Thursday Updates
COHEN GETS NOISY
Speaks Out In Guam, Plus: Rusty's Spoof, NYC Ratings Plunge
When all else fails, isn't it nice to be recognized upon returning home?
Evan Montvel-Cohen's Guam homecoming is making big news in the American territory, especially since the former Air America head hasn't exactly made a quiet return.
In a lengthy interview heard on Agana's KGUM-AM (K-57 Radio), a station owned by former business partner Rex Sorensen, Cohen delved into the early days of Air America and what led to events that still threaten the liberal radio network's future.
Countering Al Franken's assertions Cohen's a conservative operative, the interview left no doubt: his politics lean far to the left. Oddly, he's still upbeat about the network's future, claiming its programming now reaches 87% of the American population.
At one point, he attacks blog coverage of Air America, after calling Michelle Malkin "my new right-wing friend".
Has this story been closely followed on Guam? The broadcast assumes an above-average knowledge of events involving a network that's never been heard on the island. Interviewer Jon Anderson referenced a high level of publicity surrounding Cohen's Air America tenure.
KUAM TV-8 also covered Cohen's local arrival:
Evan Cohen, the controversial businessperson and former Guam resident whose association with several ventures has become the topic of scrutiny from the national media, is back on island. He appeared on a local newstalk radio program today, which aired largely without taking phone calls.
He was also the central figure in the HBO documentary "Left of The Dial" that chronicled the trials and tribulations in starting up liberal radio network Air America. Cohen and Sorensen Pacific Broadcasting owner Rex Sorensen created progress Media, Inc., which was Air America's parent company.
The two businessmen have received national media attention from publications like the New York Times to The Chicago Tribune, and even from pundit sources like The Drudge Report. The Wall Street Journal even wrote a lengthy expose entitled "Radio Daze - Inside Air America's Troubles: Optimism and Shaky Finances".
And from Perry Simon of All Access, an entertainment industry trade publication:
Embattled former AIR AMERICA RADIO topper EVAN MONTVEL -COHEN has given an interview to host JON ANDERSON of SORENSEN PACIFIC BROADCASTING Talk KGUM-A (K-57)/AGANA, GUAM in which he talks about the formation and subsequent troubles at the liberal talk network and his role in the GLORIA WISE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB loan scandal.
About the scandal, MONTVEL-COHEN asserted that "I indeed, alone, without the knowledge of anybody but the person who saw the deposit slip, borrowed the money... I was a fundraiser for them (the club), they were a substantial organization... and I asked the Executive Director (CHARLES ROSEN) for a loan."
He says he was unaware that at that time, there had been a 19 month investigation of ROSEN and the club's finances, and added that the loan was for AIR AMERICA and not for himself personally.
In the interview, MONTVEL-COHEN, who said he was "going up a few weight classes" by going from limited GUAM radio experience to launching a national network, described the HBO documentary "LEFT OF THE DIAL" that depicted the early days of the network as chaotic as leaving "a lot" out (he notes that it was edited to show him in a particular light but "I made my bed").
Actually, Cohen's attempt to provide cover for Gloria Wise officials fizzled when he evaded questions on who might have helped him divert $875,000 in community center grants, which instead went to fund the liberal radio network.
When questioned on his claims of "astronomical" Air America ratings success, Cohen blamed the Radio Equalizer for slanted coverage (though ratings data cited here is linked back to published trade industry sources).
He also revealed plans for a potential upcoming book on "the truth" behind Air America's founding, to be released in 2006.
Overall, Cohen spent much of the interview name-dropping and clearly looking to make amends with the network's current executives, likely for unclear personal reasons.
Why not return home in a low-key manner? Only Evan can say for sure.
Meanwhile, conservative syndicated talker Rusty Humphries has capitalized on Air America's financial problems with a spoof on their new "associates" program. Also on Rusty's site: mosque-shaped alarm clocks for sale.
Al Franken's book release seems to have been moved up a few days, now scheduled for October 25. How will the book signings go this time around? Will he be able to avoid unpleasant questions about Air America's many flaps?
The New York Post's John Mainelli reports Air America's WLIB/New York midday hosts Jerry Springer and Al Franken have dropped 35% from year-ago levels, based on brand new Arbitron ratings.
Your Amazon orders that originate with clicks here, regardless of your final purchases, help to support this site's efforts. Thanks!
AAR Scandal graphic by Darleen Click. There Is No Scandal by Pete at IHillary (where he sells something as odd as Rusty's alarm clocks!.
Speaks Out In Guam, Plus: Rusty's Spoof, NYC Ratings Plunge
When all else fails, isn't it nice to be recognized upon returning home?
Evan Montvel-Cohen's Guam homecoming is making big news in the American territory, especially since the former Air America head hasn't exactly made a quiet return.In a lengthy interview heard on Agana's KGUM-AM (K-57 Radio), a station owned by former business partner Rex Sorensen, Cohen delved into the early days of Air America and what led to events that still threaten the liberal radio network's future.
Countering Al Franken's assertions Cohen's a conservative operative, the interview left no doubt: his politics lean far to the left. Oddly, he's still upbeat about the network's future, claiming its programming now reaches 87% of the American population.
At one point, he attacks blog coverage of Air America, after calling Michelle Malkin "my new right-wing friend".
Has this story been closely followed on Guam? The broadcast assumes an above-average knowledge of events involving a network that's never been heard on the island. Interviewer Jon Anderson referenced a high level of publicity surrounding Cohen's Air America tenure.
KUAM TV-8 also covered Cohen's local arrival:
Evan Cohen, the controversial businessperson and former Guam resident whose association with several ventures has become the topic of scrutiny from the national media, is back on island. He appeared on a local newstalk radio program today, which aired largely without taking phone calls.
He was also the central figure in the HBO documentary "Left of The Dial" that chronicled the trials and tribulations in starting up liberal radio network Air America. Cohen and Sorensen Pacific Broadcasting owner Rex Sorensen created progress Media, Inc., which was Air America's parent company.
The two businessmen have received national media attention from publications like the New York Times to The Chicago Tribune, and even from pundit sources like The Drudge Report. The Wall Street Journal even wrote a lengthy expose entitled "Radio Daze - Inside Air America's Troubles: Optimism and Shaky Finances".
And from Perry Simon of All Access, an entertainment industry trade publication:
Embattled former AIR AMERICA RADIO topper EVAN MONTVEL -COHEN has given an interview to host JON ANDERSON of SORENSEN PACIFIC BROADCASTING Talk KGUM-A (K-57)/AGANA, GUAM in which he talks about the formation and subsequent troubles at the liberal talk network and his role in the GLORIA WISE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB loan scandal.About the scandal, MONTVEL-COHEN asserted that "I indeed, alone, without the knowledge of anybody but the person who saw the deposit slip, borrowed the money... I was a fundraiser for them (the club), they were a substantial organization... and I asked the Executive Director (CHARLES ROSEN) for a loan."
He says he was unaware that at that time, there had been a 19 month investigation of ROSEN and the club's finances, and added that the loan was for AIR AMERICA and not for himself personally.
In the interview, MONTVEL-COHEN, who said he was "going up a few weight classes" by going from limited GUAM radio experience to launching a national network, described the HBO documentary "LEFT OF THE DIAL" that depicted the early days of the network as chaotic as leaving "a lot" out (he notes that it was edited to show him in a particular light but "I made my bed").
Actually, Cohen's attempt to provide cover for Gloria Wise officials fizzled when he evaded questions on who might have helped him divert $875,000 in community center grants, which instead went to fund the liberal radio network.
When questioned on his claims of "astronomical" Air America ratings success, Cohen blamed the Radio Equalizer for slanted coverage (though ratings data cited here is linked back to published trade industry sources).
He also revealed plans for a potential upcoming book on "the truth" behind Air America's founding, to be released in 2006.
Overall, Cohen spent much of the interview name-dropping and clearly looking to make amends with the network's current executives, likely for unclear personal reasons.
Why not return home in a low-key manner? Only Evan can say for sure.
Meanwhile, conservative syndicated talker Rusty Humphries has capitalized on Air America's financial problems with a spoof on their new "associates" program. Also on Rusty's site: mosque-shaped alarm clocks for sale.Al Franken's book release seems to have been moved up a few days, now scheduled for October 25. How will the book signings go this time around? Will he be able to avoid unpleasant questions about Air America's many flaps?
The New York Post's John Mainelli reports Air America's WLIB/New York midday hosts Jerry Springer and Al Franken have dropped 35% from year-ago levels, based on brand new Arbitron ratings.
Your Amazon orders that originate with clicks here, regardless of your final purchases, help to support this site's efforts. Thanks!
AAR Scandal graphic by Darleen Click. There Is No Scandal by Pete at IHillary (where he sells something as odd as Rusty's alarm clocks!.
published by Brian Maloney at
10:00
16 Comments:
Looks like Air America is tanking in the DC market as well.
Air America, the liberal talk network carried on WWRC-AM (1260), went from bad to nonexistent. After WWRC recorded a mere fraction of a rating point in the spring with syndicated shows from the likes of lefty talkers Al Franken, Janeane Garofalo and Stephanie Miller, Arbitron couldn't detect a measurable listenership for the station this time around.
By
Unknown, at 20 October, 2005 09:22
Brian,
I obviously disagree with you a lot, but generally respect your industry knowledge. That said, how can you reprint the report about Franken/Springer dropping 35% from a year ago in NY, given that Springer WASN'T ON THE AIR a year ago in NYC? Maybe the NY Post meant to discuss his time slot, but it is unclear. The NY Post needs to issue a correction/clarification.
By
Justin, at 20 October, 2005 10:52
While we wait for Brian to issue a correction about Springer's numbers in NYC, here are a few more AAR summer #s for both lovers and haters:
Minneapolis: up from 1-1.2
Denver: Down from 2.0-1.9
Cinci: Up from 0.8-1.3
By
Justin, at 20 October, 2005 17:25
I love this:
Top Ten Things People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did You Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?"
10. "You know, in terms of pure aesthetics, I actually prefer the spork."
9. "Yo, Playah-- that Victorian ascot is the shizznat, Dog!"
8. "I know you're on the pill, but can't I wear a condom just this once? Why must it always be about your dirty needs?"
7. "It's this simple: if I can't put the vision I want on the screen, I'm not making this movie. And the vision I want is David Hasselhof."
6. "My scent? It's Nadler, the only perfume endorsed by 300-pound liberal Congressman Jerry Nadler-- a delicate yet sultry blend of cinnamon, pheremones and pork-chops."
5. "Topless dancers?!! The sign outside specifically promised me Stopless dancers. Now you instruct your staff to get off their break and put on some proper clothing or there are going to be consequences, my good man."
4. "When I move, I slice like a fucking hammer."
3. "There's something magical about riding the bus."
2. "Would I like to take a few minutes to discuss switching over to AT&T's new Friends and Family service? Would I! Would I ever!!!"
...and the Number One Thing People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did you Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?"...
1. "Who the f*ck's Al Franken?"
By
Anonymous, at 20 October, 2005 21:35
Is this Brian Maloney for real? Does he ever say anything good about Al Franken. I just heard that Mr. Franken is scheduled to make his third trip to Iraq in December. WOW! Thats three more trips than Brian Maloney, Michelle Malkin, Hugh Hewitt, Michael Medved, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, and Dennis Prager have made to Iraq in support of our troops. Unlike Franken it seems to me that these bloggers and radio personalities don't "Support the troops". Who's anti-american?
By
Iraq War Veteran, at 21 October, 2005 05:53
Still waiting for a correction Brian...
By
Justin, at 21 October, 2005 07:40
How many hours will Brian keep an innacurate news item on his blog without removing it? We're well past 24...
Again, NYC ratings for Springer could not be down between summer 2004 and summer 2005, because Springer wasn't on the air in the summer of 2004.
By
Justin, at 21 October, 2005 12:08
Sailor,
The NY Post note is what Brian reprinted. The problem is that it's wrong -- not up for debate, but simply wrong (springer's ratings could not be lower or higher than a year ago -- since he wasn't on the air a year ago). I am not an NYPost reader, but I do read this blog. So I am asking Brian to do the responsible thing. I'm quite amazed that he has, thus far, decided not to do so.
By
Justin, at 21 October, 2005 16:23
Sailor Republica said "The support of one's troops is not determined by how many visits a person makes.
My god, Jeffrey, you are a bigger loser than I thought. In the words of the great Joe Pyne, "Go gargle with razor blades."
Sailor, you actually want someone to hurt themselves, thats great. Ask anyone you see who has that bumpersticker on there car "support our troops", ask them how they do it, words mean nothing, action does. Oh yeah, the answer "I pay taxes" thats makes me laugh. How do they really "support our troops"?
By
Iraq War Veteran, at 21 October, 2005 18:33
I owe you an apology? you want me to gargle on razorblades and I owe you an apology. Thats odd. I hope these people are doing those things for our servicemen and women who are deployed, but do you really think the righties that are so pro-war like these radio personalities are doing those things too? So what your saying is if a lefty goes to Iraq, its a publicity stunt, and if a rightwing radio personality goes to Iraq (none have) then its pro-american?
By
Iraq War Veteran, at 22 October, 2005 11:00
Sailor, Humphries and Morgan? who the hell are they? How about the more prominent rightwing personalities, they have done nothing. I've been to Iraq twice now in response to Operation Iraqi Freedom, the only personality I've seen is Al Franken, and I must say that the troops love him. I hope I can get to Iraq for my third time and get another chance to see Al Franken. He is such a moral booster many of the troops and myself. Sailor, when are you coming to Iraq. Probably never, another rightwing coward!
By
Iraq War Veteran, at 23 October, 2005 14:30
4-F. isn't that what Cheney, Limbaugh, and thousands others used to get out of serving our country during vietnam. Thats a shame. If you really wanted to get in and defend our country and "spread freedom" you could find a way around that. I did! do you really hate america that much? You coward!
By
Iraq War Veteran, at 24 October, 2005 13:04
Sailor, please don't tell other soldiers that pathetic story. They'll probably laugh at you. You disgust me. God damn Coward! thats all you are. Love it or leave it!
By
Iraq War Veteran, at 24 October, 2005 13:06
Does everyone else find Justin's "Total AAR Whore" act as frackin' hilarious as I do? It's like watching Jan Brady throw a hissy fit because somebody dissed Davey Jones.
By
Anonymous, at 25 October, 2005 09:39
And I use Jan instead of Marcia only because Jan was a much bigger drama queen...
By
Anonymous, at 25 October, 2005 09:41
you will never get an apology from me. Coward
By
Iraq War Veteran, at 25 October, 2005 23:58
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