AIR AMERICA ADDS THE POPULAR "LIONEL" TO LINEUP

AIR AMERICA ADDS THE POPULAR "LIONEL" TO LINEUP

NEW YORK – April 9, 2007 – Air America Radio, which celebrated its third year anniversary last week, announced today changes in its programming schedule beginning May 14.

*Lionel -- Veteran radio talk-show host Lionel will bring his nationally syndicated program to Air America M-F, 9am-12 noon ET.  He has been performing talk radio for 18 years, starting as a mere caller while in law school in his home town of Tampa and was later given his own weekend show in 1988 on 970 WFLA.  Currently heard on 92 stations across the country, Lionel is the #1 rated talk host during his time period in New York, as he was previously in Los Angeles and Tampa.

"Lionel will be an eclectic mixture of current events and off-the-wall topics infused with his special brand of humor," said new Air America President Mark Green. "Because he's one of the biggest names in talk radio, Lionel will be a very important addition to our line-up and affiliate base.”

"Air America is about one thing: radio. Not about ideology; but democracy. Radio that’s an alternative to the usual, bumper sticker Rush wannabe.  Radio that’s listenable," said Lionel.  "My goal is to garner and gather listeners.  If you’ve got a radio, I’m your guy. Listeners want smart, funny, thoughtful, thinking, entertaining talk radio.With that in mind, my first show for Air America will be 'Great Polkas of the 20th Century.'  

*Seder on Sunday -- Sam Seder will be moving to Sunday afternoons, 4-7pm ET, with a brand new show, “Seder on Sunday",  which will be a recap and review of the Sunday morning talk shows. Seder will focus on two areas that are of high interest to him and AAR listeners -- the networks and the netroots, with a special emphasis on bloggers as guests. 

"Sam Seder has been integral to the Air America family since its inception,” said Green. “We're delighted that he'll be staying to launch a new show on Sunday afternoons, where he'll bring his brand of humor and humanity to his favorite subjects of the Sunday political talkfests and the blogosphere. Let the Punditocracy beware!"

"To quote the Carpenters, 'We've only just begun' -- and look forward to more announcements shortly about our 2.0 vision."

Comments

(260)

Stupid Stupid Stupid Move

See my log in - member 2years - 5 days
No longer this is the stupidist move every. Sam was your future - lionel is a has been. Get real

By totallyApril 9, 2007 - 2:40pm

post parking...apologies to totally

Check out what Mike Malloy has to say about AAR's new owners (the Greens) & Sam Seder being banished to Sundays:

http://www.morningseditionists.com/media/malloySeder.mp3

*nods toward Sunshine Jim*

By Liberal-at-largeApril 11, 2007 - 12:55pm

BOOOOOOOOoooooo!

Cancel my premium membership. The Greens have just proven that progressive/liberal talk radio cannot work. The typical meme for this formal always said its boring and cannot succeed. Way to go, guys! You've proven it correct. Lionel!?!?! Are you kidding me? There are local nobodys that are more interesting, talented and popular. Lionel is a failed Springer.

What a failed mess AAR has become.

The Young Turks is like listening to 'The View'.
Randi Rhodes is fine until she starts telling you how famous she is.
Thom Hartmann is great...amazing facts but is often times extremely boring.
David Bender, Betsy, Ring of Fire, Laura Flanders, Mark Riley...does anybody listen to these people?

Get Harrison (from L.A.) for weekends for midnight shows, Seder back to the weekly lineup, and do NOT put Lionel on this network!

By shawnfassettApril 9, 2007 - 3:02pm

shawnfasset boooos

Shawn, why are you even here if you are so annoyed by the hosts?

By rissaApril 10, 2007 - 1:41pm

AAR 2

Give me a break. Seder is best guy on there, and we get some sophomoric garbage now? I want a refund of my premium membership!

By hitediaApril 9, 2007 - 3:08pm

Sam

I was disappointed when I first heard Sam was leaving his weekly spot but then I discovered who your replacing him with.

My first thought was "What the hell are you thinking"? As well as my second, third and fourth thought.

Are you insane? Three years ago the excuse 'we really don't know what we're doing' would have worked. Now you have no excuse.

As I've stated to you before, the list of talent you let walk out the door is long and distinguished.

Now watch as the parade of listeners does the same to you.

I'd say best of luck, but you'd probably screw that up too.

By van hammerslyApril 9, 2007 - 3:10pm

so long AAR it was good to know ya

but you've cannibalized yourself into typical bland radio, the once fresh hot topic irreverent hilariously funny always interesting even dare i say it "radio to stay home to listen to" (in order to stream) is now just a bunch of very dull bland script readers.... ho hum (ok except Randi)
I bet you're next big step is to recruit some Fox news anchors yeah that ought to bring some big ratings
and Sam why don't you check out NovaM radio the new home of Mike Malloy
they could use another big name talent such as yourself -seriously

By impeachw2April 9, 2007 - 3:09pm

NovaM

Thanks to you and others for the tip on Nova M--I'm impressed they have a show with Zogby as host. I'm with you, I hope Sam moves there. And hope they get Marc Marron too.

By hitediaApril 11, 2007 - 5:37pm

We Want Sam - not Lionel !!!!!!!

I am thoroughly disappointed with your choice to replace Sam with Lionel. He is so dull. I have been able to listen to him for ages on my local progressive station and it is like listening to a leaky faucet drip. I don't know what demographic you are looking for - the 75+ age group?

Looks like I'll be turning to Stephanie Miller live instead of podcasting her show ($4.95 a month if you pay for a year in advance. $7.95 a month for those afraid of commitment). (Shameless plug for Steph's show).

I think you will regret this decision. Sam's show is great.

By LoriMarylandApril 9, 2007 - 3:14pm

have to change my name

i can no longer be aaradiofan
LIONEL? are u shitting me?
somebody step in and help AAR they should be on suicide watch.

By aaradiofanApril 9, 2007 - 3:18pm

Go to Lionel's website and

Go to Lionel's website and watch the clip from msnbc. He is *almost* as articulate as W.

By hitediaApril 9, 2007 - 3:19pm

Submitted by hitedia on April 9, 2007 - 3:19pm

I just did. He must be much better on radio.

:sarcasm:

:blank:

By web_geekApril 9, 2007 - 3:23pm

Horrible

I went have a listen, too. Horrible!

Not only that, he is mainly identified as a Libertarian (albeit hidden as 'decline to state'). Now there's a man with the courage of his convictions & the sort of progressive message we want to hear, NOT!

By maatApril 10, 2007 - 1:40pm

3 fewer hours I have to worry about the stream staying up

Hey AAR..... Rachel's the last one for me.

By web_geekApril 9, 2007 - 3:22pm

Seder

Sam Seder is top shelf radio talent. He is the best that AAR has. Giving him less air time will not improve your company. There are so many ways that you could make AAR a better network and you choose one that will weaken it.

I've been a loyal AAR listener for almost 3 years; I don't know if I'll make it to 4. I'm going to take some time and search for alternative news/talk. It's out there. Besides, I'll have an extra 8 or 10 hours per week available.

AAR 2.0 started with such promise. What a major disappointment.

By Tom KApril 9, 2007 - 3:25pm

Lionel?

Like the train sets or Weezie Jefferson's son?

Lionel, WTF? Come on, Seder is a great host. Now, we have some has-been boomer that is going to bore the fuck out of your core audience.

---
there is nothing more sacred than the right to be left alone

By CrunchyKneeApril 9, 2007 - 3:25pm

The Worst Mistake Ever

I have been a member for 2 years 51 weeks and was a regular poster on the Al Franken blog. While I didn't listen to the Majority Report because of its time slot, I have been dedicated to listening to the Sam Seder Show and have been amazingly happy with his insight and he's taught me a lot in how to fight back to right wing talking points.

Now, in the biggest mistake at AAR since canceling Morning Sedition, this station is about to embark on another HUGE mistake by canceling Seder instead of nurturing him and the greatness that is his show.

I thought the Greens were going to do great things with this station, but I guess your Republican manager has poured some poison into your ears and you have it out for the Seder show. I am telling you that this is the worst programming decision that you can possible make. Why won't anyone at AAR ever listen to their listeners???? I just don't get it and never freaking will.

Please, please, please please, don't do this!

----
at the end of the boom

By EldertaApril 9, 2007 - 3:25pm

thanks green, elberg

Brilliant move. Jeez Mark Green, you turned out to be a bummer. Shoulda known. Now I'm mad at David Bender for being your friend. Good-bye AAR, hello C-Span.

By 4ayesApril 9, 2007 - 3:26pm

Sam Seder

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MINDS?!?!?! Sam is the best thing on Air America. Is this any way to reward people for a job well done? You should give him an extra hour not take away his time!

By jackleslieApril 9, 2007 - 3:31pm

changing Sam to Sundays? WTF?!

ya know i hate to admit it but I actually schedule my day around Sams show and I have since Majority Report days.
Sam is so on point at all times and so effing funny I can't believe it! This guy could go anywhere and do anything he wants and he'll be a hit.
Sam, I hope you realize you have a huge following
I would love to see Sammy on his own show on like MSNBC or something like that-that would be great.

By aaradiofanApril 9, 2007 - 3:33pm

Sam Seder replaced by Lionel???

You guys are making the old management look good.

Incompetence 2.0.

By codneyApril 9, 2007 - 3:39pm

idiots

Why get rid of Sam?

I had high hope for AAR when the Greens bought it. Instead they fuck up one of the two last remaining great shows they have -- Rachel Maddow being the other one.

By sand805April 9, 2007 - 3:40pm

Meet the New Boss -- same as the Old Boss

You have got to be KIDDING me!

Hey -- didn't Sam have Mark Green on his show a couple of times?

This is crap. Ditto to everything Elderta says {{hey contessa ;) }}

We've gotta do someting about this. Blogs, petitions, letter writing -- nothing seems to get through to the morons who keep cancelling these brilliant shows. We should protest at AAR offices. We should have an emergency listeners meeting/very UNHAPPY hour on Friday night in the city somewhere.

I'll get on that right NOW.

By bluemermaidApril 9, 2007 - 3:41pm

Apparently we're in the minority

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-green/air-america-20-begins-to_b_4270...

By web_geekApril 9, 2007 - 3:41pm

LIONEL REPLACES SAM? IDIOTS! WE WANT SAM!!!!!!!

I was soooooo relieved when Sam replaced Springer...now AAR is putting in someone I ALSO have never heard of, who sounds worse than Springer. Fuck Fuck Fuck! I carry my little portable radio around with me all day to listen to Sam and Randi...who are like very tasty bookends to mashed potatoes Thom. So I have also come to appreciate the brilliance of Thom without pizzazz. Since moving to the country in Maine 2 years ago, and not finding anyone yet to talk to about important progressive issues (will I ever)
...I came to cherish my radio that contained all of my "little best friends" that went everywhere with me. Listening to Sam express the same feelings I have, has made shoveling horse shit in the barn in the morning, strangely and appropriately SATISFYING...and I mean that as a huge compliment. I have felt depressed and cranky since hearing this awful news, and I may have to turn over the poop management to my husband.

I am fucking pissed off. My mornings are ruined, beginning 4/16. But, of course I will be there listening to Sam for my fix on Sundays, no thanks to Air America.

By drzanyApril 9, 2007 - 3:54pm

addendum

...re listening on Sundays...That is, until Sam finds a new gig...then it's sayonara AAR!

By drzanyApril 9, 2007 - 4:11pm

RE: Apparently we're in the minority?

That post goes back to 3/6? What has that got to do with anything? This decision was stupid end of discussion. There is a progressive needs and following - they are not going to get wing nuts converted no matter how boring person they put on. Lionel - while I am sure is a nice guy is another Jerry Springer. This is so stupid.

Do you do any market analysis? Do you see who downloads podcast? Do you even freakin know who listens to your format? IT is not Lionel listeners. Idiots, Idiots, Idiots. I am really really disappointed.

Great jot - know O'Reilly wish well come true - AAR is history - and of course we will have to spend another 3 years reestablishing it with out you of course.

By totallyApril 9, 2007 - 3:58pm

totally...

web_geek is as upset with this as you are. He posted that to point out that AAR wants to move to another type of format and pretty much ignore the people who faithfully listened to this station despite all the people who prophesied its demise years ago. That would be folks like us... who have been stabbed in the back by the powers that be for the last time.

Oh well. There's goes the dream.
----
at the end of the boom

By EldertaApril 9, 2007 - 4:05pm

Submitted by Elderta on April 9, 2007 - 4:05pm

Actually, 'derta. I didn't even notice the date on that post at HuffPo. But it seemed like a lot of people didn't like comedy and wanted straight news. Not me. I can get straight news from NPR or C-span etc. I needed the comedy to help me deal with this criminal admin.

Another vanilla network. AAR = AVN.

By web_geekApril 9, 2007 - 4:17pm

Sam is funny, but he

Sam is funny, but he delivers the news in an insightful way. He's a very intellectual guy.

By hitediaApril 9, 2007 - 4:43pm

I agree

His show was the perfect mix of laughs, wit, phone calls, interviews etc. The variety made every show a winner.

"Justin, will you PLEASE shut the closet door!" - Never got old. Never.

Sadly, I won't even be able to listen much this week.

By web_geekApril 9, 2007 - 5:23pm

bad, bad move

I just got done listening to "Lionel's" hi-lites, and if these are his greatest hits, Air America is in for a very boring 3hrs every weekday. Check it out for yourself:
http://wor710.com/pages/46363.php
(see the podcast links)

Can you say "B O R I N G."

People like this play into the right's hands, this is sad.

What's this calling himself "Lionel?" It has a kind of 3rd person feel to it. It's definitely strange.

By mystireemanApril 9, 2007 - 4:15pm

If I Can't Listen to Sam Seder, I'll be Tuning into Stacy Taylor

I don't get it -- Since Sam moved to mornings, Air America's ratings have increased. In addition, his streaming numbers increased over Jerry Springer's.

I don't like Lionel, so as of Monday, April 16, I'll be streaming Stacy Taylor on KLSD in San Diego, instead. I became a fan of Stacy's when he substituted a few times for Randi Rhodes.

By jamieob256April 9, 2007 - 4:19pm

to the Greens

ya know I listened from day 1 from day 1 dammit! and i suffered through all the BS of show changes and rightwingers saying it would never last blah blah blah but now to see the new owners taking away THEBESTSHOWEVER well, I don't want to say I won't listen anymore but really whats there to listen to. For the past almost two months now there is not a local radio station that carries AAR so i have to stream and I'll tell you it's difficult what with sharing the computer with the rest of the family and computer online provider prob and AAR's streaming probs it has been alot of work to remain a loyal listener but now there just won't be any real reason to go to all that trouble
so i guess this is it AAR
its not me its you
you obviously don't give a crap about us
your loyal listeners

oh and I've heard this Lionel guy he's an old fart thats slow and boring and he's not funny at all-what were you thinking?!

By impeachw2April 9, 2007 - 4:22pm

I thought those 1-namers

I thought those 1-namers went out with Cher.

By hitediaApril 9, 2007 - 4:24pm

Gee

Not even a full book in on Sam, and yet you bring in Alvin the Chipmunk to replace the last, best show left. No wonder Maron refused to have anything to do with you (and good for him).

By pjsauterApril 9, 2007 - 4:24pm

lionel defending bigotry as "good clean fun"

I listened to Lionel a few times, and then one day I heard him go off on a rant about how people have to stop being so "politically correct."

He was complaining that people were mad about a bunch of white college fraternity kids in the south "celebrating" Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day by dressing up as "pimps and hos" and eating fried chicken and watermelon, etc.

He argued that people were wrong to be offended, that it was just good clean fun, etc.

I haven't listened to that idiot since.

By JafafaHotsApril 9, 2007 - 4:26pm

so long you idiots

I will never listen to any show on AAR again what a bunch of morinic republican lite DLC idiots. Sam was the last remaining reason to listen except for Thom on Frriday when Bernie was on.

By kdecodyApril 9, 2007 - 4:32pm

Lionel replacing Sam Seder

You cannot possibly imagine how sad you have made AAR listeners. I know I listen to Sam's podcast streaming on the Seattle station and I listen to Stephanie Miller in the same time slot.
Is this one reason that you may feel Sam doesn't have the listeners, because we listen later?
Please leave Sam on weekdays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Laurie
WV

By woodlomondApril 9, 2007 - 4:33pm

newbie owners

why the hell aren't they giving Mike Malloys old spot to Lionel that would be a much better fit later in the evening
Don't they realize Sam is the anchor of the whole weekday lineup jeez don't these people know anything about radio for gods sake?

By impeachw2April 9, 2007 - 4:34pm

Adios, AAR

They gave the old Malloy slot to Lionel on the Quake in SF and I could not last the entire week I allotted to give him a chance.

This is just unbelievable. It really hurts to see people you respect and enjoy treated like this and something meaningful important systematically dismantled and destroyed.

They can stick a fork in this.

By AirBallApril 9, 2007 - 4:50pm

Lionel?

I really know very little about the guy, AND I don't particularly like Seder (Too many "uh"s every 25 words). But what I do know is that AAR HAS dropped a lot of talent that they should really try to bring back. The original line-up was quite good. If Lionel can't match up to half of what Franken did, then he'll have real problems. And Malloy. What about Malloy? You need a guy who sharpens his teeth just before airtime, for God's sake.

I have a hunch that Green's "AAR is about one thing: radio." is scarier than we'd like to think. At first impression, it sounds like Green is in on the big push toward the middle of the road. If that's the case, I'll be watching movies and reading the blogs. AAR may be all about radio, but the reason that it caught on is because it provides a wealth of alternative news, information, and commentary, and it's a stand-up answer to the corporate media's bend-over and spread-'em posture for the Bush Cabal. Get that, Mark?

If you want to make a chili pepper omelete into brown sugar oatmeal, Mark, then have at it. It's your breakfast. If I want brown sugar oatmeal, I'll go to IHOP. I guess that you're gambling on a mini-sell-out to bring in the advertising revenue, probably from multi-nationals, which is where the steady money stream originates. Easy money, once the contracts are signed, eh? Go ahead. Everything changes. Even your demographics.

By Eyeball KidApril 9, 2007 - 4:37pm

Lionel...f*cking Lionel replaces Seder?

What are you people smoking?

You AAR management types see my history...member for 2 years 51 weeks? I've been here since AAR's inception & it's been a steady stream of lame business decisions & this one takes the cake.

Frankly, I hope Seder drops you idiots like a live grenade & bolts for Nova M w/ Malloy.

Al Franken said it best. On the last day he was on AAR, Al took the time to drop in on Seder's show & said:

"SAM SEDER IS THE FUTURE OF AIR AMERICA RADIO!"

Let me be perfectly clear here: If it wasn't for Rachel & now Sam's Sunday show, AAR would lose this listener.

Lionel for Seder...for "less substance?" What the hell were you people thinking?

By Liberal-at-largeApril 9, 2007 - 4:37pm

Hey!

oh wait I am not going to post my idea on here because these people do not have a clue on market penetration. They should have used Sam as their flagship in al frankin spot then they could have put thom in 9-12. But they are idiots, idiots, idiots I keep saying it - because the clueless person they hired as program director should be immediately fired.

I think I will call into DAvid Bender show tonight - the other freakin boring person - he may know people (oh you know what the light just went on - he is a hilary supporter).

Sam - where is your shawdow blog - I have an idea.....

By totallyApril 9, 2007 - 4:39pm

save Sam's show

here's an old address which may still be good
it was an address that majority report fans wrote when they threatened to cancel Sam's show before
if they have already signed on Lionel the least they could do is leave Sam's show alone there are many other spots that Lionel could fill besides Sam's

comments@airamericaradio.com

By impeachw2April 9, 2007 - 4:41pm

Ack . . . this is a disaster. :-(

My local affliate has had Lionel on for a while . . . and he is real annoying. Sam Seder is a young opinionated smart funny broadcaster. While listening to the Minority Report in the first year, it didn't take long for me to see that Sam was much better than the famous but not such a great broadcaster J Garafolo. (She's funny comedian but she is not as up on her politics as Sam and she was bit too far to the left.)

With the loss of Al Franken and now Sam Seder, AAR has gone downhill. At least the Young Turks were a refreshing addition and Rachel Maddow is great. But most of the line-up is pretty dull. (Randi isn't dull, just shrill.)

By dagmanApril 9, 2007 - 4:42pm

AAR needs more Sam Seder types not less

"If it wasn't for Rachel & now Sam's Sunday show, AAR would lose this listener."

I'm with you there. And I'm a premium member . . . I download podcasts of Sam & Rachel's shows and listen to them while doing housework and yardwork.

And Lionel is on my local affliate (KQKE in San Francisco) . . . he is one of the reasons I was driven to the AAR internet stream & podcasts.

I want AAR to suceed . . . but dropping Sam for Lionel is a BAD bad business move, IMHO. Al Franken was right, Sam Seder was the future of Air America . . . and the future looks grim. :-(

By dagmanApril 9, 2007 - 4:49pm

Sam is superb.

He's accurate and perceptive, brilliant and witty.

Lionel unfortunately is not.

sigh....

By Sunshine JimApril 9, 2007 - 4:55pm

AAR has gone DNC

AAR has gone DNC

By JafafaHotsApril 9, 2007 - 5:04pm

pretty funny - not one good comment

are you getting the picture yet?

By totallyApril 9, 2007 - 5:07pm

stupid bastards

I do not understand AAR, what is the point? Why can't liberals/progressives ever stick to their guns on one damn thing? Sam Sedar was indeed the future of AAR, perhaps now he can be the future of NOVA radio. I just can't believe the decisions that get made at AAR, its beyond belief.

By milkybearApril 9, 2007 - 5:08pm

AAR management is made up of...

...a bunch of morons.

This radio station had so much promise. That first year was amazing.

Then they started fucking around with shit.

Marc Maron is fantastic. He's gone. Mike Malloy is my favorite of all talk show hosts. He's history. Sam Seder was my favorite of those remaining on AAR. Now he's been banished to Sunday.

Lionel is a good guy, but he has no where near the talent that Sam, Mike and Marc have.

It seems that the more courageous and edgy a host is, the more likely his/her days are numbered. You managment fucks need to get a goddamn spine. I'm sure you dumbasses will be adding Ed Shutz any day now, probably to replace Randi.

You dickheads in management have pissed me off for the last time.

Goodbye Air America!

I will see you in the scrapheap of businesses who's concept was brilliant but was doomed by clueless management.

Given the cowardice of AAR management. I doubt this comment will remain very long...

Goddamit I'm pissed....

By rjpiercy2April 9, 2007 - 5:20pm

I've been registered with

I've been registered with AAR for 2 years 47 weeks. I started listening to AAR after the first week, and I listen pretty much all day, Monday through Friday.

I've gotta say that this is the dumbest move yet, but with all the mismanagement at AAR, I'm somehow not surprised. Great idea! Take your #1 best host, and demote him to a 3 hour weekend slot.

I will miss Sam Seder's brilliant and incisive political commentary, as well as his humor. And I don't know anybody else on AAR who does a better job at deflating irrational right wing callers, with humor and logic.

This is really killing my enthisiasm for AAR, which has been on the ropes for a while now.

Lizz Winstead, Mike Malloy, Marc Maron, and for all practical purposes, now Sam Seder. Don't get me started on Springer. Mark Green you really goofed. Do something smart and find a slot for Sam Seder, every day.

By LumpyApril 9, 2007 - 5:26pm

Don't lose the bigger picture: right's talk radio juggernaut!

I will miss Sam and still mourn the Majority Report which was the first perfect melding of talk radio with the blogs (and why the outrage is being fanned via blogs), but the sad fact is that Sam could not garner the ratings even after he was held longer than Air AMerica held any start-up show with no ratings. I am just as angry at this ratings injustice as you are, but perhaps that anger should not be vented at the Greens who are trying to put together a winning line-up for their investment.

What we have now with the Greens is the long-sought billionaire start-up capital that can float our only liberal alternative to the rightist radio juggernaut which took over and destroyed this country. Mourn Sam and Majority Report, yes, but don't lose sight of the fact that if this fails we are left without a player on the field, while the rightist disinformation liars have the entire AM dial to steamroll whatever they want.

The prestigious Annenberg School at Penn (funded by the conservo TV GUide fortune) has studied talk radio for a dozen years and finds massive "false certainty" among over 50 million listeners who have swung the past 5 out of 6 elections. THis is a Big Lie disinformation operation larger than anything Goebbels every imagined and cannot be beaten without standing up our own player to speak truth to their 24/7 lies.

Air America even as a struggling start-up gives it back to the rightists with such passion and ferocity that it was able to help win a dozen races in 06 according to Howard Dean, even with the full on assauult of a trickster brigade tasked by YAF to collapse it with blogs, false ratings, dirty tricks, etc. The right's radio empire is built on such flimsy lies that ANY truth spoken to it begins to crumble the false edifice. This is why they screen out opposing callers armed with facts.

What the right was counting on is Air America's flimsy financing falling in on itself and leaving the playing field to them once again. Thanks to the Greens, we now have the crucial component that was missing: deep pockets start-up capital. Instead of bashing their tough programming decisions regarding where they want to put their long-term capital, why not realize that this is our only shot and if it is lost, then absent sustained COngressional pressure on ownership, the AM dial will slip even further into the rightist snakepit (as the recent roll-out of Dennis Miller on a hundred stations demonstrates.)

By gregrockerApril 9, 2007 - 5:42pm

Nobody can succeed, with this playbook

You can't get ratings without a consistent schedule. They just put Sam on in the morning, a few months ago. With all the schedule changes, nobody can get good ratrings. Pick a schedule and stick with it. My point is that Sam Seder is the best host AAR has, in my opinion. Drastically reducing his airtime is foolish, as far as I'm concerned.

Secondly, AAR has to advertise if they want ratings. With all the talk about bankruptcy I guarantee that a lot of people don't even know they are still on the air.

Bottom line, without quality hosts, this radio network is going nowhere.

By LumpyApril 9, 2007 - 6:18pm

I don't think you get it

With all respect, greg, If you have to "save" progressive radio by "killing" progressive radio, then what is the point?

And that is what AAR management is doing. There is no point to having the "only liberal alternative to the rightist radio juggernaut", if that "liberal alternative" is no longer liberal. If it becomes milquetoast middle of the road crap, then it is just more of the same distraction from reality that the "rightist radio juggernaut" depends upon.

We need REAL ENTERTAINING PROGRESSIVE voices to compete against the "rightist disinformation liars", and Sam Seder is exactly that.

None of this will happen at once, and it will never happen unless management decides to actually ADVERTISE what a great product they have. The majority of Americans are liberal. That is a plain fact, and if they know that they have an alternative to the right wing garbage out there, they will listen to it.

Perhaps they will also listen to milquetoast crap like Lionel, but again, what is the point? AAR could then be the largest most successful network in radio, but as far as defeating the wing-nut radio disinformation juggernaut, it serves no purpose at all.

By DonnageddonApril 9, 2007 - 6:51pm

Your an idiot!

The big picture needs to include Sam Seder and his style of radio. The problem is they did not actively marketed and syndicated his show. During the finacial trouble they allowed Jones radio network get slots and did nothing about it. Sam was never on 9 in DC it was Stephanie Miller - but here's the kicker - the broadcast was so crappy that people do not listen to the celestrial option on AM - they went out and bought XM, and podcast services.

As the other reply have stated - if you think that Lionel is going to bring listeners into the progressive format while he himself is not a progressive - who are on crack. Plus there are alot of advertisers that actual get it with the elections. Office Depot for one - they are advertising on both AAR stations and Right Wing - they realize that if they divide their ad revenue as the demographics change they have greater outreach. Shit - they sponser Ed Schultz.

By totallyApril 10, 2007 - 7:25am

worn out by aar

I won't listen to Lionel. He might be great, I don't know and don't care. I can't come to love another air america personality and have them disappeared. Liz, Marc, Malloy and now Sam. Always the same~the rumors, the lack of support from aar for the show...no response to letters. I've listened since day one and I feel defeated. Please reconsider reducing Sam's show to Sunday only. It was the great strength of air america in the beginning that you began with comedians who were given time to learn the craft. You are running out of shows that are both sharp and entertaining. The Sam Seder Show was often brilliant in this way.

By KthCApril 9, 2007 - 5:52pm

THE GREEN BROTHERS ARE RUINING A GOOD THING!!!!

I thought the Green Brothers would be a good for Air America...WRONG!!!

Have they've been listening to Air America for the last 3 years???? Perhaps they
should go into the archives & listen to the Majority Report...Some of the smartest
funniest & on the pulse radio, EVER...If they had a clue,
they would not be taking Sam Seder, the most PROGESSIVE voice on Air America
off of his prime time morning slot...He's the FUTURE of political talk radio...
This guy Lionel is a very nice man I'm sure, but I won't be listening to him. Sam
Seder is the reason I got a premium membership. YOU GUYS HAVE LOST ME AS A
MEMBER. I'm pissed.

By SkitzoApril 9, 2007 - 5:53pm

Very poor management decision....

This is quite simply INSANE! I have been a listener of AAR since the first day and a premium member of AAR for over a year, but now I simply have little reason to remain a listener or premium member.

Pushing Sam Seder to only 3 hours on the weekend is the last straw. Without Sam Seder you basically have only Rachel Maddow as the sole remaining entertaining/progressive program on ARR weekdays.

Sam is the leading voice of AAR. His intelligence, humor and unbending support of rational progressivism has been the remaining pillar for AAR. And now you have decided to reduce his air time to 1/5th of what it has been.

What was needed here was better management and… what the heck… actually advertising the great product you have, not cutting back on the best talent!

It’s a shame, I used to be glued to my radio/and computer podcasts listening to AAR…

But now there just too little content left worth listening to.

By DonnageddonApril 9, 2007 - 6:04pm

Ditto! I guess my marriage will be saved

I was on the brink of divorce due to listen 24/7 of AAR. Guess what - my marriage is saved by this decision - I guess I should really thank you instead of telling the AAR management that they are STUPID, STUPID, STUPID.

Mark my words - odds are that in another six months Lionel will go by the way of Jerry Springer - that work out well for them also.....

By totallyApril 10, 2007 - 7:31am

BAD move

From the Lionel bio page on WOR, "Don’t even try labeling him or his ideology as such is for naught."

So is Air America going to completely abandon progressive talk philosophically?

What's next - replacing Randi with stock market news? Goodbye Rachel, hello gardening tips? Perhaps a radio psychologist will replace Thom?

YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES.

By dsharp88April 9, 2007 - 6:06pm

Why Does Mark Green Hate Air America?

Lionel is popular? He is a washed up has been who never was.

Air America is about one thing: radio. Not about ideology; but democracy.?????
AAR IS about ideology AND democracy.

Sam Seder was the future of AAR, really the BEST most informative and activating shows on AAR. I have had the misfortune of listening to Lionel on kqke in SF. He is self involved, vaguely liberal maybe??? and really difficult to listen to. I tried, even.

If Mark Green wants to drive listeners away from AAR, he has made the right choice. I am just about done and will cancel my premium membership.

Sam should jump ship and join Nova M.

Sad state of affairs, indeed.

By angelo9000April 9, 2007 - 6:12pm

Say buh-bye to this premium member

Well, Mark, you've proven to be an even bigger idiot than previous management. No matter how bad they were, none of them was stupid enough to fire Sam Seder. Not only have you done that, but you've apparently replaced him with the most vapid, boring and self-obsessed moron I've ever heard.

Before I was just pissed that Sam is going. Now I'm literally sick. How the HELL can you think that that garbage is better than Sam's show? Is this another stealth management attack on AAR? It's hard to see it any other way, since if you were truly this stupid you'd have trouble dressing yourself in the morning.

By jgrazApril 9, 2007 - 6:22pm

Cancel My membership

Are you kidding??? Lionel has th most annoying voice I can't stand to listen to him. He is a liberal Like Colmes. I hope sam does not do the sunday show. I hope he just moves to Nova M, so i never have to listen to this station again. I will listen to the sunday show but that's it. And i am not supporting any of your sponsors. Bad decision. I am so upset.

By alyssaeApril 9, 2007 - 6:24pm

What the hell?

Air America, what are you doing? This is a major mistake. Sam is the best thing on your network. I like the whole lineup but Sam Seder is the main reason why I listen. I started listening (on a daily basis) to Air America back in July of 06' but started listening to Sam right after the switch with Springer. I don't think that I can bring myself to listen to your network after this move. The network is becoming more watered down. Do you even care about what your listeners have to say ? Damn you, Air America!!!

By YankeeGirl226April 9, 2007 - 6:24pm

You guys used to be a "Liberal" braodcast... I guess no more...

"Lionel"?

Good lord... He's crap.

He lies... He pontificates his narrow ideas with pabulum inanities... He stretches the truth to make asinine obtuse idiot points and is just a little too condescending, pretentious, pansy-ass pompous-drag-queen-personality for me... sigh... sorry Sam... good luck.

Oh well.. business as per usual, I guess...

This is heartbreaking...

~albabe

http://www.comicon.com/gordon/gordon.htm

By albabeApril 9, 2007 - 6:51pm

Dear Mark Green

I thought the whole point of a deep pocketed progressive owning AAR was to carry the progressive message through the low ratings, while working through networking and promotion to bring the audience to the brand. What you're doing now is diluting the message. Sam has a unique voice. I look forward to his Sunday show, but I'm very disappointed.

By 4ayesApril 9, 2007 - 7:24pm

aar direction

AAR's decision to bump Sam Seder and replace him with unmitigated fluff indicates to me that the typical 'big money' world view is the new spirit of AAR. How can we otherwise interpret the abandoning of so many loyal and hardcore listeners in favor of a light-weight ratings chase. And it's only a chase-- one that most of us see as doomed to failure. (I know, AAR sees it otherwise, and it's their money.) The audience for our one-time dream of AAR will never commit to form over substance.

Evidently AAR is giving up the good fight and will look for the quick and dirty fix (it thinks) to attract greater revenue. It's a sell-out. We've all heard of the 'business' problems that AAR has had through these few years; I do not think it is unfair to say, however, that the current format has not been given a chance. What we've seen from the business side of the house has been a total lack of imagination. It was too much to ask that the new 'deal'-makers would remain true to the dream and try to find a way to make it work. To say that it isn't working at all now, pays no heed to the impact AAR had on the last election.

Sam Seder is a rare talent; if AAR cannot succeed with the likes of him, it cannot succeed, at least not in a way that supports the left. The new management of AAR has apparently bought into the boob-tube model. How about some intellectual and creative investment from the business folks, instead of marching to the beat of the same old dreary drummer?

I have three XM radios for the various places I spend most of my time. I use(d) them for the solitary purpose of listening to my favorites on Air America. I nearly dropped it when XM failed to pick up Thom Hartmann in favor of the banal Ed Schultze. (BTW, what was AAR's role in this?) I have given 11 XM radios and subscriptions to family and friends with the suggestion that they tune in to AAR; at least 8 of them are now regularly tuned to 167. I am a premium subscriber as well, despite the service's sometime lack of reliability.

Why mention this here? Just to indicate that I have been a committed and patient listener. With AAR's decision to drop Sam Seder, it all goes. I'm only a customer, but I will use my resources to find a better way to indulge my interests. It is just too painful and disheartening to stay with AAR.

By drmwApril 9, 2007 - 7:29pm

Mr Elberg & Mr Bernstein

Mr Elberg & Mr Bernstein i've nevered listened to Lionel and i'm always a person who gives new hosts a chance and this guy better impress me cause if he can't do it,then there's always a chance down the road to find someone else for the morning slot.

By ap215April 9, 2007 - 7:36pm

Submitted by drmw on April 9, 2007 - 7:29pm.

Amen, brother!

By web_geekApril 9, 2007 - 10:36pm

I tried to stick with you, AAR

When Malloy got booted I almost canceled my Premium membership but I knew I wouldn't have access to Sam without it so I hung in there.

Fool me once...

What a shame--AAR was such a great thing when it started...I listened nonstop back in the day but have been down to just Sam the past few months. It's definitely time to move on to better things. Hopefully Nova-M Radio will scoop up Maron & Sam and we can all live happily ever after.

By biskit67April 9, 2007 - 7:37pm

Give me Sam or Give me death.

AAR definitely won't be getting a renewal of my "premium" membership now. Moving Sam to matinee land? What a disaster. I haven't felt this badly since Bush was reelected. If your cool, AAR destroys you. They truly are a DLC mouth-piece. Lionel's worst Al F. Hell, Lionel's worst than Jerry S.
Sam should leave those losers and help Amy Goodman.

By JGannonApril 9, 2007 - 7:54pm

Really bad move

Your first programming decision should NOT be something that so obviously pisses off your base. What this move says is that Green does not care about the hard core listeners who've stuck with AAR through thick and thin.

I joined premium just to support AAR. I don't podcast or get any old shows. Only to support the programming I love. One of my favorite shows was Seder. I listened the whole three hours nearly every weekday morning.

I don't know anything about Lionel but what I HAVE heard is not encouraging. He will not appeal to long-time listeners.

Guess old radicals like me aren't good for the new AAR image. The almighty dollar wins again.

By julia waller-elingApril 9, 2007 - 8:00pm

Sam is ARR

Since I don't have an affiliate in my area I subscribed to the Podcasts. After trying each of the shows I settled on Sam and Rachel as the best. Now that Sam is relegated to the Sunday slum, it's just Rachel for me. That's too bad. While I really like Rachel's show, I got a big kick out of Sam's. Too bad. I haven't heard Lionel, but from his website I'm guessing he's no Sam Seder.

By leebergtallyApril 9, 2007 - 8:03pm

Sam Seder should stay.

I believe Wall Street is having those fire who could weaken their control over our election system. First Mike Malloy cost them dearly for we all listen to him on Nova now. I am sure Sam will land another full time show then I will find him and listen. Air America has sold out to Wall Street. They will only ruin the company. They might as well just fire everyone and hire Rush Limbaugh, Shawn Hannity, and Bill O'Reilly and be just like the rest of the corporate run Media.

By blindwillyApril 9, 2007 - 8:24pm

The Lionel Show is not good

I've tried listening to the Lionel Show but his show is usually rambling, boring, not very good and mostly not worth listening to. The Sam Seder Show on the other hand, was sharp, funny, intelligent and one of my favorite Air America Shows. This is one more reason NOT to listen to Air America and if this is the new direction for AAR, it doesn't look very good.

By merchyApril 9, 2007 - 8:30pm