The right wing media, like FOX News and the Rush Limbaugh show, ran for long periods of time, in the red, but were able to survive through those times because they had funders- it's hard to call them investors, since there were political payoffs and motivations rather than conventional profit motives- who carried the money-losing media for long periods of time.

Such is expected by Air America insiders to happen for them. According to insideradio.com, "Air talent Al Franken joked several weeks ago that he's flown on airlines that are in bankruptcy - anticipating that this day might come [to Air America Radio], and that operations would continue."

While that may merely be brave talk, other progressive talkers are still on the air:

"Ed Schultz says his "independently-owned and operated show is in no danger of bankruptcy or other financial obstacles." 'Big Eddie' says he now clears in over 100 markets - and there are other progressive talkers like Stephanie Miller adding stations."

Joe Gandelman of The Moderate Voice adds support:

It's important to note that two of the best progressive talk shows are hosted by Schultz and Stephanie Miller, who also isn't with Air America.

"Schultz opened his [Friday] show talking about his appearance on Larry King Live and addressing the Air America bankruptcy [mp3].

Gandelman points out that Schultz seems to understand "how radio works":

I heard [Schultz]'s show when he had Stu Kane on [mp3]. Kane was instrumental in helping launch Rush Limbaugh. Kane made it clear on Schultz show today that Product 1st's bottom line is "the bottom line." They want to produce a show that's good radio, good entertainment, that gets listeners and makes money. [Emphasis added]

Rob Kall almost stumbles over the solution to Air America's money troubles. He just didn't take his thought far enough: "If the money powers on the left are wise — the unions, George Soros, progressive foundations, even the smallest $5 dollar contributors — they will do all in their power to get Air America back on track." [Emphasis added]

Leave it to very conservative National Review columnist Jonah Goldberg to point to the real savior for Air America, even though he doesn't realize it as such and would never admit it: "The problem? Pacifica Radio already exists."

Pacifica Radio, founded in 1949 by Louis Hill, is a financially-struggling network which regularly broadcasts the kind of programming that Air America sought to air, and more. While many people pay the full subscription rate Pacifica asks, it survives on those as-little-as $5 contributions that Rob Kall mentioned above.