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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
What I have heard of WELI in New Haven is outstanding. Great lineup (except I don't think they have Mark Levin), Fox News updates on the half hour. Even their traffic reports are excellent. I just wish WELI came in clearer up here...
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Did I read that right?
Hannity to leave talk radio?
****
Who holding you hostage to listen?
Doesn't your radio have a dial?
I really enjoy Hugh Hewitt...when he's on. Is it just me or does he take more days "off" than any other talk show host?
That's the only good thing about the show.
I agree on some of what you said
I think Sean has gotten in a rut!
I don't think he sounds so preachy lately and I know he can do better.
He needs to stop writting books and traveling all over the place just do his Freedom ralley each year and spend more time doing home work for freash eye on things!
IMHO
I think he tried to do too many things at one time and it took away from a quality show!
He should do shows on location for special things like borders etc.
But these book tours really cost in quality of the show!
One needs to balance so he gets rejubinated.
Should take brakes to make folks want you back and not over load his schedule, take time for family.
Hugh is tops when it comes to being gone.
...and he'd thank them for being on the show
**
I stopped listening because of all the time he would give to clintonistas such as Lanny Davis, and then he would refer to them as "our good friend".
I wish I had a little diversity on the evening drive though. The only thing I get besides Sean is McEnrow, Ellis Hennican, and Randi Rhodes. What a choice.
I am not a regular listener but heard his exchange with "Marty" Friday evening where he thanked him for his 10 years of devoted listening and wasn't sure why Marty was congratulating him. Is it official?
bttt
Don't forget his dear friend Chucky Schumer.
Ann Compton is a hysterical hack. I turn off the sound until she's gone. Doom and gloom is right
Thanks for the ping!
I've heard him repeat interviews from hour 1, but not the whole hour.
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