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
The current hyperlink in your post is dead. The best bet is to discard the closed parenthesis at the end of the link to get a true "John Batchelor" connection.
Sean Hannity is decent and his intentions are definitely good. Mark Levin immediately afterwards is truly outstanding. I was wondering why they had late rebroadcasts of Laura Ingraham's wonderful show rather than the familiar John Batchelor at 9:00 p.m...who strikes me as a very intelligent man.
~ Blue Jays ~
Enjoyed John's show & hope he surfaces at a time & place where I can hear him...
You didn't bother to read my entire post. I'm talking about 2 years ago.
If dull, stale and boring is your kind of radio, I salute you. I'm not worthy.
Sean needs to own the show and use a syndicator to manage it. He'll make more money and nobody can tell him what to do.
Now THAT would be a nice line-up.
I usually listen to Levin, right after Savage on kfmb960, evenings, 10-12.
I like Boortz. I listen to him on the live web also, and from that same station, comes Rush, plus it's a FOX News Radio affiliate.
Air America??(sarcasm, and yet...) 8^)
Never. I know that a few minutes of commercials a few times an hour pays for the airtime and many great guests that Sean has on all the time. It's worth it.
"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."
I don't listen to network news at all. Down in San Anton we have Fox which is so much better.
I really like Spencer. As soon as Rush is over we change to XM and Fox talk.
You get him on delay, but at least you get him ;-) I get him live (6-8 pm) on WABC.
and your a great american.........stale and predictable
"You're a Great American" line was fine when used in a tongue and cheek way by Bill Cunningham @ WLW. Hannity's consistent exchanges with nearly every caller ("awww shucks. No. You're a great American" - please insert the voice of Wally Cleaver) has to be the most cornball Howdy Doody-ish radio on the dial.
I'd rather exercise my mind a bit and just listen to Rush. ;)
LOL You need to get to know me better. I hate to boast, but your certainly not talking about me.
Ah, nevermind, I didn't realize you were talking about Hannity. Yep, he uses that line alot. Tiresome. He can have the worst brand of liberal on his show and still call them a great American. Turns my stomach.
For my money, Rush, Laura Ingraham and Monica Crowley are the best conservative talk show hosts: intelligent, informative, witty, and entertaining. I haven't heard much of Hugh Hewitt, but I like his writing and will be listening to him on podcast.
Given that I work during the day, I rarely get more than snatches of Rush live, but I find subscribing to Rush 24/7 and listening to podcasts (which don't have commercials, last around 35 min for each 'hour' of the show, and are hence well worth paying for) to be the best way to stay up with it.
I think I heard Mr. Hannity has written a book.
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