Oregon Media Insiders

First a disclaimer: I do not listen to Air America. I also don't listen to Rush, Lars, O'Reilly or Hannity. I don't listen to talk radio. I actually don't listen to radio much anymore. I do, however, have a 22 year background in radio. A few years ago I left broadcasting to become a political consultant and freelance writer. Nowdays I do mostly writing and very little politics.

KPOJ is actually one of the few AAR success stories. The success of AAR here did, however, cause Clear Channel to adopt the format on many of its failing and/or low rated AM radio stations. Clear Channel will likely continue AAR on these stations as long as it exists but don't excpect them to continue the progressive format once AAR fails.

What happens to KPOJ when AAR ceases to exist is unclear. The station has been an unqualified ratings success, but I hear sales have not reflected the numbers. Will Clear Channel take Schultz, Hartmann and maybe Rhodes and build a progressive format around them, or will they go back to playing oldies?

AAR will fail. They have been in the process of failing since day one. As Limbaugh reportedly said, "AAR was not set up to be a radio network, but to impact elections." AAR is a scam started by scammers. For some reason, whatever it is, liberals do not want to listen to other liberals rant about Bush. They do not want to listen to the mad and mean spirited Al Franken.

Garofalo has left, Malloy has been fired and Franken will inevitably leave to run for the senate. Franken's departure will be the end of AAR. The only problem is the demise of AAR will come about three years too late.