Not that it matters to us, but Sean Hannity leaving ABC Networks?

[DainBramaged]

Typing his name makes me want to spit up.
http://insideradio.com/pdheadlines.asp?phid=449931&PT=Today%27s+Top

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.

[Erika]

1. Who cares about ABC

I haven't tuned or clicked into them since their 9/11 debachle.

[samsingh]

2. i'm with you.

[calimary]

3. Well, well, well. His ratings are spotty and he costs too much.

How 'bout that?

Always thought he was overrated. He once took out ads for himself in one of the radio trades, touting himself as "the most talked-about talk show host in college radio." Well, I was in college radio for a long time myself. I got my start there, and maintained a connection to it. And I'd never heard of the guy.

I still know (and like) people at ABC Radio. I hope they're okay. Him I don't give squat for. His departure will be doing a whole lot of people a favor. But the others, those toiling in the back of the vineyard while this putz hogs the heat and most of the money, my concern is for them. Some of 'em I still count as good friends.

[Swamp Rat]

4. ABC who?

[DainBramaged]

5. ABC Radio, WABC in NY is the flagship of the Network

never mind. He'll be going off in NY if the purchase is completed. Then the Thuglies will go batshit without the daily dose in drivetime.

http://www.citadelbroadcasting.com/

and sone of the board members

Sandra J. Horbach has been a Director since 2001. Ms. Horbach is a Managing Director and Head of the Consumer/Retail Group at The Carlyle Group.

Charles P. Rose, Jr. has been a director since 2003. Mr. Rose currently serves as executive producer, executive editor and host of Charlie Rose, a nightly one-hour interview program on the PBS television network which premiered in 1991

Katherine Brown has been a director since 2004. Ms. Brown was a Senior Vice President at Time Warner Inc. responsible for mergers and acquisitions until March 31, 2006. She joined Time Warner in September 2001 from Citigroup where she was a Managing Director in the M&A department.

[KharmaTrain]

6. More Radio Fun...

I have a feeling Rupert will set up a radio network for InSannity...he already has one for sports and "news" :barf:

The ABC/Citadel deal has taken well over a year...compared to earlier mergers that took weeks. It's been a slow death as ABC and Citadel try to hammer out the final prices on some pricey radio properties and a bunch of not so pricey ones. The fun in this game has been as the negotiations go on both companies continue to lose money in this venture which has hung up closing the deal. The endgame is cutting budgets and tightening belts. Many ABC Radio managers have jumped ship and Citadel is sure to streamline a lot of these operations once the deal is done. ABC Radio enjoyed a lot of stability and now a lot of experienced and talented people (that doesn't include Hannity) are being shown the door. It's similar to what we're seeing at AAR.

Radio appears to be heading into a critical max time. It's been losing money for a long time and the future doesn't look very bright. Think of what happened with airline "deregulation"...it resulted in worse service and poor quality control. Radio's proven this model again.

What we're seeing is the first dance steps on the Titanic. I expect January to be a real bloody month unless some miracle happens that turns around the economy and frees up a ton of cash for broadcast advertising. I'll bet a bright shiny dime that's not gonna happen.

In the meantime...get some :popcorn: and stay tuned...

[DainBramaged]

7. Turmoil on Reich-wing radio, I love it.

I still do not understand Citidel and what their broadcast model is.

[KharmaTrain]

9. What Other Model Is There?

Money...and lots of it. They're spending billions for these radio stations and they need instant return. If its Hate Radio or playing Punk Country Gospel or Farting into a mike, that's what they'll do.

[LTR]

8. There was a thread about it yesterday

Don't hold your breath. The article was written by Brian Maloney, aka The Radio Equalizer. He's known to write some pretty interesting fan fiction.

I'm just shocked he wrote all those paragraphs without mentioning Air America or Gloria Wise.