The real Story behind Air America shut down (Sludge)

[joefree1]

The Sludge Report
Here’s what really happened:

This Liu-ser was ripping off our boss Evan Cohen big time (he can’t do that, that’s our job). Evan found out about it and he stopped payment on a check to keep Liu-cifer from ripping him off even more. You can touch Evan for the occasional meal or drinks but a million bucks is crossing the line. And if we ever get low on cash, we can always call Barbra Streisand. Or any of the
Baldwins. Except Stephen.

So we got screwed, Liu’d, and tattooed. How Liu can you get? In Liu of payment. Liu’d and lascivious behavior. These write themselves. What we’re getting at is that we hate him.
edit ...

So cool your jets. Air America Radio isn’t dead, we’re in court and we’re going to slam Liu’s head in a car door. Another metaphor. We hope to be back on the air tomorrow or the next day in those markets.

In the meantime, why don’t you give Arthur a call at [phone].
http://airamericaradio.com/pub/resNews.htm

So anyone want to meet for a protest outside the stations? Let's stoke the PR media fires. Meet here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=106x6980


Images of the March 21 protest in Los Angeles here:
http://ediablo.com/LAprotest3-21-04.html

[Dover]

1. Sorry.........I haven't a clue what's going on. Is AA off the air?

And who or what is Liu?

[RapidCreek]

2. Nor do I

What's going on? Explain please.

RC

[Eric J in MN]

4. I don't understand the first post, but Air America is temporarily

I don't understand the first post, but Air America is temporarily off the air in Chicago and LA.

As best as I understand it, the radio stations played other shows while waiting for Air America to start broadcasting, and the stations want to get paid for those months by AA, and AA says they don't owe money for those months.

[cally]

3. I haven't exactly followed it

but an overview. AAR was taken off the air in LA and Chicago because supposedly they didnt' pay their bills--about $1 million. Liu owns the stations, has major financial interests :shrug:, and is a major RNC donor. AAR files court papers alleging that he is double billing and a fraud. They have records proving they paid their bills.

Welcome to the liberal media

[Dover]

5. Thanks. Not surprised. I suppose the RNC would be satisfied just to

tie up AA in the courts until the election is over.

Wasn't Al Gore going to have a radio or news program too? Haven't heard anything about it for awhile.

[Eric J in MN]

9. one of the investors in the Al Gore TV Network pulled out

One of the investors in the Al Gore TV Network pulled out. They can't proceed without more money.

If you know a millionaire, ask him or her to help out.

[Bjornsdotter]

6. Call Arthur

Hi,

I just called Arthur Liu....you'll have to let the phone ring about 4 minutes before someone will pick up. I asked to leave Arthur a message but was told his voice mail was full, so sad.

However, I encourage everyone to make a call to Arthur....I'm sure he'd like to hear from the masses.

Cheers,
Kim

[jbm]

10. good idea!

and welcome to DU! :)

[supernova]

7. Liu was double-dipping in LA

charging both AA and another broadcaster for the same air time. Apparently he's also playing hardball and using his Chicago station as leverage.

:puke:

The Cheif Counsel for AA was on Randi Rhodes this afternoon. They have paid all their bills, there is no missing $1million.

AA was supposed to get a Temporary Restraining Order this afternoon to get back on the air until this is resolved.

[robbedvoter]

8. here's the straight dope

http://www.airamericaradio.com/pub/resPressReleases.htm