>>Michael Smerconish will replace Limbaugh on WPHT, Philadelphia’s midday schedule.
Did CBS initiate the move? TRI hears CBS considered the Premiere contract renewal, with its inventory requirements and cash payments, and decided to let Rush go. That frees up the early afternoon “Rush slot” for hometown son Michael Smerconish. His Dial Global-syndicated show can now air live, starting at noon. Remember last week’s TRI speculation that Merlin Media would go talk on its newly-acquired WKDN, Camden (106.9), not all-news? And that Limbaugh’s deal was up very soon on WPHT (1210)? The pieces appear to be fitting into place on the chessboard. Last night, the New York Times mentioned the story from Radio-Info.com, about Rush leaving WPHT and potentially relocating to Merlin. >>The Times quoted a CBS release saying that Premiere “recently notified WPHT they will be syndicating Rush Limbaugh on a new station in Philadelphia.” (Probably both sides, CBS and Premiere/Merlin, are going to feel they made the first move with Rush.) It appears Merlin will present an Al Gardner-hosted morning show on WKDN, followed by Glenn Beck (previously dropped by WPHT), Limbaugh, then Sean Hannity (also not currently in the market). Plenty of yakking about talk radio on the Philadelphia Board of Radio-Info.com.