Less scary than you think
Living on the left side of things I decided to check out Air America on the AM Dial. Being from the Northeast one can access Air America in New York, Boston and Portland Maine. I've also heard listeners call in from other states as well so check out their website at www.airamericaradio.com to tune in.
I was very impressed with the O' Franken Factor, usually on at lunchtime, as a reasonable leftist trying to explain his positions to both the left and the right. The format has Al Franken and Katherine Lanphur talking to guests, and answering calls from the public. That I think is the best part of the show because, so far anyway, no one is cut-off from giving their opinion. Debates usually ensue where the caller is allowed to say his peace and then Franken either agrees or disagrees, asks questions and or pokes fun at just about everybody--he is a comedian after-all.
One especially interesting hour features a Rush Limbaugh devotee debating with Franken. There's debate, disagreement, and mutual respect, which is really refreshing!
I'm not saying they are achieving a real balance because the program is obviously left, but for civil explanations of the issues, I think they do a pretty good job.
I haven't heard all of the programming on the station, but others I've listened to are also respectful of people who call in from the right. Other people have told me it can get tiresome because some programming is very left-wing. But I guess that is to be expected. I'll keep listening. I hope you do too.