Replies

That's the New York metro area, the largest radio market in the country. Phil Boyce, program director of WABC, Rush's flagship station said it best back in April, when everyone was buzzing about Franken "beating" Limbaugh. As Mr. Boyce noted: "I'll congratulate them (Air America) if they're still ahead when the final numbers come in." Boyce (like any experienced radio programmer) knew that Franken would fade, once the initial flurry of publicity subsided.

A couple of thoughts: first, the liberal press (in particular, the Chicago Tribune) was typically disingenious when they first trumpeted Franken's ratings success. First of all, the numbers they published were preliminary. Secondly, the numbers covered the 10 am-3pm time period, which includes two programs on Air America, and two on WABC (John Gambling III and Rush). It's worth noting that WABC's afternoon programs (Rush and Sean Hannity) are higher-rated than their morning block. Rush does something fairly rare in broadcasting--he increases audience over his lead-in. WABC's average rating is typically a 3.4-3.7; Rush's average rating (according to Drudge) is just under a 5.0--exceptionally strong numbers for a "liberal" market.

In response to your question, Franken's numbers in his "other city" (LA?) are probably lower--he's on an even weaker affiliate in Los Angeles. If you listen closely, you may hear some Carribean music in the background. WLIB programmed that kind of music in Franken's slot before Air America came onboard, and something tells me its about to make a comeback...