Air America Radio will announce a major restructuring on Friday, which is expected to include a bankruptcy filing.  Air America could remain on the air under the deal, but significant personnel changes are already in the works. Sources say five Air America employees were laid off yesterday and were told there would be no severance without capital infusion or bankruptcy.  Also, Air America has ended its relationship with host Jerry Springer.  The right wing is sure to seize on Air America’s financial woes as a sign that progressive talk radio is unpopular. In fact, Air America succeeded at creating something that didn’t exist: the progressive talk radio format. That format is now established and strong and will continue with or without Air America. Indeed, many of the country’s most successful and widely-syndicated progressive talk hosts — Ed Schultz and Stephanie Miller, for instance — aren’t even associated with Air America.  Radio giant Clear Channel is so committed to progressive talk radio that, this week, it will announce a partnership with the Center for American Progress and MSS Inc. to conduct a nationwide search for the next Progressive Talk Radio Star.

Air America Radio will be greatly missed by me.  I am a supporter of Air America and what they stand for.  For many years, the only voice on the radio was that of the right wing.  Air America gave a brilliant alternative to that one sided opinion.  I am sad to hear that radio host Jerry Springer will no longer be affiliated with the program.  He did a great job as a progressive talk host.

I hope this doesn't close the door to other progressive radio personalities to not pursue this movement.  Thanks to programs like Air America, they have finally given a true balance to AM talk radio throughout the country.  If you call yourself a true liberal, please make an effort to support the progressive talk movement in any way you can.  This is the voice that speaks for you and desperately needs to be spread and heard by all.