Indy Radio: WIBC Plans to Drop Rush Limbaugh Show

N/T WIBC 93.1 FM is pulling the plug on "The Rush Limbaugh Show" after 22-years on the station.

The show's last airing on WIBC is set for July 3, according to the Indianapolis Business Journal.

Officials for WIBC parent Emmis Communications this month notified Los Angeles-based syndicator Premiere Networks that it would not extend its deal to air Limbaugh’s show.

The change does not mean WIBC—one of Indianapolis’ most listened-to radio stations—is abandoning its conservative talk format, station officials said.

"Premiere has been a great partner, and Rush has been an iconic part of WIBC's heritage and success," said Charlie Morgan, SVP/Market Manager for Emmis-Indianapolis. "WIBC has a strong line-up of live and local personalities delivering great radio, and we will continue to be Indianapolis' home for listeners with a passion for conservative values and principles."

"We've had a wonderful partnership with Emmis for many years, including a long history of ratings success for The Rush Limbaugh Show in Indianapolis," stated Julie Talbott, President of Premiere Networks.

Although WIBC officials declined to say how much they pay to air Limbaugh’s show, industry sources said Premiere typically requires a significant fee plus control of some of the advertising inventory during the show.

Charlie Morgan

Despite the hefty price tag, “this was not primarily a financial decision,” said Charlie Morgan, Emmis’ local market manager.

“It’s not an inexpensive show to air, so there is a business element to the decision,” Morgan said. “But this has more to do with the long-term direction of the station.”

Premiere is in talks with other Indy stations about picking up the show.  If Premiere does find another station willing to pay the significant price to air the show, it could pull it from WIBC earlier than July 3.

While Limbaugh, 64, remains hugely popular with listeners over 55, Morgan said there is a desire to build a lineup that appeals not only to WIBC’s older core audience but also those in their 40s and younger.

WIBC 93.1 FM (13.5 Kw) Red=60dBu Local Coverage Area

WIBC will reconfigure its daytime lineup:

Tony Katz will remain at the 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. time slot. A new news show, "The 10 at 10," will air from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The show, co-hosted by WIBC news veterans Mike Wilson and Ray Steele, will feature the top ten most interesting news shows of the day. "Garrison" will air from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and "The Dana Show"  will now air live from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by "Chicks on the Right" from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Abdul–Hakim Shabazz from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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