GENERAL LEE'S MUD – AT 5:47 P.M. ET:  A little broadcasting note, from The New York Times:

Air America, the progressive talk radio network, said Thursday that it would cease broadcasting immediately, bowing to what it called a “very difficult economic environment.”

“It is with the greatest regret, on behalf of our Board, that we must announce that Air America Media is ceasing its live programming operations as of this afternoon, and that the Company will file soon under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code to carry out an orderly winding-down of the business,” the chair of Air America Media, Charlie Kireker, said in a memorandum.

And a bit of history:

Senator Al Franken, Democrat of Minnesota, hosted an Air America show from 2004 to 2007 before running for office.

Ah yes, another career highlight.

I'm reminded of the story of the officer who complained to General Grant, during the Civil War, that a particular maneuver was difficult because there was a lot of mud in the area.  Grant is reported to have replied tersely, "General Lee has the same mud."

And, yes, the economic environment was difficult for Air America, but Fox News works in that same environment.  The difference is the message.  There just weren't enough people available who were interested in the weirdness and anger put out by Air America.  Professionalism shows.

January 21, 2010