Reply #12: It's Been Quiet Lately In The Rumormill

[KharmaTrain]

Around the election, "insiders" kept saying Cheap Channel...whose been setting up Progressive Talk station in other markets...would do the same with 1690 here in Chicago. The story was that this station had contracts with Larry Lujack and several others and the company was waiting for those to play out sometime early this year and then the switch would be made. I haven't heard anything recently about it.

The problem with Chicago is the lack of really good AM signals that cover the areas Air America could do well with.

I've been discussing with several other DUers...or attempting...to implement some ideas in developing a stronger and louder Progressive network. Cheap Channel can't be our "savior" and AAR does a good job on a national level, but we need local Progressive talk to really reach people. There are a lot of good talk hosts as well who either are out of the business or stifled in the world of hate radio.

Over the past two years I've tried to set up dialogues with others...especially radio people...here on DU about using our talents, connections and experience in either assisting AAR or others and have had little positive response.

For now, I suggest catching Randi from WSAI from Cincinatti on 1530AM. It's a kick-ass AM signal directed right at Chicago at night and I have little problem hearing it. It's a breath of fresh air compared to WLS (who I refuse to listen to).

The only caveat is during the day 1530 is a small station owned by a real "work", Joe Gentile...the "Baron of Barrington". He's a 70'ish Italian Catholic who came up from nothing and now knows it all. His morning show is hilarious for the goofy stuff this old fool will spew.

Cheers.