Posted on 06/10/2008 12:21:39 AM PDT by 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.
>>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.
So if Sean leaves, WABC would have Imus, Laura, Rush,
Curtis Sliwa, Levin...etc. IF...
Whatever happens, I hope they resolve it quickly. I can’t listen to Tammy Bruce and can only barely stand Monica Crowley. Jed Babbin, OTOH, is a consummate pro with a magnificent radio voice. But I want my Laura!
I’m glad it’s not her health. I was afraid that was going to be the story.
Hannity could be leaving? Oh please let it be true! I can’t believe anyone who sucks so bad could rise so high. Hannity is the Sheryl Crow of talk radio.
I agree. That fake laugh of his makes me ill.
But. The womens sure like him. (blech!)
In my opinion she would clean Hannitys clock ,I for one would never listen to Hannity if Laura was opposite him ,he makes my hair hurt
Why? Tammy Bruce usually knows what she's talking and about.
I’d love to know what Hannity’s instructions to his call screener(s) are. I’d bet they include giving preference to any air-headed ditz that comes along, as long as they tell him how cute he is.
Hannity is SOOOO BBAAADDDD! that he has the Idiot, Alan Colmes, on just to improve his image by comparison. Does he really care about Our Country? I sincerely have my doubts. He focuses on inane trivia and misses the giant issues. Sean Hannity isn’t worthy of cleaning Rush’e Grill after one of Rush’s Allen Bros’s Steak Barbecues! Gosh, those steaks are Wonderful!
The only good thing about Hannity is that he is a broken record.
He’s gonna hammer Obama with Rev. Wright, Ayers, Pleger , etc from now until election day. No concern about him getting off point. I can’t listen to him on the radio, but on H&C it’s not as bad. i get a good chuckle out of him asking the same exact question to every single guest every night of the week.
Everyone has their place, Sean’s doing just fine in his
I like the subs and the guests she interviews way more than her..
ping
....then change the channel, pretty simple.
But then where will Charlie Rangel (Hannity’s good friend and great American) go to be heard on the air?
I agree - I like Laura when she stays on track and controls her tendency to babble, but too often she talks over guests and babbles about way too much personal stuff. I’m sorry Laura, but I don’t listen to hear all your personal stuff - if I tune in I want to hear thoughtful discussions of important issues, period.
Haven’t listened to her much in a looonnngggg time.
I think Sean is good for the “new to politics” crowd. We here at FR are far more informed
than most, regarding the daily news and politics. That could be the reason he sounds so juvenile.
I'm not a Hannity fan by any stretch, but he does seem to explain things to the
18 - 30 year old crowd in a way they can get it.
Just an observation from a listener
Money talks: maybe Laura’s playing hardball.
for later
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