Air America Radio,Now in Seattle!

AIR AMERICA RADIO, the nation's PROGRESSIVE TALK RADIO NETWORK, has expanded its reach across the Pacific Northwest....to Seattle! Starting Monday, October 25th, at 12:01 AM, tune in to 1090 AM, KPTK....Seattle's new home for liberal/progressive talk, anytime! Here's the lowdown from the Seattle Times:

The New York-based network, home of Al Franken, Janeane Garofalo and other left-wing talkers, made the announcement yesterday. Before adding the Seattle station, Air America's Web site listed 36 local affiliates and XM and Sirius satellite radio, which carry its programming along with its Internet broadcast.

KPTK's owner, Infinity Broadcasting, didn't have much to lose by switching formats from the low-rated "classic country" to "progressive talk," said Dave McDonald, senior vice president and general manager of Infinity Radio Seattle. He said KYCW's air talent will all be retained in other positions among Seattle's four other Infinity stations, housed in Suite 100 at 1000 Dexter Ave. N.: KMPS-FM (94.1, country), KRQI-FM "K-Rock" (96.5, alternative), KBKS-FM (106.1, Top 40) and KZOK-FM (102.5, classic rock).

Infinity is a division of Viacom and runs 185 radio stations.

"We believe this is distinctive programming," McDonald said. "There are those in the radio business who believe that shows with a liberal perspective won't get an audience. Air America in recent months has shattered that myth."

And here's the release from Infinity Radio:

AIR AMERICA LANDS IN SEATTLE AT KPTK AM 1090
Seattle Braces for First-Ever New Progressive Talk Radio

SEATTLE – Infinity Radio Seattle announced today the launch of KPTK AM 1090, Seattle’s Progressive Talk Station, featuring Air America Radio Network programming beginning Monday October 25, 2004.

The new “progressive” talk format is a radical new talk format in the Seattle Radio market. The station was created to utilize a combination of nationally renowned personalities, along with local news and information, that reflect the viewpoint of a large segment of the Puget Sound population.

“Seattle has been clamoring for a new talk radio station like this and we believe there is a large and enthusiastic audience for progressive perspectives on a medium that has been dominated by right-wing and conservative personalities up to now. Air America programs such as The Al Franken Show, The Randi Rhodes Show and the Majority Report with Janeane Garofalo, along with syndicated host Ed Schultz will satisfy that need”, said Dave McDonald, Sr. Vice President & General Manager of Infinity Radio Seattle. ““There has never been a progressive talk radio format like ‘AM 1090 Progressive Talk’ in the Seattle radio community. We found a talk radio niche that is under represented in this market and attracts an extremely enlightened and affluent audience. At a local level we try to develop products that reflect the voice of the community and the people we serve. We think AM 1090 Progressive Talk will represent that audience.”

“We are excited about coming to Seattle,” said Doug Kreeger, CEO of Air America Radio. “This city now has an opportunity to voice its local and national concerns. In other parts of the country we found that a strong loyalty to Air America Radio was quickly established. We have a successful track record with our programming in other markets that we are confident will be extended to Seattle.”

The following is the AM 1090 Progressive Talk weekday lineup:

3 a.m. – 6 a.m.Morning Sedition with Mark Riley and Marc Maron
6 a.m. – 9 a.m.Unfiltered with Chuck D, Mark Riley, Liz Winstead & Rachel Maddow
9 a.m – 12 p.m.The Al Franken Show
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.The Ed Schultz Show
3 p.m – 7 p.m.The Randi Rhodes Show
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.The Majority Report with Janeane Garofalo
10 p.m. – 1 a.m.The Best of Al Franken

Find out more from Air America Radio.