Air America, the progressive radio network that had only this year debuted in Washington and moved into facilities on Idaho Ave., announced today that it will cease all broadcast operations as of this afternoon, in anticipation of a forthcoming Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. In a memorandum to Air America staff this afternoon, Chairman Charlie Kireker blamed the “very difficult economic environment” for the demise of Air America, noting that a “painstaking search for new investors has come close several times right up into this week, but ultimately fell short of success.” Starting at 6 p.m. EST today, Air America will provide its affiliates a selection of encore programming until 9 p.m. EST on Monday, Jan. 25, at which time “Air America programming will end.”