One of liberal radio’s most progressive outlets, Air America Radio, shut down its operations Thursday.
The network was launched in April 2004 and was considered (and billed) as one of the few alternatives to right-wing radio.
“This past year has seen a ‘perfect storm’ in the media industry generally. National and local advertising revenues have fallen drastically, causing many media companies nationwide to fold or seek bankruptcy protection,” says a statement on the company’s web site.
Based in New York City, Air America was carried by roughly one hundred outlets across the country and featured such celebrated and liberal personalities like Rachel Maddow, Al Franken, Steve Earle, Randi Rhodes, Ron Kuby, rapper Chuck D. and Arianna Huffington.
Franken hosted his own show from 2004-2007 before leaving to campaign for a United States Senate seat in Minnesota, which he won last year after a recount battle. As for Maddow, she moved on to host her own television show on MSNBC.
It is the sad ending of Air America Radio