Cumulus: Rush In, Hannity Out

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 19, 2013

The latest scuttlebutt from industry insiders is that Rush Limbaugh will be staying with Cumulus stations when his current contract expires at the end of the year. The only exception is in New York City where Limbaugh will flip from WABC to Clear Channel's WOR-AM in a deal previously agreed upon. Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey had made statements indicating Limbaugh revenues were down and at least implying the end may be near for Cumulus and Rush. Politico reported that Limbaugh will most likely stay in "virtually" every market he has been on.

However, the number two man talk radio -- Sean Hannity -- will be leaving Cumulus. Both sides are said to be reporting that negotiations have ended. This was exacerbated by Michael Savege's recent on-air prediction that he would be taking over the Hannity slots on all of Cumulus affiliates. Surprising to some, it is Hannity who is reportedly refusing to sign with Cumulus saying he prefers being on Clear Channel stations.