Air America Radio has been silenced in Chicago and Los Angeles. Their official response:

MultiCultural Radio Broadcasting's conduct in this matter has been disgraceful. To shut off a broadcast that listeners rely on without warning and in the middle of discussions is the height of irresponsibility and a slap in the face of the media industry. In addition, it is a clear violation of their contractual obligations, and we are seeking legal remedies against them in court.

I'm not a listener, but the statement stuck me as amusing for several reasons:

1. "a broadcast that listeners rely on"
   They have been broadcasting for all of two weeks. If the listeners scratched out an existance without Air America Radio in the years prior to March 31st, 2004, it is most certain that they can survive without it.
2. "a slap in the face of the media industry"
   Are you serious? MultiCultural Radio Broadcasting appears to have 32 radio stations as well as 1 television station. They resemble a media industry far more than Air America Radio.
3. "clear violation of their contractual obligations"
   Arthur Liu, the owner of MRB, is claiming (registration required) that Air America's check bounced and that he is owed more than 1 million dollars. This too is something that might qualify as a violation of contractual obligations.

I do understand why they would be upset. This is a fairly damaging development to a fledgling venture such as this one. I honestly hope they work this out and get back on the air. Why? It is good for people to hear both sides and make an educated decision.

However, filing an injunction to force your way back on unpaid air-time seems a bit over the top. Until you look closely at the name of the plantiff and parent company on the injunction. It lends perspective (and humor) to the entire dispute.

(Hat-tip to Drudge Report)