CBS Lineup change

[Robbien]

CBS Radio talk WPHT Philly realigns weekday lineup
WPHT CBS Radio’s WPHT-AM (Talk Radio 1210) Philadelphia has rejiggered its weekday lineup, featuring all live & local talent beginning Monday, June 25. New in p.m. drive is Pulitzer Prize-winning author and pundit Buzz Bissinger, who will be joined by Steve Martorano, already on-air at WPHT and known in the market for many years on sports WIP-AM. Bissinger takes the place of Michael Smerconish, who moves his syndicated show into a live slot, noon-3 p.m. Chris Stigall will anchor mornings 5:30-9 a.m., followed by Dom Giordano 9 a.m.-noon.
Marc Rayfield, SVP for CBS Philly, says that with the upcoming Presidential election, “there couldn’t be a better time to heighten our focus on how today’s issues affect our friends, relatives and neighbors. The addition of Buzz to the line-up and presenting Michael’s program live gives us an incredible advantage as a station created in Philadelphia by Philadelphians for Philadelphians.”

[Radio Wreck]

But it's on AM.  Plus the transmitter is in South Jersey, making it the weakest signal in the northern and western suburbs.  Unlistenable in many areas.

[aindik]

The elimination of a tape delayed show in PM drive should help, but at this point you have to wonder how much.

[radioguy39nj]

It's live and local!  CBS is obviously serious about making WPHT the station to go to for discussion of issues relevant to Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley.

New York continues without live and local talk.  A total disgrace!

[benale]

Michael Smerkonish is live and local, even though it the syndicated show. He was live on WPHT from 3 to 4 and then they ran the syndicated show. It's nice to see 1210 doing some positive things.

On the other hand,when Geraldo goes into national syndication in August WABC's weekday lineup will be 100 percent syndication. Only local shows are the two Mark Simone programs on Saturday and Bob Grant on Sunday. Not sure if the weekend specialty shows are local or syndicated. I never listen to them.

[aindik]

If Michael Smerconish counts as "local" on WPHT, then Don Imus, Geraldo Rivera and Sean Hannity count as "local" for WABC.

[badjef]

If Michael Smerconish counts as "local" on WPHT, then Don Imus, Geraldo Rivera and Sean Hannity count as "local" for WABC.

Only if they do a local show for New York, also.

It is the content of the program, not where the host is broadcasting from.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

[aindik]

If Michael Smerconish counts as "local" on WPHT, then Don Imus, Geraldo Rivera and Sean Hannity count as "local" for WABC.

Only if they do a local show for New York, also.

It is the content of the program, not where the host is broadcasting from.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

Then Smerconish is not local starting 6/25, and is not currently local in the 4p-7p hours.

[MDefl]

I have heard that Smerconish is much better when discussing Philly regional issues.  I don't know since I don't listen hardly at all.  What I heard of his national program was extremely boring even though I agree with many of his middle of the road views.  I am not talking about his endorsement of President Obama. 

[badjef]

If Michael Smerconish counts as "local" on WPHT, then Don Imus, Geraldo Rivera and Sean Hannity count as "local" for WABC.

Only if they do a local show for New York, also.

It is the content of the program, not where the host is broadcasting from.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

Then Smerconish is not local starting 6/25, and is not currently local in the 4p-7p hours.

Not necessarily.

Local could man anything from Philly issues to Eastern Pennsylvania issues to pocket book issues.

What happens in Philadelphia could have National reprucussions as well as the reverse.

The audience, not the station, decides what it pertinent to them. Stations that forget that, don't last. S

I have a problem with "local" as it pertains to signal. I find it no surprise that the largest audience does not seem to matter much anymore as long as it is within a geographic boundary. Outside of that boundary, they don't seem to care. Intrinsically, I feel that is affecting the overall health of radio. Whether that be Philly, or, where I am in Florida.

I have heard Michael Smerconish, he is no Rush killer, but he can hold his own. That may be all that's required.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!