Radio syndication deal for Smerconish
The WPHT morning host starts his deal with a second radio show airing in New York.
It's the O'Reilly factor, all right. With Bill O'Reilly out of the radio picture, talk stations are looking for product.
Enter Michael Smerconish. The Doylestown-bred lawyer turned morning host at WPHT (1210), whose CBS show was recently simulcast in Washington, D.C., just signed a deal with syndicator Dial Global for a second radio show, confirming a report I had here two weeks ago.
His first station, starting Feb. 2, will be New York's WOR (710), according to Dial Global and CBS.
Smerconish will do the second show from noon to 2 p.m. -- O'Reilly's old slot -- from his home studio, but WOR will air it from 8 to 10 p.m. Other stations -- none of which have been announced -- have the option of airing it live or on tape.
The deal has CBS's blessings. The net is offering his 6-to-9 a.m. show as a syndicated product.
Smerconish has not returned my call and e-mail for comment. Conceivably, he's taking his traditional afternoon nap.