WLIB Latest Station Reported To Be Dropping Air America
Air America Radio, the liberal radio network that is home to host Al Franken, is refusing to address reports that it will be dropped by its New York flagship station, WLIB.
A spokeswoman, Jaime Horn, said she would not comment on the reports due to ongoing negotiations, but added, "We have no plans of leaving the New York City airwaves and plan to be on in New York for many years to come.
"It is business as usual at Air America Radio. We will not, nor have we ever discussed, our confidential negotiations with third party companies, investors, or others in a public forum," the spokeswoman said.
The author of a Web log called the Radio Equalizer, Brian Maloney, reported this weekend that a group led by a former executive for Clear Channel, Randy Michaels, is taking control of WLIB and that the new owners are likely to dump Air America from the station in favor of other programming. Mr. Michaels, who brought the conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh to Clear Channel, did not respond to messages.
WLIB is owned by Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, a large minority-owned radio broadcasting company with stations in major urban markets. Mr. Maloney, whose blog covers the radio industry, reported that litigation is likely between WLIB and Air America over the existing airtime lease.
Last month, Air America lost affiliate stations in Phoenix and in Missoula, Mont., prompting speculation that the network is struggling financially.
Air America's president, Gary Krantz, responded that the network's ratings improved substantially last fall. He said the number of affiliate stations has grown to 90 from 36 in January 2005.
Mr. Krantz was quoted by Billboard Radio Monitor as saying, "Financially, Air America is significantly stronger than ever. As of today, our booked and pending business for 2006 represents 83% of the entire revenue generated in 2005. We are also up to date on all of our financial obligations. Most importantly, we have a dedicated board and investors who support our business."
