Entercom Talk 680 WRKO Boston has unveiled a new programming lineup.
Rush Limbaugh, who had been heard on Clear Channel’s “Talk 1200” WXKS for the past few years will move back to WRKO on Monday, August 20. Current Midday host Michelle McPhee moves to mornings to join incumbent Todd Feinburg. The move follows WRKO picking up the option on afternoon host Howie Carr’s contact last week.
Washington Times columnist Jeff Kuhner joins the station to host an hour long program from 11am to 12pm leading into Limbaugh. Coast to Coast with George Noory returns from 1200 as well for overnights. “The Financial Exchange” with Barry Armstrong remains from 9am to 11am.
The future of “Talk 1200” is very much in question. In addition to Limbaugh and Noory moving back to WRKO, both local hosts are out at the station. Morning host Jeff Katz, afternoon host Jay Severin, and all their support staffs have been let go. America Now with Andy Dean takes over the morning slot for now and Sean Hannity moves into the afternoon slot for now.
Clear Channel had moved Limbaugh from WRKO to 1200 in April 2010 in order to launch “Rush Radio 1200“. Despite rebranding as “Talk 1200” the station failed to gain any traction in the market against WRKO, Greater Media’s 96.9 WTKK, and CBS’ 1030 WBZ.
Well, with CBS set to evict Fox Sports Radio from WBZ-FM this January (you know, with that whole “CBS Sports Radio” deal), it might as well be in 1200’s best interests just to become a 24/7 FSR outlet. Not for ratings, but for ad clears and so Premiere can boast on having an affil for Dan Patrick and Jim Rome.
1200 will lose Coast to Coast AM back to WRKO at the same time. Guess they probably will run under the radar with 12-hour marathons of Andy Dean or Hannity until January 1st. Or they simply plug in Jim Rome when Rush leaves, and start the transition that way.
Highly doubt Clear Channel will use 1200 just to get a Fox Sports Radio clearance. That hasn’t been their MO. In addition to 850 going to ESPN Radio another station looks like it soon will be flipping to Sports to clear a new network.
With Premiere again getting syndication fees from Entercom they collect money there while still providing clearances for Beck, Hannity, and Mark Levin on 1200 if they decide to keep the current format going in its new form. Otherwise perhaps they can add hosts along the likes heard on 960 KNEW San Francisco which airs Beck, Dave Ramsey, and a number of liberal talkers.