Air America ceases programming

Radio news from the USA

Air America ceases programming

Postby Glen Livingstone » Thu Jan 21, 2010 7:22 pm

Air America Ceases Programming


Jan. 21, 2010, 6:55 PM EST - MSNBC

Turbulence for Air America

By Dylan Stableford
TheWrap


It's been a rough week for liberals.

Air America, the financially troubled progressive radio network, said today that it is ceasing live programming and will file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy as part of a "winding-down of the business."

The company blamed a "very difficult economic environment" and "perfect storm" for its demise.

"National and local advertising revenues have fallen drastically, causing many media companies nationwide to fold or seek bankruptcy protection," chairman Charlie Kireker wrote in a memo posted on Air America's website. "From large to small, recent bankruptcies like Citadel Broadcasting and closures like that of the industry's long-time trade publication Radio and Records have signaled that these are very difficult and rapidly changing times."

Air America said it couldn't foresee a turnaround.

"With radio industry ad revenues down for 10 consecutive quarters, and reportedly off 21% in 2009, signs of improvement have consisted of hoping things will be less bad."

The company said it will provide affiliates with "encore programming" until 9 p.m. (EST) on January 25, at which time "Air America programming will end."

2010 - The Wrap
User avatar
Glen Livingstone
Advanced Member
 
Posts: 948
Joined: Sun May 07, 2006 8:12 pm

Re: Air America ceases programming

Postby Glen Livingstone » Thu Jan 21, 2010 7:24 pm

Here's the Air America statement in full:


It is with the greatest regret, on behalf of our Board, that we must announce that Air America Media is ceasing its live programming operations as of this afternoon, and that the Company will file soon under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code to carry out an orderly winding-down of the business.

The very difficult economic environment has had a significant impact on Air America's business. This past year has seen a "perfect storm" in the media industry generally. National and local advertising revenues have fallen drastically, causing many media companies nationwide to fold or seek bankruptcy protection. From large to small, recent bankruptcies like Citadel Broadcasting and closures like that of the industry's long-time trade publication Radio and Records have signaled that these are very difficult and rapidly changing times.

Those companies that remain are facing audience fragmentation as a result of new media technologies, are often saddled with crushing debt, and have generally found it difficult to obtain operating or investment capital from traditional sources of funding. In this climate, our painstaking search for new investors has come close several times right up into this week, but ultimately fell short of success.

With radio industry ad revenues down for 10 consecutive quarters, and reportedly off 21% in 2009, signs of improvement have consisted of hoping things will be less bad. And though Internet/new media revenues are projected to grow, our expanding online efforts face the same monetization and profitability challenges in the short term confronting the Web operations of most media companies.

When Air America Radio launched in April, 2004 with already-known personalities like Al Franken and then-unknown future stars like Rachel Maddow, it was the only full-time progressive voice in the mainstream broadcast media world. At a critical time in our nation's history — when dissent on issues such as the Iraq war were often denounced as "un-American" — Air America and its talented team helped millions of Americans remember the importance of compelling discussion about the most pivotal events and decisions of our generation.

Through some 100 radio outlets nationwide, Air America helped build a new sense of purpose and determination among American progressives. With this revival, the progressive movement made major gains in the 2006 mid-term elections and, more recently, in the election of President Barack Obama and a strongly Democratic Congress.

Laws have changed for the better thanks to this revival.....but all the same our company cannot escape the laws of economics. So we intend a rapid, orderly closure over the next few days. All current employees will be paid through today, January 21. A severance package will be offered tomorrow to full-time current employees with more than six months of tenure.

We will strive to assist affiliates and partners in achieving a smooth transition. Starting at 6 pm EST today, we will provide our affiliates, listeners and users a selection of encore programming until 9 pm EST on Monday, January 25, at which time Air America programming will end.

We are proud that Air America's mission lives on through the words and actions of so many former radio hosts who are active today in progressive causes and media nationwide. In the years ahead, as we look back, we should all be proud of our passionate determination to assure that our nation's progressive voice would be heard loud and clear. Through the hard work and dedication of current staff, and those who preceded you, a lasting legacy was forged which will now continue through other voices and venues.

Thank you.

Air America - Jan 21, 2010
User avatar
Glen Livingstone
Advanced Member
 
Posts: 948
Joined: Sun May 07, 2006 8:12 pm

Re: Air America ceases programming

Postby tuned » Fri Jan 22, 2010 1:08 am

What a bunch of lame ass excuses. They died because none of their programming was entertaining. The Al Franken Show was typical of the snorefest that was Air America. Wasn't Al Gore involved with this debacle?
User avatar
tuned
Advanced Member
 
Posts: 1232
Joined: Tue May 02, 2006 6:06 pm

Re: Air America ceases programming

Postby RationalKeith » Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:59 am

An odd name for a "modern liberal" effort, given that "Air America" was a CIA type flying operation including in SE Asia during the Vietname WAr.
RationalKeith
Advanced Member
 
Posts: 120
Joined: Wed Jan 06, 2010 11:57 am


Return to US Radio News

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 101 guests