So why did Curtis lose Limbaugh and Premiere/CC?

[dustintv]

One question I have that hasn't seem to be answered really is why did Curtis' WPTF and WSJS lost Limbaugh and the other Premiere/Clear Channel programs?

[quadraphonic]

Because Clear Channel wanted it for their station and didn't want to share?

[Signal_Faded]

It's a similar play that CC made in New Orleans when they pulled Rush from WWL and launched Rush Radio on WRNO. CC makes more money this way since they own part of the product (Rush, Hannity, Beck) and all the air time...something had to give when Premiere gave all three of these guys enormous contracts.

[FIDELIPACK]

You are half right Faded.  The move is similar to New Orleans but CC actually makes less money in the deal.  Being in the net business allows them to charge competitors like Curtis cash for the program and take some of their inventory too.  By bringing the shows into CC they are just moving money from pocket to pocket and stealing their own local inventory.  Bad business financially but a good move for stations that were virtually dead in both markets.  What is missing here is the reality that the same C- sales people who are killing them today will be trying to sell this new format in January.  Anyone who knows the pathetic group in Raleigh especially knows what I am talkung about.  Ratings will be better but I'll bet sales increases will be minimum at best.  Don't forget....it is the same Clear Channel.

[DToTheJ]

CC makes more money this way since they own part of the product (Rush, Hannity, Beck) and all the air time...something had to give when Premiere gave all three of these guys enormous contracts.

It should be noted that Hannity's show was originally syndicated by ABC Radio, but Premiere recently agreed to be the new syndicator. With moves such as these, it's no surprise why they pursued to be Hannity's syndicator.