With his upcoming departure from Cumulus owned stations, Sean Hannity has signed a long-term extension with Clear Channel and its Premiere Radio Networks.
While no station clearances were announced, the deal will see Hannity added on additional Clear Channel Talk stations, while being bumped to a live clearance on others that currently air him outside his 3-6pm Eastern live feed.
Full details from the release follow:
Premiere Networks, the number one audio network in the U.S., today announced a long-term agreement with iconic radio talk show host Sean Hannity to renew and extend his relationship with the company. Under the new agreement, The Sean Hannity Show will expand to additional major market Clear Channel Talk stations as well as non-Clear Channel stations in 2014. Details regarding station clearances will be announced at a later date.
The program will also move from delayed status to live on some of its existing Clear Channel affiliates, providing listeners with up-to-the-minute programming and real-time news and information. In addition, Hannity will participate in key live events, touring and iHeartRadio Talk, the first mass market focused audio platform to offer on-demand listener-created talk content side by side with established personalities, celebrities and shows.
Hannity is the second most-listened-to radio talk show host in America with nearly 13 million weekly listeners. Celebrating 12 years in national syndication this month, The Sean Hannity Show experienced double-digit audience growth (+11%) from 2011 to 2012 with listeners age 12+. In addition, Hannity is the No. 1 ranked Talk format radio personality in New York with Persons 12+ (Sources: Arbitron, Nationwide, FA’11 to FA’12, Exact Times, AQH, P 12+; Arbitron, PPM August 2013, P12+).
“We’re really excited to be able to expand our relationship with Sean, one of the greatest talk radio talents in the country,” said John Hogan, Chairman and CEO, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. “Sean continues to be one of the most successful radio personalities in both ratings and delivering results for advertisers, and his provocative show has seen significant growth. His blend of intelligence, passion and integrity is what makes him such a successful broadcaster and important asset to radio. We expect this new distribution plan to offer even more exposure and growth for The Sean Hannity Show.”
“Renewing and expanding our relationship with Sean is another great example of how we continue to partner with industry-leading talent,” stated Julie Talbott, President of Content and Affiliate Services for National Media Groups, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. “Talk format listeners are extremely devoted, and as big believers in this format, we’re continuing to invest in it. We also understand the importance of digital media and the potential of The Talk format for that platform, and we continue to innovate on that front as well, reaching our listeners and Sean fans no matter where they are.”
“From the very first day I went on the air in 1986, and that red light went on, I have been in love with radio,” stated Hannity. “That love has grown every day since. I am extremely appreciative and grateful for the opportunity to do what I love every day. Premiere has been an incredibly supportive partner and a huge part of the show’s success. I look forward to some amazing announcements to come, and the opportunity to continue a dialogue on the issues of the day with the single greatest audience in radio.”
Heard on more than 500 affiliates nationwide, The Sean Hannity Show will continue to broadcast live from 3 – 6 p.m. ET, and can also be heard via live streams on station websites and via iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s rapidly growing digital radio service that is available across all major platforms including web, mobile, tablets, automotive, television and gaming devices.
