10-17-13
Michael Savage received a pre-game pep talk from the boss Thursday afternoon that wowed him so much he wanted a copy of it to play on his show. Cumulus co-COO John Dickey heaped praise on the veteran broadcaster as the company introduced the talker to PD's all over the country in anticipation of his January 1 move to afternoon drive. Cumulus picked up Savage after he left TRN and is moving him from his 9PM live slot to 3PM on many Cumulus stations. The Savage move comes on the heels of Cumulus and Sean Hannity parting ways. Dickey said, "I think he is going to do a wonderful job and ultimately deliver numbers, and that's what it's all about. I'm thrilled to be in business with Michael." Here's more from Dickey
The Savage Nation will air on more than 200 affiliates of Cumulus Media Networks, including 60 stations owned and operated by Cumulus. Some of the cities where include: New York (WABC), Chicago (WLS), Dallas (WBAP), Washington(WMAL), San Francisco (KSFO) and WJR (Detroit). Dickey said, "We believe having Michael on some of our biggest stations is really going to be impactful. Talk radio has gone through a lot of ups and downs in the last couple of years. Ultimately what I think is going to lead the way out of some of those low points is more compelling content. When you think about compelling content the things that come to mind tends to be people that are extremely smart, curious, intellectually adventurous and people that are not afraid to take risks. Not afraid to look at a lot of things that are wrong with our country and society and are able to relate that and tell it in ways that are humorous, insightful, direct and thought provoking. That's a very hard set of criteria, to be able to find someone to be able to carry off in today's day and in today's day and age it's been very hard set of criteria to to get talk show hosts to live up live up to since Rush heralded his show back in the 80's. Michael Savage has come into this business lined up wonderfully with all of those criteria."
Dickey continued with his praise for Savage, calling him an extremely well-read and smart person. "As we all know there is a fine line between intellectual genius and craziness and Michael walks that line wonderfully. He was of the most thought provoking people that I have ever met. He's a great storyteller. In talk radio we are in the business of theater of the mind, getting people to spend more time with us by telling compelling stories and challenging people. Michael understands that as well as anybody. Dr. Savage brings an amazing intellect, an amazing curiosity, a passion, an ability to tell stories, an unending curiosity to explore and challenge his listeners to join him on that journey. He wakes up every day living and breathing this. His energy is commendable, his desire to compete in every market that he's in, I have never seen anything like it before."
(10/18/2013 12:23:05 PM)
I own one of the many stations that lost Savage in his battle with TRN. While I'm selfishly sad for us... I'm very happy for Michael's success! He's one of the best (along with Thayrone and Beck)...after a year of struggle...he deserves his new timeslot and will surely rise to the top! Congratulations Michael and Mrs. S~ all the best from your pals at WAAM Radio in Ann Arbor!
(10/18/2013 10:57:56 AM)
Fantastic. I cannot wait for Michael to switch over in January. I just hope that he can continue along as he always has, and will not be told what he can and can't do/say on air. What makes him so entertaining is how he runs his show - HIS OWN WAY.
(10/18/2013 7:54:31 AM)
It might be a win-win for Cumulus and Savage, but does not offer much to the listeners in all of those markets.
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