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XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUN NOV 18 2001 19:00:25 ET XXXXX O'REILLY PLOTS LIMBAUGH SLOTS; FOXNEWS STAR TO LAUNCH RADIO SHOW **Exclusive** The man with the Number One TV show on Cable and the Number One book in the nation is now determined -- to become a top radio voice! FOXNEWS's Bill O'Reilly has been actively pitching a 2-hour daily radiocast -- to air directly opposite RadioKing Rush Limbaugh, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned. The timing of O'Reilly's radio career -- and his decision to take on Limbaugh directly -- is bound to raise eyebrows. It is not clear if O'Reilly views the Limbaugh franchise as weakened and vulnerable since Limbaugh announced earlier this season that he has lost his hearing, or if the timing of the O'Reilly move is simply a natural progression of his media success. [O'Reilly's TV program has easily topped CNN's LARRY KING LIVE night after night, in recent weeks, defying all conventional wisdom.] The show, to air Noon to 2 pm Eastern Time, has been considered by ABC and CBS's syndication arm WESTWOOD, and others, according to industry sources, with a deal said to be imminent. Limbaugh's ratings have remained high throughout his medical ordeal. The Phase One Trend of ARBITRON's Fall Book show Limbaugh, heard on more than 600 stations, miles ahead of the pack in top cities. O'Reilly critics see the jump to now challenge Limbaugh as a low blow, ripe for backfire. "The timing is God-awful," said one executive. "Limbaugh's listeners are loyal, they will see this as Bill O'Reilly ganging up on their man -- while he is handicapped!" One radio programmer who has been pitched the O'Reilly program defended the move. "This is the free market at work! I think O'Reilly will bring a new fresh perspective to talkradio," said the network source. Impacting... ----------------------------------------------------------- Filed by Matt Drudge Reports are moved when circumstances warrant http://www.drudgereport.com for updates (c)DRUDGE REPORT 2001 Not for reproduction without permission of the author |
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