the situation
No Air America in Phoenix?
This is big and has huge ramifications as we move into the 2006 election cycle. We are about to lose the only progressive radio station in the nation's 6th largest city. See for more on what you can do ...
The Scoop: Air America Phoenix (KXXT 1100 AM) will cease broadcasting, becoming the 8th Christian Valley radio station, at the end of January, 2006 – This heard from the McChesney brothers this evening who host the M & M Show on the weekends. There is no official memo, but it sounds like the word has been given to the station's employees. This has many ramifications, not only to my own personal sanity, but to the 2006 election cycle should the only progressive voice in the U.S.'s 6th largest city be silenced. We need to take action.
Background: In October of 2005, James Crystal Enterprises sold KXXT in Phoenix to Communicom Broadcasting, owned by Rich Kylberg of Denver, Colorado. A format change to the station, an Air America affiliate was rumored, but not confirmed. CCA (Communicom Co. of America) has previously owned many Christian stations. I did some cursory research on Mr. Kylberg, and found a Westword article on his wife Holly, that provides some insight on their background and life in Denver. They actually appear to be fairly progressive and humanitarian in their approach to their community. In fact, I found that they had contributed to a Democrat's election in 2002. Perhaps appeals could make a difference.
Some facts: Check out these Arbitron ratings for Phoenix radio stations. We are the 15th largest market in the nation and KXXT is the 3rd rated local talk station (if I'm reading this list correctly), out of the top 25 local station listed. In the 6th largest city in the nation, that's a huge share for a station that just celebrated it's first birthday.
What you can do: Speak out -- E-mail the station to show your support of the current programming (
[email protected]). Use some of the facts above. Let's stand and up and say thanks for the great shows we've enjoyed these many months. In addition, we have wonderful local talent in Charles Goyette, Mike Newcomb, the McChesneys, Rev. Maupin, etc. This is OUR voice that is about to be silenced.
Stay tuned for updates as more is learned.
Welcome to the New Year! Something tells me it's gonna be a doozie. There is a great post that made it on the DailyKos site that brought this station change to a national audience -- and includes a link to the on-line petition below ...
Sign the Petition
Here is the link to an on-line petition to save AAR Phoenix: PetitionOnline.com.