Randi Rhodes Returns To Radio Syndication

ROUND THREE

Libtalker Randi Rhodes Back In Radio Syndication







Not everybody gets three shots at radio syndication, but for whatever reason, that's the fate of libtalker Randi Rhodes.

Late today, Premiere Radio Networks, home of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and many others, announced that it has signed Rhodes to a new deal involving nationwide distribution of her resurrected program.

Even within the still-fledgling and internally-competitive world of liberal talk radio, Randi is a controversial figure, especially as a result of a number of high-profile public flaps.

Between her bizarre "mugging" incident in the streets of Manhattan to her habit of airing disturbing prerecorded skits and record of extreme rhetoric, including calling Hillary Clinton a "big f--king whore", the former Air America and NovaM talker will prove a handful for her new employers.

Rhodes thinks highly of her own abilities, once comparing her "irreplacability" to that of the late Tim Russert on NBC.


During the past five years, your Radio Equalizer has often seemingly been pulled into these conflicts, as libtalk insiders eagerly fed tips on Rhodes and her antics to this site, while others attacked her from the right. Moreover, Randi's attorney has even utilized yours truly to break news regarding her show, especially during the collapse of NovaM Radio.

In recent weeks, one person claiming inside knowledge of negotiations predicted that she would soon be signed by Premiere, but yours truly failed to take it seriously.


At least one station has already said it will carry the new program: East Bay Air America affiliate KKGN (Green 960) AM. Here, it has reprinted Premiere's press release:

LOS ANGELES, April 23, 2009 – Premiere Radio Networks is proud to announce that beginning May 11, The Randi Rhodes Show will join its lineup of nationally syndicated radio programs. Airing weekdays from 3-6pm ET, Rhodes will enlighten and entertain listeners with her trademark candid, incisive opinions, as well as her biting sense of humor, as she discusses everything from news and current events, to politics and hot topics. The Randi Rhodes Show will broadcast live from Washington, D.C., and will be heard on more than 25 affiliates including KTLK-AM/Los Angeles, Green 960 Online and Radio/San Francisco and KPOJ-AM/Portland.

“Right now, America needs a voice that reflects its hopes and concerns. It will be my privilege and pleasure to provide vital information to the public about everything that is possible in the 21st century, and also have a few laughs along the way,” commented Rhodes. “Premiere is an incredible family of radio pros, and is truly the most talented and experienced radio syndicator in the nation. I’m exited about this decision and Premiere’s enthusiasm for this partnership. It’s truly a dream come true.”


Premiere Radio EVP of Affiliate Marketing Julie Talbott stated, “Randi has carved a niche in Talk radio with her straight-forward approach, intelligence, wit and fact-driven content - qualities that attract audiences. We can’t wait to deliver The Randi Rhodes Show to stations nationwide.”

A Brooklyn native and former U.S. Air Force aircraft mechanic, Rhodes began her career in radio at a Country music station in Seminole, Texas. She enjoyed stints in Mobile, Alabama, as well as New York’s WAPP-FM, Milwaukee’s WQFM and West Palm Beach’s WJNO-AM. In 1992, she landed at Miami’s WIOD-AM, where she took over the station’s 8 -11 p.m. In 2004, Air America Radio began nationally syndicating her program, and she later joined Nova M Radio’s lineup in 2008. In addition, Rhodes starred in the HBO documentary Left of the Dial, and was named “Woman of the Year” by Talkers Magazine in 2007. timeslot and was ranked #1 in the market.

As for Premiere Radio's intentions, this remains a mystery. The company generally syndicates existing (currently on the air somewhere) programs with a track record of success, neither of which apply to Rhodes.

In addition, the current media environment is not favorable to left-leaning programs, as evidenced by MSNBC's plunging ratings.

That's why the move is likely to lead to criticism that hiring Rhodes may be a way of appeasing the Obama-led FCC ahead of a widely-expected crackdown on free speech in broadcasting. Rhodes was an outspoken Obama supporter, particularly during the primary season.



FOR New England regional talk radio updates, see our other site.



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