Dead Air America, the liberal talk radio network launched with much ballyhoo as the counter to the likes of Rush Limbaugh but never made much of an impact, is no more.
Air America, the radio network founded to be a progressive alternative to conservative talk radio, announced today that it is ceasing live programming operations immediately.
The company, which cited a “very difficult economic environment,” will file under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, according to a statement on its Web site.
Air America launched in April of 2004, and Sen. Al Franken and Rachel Maddow have been among its hosts.
It’s a wonder how Dead Air America with as few listeners as it’s had has been able to stay on the airwaves as long as it has.
The network tolerated some of the most vitriolic hate speech this side of The Olbertard, including actual death threats to and jokes about assassinating President Bush and and other crude and coarse discourse . Plus, years of shady financing as reported by The Radio Equalizer’s Brian Maloney here, here, here and here shattered what little credibility the network was able to maintain.
Michelle Malkin has more on Dead Air America stealing from poor kids here. Here’s more on the scandal from al-New York Times.
Epic FAIL.
So the “Bush is stupid …” “Bush is a …” “B-b-b-b-b-but Bush! …” mantra ran out of steam after a year of BO’s presidency?
The market has spoken: people don’t listen to progressive talk radio, and therefore do not want a progressive talk radio network. No (un)Fairness Doctrine needed.