Progressive Talk Pioneer Spins Off Ed Schultz Show

Progressive Talk Pioneer Spins Off Ed Schultz Show

Democracy Radio Sells to Radio Executive, to Focus on Developing New Progressive Programs

WASHINGTON, June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- After demonstrating the commercial viability of progressive talk by launching and producing the most successful program in the country, Democracy Radio has spun off The Ed Schultz Show in order to return to its core mission of incubating radio talent. Democracy Radio -- the pioneer of the Progressive Talk format -- created and produced the show, which grew to 95 stations and 8 of the top 10 markets in only 17 months of national syndication.

Founded in 2002 by Tom Athans and Paul Fiddick to combat the right-wing dominance of talk radio by launching progressive voices on America's airwaves, Democracy Radio recruited Ed Schultz to host its first nationally-syndicated program. Ed hosts the 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily show from his hometown of Fargo, North Dakota, where he had been a highly-rated local talent. Democracy Radio retained Jones Radio Networks, the nation's leading independent radio distributor, to handle affiliate relations and advertising sales.

The Ed Schultz Show was launched January 4, 2004 to widespread skepticism. "The idea is a noble one, but is doomed to fail," a leading radio programming executive told the Dallas Morning News that same day. But the show grew like a prairie fire, posting stellar ratings and adding dozens of affiliates across the country.

Democracy Radio, which has been called, "a successful blend of expertise in politics and the radio business," sold its stake in the show to veteran radio executive Randy Michaels, the former CEO of Clear Channel Radio, who played a featured role in Rush Limbaugh's syndication.

"We are proud to have pioneered the new Progressive Talk format and to have changed the radio industry by proving this format can succeed," said Democracy Radio CEO, Tom Athans. "Democracy Radio has accomplished its first mission, now we will return to our core mission, to incubate and launch new progressive voices on America's airwaves. Ed is a remarkable talent. With Randy Michaels taking the helm, we have no doubt that Ed will continue to be the standard by which other progressive hosts are measured," Athans continued. "Seventeen months ago, Democracy Radio was looking for the next Rush Limbaugh. Now we are going to find the next Ed Schultz."

"My hat is off to Democracy Radio for not only helping to grow The Ed Schultz Show to a position of national prominence, but also for helping to establish the dynamic new category of Progressive Talk," said Randy Michaels. "Ed will continue to build on the foundation that Democracy Radio helped establish, and we will continue to recruit even more stations to broadcast his show." Michaels is the former CEO of Clear Channel Radio, and is now President of Radioactive LLC.

"Democracy Radio has been a wonderful partner for the first fifteen months of our national syndication," said Ed Schultz. "I will always be grateful for opportunity they gave me to launch a nationally syndicated program. I'm especially grateful to Tom Athans for having the vision and the determination to create the Progressive Talk format."

Democracy Radio launched its second national show in September 2004, hosted by comedienne and L.A. radio host, Stephanie Miller. A former co-host of CNBC's Equal Time, The Stephanie Miller Show has won large and loyal audiences, especially among men, aged 25-54. In January 2005, it launched its first local program, the Nancy Skinner Show, on Detroit's WDTW.

Democracy Radio is planning a major expansion in 2005. CEO Tom Athans would not elaborate, other than to proclaim, "stay tuned!"

For more information:

http://www.democracyradio.org/

Source: Democracy Radio

CONTACT: Todd Webster, +1-202-547-7700, for Democracy Radio; or Pam Taylor, +1-859-331-9100, for Randy Michaels

Web site: http://www.democracyradio.org/

------- Profile: Ent