It's official. Controversial talk show host Jerry Springer will become part of the Air America Radio lineup.
Beginning April 1, the former mayor of Cincinnati and unsuccessful candidate for governor of Ohio, will be heard on the national liberal talk radio network.
He is already heard on a handful of stations owned by San Antonio-based Clear Channel Communications Inc. (NYSE: CCU), which is rolling out a progressive talk format on a number of stations nationwide. In San Antonio, he appears on 92.5 KRPT-FM.
Signing with Air America will allow Springer's voice to be heard in an additional 45 markets. His radio talk show debuted in January on a Cleveland, Ohio, station owned by Clear Channel.
Springer is also heard on Clear Channel stations in Miami and Detroit.
Springer's deal with Air America will not change his deal with Clear Channel, which is syndicated with cooperation from the radio group.
"Progressive, populist voices need to be a part of our nation's dialogue," Springer says. "I hope I can make a contribution."
Springer will continue to host his television talk show, "The Jerry Springer Show," which airs in nearly 200 TV markets throughout the country.
Air America launched nationally about a year ago and currently has 51 affiliates.
Clear Channel owns 1,200 radio stations, making it the nation's largest radio operator. Clear Channel also owns television stations, outdoor displays and live entertainment venues.
Television star  has signed a contract to join the year-old political network  starting April 1. He says the new deal will not affect his popular television program, which will continue to be produced.  

After initially being carried by only 45 stations nationwide, the host of the long-running syndicated program, '''' will eventually have his radio show heard on all 51 Air America affiliates. The show also is planned to be broadcast by the Sirius and XM satellite radio services. 

Springer said he is committed to making his radio show a success. "Progressive, populist voices need to be a part of our nation's dialogue," Springer said in a press release. "I hope I can make a contribution." 

Although best-known for his low-budget, tongue-in-cheek talk show, Springer does have a political pedigree. He was a Democrat mayor of Cincinnati in 1977 and made a failed bid for governor of Ohio in 1982.