Laura Ingraham Radio Absence Still Mysterious: AWKWARD MOMENTS

Radio Equalizer ^ | 06/09/08 | Brian Maloney

[raccoonradio]

Ingraham Takes Award, Doesn't Explain Radio Silence *** WITH IMPORTANT UPDATED DETAILS ***

Less than a week after her sudden absence from the radio airwaves, syndicated talker Laura Ingraham found herself in a truly awkward position while picking up a radio industry award Saturday evening.

And today, the mystery over her program's fate has only deepened.

During the 2008 New Media Seminar, a talk radio convention held in Manhattan, Ingraham received the "Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions by a Woman to Talk Radio".

Touching on her past accomplishments in talk radio, Ingraham gave a brief speech to attendees, which included your Radio Equalizer. But she had not a word to say about her broadcast disappearing act.

Standing just a few feet away was Talk Radio Network honcho Mark Masters, whose firm syndicates Ingraham. Regardless of any potential conflict that may have emerged between the two parties, neither said anything during the ceremony. Nonetheless, one could feel a certain amount of tension.

During the convention, many attendees approached your Radio Equalizer looking for information about her fate. But the biggest clue to date has come from Ingraham herself, with this note now posted on her website (UPDATE-- it's been removed from the site):

IMPORTANT NOTE TO LAURA LISTENERS

Due to contractual obligations, for the present time I am unable to reveal why I am not currently hosting The Laura Ingraham Show. Rest assured, this absence is not of my choosing, nor is it health or family related. I am ready, willing and eager to continue the conversation we started seven years ago about politics and the culture. (Heck, if cancer couldn't keep me off the airwaves for long, nothing will.)

Keep checking the site for a schedule of my appearances on the Fox News Channel. All queries regarding my on-air status should be directed to Talk Radio Network's management at 541 474 2297 or send an email. Thanks for sticking with me, and...Power to the People!

Earlier this evening, your Radio Equalizer contacted a reliable industry source who backed up Ingraham's version of events. Discounting earlier rumors that Laura had abandoned her own show, possibly to take a Fox News Channel slot, the insider said "she didn't walk off anything".

As to the reason for the possible lockout by her network, others speculate it's related to rumors she's been shopping her program to other syndicators in advance of her contract's upcoming expiry date.

Stay tuned for further details.

UPDATE: according to an industry source, Ingraham may have brought some of her troubles upon herself by possibly violating the terms of her contract: "Laura was 'locked out' because she's been negotiating secretly with individual Citadel-ABC program directors to get on their stations in the event they lose Sean Hannity. She's looking to make $4 million a year, far more than her show currently generates in terms of revenue.

"She was operating behind the back of Mark Masters and the Citadel-ABC people have been talking to her. She does not want to quit radio, quite the contrary. She really wants TV, too," said the insider.

Ingraham is apparently looking to move her show into a live midmorning slot on key ABC talk stations should Hannity leave the company, as many expect. This scenario would see hosts from WABC, WMAL/ Washington and WBAP/ Dallas slide into afternoon drive slots.

[Heavy Fuel]

I love Laura, but Monica is better on the political scene..I dont think there is a more intelligent woman that MC anywhere

[Sun]

Each week that Laura is off the radio, we all lose.

Laura is great for the entire U.S.A..