The Radio Equalizer: Brian Maloney

27 July 2005

Federal Funds Diverted To Air America

AIR AMERICA'S DIRTY DOUGH

Media Cover-Up, Bronx Community Programs Nearly Shut




*** 21 JAN 2010 UPDATE: Air America Shuts Down ***


What happens when the mainstream media, after years of seething over conservative talk radio's success, discover its alternative got diverted public funds, earmarked instead for inner-city youth and seniors?

The answer, with one key exception: they pretend it didn't happen.

Yes, only because of a New York Daily News tidbit do we know that Bronx-based Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club nearly shut down major programs recently, because almost $500,000 in governmental grant money was instead diverted to Air America's liberal radio network.

It's taken a mad scramble by area politicians, including Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Bronx) to find a way to keep several programs for disadvantaged children and seniors from disappearing.

What's the connection between Air America and Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club?

How has this stayed out of the papers for the last month, even when community activists have been aware of the Air America connection since early July?

And how has the liberal talk network managed to avoid even the slightest bit of public scrutiny over the matter?

Logo

It begins with former Air America CEO Evan Cohen, who resigned last year from the network after some of its more infamous early debacles. You might remember Cohen was a key part of an HBO documentary, detailing its first days.

Cohen also happened to serve on Gloria Wise's board and convinced club leader and community activist Charles Rosen to "invest" at least $480,000 in the upstart political talk network.

Rosen has recently resigned from the board, according to New York Nonprofit Press.

The money, intended as a loan to be repaid with interest, was agreed to by Rosen after being sold on the idea of stretching their grant money further, according to one account. Part of the deal included promotional consideration of Gloria Wise's activities on Air America's programs.

Did that ever occur? If so, what was the benefit to Gloria Wise?

More importantly, has Air America paid back any of the money to date?

There are many more questions than answers at this point, but New York City's Department Of Investigation (DOI) is leading the effort to find out where the money went. Will indictments follow?

So far, the activity programs have been saved as other non-profit agencies scrambled to pick up the slack, while investigators look at Gloria Wise's records.

Cohen may be long-gone from Air America, but who else still at the network might have knowledge of this "investment"?

Has there been a media cover-up? In the Radio Equalizer's view, yes.

Why? Because Bronx activists and community journalists have known about the Air America connection for some time, while major publications have been ignoring the story.

Radio trade publications, even after the New York Daily News story, failed to mention the scandal, without exception, on Tuesday (if that changes on Wednesday, we'll update it here).

On July 5, for example, a community newspaper called the Gotham Gazette published a story by Michael Horowitz that laid out the evolving scandal in detail. Why wasn't this on the AP wire straightaway?

Horowitz's story named Air America and Cohen, as well as providing specific information about why the money was loaned and its origin. Why did major publications ignore it?

A June 28 Daily News story on the scandal left Air America out of the picture, but did mention Cohen. Of course, what reader would be able to make the connection to his time at Air America?

Both Daily News stories have appeared in the "Boroughs" section of the paper, which is sliced out of the national edition the rest of us see on newsstands.

What does Air America have to say about this? So far, nothing, look for yourself here. They have plenty to say about Karl Rove, though, they want him "fired". And Mike Malloy is busy ranting about the "Bush Crime Family", according to their site.

Can it really be dismissed by the network as something to be blamed only on the long-departed Cohen?

Again, was any of the money repaid to Gloria Wise and do any current Air America staffers or managers have knowledge of this diverted federal money?

If it was repaid, why the governmental investigation? It seems authorities are attempting to account for the missing funds now.

Are the network's hosts, such as Al Franken and Janeane Garofalo, willing to apologize for the severe damage done to community programs for inner-city youth and seniors, as a result of this sleazy scandal?

Syndicated radio host Rusty Humphries asked me just a short while ago whether I thought Franken, or the other hosts, were aware of the network's questionable funding source. I'd like to believe they didn't, but shouldn't they publicly speak to the issue anyway?

Thanks to tipster "FYI" who alerted me to this whole mess. Can we really let Air America get away without answering tough questions about their involvement in this scandal?

Update: whether the funding was from federal or local sources seems unclear. Sometimes, this type of funding originates with the feds, goes to cities and is distributed from there to area nonprofits. That may be the case here, based on the reports I've seen.

Update: Michelle Malkin wonders what excuses liberals will use. Read my comments section below, they've already begun. Do you think they have an action plan in place for these occasions?

Meanwhile, Michelle has added additional details this morning to her report.

Update: Talk radio reporter Perry M Simon of entertainment industry trade publication All Access indicates Air America will have an official response to our articles later today.

He wrote a piece on the controversy for today's edition. Other radio/ entertainment trades have so far ignored it.

Here's Simon's story:

A report in the NEW YORK DAILY NEWS raises the allegation that AIR AMERICA RADIO received NEW YORK CITY taxpayer funds diverted from programs for disadvantaged youth and seniors.

The Department of Investigation cut off city contracts with the GLORIA WISE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB and affiliate PATHWAYS FOR YOUTH in the BRONX, necessitating quick replacement with deals with outside agencies to save several programs administered by the GLORIA WISE club. The allegations apparently involve WISE club founder and former Exec. Dir. CHARLES ROSEN diverting the city contract funding to AIR AMERICA as a loan instead of the social programs; the DAILY NEWS notes that former AIR AMERICA chairman EVAN COHEN served as the WISE club's Dir./Development.

The story has been picked up by conservative syndicated columnist MICHELLE MALKIN and "RADIO EQUALIZER" blogger and talk host BRIAN MALONEY. MALKIN notes that MALONEY caught the tidbit at the bottom of the DAILY NEWS story but that the story has been in the open since JULY 5, when the BRONX NEWS ran a story with specifics including how the diverted funds ($480,000, according to that paper's source) were structured as a loan to the radio network (to be paid back with interest) and that the network agreed to publicize the club's programs.

A comment from AIR AMERICA on this story is pending.

Read the BRONX NEWS report by clicking here, and MALONEY's reporting on the issue here.


Once Air America's released its statement, can the rest of the media really continue to ignore this story?

Update: just heard from Michelle Malkin, she did an interview on Seattle's KVI-AM this morning, where a caller pointed out how the Gloria Wise center is involved in this "Camp Air America" program for Bronx youth. Here's another link showing their connection.

Radio host Cam Edwards interviewed me earlier, he's been digging into the summer camp connection. Does "Camp Air America" still exist? So far, no answers, be we believe it's likely defunct.

Update: Air America's statement has arrived. They're not denying it, but simply pin it all on the previous owners:


"On MAY 24, 2004 the newly formed PIQUANT LLC acquired the principal assets of AIR AMERICA RADIO from the prior ownership entities. PIQUANT has owned and operated AIR AMERICA RADIO since that time. The company that had run AIR AMERICA RADIO till then no longer had anything to do with the network.

"PIQUANT had no involvement whatsoever with funds from GLORIA WISE BOYS &GIRLS CLUB. PIQUANT neither received nor expended any of the sums that are the subject of the City's investigation of the CLUB.

"PIQUANT is not being investigated by the City, which is investigating a
transaction that took place before PIQUANT existed."


So this means Air America can wash its hands of the scandal, simply because new owners took over? Where'd the money go, was any of it repaid? Not a word here.

Doesn't Piquant see any legal or moral obligation to return the funds? Didn't that money benefit Air America?

Did all ties to Gloria Wise sever after May, 2004? What about Camp Air America?

Note the statement does not contain any denials that Air America received the funds destined for Gloria Wise. No doubt the statement was written by Air America's lawyers, but it fails to take into account public perception of their actions.

Did any of Air America's hosts address the scandal today, or are they trying to pretend this didn't happen? Will the rest of the news media grab onto this for Thursday?

I'm scheduled to appear on FOX's O'Reilly Factor Thursday to discuss it, but as always, major breaking news can lead to rescheduling on these news programs.

There's a new post on Air America's troubles here.


Note: Michelle Malkin is working with me on this story. Check her site for the latest, as she looks to uncover additional details. Here's her story.

Please support The Radio Equalizer's advertisers! Welcome Orbusmax, Free Republic, Salon.com, Red State Rant, Captain's Quarters, Front Page Mag, BizzyBlog, TalktoRusty.com, LaShawnBarber's Corner and other readers.

AAR Scandal graphic: Martin Archer

published by Brian Maloney at 19:00

62 Comments:

  • What a joke. Cohen was a swindler who bamboozled the folks at Air America, who this clown, the "Radio Equalizer" wants to hold responsible for the actions of the guy they were swindled by! Conservatives will throw any turd on the wall to see if it sticks.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 00:57  

  • I'm curious -- would the anonymous liberal coward accept such excuses if we were talking about Enron?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 01:25  

  • Funny, when it is liberals and business relationships, the Main Stream Media (MSM) will not cover the problems. Is it because liberals and business do not mix? Or is it that the MSM believes the general “public” will not be interested in this news. Without new media, this story would never have seen the light of day. Hopefully other bloggers and the conservative press will pick up this story. The MSM will be embarrassed into reporting this travesty.

    By Blogger Island Republican, at 27 July, 2005 02:16  

  • Face it, the only "joke" & "laughing stock" was & is Air America. Say what you want about conservative radio or conservatives in gerneral, at least they pay their own way. Stealing from poor kids & old people, I'm sure by 9:00am EST they will have found a way to blame Karl Rove & the President. No ratings, no money & like everyone who lives in reality knew, no chance of success. Air America, like the Democratic Party, is down for the count. I'd feel sorry for them if I couldn't stop smiling. Can't wait for Al Gore's non-partisan cable network... Tomorrow will be the 1st day I'll probably listen to AA the entire day & enjoy it.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 03:03  

  • Conservatives will throw any turd on the wall to see if it sticks.

    And it looks like libs will throw any amount of money on the wall to see if it's negotiable.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 03:04  

  • I read the New York papers every day, and I've seen nothing mentioned about AAR's recent ratings catastrophe.

    One would think that after all the hype and press AAR received, and then have it do worse than the station it replaced, would be a story.

    I'm interested in knowing about the morale of the hosts, and whether or not the investors are losing paitience. However, the media doesn't see interested in asking any questions.

    Brett

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 06:48  

  • From the days of slavery and segregation, the Democrats have always been the party of greed and power. This doesn't surprise me. The one thing at which Democrats really excel is shifting the blame elsewhere. And now they're stealing from children. This confirms it. Snidly Whiplash was a Democrat.

    By Blogger Lone Ranger, at 27 July, 2005 07:21  

  • Great job.

    By Blogger Howard, at 27 July, 2005 07:42  

  • Maybe Cohen belongs in Jail, just like Ken lay.

    Clear thinkers realize you can't blame the whole organization for the misdeeds of a few.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 08:02  

  • Cohen is part of an evil conservative plot, he donatges money to arch-conservative democratic rep Tom Lantos, and Hillary Clinton, and the Evil Arch-conservative DNC, and that slug of the right Democrat Joe Crowley. Not to mention that warmongering John Kerry. And of course he is a big supporter of the anti-Castro, pro-Big business money mine Air America. Thank god for the leftists in this comments section to expose all of these evil people.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 09:49  

  • Hey, Tuck? "67 stations and turn a profit in two years"?

    Put down the crack pipe. They are paying Clear Channel to carry them on a number of those stations (as does that blowhard O'Reilly) they've recently gotten clearance on. In a best case scenario, they are, minimum, five years from breaking even, and that's based on a growth in ad revenue that just matches market norms, not the hose job that they current project.

    Air America is a dead dog on Clear Channel life support.

    By Blogger Unknown, at 27 July, 2005 10:50  

  • "AIR AMERICA SUCKS!!!!
    Its about time they got caught!

    http://hiphoprepublican.blogspot.com/

    By Blogger Blog Moderator, at 27 July, 2005 11:11  

  • Look for the newest Michael Moore blockbuster this fall.

    “Air America, the Modern Robin Hood”

    It steals from the poor and gives to the self-righteous.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 12:09  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger tm, at 27 July, 2005 12:47  

  • Update: just heard from Michelle Malkin, she did an interview on Seattle's KVI-AM this morning, where a caller pointed out how the Gloria Wise center is involved in this "Camp Air America" program for Bronx youth. Here's another link showing their connection.

    The Camp Air America pledge drive (if you will) was put to an end months ago. The guys on Morning Sedition used to constantly plug it....until they didn't. Though they didn't really explain why they stopped asking for checks, they DID say on the air that anyone who donated would get their money back.

    ....and if you're looking to Rusty Humphries for "the facts," you're waaaaaaaaaay off.

    By Blogger denise, at 27 July, 2005 12:58  

  • I suspect that loaning government grant money for profit, to anyone, is illegal in order to avoid this sort of thing. I'll be genuinely shocked if this is not the case.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 14:26  

  • Brian,

    You write that Cohen "resigned." This is shading the truth -- he was forced out/disappeared after lying to advertisers and essentially stealing money. To link his misdealings with the current management of air america (which is, indeed what you do) is dishonest.
    The current management are the folks who came in to clean up cohen's mess, and this will just be another part of it. They are the solution, not the problem. Not an "excuse", but the truth.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 14:44  

  • New York Talker - with Salem - Kevin McCullough is about to do an entire hour on this on AM 570 WMCA in NYC. You can listen here: http://www.wmca.com

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 14:49  

  • McCullough is now having his listeners call Air America and demand the money be given back...

    212.871.8100...

    He's asking us to be polite...

    (Just called and they are claiming that they have no idea what we are talking about...)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 15:32  

  • If there's anyone who should be making hay with this, it's Ed Schultz, who should be doing everything he can to take out his competition in the extremely narrow market of LibTalk.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 15:54  

  • If AA is the failure that conservatives insist that it is, why do they pay so much attention to it? If it's a nonfactor, why care?

    This is, indeed, a serious matter, involving a former AA executive who did many bad things (to AA and, apparently, other organizations). He'll have his comeuppance... but his actions should not sully the reputations of those still there, since there is no evidence that this matter involves guilt by association (AA, of course, demanded Cohen's resignation a year ago).

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 15:54  

  • I never thought I'd live long enough to watch these self- righteous, self-loathing, self-centered, america hating leftists hijack the once great Democrat Party and set its agenda.

    Howard Dean, Chuckie Schumer, and John "kohn" Kerry (the boston irish catholic) are gifts from God.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 16:41  

  • redstate rant:

    It depends on how the buyout was structured. First, we don't ewxactly know what it is Piquant bought. Certain deals are simply teh acquisition of a name, or a lease or employee contracts. Liabilities are sometimes included, sometimes not.

    More importantly, if the liabilities were hidden from Piquant (likely, given Cohen's track record as a conman), then Piquant is not necessarily legally liable. As Brian wrote in his update, the main issue here may be one of public perception, not criminal violation.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 17:55  

  • Everyone listening, you can do something to help, me, AL FRANKEN. Just put one dollar in an envelope, and send it to, me, AL FRANKEN. It's easy, just address the envelope to, me, AL FRANKEN, c/o Air America, and put one dollar in it. You can send more if you want, just remember to send it to, me, AL FRANKEN.

    By Blogger cpt asshole, at 27 July, 2005 18:15  

  • Michelle Malkin wonders what excuses liberals will use. Read my comments section below, they've already begun
    The traditional liberal excuse/answer:
    OH YEAH, WELL WHAT ABOUT HALLIBURTON??!?!!!1!?!

    Or the newer answer:
    OH YEAH, WELL WHAT ABOUT KARL ROVE??!?!!!1!?!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 18:22  

  • Thanks Dick Tuck. I am sure you will be attacked in a personal nature by Sailor Republic for reporting that fact.

    Sailor, sarcasm(per your blog) is one thing but being a prick is another.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 19:10  

  • It sure reads like one guy on the board donated money to
    Air America, not the club itself.

    Andrew D.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 19:17  

  • PIQUANT--the current management. Well, it is a shell game to be quite frank. The Chicago station is claiming that in their current lawsuit against AAR. And, quite frankly I agree. I am amazed that is all the statement that AAR gave, really. It is not working with the Chicago station lawsuit. Senior staff who were at AAR when Cohen was there, were subpeoned and this week they were interogated by law inforcement.They never notified authorities of all of this. Until a few months ago, AAR was pitching camp Air America.... come on, this is a shell game...
    And Brian---remember Liz winstead not being paid, the chicago station is in court suing them, and AAR defense is that they are a new company, and most importantly, see any ad buys from AAR for the fall season? Nope.Why? Cause they don't have the $$$.. It is a shoe string operation, and how dare they release that stupid statement.

    Dig Brian, Dig...it is out there. good job on it so far :-)

    ---FYI

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 19:49  

  • Oh, and it is a FACT that AAR bought their current Chicago station time, for $100,000 I think. Dig, You'll see.
    --FYI

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 19:55  

  • The notion that a corporation can simply sell off the good part (assets, goodwill, contracts, etc), and divest the liabilities into thin air is ridiculous. Somebody has to be responsible for those debts, either the debts were specifically retained by Cohen, the debts were transferred to the new corp., or someone is engaging in FRAUD at the minimum. If either corp. has not repaid the debt according to the contract, there is a forgiveness of debt issue here as well on the corporate return. I would think that Air America would have been very forthcoming about any arrangements w/ Cohen for him to retain the liabilities. This does not pass the smell test.

    By Blogger Andy A., at 27 July, 2005 20:03  

  • It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that if it were really a leased station, they would carry Randi Rhodes instead of Ed Shultz.

    By Dick Tuck, at 8:19 PM

    ----- Dick, I really respect your opinions, and I feel thankful for a forum where we can communicate freely. I am not a republican, and I am not a democrate, but frankly, if i had no choice, I would be a democrate. So, I am not an enemy of AAR, but I find there actions harmful for progressive thinkers and I am mad about that. REALLLY they paid for the station time in the recent chicago buy. They had to, in Al Frankens contract, if AAR doesn't take an offer for air time, Franken has the right to do it independatly, so AAR had to buy it... I bet al is mad that it is such a low powered station, non the less, AAR had to buy the time. This is the reason why most of AAR is not airing on it, the most imporatnt thing is Al. And quite frankly Randi Rhodes is getting quite sick of this... stay tuned.

    --FYI ( you listening Brian)

    AND DON'T BE MEAN ON THIS SITE. DICK IS ENTITELED TO HIS OPPINON< RESPECT HIM< WE ARE ALL HERE AT THIS POINT AND TIME TOGETHER< MAKE HISTORY< NOT HATE>

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 20:47  

  • and hey, I love Howard Dean, as many republicans, dems, and independents do!! REALLY

    He speaks for all of us.( Brian, uo
    --FYI

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 21:03  

  • Dick,
    Rule #1,
    When you don't agree with the facts you don't dispute the facts you attack the messenger.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 21:12  

  • With in the last few months, AAR bought air time---FACT, they did, it is not some old business model, I swear, I know they bought the time. Call the station in Chicago, do some reporting, it is true, it is a current business model---AAR would have rather not done the recent Chicago deal, the band with is a joke, but, if they didn't then Al would have had free range... check it out---I have no motive to make this up.... I believe in as many voices as possible to hear, but I do not like the sleezy style of AAR. Check it out---you'll see.

    ---FYI

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 21:21  

  • I think AA's problem is it tried to build the talent around a network instead of a network around the talent.

    You also can't turn a basketball player into an actor. Sam Seder is painful to listen to and Janine seems to taking a lot of time off to work on some sitcom pilot.

    YOu are either loquacious or your not.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 21:42  

  • Anyone ever listen to Brian Whitman on WABC in NY? He is liberal and only comes on Sunday nights before Drudge.

    He has the gift of gab and is fun to listen to. AA ought to hire him and replace Springer.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 21:59  

  • 1. (partially echoing an earlier poster) The debts from standpoint of AAR are a normal liability. Just like a utility bill. Unless, Cohen fraudelently misled Piquant, the debt remains with the business (or unless the contract said the debt would go to Cohen.)
    2. How do you know that other senior staff at AAR did not know about the arrangement.
    3. In any case, AAR was being sustained by a corrupt mechanism (looting a charity).

    Bottom line...not all the guilt goes with the remaining people...but it is stretching things to say that AAR can wash it's hands of dishonest things it did to stop the doors closing.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 22:29  

  • Interesting that Brian will be on O'Reilly. I remember Fox News trying to find dig out anything about Air America. The funniest thing was how this organization was fighting WLIB abandoning its Caribbean format and other civic programming in favor of becoming the AAR flagship station. When you read the story closely, you find out that this organization was seemed to be just one guy. That went nowhere.

    Air America is no longer under the same ownership that raised funds in question. However, the owners of the network should make a good faith effort to clean this up by returning any illicit funds. If any laws were violated, those involved should be prosecuted.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 27 July, 2005 22:34  

  • Dick Tuck and Thor, typically you read just enough bolster your position, but not enough to get my point. Someone has to be responsible for those liabilities - you cannot contractually just blow away an existing debt, it must either be retained by the seller, or transferred to the buyer. The debt continues to exist and someone is responsible. This is not in any way different from what you have stated. Read the whole statement, every word, before running at the mouth (or the keyboard).

    As for Thor's nit-picking about including goodwill, we could have a lengthy conversation about the value of goodwill under GAAP, and the real world value (and tax realities). Typically instead of simply pointing out what you perceive as incorrect, you have to throw in some belittling statement. I love how the left not only thinks they hold the market on what's politically correct, but feel they have to talk down to anyone with which they disagree. Finally, I'm not a Minuteman, but I admire their devotion.

    By Blogger Andy A., at 27 July, 2005 23:32  

  • You all keep talking about them 'raising' the money. My understanding is that it was the misapporpriation of earmarked grants, or the misrepresentation of how government funds will be spent, on the part of Gloria Wise.

    There is potential jail time involved in this.

    Brian, a brilian coup.

    By Blogger Peter Porcupine, at 28 July, 2005 02:26  

  • In a best case scenario, they are, minimum, five years from breaking even, and that's based on a growth in ad revenue that just matches market norms, not the hose job that they current project.

    Air America is a dead dog on Clear Channel life support.

    By TC Lynch, at 10:50 AM

    After AAR's last ratings book in NYC, a laughable 1.0, what sane person would advertise there.

    You'd be better off investing in a sandwich board.

    Brett

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 28 July, 2005 02:49  

  • 4th Estate,

    You are right that not all stations are created equal, and that many AA affiliates have very low wattage. While this certainly means that certain AA execs have done a poor job getting on strong signals, does it also not possibly mean that AA is doing artificially poorly in the ratings books. If only 50% of a city can hear a signal, it stands to reason that the hosts would have doubled ratings with a better signal.

    why does this matter? because it puts the lie to the notion that liberal talk can't succeed as a format from a listener perspective.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 28 July, 2005 11:27  

  • >But being a scummy Republican, he'll try to >duck it.

    Dick Tuck: A little political lesson about politics in Guam, where Cohen is from.

    The political parties in Guam have next to nothing in common with the national parties in the United States. IOW, liberal and conservative labels basically don't apply; it is strictly two "teams" seeking power.

    If you pinned down Evan Cohen, my guess is that his political philosophy is more atuned to Hillary Clinton or Barbara Boxer, than "a scummy Republican" like George W. Bush.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 28 July, 2005 12:03  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger L.N. Smithee, at 28 July, 2005 15:17  

  • Earth to Dick Tuck:

    The likes of the New York Times and Robert Redford will continue to try to prop up Air America long enough for it to make an impact. And the prevailing winds of the free market will continue to knock it down again and again.

    If the AAR people really thought that this scandal was all the work of "Evan Cohen, a scummy Republican," they would have turned on Cohen the same way Cohen turned on Arthur Liu (aka Liu-cifer, Liu-ser, etc).

    Quitting digging through that pile, Dick. There is no pony.

    By Blogger L.N. Smithee, at 28 July, 2005 15:20  

  • Tuck, WABC surged up to that 4+ number during the height of the election madness, and has now settled back into the mid 3's where it usually resided. And as for the Nassau/Suffolk numbers, WLIB used to be a Caribbean-based programming entity, aimed at a community that pretty much existed in Brooklyn and Queens. The jump in those suburb numbers reflects the demographic switch.

    By Blogger Unknown, at 28 July, 2005 18:48  

  • I don't know who to trust, Bri or the lib. Y'all both seem to selectively choose cities rather than synthesizing overall or at least tracking the same city constantly.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 28 July, 2005 23:02  

  • Paul Krugman was on the board of Enron. The Democraps loved the dotbomb crapola of the late 90s...

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 29 July, 2005 00:10  

  • TCO, Tuck is cherrypicking numbers generated from stations in miniscule markets that were, ratings-wise, akin to the walking dead when they were flipped to AAR. When nobody's listening, ten new sets of ears is an astronomical increase. And a plain fact is talk radio stations usually see a ratings depression as the weather gets warm. In all those markets he's listing as some sort of proof that listeners are flocking to AAR, I'd be willing to bet that FM music stations are where all those ears are going, and their Arbitron numbers have been climbing. Think about it: if you're siting on the beach or hanging by the lake, how many radios do you hear that are turned to somebody jabbering away? More likely those boxes are cranking out tunes.

    Look at the top radio markets and you'll find Air Idiot getting pounded, if they even show up, which, in Philly, they don't. Their listener base in "the city of Brotherly Love" is so microscopic it wasn't even measurable.

    By Blogger Unknown, at 29 July, 2005 00:45  

  • I'm sick and tired of the selective market by market crap. Someone do a decent synthesis BEFORE diving into the weeds. A pox on all y'all's houses...

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 29 July, 2005 01:16  

  • TCO: The bottom line is that Air America is not exactly taking the country by storm. They need to start showing some significant gains in the largest markets, especially New York and LA before they can truly claim success and legitimate growth.

    My guess is that AA won't survive in its existing form. Randi Rhodes and Garafolo, if she doesn't go into TV, will be picked up by other syndicators. Franken has alienated too many people in radio to ever work in this medium again. The others will become answers to trivia questions.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 29 July, 2005 12:24  

  • I donated to the AirAmerica/Gloria Wise free summer camp earlier this year thanks to mentions by AAR's Morning Sedition. I felt good about it then, I still do.

    I also donated to the Andy Stephenson fund (he of Black Box fame) after AAR's Mike Malloy mentioned several times that he needed money for pancreas cancer treatment. Even though I know that pancreas cancer was a death sentence, I felt good about giving and I still do today.

    Well, Stephenson died July 7.

    The sad thing is that rumors of fraud circulated his illness.
    http://www.seattleweekly.com/features/0528/050713_news_andy.php

    Just like your "investigation".

    Mark Riley of AAR is a tireless community activitist in NYC. He is the link to WLIB's roots on AAR. He pushed the Air America Camp because he wants to give back to the community.

    Maloney, shame on you.

    It takes a nation of millions of us AAR listeners to make a difference.

    We will do it.

    By Blogger @whut, at 30 July, 2005 00:45  

  • Man you people must really be afraid of Air America if you're stooping to such trivial issues which are of dubious relation to Air America in the first place.

    Don't you have something better to do, like scan the television for images of guys kissing and writing hate mail to the networks?

    Give Air America a chance. The right have dominated talk radio for the last two decades. Are you THAT SCARED?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 01 August, 2005 19:43  

  • If Air America had nearly as many listeners as commenters here have claimed, they wouldn't be in the financial trouble they're in.

    Bottom line, people. Nobody is listening to Al "Cheap Shot" Franken and Company.

    By Blogger Cordeiro, at 02 August, 2005 13:01  

  • Progressive, I mean who can be against progress. What a useless word the Socialists have chosen for their disease. It is only progress if you would like to hurtle towards unemployment rates in the teens, like those oh so bright French and Germans.

    Cohen and his ilk live off the fat of the State a lesson learned from Jessie. Who can be surprised that a person on the left would use grants this way. Clinton preached the ends justify the means as to many Jesuit schools still teach.

    How is Air America adding stations, I don't care. The people who listen to it are not moderates they are socialists, who don't quite understand that the constitution does not support their way of thinking.

    They also don't get that those who entrenched socialism in Europe managed to protect their wealth in the process. After all the Queen didn't start paying taxes until the 1990's. And the Beyer family has managed to survive 2 world wars and 2 reichs and parliament. Very Clever are the elites and easily led are the so called "Progressives".

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 02 August, 2005 19:59  

  • I don't think anyone's scared of Air America. Feel free to check out their affiliates by callsign on the FCC's site. Their list is located here. The preponderance of them seem to be on the upper end of the dial and of rather low power, neither of which is to their advantage.

    I spent 35 years in the radio industry, both on and off the air, from a 50KW clear channel (not capitalized)in Chicago to little corn-poppers everywhere else, but one thing is true of them all: you must select your programming to match your audience. Air America and its bunch of loonies can't seem to get it through their concrete heads that there is no substantial audience for gloom and doom or Bush bashing nationwide.

    Let 'em speak their peace. Even George Soros will eventually tire of shelling out megabucks to keep them on the air. (Could it be he already has, so AA was forced to steal from kids and the elderly? Hmmmmm!)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 02 August, 2005 20:39  

  • About 1/3 of the stations are Clear Channel and in most markets where they have multiple talk stations Air America is on the lesser station that used to be either a Disney station or Foxsports. Denver is a perfect example where KOA is the Rush Clear Channel Station and the other station, used to be sports, now calls itself "Boulder Progressive Talk".

    I also found 4 stations Air America listed as affiliates that carried only 1-2 Air America Personalities while also carrying Rush in his time slot. Clear Channel is not dumping programing that delivers their required return on investment. Rush does so they aren't dumping him but I can't find any info that establishes that Air America is making money for anybody at this time.

    If the model works then a year from now Air America will still have 24 Clear Channel stations. Based on the way these station contstantly juggle programming that may not be a great bet.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 02 August, 2005 23:40  

  • I knew Evan (Montvel-Cohen) Cohen when he was here on Guam... this is nothing new. His Advertising Agency and Market Research Firm, The Communications Corporation defaulted on a $500,000 Government guaranteed loan that Cohen agreed to be responsible for when his Ad Agency merged with another company. His former partners are now in foreclosure and forfeit of their assets. Including some real property deeded to Cohen's wife - Sharla Torre Montvel-Cohen by her grandparents. Today the Cohen's are hiding out in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. Mrs. Montvel-Cohen who still keeps ties on Guam, is working for Becker Communications, Inc. a PR firm in Honolulu.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10 August, 2005 00:59  

  • Lie down with Michelle Malkin, wake up with fleas.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 17 August, 2005 15:02  

  • As a "former" Repubican I want you to know that it is because of conservative talk show hosts such as yourself that I am forsaking the political party that I have been loyal to for forty years. I hold certain values and ideals that you and others have misrepresented and exploited. You do not in any way expose truth; only an self-invested version that is untrue and misleading. Do you really believe the obvious lies you portend?

    By Blogger c curran, at 17 May, 2007 02:27  

  • Michelle Malkin is the ANGEL of all my dreams! God Blessed America went he sent such a classy and dangerous siren to our defense. And, I mean to the defense of REAL PATRIOTIC AMERICANS!!

    We love you MM,

    Dan Howard
    Outraged Patriots . C 0 M

    By Blogger Unknown, at 19 May, 2007 15:42  

  • I am a Calif CPA, MBA...
    When someone buys a company like that a very careful audit/review of the books happens every time. Those records are not confidential. If they are reviewed by the right people today, you will have a pretty good idea of what they knew about that loan.
    Work papers are everything, here.

    Also, there is no way any CEO I ever worked for would purchase such a set up without knowing exactly the sources of all of the liabilities. (And testing that there were not undisclosed liabilities.)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 21 January, 2010 18:59  

Post a Comment

<< Home


 
Page Rank Checker

Powered by Blogger