Premiere adds Andy Dean as GCN takes Jason Lewis

[livingfruitvirus]

More competition in the evening syndication world. Premiere announced today that they plan to syndicate "America Now" with Andy Dean, a talk show host from WSB in Atlanta. It will move into the timeslot held by Jason Lewis, who has been picked up by Genesis Communications Network. I'm interested to see what Lewis affiliates continue running the show, especially those owned by CC, in case Lewis is tied to some Premiere cramdown that's related to one of their bigger hosts. This all takes effect on August 8th.

http://premiereradio.com/shows/view/america_now_with_andy_dean.html
http://www.gcnlive.com/wp/2011/07/18/the-jason-lewis-show-joins-the-gcn-radio-network/

 

[Signal_Faded]

I am doubtful that Lewis will remain on any CC stations...those same CC stations might be facing a cramdown with Dean as well.

 

[livingfruitvirus]

I am doubtful that Lewis will remain on any CC stations...those same CC stations might be facing a cramdown with Dean as well.

If that's true, it would be unfortunate for stations that actually like carrying his show and wish to continue. Apparently Clear Channel Radio will still produce Lewis' show at KTLK-FM, but GCN will be the syndicator/distributor now.

It looks like Andy Dean's show clock will mirror Jason Lewis' to a tee. Right down to the relay cues.
http://engineering.premiereradio.com/pro4p/files/clocks/XDS Aff America Now With Andy Dean.pdf

 

[livingfruitvirus]

According to Andy Dean's page on Premiere Speakers, roughly 50 Jason Lewis affiliates will switch to Dean's show. I guess they didn't have a choice to keep airing Jason via GCN. Meanwhile on the GCN site, they've confirmed 9 stations. The list is likely not updated.

 

[Signal_Faded]

Funny...I don't think that Jason Lewis actually had 50 affiliates!

 

[livingfruitvirus]

Funny...I don't think that Jason Lewis actually had 50 affiliates!

I read a quote in one of the announcement articles that he had about 90. GCN has now updated their list to 25.

 

[DToTheJ]

And now, Jason's flagship station in Minneapolis is moving from the FM band to the AM band (switching with sister sports station KFAN). You gotta wonder if these two moves are related.

 

[livingfruitvirus]

And now, Jason's flagship station in Minneapolis is moving from the FM band to the AM band (switching with sister sports station KFAN). You gotta wonder if these two moves are related.

I don't think they are. It's probably been a long time coming. Jason is staying on KTLK Minneapolis, which will probably keep the AM call letters because KTLK is on an AM station in Los Angeles. Also Andy Dean's site corrected the affiliate list and now it's 30 instead of 50.

 

[DToTheJ]

...Jason is staying on KTLK Minneapolis, which will probably keep the AM call letters because KTLK is on an AM station in Los Angeles...

Makes you wonder what if the aforementioned Los Angeles station - a progressive talker at AM 1150 - is going to change more than just its call letters...

 

[livingfruitvirus]

...Jason is staying on KTLK Minneapolis, which will probably keep the AM call letters because KTLK is on an AM station in Los Angeles...

Makes you wonder what if the aforementioned Los Angeles station - a progressive talker at AM 1150 - is going to change more than just its call letters...

I don't think what happens in Minneapolis will affect market #2, and if they do decide to take the KTLK call letters then CC LA will probably just assign new calls to 1150. What else can CC change KTLK 1150 to? They've got their powerhouse in KFI with mostly local talent, and they own KLAC which is the Fox Sports Radio flagship station. They won't do a turn-key conservative station since KABC fills that void.

 

[Dr. Daliah]

Just guest spotted on Andy Dean's show...he's good, really good. And he's young enough to have some longevity in this business. Two thumbs up for me.

 

[MC]

Think I heard him once filing in for someone, but it didn't do much for me.