David G. Hall to KABC

[OCradiodude]

He is the new operations director. LARadio has more info. Let the battle begin!

 

[livesoutwest]

Talk about a cupboard left bare. Sean Hannity's syndicated show represents the only star power left on the station, though the new Morning Joe show should attract attention.. Doug McIntyre and Al Rantel are both more than capable broadcasters, but neither is drive-time material on a major station in the nation's second biggest market. So the question becomes, who does Hall go after to boost his new station's visibility? His first thoughts will probably gravitate toward some of the major talent he developed at KFI, Bill Handel, John & Ken and Stephanie Miller. Presumably all are under contract for the near future. He may also look at some lesser-known alumni like Barbara DeAngelis (Hall likes shrinks), Tammy Bruce, Scott & Casey and John Ziegler. Even Tom Leykis may not be too farfetched if KLSX folds its underperforming talk format. The main problem with KABC is other then Hannity, their on-air personalities lack the edge which most of the KFIers have. But the biggest name available in the short term is Howard Stern, whose contract with Sirius is expiring. I can almost guarantee that before taking the job, Hall floated the idea of a big-money offer from KABC/WABC's parent network. It would make sense for both parties, as presumably too much water passed under the bridge for Stern to return to CBS.

 

[westfield60]

I think the smartest move would be to bring Tom Leykis to the station. Have you heard the voices of the callers that call up their shows. They sound like 60 and 70 year olds. That is the problem. KABC has no appeal to anyone under the age of 35. Moving Leykis to KABC would be a smart move since he would bring his younger demographics to the station and a much needed break from the constant political talk.

 

[accessdlp]

I think the smartest move would be to bring Tom Leykis to the station. Have you heard the voices of the callers that call up their shows. They sound like 60 and 70 year olds. That is the problem. KABC has no appeal to anyone under the age of 35. Moving Leykis to KABC would be a smart move since he would bring his younger demographics to the station and a much needed break from the constant political talk.

May I point out that Tom Leykis was S-canned from KFI by Mr. Hall years ago in a situation that remains incredibly acramonious. Leykis has been taking extreme pleasure in kicking KFI and DGH's collective cans whenever he can. In fact, I would not be surprised is Larry Elder left KABC on his own because he got wind of DGH's arrival...I have heard that Elder and Leykis have been competiive buddies off-air.

 

[livesoutwest]

Leykis is first and foremost a businessman, and wouldn't let something like an old firing get in the way of one more big contract. Besides, I always had the feeling that one came from the Clear Channel brass. Hall admitted in an interview that ratings for the Leykis show, number one in its target demographic at the time, weren't the reason for the termination.
Leykis has not to my knowledge told the full story behind his firing on-air in the LA market to this day, apparently for some legal reason. A caller from back east mentioned he heard Leykis tell the story on that station he worked at in Boston and Tom admonished him not to repeat it.

But in any case, if Hall decides to make the station over into an even more conservative version of KFI, centered around his two big-name personalities, Hannity and the incoming Joe Scarborough, Leykis wouldn't be a great fit.