Air America
founders launch new liberal talk-radio network

The cofounders of Air America Radio have launched a new liberal talk network, the Phoenix-based Nova M Radio. The Air America affiliate in Phoenix was bought out by a religious broadcasting company in March, which led affiliate directors to seek alternative means to broadcasting their content. Nova M Radio officially formed in April as a local operation, and now its directors are setting their sights on the rest of the nation by recruiting big-name talent.

Mike Malloy, whose popular program on Air America ended in August, will debut the revamped The Mike Malloy Show on October 30 live from 9 p.m. to midnight Eastern time on all Nova M affiliates. The program will also stream live on the channel's Web site, www.novamradio.com.

Internationally renowned pollster John Zogby will also join the Nova M stable with his hour-long show The Pulse of the Nation, where he will poll a variety of crucial social, political, and cultural issues. In addition to polling, interviews with special guests and audience participation will round out the show's content.

Nova M CEO and chairman Michael "Dr. Mike" Newcomb will also host a daily chatfest from 9 a.m. until noon. Peter Collins, a veteran San Francisco-based radio personality, will host his own talk-radio show from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays.

In light of Air America's recent filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Nova M has also secured Howard Dean presidential campaign fund-raiser Joe Trippi and his consulting firm to help the new company establish a firm base of financial contributors and supporters. (The Advocate)