As many of you might know, Sam Seder's tenure as an on air Air America host is likely coming to an end this weekend. While Shpilk wrote earlier this month regarding Seder's last live appearance, Sam's blog indicates that the very last episode is likely to air today.
Follow me over the fold if this chaps your ass as much as it does mine....
As Sam puts it:
After 4 plus years, this Sunday's Seder on Sundays very well may be my last regular appearance on the Air America Radio schedule. I've been told that I am one of those being considered for the 3-6pm slot but, frankly, particularly in this economy, I'd advise you not to place a bet on it.
Anyway, I will remain and am very appreciative to AAR for letting me continue as the online editor for AirAmerica.com. We are building an important online component to progressive talk. That said, I am confident this will not be the last opportunity for you to hear/watch me on political talk.
I am proud of my work over the past four years, I started out as a pretty bad broadcaster but think I 've certainly become mediocre! Whether on the Majority Report, the SamSederShow or Seder On Sundays, my ratings have always been an improvement of the show that I have replaced or better than those that have replaced mine.
But while Sam Seder the professional tries to stay upbeat and positive about these developments, I guess I'm feeling a little less circumspect. Yes, I think I'd say that I'm righteously pissed off.
I don't need to tell anyone here about the fine work Seder has done for the progressive movement and for progressive media for the last several years. And I'm sure I don't need to remind anybody here about the thoughtful and intelligent radio he has produced during this period, all the while providing an extremely rare media platform for voices in the left blogosphere. What we need, in other words, are more Sam Seder's on the radio, and not fewer.
Unfortunately,over at Air America, the leadership seems intent on running its business with all the same savvy and success that Mark Green showed in his political campaigns. I mean - and excuse the infelicity - what the fuck are they thinking over there? In a period of months, Sam Seder, Randi Rhodes and the Young Turks are axed. Only to be replaced by Lionel or Bill Press (at least on my local affiliate)! Are you kidding me? You may not have enjoyed the previous hosts at Air America, but you knew where they stood: unabashedly, uncompromisingly, and intelligently progressive. The best you can say for the rest of the programming - excluding Rachel and Thom - is that it's a damn good soporific.
Sam Seder deserves better than this, and will no doubt receive his due in the course of time. It's just a damn shame that, with as few resources available to the progressive media as we have, one of those resources has its head planted firmly, and probably irrevocably, up its own rear end.
If you have any favorite Seder moments, or any, um, thoughts for the admintration at Air America, I'd love to hear them...