I.E. America Radio Network
 |
|
| Type | Radio network |
|---|---|
| Country |  United States |
| Availability | North America |
| Owner | United Auto Workers |
|
Launch date
|
1996 |
| Dissolved | February 27, 2004 |
|
Former names
|
United Broadcasting Network |
|
Official website
|
ieamericaradio.com (archived) |
i.e. America Radio Network was a Detroit-based radio network consisting primarily of liberal talk and lifestyle shows. They were owned by the United Auto Workers and broadcast nationally from 1996 to 2004, via radio stations and a webcast.
The origin of what became the i.e. Radio Network began in Tampa, Florida in 1987. In order to more freely discuss controversial topics on the radio, disc jockey-turned talk show host Chuck Harder decided to start his own radio network in 1987. The new venture was christened The Sun Radio Network, and its purpose was to syndicate his show, "For The People", which was carried primarily by commercial rural AM radio stations and shortwave radio. Originally broadcasting from the garage of his Tampa home, Harder and his wife Dianne later purchased the historic Telford Hotel in the town of White Springs to serve as studios.
Programming for SRN was also delivered from its flagship Tampa Bay affiliate, WEND 760, owned and operated by Harder's colleague, Bruce Micek. Direct competition with other stations, WFLA in particular, led to some on-air and off-air disputes.
Kayla Satellite Network, which was approximately half owned by Liberty Lobby, purchased the Sun Radio Network in December 1989. Harder's show was soon dropped from the network and he proceeded to start a new radio network, the Peoples Radio Network.
The Peoples Radio Network was founded as a nonprofit organization, and Harder broadcast his show from the same studios in the Telford Hotel. The Peoples Radio Network also published a newspaper, the National News Reporter, sold memberships, books and other merchandise through a mail-order catalog. PRN members were sent a booklet of consumer advice by Harder, How to Squeeze Lemons and Make Lemonade, and a subscription to the Peoples Radio Network magazine.
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