For those who subscribe, like me, to XM radio come July 14 XM's Air America channel is going to be changing names and lineups. I've been thinking this might happen sooner or later. Sooner has won out over later.
I found over at Liberal Talk Radio that come July 14th, XM-Air America will be no more. They are going back to "America Left".
In a not-so-surprising move, XM Radio is retooling it's "Air America" channel (XM167). Come July 14, the satellite provider brings back its former name - America Left.
The channel will still carry Bill Press, Ed Schultz, Randi Rhodes, Thom Hartmann and Mike Malloy. They are also adding Stephanie Miller and The Young Turks. Miller will likely take the 9A-noon shift currently held be Lionel. No word on what role the Turks, who left Air America earlier this year to do an internet-based afternoon show, play in this grand scheme. The show initially got its start on rival (and soon to be partner) Sirius. And there is no word on possible time shifts for the channel's current offerings.
I, personally, really like these changes. I'm a big, big fan of Stephanie Miller and I've missed having The Young Turks on in the morning (they used to be on AAR up until the beginning of this year). I've tried Bill Press, but can't really get that excited about him. Too DLC for my tastes.
I'm not as all surprised by this move at XM given that a good chunk of their shows on XM Air America were not affiliated with Air America at all. Bill Press took over The Young Turks as I mentioned above, and they've been carrying Ed Schultz and Mike Malloy (formally AAR) for awhile now. They put Randi on very soon after her acrimonious departure from AAR so there's, yet another, non-AAR personality being carried on XM. This is bad news for Lionel. I have no idea how he's going to survive the Momma and the Mooks juggernaut, and I have to say, his show pales in comparison.
I find this just another sign that AAR is in a bit of a decline. This is not necessarily a bad thing if there are left-minded shows to take it's place. I guess it's just a reflection of the maturation of liberal talk radio. AAR played an important role in providing the format some kind of of nationwide presence on the radio, but it looks like it's role is less so these days. Time will tell.