Clear Channel to Peak: you can’t bid on Rush
Don Day | January 5, 2009EXCLUSIVE
Peak Broadcasting was not given the opportunity to renew its contract to carry the Rush Limbaugh Program on KIDO, according to Peak SVP Kevin Godwin. Peak acquired KIDO in 2007 after Clear Channel Communications decided to exit the Boise market.
In the end, another Clear Channel subsidiary – Premiere Radio Networks – gave its former corporate sister the short end of the stick when it comes to Rush.
With KIDO’s Limbaugh contract expiring at the end of 2008, Premiere informed Peak Broadcasting that the program was moving to Citadel-owned KBOI – end of story.
“The decision was made by two very big radio companies to pull the program from 580 KIDO and give it to a giant national radio company,” Godwin said. “We didn’t… get a chance to bid on the program contract and were told that even though we did an excellent job of promoting and broadcasting/streaming the program, that no amount of money could be spent by us to keep his show.”
Idaho Radio News attempted to contact Premiere Radio Networks on this topic – but a spokesperson for the syndicator didn’t answer direct questions on the matter.
Peak has a number of Premiere programs on its Boise stations – including Glenn Beck, Delilah and After Midnite with Blair Garner. Another Peak station – KMJ in Fresno – still carries Rush. Godwin says he isn’t worried about the other shows – for now.
“We have extended contracts on all of our other programs, and I believe they will be loyal,” he said. “However, the only way you can be 100% sure on keeping a product is if your company owns the program.
Limbaugh’s program has moved stations in a few other markets over the years – most recently in New Orleans, LA – but generally the switch is to a Clear Channel outlet. I couldn’t find another example of the show moving to a Citadel-owned outlet – though the two groups teamed last summer to co-syndicate Sean Hannity, another conservative talker.
Correction, please, the station in Fresno that carries Rush is KMJ580 AM. KJR (AM and FM) is in Seattle.
KJR-AM (Sports) and KJR-FM (Classic Hits) are both located in Seattle.
Peak runs Rush on KMJ-580AM in Fresno.
I’ve got KJR on the brain… thanks for the correction notes!
Judy Ellis’s Bronco revenge!
I have a question rather than a comment. What are the other Peak owned stations in Boise?
Editor’s note: KCIX/Mix 106, KXLT/107.9 LIte FM, KAWO/Wow Country 104.3, KSAS/103.3 KIss FM – in addition to the the KIDO stations.
If that is true….then why is Coast to Coast still on 580….Premier is the distributor for C to C….so when that contract is up….will it move as well….seems to me that would make sense given the nighttime pattern for a 50Kw station like KBOI..? Or perhaps the Citadel boys like listenting to truck driver jargon…and its working for them at this point in time…
just a thought….
KBOI gets PAID to carry the trucker show….
The Rush Limbaugh/Sean Hannity anchor station is WABC 770 in New York City, a Citadel-owned station. That likely was a strong influence on Premiere’s decision to Rush Rush to Cidadel-owned KBOI.
Makes perfect sense to run a Citadel produced show on Citadel stations.
As far as the trucking show is concerned, it’s good. But, it has too dang many commercials.
Rush was on 1380am KSRV for many years. Trouble was that everyone wanted to hear Rush but it was hard to get sponsors because very fews wanted people to think they were aligned with him. We even offered to put a disclaimer on the show but after many years and many owners the payment made for Rush evey 3 months was more than ownership thought it was worth.
Sure wasnt that way with Paul Harvey though. It has been a staple on 1380 the bull for over 30 years.