The Raleigh News and Observer reported over the weekend that Curtis Media station, WPTF AM 680, won't be the only kid on the Triangle-area block with conservative talk. Clear Channel's WRDU 106.1 FM plans to join the fray just after the Christmas season.
Your blogger is a long-time listener of WPTF since Rush Limbaugh came on the air in syndication more than twenty years ago. WPTF was one of the first stations to carry Limbaugh and contributed to his early success. They also carry a number of other interesting commentators, including afternoon local favorite, Bill LuMaye.
According to an article on the not-always-reliable Wikipedia, WPTF must drop Limbaugh as the program will only be run on Clear Channel stations, according to a new distribution arrangement.
The station, originally known as WVOT, beginning in the early 1960s, went on the air as WRDU on Labor Day, 1984. It played rock music for many years before switching to country in 2006. Currently the station is playing all Christmas, all the time. The station will make the switch on January 1, 2010.
RDU will also carry such right-wing talkers as Glenn Beck (left), and Sean Hannity. Hannity currently can be heard on WPTF.
Phil Zachary, President of Curtis Media, recently told the Triangle Business Journal, that he has decided how to replace Limbaugh, but "he won't reveal those plans just yet".
Your blogger's heart is with WPTF, but understands that the radio business can be cut throat. Her grandfather was in that biz from its early days and she continues to follow the industry with interest.
Clear Channel stations, in the past, have had problems with their "shock value" and have managed to offend everyone from the handicapped to cyclists. KCC learned that this behavior was actually encouraged to boost ratings during several local dust-ups with Triangle station WDCG, otherwise known as G-105.
Because local radio, with the exception of WPTF, became so unlistenable, KCC subscribed to satellite radio about three years ago.
Meanwhile, The Business Journal of the Greater Triad is reporting 94.5 WGBT-FM La Preciosa Network in will become Rush Radio 94.5 on Jan. 1.
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