The Randi Rhodes - Air America Radio story, the short version

[ConsAreLiars]

A contract dispute, and within that, a question of who had what rights and power.

Her contract, agreed to by the former owners, said she could quit but not be fired.

The current owners are the Green brothers of New York, Clinton supporters. From the Wiki: "The company is owned primarily by Green Family Media, made up of New York real estate investor Stephen L. Green and his brother Mark J. Green, who closed on the purchase of the network on March 6, 2007 for US$4.25 million." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_America_Radio

Most listeners have noticed that after it became clear, at least to Randi and many others, that Clinton could not reach a majority of delegates and the contest, barring some meteor strike, was over, Randi declared for Obama and dumped on Clinton.

A week or so ago, Randi got suspended, allegedly because of a stand-up performance at a benefit for a Clear Channel property, Green 960AM, KKGN, in which she again dumped on Clinton using comedy club language, getting an enthusiastic response from the audience.

But the talks between Randi and AAR were not about that, they were about the contract. Under the existing contract, she could quit at will, but they could not fire her. AAR wanted to reverse the terms and the power relationship. They wanted the right to fire her at will, while she would be obligated to stay on until the contract expired and not allowed to quit. She would, under those terms, however, have a knife at her throat with every word she spoke.

She said, in essence, "no effing way"; they said, in essence, "we own your microphone and you'll never get on air again unless you agree". She said, in essence, "well go ahead and eff yourselves if that is what you choose, goodbye."

Randi will be back live via Nova M Radio and, I'd bet, most of the local stations that carried her through AAR will now carry her via Nova M. I assume they contracted with AAR to carry the hosts, not to blindly commit themselves to dead air or drivel or whatever AAR put in to replace whatever they signed up for.

At any rate, listen here on Monday, and maybe consider joining as a founder: http://www.novamradio.com/ It's pretty sure Big Corpse will not channeling a lot of their ad money that direction, and maybe 30 cents a day from enough of us ordinary people will be enough to keep our voices heard.

[libnnc]

1. Great summary

:kick:

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. How long until the usual suspects come here though?

And great summary

If I may I will add there is no justice for anybody in this country that lacks 250,000 USD.

Preach it sister!

[gateley]

3. Wonderful suggestion --

that our contributions could help stop what happened to AAR ($$$) happen to novam.

I'm not finding a link on their site, though -- could you direct me?


Thanks!

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. here you go

http://www.novamradio.com/

[gateley]

11. That's the page I was on --

I just didn't see the TEENY 'enter site" link at the bottom. Teeny to someone my age, anyway -- thanks!!

[TriggerGal]

17. Go to

http://novamradio.com/index_page.php?pid=1

[ConsAreLiars]

9. Here:

https://www.novamradio.com/index_page.php?pid=99

Seems like their enthusiasm over Randi joining up put the usual site navigation stuff into second place. (You could get there with a bit of sleuthing, but it was not at all obvious.) Another indication that simply doing the right thing was far more important than making bucks.

(edit, now two, trivial typos)

[gateley]

13. Thanks! Finally saw the little Barbie-sized type link.

Thank you for suggesting this - it never would have occurred to me! :hi:

[givemebackmycountry]

4. I just watched her BRIEF appearance on Larry King...

HELLO Peoria!

I blinked and it was over.
She looked great and her new smile was radiant.

Talent like hers can't be contained.

I can't wait to hear her on Nova M radio.
And eff you Larry and your "breaking news".

[defendandprotect]

6. Randi Rhodes was on Larry King tonight for about 4 minutes . . .

And he also played the abbreviated version of her stand up routine during that time!!!

Supposed, Larry had to run off to cover a BREAKING news story ---
whatta ya think?
Larry promised twice to have her back "next week" --- will he?
I think they'd rather interview her in her new position than offend AAR management --
and maybe even HRC crowd?

She got to say only a few words, but did make clear it was a contract dispute --
and obviously they were trying to renegotiate the contract to their advantage ---
so they could fire her.

So --- "suspension" -- as far as I can see was the scam ---

I'd say that Air America is finished now ---

[gateley]

14. Out of curiosity, what was the breaking news? Thanks.

[WolverineDG]

33. I thought it was pretty important

they located the Marine who murdered his pregnant girlfriend & buried her in the back yard.

dg

[defendandprotect]

41. "If it bleeds, it leads...." --- and people do tune in for that ---

[WolverineDG]

45. So the capture of a rapist/murder isn't important to you

okay. I'm sure Randi didn't mind.

dg

[baldguy]

65. I notice they found enough time for Glenn Beck to do his schtick.

[defendandprotect]

86. I've seen a few minutes of him; enough to turn my stomach ---

more right-wing trash being thrown at the public ---

[nadinbrzezinski]

73. Actually she told Marc Maron that she was bumped

about half an hour later...

[defendandprotect]

85. Certainly not in the sense that you seem to mean it ---

This is sensationalizing crime --- exploiting it ---
I'm willing to read about it in the newspaper or on line ---

And I think that Randi is clear that she was "bumped" ---
and, again, I don't think that Larry King wants to interview her until she's in her new
spot.

[proud2BlibKansan]

38. They found the marine in Mexico

who is wanted for killing the pregnant marine in NC.

[defendandprotect]

40. The marine who killed the pregnant girlfriend/soldier??? I turned off when Randi left --

[tnlefty]

7. I'm thinking that I'll renew my "Founding Member" status

at NovaM X 2. I received a big hug from a local for just knowing about Peter Werbe (he moved to red state hell) and for being a NovaM "Founder". I like hugs and I love liberal/progressive radio.

[defendandprotect]

42. How much are you paying for NovaM? Are there different tiers of payments?

[TriggerGal]

47. There are really 2 options

To access podcasts and message boards ...

$ 100.00 flat for 1 year
$ 9.99 per month ($119.88 for 12 monthly payments)

Since the news that Randi signed on with NovaM ... over 250 people have joined as Founding Members.

[Garbo 2004]

8. New majority owner of AAR is Charlie Kireker. Finalized in March.

Air America, one of the country's more powerful radio networks and a major progressive megaphone, is switching ownership.

Charlie Kireker, a former political official and creator of Pendulum Media will succeed Stephen L. Green, the New York real estate CEO who helped lift the company out of bankruptcy, as chair of the board. The move will be finalized in mid March. Mark Green, Stephen's brother and Democratic activist, will remain as Air America's president.

"We look at what Steve and Mark Green have done as the transition role of saving and stabilizing the business and now we think it is a good opportunity to expand upon that," Kireker told the Huffington Post. "The company has made a lot of progress, we have consolidated operations, and streamlined things to be more efficient. We are yet to profitability but we are heading there."

Kireker is no stranger to the network. He was a minor investor in one of the companies that rescued Air America's ownership from Chapter 11 bankruptcy last March. That year, the network — which was purchased by Green Family Media for $4.25 million — posted more than $13 million in losses. Sometime in 2009, Green said, he envisions that the network will be in the black.

http://www.freepress.net/news/30667

[nadinbrzezinski]

12. Their cash cow just left

see gun... load, aim at foot and fire.

[2rth2pwr]

18. Charlie Krieker is a big Obama supporter.

[SeattleGirl]

10. I know that our local AAR affiliate in Seattle will resume carrying

Randi when she starts at NovaM. This station (KPTK, AM1090) does not just run AAR programming. They also air Stephanie Miller and Ed Schultz (Jones Radio Network), and Mike Mallow (NovaM Radio).

I can't wait to hear Randi again!

[defendandprotect]

84. Right . .. we lost a lot of information last week that should have been hashed and rehashed . . .

PLUS Randi Rhodes is always really well informed on what's going on ---
so there's always something new ---

[TriggerGal]

15. More Info ...

NovaM affiliates:

WAAW 94.7 FM Aiken, SC (Augusta) www.rejoiceradio.com
WCPT 820 AM Chicago, IL www.wcpt820.com
WVKO 1580 AM Columbus, OH www.wvko1580.com
KMNY 1360 AM Dallas, TX www.rationalradio.org
KGOE 1480 AM Eureka, CA www.kgoe.com
KTLK 1150AM Los Angeles CA www.ktlk.com
WXXM 92.1 FM Madison, WI www.themic921.com
WINZ 940 AM Miami, FL www.supertalk940.com
KTNF 950 AM Minneapolis, MN www.950airamerica.com
KPHX 1480 AM Phoenix, AZ www.1480kphx.com
KPOJ 620 AM Portland, OR www.620kpoj.com
KQKE 960 AM San Francisco, CA www.green960.com
KYNS 1340 AM San Luis Obispo, CA www.1340kyns.com
KPTK 1090 AM Seattle, WA www.am1090seattle.com
Sirius Channel 146 USA www.sirius.com
XM Channel 167 USA www.xmradio.com


Streaming live at: http://www.novamradio.com/index_page.php?pid=30


Randi message forum at NovaM:
http://novamradio.com/msgbrd/viewforum.php?f=30&sid=3cc5a7d71f02cd41a13406999153cffb


$100 per year to be a Founding Member.
How much is having Randi back on the air worth to you??

[starchimes]

35. Yea! Progressive radio in Dallas again.

[orleans]

39. i'm around chicago, and just got this email from wcpt

sounds like they haven't made a decission yet, but i hope they carry her--and first thing on monday!

Many of you know that Randi Rhodes has been off the air on WCPT for the past week and today, Randi Rhodes has chosen to terminate her relationship with Air America.

While WCPT is a network affiliate of Air America, we were not involved in their decision to suspend Randi, nor were we a part of the discussions which led to Randi terminating her relationship with Air America. However, WCPT is very much involved in putting out the best Progressive Talk station for Chicago and as such, we are in the process of deciding on a new line-up for the station. As the situation with Randi has developed over the last two weeks, we have received passionate feedback from our listeners both in support of Randi as well as in support of Air America’s moves. It is this passion which drives the station and without it, we would not be able to succeed.

For now, we ask you to please bear with us as we take the time to determine the very best lineup. We acknowledge that whichever path we choose to take, some segment of our audience may not agree with right off the bat, but rest assured whatever we do will stay true to our ideals of offering the very best Progressive Talk programming. Progressive talk radio has come a long way since it first launched a few years ago and we’re in a fortunate position that our options have greatly expanded in such a short time.

We certainly regret that this situation happened, but now that it has, we are going to do our best to take this opportunity to build an even better WCPT. We appreciate the feedback that we have received and are fortunate to have listeners who are so engaged in “their” station.

[TriggerGal]

46. Guess What?

WCPT 820 AM Chicago, IL www.wcpt820.com

IS a NOVA M affiliate!!!

You lucky dog.

[orleans]

50. i saw that on your list. so--although they are noncommittal at this point

i'm hoping to hear randi on the car radio come monday.

[TriggerGal]

51. They can't be that stupid.

She's the #1 progressive talk show host in the nation.

And ... AAR is on a downward spiral.

You don't need a Weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing.

[orleans]

53. "You don't need a Weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing."

especially today--it's gusting loud and strong! lol!

[TriggerGal]

59. My cousin was one ...

of the original Weathermen.

[orleans]

72. wow--how's that for funny. what a co-ink-e-dink! lol. n/t

[TriggerGal]

82. No coincidence

That's how I know that line!!!

And ... a skewed sense of humor ... is a family tradition.




http://www.markrudd.com

[annabanana]

52. phooey.. nothing in the Northeast. . . . . .n/t

[TriggerGal]

64. Contact your local ...

AAR affiliate.

Voice your opinion.

Let them know - you listened to AAR because of Randi.
She is the #1 progressive radio talk host in the nation.
She is now with Nova M.

Ask them to become a Nova M affiliate - and continue airing Randi on their station!!

[Liberal In Texas]

16. Well...Yes and No.

Very few broadcast contracts will say that you can quit and the the station or network has to stick by the terms.

I have heard, somewhere, that Randi's contract was in that negotiation area, but it wasn't about the network trying to pull a power trip on her. She obviously hasn't been happy for a long time. Nor have they.

Contracts come down to basically just a few things: Money. Time (of the contract). Escape clauses (for both sides) which usually includes a non-compete provision. And finally, what your are allowed to do outside of work. They pulled a "You can't do this" on her and she said, "Yes I can. And I will not back down." Impasse. No new contract. Parting of the ways. Has she been exploring other avenues of employment for a few months? Probably, she would be stupid if she didn't. Especially since she was bold enough to dis AAR management on the air time and again.

Yes, she has cast her lot with Nova M. It's a gamble, but from this vantage point, she may be doing the right thing. Nova M is more populist as opposed to corporate. At the end of the day, don't we want that more?

One last thing...I think that Randi's realization that she wasn't a Clinton supporter was the tactics and dissembling. After a long campaign, she took a stand and kind of broke her own rule about it. She just felt it was the right thing to do.

Kind of like leaving AAR to find something else.

[TriggerGal]

19. Video - Randi on Larry King Live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jL2fwFsqpM

[Liberal In Texas]

20. Tiger...I'll watch tomorrow..thank you for the link...

I have the speakers on mute so as not to disturb and am headed to bed in a few.

I'll reply tomorrow...

-L

[TriggerGal]

24. LOL ... it's TRIGGER ...

and they're a band!!

http://www.myspace.com/thetriggertribute

[bookman]

21. Nice job

A perfect summary.

[ConsAreLiars]

22. Thank you. I try to keep keep believing reality trumps delusion and bias,

but the evidence is not all that encouraging. Way off topic, but hit this link for another example of what we get told is far, in this case murderously far, less than the truth. http://journals.democraticunderground.com/ConsAreLiars/11

[TriggerGal]

23. RANDI ... in her own words ... on Marc Maron

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5WdEBBx0Tg

[ConsAreLiars]

25. A good link and resource.

Thanks for that documentation.

[TriggerGal]

27. It clears up all the speculation

once and for all !!!

[JimboDem]

26. Thanks, triggergal.

nice hearing it in her own words.

[jazzjunkysue]

81. My two fav radio talents on the phone together. That felt good. Thanks.

These two care about people and happen to be the most entertaining professionals I've ever heard.

I'm glad theyre friends.:hug:

But, Randi's new message board is $100/year!

[TriggerGal]

83. You're welcome

As we've learned from Randi ... spread the truth ... and ... provide the links!!

[LTR]

28. Great summary!

Thanks!

[cui bono]

29. I beg to differ on one point, although it may have ende up happening simultaneously,

I noticed that Rhodes started criticizing Clinton after Clinton went totally negative and practically endorsed McCain over Obama. I did not notice her being for Obama though, just anti-Clinton. Kind of like me.

The contract info is interesting though.

[byronius]

30. I follow the Information Cannon wherever she goes.

I'll keep my premium AAR membership for another year, for Sam Seder and Ring Of Fire; but Nova M gets my business on Monday.

Interesting world. President Barack Obama. Randi on Nova M. Al Franken a Senator.

Who woulda thunk?

[KharmaTrain]

31. It'll Be Interesting What WCPT Chicago Does...

Here's what their site says:

http://www.wcpt820.com/news/view?articleID=78

Chicago (April 10, 2008) — Many of you know that Randi Rhodes has been off the air on WCPT for the past week and today, Randi Rhodes has chosen to terminate her relationship with Air America.

While WCPT is a network affiliate of Air America, we were not involved in their decision to suspend Randi, nor were we a part of the discussions which led to Randi terminating her relationship with Air America. However, WCPT is very much involved in putting out the best Progressive Talk station for Chicago and as such, we are in the process of deciding on a new line-up for the station. As the situation with Randi has developed over the last two weeks, we have received passionate feedback from our listeners both in support of Randi as well as in support of Air America’s moves. It is this passion which drives the station and without it, we would not be able to succeed.

For now, we ask you to please bear with us as we take the time to determine the very best lineup. We acknowledge that whichever path we choose to take, some segment of our audience may not agree with us right off the bat, but rest assured whatever we do will stay true to our ideals of offering the very best Progressive Talk programming. Progressive talk radio has come a long way since it first launched a few years ago and we’re in a fortunate position that our options have greatly expanded in such a short time.

We certainly regret that this situation happened, but now that it has, we are going to do our best to take this opportunity to build an even better WCPT. We appreciate the feedback that we have received and are fortunate to have listeners who are so engaged in “their” station.

The owners are big Hillary supporters and good friends of the Greens. Some "scuttlebutt" was that it their complaints that pushed for her suspension and if she's gone, she's gone.

I'm glad Randi played her strong suit...she's been on the shaft end so many times in her career and am glad she'll be back on and working with NovaM. This could be the death blow to AAR...who not only have lost her, but still haven't recovered from losing their biggest meal ticket, Al Franken. The network was treading water up until this situations, will the Greens throw in the towel? Stay tuned...

[B Calm]

34. Weak ass little station that can only be heard during the day time. Who cares!

[OmahaBlueDog]

36. It's a weak station with a web link

It's how I listen to Ed Schultz, Randi, et. al. in Omaha.

[B Calm]

37. Now you can listen to her on Nova M website!

[TriggerGal]

48. According to NovaM site ..

WCPT 820 AM Chicago, IL www.wcpt820.com IS a NovaM affiliate!!

[Yukari Yakumo]

32. In short...

Radio exec dumbasses (who probably have minimal experience in radio) wanted to use the network as a pro-Hillary bully pulpit, only to have their scheme swiftly bite them on their collective asses.

In the black in '09? With Randi gone, fat chance on that.

[butterfly77]

43. I am already a member...

and looking forward to hearing Randi at anytime I want..

[bbgrunt]

44. It's time to write your local AAR affiliate and xm and sirius to

get NovaM hired!!

[TriggerGal]

49. Take a look ...

Sirius Channel 146 USA www.sirius.com
XM Channel 167 USA www.xmradio.com

BOTH are NovaM affiliates !!!

[bbgrunt]

57. yes, but with xm, for example, they do 2 hours of

Malloy, but don't carry the rest of NovaM programming. Likewise, the Madison WI local affiliate has not yet committed to replacing the AAR show with Randi's show even though they carry Malloy.

Letters of support for Randi's show will help them decide to carry more of NovaM's programming.

[TriggerGal]

58. AAR is tanking fast

you can bet they'll switch!!

[bbgrunt]

60. Well, I'd like to be optimistic, but given the

efforts it took locals to keep the station from switching to a sports station last year, I hope the demise of AAR programming won't simply offer those who wish to snuff all liberal programming another reason to attack.

[TriggerGal]

62. And this is why ...

we should all become Founding Members and give Nova M the $100 !

As the old standard goes ...

Money talks ... BS walks.

[backscatter712]

55. My local station already picked up Randi's new show.

Kudos to AM760!

[TriggerGal]

70. I have no doubt

that others will follow suit.

Randi is the #1 progressive talk show host in the nation.

[ConsAreLiars]

54. A correction -- The Greens became minority partners last month

as pointed out by Garbo 2004 in post #8, and Charlie Kireker, who is now the controlling owner, is an Obama supporter.

[MoeHayNow]

56. Yet another misstep for AAR

It seems like Air America will do anything to shoot itself in the foot. Strident though she may have been at times, Randi had an audience and spoke for many.

[VotesForWomen]

61. just a refresher- O can't win w/o a convention decision, just like hill; and Randi can shoot her mou

mouth off all she wants- it's a free world. her employers are also free to fire her and i'm glad they did.

[JackBeck]

63. They didn't fire her.

[TriggerGal]

68. They couldn't ...

even if they wanted to.

That's what the fuss was all about - the contract - not the video !!

[JackBeck]

69. Exactly.

See here for my comments on the whole kerfuffle:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=3138675&mesg_id=3145023

[TriggerGal]

66. Actually ...

No, they weren't - according to her contract!!

Hear it for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5WdEBBx0Tg

[baldguy]

67. According to the contract they agreed to, AAR was *NOT* free to fire her.

You haven't been paying attention.

[chknltl]

71. Big sigh...as usual, facts be damned style conclusion!

Do this math: Randi could NOT be fired! That is what all the bruha was over. It had very little to do with anything Randi said or even could have said. Her contract was quite clear regarding this point, she could quit but could NOT get fired. They were NOT as you said, free to fire her! So go on ahead and revision the facts as you choose, you have this freedom of course...that is what the freepers and the rethugs do to support their positions and candidates. It saddens me when fellow DUers do this, I like to think that we are better than that but all too often I get my bubble burst.

Speaking of Freedom of Speech, is it safe to suggest that you support a more fascist version: "You are free to say what you want on your own time but if we don't like something you say, we will ensure that you face retribution?" The majority of DUers are in favor of Obama. How would you like to be TSed from the DU for speaking ill of him at a tavern benefit put on by the Democratic Underground???

Do you really support your own freedom of speech or would you prefer to see even more such erosions, the kind of erosions on our freedoms that the corporatists or corporate-fascists would prefer? I wonder how the Taliban would handle freedom of speech? Do you want to be in agreement with THAT crew???? You don't need to respond to me in anger, I seek not to flame you but instead to enlighten you. America's democracy REQUIRES an enlightened electorate. Help us pass along that enlightenment if you want to see our democracy preserved. Join us, don't fight us, we are in it for the same reasons.

[Canuckistanian]

74. So basically, a lot of fuss for nothing

I mean, not to say that Randi leaving AAR was nothing, but it wasn't for the reason we were lead to believe.

There was probably a lot of dynamics about the Greens leaving as well. Randi always spoke well of them and apparently knew of them before they took over AAR.

Now, the onus is on the new owners of AAR. Will they attract talent to the network or not?

Because right now, they've got next to zilch.

[Breeze54]

75. THANK YOU!!!

"But the talks between Randi and AAR were not about that, they were about the contract."

But of course MANY from that other messageboard 'DUmp', will not acknowledge this at all. :eyes:

"They see, what they want to see and hear, what they want to hear."

:kick: & Recommended

[TriggerGal]

76. It's Friday ... Bounce Your Boobies !!

http://blogumentary.typepad.com/secretfarm/files/bounce_your_boobies.mp3

[Breeze54]

77. I'd get a black eye or a concussion!

But I'll join you in spirit! :rofl:



:P

[TriggerGal]

78. It don't matter ...

if you're big or small ..
c'mon gals ... give it your all!!

[Breeze54]

79. LOL!

Gravity and I have become chummy friends ... lately. ;)

[TriggerGal]

80. Way to remedy ...

spend the next 1/2 of your life upside down. ;)