‘Al Franken Show’ no longer a ‘Factor’

NEW YORK —  Al Franken’s radio show, “The O’Franken Factor,” is changing its name to “The Al Franken Show.”

The new, more typical, show name was chosen over candidates such as “The O’Limbaugh Factor” and “The O’President Bush Factor,” Franken said in a statement.

Franken’s daily three-hour show on the liberal talk radio network Air America Radio was dubbed “The O’Franken Factor” in a jab at the conservative Fox News Channel host Bill O’Reilly.

The 53-year-old comedian said he’s changing the name because “no matter how hard we tried, Bill O’Reilly wouldn’t sue us.”

O’Reilly had no comment.

Last year, a judge threw out Fox’s request to ban Franken from using the slogan “Fair and Balanced” on the cover of his book, “Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right.” The ruling turned into a bonanza of publicity for Franken.

Air America Radio is betting that a menu of left-leaning political commentary, current affairs talk and satire will resonate with those opposed to the Bush administration.

The network, which debuted March 31, is heard in 15 markets but not in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago or San Francisco. It can be heard on the Web at www.airamericaradio.com.