Radio

(Newser) - Listening to Jean Shepherd, the radio raconteur whose writings inspired A Christmas Story (and who did the voice-over), “I learned about social observation and human types,” musician Donald Fagen writes for Slate. For “the true horror of helpless childhood,” and a realism that countered the feel-good, Disney bunk pushed by 1950s and ‘60s media, Fagen found Shepherd’s late-night tropes enthralling—so much so he almost failed out of high school. More »

(Newser) - Where Bill Clinton’s presidency triggered Rush Limbaugh’s ascent, many see a new boom coming for conservative talk radio under President Obama, the New York Times reports. Limbaugh is touting the “rebirth of principled opposition,” and Sean Hannity claims to lead “conservatism in exile.” Says one radio executive, “the conservative hosts will have more fun. There’s no doubt about that.” More »

(Newser) - America’s Mayor may return to the radio waves, according to the New York Post, which reports that Rudy Giuliani is the leading candidate to succeed Bill O’Reilly when he leaves his syndicated show. Giuliani's camp isn't commenting, but Hizzoner has some experience being blunt behind the mike—he mocked a ferret owner as “deranged” during his last turn on the airwaves in 1999. Still unresolved is how a radio gig might affect his possible 2010 gubernatorial campaign. More »

(Newser) - NPR will take two shows off the air and lay off 64 employees—7% of its workforce—to close an unexpected $23 million budget shortfall. Shows getting the ax are "Day to Day" and "News and Notes," both of which sought to diversify NPR's audience. The layoffs are the first organization-wide job cuts in 25 years, the Washington Post reports. More »

(Newser) - More listeners hasn’t translated into more cash for radio broadcasters struggling to keep advertising revenues up, reports the New York Times , as prime clients like auto dealers and retailers cut ad buys in their own battle to stay afloat. Radio advertising continued its 18-month nosedive, declining 10% in October from the previous year. More »

(Newser) - Although conventional radio may seem obsolete, it is an important tool of the presidential campaigns this year, USA Today reports. Political advertising is flooding the airwaves in battleground states as the campaigns take advantage of the cost: $500 to $600 per airing for a 30-second spot in Northern Virginia, compared to at least $1,700 or more for a 30-second TV spot. More »

(Newser) - Howard Stern, once the self-glossed “King of All Media,” has lost much of his audience and prestige in his much-ballyhooed move to satellite radio, the Los Angeles Times reports. Analysts estimate that Stern, who once boasted 12 million daily listeners, attracts only about 1-2 million on the subscription service, and A-list bookings have dried up. More »

(Newser) - Howard Stern and Beth Ostrovsky tied the knot at a star-studded wedding in Manhattan last night. Billy Joel serenaded the pair, actor—and minister—Mark Consuelos officiated, and Chevy Chase delivered a saucy toast. The shock jock "was the antithesis of his public figure," a source told Newsday . "He demonstrated that he was sincere and incredibly loving." The Sterns asked that gifts take the form of donations to a wildlife rescue center. More »