Open thread: Hot Air acquisition
posted at 9:30 am on February 17, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
Many Hot Air readers have begun responding to the following Mediaite story:
CPAC hasn’t even officially started and already its making news. Mediaite has learned that leading center-right web site Hot Air has been acquired by Salem Communications for an undisclosed sum. Sources close to the deal claim that Michelle Malkin, the conservative pundit and sole owner of Hot Air, has been in talks with Salem for some time, but the announcement was timed to coincided with the Conservative Political Action Conference, which opens tomorrow in Washington D.C. …
Salem Communication defines itself as a leading U.S. radio broadcaster, Internet content provider, and magazine and book publisher targeting audiences interested in Christian and family-themed content and conservative values. Perhaps their most relevant property to this transaction is Townhall.com which claims itself to be the #1 conservative website. The “About Us” section of its website claims “Townhall.com pulls together political commentary and analysis from over 100 leading columnists and opinion leaders, research from 100 partner organizations, conservative talk-radio and a community of millions of grassroots conservatives.”
I’m going to open a thread on this in order to keep the rest of our comment threads on topic. Neither Allahpundit nor I will have any official comment on this until tomorrow, but if you read our Twitter feeds last night, you already knew that a big announcement about Hot Air’s business status was on the way. What I can tell you now is that Hot Air’s current mission and direction will not change, and that both AP and I will continue being part of Hot Air for the foreseeable future. Other than that …. have at it!
Update: Michelle will be posting something about the acquisition soon, too, either here or at michellemalkin.com, or both.
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In a good way I hope. It’s great to “see” you.
Cindy Munford on February 17, 2010 at 8:23 PM
Congratulations are in order for Michelle, Ed, and Allah. I’ve been here almost since the beginning, and a poster since the second open registration. You really can’t find Hot Air’s combination of commentary, news, video, and humor anywhere else.
And a memo to our new corporate overlords: Hot Air ain’t broke, so don’t “fix” it.
ReubenJCogburn on February 17, 2010 at 8:24 PM
Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! I went through serious withdrawals when he left for a few days. I may not always agree with him, but AP makes Hot Air fun.
Hot Air without AP … wouldn’t be Hot Air.
redridinghood on February 17, 2010 at 8:29 PM
Never mind the idiot hater fringe, AP. I’ve enjoyed your writing since the “footprints” parody, and you’re the main reason I enjoy Hot Air so much.
A big congratulations to you, Ed and MM!!! Here’s hoping that things don’t change TOO much, though …
docob on February 17, 2010 at 8:30 PM
I took no offense to your post. I was just cracking Town Hall website pop-up ads. I tip my hat to fellow Hot Air poster Constance. Long live Hot Air! :)
Dire Straits on February 17, 2010 at 8:34 PM
Hey AP, now that you’re going to be a millionaire, maybe KP will give you a SECOND LOOK!
Or, you could finally just buy yourself an IPhone.
Congrats.
BacaDog on February 17, 2010 at 8:37 PM
I’ve been reading since the days of Byron York, who is a great journalist, but Hot Air really gelled when Allah came on board. You guys have a great division of labor, with your distinctive styles. Add all the voices from the Green Room and it’s a formidable site.
Eventually most things have to change, because people get bored or feel constrained or the times pass them by … but for now, and into the foreseeable future – DON’T CHANGE A THING!!
Maybe whoever did the Hot Air site design can clean up Townhall, but don’t make Hot Air look anything like Townhall PLEASE!!
YehuditTX on February 17, 2010 at 8:42 PM
Tru dat~we need someone to poke the stick at us….get out of here, hater!
HornetSting on February 17, 2010 at 8:43 PM
Thank you and Cheers!
Constance on February 17, 2010 at 8:44 PM
Well heck… Townhall used to be my ‘home page’ but I stopped going to Townhall because of all the crappy unavoidable popups and site glitches. One day I couldn’t take it anymore so I made a list of the columnists that I liked and found their work elsewhere.
Hopefully they won’t do to Hot Air what they did to Townhall… I’ll hope for the best.
Hope you all made out like good capitalists! Good on ya Michelle! You all have worked hard. Much more success in the future!
Joy on February 17, 2010 at 8:53 PM
Cindy Munford on February 17, 2010 at 8:53 PM
Have you heard from Hawkdriver lately? I know they have stepped up the action in Afgan and I was wandering if he is ok.
Dire Straits on February 17, 2010 at 8:59 PM
As a reader since literally day 1 and a commenter for three years, I as well wish nothing but the best for the site and its contributors. HotAir’s been the standard bearer for me for quite a while now.
I just really, really hope it doesn’t suck after transition. TH, if that is a fair representation of Salem ownership, is an utter disaster and wouldn’t even register with me if Sowell wasn’t there.
Please…keep it real.
All the best gang,
Russ
russcote on February 17, 2010 at 9:01 PM
CONGRATS MICHELLE!!!!!!!!!!!
NOTE TO NEW OWNERS- DO NOT MESS WITH ED OR AP- THEY ARE THE BACKBONE OF THIS SITE AND WHAT KEEPS ALL US FANS “FIRED UP AND READY TO GO”!!!!! AND PAHLEEESE NOOOO POP-UPS!!!!!!!
huskerdiva on February 17, 2010 at 9:04 PM
In the years that I have been privileged to comment on this intelligent, thoughtful, informative, educational, and humours sight…
… I can’t think of a single time a contribution by you has even been worth a wart on the genitals of a maggot.
Sponsor and write your own blog, if you think it is easy, then you can talk to yourself all day.
In fact, from now until the end of time…
… this is you!
Seven Percent Solution on February 17, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Congratulations to all. It’s well deserved.
TheBigOldDog on February 17, 2010 at 9:10 PM
That is my concern as well.
I wish the staff and the ex-boss at HA the best however I expect it will turn into something similar to a chocolate bunny kill once the “transition is complete”.
F15Mech on February 17, 2010 at 9:10 PM
who’s this sidewinder fella? Ease up scooter, that crap is plain obnoxious and rude.
ted c on February 17, 2010 at 9:11 PM
I 2nd that–these are “my guys”, I make sure to read them at some point every day…I may have to become a nun if you take them away…or give up whiskey…*shudders…
lovingmyUSA on February 17, 2010 at 9:14 PM
Congrats, Hawt Air!!!
And I agree with those that say “Don’t change a thing!”
Not sure if anyone mentioned this aspect, but the design of the site is one thing that has always attracted me (and not distracted me, like many potentially good sites which I seem to end up avoiding eventually).It’s legible and quite manageable. I like the graphic design structure to the thing as well.
You’re just so sexy in your simplicity!
missl on February 17, 2010 at 9:15 PM
Cindy Munford on February 17, 2010 at 9:20 PM
Don’t be a prick
DarkCurrent on February 17, 2010 at 9:20 PM
Well-said–if people don’t like what AP posts, WTF are they reading him??? Tehy need to STFU and get a life…
lovingmyUSA on February 17, 2010 at 9:21 PM
I say congrat`s to all, they have worked hard for it. If Salem messes with it badly, which I doubt, Ed and Allah can always start a new one. I think their following would transfer immediately so I am not terribly worried about that scenario.
bluemarlin on February 17, 2010 at 9:21 PM
That’s right! Don’t mess with our men, however…um… flawed AP is, anyway.
That reminds me…we haven’t had a Meghan McCain thread in quite some time.
CarolynM on February 17, 2010 at 9:21 PM
Oh, dear. That was just frightening.
Cindy Munford on February 17, 2010 at 9:22 PM
Thanks. I am thinking about him. May the good Lord watch over him and all the other great servicemen of the USA!
Dire Straits on February 17, 2010 at 9:23 PM
That is a female , right ?
Plz tell me its a female
macncheez on February 17, 2010 at 9:23 PM
Ah, very true. Panic averted!
missl on February 17, 2010 at 9:24 PM
Amen.
Cindy Munford on February 17, 2010 at 9:26 PM
The new boss (Salem Communications) is not going to run HA the way the old boss did.
F15Mech on February 17, 2010 at 9:26 PM
Ditto! Allahpundit has a history of trying to incite readers of this blog. He needs to GO!!!!!
Mr Purple on February 17, 2010 at 9:26 PM
That’s right! Don’t mess with our men…
CarolynM on February 17, 2010 at 9:21 PM
The HA women here don’t let ANYONE mess with our men…
lovingmyUSA on February 17, 2010 at 9:27 PM
No–YOU NEED TO GO!!! You intolerant a$$hole…
lovingmyUSA on February 17, 2010 at 9:29 PM
I think Mr Purple was being sarcastic.
sidewinder22 does need to go however.
F15Mech on February 17, 2010 at 9:31 PM
Holy Christmas is that one from the vault. Dude a bunch of those names bring back crazy…ahhh…memories.
russcote on February 17, 2010 at 9:32 PM
I like this site. A lot. The writing — all of it — is intelligent, provocative, and timely. I hope that continues, and I hope Michelle, Allah, and Ed make a truckload of money from this deal.
Rational Thought on February 17, 2010 at 9:32 PM
What are you, the omega male? AP is the hottest! (after Ed)
AsianGirlInTights on February 17, 2010 at 9:34 PM
Well, well…well…….congratulations to MM and Allah and Ed.
And from this gun toting, red neck, cigar smoking, old, smelly, and bomb-the-planet Texan…….keep Allahpundit.
He stirs and pot, tips over the crystal, and keeps to his guns. What’s the point of having a disagreement with an echo?
Limerick on February 17, 2010 at 9:35 PM
Congrats…
Digger on February 17, 2010 at 9:38 PM
If you want memories, here you go :)
FontanaConservative on February 17, 2010 at 9:39 PM
The better posters here forget that there really is a contingency at Hot Air that doesn’t want to debate, argue, or spar. They don’t really even want to discuss. They just want to hear someone say what they think in flowery prose so that they can feel good about themselves. They don’t think for themselves, and they’re led by the nose. Therefore, when someone comes along who challenges their fragile positions on issues, they snap and bite at those who cause them to think for a minute or two. They’ve no ability to defend their stances, and so they simply attack those who question them.
They exist in greater numbers on the left, but the right is infested with them as well. We see them every day. Most of you know a couple. Just keep a can of dolt spray on the shelf, never be afraid to learn and strengthen your ability to explain why you believe what you believe, and keep pressing on.
MadisonConservative on February 17, 2010 at 9:41 PM
Damn the only name I recognized was Tony737.
I missed the initial roll-out came in a few months later.
F15Mech on February 17, 2010 at 9:44 PM
Congratulations. Keep the quality!
Will Michelle continue to have a role?
Renascent on February 17, 2010 at 9:46 PM
That was really cool! Thanks!
AsianGirlInTights on February 17, 2010 at 9:46 PM
Oh–well then–nevermind….
lovingmyUSA on February 17, 2010 at 9:49 PM
That all depends on the negotiations that went on. She may stay on “during the transition” however in the long term I am betting no.
F15Mech on February 17, 2010 at 9:51 PM
Excellent! Kudos to Michelle Malkin, Ed Morrissey, and AllahPundit!
(Eat your heart out, Keith Olbermann.)
onlineanalyst on February 17, 2010 at 9:52 PM
why are these losers hating on AP?
he’s fun.
yeay HotAir.
<3 DRUNK Report (hope we’re next to get bought! hahahaha)
Drunk Report on February 17, 2010 at 9:53 PM
I remember. I think I got in after the second open registration but I’ve been here since the beginning.
I’m gonna go knock back a couple liters of whiskey and reminisce…and then pass out.
russcote on February 17, 2010 at 9:54 PM
OK, I know this is great news for MM, Ed and AP, but what about me? I don’t want one thing about the format to change, I don’t want any new cast of main characters, no new graphics – I want everything to stay the same .
One minute-I have to stop typing to finish this tantrum in private…
CarolynM on February 17, 2010 at 9:57 PM
That’s unprecedented!
The only recognizable thing about my registration was that I got in here the same time getalife got in.
FontanaConservative on February 17, 2010 at 9:59 PM
Damn, just wasted a good mouthful of whiskey…
lovingmyUSA on February 17, 2010 at 10:02 PM
My collie asks:
Now what makes you think AllahPundit is CAPABLE of “nice”, collie?
CyberCipher on February 17, 2010 at 10:02 PM
Well if you don’t like people not liking how Allah conducts himself then STOP READING THEIR CRITICISM!!!! STFU and get a life!
Funny how that works two ways, huh?
Mr Purple on February 17, 2010 at 10:03 PM
I remember that crazy bastard too. Crr6 has taken up his mantle quite nicely though. Hell part of what makes this site great is the astounding “quality” of the trolls. They really are a cut above.
russcote on February 17, 2010 at 10:03 PM
Not in this thread I wasn’t, and it is YOU who needs go.
Mr Purple on February 17, 2010 at 10:05 PM
Incite them to what? Comment? The horror!
Cindy Munford on February 17, 2010 at 10:06 PM
That is definitely a good dis to other blogs, “Our trolls are better than your trolls!”
FontanaConservative on February 17, 2010 at 10:06 PM
You may have just hit on the best tagline in the blogosphere FC.
russcote on February 17, 2010 at 10:10 PM
…thought the quality has gotten shoddier
FontanaConservative on February 17, 2010 at 10:10 PM
+7%…!
… and I told myself I wouldn’t cry. (sniff)
Seven Percent Solution on February 17, 2010 at 10:11 PM
I don’t comment very often, I do read here every day…I am always inspired by Ed, Allah and Dr Zero, and others in the Green Room….but all you guys, every one of you who takes time to fight for what you believe in and comment….ya’all make my day.
Congrats to MM on having a site fine enough and admired enough to have found a buyer!!
I hope nothing changes….this is by far one of the BEST places to come and read what it going on….it kinda feels like family here, yeah, take a seat, drink my coffee and have a good chuckle or a good think….thanks a million.
Allah, your fabulous!! Ed, love your shows!! Dr Zero, my hero…love ya all….and Good Luck!!
RoxanneH on February 17, 2010 at 10:11 PM
Perhaps we should have trollympics. “crr6 has taken the lead over killgore trout!, Charles Johnson is calling foul!”
FontanaConservative on February 17, 2010 at 10:13 PM
Does this mean AP gets better hours?
And do Ed and AP get a new pair of pajamas, bath robes, and slippers with a Salem logo?
BuckeyeSam on February 17, 2010 at 10:15 PM
Tony and wccawa for me. wccawa and MadCon use to have the best pi$$ing, for the lack of a better word, matches
Cindy Munford on February 17, 2010 at 10:16 PM
Brilliant. I’m in.
If you haven’t seen it already, enjoy.
russcote on February 17, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Oh ok I shall leave now.
/sarc
sorry lovingmyUSA I was wrong you were right.
F15Mech on February 17, 2010 at 10:20 PM
I wish HotAir well under new management. I remember Allah in the House days… it’s been a long road. I lurk more than post anymore because life is in the way.
SkinnerVic on February 17, 2010 at 10:23 PM
And another thing Townhall … don’t mess with the eye candy.
redridinghood on February 17, 2010 at 10:23 PM
Good job Michelle, Ed and “The Obligatory” Allah….Congrats on your success and I add to the common thread, DONT change a thing..Unless of course if you could get allah to stop saying “obligatory” so much.. :)
Good work all!
Doogiesd on February 17, 2010 at 10:24 PM
Step 1: Fire milquetoast Ed
Step 2: Rehire Bryon Preston
Step 3: Pay Michelle to restart Vent.
Blarg the Destroyer on February 17, 2010 at 10:26 PM
1. Clicked the link
2. laughed so hard
3. favorited the video
;D
FontanaConservative on February 17, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Big Ditto! Allahpundit is responsible for more than 80% of all the controversies, rhubabs, disagreements, and engaging disputes that drive this site. If you don’t get rid of him and that Morrissey fellow that provides some of the finest investigative journalism on the internet, you will miss out on the blogger stimulus package President Obama has prepared for you and regret the day entered the realm of Hot Air. “We” commenters have spoken!
Rovin on February 17, 2010 at 10:31 PM
No, dummy–it is one thing to click on a link that states what it is about, and who is the author–it’s another to read through a comment…jeez
lovingmyUSA on February 17, 2010 at 10:31 PM
Shows what an a$$ you are right there…biting someone who was defending you…
Calling for AP’s firing is illogical. If you don’t like him–don’t freaking read him–there are plenty of other bloggers here. You don’t have to read AP.
I’m fine with you diagreeing with AP–but to call for his firing because you disagree?
lovingmyUSA on February 17, 2010 at 10:38 PM
+7%!
That is better than ‘Hilter in the Bunker’…
Seven Percent Solution on February 17, 2010 at 10:39 PM
Big Ditto! Allahpundit is responsible for more than 80% of all the controversies, rhubabs, disagreements, and engaging disputes that drive this site. If you don’t get rid of him and that Morrissey fellow that provides some of the finest investigative journalism on the internet, you will miss out on the blogger stimulus package President Obama has prepared for you and regret the day you entered the realm of Hot Air. “We” commenters have spoken!
(I left out the last you)
Rovin on February 17, 2010 at 10:43 PM
I, too, offer my congrats to everyone at HA! Thanks for keeping me informed, letting me rant, and making me laugh (sometimes cry).
It’s hard to imagine how difficult the past year would have been without Hot Air!
TN Mom on February 17, 2010 at 10:43 PM
Nothing better change. And that includes injecting
Boobs!
jjraines on February 17, 2010 at 10:45 PM
Congrats, guys. I hope you all make a bundle off of this deal. Allahpundit’s insane work ethic and unrivaled style helped make this site what it is today, and his political radar is downright spooky. Ed brought with him a different perspective and style, which only adds to the mix.
I miss Michelle’s participation like in the old days, although I understand with her various obligations there are too few hours in the day. I must add, I really miss the VENT video spots, especially the incredible interviews and the fun spots with MM and Bryan Preston. :>(
This site is awesome; I hope there aren’t many changes that come with this ownership switch.
Upward and onward!
Mr. Purple and sidewinderwhateveritwas, y’all need to get you some Velveeta to go with that cheap whine.
hillbillyjim on February 17, 2010 at 10:46 PM
That’s me in about 12 minutes if there’s no QOTD yet.
FloatingRock on February 17, 2010 at 10:48 PM
If you want memories, here you go :)
FontanaConservative on February 17, 2010 at 9:39 PM
Wow!
I recognize a few of the original names.
Laurence Simon is a facebook friend of mine and I’m a long-time commenter on HIS blog.
I got in here probably during the second or third open registration. It’s been at least 3 years.
Btw-if Laurence Simon is reading this:
Astros bite. GO CUBS!
Heh.
annoyinglittletwerp on February 17, 2010 at 10:52 PM
Not sure of your age Jim, but Herb Caen, (one of the finest satirist/three-dot journalist that ever wrote for the SF Chronicle back in the 60′s and 70′s), used to write about the folks up in Chico, California that consumed too much Velveeta…..
Rovin on February 17, 2010 at 11:00 PM
MadisonConservative said it best
People like Mr Purple etc calling for little old me (just a commenter) to go because I disagree with his views about AP shows who he is.
F15Mech on February 17, 2010 at 11:00 PM
He’s Kilgore Trout.
Yes it is.
russcote on February 17, 2010 at 11:05 PM
Ditto.
russcote on February 17, 2010 at 11:06 PM
I remember Bryan…didn’the leave to get a better paying job or something?
As much as Allah can be perched on my last nerve re Palin sometimes, the site would not be as good as it is without him…
Congrts MM, Allah and Ed…
CCRWM on February 17, 2010 at 11:11 PM
Speaking of old names…
Anyone know what ever happened to Entelechy?
F15Mech on February 17, 2010 at 11:12 PM
Are we going to be allowed to say ‘boobs’ anymore?
How ’bout vijayjay…as in…quit talking out of your vijayjay…..?
I HATE the townhall site..BOR writes there and he’s a vijayjay…
HornetSting on February 17, 2010 at 11:12 PM
Sure. But, you’re still wrong.
Sapwolf on February 17, 2010 at 11:12 PM
That explains why he wants me to go.
F15Mech on February 17, 2010 at 11:14 PM
No QOTD with the new management?
thomasaur on February 17, 2010 at 11:15 PM
Those words are fine for now, however a comment like this will probably get you banned. :)
F15Mech on February 17, 2010 at 11:19 PM
Well, if I speak the truth and I get banned….I can die happy and with nipples standing at attention for our military!
HornetSting on February 17, 2010 at 11:21 PM
Speaking of old names…
Anyone know what ever happened to Entelechy?
F15Mech on February 17, 2010 at 11:12 PM
Who was it that said after the 2008 election they weren’t going to comment anymore?
annoyinglittletwerp on February 17, 2010 at 11:21 PM
See, I really hope not.
russcote on February 17, 2010 at 11:22 PM
Maybe I’ll get off with a spanking and a stiff warning for being a bad girl….
Who knows?
HornetSting on February 17, 2010 at 11:23 PM
IIRC, Bryan left to work on Laura Ingraham’s show. He was a good guy.
ReubenJCogburn on February 17, 2010 at 11:24 PM
And the military thanks you for that image.
ManlyRash
F15Mech on February 17, 2010 at 11:25 PM
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