There's never been anything to compare with "liberal" radio....

[kentuck]

There has never been such a public voice to challenge the status quo, which has always been the business/ownership class, since the inception of our Constitution. The advent of "progressive talk radio" is historic in its scope. America could always depend on "conservatives" to have their talk radio and push the corporate agenda, as they tear down any progressive ideas that might be taking root. However, this new kid in town is a challenge to the status quo like none they have ever experienced. We should keep it in perspective whenever we get pissed off at one host or another. They are all great!

[acmejack]

1. This is something we should have done years ago!

Actually, I find it amazing that they allow it to go on. I know, first amendment, but that has historically presented little impediment to the wealthy elite and their suppression of the working class.

[Smarmie Doofus]

5. Ironically, the left pioneered pioneered a lot of what the RW....

has now perfected: the politically oriented, free-form talk format. This was pretty much a staple of the the Pacifica stations thirty years ago or so.
Pacifica let this breath of fresh air degrade into rigid, angry, ideological rant which proved boring and impossible to listen to. Regrettably, Pacifica still hasn't caught on.

More regrettably, the right wing HAS.

[Wetzelbill]

2. it's like seeing

Tom Paine in action or something. Different time and medium, but that same activist trailblazing spirit. It is remarkable.

[laststeamtrain]

3. I agree. They all have a niche. I've worked in audience studies...

...and it's been interesting to observe AAR tweak the format and schedule. They'll be doing more of it undoubtedly as time and the Arbitron book dictate.
It's all good.
Some people are going to like Springer. He's really reinventing himself, isn't he? I usually switch to Stephanie Miller on the Boston station.
Franken has that combination of Minnesota/NYC that's pretty unique.As his political aspirations take shape he'll be gone someday at least while campaigning.
It seems there's a real high-energy, youthful audience for Malloy. I wish he'd prepare his shows better the way Bernie Ward on KGO does.
Anyway...different strokes for different folks and all that...
Just having an alternative to the RW snarling heads is making a big difference I think.

[ComerPerro]

4. Rush Limbaugh, 1992-2000, became successful by pretending to do this

That was what cracked me up about having Republicans in power.

Suddenly, he stopped being "anti-establishment" and a "lone voice of reason" and was just exposed as the pathetic right-wing shill that he is.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

6. Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap!

I listen in my car, in my home and at work. It keeps me sane and informed and provides some comfort in these crazy out of spin days. I advertise AAR 940 AM with a computer made sign in the back window of my car so that other travelers can tune in. I think it is one of the most important things we have going for us. Thanks for the post!