Air America Funding Issue Heats Up

What's Next?

Holding Air America Accountable For Funding Scandal


Now that Air America's sleazy funding scandal has received more attention, how can we continue to demand full accountability from the firm?

Here's where things stand:

--- Since the company isn't denying it received at least $480,000 in taxpayer funds meant for a Bronx community center, why doesn't it feel the need to repay the money, simply because of a network ownership change?

If any of the money was repaid, why won't they tell us? Some radio talk hosts have begun on-air campaigns to demand it be returned.

--- Why did Air America's response to our reporting leave out so many important details? The deflection of blame was unfortunate enough, worse was the refusal to address so many questions.

What do they have to hide?

--- Did any of Air America's talk show hosts address the controversy on Wednesday or Thursday's shows? If not, then their Bush-bashing credibility is forever shot.

How can they talk about ethics, integrity, or scandal, when the biggest one originated in their offices?

I've been monitoring their schedules, which list planned topics, so far I can't find a word about the money. Come on guys, you can do better than this! Under orders from the legal department to stay quiet, perhaps?

--- Can we really allow so much of the mainstream media to ignore this story, after they've repeatedly showered Air America with praise, for over a year?

--- Where are the lefty bloggers? So far, I've seen one address it, to discount the story. Will the others deal with it, or go the way of the mainstream media?

--- One additional radio industry trade publication covered the story today, but only presented Air America's side. Advertising for syndicated radio shows makes up a big part of ad revenues for the trades. The others are still blowing it off entirely.

Forcing Air America to provide some kind of a response is a start, but much more needs to be done.

Your ideas are welcome, please leave them in the comments section below.