Posted on 09/15/2006 2:24:28 AM PDT by pookie18
With One High Profile Name Leading The Way, A Significant Post-Merger Exodus Looks Increasingly Likely At ABC Radio.
As you may know, the rumor mill has been in overdrive for months. And now, it appears there is substance behind the chatter. Radio's story of the year, what will happen when Citadel finally merges its operations with that of ABC Radio, seems at last to be taking shape.
And right out of the gate, we have an earthquake: news that Sean Hannity is extremely likely to leave ABC Radio Networks, as soon as it is contractually possible.
That means Hannity, one of the country's most important talk show hosts, would be free of the combined operation as soon as one year from its completion date. Or, by mutual agreement, it could happen even earlier.
Either way, it's a near certainty that the conservative talker and FOX News Channel television host will be moving his base of radio operations somewhere else.
In addition, there are strong indications that a number of additional hosts and managers may also depart Citadel's ABC operation, some by choice and others due to the company's change of direction. Since contractual dates and terms differ, however, exits could be spread out gradually, rather than as one sudden exodus.
One outside source sympathetic to the plight of ABC's staffers told me they have a right to be paranoid: "...there have been many unhappy faces around the ABC watercooler, fearing that Citadel will make the kind of changes that will thwart their efforts of making good radio. Most industry personnel would be nervous at the thought of a takeover, but the ABC staffers, most of whom have been there for many years, have valid concerns," according to the observer.
Which side?
According to insiders with knowledge of the situation, the issue apparently isn't one of unhappiness by Hannity, the indications of dissatisfaction are instead coming from Citadel's side of the fence.
What are they and why is Hannity one of the first to potentially depart? One issue could be ratings: Sean's have been a mixed bag across the country this year, strong in some places, weak in others.
But the same could be said about Rush and almost every other syndicated political talker. Clearly, the market is saturated with far too many of them. Many firms have signed up talent seemingly without regard for audience demand and there simply aren’t enough stations for all of them.
With hot election year contests now underway, however, the fall book should show gains almost across the board. Already, we've seen some unusually heated primary battles in key races, which gave talkers an early dose of excitement to pick apart.
But there's simply no denying that talk radio, particularly on the syndicated side, is in a slump. Beyond the low-hanging fruit that emerges when big things happen, picking compelling topics the rest of the time is a challenge. Increasingly, creativity has gone out the window, making way for news event- driven talk. That approach makes generating consistent ratings growth difficult.
Another theory behind Hannity’s departure is that it could simply represent a philosophy shift by ABC's incoming owners. Another source has told me that Citadel is likely to favor more local talk on ABC's stations than has been the case recently, particularly on stations as large as WABC in New York City.
An obvious way to increase local programming would be to add it during the afternoon drive timeslot, a place Sean occupies on the East Coast. That means that Hannity may not just be looking for a new syndicator, but also new affiliates in some or all of ABC's markets.
Also, the mixed track record of ABC's owned-and-operated news/talk stations can't be ignored. While some continue to dominate their local ratings, others have been troubled for years, seemingly without much attention paid by the company. Why did they allow KABC in Los Angeles to slowly deteriorate over time? As hard as it may be to remember now, at one time there was actually a horse race between KFI and KABC, but the latter lost the fight long ago.
Lastly, the elephant in the room is painted green. It could NOT be said that Citadel has a history of paying top-dollar for air talent, in fact the situation has been quite the opposite, compared to other firms. It's very possible that some of ABC's talkers (and managers) are simply making more than Citadel is willing to accept, particularly with a declining ratings and revenue picture.
We'll be keeping track of every merger development here at Inside Radio
I wonder if Levin will also leave and go with Hannity?
Hopefully it will be Rush, Hannity and Levin to Fox News radio. That's would be an excellent 9 hours of talk radio from noon to 9pm each day.
They're bailing out of WLS in Chicago too (Steve Scott and Cisco Cotto). I must say that over the years I've found ABC Radio News to be the closest thing to propaganda in terms of political news. Citadel should purge that unit entirely and start from scratch.
Not even sure if Sean is leaving. Guess it depends on the reliability of the sources. BTW, Mark's my favorite talk-show host.
It sure is. Whenever their news comes on, I turn down the volume. They are so obviously biased that I refuse to listen to them.
Did I read that right? Hannity to leave talk radio?! Wahooo! (I know, he isn't, but I can dream, can't I?) I used to love listening to him, but that ended a couple years ago. Anyway, I really wish Laura Ingraham would move into his spot right behind Rush.
That may be due in part to the fact that not all stations carry Hannity live, in favor of established local content that people know and like. WLS in Chicago is but one example.
Even if the sources are correct, I doubt he'd be leaving "talk radio"...
For content and analysis, you can't beat Hugh Hewitt. Your guys are good, I know.
ABC Radio at one time many years ago had the best top of the hour news on the radio dial. Those days are gone because the left winged media has made no bones about the fact of their ideological bend.
I don't care for ABC Radio's top of the hour newscasts anymore, because of the blatant bias. I used to get a lot out of them in the 4 or 5 minutes they ran.
The only benefit I get from ABC is Paul Harvey, who after all these years, is still funny, informative and entertaining.
I doubt it too. He's just going somewhere else.
I agree, Hugh is one of the best nationally syndicated hosts out there today.
All the nationally syndicated conservative talk show hosts on OUR team/side each have their own strengths and unique styles. As a group they compliment each other well and they are a huge plus of the side of freedom & liberty, our military and America.
I doubt Hannity will be showing up on FOX News Talk, Spencer Hughes owns that time slot.
I also either switch to music or another channel (Salem network) for top of the hour news.
Hannity is second only to Rush among talk listeners...if he were to move to Fox News/Talk syndication, I'm sure they'd
put him in that 3-6 slot if he wanted it... but who knows.
I spread the word to radio boards and Hannity's own gen.
interest board.
The only local station here (FM country music station) is a USA Radio Network affiliate. I do listen to their news, as well as the statewide news and weather which is satellite delivered to stations across Montana. Other than that, I'm pretty much listening to either XM satellite or talk stations on the 'net.
Frankly, Hannity's radio show was getting a little stale,anyway. I look forward to seeing who Promise-Keeper-Program-Director Phil Boyce finds for the evening drive time on WABC. I would love to hear Hugh Hewitt in New York.
Rush has no plans to go via XM or Sirius, because he's said time and again when the subject has come up on Open Line Friday that he's committed to the terrestrial AM/FM stations that put him where he's at today. He's got more listeners now, than XM or Sirius have subscribers. It'll be tough for Hannity to find a lucrative timeslot on FOX News Talk.
Sean is already LIVE on the Fox News radio station here in northern Colorado, KCOL 600am. He follows Rush Limbaugh on this station. Later in the evening they carry Alan Colmes' Fox News radio show.
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