Crush Liberalism

Air America files for bankruptcy

Air America, the left-wing radio network that was supposed to rival Rush Limbaugh and other conservative talk radio hosts, is going under. Without a fresh infusion of cash looted from non-profit organizations, the poor tinfoil hatters of Air America just couldn’t survive. Capitalism and the free market are unforgiving mistresses who decided that moonbattery simply doesn’t pay the bills.

There’s an old Southern expression that says “You can’t polish a turd.” Well God (insert deity of preference here) bless the leftards at Think Progress for trying to do just that. Headline: “Air America To Declare Bankruptcy, But Progressive Radio Remains Strong.”

Air America could remain on the air under the deal, but significant personnel changes are already in the works. Sources say five Air America employees were laid off yesterday and were told there would be no severance without capital infusion or bankruptcy. Also, Air America has ended its relationship with host Jerry Springer.

The right wing is sure to seize on Air America’s financial woes as a sign that progressive talk radio is unpopular. In fact, Air America succeeded at creating something that didn’t exist: the progressive talk radio format. That format is now established and strong and will continue with or without Air America. Indeed, many of the country’s most successful and widely-syndicated progressive talk hosts — Ed Schultz and Stephanie Miller, for instance — aren’t even associated with Air America.

Radio giant Clear Channel is so committed to progressive talk radio that, this week, it will announce a partnership with the Center for American Progress and MSS Inc. to conduct a nationwide search for the next Progressive Talk Radio Star.

The two “for instance” hosts are (a) unheard of by most of America, and (b) likely the ONLY instances they can think of. To be fair, I have heard of Ed Schultz, and all indications are that he has figured out a modestly successful business model that, like Rush (albeit on an astronomically smaller scale), couples politics with entertainment. But these two “for instances” are all the left has to hang its hat on, when it comes to talk radio.

For an amusing (and yet scary) dose of moonbattery, check out some of the comments below the above story. Wow…simply, “Wow”!

September 13, 2006 - Posted by crushliberalism | Uncategorized