I was listening to the Air America Stream when it simply stopped and a Press Release appeared that announced the death of Air America. Air America started with a bang, produced a senator and an outstanding MSNBC show, but died (I guess) with a wimper.
This is my first diary even though I have had an account for quite a while.
At the beginning, the network was great, but the network basically eviscerated itself with the destruction of a great morning show, Liz Winstead's firing, Randi Rhodes firing, etc. It started with a bang and ended with a press release.
The first paragraph announces the immediate death of the network.
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.
Employees are at least being treated well.
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.
And finally the meaningless thank you
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.
For the complete press release go the (now gone) Air America website: http://www.airamerica.com/