You’ve heard me say over and over again that the reason that liberal talk radio doesn’t succeed isn’t because of “lack of ownership”, but lack of listeners. The fact is that the majority of Americans simply do not agree with liberals on most subjects. The second fact is that it’s also a matter of talent, and they have a decided lack there. Note Bill Press is such a hack.

“If you’re looking for a break from those conservative voices that dominate talk radio, take time out today to listen to local station OBAMA 1260 AM. You’ll hear the progressive voices of Stephanie Miller, Ed Schultz, Lionel — or, during morning drive, my own “Bill Press Show” — providing welcome relief from the constant Obama-bashing by Rush Limbaugh and others. Unfortunately, today’s the last day you’ll be able to do so.

As reported by The Post [Style, Feb. 2], Dan Snyder’s Red Zebra Broadcasting Co., owner of OBAMA 1260, has announced plans to jettison all progressive talk and replace it with pre-recorded financial advice programming.

The commercial use of public airwaves is supposed to reflect the diversity of the local community, but that’s not how it works in Washington. On the AM dial, WMAL (630) features wall-to-wall conservative talk. So do stations WTNT (570) and WHFS (1580). For the past two years, OBAMA 1260 — even with a weak signal that cannot be heard in downtown Washington — was the exception. No longer. Starting tomorrow, our nation’s capital, where Democrats control the House, the Senate and the White House, and where Democrats outnumber Republicans 10 to one, will have no progressive voices on the air.

Or maybe one.

To mollify critics, Red Zebra has said it will add Ed Schultz to its conservative lineup on 570 AM. This means Shultz will be outgunned in this market by at least 15 conservative talkers: Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin, Chris Plante, Michael Smerconish, Michael Savage, Andy Parks, Fred Grandy, Bill Bennett, Monica Crowley, Bill O’Reilly, Dennis Miller and Lars Larsen. No matter how good Schultz is, that’s not a fair contest — nor a fair use of the public airwaves. “

This shows nothing else except how Press is clueless about the radio business. As some of you know I trained in radio, media, and what drives radio is REVENUE from advertisers. Advertisers get warm and fuzzy by revenue that is – pay attention Press – driven by ratings – that means listeners, and again, NOBODY listens to Ed Schultz, Bill Press or many of the other liberal talking heads in sufficient numbers to make money for the radio stations that carry them.

“Station owners complain they can’t get good ratings or make any money with progressive talk, but that’s nonsense. In Minnesota, independent owner Janet Robert has operated KTNF (950 AM) profitably for five years. In Madison, Wis., WXXM, 92.1 FM, just scored its highest ratings ever. And KPOJ in Portland, Ore., soared with progressive talk from No. 23 in market ratings to No. 1. Nationwide, progressive talkers Randi Rhodes, Ed Schultz and Stephanie Miller have proven that, given a level playing field, they can more than hold their own in ratings — and make money for their stations.”

Again, clueless. Station owner would run a donkey farting if enough people listened to turn a profit. But the fact is that most of the so-called talent isn’t even as good as a donkey fart. Moreover, as Brian Maloney notes in his Radio Equalizer blog, most radio station owners are liberals and give to liberal causes and candidates. Yet the reason they exist is turning a profit, and they can’t get that from liberal radio, there simply isn’t enough draw.

In those individual markets in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Oregon – which are liberal meccas – there are the listeners. Yet those who simply the exception not the rule. No liberal talk show has turned a profit in syndication – not one – and syndication is what advertisers and radio executives live for.

Hannity get’s 8-9 million listeners weekly via syndication. Rush, over 20 million. Both are successful because they are skilled, talented and draw a hugh audience, not because of a “Right Wing Conspiracy” but because those many people tune in to listen.

Want to know why Allen Colmes really left Fox? He sucked and was dragging down the ratings. Since leaving Hannity and Colmes the new show featuring Hannity has shot up in the ratings.

It’s why people like Maddow, Olbermann, Matthews consistently come in last in the Cable TV ratings, and will continue to do so.

Nevertheless no matter who is running congress the days of the antiquated “Fairness Doctrine” are over and you are simply not going to see a return to it. Liberals can dream on.

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