Philly’s WPHT Drops Beck and Hannity

Here’s a concept: adds local talkers!

CBS Radio’s 1210 AM WPHT in Philadelphia has notified Premiere Radio that it's dropping Glenn Beck (9-noon) and Sean Hannity (3p-6p).

Beck’s 9 to noon slot will be taken over by local talker Dom Giordano, while Hannity’s 3-6 slot is being taken over by Michael Smerconish. Smerconish is moving his show from AM to PM Drive on 50 kw The Big Talker.

Taking over mornings at CBS Radio's WPHT is Chris Stigall, currently hosting 5-9am for Cumulus-owned 710 AM KCMO-AM in Kansas City. He starts when the new work-year begins, on Monday, January 3. CBS Radio market manager Marc Rayfield says "We searched high and low before offering Chris Stigall mornings."

Smerconish startas PM Drive January 17.

Tom's Take: Premiere is going to have to wait for some other station to flip to talk. In Philly, 1210 AM WPHT and Salem's 990 AM WNTP are the talkers. Salem is committed to the Salem conservative line-up, although they have used Beck in some markets. A likely candidate to flip is Greater Media's 950 AM WPEN. It currently simulcasts sports with 97.5 WPEN-FM. 

Also read here:

Hearing Voices? Yes, It's Phil Hendrie, Saturdays on KFI  (Gary Lycan, The Orange County Register)