Al Franken Laments Loss of Missoula Outlet

The Axing of Air America

By Jonathan Weber, 3-08-06

Comedian and Air America radio host Al Franken was on the radio in Missoula again this morning - lamenting the decision by Simmons Media Group to scrap Air America and the "progressive talk" format on KNS, and questioning the reasoning behind the decision. While Franken acknowledged that affiliate relationships come and go in the radio business, he called the situation in Missoula "the most shocking of this kind of thing," citing the extremely warm reception he received when he appeared here in January and the excellent ratings the show enjoyed in this market. "It's kind of weird," said Franken. "It doesn't sound like a business decision, it sounds like a political decision."

"There is more fear in this country than I ever realized," Franken continued, adding that the decision in Missoula "felt pretty icky...we thought if we brought the listeners the advertisers would be there."

Interestingly, Franken appeared on the morning show on 103.3 The Trail, which is also owned by Simmons (and also hosts the daily New West Newsminute). Our friend and colleague Dave Cowan, general manager for the Simmons station group in Missoula, deserves a lot of credit for letting Franken have his say.

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By Jonathan Weber, 3-08-06 | comments (31) | email story | print story

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Comments

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By Aaron Block, 3-08-06

It's a shame that corporations have so much control over what we hear and see. Montana's people have a right to hear the progressive side of the story.

By B Faux, 3-08-06

Franken says he thought "...if we brought the listeners..." well apparently he didn't bring enough. If you want to help Air America, donate to the Boys and Girls Clubs - the money will find its way to Franken's pocket.

By David Max, 3-08-06

Actually, the real failure was the management and that the sales staff at KNS did not understand the progressive marketplace. Get this, one of the four sales staff refused to sell ads for KNS, but sold airtime for the other two stations. In any normal business, that person would be fired. KNS was destined to fail; not for lack of advertising support, but for mismanagement and lack of education of "organic" market dynamics. The staff at KNS was the equivalent of having Albertsons staff run The Good Food Store.

By tim huffman, 3-08-06

I'm not sure what they mean when they say that businesses didin't advertise. When Crystal Video was approached, we jumped at the chance. So did our neighbors on the block. Granted, we are very small businesses with very small ad budgets but consider how many small, progressive outfits there are in downtown alone. Our ad rep Tracy was eager to get us involved and I can't see to many hometown shops turning her down. So was I alone in Missoula? I really doubt it.

By David Max, 3-09-06

Tim, your support of KNS was very appreciated by the listeners in the community, but I respectfully disagree with you though about your assessment. I was a guest on Focal Point, and am involved in a very progressive business in Missoula. I was never approached in the studio, or anytime afterwards about advertising on KNS or any of the three radio stations. I have also contacted a few progressive businesses in town. So far, not a single one (NONE) were contacted regarding advertising on KNS. The sales team and management team did not understand progressive politics or the progressive market. They were tourists in a foreign land with no idea how to speak the dialect and no map to guide their way.

I really hope you will be open to advertising on a new progressive talk radio station in Missoula and I invite you to visit http://www.airamericamissoula.com and ad your name and pledge your support to the business owner list on the website.

By Alison Miller, 3-09-06

When are we (progressives) going to start recognizing OPPORTUNITY? We had an incredible opportunity to embrace a gift to our cause. KKNS was not perfect, but it was a start and it had a ton of potential for us. Granted, if I heard that "control Montana wildfires" commercial one more time in the month of December when everything was under snow, I was going to lose it. I kept wondering "why do they keep playing that?" Now it makes sense. They had nothing else to play. What a crime! In hindsight, it seems that progressive businesses should have been lining up to support this outlet for our cause. Where were we? David, thank you for driving the effort to bring Air America back. That is awesome! Unfortunately, now we have to start back at square 1 and get a station to carry it here. The hard work had already been done for us by KKNS. We had a progressive station. All we needed to do was to support it. That would have been easy compared to where we find ourselves now. We can blame their sales staff and their management all we want. But, you have to give most of the local KKNS people some credit, they DID try. Otherwise, we would have never had progressive talk in the first place. We can only point our fingers at ourselves. We need to look in the mirror everyday and take the initiative in every aspect of our lives. I'm sure that if we would have picked up the phone and said, "hey, here's 20 dollars, thanks for giving progressive politics a voice," they would not have turned the money down. They probably would have even let us record our own message for our own progressive cause and accomplished two goals at the sime time. Again, we all missed a HUGE opportunity. Let's not miss it again. If the people at KKNS were foreign tourists who did not speak the dialect, it was our reponsibility to make sure that they learned it. We all failed here - myself included. Always remember this, there are a lot of people who "want" to support our cause but also don't speak the dialect. They find that dialect to be somewhat intimidating. We should never intimidate and we should never act superior as if anyone who doesn't speak the dialect is lesser. We should never turn our nose at those who want to learn to speak it. We could be turning our back on an incredible friend and supporter.

Finally, one more point, this decision, to me, sounds like it came from a right-wing owner in Salt Lake that recently took over. It does not sound like it came from the local people here in Missoula. Please keep in mind that every time we blame the KKNS people here in Missoula for losing Air America, we are potentially hurting people who, although unsuccessful, tried to help our cause. Be careful with the arrows we throw. They might hit people that are willing to help us in the future. If statistics hold true, one would have to assume that, based on Missoula's makeup, at least half of the remaining KKNS staff DOES support our cause. Let's be careful not throw everyone under the bus.

By paleogryph, 3-09-06

Alison, you may be correct about Simmons Media owner David Simmons (right-wing owner in Salt Lake) putting the "kaibosh" on Air American in Missoula.

However, be aware that Simmons Media is also the home of X96, an alt-rock radio station in SL. The "radio from hell" morning show on X96 is one of the most left/liberal in the West. They skewer and roast Bush and krew, as well as the Utah state legislature each and every morning. It's fantastic to hear in uber-konservativ Utah...

I have a feeling Simmons either knew it would be "too much blue", so to speak, in his portfolio, or he was pressured "from above" to cancel Air America in Missoula.

Read Bill Frost's blurb on this:
http://www.slweekly.com/article.cfm/mediasplatters

By David Max, 3-09-06

Alison, I agree completely with you. Lets not throw INNOCENT people under the bus. At the same time, we need to get people past the perception that progressive talk radio is not a viable business venture. Unfortunately, that is exactly what has been in the press and is what Simmons Media has been saying for their reasoning to shut the station down. The truth is, this was a business failure due to mismanagement.

I don't think everyone at KNS wanted to sabotage the station. I also think there were a FEW (for sure less than half) people that worked there that wanted to see it be a success. I believe there were people working there that were middle of the road and could have gone either way. I also think there were people there who were adamantly against the format and had no interest in learning the "dialect". Those people speak their own dialect (I believe neoconish) and have no interest in being open to another point of view. Sign up to show your support at http://www.airamericamissoula.com!

By irritated, 3-09-06

David, Thank you for your enlightening bit about KNS. Let's put it this way, Let's say you have a friend, and this friend goes around swearing and yelling at people and people find him repulsive, annoying and would rather this guy just go away. Or in other words, they hate this guy. Do you want people to know you're associated with him? Even if you really like this guy, you believe he's funny and he has a lot of things to say that you believe in? Would you wear a shirt that says "so and so is my friend"? What if it meant losing your other friends and possibly some of your clients? Would you?!! I doubt it. Do you think that some advertisers were not approached with KNS because they are card carrying members of the NRA, wear Rush Limbaugh ties, and think Al Franken is an idiot? Do you know the people at the radio station well enough to make a statement like they never tried or you...
(cut and paste) "don't think" everyone at KNS wanted to sabotage the station. "I also think" there were a FEW (for sure less than half) people that worked there that wanted to see it be a success. "I believe" there were people working there that were middle of the road and could have gone either way. "I also think" there were people there who were adamantly against the format...
David, This is all speculative, heresay, you are using information from a second party. You have no facts to make these statements. Every thing you said was "I THINK", "I BELIEVE" So these are your opinions not facts. Don't you just love second hand news? Where did you get your information about the staff there? From a bleeding heart that lost her job? Remember hell hath no fury... David, you are an educated person, don't believe everything you hear. Why don't you get the facts and talk with the staff there and get the other side of the story, I'll bet you get a better idea of what really went on.

By peacesign, 3-09-06

David, are you sure anyone really wanted to internally "sabotage" KKNS? What makes you say that? From what I have read in the paper, I don't get that sense. Am I missing something? Are you sure you aren't being overly dramatic? I do agree with you though that progressive talk radio "can" work here in Missoula. I don't think that KKNS was necessarily mismanaged (except in the fact that it was a poor management decision to take away Air America), I just don't think that KKNS was given the time necessary to develop. I mean, I just found out about the station in December. I had no reason to turn the radio on until KKNS came to town. I actually found out about the local station on the AA website when I was streaming. It was sure nice to have it available on radios away from my computer.

By David Max, 3-09-06

IRRITATED (if that is even your real name), I agree with you. My information is second hand, but not only from one source. I was also on the show and in the studio and met the people running all three stations. I was surprised they, or their sales people did not approach me regarding advertising, and left figuring it was out of our price league (we are a startup). If they had and told me pricing, we would have advertised in a heartbeat. In addition, all of the business owners in town that I have personally approached regarding whether they were contacted about advertising by KNS (NONE WERE) or whether they would advertise for the last going price for a 30 second slot have had the same reaction. When I tell them the going rate, their eyes roll back into their heads as if they haven’t heard of advertising that cheap before and then they answer a resounding absolutely. The most tell tale "story" that I heard from multiple people was about the one sales person who refused to sell ad space for KNS. How on earth do you run a business like that?

BTW, as to the rest of your argument, how do extremist like Rush Pillbought, or O’lielly attract advertisers? The answer, people reside on both sides of the fence. Some are just slightly tilted to one side, some straddle the middle and some reside in completely different zip codes. In Missoula, NPR is the number on station. We had the second highest per capita votes for Ralph Nader in 2000. We have a HUGE and very active progressive community and a lot of them own businesses too. Progressive Radio will ride again in Missoula. It makes to much business sense. You just have to know and understand the demographic.

By Jack Everett, 3-09-06

I had to click over to this blog to see what the fuss is about since it was on the "most frequent" list. You all are a bunch of idiots.

May I be so bold to say that I am HAPPY that a station finally stepped up and discontinued airing talk shows that did nothing to promote hate in this country? I wish they would do the same with Rush Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Rielly, etc., too. All of these talk show idiots do nothing but try to be "over the top" and drive a stake between people. While many call it having "a voice." Rush, Franken, O'Rielly, and Colmes will admit it, although only privately, that they are nothing but entertainers (bad one's at that IMHO) that love to get the masses all worked up about a subject and pull in the ratings. This is achieved by going to the extremes - right and left. They love to get Group Think in full swing - it doesn't matter if it is right or not. They just love to pull the strings on their listeners and watch the psycho's duke it out while they collect their hefty paychecks. They simply love it! If memory serves, at one time (before the Limbaugh's and the Franken's) both Democrats and Republican's actually agreed on some subjects from time to time. Today, you would be more likely to see Sunni's and Shiite's getting along than you would see our two major parties. I blame all of the hate-driven talk shows for influencing the press. And the press cannot resist. Seriously, why are "political talk shows" on "news" stations in the first place? The two should be as separate as church and state. When you put the two together, things WILL get clouded. I for one would not spend a dime in advertising any political station to promote hate. They should be ashamed at what they have turned radio into. KKNS SAYING NO TO HATE IS A GOOD THING!!!!

By Dave Cowan, 3-09-06

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." - Teddy Roosevelt

While I have been talking to the press, answering my phone calls and e-mail (well, most of them)I have resisted the urge to post in a public forum until now. That's because I know that my comments are unlikely change the minds of those who have already come to a conclusion about just what is behind the demise of KNS. However I guess that I can no longer ignore the personal attacks on the dedicated and professional staff in our building -- especially the condesending remarks of Mr. Max above:

"KNS was destined to fail; not for lack of advertising support, but for mismanagement and lack of education of "organic" market dynamics. The staff at KNS was the equivalent of having Albertsons staff run The Good Food Store...The sales team and management team did not understand progressive politics or the progressive market. They were tourists in a foreign land with no idea how to speak the dialect and no map to guide their way".

Well Mr. Max, I think that having a business plan to bring the Trail and KNS to an already crowded Missoula radio dial showed some planning and sensitivity to your special community (although I did need to buy a Missoula street map after living for 14 years in tiny, inorganic and regressive Bozeman).

No company EVER has signed on three radio stations from scratch at the same time. Perhaps you know a friend who started a restaurant...maybe the food was great, but the business did not survive. Well, we started three restaurants at the same time...and we entered a market full of burger joints, pizza parlors and steak places and attemped to bring some variety to town.

All the other radio groups in Missoula have the benefit of at least one heritage (15 year+) radio station in their cluster...and the benefit of a long-term sales staff already in place.

Could we have done a better job? Sure. Does our staff (top to bottom) deserve your insightful criticism. Probably not. This will be my first and last post here on this issue...I won't comment on any further replys. From the day KNS signed on, we ran a promo several times a day that included my direct office phone number. It's 329-1888. Sincerely,

Dave

By David Max, 3-09-06

Dave, I am sorry that I have offended you and your staff. That was not my intention, but an unavoidable outcome in a outsiders critical analysis of the stations demise. I and others would not feel the need to be critical if we did not feel there was room for improvement. Maybe we should rephrase our criticism to be more constructive for the future instead of critical of the past. In all honesty, from what I have heard, you were one of the good guys that made a real effort and believed in the format. I and many in the community thank you for your effort.

Food for thought though. The neocon-republican political spin machine loves to point out Air America's inability to turn a profit and be a successful business. Simmons, despite their spin to the contrary, obviously has conservative ownership. We are now experiencing their spin on KNS, and a microcosm of the macrocosm. Sorry if some of us are unwilling to watch the truth be distorted once again in our own community.

One more question. I know the Trail was the best performing station, but what about KKVU? How was that doing compared to KNS? Maybe I'm wrong about this, but from what I know, it was the worst performing. I don't believe its format was dropped. Does this support the argument that dropping KNS was only a financial decision?

Again, I am sorry for offending you and your staff Dave. We appreciate the effort some of you gave and wish you the best in moving forward. One last thing though, if we are able to get a new progressive radio station in town, and while we will have you and your staff to thank for peaking our interest, I hope it kicks all three of your stations asses! :')

By Dave Cowan, 3-09-06

Well, my self-imposed silence lasted about an hour....but since David asks a direct question above and then uses his incorrect hunch to support his conspiracy theory, I feel the need to address it. Since KKVU had a two week head start on KNS, we'll throw out the first two months. From November-February we were able to generate nearly three times the revenue on KKVU as on KNS. Furthermore KKVU had less than half the ratings share. Welcome to my reality. Arguement supported. Good luck with your quest. (The station, not the ass-kicking).

By Marilyn Oliver, 3-09-06

I miss KKNS! It is so hard just to listen to music now with so much going on. I think progressive radio is still new and we don't have the years that all the righties have. Now that we have it I believe it will grow. We just have to work harder because we are the ones who own all the stations. Thanks to everyone for all the work to bring progressive radio back to Missoula.
Now lets get it done.

By David Max, 3-09-06

Dave, how do you explain how KNS could have twice the ratings share, but not have that backed up with advertising to match or exceed KVU?

This doesn't make any sense. FYI, our only goal is to make this work and get the format back onto the airways, not to trash you guys.

I appreciate your candor, but this whole thing just does not make any sense...

By Archie Bunker, 3-09-06

That's showing him, Dave Cowan! Way to go! Three times the revenue on one of your stations that had half the ratings of KKNS. Seriously, no wonder the new owners made the change. I agree that the station change must have been decided by a person on the right. If the decision was up to someone on the left, the station would have gone bankrupt first. If he get's one, Mad Max's station will be the highest rated station in town - again, in bankruptcy! Honestly, by the time that Max gets his station up and going, Air America will have run out of money nationally. Boy, wouldn't that suck! Work day in and day out to get Air America back and then, suddenly, no more Air America. That would be funny as hell!

By gregrocker, 3-10-06

There is a concerted campaign spearheaded by the Radio Equalizer blog's Brian Mahoney to trash Air America to the industry and advertisers. I am investigating this and it appears to be fairly widespread and involve Michelle Malkin and various other GOP dirty tricks operatives who cannot stand to think that their agitprop monopoly on AM radio would be challenged. When they attempted to call to discourage advertisers in Los Angeles it backfired and they are fully booked. But any weakness is pounced on immediately as trumped up evidence of AAR's failure, while a simple loan made it its infancy is such a tempest in the right wing teapot that they are demented that it isn't credible to any other than the NY Sun and DC Sun Myung Moon pretend papers. These people are shameless - it isn't enough that they drove the country into a ditch, destroyed our reputation in the world forever, killed a fuckin American city! They can't stand to be questioned and AAR does it with such relish it just drives them up the walls. They were looney to begin with, of course.

By Mark Phillips, 3-10-06

I'm happy to hear about all of the local support for alternative media in Missoula. As many of you are, I'm puzzled by the discrepancy between the KVU and KNS numbers (listenership vs. revenue), but there are, thankfully, plenty of opportunities to support local alternative media.

Reading New West, subscribing to our newsletters, and participating in a lively, online conversation are all important ways to support our efforts. Thank you, thank you, thank you! So is advertising with us.

For those of you who were frustrated by the apparent lack of support, whether from executives or sales staff, for KNS's alternative vision, know that we're aggresively building a viable business around the kind of content that clearly engages you here and that, if we haven't contacted you, it's only a matter of time.

Building lists of prospects, spending all day every day calling business owners, educating them about our editorial mission and about the many different ways New West can drive business their way, all require a talented, dedicated, motivated staff (nobody has a better one!) and time (there's never enough).

You can help us in three ways:
1. Support our advertisers. Click on their ads. Tell them you saw them on New West.
2. Advertise.
3. Recommend us to every local business you know.

We're not going anywhere, but our ability to grow New West and continue facilitating engaging conversations like these is directly linked to our ability to persuade businesses to advertise.

Please call me or Ingrid Lovitt to figure out how.

Mark Phillips
Director of Sales
New West Network
720-839-9062

Ingrid Lovitt
Director of Marketing
New West Network
406-829-1725

By Patrick Nicklay, 3-10-06

I just started reading these blogs, and I am amazed at the response, and how much KNS progressive news talk meant to so many people. I believe I am "The Salesperson" that is being mentioned in these blogs that "Sabbotaged", KNS and didn't believe in it. FYI, I encourage any of you to stop by the radio station and take a look at my Billing reports at the time of KNS's demise. Not only will you see that I sold KNS, I sold it almost as equally as the Trail and 104.5 Lite fm. You may call Simmons media to set up an appointment. As far as Lotto is concerned, she will tell you a different story. When you lose something you are so passionate about and you are the victim of something that is out of your control, you're going to fight back and probably find someone to blame. I'll apparently be the fall guy for this one, ME and the Corporate MORMONS. Lotto did what she could to save KNS and her job even when she knew the gig was up. I would have done the same. I would also love to have a list of those people you've talked to that were never asked about KNS while being approaced with our other stations. David Max, when you were in the studio and you weren't approached by any of the sales people, how hard would it have been for you to say to Lotto, "gosh I really believe in this product, I am a start up business and need advertising". Right, so blame us for not reading your mind. We, as a sales staff, are preparing our day for hitting the street selling, taking care of paper work and turning in production orders. If you or any of the other businesses that were so passionate about AA, would have spoken up sooner, maybe we would still have AA. Again, I'm not blaming anybody for the demise of AA, nor should you or anybody else. Even though Lotto and I didn't see things the same way, I think she did a great job, she was perfect for KNS. For those of you who have stated your opininons and thoughts about me, I hope I have laid some of the negativity to rest. I, in no way, tried to Sabbotage KNS, when we were asked by Simmons if there was something else we could sell a little more easily. I don't think anybody in that room disagreed that there was a better product to sell. And since my livelihood depends on commisioned sales, I put in my two cents. If you miss AA as much as you do, instead of spending $200 to $300 per month to support KNS in advertising, go buy XMSR for around $10 per month. I'm not the bad guy here, you're just hearing it that way. Don't believe everything that you hear. Thanks for your time, and I wish all of you the best.

By Archie Bunker, 3-10-06

Patrick,

You are no fun at all. You are taking away the very conspiracy theory that is fundamental to the liberals being pissed off. Without it, they have no one to blame. Think about it, if the station was not performing before Simmons came to town, then Simmons really can't be blamed as making a political decision. They just saw an underperforming radio station that needed to be addressed immediately. And, if you, Patrick, cannot be blamed for sabotaging the radio station before Simmons came to town, then, then, then, who can the liberals blame? Their bucket doesn't have a bottom in it! Come on Patrick. Take one for the team! It is just so much more fun to kick you in the teeth, blame you for trying to sabotage a radio station, and act like we came along with you on every advertising meeting with businesses and "know" first hand that you never even tried to sell KKNS and purposely disuaded businesses from buying it. Damn! Without people to blame like you, who would progressive talk radio and its listeners have to bad mouth?

It's just too bad that the high and mighty liberals on this website were not there for you a few months back when it mattered. (OK, secretely, I'm happy they weren't). You see, the last time I checked, it was the responsibility of a business owner (at least a good business owner) to identify marketing tools available to them to build their business. Obviously people like David Max knew about KKNS. Hell, even knew where to find the radio station studios. Would it have been so hard for HIM to ask about advertising and if it were right for HIS business? If he is so ignorant in not knowing how to take advantage of marketing tools at his disposal to build his existing business, he will fail at trying to market a reborn Air America too.

Patrick, take heart, you know first-hand what David Max is up against in his effort to bring back and sell Air America. You will be the one redeemed in the end. Good luck!

By Carla A, 3-11-06

Archie Bunker, would you let us all know how to join the movement to have ALL of the political talk shows taken off the air as I might like to consider joining it. It might be a very good idea to get rid of ALL the polarizing influences that promote hate for other viewpoints and that is a very noble goal, but I haven't heard anyone but you advocate it so clue the rest of us in, please.

Patrick, thank-you for repeating the line because I think we Do tend to forget that we Can always buy satellite radio and be done with it.

Buying satellite radio to hear an alternative viewpoint is somewhat of a cop out that negates the whole purpose of public dialogue,though.

What everybody seens to forget is that the Airwaves are public property to be used for the public good and that having media monopolies that skewer to one side or another defeats democracy and the innovation we need to remain strong, secure and free.

I always make better decisions when I am fully and completely informed so I can't help but question the motives of those who want to censor that information.

By lesley, 3-12-06

David Max was introduced to the General Sales Manager directly after his interview.

By Archie Bunker, 3-12-06

Carla,

My gosh! I NEVER in my wildest dreams expected someone on this site to agree with me on this subject. I hope you weren't being insincere because I really do believe that the Sean Hannity's, Rush Limbaugh's, Al Franken's, and Randy Rhodes', do nothing but fuel a fire of hate. Maybe we are on to something here! Thanks for your encouragement...if that is what it was!

By Kimberly James, 3-14-06

All of you involved have your own "spin." Understandable. Thank you all for your perspectives. However, how can we move forward? And how can I get access to progressive "spin" on local issues through satellite radio? It's just not that simple.

Glad we have New West and the Independent!

By broc, 3-14-06

here's the web site to bring it back
email it to all your friends and businesses

http://www.airamericamissoula.com

it will be back
can't stop the tide
the cat's out of the bag now (finally some truth on the public airwaves to combat the lies that are bringing down our great country)

your help will help
thanks

By Carla A, 3-14-06

Now, we're not going to stop all political opinions, and if we were, it would make sense to start with the right wing instead of the left

The expression game now is like a match off between the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and one blind deaf mute without any arms and that's no way to preserve a democracy.

Has anybody looked at the Air America Phoenix site? I thought they have a pretty good idea with their fundraising; right wing radio and T.V. was underwritten by the Mellons and Scaifes and their like minded millionaires for a very long time before they so much as broke even.

If a business needs operating capitol to survive, why shouldn't it have a large cushion to begin with?

By davinci, 4-11-06

is it so hard to understand supply and demand. as much as progressives refuse to acknowledge, the majority of people do not buy into thier hate-monger diatribe and are sick of it. so they don't tune in, therego the demand is weak. al franken and company spew so much hate and at times outright lies anyone with half a mind simply tunes out. trust me, unless air america shifts to the middle it's radical days are over.

my humble opinion

By Carla Augustad, 4-11-06

davinci,

I think that you missed the basic premise of this story.

There is a lot of demand for Air America, but no supply.

By AARM, 4-11-06

It's funny, you just exectly described "the majority of people do not buy into thier hate-monger diatribe and are sick of it." how most non-rightwing folks describe right-wing radio.
Your next statement also seems to ring true "so they don't tune in, therego the demand is weak." of the current trend in right-wing radio lossing its overall market share, here in Missoula (NPR and KNS) and across the country. Also most non rightwing folks believe Limbuagh, O'reilly, and Fox "spew so much hate and at times outright lies anyone with half a mind (Or in this case thinks with their own mind) simply tunes out." Under the current approval ratings of our right-wing congress and president "unless air america (rightwing radio) shifts to the middle it's radical days are over."

I didn't realize we (dis)agreed on so much!

This is exectaly why local community dialouge and discourse is so important. All the more reason for establishing an open forum for discussion on the Missoula Airwaves. Part national discussion, part local gathering point, all open to community building and truth sharing!

my humble/not so humble opinion

http://www.airamericamissoula.com

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The Axing of Air America