Air America keeps WWRL (1600 AM) as its New York affiliate
The progressive radio network Air America announced this morning it is sticking with WWRL (1600 AM) as its New York affiliate.
Under the contract extension, terms of which were not disclosed, WWRL will continue to carry three Air America programs: the Rachel Maddow show, 5-6 a.m., "Montel [Williams] Across America," 3-6 p.m., and "The Ron Reagan Show," 6-8 p.m.
Other Air America hosts can be heard over satellite radio or at www.airamerica.com.
Air America, which has had trouble getting its programming on powerful stations in major markets, has devoted considerable resources to strengthening its Web site and promoting alternate delivery methods and platforms like podcasting and cell phones.
Progressive radio talk in general, while it has made some inroads the last few years, still lags well behind conservative talk radio in listenership.
WWRL, an independent black-owned station that has also struggled in the tough economy the last couple of years, has its own hosts the rest of the day, including Daily News columnist Errol Louis in the morning, Stephanie Miller at 11 a.m. and Ed Schultz, noon-3 p.m.
Bill Hess, senior vice president of programming at Air America, said the WWRL deal makes sense for both parties.
"Making sure our listeners in the New York area continue to have access to their favorite Air America programming was a key goal of our conversations with our friends at WWRL," said Hess. " 'The Ron Reagan Show's' growth in New York has been explosive, and the opportunities to continue the success of both Montel and Rachel make this a strong package for both the network and WWRL."
Air America Media keeps three progressive talkshows on New York flagship WWRL .
The extension of their deal silences the speculation about whether Air America would renew with Access.One’s WWRL. It keeps Rachel Maddow (5-6am), Montel Williams (3-6pm) and Ron Reagan (6-8pm) heard in the New York market, a place where there just aren’t a lot of options. (As earlier Air America management discovered when they lost their first ride, on ICBC’s WLIB at 1190.) WWRL uses mostly progressive programming in other hours, too, such as Stephanie Miller (11am-noon) and Ed Schultz (noon-3pm) via Dial Global. Air America's Senior VP/Programming Bill Hess says keeping his shows available in New York was “a key goal of our conversation with our friends at WWRL."