I just wanted to post this quickly before work so forgive me if there is not a lot of original content and research on my part. I didn't see it diaried yet so here's the scoop:
Clear Channel is changing the format of The Mic 92.1 FM in Madison, Wisconsin from Air America Radio/Progressive talk to, FOX Sports.
More below the flip...
From the
Press Release:
Our research indicated that listeners want more coverage of local high school and collegiate sports, not currently carried on local radio. We have only been able to provide limited exposure for UW Badger Volleyball. We have had listener requests and interest in High School Baseball and our local Northwood's League Baseball team (The Madison Mallards). We have also had requests to air some programming currently carried on our WTSO AM [ESPN RADIO 1070] live and not time shifted. The need and the appetite for sports in the market have only grown stronger in the past few years. The addition of FOX SPORTS RADIO on WXXM FM 92.1 starting January 1, 2007 will allow us to carry more of what sports fans in the Madison area want, more programming that highlights the local sports scene and more top sports programs live."
I am aware of AAR's financial troubles, however 92.1 carries more than just AAR programming, it also carries Stephanie Miller and Ed Shultz as well as local progressive talk.
Does Clear Channel really expect us to believe that people would rather listen to volleyball and NASCAR? On the radio? This is Madison, the bluest of the blue, the place where, as Bill O'Reilly said, "you expect those people to be worshipping satan".
"Well surely this is based purely on ratings. Simply a business decision" you say. Except WMMX just had one of their best ratings periods ever. (3.7 overall, 11th place).
Terry Kelley, one of the founding members of Air America and a longtime Madison businessman said of the change "I find it puzzling as to the timing given the election results. There is no business reason that is apparent to me (for the change), therefore, one wonders what the real reasons may be."
More coverage in The Capital Times, Wisconsin State Journal, and the Liberal Talk Radio Blog.
Sign the petition to save the Mic in madison.