Lots of links to info on the Air America story (scandal?) about some questionable funding that helped get the radio network started.
Seems that in the early days they had some big money given to them by a group that runs the Bronx Boys and Girls Club. The money was supposed to go to the kids. Woops.
From Billboard's Radio Monitor:
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New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer is looking into questionable loans made by the New York-based Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club to Air America Radio (AAR) early in the liberal talk network’s life. Spitzer’s interest in the case, which is already being investigated by the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), was first reported by the New York Post and has been confirmed by Billboard Radio Monitor.
At issue are government funds which were earmarked for the charitable, not-for-profit organization, but were funneled to AAR through its former CEO, Evan Cohen. At the time of the loans, Cohen was serving as a paid development director for Gloria Wise.
Although AAR is no longer affiliated with Cohen, who sold his interest to Piquant LLC in 2004, the current owners have said they will repay the loans to the club, even though they maintain they have no legal obligation to do so.
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more at the link
Here's what Air America says abut it.
I don't think the network is doing that well. It would be a good idea for the talent to go it on their own and syndicate themselves instead of having a total network. As soon as their contracts allow for it they might. They have content that needs to be on the airwaves, but their um er "distribution" could use some help.
Google news search for "Air America" "Gloria Wise"
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