Randi Rhodes losing a station in FL/Rush still beloved

http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/tv_radio/article/0,1651,TCP_1083_2381672,00.html


Hispanic radio programs shifting to station with stronger signal

By Bob Betcher media columnist
October 28, 2003

PORT ST. LUCIE -- In a bid to reach more of the ballooning Treasure Coast Hispanic population, programming on all-Spanish WIRA (1400-AM) will shift to the stronger WJNX (1330-AM) Nov. 15, displacing shows featuring Rush Limbaugh, Randi Rhodes, Laura Schlessinger and Rhett Palmer.

"This area is exploding," said Greg Wyatt, owner of Port St. Lucie Broadcasters, who is buying WJNX from giant Clear Channel Communications of San Antonio, Texas.

(snip)


Although the Hispanic population will be better served with a more powerful signal, the station's slate of English-language shows will take a hit.

"The Rhett Palmer Show," a three-hour wake-up show, as well as "The Rush Limbaugh Show" and "Dr. Laura" will continue to be heard on WAXE (1370 AM) out of Vero Beach. However, WAXE can barely be heard in Martin County and is static-plagued in Port St. Lucie.

Said Palmer: "I'm disappointed that I won't be on in Martin County anymore. But I couldn't find anybody down there to faithfully sell (ads for) the show. My ego was hurt because I'll miss the expanded audience, but now I'll get to focus again on Vero Beach."

"Limbaugh" and "The Randi Rhodes Show" will continue to be heard on WJNO (1290 AM) out of West Palm Beach, a signal that doesn't reach all of the Treasure Coast.

Said Rhodes just before going on the air Monday: "Hasta la vista, baby. I love my Treasure Coast audience. I hope they'll listen on the Internet or call other Treasure Coast stations to pick me up. My show is available in syndication now."

Wyatt said he is "talking to someone" who might be interested in buying WIRA, the Treasure Coast's oldest radio station. He declined to elaborate or say whether WIRA would return to a schedule of English-language programs.

"As for Rush, we'd love to get this show back on WPSL," Wyatt said. "And maybe we could move Bill O'Reilly to WSTU."

Such moves are up to the shows' syndicators. Wyatt promises an announcement in about two weeks regarding WIRA.

I know Premiere Networks has (had?) a rider requiring Lowbrow affiliates to carry her, but does anyone really listen to her anymore?