Democratic activist buys liberal-radio firm

[HootieMcBoob]

Sheldon and Anita Drobny sold the majority of their shares of AnShell Media LLC to a group of investors headed by Mark Walsh, a former America Online executive and chief technology adviser to the Democratic National Committee. While they retain what Walsh described as a "minimal" investment in AnShell, the couple will play no role in the company's management.

I'm not sure what to think now.

There's this: Walsh expects to begin broadcasting early next year. "We're excited about the opportunity," he said Tuesday. The deal was finalized last week.

But then there's this: Walsh, who once worked for the Democratic National Committee, appears to have a less partisan vision for the radio network than the Drobnys. He described the planned programming as primarily "centrist, with a hint of liberalism."

But then again there's this: "These guys seem to be charging forward and making progress," said Franken, the liberal humorist who is in what he described as "deep level talks" with Walsh to develop a radio show.

<the whole thing> http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0311190192nov19,1,7407578.story?coll=chi-business-hed

[JM]

1. I knew the Drobneys...

...and went to school for years with their sons. I grew up in the same community with them. They are good people. I doubt very seriously they would "sell out" their vision.

If it were my choice, I would probably be happy with 75% over 0% chance of success any day. My guess is they are taking the same approach as the Repubs have in accepting part of the goal instead of holding out for 100%.

Later,
JM

[in_cog_ni_to]

2. Oh, great!

Just what we need, "centrist programming" with a "hint" of Liberalism. :( We NEED a Liberal just as blatant as the conservative drug addict, Limbaugh. We need an Al Franken on TV or the airwaves.

[Spazito]

3. It sounds good to me....

even if it is not as "liberal" as we would wish, it would be a benefit to have a station that told both sides of issues because that sure isn't happening now.

[Ripley]

4. I think that's smart business in today's climate.

Instead of scaring away big money advertisers with visions of "wacko pot-banging anti-WTO PETA commies" they are putting up a middle of the road front. But when the show comes out to be liberal they can back it up by saying, well afterall the majority of Americans DO support a woman's right to choose; Do support environmental protection; etc. etc.

Franken is the only one they've admitted signing on with and he is a liberal, not centrist.

[HootieMcBoob]

5. I hope you're right

I'll remain optimistic. This is an important step toward getting a handle on the right-wing's control of the media. I'm a little concerned about Gore's NWI purchase, apparantly it's being held up by Barry Diller. I think it will eventually go through though.

[chimpymustgo]

6. This is exciting.

They have to sell it as "centrist". Don't worry - we'll finally have a voice.

[seventhson]

7. What is known about Mark Walsh???

I understand from doing some research on this that Franken as well as Janeane Garafolo and one of the original creators of the Daily Show are involved.

I thunk the Drobnys probably wanted to lower their profile as Sheldon had recently been heard referring to Bush and his Nazi past in the media.

Rather than be a lightning rod, hopefully they can make the thing work from a business perspective AND bring the extremists in this government down.

But what is known about this Walsh person.

Tha manager hired by the Drobnys remains the same (and he wqas interviewed on MacNeil News Hour not so long ago in a really great interview.

Apparently the Drobny's were influenced to do this by listening to Mike Malloy's show and wanted to take tyhis kind of thing national.

But since their profile was so high, I think it was possibly hurting them.

Hopefully they will take the money from this and put it to good use elsewhere, now that it appears to be off the ground and viable from a business perspective.

I am holding my breath.

[Some Moran]

8. He's a liberal...

But he's also a form AOHell executive.

I can't tell if he's good or evil...Help me! :(

[seventhson]

9. Mark Walsh Bio here

http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/bios/walsh_mark.asp

He looks serious.

If anybody can make it work it sounds like he could.


Harvard, though. Hmmmm....

[xchrom]

10. he's a corporatist

that's going heavily influence the stance the vision thing takes.
who really cared if the drobneys had a negative profile with the bushco crowd? so not the point.

[seventhson]

11. Maybe you could explain a little more

I am trying to take a positive or realistic view of this.

Maybe it is good. Maybe it will hurt the effort.

But time will tell.

[foo_bar]

15. anyone who buys a majority stake in a corporation

is probably a "corporatist". If Shining Path guerrilas had a piece of AOL, they too would be corporatists.

[seventhson]

12. Interview with Mark Walsh here

http://www.democratictalkradio.com/arc.html

[HootieMcBoob]

13. thanks for that link n/t

:toast:

[sandnsea]

14. Fox is 'fair and balanced'

Only right to call a liberal station centrist. Let's wait and see what they do.