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Air America (radio network)

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Air America logo
Air America logo

Air America Radio (not to be confused with Air America) is a progressive radio network that began broadcasting on March 31, 2004. The expressed goal of the network is to serve as a liberal talk radio alternative to what they believe and argue is an industry that is monopolized by right wing viewpoints. The network includes several radio stations over which it has full programming control, as well as some which syndicate its programming.

It was formerly known as Central Air and is part of Progress Media. Progress Media has amassed tens of millions of dollars prior to first broadcasting, according to CEO Mark Walsh. As a start-up organization, the network is expected to lose money for the first few years of its operation.

The stations headquarters are in New York, using the Park Avenue offices, station, and equipment of WLIB, a station which used to focus on the African-American community. Air America's other stations also previously focused on the African-American, Hispanic, or Asian communities.

Two weeks after debuting, Air America Radio was pulled off the air in Chicago and Santa Monica, California (near Los Angeles), their second and third largest markets, respectively. This is due to a contract dispute between Air America and the station's owner, Multicultural Radio Broadcasting. Air America alleges evidence that Multicultural Radio may have sold time on their Los Angeles station to them and another party, and stopped payment on checks to them while they investigated. Multicultural Radio alleges that Air America bounced a check and is owing $1 million dollars, and in response, removed programming from both stations leased by Air America Radio, replacing it with Spanish language programming. Air America Radio filed a complaint in New York State Supreme Court charging breach of contract and seeking an injunction to restore the network in Chicago.

Programming

Weekdays (all times are local):

  • 11p-2a: The O'Franken Factor (repeat)
  • 2a-6a: The Randi Rhodes Show (repeat)

A news summary is provided at the top of every hour.

Weekends:

Stations

Stations owned or leased by Progress Media's Equal Time Media subsidiary:

Clear Channel Communications affiliates showing most programming:

These affiliates also broadcast The Ed Schultz Show and Alan Colmes's show.

Stations syndicating some programming:

Stations coming soon:

Promos

According to their promos, Air America Radio is further to the left than: Betty Crocker, the House Un-American Activities Committee, the NRA, the John Birch Society.