Former Air America EVP and Progressive Talk Radio pioneer Tom Athans has announced the launch of Talk USA Radio. Athans, a founder of the Ed Schultz and Stephanie Miller shows, said that Talk USA Radio will develop new Progressive Talk shows in an effort to broaden the format and provide more options to listeners across the nation.
“Progressive Talk Radio is a viable format that has great commercial potential,” said Athans. “There simply needs to be a credible alternative to Air America to ensure that Progressive Talk has a chance for success.” Athans said that Air America has done a capable job of appealing to progressives as its base audience. However, it has generally failed to reach a broader audience that would ensure greater commercial success.
“For progressive talk to expand beyond its current audience, programs need to be developed with experienced broadcasters as hosts that focus on entertaining an audience first and informing second. With a strong offering of entertaining and compelling programs, progressive talk can grow and thrive despite the overwhelming presence of conservative talkers.”
Athans said that Talk USA Radio has new programs in development and its first shows will be announced soon. And, he added, we “hope to have them launched by the first of the year.”
