I am convinced AAR has a death wish

[ariellyn]

The Young Turks replaced Rachel Maddow during AM drive time? I listened this morning and got zilch from their pointless banter. No news, just stream of consciousness blather from what I heard.

Maddow was/is great. It will be interesting to see what she does during evenings--prime time.

But I wonder that Sam Seder gets buried in the 9-12 spot. I say "buried" because most people who make a living are not going to be listening during that time.

I don't get it.

Please 'splain it to me. :dunce:

[KyndCulture]

1. Well I believe that AAR

is ringing a death knell.


We'll see if this new lineup works.

I don't like young turks at all.

[LSK]

2. the new schedule works better for me

I usually stream from work and the Springer spot was dead to me and I thought Randi went too long. I was never up early enough to hear Rachel and now I can after Randi.

[thereismore]

3. I agree. Rachel's new slot is fine, but Sam? He will only be heard

by those that stream at work.

[LSK]

4. or people who drive for a living

If local stations carry him.

[annabanana]

32. or work from home...

(or are members of that dying breed, homemakers... or if you prefer, soccer moms)

[MindPilot]

17. AAR stream is blocked at my work. n/t

[thereismore]

24. That's a bummer. nt

[Hard_Work]

27. MindPilot,

Try to find a different stream. I am blocked at work from the AAR stream as well, but can still stream AAR Phoenix, as well as 92.1 The Mic in Wisconsin, which carries a lot of AAR content.

[MindPilot]

61. It's not REALLY an issue for me personally.

I'm an IT guy and have access to the "other side" of the firewall. :D

[proud2BlibKansan]

41. Fine by me

I am not a big Sam fan but I do like Rachel.

[Exiled in America]

52. which is still a lot of people

..me being one of them.

I get to hear more of sam now. I don't have a commute, and my life outside of work is not condusive to listening to the radio. So, I get to hear whatever I can hear while working.

[JDPriestly]

5. Bring back Rachel Maddow!

The Young Turks are too chaotic for early in the morning. It's a big mistake to have the best shows on during the day. Prime times for radio are drive times (early morning to about 9 a.m. and 4 to about 7 p.m.) and evenings. I'm a "working folk" who is on the phone a lot -- a little light music but no talk radio during the day. I don't watch TV so I'm a good liberal talk show customer. I want the best shows to be on in the evening. Liberals listen to radio differently than conservatives do. AAR needs to research liberal listening patterns. We are not like conservatives.

[LTR]

19. Talk radio often does poorly at night

Most talk listening is during the day. There is considerable dropoff at night, unless the station is airing baseball games.

Everybody has their own ideas of what would make a station successful, but in order for a station to succeed, they have to figure out what works best for the most amount of people.

[IntravenousDemilo]

39. This is interesting.

Other than selectively filtering out any common sense or compassionate opinions, what is different about conservative listening patterns as compared to liberal?

[JDPriestly]

63. Conservatives listen during the day

White collar workers, teachers, professors, lawyers, government workers, are typical liberals. We want to listen to liberal talk radio early in the morning and late at night. We work during the day and since we use our intellects in our work can't so easily listen to talk radio during the day. I am pretty typical. I get up before 6:00 p.m., listen to the radio on headphones as I prepare for work, exercise and have breakfast. I work pretty long hours between 8:30 and get off somewhere between 5 and 6:30. I spend a lot of that time on the phone so I cannot listen to talk radio. But I love talk radio so I listen to good talk shows between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Unfortunately, Al Franken is not on until very late at night. I catch a little Randi Rhodes or now Rachel Maddow driving home from work. I listen to the early a.m. shows. I love Ed Schultz, but I only get to hear him if I happen to be driving somewhere for an afternoon appointment. I think I'm pretty typical of talk radio listeners. I am unusual in that I don't watch TV -- too conservative. I don't want to see or hear that drivel. I have heard and seen enough of it. I love liberal talk radio. I also try to the extent I can to buy from advertisers on liberal talk radio -- a local restaurant, Trader Joe's. I haven't bought my Orrick vacuum yet but I'm thinking about it.

[Captain Hilts]

6. Get rid of Rush Limbaugh Lite - Ed Shultz. nt

[LSK]

7. hes not on AAR

:shrug:

[Captain Hilts]

13. Oh, they play him on the AAR in DC. I know Steph Miller isn't AAR and..

they play her too.

I guess DC's AAR plays a lot of non-AAR people...

[joefree1]

21. Big fan of Ed Schultz. Sorry if he's not commie enough.

He's not on Air America, he's on the Jones network. He's got great ratings and Union folk love him. Here in LA he's on at 12:00 PM, Steph is at 9:00 AM.

Sorry if he's not following the party line.

Big Eddie's rated #9 in a survey of USA talk show host he's sharing this spot with Don Imus, plus others. Al Franken is at #11.
http://www.talkers.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=34

[LTR]

23. That Talkers survey is a bunch of bullshit

Talkers is not a very reliable source.

I'm not trashing Ed, because I know that he has his dedicated listeners, and usually, his show isn't bad. But I suspect there is nothing scientific about Talkers' rankings. I think it's just the creation of the guy that puts it out.

[Captain Hilts]

25. Don't insult me. He's a blowhard that sounds like Limbaugh.

It has nothing to do with his politics.

Cool it pal.

[joefree1]

46. Cool it indeed

Calling him a blowhard and comparisons to Limpballs? You throw insults and expect kisses?

It's liberal elitism like this that chases people to the middle.

And I'm not your pal.

[bperci108]

28. It's not that he's "not commie enough"...

...it's that he's too "Limbaugh-esque".

He seems oblivious half of the time and I got the idea from the first time I heard him that it's always about Eddie.

I think he's a self-aggrandizing closet rightie pretending to be a liberal because it's relatively uncharted and untapped territory.

Now go ahead and pile on; I've stepped in it for sure here. :hide:

[Maat]

48. My gripe with Big Ed is that he is ILL-INFORMED!

One time he acted as if it was reasonable for the Booosh Administration to violate the FISA (i.e. urinate upon the 4th Amendment even further than others have already done). I wrote my response: "Probable cause, Ed." "Probable cause is a relatively weak standard, and if you can't come up with it to justify law enforcement behavior, then you're a twit who doesn't deserve a job." It is very easy to justify a warrant, particularly in the FISA Court. There is NO excuse for such a Fourth-Amendment-related violation. Get it straight, Ed."

Maat, J.D.

[bperci108]

50. Exactly.

Long on bluster; short on facts.

Just like the Oxy-Moron.

Mis-information is as bad as dis-information.

[Maat]

54. Yep (n/t).

[KittyWampus]

8. I am convinced a lot of DU'ers are waiting to dance on its grave

I am sick and fucking tired of the daily trash AAR posts because either YOUR scheduling demands aren't be met or YOU don't like whatever host.

At least AAR EXISTS. Left to a large number of DU'ers I swear it would be gone tomorrow.

[SammyWinstonJack]

9. !

:thumbsup:

[bdamomma]

11. we need these progressive radio stations right now

more than ever. Sam is great in this spot.

[devilgrrl]

14. Oh, I know! Fuck off NETVOCATES!!!!!

That's all this is... a whispering campaign.

[TornadoTN]

15. In all fairness, we are the listeners

Sure, one person shouldn't dictate an entire nationwide programming schedule. But I think that a lot of the complaints have merit. I love(d) AAR because they were the beginning of what I hoped would be a succesful alternative to the typical talk radio format. However, the talent decisions, programming and producing decisions have been less than stellar all the way around.

I don't have a problem with people voicing their displeasure. It has been a rough ride and many of us who have been listening since day one have grown increasingly concerned about the constant state of disarray that has become AAR. Do I want it to go down? Certainly not. Do I want it to be managed competently and the programming engaging? Absoloutely.

[otohara]

37. Radio is A Kooky Business

People come and go, many get fired in this business. (I did) It's a hard industry to work in, back stabbers all through out the industry. Ego maniacs from the many Vice Presidents, to the traffic directors.

Many can't take the day to day stresses of working in radio. It used to be fun, but then our favorite president signed the Telecommunications Act of 96 (to throw the GOP a big ass bone) and sadly it's not much fun anymore since the buying spree began.

AAR is a network and farms out it's programming to our most evil of enemies, the Clear Channels, CBS, ABC's of the broadcasting industry. The worst thing that could happen to AAR is that it will get bought out by one of the bigger networks and then all shit will hit the fan.

[Donnachaidh]

18. BRAVO!!

[LTR]

20. I'm glad somebody gets it

Let's be realistic. If AAR or anyone else programmed specifically for the people who nitpick it, they'll never succeed. These types of listeners will never be satisfied.

Hell, I don't even have AAR in my town. I bought a new car stereo that plays MP3 discs and has an IPod adapter. If I wanted to, I could easily just download whatever shows I want and listen that way.

[otohara]

29. Amen - I'm So Happy To Have AAR

love Al Franken, Billy and his extensive interviews, especially Thursday with Tom Oliphant. Randi, is a goddess and I look forward to hearing Sam in the AM, (Sam AM)

Jury out on Young Turks - really not that familiar with them, but they are on way too early for this Western state gal.

One thread complaining about commercials - as a former radio person, HELLO??? Radio commercials keep the station on the air!!! Supporting those advertisers is even more important!!

[ariellyn]

64. I sometimes feel the same way about posts on other subjects

It seems people come here sometimes to tear apart and divide. I assure you that was not my intent. I have stuck with AAR since its inception and, having done so, I have more than earned the right to criticize it. I applaud the fact that they exist--the first day I woke up hearing them on the air was heavenly. But the constant changes they are making are getting on my nerves and where else should I go to talk about it if not here? :shrug:

[rainy]

10. I'll listen to C-span in the mornings now. I don't like small talk

radio hosts. I liked Rachel. I'll listen whenever I can at other times as I do like the rest of the line up.

[negativenihil]

12. the young turks

you know maybe i missed it - but what was the point of their show?

i mean ugh - the wonderful Rachel Maddow was informative and sometimes funny - these guys ugh i dont know. the signal to noise ratio was way off.

[TornadoTN]

16. AAR is all but dead to me

During my morning commute, I became rather intrigued by Rachel Maddow. I had started out not much caring for her during her time on the other morning show that was a virtual cacklefest with no substance, but she really showed how smart she is and her knack for breaking down issues piece by pice when she got her own show was something to marvel.

Now they move Rachel to a slot that just doesn't work with my schedule (can't win them all I guess) and put these "Young Turks" on in her spot. I gave them a shot, but not again. That had to be the most disorganized and ineffective show I have ever listened to in this format. From what I can tell, this is their show and don't expect much more than what we got.

Outside of Sam Seder,Rachel Maddow and Randi Rhodes, I'm pretty much finished with Air America. It doesn't make me happy to admit it, but they have made some really poor decisions on talent and producing interesting and engaging programming. So it's back to music for me, I'll save my progressive listening for the blogs and such.

[otohara]

38. If The Turks Don't Work Out, Trust Me

they will be gone after a few books of bad ratings.

[TornadoTN]

43. Hopefully

That's probably the case, but I can't say I have too much faith in the management system to make the right decision on this one. Things aren't looking too good right now for AAR and the Right-Wing will do whatever they can to bring the issue into their echo-chamber to help hassen its departure.

[Beelzebud]

22. They were dead to me when they fired Malloy.

[KittyWampus]

36. Then you were never REALLY with them if all you care about is Malloy

[Beelzebud]

40. True. I owe them no allegiance. The only show I listened to was Malloy.

It wasn't so much me boycotting them, it was just that they removed the only show I listened to.

None of us are REALLY with them, unless we are employed by them. They are just a radio network. They removed the only show I listened to, so I don't listen anymore. It's not rocket science...

[Moochy]

45. How dare you not like the things I like!!

:sarcasm:

I too am in the AAR is dead to me camp, I listened to Malloy when I could, but AM radio advertisements that consist of too much shouting, shrill jingles, and selling of snake oil... (hypnotism for the win!)

I wish them well, but I won't miss them, they produce a product I can't force myself to like. Maybe many others find value despite their advertisement stream.

I liked Marc Maron's show alot, cancelled.
I liked Mike Malloy's show alot, and he was fired. Now that Malloy is gone and Seder is moved to the morning when I don't listen.... Oh well.

I think that the idea of a flagship network like AAR is trying to be, is difficult in this highly repackaged yet "locally reprogrammed" radio market.

And stop thinking that everyone who thinks your favorite band sucks is part of the "vast netvocate conspiracy" :tinfoilhat:

[B Calm]

60. I quit listening too! Right after they fired the Jimmy Hendrex of talk

[longship]

26. That's only on the east coast.

It's 8-11 in the Central time zone,
7-10 in the Mountain, and
6-9 on the Left coast.

For us Californians, that's drive time.

Plus, there are many people who have AAR on at work.

[MamaBear]

30. Here in New York, on the "flagship" station, they expect

us to tune in to a show featuring Armstrong Williams.

Armstrong Williams. The *Co. propaganda peddler. The PAID *Co. propaganda peddler.

At least we'll have Rachel in the evenings, except when on the subway ...

:shrug:

[annabanana]

33. I think his contract is up soon...

I certainly hope so.. Him in the drivetime slot is murder.

[MamaBear]

35. They are promoting him heavily.

Listen to AAR ... Al Franken ... Armstrong Williams. What happened to my station? I suppose someday we'll laugh. I'm back to the commercial news stations, then to a few minutes of Amy Goodman on Pacifica.

[TornadoTN]

44. It's not getting any better, thats for sure

Getting rid of the snoozefest that is Jerry Springer was a good move, IMHO, however, they have done nothing to add any appeal to the current offerings. They just shuffled the favorites to other slots, thereby pissing off a lot of people that supported AAR in the first place.

[sshan2525]

31. Wake up

For crying out loud, it seems like only a handfull of you know anything about talk radio or radio in general. If I had a hissy about every host/ station/ format that I liked that has been canceled over the years, I wouldn't have had time to listen to or do anything else. Rejoice folks. We live in an age where lmost anything is available to listen - 24/7. You want Sam, Rachel, Joe Blow or whomever, stream them or buy a goddamned Mp3 player and podcast them. Who are you people wasting time listening to AM or FM in 2006 anyway? As for Malloy, "They were dead to me when they fired Malloy". WTF kind of stupid attitude is that? My local ice cream joint drops my favorite flavor- coffee chip. I'm supposed to stop liking ice cream or stop going there because of that? Gimmee a break! I loved Malloy too, but he'll be back eventually and when he is, I'll find a way to hear him. Like flavors of ice cream, radio personalities are a taste not shared by everyone. If you really want something, though, you'll find a way to savor it.

[mwb970]

34. It's a long way down from Rachel to the Turks.

I'm glad Rachel's still on, but I liked listening in the morning. I tried the Turks this morning but the show seemed to just sit there idling for the hour or two I had it on. "Blather" is about right.

The Stephanie Miller Show also has "two guys and a gal" and holy cow, is it better or what.

[Beelzebud]

42. The Young Turks was great in their evening slot on Sirius.

I listened to them every night.

I just don't think mornings is a good time slot for them.

They were more of a show that you could kick back and enjoy a beer and a bonghit with. Not the type of show I look for in the mornings.

I agree that Stephanie Miller's show is better.

They should have kept Maddow where she was, and put the Turks in the old Majority Report time slot...

[patrioticliberal]

49. Steph is way better. Listen all the time.

Can't listen to Seder in his new time slot. Oh well. Goodbye Sam.

[Nutmegger]

47. Well I'm disappointed in their scheduling

but I'm not going to stop listening. I need some sanity in the evening. :)

[SoCalDem]

51. Wait til they start with their sports banter

:puke:

[patrioticliberal]

53. And sex discussion. Plenty of that.

[Rockstone]

55. Maybe their job is to fail

i hear no advertising related to the target demographic. ALl the time for streamers is wasted as dead air, not filled with revenue generating ads.

this thing was created to fail, and has been mismanaged to insure failure. watch the movie - it is very apparent even from the start.

The only thing I wonder is who would want progressive talk radio to fail and who would be underhanded enough to install someone to take a dive? Gee... I can't imagine what movement would fit that description. :eyes:

[patrioticliberal]

56. Woudln't be surprised

[Rockstone]

57. Also keep in mind

the underlying theme of the day is "creating the pretexts necessary". At what point do you just create an oppostion to manage? Microsoft gave Apple 100 million to stay afloat. Republicans gave to Greens to hurt dems. Who knows?

I shouldn't be cynical about Air America, as I have enjoyed it, but in the end after a few years, it's not a product I want to consume on a daily basis. Part of the problem is that the demographic doesn't like to be upset and angry, where as the consumers of right wing talk generally do like to consume that emotional dynamic as they feel empowered by it.

[patrioticliberal]

58. There's nothing there anymore

Not listening to Maddow, Rhodes sucks.

Seder is at a bad time slot for me.

All I have is Stephanie pretty much. Oh well..

[DearAbby]

59. I just finished writing an email

to our local station regarding Sam Seder's program. It was not even in the line up. I told them I was very disappointed that it was not picked up here locally.

To my surprise I received a reply!

----------------

Dear *****,

We're going to see how the line up we have works and certainly won't
rule out your suggestion.



-----Original Message-----

Hello,

I am an avid listener to your radio station and Air America. I am very
disappointed that you had decided not to pick up Sam Seder's program. I
did not see it on the list of your new fall line up.

I would be happy to have listened to a tape delay program. Would you
please consider replacing his program between Rachel Maddow's show and
Peter Werbe's?

thank you,


***** ********
Golden
________

So write to your local stations, worth a try.

[TroglodyteScholar]

62. I'm still pissed at the disappearance of Marc and Mark

I quit listening to Air America after Morning Sedition ended...mostly b/c that was the only time I could listen, and I was too bummed to give anyone else in that slot a chance.