Huckabee radio show

[CAwasinNJ]

There's a lot of buzz nationally about Mike Huckabee's new radio show starting next month. A lot of that comes from Cumulus stations that air Rush Limbaugh from Clear Channel's Premiere syndication arm and the thinking that they might want to clear their own Huckabee show as a replacement, especially with Rush's latest problems. We don't have that issue here, since El Rushbo airs on CC-owned KNRS. Further, there are references on KKAT 860's website to airing his short form commentaries, but I don't think those have aired for at least a year. It would make sense that Cumulus owned 860 would carry the show, especially because that would bump 1 of 2 airings of Mancow which distributed by TRN and Dial Global.

What do you think? Will this give KKAT any help in the ratings department? He's had some problems with acceptance in this area over the last few years? Will the controversy help, hurt or do nothing for him?

[radioman101]

I wouldn't doubt at all that 860 will put the Huckabee show on. But I am doubtful that it'll actually help them in the ratings department. There are already some pretty strong names on the frequency, stronger than Huckabee at least, and the station barely pops into the ratings.

And yes, I think you're right - Huckabee has a Utah issue, I don't think he has a big fan base here.

[CAwasinNJ]

Hendrie's a sort-of big name, but he's overnights and that's a ratings dead zone. Imus is cleared live, so he's done by 7AM. That's not doing him any favors. Mancow is more of a cult following in my opinion than a dominant personality. I like Doyle a lot, but he's not setting the ratings world on fire. Levin I doubt most people have ever heard of.

It's not surprising to me that KKAT's ratings barely register. At least Huckabee is a known name. Pretty much everyone in the potential talk show audience knows who he is and that's a good start.

[radioman101]

I beg to differ on the popularity of Levin. Sure, in a general sense, Huckabee is probably better known. But when it comes to the conservative talk show crowd, Levin carries a lot of weight.

Huckabee will land on KKAT for the sole reason of beefing up the number of stations that carry the show, not as a strategic ratings move.