Media Week is reporting this morning that WLIB, Air America's flagship station in NYC, will be taken over by P1, the outfit that manages Ed Schultz's show, among others. WLIB will continue with progressive programming. Air America will seek another frequency, it was hinted. Here's the quote: "Through an agreement with ICBC, WLIB will be operated as a joint venture and programmed by P1, a company run by former Clear Channel and Jacor Communications executive Randy Michaels. Michaels is expected to program a progressive-talk format, but replace AAR's network programming with more local programming. A likely addition to the new lineup: Ed Schultz, the left-of-center talker syndicated by P1."
I think this is actually going to be a good thing for progressive programming on AM radio. Air America's lineup, which I listen to on KTLK here in Los Angeles, is not for me. I love Stephanie Miller, listen to Franken and Schultz, and can't endure Randi (though she's got great information!), Jeananne Garofalo/Sam Seder, and Mike Malloy. If the last three are what progressive radio is about, I'm not a fan. Radio is a very hot medium, as they say, and Stephanie and Schultz know how to use sound. Their shows are very listenable. Franken just barely squeaks by, but at least he isn't screaming at people. Randi Rhodes, for all her knowledge and passion, often treats her callers like shit, which I can't abide. Jeananne and Sam remind me of strident high school debate team members and Malloy, well he's got great outrage but listening to him is just too annoying.
If Air America gets another station in New York, then there'll be some old fashioned competition and we'll see who comes out on top. I think this will expand the message, not delete it, and that's why I think the new developments are a good thing.