WBAL Baltimore has pre-empted Rush's Show

10/14/03 | GreggthePundit

[MHT]

I find it just the opposite. Sullivan did a surprisingly good job yesterday (which I didn't expect) while I am quite tired of Williams' constant discussion about smokers' rights and Hedgecock is just plain boring. Too bad Sean can't do both shows, or even someone like Larry Kudlow.

[sinkspur]

If 50% of that audience remains after 30 days, I'll be amazed - in which case, stations will abandon him in droves.

You actually think half of Rush's audience will abandon his show?

With all due respect, that's delusional. I'd bet large coin that Rush will lose NO MORE than 10-15% of his audience.

After all, who else is there to compete with him?

[jps098]

Prepare to be amazed. One time Rush was gone 2 weeks and his ratings dropped less than 8% in three local markets I know of.

[Mike Darancette]

The only way Rush loses out is if the quality of his show drops off on his return.

I heard Jonathan Alter on TV say that when Rush comes back on he will have to be more "balanced" and "fair" if he wants to keep his audience.

Me thinks that this is wishful thinking on the part of the left, Rush didn't get on top by being balanced and fair and I imagine that he will come back with a fire in the belly against the RATS and Libs. Look for more updates and stuff like the old days.

[Gopher Broke]

Use this link to contact them:

news@wbal.com

[Libertarianize the GOP]

Rush's old Station pulled that kind of a stupid stunt, fortunately he just moved his program to a new and better station.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

The bleeding has already started. I was listening to the Laura Ingraham show this morning on one of my local Christian stations. During the break, they cued up Rush's theme music, and an announcer voiced over their support for Rush going to drug rehab for his addiction. The announcer then invited listeners to the lineup on this station - Ingraham, Prager, Dave Ramsey and Medved. It was very obvious.

This isn't going to be like Rush taking a vacation, this one is different.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

I forgot to add the most important fact - Limbaugh is on a competing station.

[dfwgator]

My guess is that Rush's ratings will be higher than ever when he returns. Everyone is going to tune in the first day back. He will probably devote that first show back to talking about his experiences, but he will vow after that show, to not say anything about it again. He will be more on fire than ever, he will not apologize for anything. Just because we all fall short, doesn't mean that the ideals are wrong. Rush especially knows now the reason why being an addict sucks, and why it is wrong to have policies that will only lead more people down that path. Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

[dfwgator]

My guess is that Rush's ratings will be higher than ever when he returns. Everyone is going to tune in the first day back. He will probably devote that first show back to talking about his experiences, but he will vow after that show, to not say anything about it again. He will be more on fire than ever, he will not apologize for anything. Just because we all fall short, doesn't mean that the ideals are wrong. Rush especially knows now the reason why being an addict sucks, and why it is wrong to have policies that will only lead more people down that path. Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

According to anybody I ever knew who had anything to say about how to successfully deal with this problem, the most important things are:

1. Recognizing that your motivation for getting the habit is meaningless, and that a well heeled prescription medication addict is no different from the skankiest crack whore - and each has the same demons to overcome.

2. That sincere repentance and an honest self appraisal include letting those most affected by your actions know that you recognize that your addiction is your fault.

3. Be willing to move on with life, aware of your addiction, yet not shedding feelings of remorse and shame.

He has, by his own admission, been through two short stints which didn't take. Thirty days is mighty short, and he will have to follow through with further activity, NA being an important component.

Were he to take the path you mentioned, he'd fail miserably.

[general_re]

...a well heeled prescription medication addict is no different from the skankiest crack whore...

In terms of the motivation - getting off - it's the same for Rush gobbling down the Vicodin, or whatever his particular taste was, as it is for the skanky crack whore who hits the pipe, but let's also be realistic - Rush has, fortunately for him, options that a lot of people don't. Rush gets to go the Betty Ford clinic, whereas skanky crack whores tend to kick the habit around the same time that they die in puddles of their own blood and feces.

[proust]

"My guess is that Rush's ratings will be higher than ever when he returns. Everyone is going to tune in the first day back. "

But that isn't how radio ratings work. Ratings come in quarterly books for radio. A single day spike means little to advertisers. Rush taking an entire month off pretty much meant conceding an entire ratings book, as the momentum with advertisers will have to be built up all over again.. a slow process. This station is just trying to salvage the quarter.

[hattend]

Tom Sullivan isn't bad. I listened to his show all the time when I lived in Sacramento.

Walter Williams little throat tick (ahem) drives me nuts.

[hattend]

Tom Sullivan isn't bad. I listened to his show all the time when I lived in Sacramento.

Walter Williams' little throat tick (ahem) drives me nuts.

[CdMGuy]

Well, FYI, Hedgecock has not been in politics for many years. He is a businessman, as well as a radio host here in So Cal. He has been quite successful in private enterprise. If you had the opportunity to listen to his show on a regular basis, you would likely be a big supporter. He does more for the support of military families than anyone I know - real support, such as car repairs, housing, food, etc. Plus, he worked hard in support of the Davis recall petitions, and many other conservative causes both in San Diego and throughout the state. Lastly, he has a great sense of humor.

[Dave S]

If Rush loses 50% or his audience, he will still be the biggest hitter in the line-up.

If his audience drops off 50% in his absence, only a fool would continue to pay the came cost per thousand listeners for advertising on that show. If they cant sell advertising at the prices that they need to show a profit on the program, they will stop buying it. I imagine they will pick it up when Rush returns and I doubt Rush can drop a station for not sticking with him during his absence...after all he committed to being there and it was his fault he was unbable to keep his commitment.

[ILBBACH]

Evidently, there isn't a demand for the rest of the "replacements".

I agree...I don't feel the need to listen to Sullivan or Hedgecock, but I LOVE Williams! I will listen to him as loyally as I do Rush!

[Travis McGee]

It's just business, and Tom Sullivan puts me to sleep.

[mhking]

From WBAL.com:

During Rush Limbaugh's absense, WBAL Radio will air extended editions of the Chip Franklin Show (9AM - 1:30PM) and the Ron Smith Show (1:30PM - 6PM). WBAL Radio will broadcast the Rush Limbaugh show again as soon as Rush returns to the mic.

The Rush Limbaugh Show can be heard overnight on WBAL (1AM - 4AM), and on the Internet at the following websites.

-- rushlimbaugh.com
-- WABC Radio

Just damn.

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