Randi Rhodes Coming Back to Radio?

LTR has a very brief, but hopeful post that says Randi Rhodes is close to a deal to bring her show back to syndication soon. I really hope so!

[Excerpt]

Randi ressurection?

A very brief and very vague rumor, but it is from one of her affiliates, KPTK in Seattle, in an email that just hit my inbox:

Our fight to bring The Randi Rhodes Show back to the Seattle airwaves continues and we are now seeing the beginning of some success in this effort. We have received word from sources in Randi's camp that The Randi Rhodes Show will return to national syndication and that it will do so fairly soon. Rest assured, as soon as Randi is doing a daily radio show again... you will hear it right here, each night, on AM1090. . .

Source: LTR

Sean Hannity Hawks Fraudster (Allegedly!) R. Allen Stanford

Image from source, LTR

With all of the depressing news in liberal talk radio (the missing Randi Rhodes, and related dissolution of Nova M Radio), it is heartening to see that right wing talk radio has its problems too.

All radio hosts read testimonials for products that leave you scratching your head (Rachel Maddow hawking skin cream?), and many of the products they're selling are a little hinky. I've heard right and left wing hosts chatting up Tanya Roberts in scripted "interviews" for Tahiti Village timeshares (here in Las Vegas). Left and right also both run commercials--with scripts read by the hosts--for buying gold.

Well, Sean Hannity has found himself in a spot of trouble for the gold guy he is sponsored by. And while the Manatee (™John Cleese) may honestly have had no idea that R. Allen Stanford was a con-man (allegedly!), he did read personal testimonials for the guy. And Sean is infamous for railing about "guilt by association," particularly as it pertained to unsavory characters who knew (or merely lived in the same area as) Barack Obama. The shoe is on the other foot now, Sean. What say you?

By the way, I've often wondered if products sponsored by partisan hosts do as much damage as good for their clients. Sure, many of the sponsors advertise on all sorts of radio stations, left, right and neutral. But I know that I'll never eat at a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Not because they have an incomprehensible name, but because Sean Hannity endorsed them so heartily.

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Hannity fraud insanity

If you ever sought hard evidence that Sean Hannity doesn't proofread the talking points put in front of him, or even ponders them personally, here it is:

"Stanford Coins & Bullion, a member of the Stanford Financial Group, their name is as good as gold."

Here's a suggestion for all of you. Never, ever accept financial advice from Sean Hannity. . .

Read more at: LTR

Actual News About Randi Rhodes/Nova M Collapse

Photo from source, Phoenix New Times

Since The Randi Rhodes Show disappeared from the air, I've done my best to write updates of exactly what is going on. But actual news of the situation has been hard to come by. Mostly, I've had to rely on snippets and statements from the people involved, most of it very vague and inconclusive.

But there is finally a little more information from an actual news source. I continue to hope that Randi lands on her feet, and that she's available online so that I can actually listen to her show again. Nancy Skinner--Randi's replacement--is just a little too cozy with FOX "News" for my taste. And no, I don't think she's a "right wing plant." I just think that her constant appearances on and reference to FOX lends them credibility that they do not deserve.

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The Pelican Sticks a Fork in Nova M

. . .The cataclysm seemed to become official as the news hit the blogosphere recently that Randi Rhodes's daytime show was kaput. One of the few real talents on the left side of the fence, talk-radio-wise, Rhodes is one of those people blessed with the gift for gab. The woman could jabber on about windshield wipers or the last time she got her toenails done and make it interesting.

The real reason for the split remains unsaid. Anita Drobny has a condescending message on Nova M's site asserting that "Nova M has done everything we can to get her back on the air," and that "Randi now has to make her decisions as to what she must do with her career. . ."

Read more at: Phoenix New Times

Randi Rhodes is Gone. So Where Do Her Listeners Go?

Photo from BigHeadDC

As reported here in exhaustive detail, liberal talk radio host, Randi Rhodes, has been off the radio for over two weeks. And as happened when she left Air America Radio less than a year ago, her very active web site/message board disappeared with her. This is very distressing to fans of Rhodes, who had formed a community of sorts at her site.

But there is a place where RR fans can go, to talk about all things Randi. And it may contain a nugget or two of information about exactly what is going on in this little drama. Remember though, much of the information on Rhodes' former site were rife with unsubstantiated speculation, so take anything below with a grain of salt.

Check it out at: RhodesScholars

Air America Radio Bring in the Stars

I've reported (many times) about the Randi Rhodes flap at Air America Radio over the last two weeks. Short version: Randi had a bullet-proof contract, AAR wanted to change it, Randi did not, Randi made some incendiary comments about Hillary Clinton, AAR suspended her (though it seems maybe they just used her comments as an excuse), and then Randi quit. Since then, she moved to the Nova M network, keeping her show, her time slot, and most of the affiliates.

Air America has countered by getting a bevvy of Hollywood stars to fill in as hosts, and to appear as guests. Will it work? I'm not so sure. For one thing, Randi took most of the stations with her. Unless people stream the new AAR show, American Afternoon via the internet, where would they even find it? For now, I'm sticking with Randi Rhodes.

[News Release]

AIR AMERICA ANNOUNCES GUEST HOST LINE-UPFOR “AMERICAN AFTERNOON” 3-6pm ET

Air America Radio (airamerica.com) is pleased to present the debut this week of “American Afternoon” with guest host actor and activist RICHARD BELZER (Det. John Munch on Law & Order: SVU ).“American Afternoon” will be featuring a series of well-known celebrity hosts with progressive perspectives. Confirmed guest hosts in the coming three weeks include: talk show host RON REAGAN, award-winning TV personality ROSEANNE BARR with Johnny Argent, and JOY BEHAR from “The View” on ABC-TV.

This week with RICHARD BELZER in the seat, you’ll have heard from special guests JON STEWART, BILL MAHER, SARAH SILVERMAN, Ambassador RICHARD BUTLER, “The Soprano’s” creator DAVID CHASE, LEWIS BLACK, National Lampoon’s TONY HENDRA and more.

This is obviously a great line-up of progressive, entertaining talent who are each renown for their humor and style. We’ll have fun and hope our listeners will too -- as we get ready to announce the permanent afternoon host for this new show to all Air Americans.

For surprising commentary and insightful dialogue each week, turn on “American Afternoon”.

Mark Green
President, Air America Radio

Air America Jumps the Shark

EDITOR'S NOTE: This should be my last Randi Rhodes/Air America Radio post for a while. Thank you for your indulgence!

I was thrilled to find out today that the station I stream my liberal talk radio on (via computer), KTLK out of Las Angeles is carrying the new Randi Rhodes Show via Nova M. This means that nothing changes for me. I still get to listen to The Stephanie Miller Show, The Thom Hartmann Program, The Randi Rhodes Show, and Rachel Maddow all in the same place. Yeah, I know, that's a lot of radio, but trust me I am working at the time, and I'm not always at the desk. The first step is admitting you have a problem, you say? Yeah, yeah, whatever. . .

Anyway, today's Randi Rhodes Show was pretty much the same, with a happier host, and a heavy focus on the whole sordid tale of her exodus from Air America Radio. The excerpt below covers much of the details, but Randi's take is slightly different. According to her, the San Francisco "stand-up act" was merely a convenient excuse by AAR management to renegotiate Randi's contract. She refused, and quit. Anyway, if you like behind-the-scenes media stuff, this is a pretty good article.

[Excerpt]

Air America does the shark hop

Now that the smoke has cleared and the dust has settled somewhat, we can now take a step back and assess the whole Randi Rhodes/Air America/Nova M game of musical chairs that took place this past week, as Rhodes prepares to relaunch her show from West Palm Beach, FL today. We can take a look at the winners and losers in all of this, and perhaps speculate about the future of liberal talk radio. . .

Read more at: Liberal Talk Radio

Randi Rhodes Story Brings out Republican in Dems

That isn't probably my most well-worded headline, but I don't like to make them too long. What I'm trying to say, is that the Randi Rhodes/Hillary Clinton/Air America story from last week has made grassroots Democrats sound very similar to batshit crazy Freepers.

Randi Rhodes' show (which returned to the airwaves today, now on the Nova M network) isn't every liberal's or progressive's cup of tea. Randi is brash, has a very unlikely accent for radio, and is very opinionated. She does not suffer those she considers fools gladly. At times she can talk over and be brusque with callers and guests on her show when she feels they aren't making a point, or if they're not getting hers. It is easy to see why some people would not be fans of her show. Like Crossfire on CNN years ago, the noise level can be a turnoff.

I, on the other hand love The Randi Rhodes Show. I don't always agree with her (or anybody really), and I sometimes roll my eyes and want her to move to a new topic (like with any other host). But most of the time, I'm actually eager for 12:00 to roll around so that I can hear her. Especially if there is big news breaking. She's funny, she does her homework, and she usually is talking about important things that are being ignored in the mainstream media.

The timing of Randi's show, still slotted between The Thom Hartmann Program and The Rachel Maddow Show, even though on a different network, is perfect. You've got intelligent and mellow, followed by intelligent and brassy, followed by intelligent and affable.

But if you read The Huffington Post, Democratic Underground or Daily Kos (all fantastic sites), and skim the comments on the Randi Rhodes story, you'll find an argument as heated as the Obama/Clinton fight. And as in that one, you'll find Democrats slinging invective and frothing hatred of Randi Rhodes like Freepers do about Hillary Clinton.

You know, it is possible to dislike something without hating it. You can dislike it without rolling around in the gutter. It's unseemly, and it's troubling. And it isn't confined to the comments. Just check out this story comparing Randi to Ann Coulter of all people. Ridiculous.

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Randi Rhodes May Be No Better Than Ann Coulter, But Ann Coulter Works For No One (And Is Honest About It)

Randi Rhodes quit Air America last week rather than apologize for calling Hillary Clinton and Geraldine Ferraro "fucking whores" in an appearance on behalf of the network in San Francisco (seen here). Immediately thereafter, she took to Larry King to blame Air America's new owners for attempting to change her contract over what she called a "stand-up comedy routine that I did on a Saturday night. . ."

Read more at: Huffington Post

More on Randi Rhodes, Air America and Nova M

Photo from source, Huffington Post

Sorry if you're not an Air America Radio or Randi Rhodes fan, but I am. As a daily listener, this was fairly big news for me. Plus, in my previous post, I talked as much about AAR as anything, and this story is also about Randi.

Randi Rhodes is loud and brash, and has a pronounced New York accent. She has a voice for newspapers, you might say. But she's smart, funny, and knows her stuff. She used to hold down four hours every day (down to three lately), and managed to fill it with interesting topics and guests. Randi is as responsible for my blogging as anybody, and taught me a very important lesson--one more people could learn.

The lesson? Don't trust anything she, I, or anyone else says when it comes to forming your beliefs and opinions. She regularly tells people this, to do their homework, check it out if you don't believe her. And she is wrong sometimes, everybody is. In talk radio, this attitude is a rarity, particularly on the right, where Rush Limbaugh regularly says, "Don't ever doubt me."

So, Randi, I wish you good luck. I'm sure you'll land on your feet, and I suspect you'll leave Air America in chaos (and in your dust). I trust that the other bright lights there (Rachel Maddow, Sam Seder, Thom Hartmann) will land on their feet. Though I do feel sorry for Sam, whose loyalty keeps getting shat upon. Maybe you can find a spot for him?

[Excerpt]

Randi Rhodes Quits Air America Rather Than Apologize For Hillary Clinton "F*cking Whore" Remark: "There's Relief And Joy" At The Station

A source at Air America, who asked to remain anonymous, said, "Many people screw up and then apologize and move on. Like Imus. Like David Shuster. Like Jay Rockefeller on McCain. Like Obama on Rezko. Like Hillary on Bosnia. Randi Rhodes refused to apologize for her obscene comments and has chosen instead to terminate her relationship with Air America."

The source also said that there is no love lost between Rhodes and her colleagues at the network. "No one is upset. She made the move but there's relief and joy. . ."

Yikes. Air America needs to learn about that whole "cutting off your nose to spite your face" thing.

Read more (much more) at: Huffington Post

Randi Rhodes is Dead; Long Live Randi Rhodes!

Photo from The Moderate Voice

No, she's not literally dead. The Randi Rhodes Show as it exists on Air America Radio is dead. But word is, her show will continue on the Nova M network, and will be reunited with her old friend and producer, John Manzo.

This is a strange story, and one that is hard to figure out where I stand, and who I stand with. I've been a fan of Air America Radio since the first time I tuned in, sometime in mid-2004. There has been a lot of behind-the-scenes turmoil, but I never cared much about that. It's the on-air talent that kept me a fan.

Over the years, various owners/management have made some very bad decisions with that talent of course. They lost Lizz Winstead, Marc Maron, Mike Malloy, The Young Turks, and Janeane Garofalo--great talent--all inelegantly. They brought in dubious talent like Lionel and Jerry Springer. The one great decision they've made is to hang on to Rachel Maddow and Sam Seder, though they shuttled them all over the schedule, busting each down in show-length or frequency at one time or another.

Rachel, of course, could easily be lost due to her rising star of late. Sam has been a weekend and fill-in host as well as web designer, but based on what happened today I can see them losing him as well. I happened to catch Sam's reaction (on his Sammy-Cam) to the news that The Huffington Post had been informed--before he had--that Richard Belzer will be replacing Randi next week in her slot. His reaction was violent (between commercial breaks). And based on his veiled language, may not be around on AAR much longer either.

As for Randi Rhodes, I will seek her show out, provided it doesn't come at a premium. Love ya, Randi, but I prefer my radio free. If it's streamed, and at the same time, I most likely will be right there with you. It will only require a few extra (annoying, but bearable) mouse clicks during my day. If Air America makes a sane decision, and gives Sam a show again, I may have to alternate. Still, I think AAR has been really bone-headed here, and my have written one of the closing chapters of their short history.

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Rhodes Joins Nova M Radio

Randi Rhodes has signed with Nova M Radio Network. She'll be on the air from 3-6 p.m. ET beginning Monday. "I just can't stop smiling," said Nova M CEO John Manzo. "Randi is simply the biggest and the best. Randi Rhodes and [night show host] Mike Malloy under one roof -- talk about talent!"

Read more at: Radio Ink