Air America's record breaking first 3 days!

[wyldwolf]

Posted by Brian - who works for the company doing Air America's website:

We're so sorry things have been buggy, nobody could have anticipated the response we have received.

We've broken records people... We are Real Audio's #1 stream. We were at 50,000 streams during Al's show around 2:00 EST. We got 350,000 unique visitors from 8:00 last night to 2 this afternoon. That puts us on pace to be a top 50 site...on the entire web. We're talking Bank of America, Dell Computers numbers.

You guys are awesome, this is amazing and we're so proud to be a part of it.

I assure you were working round the clock to bring you the best community website possible. Were getting new servers set up to handle the incredible response. Next week we'll be rolling out new functionality: membership, blogs, newsletters, and in a little bit, audio archives for all the shows.

So keep keeping on! We can do it. It's time to show everyone that we love America as much as anybody, and were not gonna sit by and watch George Bush poop in our porridge anymore.

LIBERALS RULE!

http://alfrankenweb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9475

[skooooo]

1. This is why O'Reilly is whining about the press coverage...

I guess they're shocked that people actually do want an alternative to the right wing propoganda machine. Let's hope the traffic keeps up and grows!!

[Poor Richard]

12. Here is O-Reilly logic:

He is on b/w howard stern and don&mike show on WJFK in DC so sometimes I catch a little of it.

So this jackass complains that "he has 400 some plus affiliate stations and Oxybo has some 600 affiliate stations and Air America only has 6 stations. 6!"

"Yet the New York TImes has run 11 articles on AA, much more press than I ever got. THIS IS PROOF THAT THE MEDIA IS SLANTED TO THE LEFT."

* not actual quotes of OReally, just what i can remember

this dumbass completely ignores the fact that he just stated that RW radio has more affiliates by a couple orders of magnitude, yet the media is liberal.

And why should he get press just for being another RW hack jumping on the wingnut hate radio bandwagon.

Im not sure how important talk radio really is in all this, but I think that it should be a long term goal of the left to establish stations in every market. Not just radio, but TV too. Fight fire with fire.

[Skittles]

26. LOL.............. POOR RICHARD

that is an EXCELLENT example of how f***ing STUPID these rightwing nuts really are. Hey, welcome to the DU! :hi:

Susan in Texas

[peacetalksforall]

31. As always, he applies conservative logic...

the fact should not be 400/600 compared to 6.

the fact should be the number he and Limpie had after their first three days on the air.

Now that would be a factual comparison.

But their minds don't work like that.

[rooboy]

2. Great News... n/t

[smartass]

3. I'm proud of AirAmerica! The Repubs are scared of us. I noticed

last night that O'Reilly and Hannity had the deer in the headlights look. Let's finish those bastards off!

[jean]

4. ??? If we have multiple, networked computers that are all "tuned"

to Air America livestream, will they be counted as just one listener?

[wyldwolf]

5. interesting question... I would say no...

...I think they count connections - each time the server is hit. On networked computers, it would look like the same computer hitting the server multiple times. However, it would also "see" that the same computer is connected multiple times - so they'd know it was indidual listeners. That is my theory. Make sense anyone?

[Skittles]

28. we don't believe in "freeping"

we WORK to get results

[kiahzero]

49. That's not "freeping"

It actually reduces the number of hits. If I'm on a NAT with 5 other people, and we all tune into AA, AA sees 1 IP hitting 6 times, and so only counts it as one unique visitor.

Now, if each computer had its own IP, that'd be different.

[Skittles]

52. gotcha

:)

[Killarney]

6. That's fantastic! Now, I hope that

the radio ratings are just as good as the live stream! Let's get those advertisers and show them this works so we can get more cities!

[MoonRiver]

7. Got it on right now. It will stay on until I leave the house.

Then I've got it on XM in my car and will NEVER listen to another station again. THANK GOD FOR AIR AMERICA!!

[libbygurl]

9. How does one get XM in one's car? Buy a new car? n/t

[wyldwolf]

10. you can purchase an XM system aftermarket

[libbygurl]

11. Must research this...but hope AAR comes to my li'l corner soon!

[MoonRiver]

14. Go to XM's website.

They will use your zip code to tell you where you can purchase a system in your area. I don't know about the after market deals though.

On edit, here's a link to the website:

http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomframe.jsp?query=XM&page=1&offset=0&result_url=redir%3Fsrc%3Dwebsearch%26requestId%3D946da9d4ea9d6c1c%26clickedItemRank%3D1%26userQuery%3DXM%26clickedItemURN%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.xmradio.com%252F%26invocationType%3D-%26fromPage%3DNSCPIndex2%26amp%3BampTest%3D1&remove_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.xmradio.com%2F

[libbygurl]

16. Thanks! Shall get to work on this...

...amid my chaotic house move currently in progress!

But Air America is much too important to miss for me right now.

[Wheaty]

17. Sirius Satellite

Sirius Satellite radio will announce Monday that they will be carrying Air America programming too.

I have no idea about any schedules or who they will be carrying.

You may want to take a look at them too. They run 2 NPR streams as well as World Radio Network and a BBC News stream. They also have much more live sports with the NBA, NHL and NFL if you are into that.

If you are in to more out of country news outlets Sirius is the way to go.

Either way XM or Sirius you can't go wrong getting away from AM/FM.

You'll love Satellite Radio. I can't imagine life with out it.

Edit: spelling

[libbygurl]

19. Thank you. Love any international feeds, so must

consider Sirius, too. Glad to hear they're picking up AAR's programs!

So there's "no audience for liberal radio", right?

[Wheaty]

22. More Sirius Info for you

There is a New Message from the Sirius Radio PR guy at the Sirius message boards that has a touch more info.

Congratulations to Manco for breaking the news about Air America and Sirius. The good news: we will carry more of the Air America lineup than the other satellite service.

Monday's announcement will also announce revamped SIRIUS RIGHT and SIRIUS LEFT programming. Many of the names bandied about with regard to SIRIUS RIGHT are in the new lineup. Stay tuned.

http://www.siriusbackstage.com

The Sirius Web Site is at:

http://www.sirius.com

Do shop around though. Both services seems to be distinctly different in their music channels.

Here are links to message boards of users of each if you want to get a feel for what subscribers think of each service.

Sirius
http://www.siriusbackstage.com

XM
http://www.xm411.com

[MoonRiver]

18. It saved my sanity during long commutes I've had the last 2 years.

I just wish Air America had been on then, cause my commuting days are ending in 2 months. I'll still be able to listen driving around town though and streaming at home.

[GreenPartyVoter]

15. We picked up a system at Wal*Mart last weekend

It seemed pretty easy to set up, just like an external CD player. Only difference is you have to call in and sign up for the programming. We had a cell phone with us when we bought it, so we got it activated straightaway and have only turned it off to sleep. *l*

Do feel bad about abandoning NPR, but I plan to keep on listening to Prairie Home Companion on the way home from church.

[Union Thug]

8. Support Air America!

Let the advertisers know we are listening! Keep streaming, keep hitting the web page. Let's keep the momentum!

[Junkdrawer]

13. Entrepreneurial opportunity?

Question? How cheap could a device me made that uses Linux to play a Real Player/Windows Media stream?

Here's one group that's entering the fray...

http://www.penguinradio.com/penguin.html

[Name removed]

20. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[K-W]

21. No one is out of perspective.

This is a start, and radio is a slow growing industry. Rush didnt start out with all that.

[MoonRiver]

23. DrugRush has been on the air more than 10 f'n years!

How many stations and listeners did DrugRush have 3 days after he started his on air venom spewing broadcast?

[Skittles]

30. hey - what was his name then?

Jeff something?

on edit JEFF CHRISTIE I believe it was

[kentuck]

32. And wasn't he in Pittsburg.?.....After dark?

:)

[Skittles]

35. in the . . . "different" part of town

NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT. :7

[kentuck]

37. No...just for factual purposes...

:)

[NMDemDist2]

43. Rush started in Sacramento

He was on talk radio there for years before he got picked up on enough stations to move to his Florida mansion. I was a union bartender at his "goodbye roast" in Sacramento. All us working stiffs watching in disgust, wish I'da known I'da spit in his scotch!

[kentuck]

44. He was "picked up"....

Just like Bill O'Reilly, some stations were paid to carry him....Wonder why?

[maddezmom]

45. actually, he started long before Sacramento

http://www.premradonline.com/rushbio.htm

[MoonRiver]

40. What? This is something new, to me at least.

Maybe he then picked Rush as a, very, private joke. Only he and his junkie were in on it! :D

[maddezmom]

42. sure has, limpball got his start in 1971

~snip~
During this time, the Viet Nam war raged on. But Rush Limbaugh was to have no part of it. He got a "4F" through a pilonidal cyst (pimple) on his posterior. Rush vehemently and wildy accuses those who do not favor war of being un-patriotic yet when it was his time, Rush Limbaugh skated right out of harms way. It is amazing that Rush's devoted listeners who claim to be the bastion of American values completely ignore the duplicity of their idol. Rush Limbaugh avoided serving his country and is now cheerleading a fight that will result in death of true patriotic Americans.

In 1971, Rush landed a job at WXYZ using the name, Jeff Christy. He was to read the news, sports and weather but couldn't help from adding his own commentary. This lead to Rush being fired. This seemed to be a pattern for Rush having been subsequently fired from KQV, KUDL, and KFIX.

Rush later went to work for KMBZ. He dropped the stage name and went on air using his real name. He read the news and this time was allowed to do commentary. But Rush Limbaugh felt it necessary to dwell on political commentaty and logde attacks in the process. Management asked him to ease off but Rush did not. He was fired again.

Rush's first "successful" radio program was in 1984 at KFBK, in Sacramento, California. The station needed someone to replace Morton Downy Jr. Rush was allowed to do harsh, attack oriented commentary as that is what this program sold. In the tradition of his father, Rush espoused conservative ideology but mixed it with preachy pop-psychology (and still does). Rush became a hit as the listening audience was given to being soothed by such rhetoric.

~snip~

http://www.premradonline.com/rushbio.htm

[WillyBrandt]

24. First few days, a STARTING fan base of 50,000

Remember, that's just on the Internet. In all liklihood, many more were listening over the airwaves.

It took a while for Rush to build that fan base. Say what you will, but this is a pretty good start. They'll polish the rough edges, support what works, discard what doesn't, and make a viable business of this yet.

[belle]

54. I'm listening here in New York, haven't tried the stream...

I did notice that there were gigantic ads for the station (like, floor to ceiling) all over Grand Central.

[leftwingnut]

25. Pittsburgh...

you're IN the dark.

[underpants]

27. Rush doesn't FACTUALLY do anything

accept for factually break the law.

20 million a week? over 5 days that is 4 a day (I know Republicans aren't very good at math-I've seen their budgets over the last 25 years) and that is taking the 20 million claim as fact........Rush's track record shows that that probably isn't correct.

[kentuck]

36. With three hours a day on 600 stations, how could he be missed?

Even if one tried?

[Skittles]

29. sure - here's a perspective

that lying fascist Nazi gasbag rightwing drug addict Rush got his start SOMEWHERE.

[Logansquare]

33. Jeff, is that you?

How is that cyst doing?

[FlaGranny]

39. Check out his ratings on WJNO

compared to RANDI RHODES. She's #1, he's #9 in the same market. Poor Rush is quaking in his boots. He's done everything he can for years to keep her in a local market, even threatening to leave Clear Channel if they franchised her. Wonder why he's so scared? Check the numbers.

[belle]

55. That's right, I forgot about that. "She goes or I go!" Wahhhhh.

Bunch of whiny little bitches.

[samsingh]

48. 50000 listeners after 3 days is fantastic - that's only on streaming

paula zahn has less than 500,000 listeners total on average.

i don't believe the 20 million figure for fatboy, druggie Limbaugh.

[Logansquare]

53. So, 15 percent of the U.S. total population listens to Rush?

That is utter bullshit.

[Fleshdancer]

34. What can we do to get AA in our towns?

I'm in Austin, TX so I KNOW it would do well here. Does anyone have any ideas???

[GreenPartyVoter]

38. Write to AA?

Maybe start a petition for your area?

[Gloria]

41. More on WRN (World Radio Network)...

If Sirius carries it, get Sirius!

WRN is a phenomenal organization based in London. They have streams for different parts of the world, live and archived on demand shows.

They publish a directory 2x a year...the current one is through April. They will mail it to you free (at least I've gotten two editions free).

It is awesome. On a two page spread it gives the full schedule for all US time zones. Much of what I listen to on shortwave is available on WRN via the internet and probably Sirius.
Much of the programming is either all or almost all of what is beamed out to the US via shortwave.
You haven't lived until you've heard some of the programming on Radio Netherlands.

Find the website and enjoy and get a schedule!!!

[bermudat]

47. XM or Sirius, which one is owned by NewsCorp?

Thought I read that one of these satellite radio networks is either owned by Rupert Murdoch or controlled by him. I'll purchase the one that doesn't have his stinkin' paws on it.

[Wheaty]

51. Yahoo Shows Hughes

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/mh?s=XMSR

Yahoo Finance shows Hughes as the major owner in XM. I don't know if Rupert Murdoch got XM from Hughes with the DirectTV deal or not.
I do know Clear Channel has a very small ownership interest in XM as Howard Stern has mentioned that a few times.


Here is Sirius' ownership here:
http://finance.yahoo.com/q/mh?s=SIRI

Lehman Bros is their biggest stock holder

[Wheaty]

50. World Radio Network

Here is their Schedule:
http://www.wrn.org/listeners/schedules/schedule.php?ScheduleID=2

I love Radio Netherlands. I used to listen to shortwave too. I don't have it on nearly as often now with Satellite. World Radio Network was the thing that tipped me to Sirius over XM


The Sirius WRN page
http://www.sirius.com/WorldRadioNetwork

[Jedi Liz]

46. later today, etc?

any word on a weekend schedule for AAR?

[RoadRunner]

56. Hi Jedi Liz, Welcome to DU.

Gladya' found us! :hi:

[Q]

57. I love Air America...

...and have been waiting a long time for something like this. The naysayers are going to be disappointed if they think this isn't going to work. They can count on a steady, loyal audience.

[calimary]

58. Here's what to do:

1) SUPPORT THEIR ADVERTIZERS. Here in L.A., I heard spots for Starbucks, the Sit n Sleep mattress store, and for Tylenol and Advil. If they're on the air where you are, take a moment and either remember or jot down the commercials. Even just one or two. THEN: next time you're in one of those places, like Starbucks or some such, MAKE SURE YOU TELL THEM WHY YOU ARE THERE. DO NOT JUST TELL THE COUNTER-PERSON. ASK TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGER, AND TELL THEM WHY YOU ARE SPENDING YOUR MONEY IN THEIR PLACE, THAT YOU ARE GLAD TO SUPPORT THEM BECAUSE THEY SUPPORT AIR AMERICA. Then, request that they pass that message along, farther up their own company food chain. If you have any time, put something in writing about this, and send it to the company headquarters. They ALL have PR departments, believe me.

2) Any and all petitioning and calling that people can do in their own areas where Air America does NOT have an affiliate is MOST helpful. If you send this to the Air America folks, their affiliate relations people and sales staff can use this documentation to prove that there's a huge, untapped ocean of listeners now available to potential sponsors. If you send this to one (or, preferably more) of your local radio stations, to the general manager or the program director, it will alert them that there is a listener base for this, IN THEIR OWN BACK YARD. If their own ratings are NOT stable, or less than desirable, there will be format changes. Having calls, emails, OR BETTER YET A PAPER TRAIL OF LETTERS in their files is more likely to make them sit up and take notice.

The goal here, for one thing, is more commercials by bigger sponsors - who provide the bucks to keep Al Franken and Randi Rhodes and Janeane Garofalo employed, and to fund more equipment and transmitters and engineers and everything else. Perhaps even, eventually, purchases of more stations. And for another thing, the objective is to add more stations so they become a really kick-ass viable network on their own.

Humbly submitted by a 25-year radio/tv veteran. I KNOW this works, folks. I've seen it happen over and over. Station management takes its listeners' input seriously. ESPECIALLY something in writing, that can be copied and passed around to different department heads. Besides, the conventional reasoning STILL holds that one letter or one complaint or one anything represents MANY more who feel the same way and just didn't have the time or inclination to voice it, themselves.