Liberal radio network shuts down

Jan 22, 2010, 18:44 GMT

Los Angeles - Air America, a liberal radio network designed to counterbalance the impact of right-wing talk radio, has ceased operations and plans to file for bankruptcy.

The radio network was founded in 2004 by comedian Al Franken, who stopped broadcasting in 2007 to concentrate on running for the Senate in Minnesota, a race he won in 2008.

The shutdown was announced Thursday by Air America chairman Charlie Kireker in an email to employees in which he blamed the ailing media landscape for the demise of the network.

'It is with the greatest regret, on behalf of our Board, that we must announce that Air America Media is ceasing its live programming operations as of this afternoon, and that the Company will file soon under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code to carry out an orderly winding-down of the business,' he wrote.

'We should all be proud of our passionate determination to assure that our nation's progressive voice would be heard loud and clear. Through the hard work and dedication of current staff, and those who preceded you, a lasting legacy was forged which will now continue through other voices and venues.'