I just received the official AAR announcement about their new morning shows and I fired off a reply which I'm posting here so maybe someone might actually read it-
"I'm glad the AAR is at least being somewhat honest and open in announcing this change in advance. Rachel Maddow is terrific, but it is an awful mistake to kill Morning Sedition, the best original programming the network has produced yet.
I will look forward to Marc Maron's new show, but have to say I'm horribly disappointed with Goldberg's management moves so far. I hope that someone with actual radio experience developing a talk radio audience can be found to take AAR in a more positive direction.
(continued - also the official network announcement after the break
(my letter, continued)
"The network needs more diverse original programming, more shows to fill the times you are playing repeats - give more new shows a chance and bring many more voices representing ALL America to the airwaves. And for chrissake stop killing your best original shows - Morning Sedition was a great morning show, it's just too bad your weak signal in NYC and total blackout on promoting the show really ruined a good thing for the loyal audience you've developed so far.
and here's the announcement I received today:
December 5th , 2005
Mark Riley and Rachel Maddow to Host Shows on "Air America Mornings"
Air America Radio announced last week a change in its morning line-up. Beginning Monday, Jan. 2, the new morning format, "Air America Mornings," will broadcast weekdays from 5-9am EST. The announcement was made today by CEO Danny Goldberg.
"Air America Mornings" will feature a strong mix of news and entertainment as well as offer a variety of high-profile guests from politics, media, and entertainment.
Veteran radio talk show host and current co-host of "Morning Sedition," Mark Riley, will lead off "Air America Mornings" with "The Mark Riley Show" from 5-7am EST. Leaning on his long-term expertise as a New York City metro host, Riley will highlight the top news stories of the day and will also interview various guests.
Rachel Maddow will take her highly-rated and acclaimed show, "The Rachel Maddow Show," to the 7-9am EST slot. In addition to continuing to give listeners fast-paced news and witty soundbites, Maddow will also engage in an ensemble of diverse at-large correspondents. Maddow has previously guest-hosted the highly successful "The Al Franken Show," heard weekly 12-3pm EST and will do so again the week of December 12. Maddow continues her night job as contributor to MSNBC's "The Situation with Tucker Carlson."
Comedian and co-host of "Morning Sedition," Marc Maron, is returning to Los Angeles and is currently in negotiations with Air America Radio to host his own syndicated show.
Get the insider's view at former MS producer Jonathan Larsen's blog (via Wolcott)