Tony Kornheiser back on D.C. Radio, AM&FM, starting 2/20

""The Tony Kornheiser Show" will debut Feb. 20 and will air on Washington Post Radio (WTWP, 1500 AM and 107.7 FM) live on weekdays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., with a repeat airing immediately afterward (on Fridays the last half-hour will be preempted by "The Politics Program"), according to Bonneville. WTWP is owned by Bonneville and programmed in conjunction with The Post's newsroom."

• Kornheiser, age 58 agreed to a 3-year deal from Bonneville while WTEM's owner, Clear Channel Communications came in 2nd. Kornheiser has been affiliated with the Post since 1979 and sides agreed he wished to continue the association.

• Redskins owner Dan Snyder and his Red Zebra Broadcasting also sought Kornheiser, but it was felt conflicts might arise as he is also a football commentator.

"Based on his track record at WTEM, Kornheiser could provide a major boost to WTWP, which has had anemic ratings since its debut in March. During the most recent Arbitron ratings period, WTWP was tied for No. 23 among local stations, averaging 0.7 percent of the audience.

The addition of Kornheiser will take Washington Post Radio in a somewhat different direction. Instead of featuring a host's discussions with Post reporters about world, national and local news, the station will clear out about half its morning schedule for what is primarily a personality-driven entertainment and commentary program."

From article by Paul Farhi, Washington Post, 1/24/07

• I'm glad to see someone who actually has experience and personality hired by a radio station. There is radio talent in the United States, but most stations think you have to hire something different. They think someone who sounds like a giggly teenager will automatically get younger listeners.

Update: See new post above, 1/25/07--It was Ben Bradlee's late plea that got the Kornheiser deal done.

Tweet Stumbleupon StumbleUpon