"In New York during April, its first month on the air, Air America attracted more listeners in the 25-to-54-year-old demographic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. than did WABC, where the popular Limbaugh is heard. Air America also beat WABC among the 18-to-34-year-old group. That's specifically intriguing to many in the business because talk radio typically draws an older audience."
In addition, initial reports indicate Air America Radio is drawing thousands of listeners via the Internet stream served up from the network's webpage.
Considering the turmoil Air America experienced during its first month - with top executives leaving and financial anomalies plaguing the liberal-point-of-view startup - it must be encouraging to the staff to know they are finding their audience.
Of course, the real test of Air America's audience measurement and growth will be better assessed once the ratings are available over the long term.
The initial hoopla and attention the network received must also be factored in to the early numbers above.
The key to whether Air America can truly be a contender will only be demonstrated by a consistency to deliver an audience and demographic that advertisers are willing to pay for.
But, then again: that's the feat every radio station or network must accomplish, no matter what their political leanings.
I especially wonder how the upcoming election will affect the network. In some critics' minds, Air America has to prove it is serious about longevity and not just an electronic crusade to defeat President Bush.
Al Franken, the network's most visible air personality, only has a contract that runs for one year. He's already stated on CBS-TV that part of the reason he accepted the Air America Radio gig was to defeat Bush.
If Senator Kerry wins in the Fall and when it's time for Al Franken's contract renewal, will his personal purposes have been served or will Franken and Air America demonstrate they are more than a Political Action Committee of the airwaves?
Only time will show us if this network is in it for the long haul.
Meanwhile, Franken and team certainly have reason to feel good about the initial audience estimates in New York City.
The question is: how much more champagne should they order?
