The New York Times reports that Cumulus Media Networks will launch a new syndicated talk show hosted by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to debut on April 2.
The show will air live weekdays from 12pm to 3pm in the timeslot that is also home to Rush Limbaugh. The move gives Cumulus an in-house option to take on incumbent Talk stations in that timeslot or to have another choice in place should a situation similar to what happened in San Francisco earlier this year where Clear Channel moved Limbaugh off of Cumulus’ 560 KSFO and onto their own 910 KKSF.
MattParker
If Clear Channel decides to do talk on FM and pulls Rush off 1210 AM, this probably gives them a better alternative than Neal Boortz.
Word is that Delmarva is not happy with WDEL’s performance in ratings or billings with local talk (against Clear Channel’s syndicated talkers) and has been wanting other options. Supposedly the only thing holding them back is a viable contender to go against Rush.
Where things get really interesting is Cumulus’ WABC, New York, which currently carries Rush. Also WJR, Detroit, which has seen numbers slipping in recent years.