RBR: AAR Out At WLIB; Local LibTalk Format In

[fred flintstone]

Radio Business Report:

Randy gets a New York stickFormer Clear Channel Radio CEO Randy Michaels is set to return to operating a major market radio station. RBR has learned that Michaels will take over programming of WLIB-AM New York when Air America Radio's current LMA expires August 31st. The station will continue to have a Progressive Talk format, but Michaels will replace Air America's network programming with a series of new local talk shows with a liberal bent. Michael's deal with licensee Inner City Broadcasting won't be an LMA, but rather a joint venture.RBR observation: This isn't about politics, but rather business. WLIB's programming will remain on the left. But Inner City sees more upside from putting local programming on the air in the nation's largest market. The question now is whether Air America will be able to find a new flagship station for its network in New York. That won't be easy.

This suggests that Michaels will not clear any AAR programming.No mention of Ed Schultz (whose show Michaels produces and syndicates) and whether he will be part of the line-up. WLIB NEEDS local programming. I don't think it needs to be ALL local. Or maybe Michaels plans to use WLIB as a springboard for more of his own syndicated product.

 

[4dude]

Ed schultz is VERY GOOD btw (I hear him on 1520 in buffalo)