Contact Armed Forces Radio here and demand they air Ed Schultz!

[mzmolly]

We are tax payers and AFRTS is funded by WE THE PEOPLE.

Please call now and demand that we are represented.

AFRTS-HQ CONTACT
http://www.afrts.osd.mil/

They are getting calls already and I was told to contact them here and leave a message:
703-428-1200

I am posting the additional numbers/email addy's as back up.

INFOPlans and Policy Inquiries
703-428-0619
[email protected]

Technical Support
703-428-0289
[email protected]

Radio/TV SpotInquiries
703-428-0620
[email protected]

Radio/TV Operational Inquiries
703-428-0622
[email protected]

http://thinkprogress.org/2005/10/17/barber-cancels-shultz/

~ (TODAY) Ed Schultz – the most popular progressive radio show in the country — was supposed to start broadcasting on Armed Forces radio. Jones Radio, the company that syndicates the Ed Shultz show, received an email on September 29 from an Armed Forces Radio official confirming that one hour of the Ed Schultz show would begin airing today, October 17.

But morning this at 6AM, the producer of the Ed Schultz show, James Holm, received a call from Pentagon communications aide Allison Barber. She told Holm that she was calling so early to let Schultz know his show would not begin airing on AFR today. You’ll remember Barber as the aide caught coaching troops before a photo-op with President Bush last week.

Barber told Holm that the Ed Schultz show would not start on AFR today because her boss, Pentagon spokesman Larry DiRita, was out of the country and couldn’t approve it. Barber also said she was going out of the country soon for a week-and-a-half. Holm asked Barber if the show would begin when DiRita and Barber returned. Barber said she couldn’t guarantee that.

Here’s the really interesting part. Barber told Holm she heard Ed announced that he would begin on AFR during his show Friday. Schultz’s show Friday began with audio outtakes of Barber sounding foolish as she rehearsed the troops “Q&A session” with Bush.

GET BUSY! AND, PLEASE RECOMMEND SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE CALLING IN THE AM.

[otohara]

1. Will Do

thanks for the links

[ray of light]

2. kicked and nominated. Can you post on Kos too?

[mzmolly]

9. Done.

This was my first Kos entry. ;)

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/10/17/181246/37

[LisaM]

3. Have you actually spoken to anyone?

One thing is, you couldn't buy publicity like this. I have to point that out.

[mzmolly]

5. I spoke to a man who gave me the 1200 number to leave a msg.

They are getting lots of calls.

I agree this is good publicity. And, it smacks of why Schultz and others like him are so very needed.

[sasquatch]

4. Nominated

[Imalittleteapot]

6. Kick.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. But they air Rush and Sean and

a bunch of other RW hate mongers, don't they?

[mzmolly]

10. Indeed they do.

I know Rush is on the air for sure. I believe there are a sleu of Repukes on the air.

[sandnsea]

8. Thanks for this

Funny, I'm not even outraged. This kind of behavior is too common place. I contacted them though.

[mzmolly]

11. Agreed, there are so many battles, it's tough to choose.

:hi:

[liberalnurse]

12. This is essential action for all Democrats.

I love "Big Eddie" but that is not my bottom line for complaining to the Armed Forces Radio....I want the propaganda to be diluted a bit.

[mzmolly]

22. Thanks. I agree - it's not even about "Ed" it's about the democracy.

:hi:

[noamnety]

13. Done

kick

[B Calm]

14. Why Ed Schultz and not Mike Malloy?

[Eric J in MN]

15. Because they told the staff of "Ed Schultz Show" that they

were going to air his show on "Armed Forces Radio," then cancelled the debut today.

[B Calm]

16. Who told the staff and why did they pick Ed's show out of all the

the great left wing talk show hosts?

[mzmolly]

21. Who cares? Ed Schultz has the most popular "leftist" radio show there

is right now. I surmise that's why?

And I would ask that you please start your own thread about Malloy if you want to discuss the possibility of his show on Armed Forces Radio rather than hi-jack this thread.

[B Calm]

24. Sorry... but I find this interesting...

[mzmolly]

25. Then by all means start a new thread/discussion.

It might be a good one at that.

Peace

:hi:

[Eric J in MN]

28. A representive of AFR contacted them.

I don't know why they chose Ed Schultz, but perhaps because he's on the most stations.

Here is the AFR email confirming their decision to broadcast "The Ed Schultz Show:"

http://thinkprogress.org/2005/10/17/email-contradicts-pentagon-spin

[mzmolly]

33. Thanks Eric.

:hi:

[Eric J in MN]

35. You're welcome (nt)

nt

[checks-n-balances]

37. I like Malloy and the others, but c'mon, get real! No chance in hell

that AFR would pick Malloy over someone like Ed. Ed has a broader appeal w/ the masses. Besides, why not be glad there was a possibility that someone other than Rush could ever even be on AFR?

[LittleClarkie]

17. Because Armed Forces Radio had an agreement with Ed and reniged

They were supposed to start broadcasting for an hour today, but early this morning the woman who was caught coaching soldiers for the Bush appearance called Ed's producer and told them it would not be happening and gave some excuse.

Why Ed and why not anyone else, Mike included? Well, because that's not who the deal was with. And that's not who the Armed Forces just pulled the plug on.

They were likely looking for a reason not to put Ed on, even for a lousy stinkin' hour. And the fact that Ed dissed this woman on air on Friday was likely it. Petty bastards.

[mzmolly]

18. Did you read the OP? Ed Schultz was scheduled to BEGIN his show

today and has been censored/removed from the line up. We'll get to Malloy later.

[Griffy]

39. Ed asked.. he has a staff, and owned by the co. that started lintball!

Ed is being promoted.. Ed is palatable, and while I agree with most of Malloys points, I think Ed is a great voice to have... its the truth that matters, and he tries to get to the truth! I have been on Ed's show, and it is not screened, and it was comfortable to talk, you can speak and reply and not get cut off!

[Left coast liberal]

19. Done...and done! Thanks for the contact information.

I just said that hopefully it was just a scheduling snafu and that they were not trying to censor this side of the argument. Since Arms forces radio is supported by taxpayers, we are entitled to hear a balanced view. I thanked them for their hard work and please reconsider.

We'll see what happens!

[Coloradan4Truth]

20. Done - n/t

[stevedeshazer]

23. mzmolly, I didn't see your thread and started another

For what it's worth, my comments are here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5085299&mesg_id=5085299

Maybe you are among the many here who are critical of Ed Schultz because he's not (liberal/progressive/insert your own word here) enough. Maybe you don't like him because he drives an SUV, shoots animals, goes fishing and talks about football sometimes.

SO WHAT?

The country's MOST LISTENED TO radio liberal has been banned from Armed Forces Radio at the eleventh hour. At the last moment. By Allison Fucking Barber Herself, the propaganda minister of the Pentagon, who herself was outed on NATIONAL TV last Friday coaching soldiers on their answers to President Toasty's latest photo op.

Come on, if you don't see the power of Ed's show now, get a grip. That AFRTS gig was the only chance to allow those soldiers, Marines, seamen and airmen who serve overseas to get an alternate view to Rush Limbaugh, who has been on AFRTS for YEARS.

A liberal has been BANNED from speaking on GOVERNMENT-PAID media because of his moderate views. Who cares if he's not as left as you are?

May be you want to diss Schultz, and there are some good reasons out there to do so, but for crying out loud! Don't you think this is f**ked up?

How about cracking on Allison Barber and the *Bushco Censorship Department for a change?

Tell your congressman that Armed Forces Radio needs to be "fair and balanced".

This is straight from the AFRTS website:

http://www.afrts.osd.mil/facts/afrts-programming-april-...

Page 2:

"AFRTS programs are provided without censorship, propagandizing, or manipulation in accordance with DoD regulation DoD 5120.20-R"

Instead of whacking Ed, how about whacking Rumsfeld and the folks at the top who allow this shit to happen?

</rant>

[mzmolly]

26. Thanks Steve.

Both threads can compliment one another.

:hi:

I've recommended yours.

[stevedeshazer]

30. The same

:patriot:

[DancingBear]

27. Done

The number is for public affars, and you will be prompted to leave a meassage.

I left a very calm, but firm, message stating that this decision reeks of censorship, that patriots come in all political colors, and that truth is not something to hide.

I also left my name and phone number.

[sufrommich]

29. Thanks for the link

I e-mailed them and said that if they really wanted to "honor our troops"they could start by not insulting their intelligence.

[mzmolly]

32. Awesome! And -

WELCOME TO DU !! :toast:

[sufrommich]

34. Thanks for the welcome

I also noted that my Dad was an ex-marine and a life long democrat.I hate that so many assume only repugs join the service.

[mzmolly]

31. Great thanks! I left my name and number and mentioned my dad's

service in vietnam and the fact that my taxes support this venture. :shrug:

I also asked for a follow up call, don't think I'll be getting that though.

:hi:

[DancingBear]

36. I hope I get one

I'd much prefer talking to a human.

:hi: right back

[satya]

38. Barber just did for liberal talk radio what * did for the peace movement

when he refused to meet with Cindy.

:evilgrin:

[B Calm]

40. Ed Shultz is a LIBERAL???

[Starbucks Anarchist]

41. Yes.

He may not be a hardcore lefty like Malloy, but a guy like Schultz is still on our side.

[B Calm]

42. It seems to me you would want balance since the right has a

hardcore righty (Limbaugh) on Armed Forces Radio...

Anyway I'm still kicking this thread..

[Starbucks Anarchist]

44. That's the genius of it.

Schultz has a unique ability to connect with people on the other side without abandoning his core principles.

One minute, he'll be talking about fishing and hunting to draw them in, then he'll lay down some liberal thoughts to help them see the other side.

And as good as Malloy is, someone like him who openly calls the Commander-in-Chief every (well-deserved) name in the book is not going to appeal to the troops who follow the CIC's orders. Schultz has said repeatedly that he doesn't personally hate *, but rather his policies. Assuming that's true, that attitude will appeal to more people, particularly the troops.

[satya]

50. I think he considers himself a moderate Dem, rather than liberal.

But even though he's not part of the Air America lineup, his show is carried on their stations in a lot of areas. So I think the attention he's getting will benefit liberal talk radio.

Even though I love listening to Malloy/Randi rants, I think it would turn off most moderates. Hartmann might be a good choice for educating them, but I think the troops would find Ed more entertaining.

[sufrommich]

53. I love Ed.

Although I would probably be considered more moderate on this board compared to some,I think he appeals to old fashioned populist blue collar dems like myself.I listen to him on Air America in the Detroit area and he fits like a glove around these parts.He has the potential to bring a lot of people back into the fold.Don't get me wrong,I like the rest of the stations line up(except Al Frankin,I think he's boring)but I think Ed Schultz has a " he's one of us"thing going for him.

[satya]

54. Welcome to DU! "Old fashioned populist blue collar dems" are the heart &

soul of this party. I'm very happy to see you here and I hope to see you around here for a long time!

I agree with you, too, that Ed has a broader appeal and is a much-needed voice on the airwaves.

:hi:

[sufrommich]

58. Thanks

for such a friendly welcome.I'm looking forward to being able to talk to like minded people.

[mzmolly]

52. Well now that depends on who you ask.

;)

[progressoid]

43. Done!

[Pacifist Patriot]

45. This is what I sent.

I am extremely disappointed in Armed Forces Radio for reneging on the programming decision to include Ed Schultz. The timing is suspect and reeks of petty politics. Please remember that you provide "a touch of home," to U.S. service men and women, DoD civilians, and their families serving outside the continental United States. To fulfill that obligation and serve the public interest which funds your organization, it would behoove you to include more balanced talk radio programming. I urge you to begin carrying Ed Schultz. If this proves too unpalatable, at the very least remove Limbaugh who does nothing but insult the intelligence of our armed forces and anyone else who listens to his vacuous vitriol.

Note: italicized portion comes directly from the AFRTS website.

[DancingBear]

46. I hope you said "Armed Forces Radio" - not Air America!

Those are the good guys... :) :) :)

[Pacifist Patriot]

47. LOL! Oops, yes fortunately I did.

It was a re-type for posting instead of a copy and paste...dumb story.

Thanks for letting me know so I could edit.

[sinkingfeeling]

48. Done. Sent email.

[Gruenemann]

49. Listening to AFR....

I was in Italy this summer, and the best radio I found to listen to was the AFR station out of Vicenza. Italian stations played only insipid pop, while AFR played stuff like System of a Down and, wonder of wonders, John Lennon singing "Imagine." Maybe there's some hope for them?

Incidentally, I did write to them and complain about Ed.

[mzmolly]

51. .

[nadinbrzezinski]

55. ah yes fun

Well, well, as the wife of a retired USN Chief, who served among other thigns to preserve freedom of speech and balance... I am a little shocked that the gang that could not shoot straight has done this. I will remind you that it was a libby who got Rush on, becuase he wanted some balance... so doncha think that we need some balance here?

I do understand why the gang that cannot shoot straight does not want anybody who does not sing hossannahs, but hey... just my humble opinion but NPR is NOT balance for Rush. So either take Rush off the air, hence you will not have to put Ed on, or put Ed on and leave Rush on.

This is clear enough, but I guess it will take the Congress of the US for the gang that cannot shoot straight to do the right thing.

Sincerely

*****

(Oh and we do get your TV programing over our local cable system since we do live near a base... so I can still watch Navy News from time to time)

[Quixote1818]

56. Schultz should re-run that show once he gets on with them

The soldiers deserve to hear the truth about what Bush did and what a fake Barber is.

[tom_paine]

57. kick

:kick: