Clark Howard cutting back hours on radio
Consumer talk show host Clark Howard is cutting back his radio show from three to two hours a day starting Dec. 15. Locally, he is heard on AM750 and 95.5 FM news/talk WSB.
Pete Spriggs, program director of WSB, said Howard will now be heard from 1 to 3 p.m. weekday instead of 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays. Sean Hannity’s syndicated radio show will now run live from 3 to 6 p.m. instead of delayed an hour as it has been the past few years.
Erick Erickson’s evening show will also start an hour earlier, running from 6 to 9 p.m. instead of 7 to 10 p.m.
“I think it’s better for listeners and it’s certainly better for me,” Howard said in a phone interview. “It’s an election-year cycle and talk radio is now so political. I’m just ready to not work quite as much.”
He said he was feeling especially tired after finishing his book tour for his former No. 1 New York Times best-seller “Living Large in Lean Times.” Due to the rigors of the tour, he had to recently take two weeks off the air for laryngitis. “I’ve been burning the candle on both ends,” he said. “I was in a sour mood.”
Not that he’s slacking. He’s heard on more than 600 radio stations, including new affiliates the past month in Seattle and San Francisco. (The only major markets he’s not in are Chicago and New York City, he said.) He has a weekend show package, as well as the weekday show. He also offers “Clark Minute” segments for morning shows. He tapes regular television segments used by Channel 2 Action News and 14 other Cox TV stations. He has a weekend show on Atlanta-based HLN, a deal that currently runs through summer, 2012. Plus, his clarkhoward.com website generates impressive amounts of traffic, he said
“It’s really strength on strength on strength,” Howard said. “You start to tie everything together. People now have so many choices. The audiences are sliced so thin. At the same time, I don’t want to stretch myself too thin.”
Since many radio affiliates still want three hours a day of Howard, his show producers will repackage repeats for a third hour. WSB will air that “best of” third hour each weeknight from 9 to 10 p.m.
Since Howard’s last contract renewal in 2009, Howard said he had already planned to go to two hours at some point. On many days, he was already only doing two live hours and using the third hour for repeats.
He has done three hours a day most of his nearly 25 years on air in Atlanta. For a five-year period, he said, he did five hours a day, from 1998 to 2003.
In recent years, Howard has expressed political aspirations but said with two school-age kids (ages six and 12), he feels politics would take away from his family. “If I were my age [56] and the kids were grown,” he said, “I think the chances I’d run for office would be humongous.”
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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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97 comments Add your comment
Swann
December 9th, 2011
11:44 am
Why would anyone listen to hate radio when driving in Atlanta’s hateful traffic in late afternoon? Find something pleasant to listen to during rush-hour…the heart attack you prevent may be your own. At least Clark isn’t mean-spirited.
southpaw
December 9th, 2011
11:45 am
Fred @10:07
Are terms like Repuglican and Rethuglican also indicative of a fifth grade mentality?
Sluggo
December 9th, 2011
11:52 am
I Have a nickname for Clark…”Dark Coward”. It puzzles me that so many people listen to him with such reverence.. He points his finger at easy targets such as large banks, car dealers, airlines, and phone companies. He blankets all of them with stereotypical rhetorical remarks . ”They are all out to rip you off or screw you.” He uses that fear factor to brand himself as an underdog for the consumer. I’ll give him credit, the formula has made him a wealthy man via his book publishing and other media outlets.
I’m not a Clark hater. Nor am I jealous. He preaches common sense. I just don’t drink his koolaid with as much zest as most.
Margaret Trott
December 9th, 2011
11:56 am
Clark, Some good stuff is better than none at all!! I look forward to your savy advise, many days while driving you were my highlight, but glad to know I still get to enjoy 2 hours of the programme (you live). The repeats will also be beneficial.
Not a Neal Boortz Redneck
December 9th, 2011
12:01 pm
WSB is for ignorant hicks anyway. Atlanta never even carried Howard Stern. This is a radio dank hole of a market.
Action Jackson
December 9th, 2011
12:02 pm
What? He’s still alive??? Oh, sorry sorry.
Ackshun
December 9th, 2011
12:03 pm
This is NOT news anybody who listens to Clark knows his last hour of his show is taped material anyway.
pb
December 9th, 2011
12:04 pm
Tried to listen to Clark for years, then finally realized the show is all about him, not the listener or their problem. Just notice how he steers the answer to whatever he wants to say, whether it really solves the problem or not. Will not miss him if he goes down to “0″ hours a day.
NH
December 9th, 2011
12:05 pm
My wife is a couselor and this lady came in to vent about her husband. The lady said her husband had been laid off and all he would do was to listen to Boortz, Hannity, the dough boy…….ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. The poor lady said her husband had become so bitter and angry,,,,,,,hmmm I wondered why. I could have told her that and save her little money
Yuck
December 9th, 2011
12:08 pm
BRING BACK THE GREASEMAN!!!!
RC
December 9th, 2011
12:11 pm
We could do without both Clark and the NBA!
Stinger
December 9th, 2011
12:25 pm
Move the Dave Ramsey show up..I’d rather listen to Dave than Clark…anyday
anonymous
December 9th, 2011
12:27 pm
wow! such disdain for a financially successful person who has packaged his product and marketed it to a nationwide audience! What is really wrong with some of you? Financial distress? Don’t have as much money as you want?
I think that if you were so busy/too busy making your own fortunes, however great or small, you would not even have time to know too much about all that Clark Howard talks about!
So what do you do? Hammer the man to death just because you are disappointed with your own sad, obese and adulterous little lives.
pity….
Kitty Conrad
December 9th, 2011
12:34 pm
I wonder if Clark can learn to talk faster and cut the “Angela, how are you doing” crap…to get in two hours’ worth of bad advice in two hours instead of dragging it out over three hours.
worried
December 9th, 2011
12:35 pm
Without that extra hour, my finances are going to go into the crapper. I already feel out of control.
USCgal
December 9th, 2011
12:40 pm
How about reverse the hours of Howard and Hannity. I love listening to Clark and prefer him starting at 4pm. Hannity has to be the most annoying with that voice and is not a pleasant sound when getting in the car after work. Tired of the Obama bashing. I always change the station when Clark signs off…thank goodness for Sirrus/XM radio! You lose me an hour earlier on days I listen. Hope the Repubs have a better offer than Gingrich or else I vote again for Obama.
meme
December 9th, 2011
12:45 pm
Didn’t Clark just deal with a bout of cancer. The guy is probably exhausted.
quanxavier
December 9th, 2011
12:50 pm
Clark Howard is the only reason I listen to 750AM anymore. His frugal tips have helped me in working as a contractor in the IT biz for the last 8 years. I’ve been laid off more times than I can count however by following his tips I’ve been able to still pay for private school for my daughter and take the family vacation trips. I’m currently in the market for a new project right now however b/c I have lived soundly I can maintain my household without much worry. I think Clark is apolitical and his mantra is make sure you are not dependent on the government or your employer. Whatever you earn spend less and save more. To the people that say that he’s enriching his self from his book sales if you listening to his show he tells you to buy his new book 2nd hand. Of course in this life, we have to do what it takes to make money however there are some people that are going to run out and buy the book the 1st day however if you’ve listened to the show you pretty much should know everything that he’s going to illustrate in the book.
Rocket1220
December 9th, 2011
1:00 pm
Does not surprise me that this conservative Radio station would take away a benefit from the people so that a reporter can further his cause against a Democratic president, dude is obsessed with Obama.
But that’s fitting WSB, I wouldn’t expect any different.
ed
December 9th, 2011
1:08 pm
I marvel at the number of radio listeners who lack the good sense to handle their own financial matters, and who must turn to some broadcaster to guide them through life. Will the dumbing down of America ever stop? Not as long as the dial twisters can find hucksters like Howard and Ramsay.
davis
December 9th, 2011
1:12 pm
@PMDR….I agree with you. I wish the Christmas kids thing would be held somewhere on the Westside as well.
@Kevin …. Maybe PMDR, like me, would like to give locally for Christmas. We donate plenty of money yearly to the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots. I just like the idea of Christmas Kids because it’s more personable. Unfortunately my schedule doesn’t allow me an hour plus in each direction to go to one of Clark’s Walmarts.
That’s my only complaint. I think he’s a great guy.
dre
December 9th, 2011
1:18 pm
Hmmmm, more political insight with interesting and controversial guests, or more incessant babble about driving to B’ham for a flight and looking at contracts before signing. Yep, tough decision.
mem
December 9th, 2011
1:18 pm
If you want to be informed and educated, the only station to listen to is WABE/NPR from 3pm-8pm….but only IF you have an open mind and want to hear real news and something other than hate-speak!
Fred
December 9th, 2011
1:41 pm
southpaw
December 9th, 2011
11:45 am
Fred @10:07
Are terms like Repuglican and Rethuglican also indicative of a fifth grade mentality?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Your point? More 5th grade logic? “He touched me mommy.”
I haven’t seen those terms bandied about in this blog, so why do you bring them up? How is it even remotely germane to what I said? Helping me to prove my point as well? Thank you. The talk show sheep immediately however started in with their silly little names. You counter with something not even said here. Can you think for your self and stick to the topic at hand? Got to hand it to the talk show hosts, they know the limited capabilities and logic of their target audience. They know they also have no reason to give facts, just hand out some silly little names and bumper sticker slogans and you folks are happier than a pig in poop lol.
unfortunately, I require a more intellectual and honest tone. Or at least some entertainment value. None of the shows except the news, Clark, and the Dawgs offer that. The rest of the stuff is just endless mindless drivel recycled daily. Personally I find no entertainment value, and certainly no intellectual stimulation of facts.
But thanks for playing.
Kat
December 9th, 2011
1:44 pm
It seems as though Clark was definitely way too busy; I’m surprised he could keep that schedule up for so long with two kids. He must have a very understanding wife – especially when it comes to shopping or the lack thereof.
I’m more than happy to take financial advice from a multi-millionaire whenever I can get it!
Why Not Use Good Advice?
December 9th, 2011
1:58 pm
@MoreTIme December 9th, 2011 9:33 am “well that’s a good thing..he can spend more time at his million dollar second home at the lake..thanks to the Kool Aid of the sheep followers who live frugal so he can live large!..FRUGAL TIP: For those who want a copy of his book(and were soooo FRUGUAL not run out and buy it at FULL PRICE)..sure you can find a CHEAP copy on Amazon!..after all Howard would be willing to give his royalty he already earned from the idiot who first bought it! and to the sheep who says “well by living frugal he got that million dollar home”..has it worked for you?
To answer your question… living frugally, has set my family well on that path. My husband and I both have solid jobs (and yes, we have both weathered bouts of extended unemployment and were able to still support our family without govt assistance thanks to a solid financial foundation), sock $ away in our 401ks, 529s, send our kids to private school, while we do NOT make a lot of money like I’m sure you want to assume. So yes, it’s working out quite well for me, thanks.
And your other FRUGAL TIP is right in line with Clark’s own advice! He tells people to go out and find his book second hand or to borrow it from the library, so it’s not about the royalties for him. It really is about helping others. Thanks for pointing out his frugal tip.
So maybe if you stopped to LISTEN instead of bash you’d learn something and you could be Clark’s neighbor in a million dollar home, but I’m guessing that you’re afraid of hard work and achieving goals on your own.
Pen
December 9th, 2011
1:59 pm
Clark is the best thing about WSB. I miss his five hour show. I would prefer he were on later in the afternoon between 4-6pm. I really don’t care for Sean Hannity even though I consider myself a conservative Republican/Independent. He is too excitable.
Brotherman Online
December 9th, 2011
2:04 pm
Beyond weather reports and traffic WSB is awful. FCC should reward them with a weaker signal.
Better ways to spend my time
December 9th, 2011
2:06 pm
I find Clark very boring and the nasally monotone drives me crazy!
Gracemarie Elliott
December 9th, 2011
2:12 pm
I listen to Clark Howard whenever I can–sure wish I had started listening to him much earlier in life but the important thing is that I do Now…wsb
kandee
Steve
December 9th, 2011
2:24 pm
It’s about time. I’ve always wondered why Clark gets to hog up so much prime time air space. Two hours is plenty for him.
Steve
December 9th, 2011
2:25 pm
Living frugal is boring. I DONT do it.
Stanley
December 9th, 2011
3:20 pm
The Ghost of Ed Murrow Is right. Clark Howard has not had an original call or original idea in 10 years, and he gets about 10% of his financial advice dead wrong. His show (and Dave Ramsey’s) plays to idiots who have no money and never will have. He makes his money giving marginal advice to financial losers who deserve to lose in life because they have no real education and take all their financial advice from some radio hack.
James
December 9th, 2011
4:42 pm
Any of you “fools” that give Clark Howard .01 cent of your money to buy his silly books, well you know what they say about fools and their money,….. Clark Howard now has it, thats what. LMMFAO!
peter weter deter
December 9th, 2011
5:00 pm
Well Clark and Ken Cook the meteorologist look alike
peter weter deter
December 9th, 2011
5:01 pm
I would love to host a show and write a few books and tell the rest of the population how they can save after I walk away like a fat cat with their money in my skinny jeans
Fred
December 9th, 2011
5:16 pm
How can you “hate on” Clark Howard? He is as nice a man as you will ever meet. You may as well just go kick a bunny or slash a teddy bear or something.
Didn’t I see some of you folks on another thread bashing the Christmas Elves?
LOL how sad.
James
December 9th, 2011
5:43 pm
@ fred, its not hate, some of us are just not gullable enough to drink Jim Jones, I mean Clark Howards Kool-Aide. BTW, even know who Jim Jones is? I doubt it. Know how to use Google, I doubt that also. You will take yours in Cherry, or Grape?
Joe
December 9th, 2011
5:56 pm
Who cares about this guy; save your money, dont charge more then you have, i get it. Now BRING BACK THE KIMMER!! so we can have something to listen to on the radio in Atlanta again!!
Sluggo
December 9th, 2011
6:12 pm
His callers either want forgiveness or praise.
Examples…
” Clark, I filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy, of course, it was not my fault, ….blah, blah, blah,”
” Clark, I order lunch off the kiddie menu, went home and ate it in my driveway, so I can keep the heat thermostat in the off position all winter, blah, blah, blah.”
Can’t blame Clark, he makes money exploiting them all via his show
chump cash
December 9th, 2011
9:28 pm
clark’s making millions writing books with obvious stuff about saving money–mindless chumps keep buying it, so he keeps writing the books.
truthpaste
December 9th, 2011
9:35 pm
More sports radio for me. The only reason WSB get’s my ears is Clark, and Bill Handle in the weekends.
Daddy O
December 9th, 2011
10:07 pm
Hasn’t WSB been running “repeats” of at least one hour without announcing it was a “Best Of” or stating it was not live?
Odis
December 10th, 2011
7:22 pm
I enjoy Clark’s advise, I just can’t stand the constant stream of commercials. Aside from Clark, there was nothing else worth listening to on WSB. From Neal to Sean to Herman to Eric, it’s the same show all day long, reading from the same exact talking points. Talk about propoganda and indoctrination. It’s just awful. And Kim Peterson should be kept off the air for good. I found his show to be racist and offensive. Good riddance to bad rubbish
Why didn't they cut that boring, lying Boortz's time.
December 11th, 2011
6:17 pm
I am one of millions of people who don’t like Boortz — big mouth . . . . . Is WSB radio making way to bring Cain back!
Rev. IKE
December 12th, 2011
5:40 pm
Thank GOD they didn’t give the time to the “Hate Master”.
Southside Steven James Rickman
December 13th, 2011
1:20 pm
*Sniff*
Why not give Tim Rhodes and myself that hour to recreate our number 1 drive home show? Yeah, c’mon.
*Sniff*