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
Send me some country music stations......PLEASE!!!!
There's one "classic country" station I could do without, and there's a whole slew of modern country to choose from. LOL
Are those his words???
Well, one thing can be stated. In the LA area, KRLA870 has the best overall talk schedule. Laura, Medved, Hewitt, Savage,and other conserv talkers. It is good talk. Rush dominates at KFI but Ken and John are screamers though have some good points. Dr. Laura fits in KFI too. ABC has Bill, Sean, and Larry Elder. It would depend where Sean ends up to see if Talk Radio would be bettered or if ABC's liberal philosophy will dump all the conservatives such as Levin.
Hugh is good but lately he's only doing 2 hrs. Just repeats the 1st hr. He's getting lazy.
I don't know if they are Sean's words or not, but he is hard working and genuine. I also think he speaks to an important market: the youth and new conservatives.
There is a lot to be said for local hosts who care about clean government.
That's right...I forgot...
Sirius Satellite radio is where he will land.
My words... But I challenge anyone to dispute them.
That was some of the best radio I've ever heard in my life. I won't soon forget what he did for us.
He's got a new gig at Air America.
Funny -- that is the same term that came to my mind. Sometimes, when she criticizes someone on the left, she giggles about him the way a girl would at an 8th grade lunch table. She is smart and an excellent debater when she wants to be, though.
I see my joke was lost on you....sigh........
Oh I am sorry many apologies
>>Fortunately, ever since another talk station opened up in my market, Hannity is totally unnecessary.<<
My iPod has made talk radio virtually unnecessary. You get to pick and choose who you hear, when you want to hear them. Cuts out a lot of fluff.
Although Sean is not my favorite host, I wish him well and hope he lands a lucrative spot. I just wish he's quit being so chummy with the enemy, ala "my good friend Lanny Davis."
But I wish you well, Sean.
I wonder if Fox News Talk radio will syndicate him; or there's been speculation
Premiere/Clear Channel (Rush, Beck, etc.) will. This could affect what slot
Sean winds up in (but supposedly Premiere doesn't have anyone in the
3-6 ET slot) and poss. could affect what station carries Sean in your market.
Stay tuned...
>>penchant to hump his books
Other hosts do the same. I've kidded around that they could have an endless loop of Savage saying "Borders language culture buy my books" on and people might not notice the
difference...he (MS) can be good though not my cup of tea.
Hannity can also be good but in Boston he's opposite my fave, Howie Carr (he peddles HIS book, too--cue the ringing cash
register). Sometimes I'll download Hannity's podcast.
Laura I. is entertaining. Not just politics but "the
culture", media bias, etc.
Hannity is surely a lot more passionate than the likes
of ZZZ Franken's fall-asleep radio.
BTT
>>allow liberals
Ingraham also allows liberals on her show and it can be quite entertaining. She had a guy on yesterday talking about affirmative action and posed him several questions which he totally ignored. What's your background like, what was it like growing up? Are you for reparations? Will you admit you
flashed a knife at a debate?
He TOTALLY ignored them despite Laura's patience with him.
Finally she told him to, well, as Levin would say, GET OFF THE PHONE YOU BIG DOPE. Not the first time. Liberals won't
answer direct questions--in fact they just keep talking and talking while the host has them "potted down".
For the record, the guy called Laura back and told her
producer she was a "wimp".
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.