Posted on 11/25/2009 9:31:30 AM PST by raccoonradio
Curtis Sliwa, for 18 years one of the most recognizable and persistent voices on WABC (770 AM), is leaving the station.
WABC Tuesday announced that as of Monday, John Batchelor will begin hosting the 9 p.m.-1 a.m. weeknight slot that Sliwa had been holding down.
Sliwa, also known as the founder of the Guardian Angels, confirmed Tuesday that "WABC and I were not able to agree on an extension of my contract."
Concerning reports that he is talking with WNYM (970 AM), "The Apple," Sliwa said, "nothing is signed."
For now, he said, he will continue to broadcast nightly from the WABC studios to out-of-town affiliate stations that carry his show.
"That's my due diligence now," he said. "Then we'll see what happens."
Sliwa has hosted every shift on WABC, including mornings with his ex-wife, Lisa. His willingness to step into any slot at any time led to a running gag that WABC stood for "Always Broadcasting Curtis."
Batchelor, who will be heard seven nights a week, focuses on global issues. His weekend show is syndicated, and the expectation is that WABC's parent, Citadel, would like to do the same with the weeknight show.
Ping to Batchelor fans.
Curtis Sliwa wid da freaky deaky, the urge to merge the AM wid the FM, and the Mob update, liars for hire—oofah to that!
WTKK Boston (96.9 Boston Talks) had hired him to do a nightly show emanating from studios in NY but Curtis’ people managed to put together a nationally syndicated show that included Boston, NY, LA,
Balt./Wash and many other cities.
Wonder how many stations might pick up Batchelor? He used to do a syndicated show with Paul Alexander that WRKO Boston,
for one, had picked up.
I remember Curtis would fill in for Hannity and he’d refer to Kuby and say “whose mommy is a Commie” :)
We’ve listened to both; hope Curtis lands on his feet soon, and am pretty sure he will.
What was it Batchelor said/did a few months ago that was so non-conservative it caused quite a flap at the time? For the life of me, I can’t remember, just recall being so disappointed in him.
Batchelor can be heard on Saturday night in the time slot Monica Crowley held. I much prefer Monica.
What about a blast from the past: Lynn Samuels and Curtis Sliwa or try a new figure: Nat Hentoff?
I would cut my own head off with a RUSTY SPOON, than listen to Lynn Samuels... that voice is just ... PAINFULL
Good. Sliwa is the asshole who would make it a point to make fun of conservatives and their philosophy.
I quit listening to WABC as a result. Batchelor, though, is not the same kind of person, so I shall return.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.