AA goes chapter
http://thinkprogress.org/2006/09/13/air-america-bankruptcy/
Air America To Declare Bankruptcy, But Progressive Radio Remains Strong
Air America Radio will announce a major restructuring on Friday,
which is expected to include a bankruptcy filing, three independent
sources have told ThinkProgress.
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.