It looks as if Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity may be losing some airplay, now that there are rumors fueled mostly by Politico.com, that are unsubstantiated, but suggestive, that both may be dropped by Cumulus. Politico claims to have spoken with an industry source that tells them Limbaugh and Hannity, the two highest rating conservative radio hosts in the nation, will not have their contracts renewed. Instead, their slots are expected to be replaced by the likes of Mike Huckabee and Michael Savage.
“Cumulus is not in a position to comment about negotiation with talent under contract, no matter what the rumor of the day might be,” a rep said, suggesting, perhaps, that there wasn’t much substance to the “rumor of the day.” Nevertheless, Politico insinuates the choice came after Limbaugh’s controversial condemnations of Sandra Fluke as a “slut” costs the radio station $2.4 million in advertising the first quarter.
It has also been claimed that Cumulus has been seeking radio talent agents and political insiders to fill the hot spots that Limbaugh and Hannity currently hold. How much of this will ultimately hold water remains to be seen, but many who find folks like Limbaugh especially annoying would be delighted to know that he could lose air time at up to 40 radio stations.