Photos: AP
According to Politico, Cumulus Media, which owns Chicago's 89 WLS, is planning to drop both Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity from its stations at the end of the year.
The decision comes after negotiations between Cumulus and Premiere Networks, the division of Clear Channel that distributes Limbaugh and Hannity's shows, broke down due to disagreements over the cost of the distribution rights. Cumulus is known to drive a hard bargain on costs, and Clear Channel is known to seek top dollar for big names.
Cumulus and Clear Channel have come to the brink before during contract negotiations only to resume talks. But industry insiders say Clear Channel is unlikely to reduce the cost for distribution rights to a level that would satisfy Cumulus.
Limbaugh reacted to the story on his show today, telling his listeners not to worry about Cumulus. He assured his audience that they'll still be able to find him on numerous stations throughout the country.
The conservative talk radio shakeup may give WLS competitor AM 560 WIND an opportunity to pick up the two show's large listening audiences.
