I have mixed feelings about Clear Channel sponsoring Air America stations

[bluestateguy]

On the one hand, it's good to see a major media conglomerate diversify its talk programming. Diversity of views on the airwaves, after all, is what we have all been fighting for. Support from Clear Channel has brought Air America into dozens of new markets and it looks like Air America may be back in business in LA soon because of Clear Channel.

Clear Channel is first and foremost concerned with the profit motive before its devotion to conservative principles. Obviously Clear Channel has done their market research and they believe that there is a fertile market for liberal radio.

My concern is the effect Clear Channel sponsorship may have upon the dialog on Air America programs. One of the important issues that we on the Left like to advance is the cause of breaking up media consolidation and corporate control of the airwaves. The consequences of this "corporate media" are often discussed on Air America programs. Indeed, that's a major reason why Air America was formed. I'm concerned that Clear Channel's growing influence within the Air America network may chill this discussion on the consequences of the corporate media. I am concerned that pressure may be placed on the Air America hosts to stifle discussion on these topics.

[Gloria]

1. I think it's a disaster in the making and I've repeatedly said that....the

FCC has over 200 FM stations for sale, mostly in the South and West.
Why won't a Soros or someone with deep pockets scoop these up in some of these smaller markets?? Who do you think will get them? RW nuts? Religious extremists?

Here's an opportunity to build a network in key parts of the country...and yet, AAR is gradually becoming nearly totally at the mercy of Clear Channel.

[lavenderdiva]

2. i thought the same thing when I read this earlier today...

While it allows more areas to hear what we have been talking about, I wonder, because of Clear Channel's past history at putting the kabosh, as it were, on certain radio personalities, just what latitude they will have in speaking their minds...

[noamnety]

3. concerned but no other options right now

It's our first day here in Detroit with AAR. I was shocked to hear commercials from the US Govt whining about how we all have to have a family emergency plan for terror attacks. I thought it was an AAR spoof - but it just was straight, and ended with a little nod to needing a plan for natural disasters and the ready.gov link. UGH.

[Zebulon]

5. typical psa message

I was shocked to hear commercials from the US Govt whining about how we all have to have a family emergency plan for terror attacks. I thought it was an AAR spoof - but it just was straight, and ended with a little nod to needing a plan for natural disasters and the ready.gov link. UGH.

That's a typical PSA, the kind of stuff they run until they are able to sell advertising in that slot.

[noamnety]

6. thanks for the info

I didn't know that. I was holding out a small amount of hope that it was a carry over from the NASCAR side of the station.

[newyawker99]

12. Hi Zebulon!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Zebulon]

13. Hi newyawker99

Thank you for the warm welcome! :)

[K-W]

4. Nothing has changed from when AAR first started.

They are liberal because thier management chooses to make them liberal, as long as that is thier priority it doesnt matter who buys thier product. If they allow clear channel to have content influence, then they were just lying from the start and it would have manifested itself in some other way.

We are trusting the people involved to know about clear channel and not give them influence, as long as they say "this is who we are, take us or leave us" there is no problem.

[moondust]

7. Microsoft stratagery.

"Embrace, extend, and extinguish."

[SoCalDem]

8. It's the republican way.. If ya can't BEAT 'em----EAT 'em..

They have seen that there is a market, and by putting AAR under contract in "selected cities", they will effectively preclude OTHER stations from being able to carry them, so that when CC has enough of the "liberal market" cornered, they can then dictate content.. Take it or leave it..

[leesa]

9. I feel it's a set-up, but I think they may be sorry they created the

monster. I think it is far more popular and profitable than they thought. No Republican can walk away from $$$$$.

[KarenS]

10. Our AAR is a ClearChannel station and

that's why we will be getting Sirius Satellite Radio soon,,,,

I don't trust Clear Channel and I do not want to support them in any way,,,,,

[Robbien]

11. Right now Clear Channel needs AAR to try and make people

believe Clear Channel is not a right wing conservative corporation which only promotes right wing views. In the short run they probably will leave content alone.

But in the long run, it could be a very bad move for AAR.