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Air America

Air America Radio (AAR) is a radio network that emphasizes liberal political talk shows in contrast to the conservative tone of most syndicated talk radio. From its formation in the early 2000s, however, Air America struggled with insufficient capital, a declining number of affiliate stations, and many changes in ownership and management.

Origin

The beginnings of what became Air America date to late 2002. Chicago venture capitalists and Democratic Party activists Sheldon and Anita Drobny sought to arrange national syndication of Mike Malloy, a local talk show host they admired but who had lost his radio post. Working with radio consultant Jon Sinton, the Drobnys formed AnShell Media, and began to raise funds for a national network (or, failing that, a program syndication service) building on Malloy's work. News that they were raising funds for a liberal counterpart to radio's dominant conservative talk programming received considerable attention, initial support, and newspaper reports about the pending venture. Network plans included attempts to purchase up to five stations on which to secure the operation.

But when funds ran short, the original investment team sold out to Evan Cohen (whose money came from advertising), who formed Progress Media, with Sinton staying as president. Already evident was a growing tension between those driven by liberal ideology and those seeking to develop a successful broadcasting business.

Still, by early 2004, more staff was hired and an affiliation agreement was struck with New York AM station WLIB, a low-rated outlet. Indeed, many of the AAR affiliate agreements were made with stations with low ratings that had little to lose giving the new network a try. On March 31, 2004, the newly named Air America Radio Network began operation. (This was preceded by a potentially bad omen: An earlier “America Radio Network,” which had also attempted marketing a liberal approach to radio talk programs, left the air just before Air America began.)

Programming

The notion behind AAR from its inception was to provide a menu of news, public affairs, interview, and entertainment programs that would reflect a progressive or liberal point of view. Critics argued such a network would have a hard time finding an audience amidst the right-wing domination of commercial radio talk shows (whose top stars were heard on hundreds of stations). And they added that the network seemed focused much more on having an impact on election politics than on broadcasting. As much to the point, the new network would have to buy program time on stations, a financial model the conservative talk shows had pioneered beginning in the late 1980s.

With some effort, Sinton persuaded comedian, author, and commentator Al Franken to become the network's centerpiece talent. Franken, already well known for skewering the political right, would be the network's best known on-air personality for the next three years. Soon others, hearing about the Franken deal and the developing network idea, also came onboard. When it first aired, many programs leaned toward political satire rather than hard news. Many of the on-air personalities were known for their comedy and entertainment backgrounds. In April 2005, AAR signed Jerry Springer to host Springer on the Radio, arguing that recognition, not to say notoriety, might help the network develop. Unlike his earlier television incarnation, the controversial Springer said his new venture was entirely political in nature.

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