Posted on 04/28/2006 12:33:05 AM PDT by raccoonradio
Local progressive talk format to launch August 31st. Radio Business Report:
Quote:
Randy gets a New York stick Former Clear Channel Radio CEO Randy Michaels is set to return to operating a major market radio station. RBR has learned that Michaels will take over programming of WLIB-AM New York when Air America Radio's current LMA expires August 31st. The station will continue to have a Progressive Talk format, but Michaels will replace Air America's network programming with a series of new local talk shows with a liberal bent. Michael's deal with licensee Inner City Broadcasting won't be an LMA, but rather a joint venture.
RBR observation: This isn't about politics, but rather business. WLIB's programming will remain on the left. But Inner City sees more upside from putting local programming on the air in the nation's largest market. The question now is whether Air America will be able to find a new flagship station for its network in New York. That won't be easy. --------------------- Is the new and improved WLIB going to be all local, all the time with nothing from AAR? That might be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
And what about Big Eddie Schultz? Michaels owns and distributes the show. Would be strange for him not to clear Schultz in the number one market given this opportunity.
Stay tuned.
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