Philadelphia's "Big Talker" makes big changes with Smerconish, Beck, Hannity

radio-info.com ^ | 11/18/10 | radio-info.com

[raccoonradio]

First, there's Michael Smerconish, who has been doing seven hours a day of talk radio: mornings for WPHT (1210) and then his Dial Global-syndicated noon-3pm show (Eastern time). As of January, he'll come off of mornings, do a special Philadelphia-only 3-4pm hour for WPHT, then have his Dial Global show broadcast starting at 4pm. Smerconish says "as the new House comes into session and a whole new round of fireworks begins", he wants to focus on his national show, while "maintaining contact with my loyal fans in Philadelphia." Taking over mornings at CBS Radio's WPHT is Chris Stigall, currently hosting 5-9am for Cumulus-owned KCMO-AM (710) in Kansas City. He starts when the new work-year begins, on Monday, January 3. CBS Radio market manager Marc Rayfield says "We searched high and low before offering Chris Stigall mornings." Stigall has guest-hosted for Fred Thompson, Michael Savage, Lou Dobbs, Rusty Humphries and Jerry Doyle, and he was once an intern on the David Letterman show. Smerconish will begin his new routine for WPHT - afternoons - two weeks later, on January 17. He continues his other activities, such as making TV appearances, and writing newspaper columns and books.

More big changes at the Big Talker, though WPHT doesn't highlight them in the release: Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity are off the new 2011 schedule. Taking Beck's 9am-noon slot is the local Dom Giordano, currently 6-10pm. Then comes Rush Limbaugh, noon-3pm, and Smerconish - who replaces Sean Hannity. No announcement yet about nights, which during baseball season often feature the Phillies

[My Favorite Headache]

Hannity is awful. Same 12 guests on every week. Just boring radio.

[surroundedbyblue]

WPGB 104.7 FM

[fatima]

That would be a smart move to switch on 104.5.They mostly do the same music as 102.9.It would be great to have a conservative FM station.

[PennsylvaniaMom]

If we could only get Levin (delayed) it would be perfect:)

Dr. Savage has grown on me.

[surroundedbyblue]

Hahahaha!

I agree. My mom is in Johnstown & they get Levin.

Savage can be a goof sometimes but overall, I get more mental stimulation listening to him than I do watching any mindless B.S. on tv. It’s a shame that people my age (I’m 33) would rather watch the likes of Jersey Shore than listen to someone who makes them think. Then again, that is the reason why we are rapidly losing our republic.

To everyone with an iPod touch or iPhone: I downloaded iHeartradio as an app & I can listen to my Pittsburgh talker on my iPod anywhere in the country. When I go out of town, I don’t have to search for a station that carries Rush or anybody else. It’s great. I think it works for Droid & Blackberry, too, but I’m not sure.

[Williams]

Yes it’s a shame Galagher is weak, nice guy but just doesn’t get it done. Bennett is excellent.

If I leave the radio-alarm on 1210 so it wakes us up with Smerconish, I risk the wife shooting me. Second biggest offense is leaving 610 on and she hears Cataldi asking women “So how big are your breasts?”

Only problem is 910 has a very weak signal compared to the others.

[proud2beconservativeinNJ]

Cannot stand Smerconish a total whining self centered sell out.

The word is Weasel.

Mega Dittoes.

[raccoonradio]

You're right, I forgot about the Hannity arrangement.

Clear Channel has Rush Radio in New Orleans, Boston, and a couple other markets. Boston's WXKS AM 1200 (ironically enough a former Air America station, but now has better signal) carries local host Jeff Katz (formerly in Philly, NC, etc.) then Beck, Rush, Hannity, a replay of one of Rush's hours, Jason Lewis, Mark Levin, Coast to Coast etc. Their ratings aren't all that much yet but they have heavy competition. Had ratings for CC's FMs in Bos., WJMN or WXKS-_FM (kiss 108) been lousy we could have had Rush Radio 94.5 or Rush Radio 107.9. Maybe.

I listened to Rush Radio 99.5 when visiting New Orleans; Hannity is followed there by locally based John Osterlind (known as Ozone at his WRKO Boston days)

True about the FM simulcasts or moves. WGY indeed did start to simulcast on FM. Same in Providence (WPRO), Worcester MA (WTAG) etc

[raccoonradio]

The FM 104.5 in Philly is WRFF

http://www.radio1045.com/main.html

[raccoonradio]

didn’t know if you meant that or the FM talker in Pittsburgh. That is WPGB 104.7

[PennsylvaniaMom]

I<3Radio works on my BlackBerry...its just a battery killer (but that is how I ‘get’ Levin).

33? That makes you a ‘Junior Rosebud’ on the Q/R thread :)

[fml]

I hope not. When not listening to talk that is my station.

[fatima]

I like the Attitude Adjustment on 102.9:)

[surroundedbyblue]

A junior?!?!? That’s cute! I’ll take it!

I listened to Quinn in 1997 when he was on 96.9. Man, we’ve come a long way!