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Air America May Lose NYC Flagship
Lefty Air America talker Al Franken may soon be replaced on New York City's airwaves by firebrand Rev. Al Sharpton, according to reports today suggesting that his network's Big Apple lease is about to be canceled.

The New York Post's John Mainelli says that "Air America is close to losing its New York flagship station - knocking Al Franken and his liberal colleagues off the air on their second anniversary."

Since 2004, when Franken and Co. launched their bid to become the liberal antidote to Rush Limbaugh, Air America has been headquatered at Manhattan's WLIB.

But Radio blogger Brian Maloney reported over the weekend that WLIB was on the verge of evicting Air America some time soon. Maloney's credibility is bolstered by the fact that he broke the story last year that the lefty network had obtained a suspicious loan from a New York City Boys & Girls Club.

Mainelli says that the leading contenders to take over the WLIB lease are former Clear Channel exec Randy Michaels, who syndicates the new Radio One black-focused talk network that includes Rev. Al Sharpton.

Before Franken and Co. took over, WLIB was New York City's preeminent black talk station.

And while an Air America spokesperson says everthing is fine, the New York Sun reports that Franken's network "is refusing to address reports that it will be dropped by its New York flagship."

Also citing Maloney's coverage, the Sun says that litigation is likely between WLIB and Air America over the existing airtime lease - and notes that lefty network has recently lost affiliates in Phoenix, Ariz. and Missoula, Montana.

Air America was equally tightlipped over the rumored trouble when the Post checked in, with a spokeswoman saying only, "It's business as usual."
Posted by: Anonymoose 2006-03-08
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=144860