues of substance). It plays more like voyeuristic entertainment than hard-hitting truth-seeking.

Of course, there are some exceptions, but they don't tend to be the flagship people.

YMMV.

[Swamp Rat]

116. New Orleans just got AAR on 1350 AM! ... YAAAAAAAY!!!!

Air America is getting bigger and more popular every day!!! :woohoo: