Air America picks up new flagship station: WWRL-AM in NYC

[LTR]

(Cross-posted from LBN)

From www.allaccess.com (free subscription required)

AIR AMERICA RADIO and ACCESS.1 COMMUNICATIONS CORP jointly announced today that AIR AMERICA RADIO will begin broadcasting on WWRL-A/NEW YORK CITY, effective SEPTEMBER 1, 2006. WWRL-A will become the flagship station for the AIR AMERICA RADIO network in what the parties called a long-term "partnership,"; AAR currently airs in a similar time-brokered agreement on crosstown INNER CITY BROADCASTING CORP. WLIB-A. ALL ACCESS hears that the deal is for five years."We are excited about our new affiliation and the platform this move will establish for AIR AMERICA in the years ahead," said AIR AMERICA acting CEO JIM WIGGETT. "We look forward to forming a long term and strong relationship with ACCESS.1 COMMUNICATIONS." "We are thrilled about our new partnership with AIR AMERICA," added ACCESS. 1 Pres. & COO CHESLEY MADDOX-DORSEY. "It is important that we partner in offering the nation’s largest radio market a strong, progressive voice."For now, WLIB-A's programming future remain uncertain, and exactly which hours will be covered by AAR programming is also unclear, although ALL ACCESS hears that morning drive may not be included in the arrangement.

[Smarmie Doofus]

1. In plain English, does this mean the signal...

will be stronger?

Will AAR be on *both* stations?

Is this a sign of AAR's commercial health?

Someone translate the radiospeak, por favor.

[LTR]

2. I'll try and translate for you

First, here's the original post in LBN:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2431689&mesg_id=2431689

I also provided a better source for the story, as All Access, a radio trade site, often relies heavily on industry jargon.

Next, here's the whole story, as I've heard it.

Seems like their current affiliate, WLIB, has been obtained by another company (WLIB is currently leasing out time to AAR). Hence, the affiliation (lease) agreement is coming to an end on August 31, and it is rumored that P1, who will take over the signal, will continue to program liberal talk, but without any AAR shows.

AAR has been seeking out a new affiliate in the NYC area and yesterday announced an agreement with WWRL (1600 AM). AAR will begin airing program on that station effective September 1.

As for signal, it may come in better in some parts of town, but in general, it is a slightly weaker signal, particularly at night. I don't live in the NYC area, so I'm not sure. As for AAR's health, the whole WLIB thing was not due to AAR failing. Rather, somebody waved more money at WLIB and the contract with AAR was coming to an end. Anything else beyond that, I have no idea.

Ratings-wise, AAR is not doing too bad. Talk radio in general has been down in the last year or two, on both sides of the political spectrum. Liberal talk statons have still been holding their own, but haven't grown much. I'm sure future election cycles (particularly 2008) will boost the format's fortunes.

I do know that AAR is picking up a new affiliate in Palm Springs, CA next week. As for the company's fortunes, I have no idea, but as far as a syndication startup company, I have been impressed with their growth over the last several years.

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. Thanks, that helps a bit. But what's this about....

>>> although ALL ACCESS hears that morning drive may not be included in the arrangement.>>>>

dropping Rachel Maddow? Foolish in the extreme, as she seems to be the only on-air AAR personality that truly understands the medium.

[sabbat hunter]

4. the station

that AAR is switching to wants to keep local programming for the morning drive. at this point it was either that or lose the NY airwaves entirely. as it is they are on a weaker signal at the end of the A< dial.

[Smarmie Doofus]

5. Can they move Maddow up into Springer's slot? n/t

[sabbat hunter]

6. in some markets

springer isnt on. in others randi is on the same station as Rush. AAR is more of a collection of syndicated shows really.