'Sean Hannity Show' drop creates ripple effect

KSL's decision to drop the syndicated "Sean Hannity Show" this fall will create a ripple effect in local radio programming for at least three radio stations.

Hannity's last show will air on KSL (FM-102.7/AM-1160) on Friday, Oct. 1.

However, KNRS (FM-102.7) has already made arrangements to pick up Hannity's show starting Monday, Oct. 4, 1-4 p.m. weekdays.

KSL cited a need for more unique, local programming as the reason for the program chance.

KNRS will have to do some adjusting to fit Hannity in, though. Currently KNRS airs "Dr. Laura" from 1-4 p.m. With no other room on the KNRS schedule, "Dr. Laura" will move to sister station KACP (AM-570) to make room for Hannity.

With "Dr. Laura" moving to KACP, that may put the syndicated "Todd Schnitt Show" in jeopardy, since it airs weekdays 1-4 p.m. in the spot where "Dr. Laura" will air.

Schnitt's show is currently heard in 31 markets.

In Salt Lake City, Hannity was the top-rated show from 1-4 p.m. in total listeners under the Arbitron diary ratings system. The "Sean Hannity Show" was also the top-rated program in six of the first nine months of electronic measurement that began last fall.

There's also talk that Bob Lonsberry's firing last month was a part of KNRS' plan to make more room for Hannity and its expanded syndicated lineup. However, Lonsberry's show had slipped to 22nd place among all radio programs airing in that time period in the Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo metro area.

KSL's plan to create a live local early afternoon show to replace Hannity certainly goes against the national radio trend of cutting back on local talent.

KSL hasn't had a unique and local early afternoon show since Doug Wright's show used to air from 1-3 p.m. in the early 1990s. Prior to that, Morrie Carlson hosted a noon-3 p.m. program until 1988.

When you recall all the incredible local hosts that KSL lost or let go in the late 1980s and early 1990s — Carlson, Bob Lee, Danny Kramer, Mark Van Wagoner and Tom Bock — it's be refreshing to think the station will have more local personalities again.

KNRS will likely benefit from the addition of Hannity, too. The station already has the strongest lineup of syndicated talk shows in the market, with the likes of Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh.