Confirmed: Fred getting his own radio show
posted at 1:05 pm on December 22, 2008 by Allahpundit
The NYT said it was happening, and so it is.
Westwood One is pleased to announce the debut of The Fred Thompson Show on March 2, 2009. The show will replace The Radio Factor with Bill O’Reilly when the program ends its successful six-year run on February 27, 2009. Former U.S. senator and 2008 presidential candidate, Fred Thompson will share his views on politics, topical issues, pop culture and water cooler stories, as well as welcome guest interviews and take listener calls. The Fred Thompson Show will be a two-hour daily talk show and will air live Noon-2pm, Monday – Friday from the Westwood One studios in Washington DC…
“When folks listen to a radio show, they make an appointment with it. It is the ideal way for me to continue my dialog with America about the issues we all face each day,” said Thompson.
Kudos to the Westwood One copywriter for somehow resisting the phrase “cracker-barrel.” Teh Fred’s two-minute commentaries while subbing for Paul Harvey were hugely popular with our readers, yet the reaction to today’s news in Headlines is relatively tepid. What happened? Two hours a day of Thompson is too much but three hours of Hannity isn’t? Or is it just that Fred’s shtick, which made him the righty blogosphere’s runaway favorite for the nomination last year, has worn out its welcome? I don’t get it. It’s down-home, rock-ribbed, southern conservatism. Who else is giving you that on radio?
Free advice for Westwood, though: Make each and every show freely downloadable online, because he’s not going to build an audience easily head to head with Rush. Exit question: Isn’t he going back to acting too? I wonder if this show won’t end up like the “Tonight Show” at the close of the Carson era, where there’s a guest host four days a week.
Blowback
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Bye ORielly, hellllo Fred.
The Goodie!!!
Yay!
hawkdriver on December 22, 2008 at 1:07 PM
2 hours of fred clearing his throat?
That’s good radio.
lorien1973 on December 22, 2008 at 1:07 PM
HOT damn.
warbaby on December 22, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Mark Levin said that Ted Baxter’s show wouldn’t last much longer, and he was right
lodge on December 22, 2008 at 1:09 PM
I’ll listen if I can get to it online. I can’t really say I’m sad to see O’Reilly go, though. He’s been going downhill for more than a year now.
BadgerHawk on December 22, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Well, he ran for president and dashed the hopes of those who were so enamored with him.
I still like him and will probably listen to a few soundbytes, but I was never rabid about him in the first place.
Esthier on December 22, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Who’s going to be there, “FOR THE FOLKS”?
lol
hawkdriver on December 22, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Premium radio content is a ****ing joke. Rush, LI, Oreilly, Hannity, Prager can all simultaneously smoke my meat puppet with their “premium” downloads.
Levin has it right — free downloads of already aired content.
Thompson is good on Paul Harvey…for two minutes. He’s not AM drive time material though.
I think they’re gonna have a hell of a time coming up with good promo imaging for this crypt keeper though.
The Race Card on December 22, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Talk about a major upgrade! Looking forward to this!
Beatnik Joe on December 22, 2008 at 1:15 PM
I listen to Prager. He has stuff free online, that’s the only way I get to listen to him. He has it at “lower” quality but at least I get to listen to it.
terryannonline on December 22, 2008 at 1:16 PM
nervous with what teh Fred might do with this…
it could be great.
it probably will be an exercise in mediocrity
Drunk Report on December 22, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Who said anything about anyone being cool with the master of repetivness, Hannity?
Knucklehead on December 22, 2008 at 1:17 PM
The Race Card on December 22, 2008 at 1:13 PM
? I can listen to any of those shows totally free on the internet. Just find an AM station that they’re on.
It’s quite simple.
bridgetown on December 22, 2008 at 1:18 PM
Will he stop taking whatever drugs he’s taking and actually stay awake for the duration of his show?
Who knows? Maybe 4 hours of listening to Fred snore is more exciting than it sounds…
SaintOlaf on December 22, 2008 at 1:19 PM
O’Reilly leaving and Fred in. Is someone listening to my prayers?
upinak on December 22, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Going up against RUSH? ROFL, death to poor Fred, that is an idiot move… RUSH ownes Noon to 3(EST) daily and will continue to get my time. Rush is the TRUE REAGAN CONSERVATIVE voice the Republicans need, we “should” have been listening to Rush for YEARS, but our so smart “leaders” have gone the EXACT opposit. We have MORONS and IDIOTS as leaders of the party, but if we would listen and learn from the Rush’s, Mark Levin and The Heritage Foundation we would wipe the floors with the foolish far left Liberals. Maybe we have learned THIS time around, NO MORE fake Conservatives, NO MORE Rino’s… We need to keep it REAL in 2010 and 2012! I like Fred Thompson, but Rush is MY voice and ideas pesonafied. CYA O’Reilly, you WON’T BE MISSED AT ALL, your a jerk and bafoon and NO Conservative!
Mark Garnett on December 22, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Look on the bright side, it can’t be any worse than Huckabigot’s show
lodge on December 22, 2008 at 1:21 PM
The only station that I knew carried O’reilly’s show played it at 6 pm (after Limbaugh and Hannity). I’ll surely listen to it if I can find it. Heck I’m already pod casting Jason Lewis even though half of what he talks about is local Minnesota stuff (I live in Michigan).
Micheal on December 22, 2008 at 1:22 PM
That was my first thought on reading the headline. I hope his show does well.
Bugler on December 22, 2008 at 1:22 PM
Perhaps Fred can help me with auto maintenance on my borrowed red truck…
In all seriousness, better Fred than Bill O’Bluster.
BKennedy on December 22, 2008 at 1:23 PM
I hate these pay services to get podcasts of the show. Too expensive.
As I’ve said in a previous thread, Fred must make his show available in podcast for free because no one can compete with El Rushbo.
jencab on December 22, 2008 at 1:24 PM
teh FRED!!!!! My life has found new meaning.
Seriously though, I love teh Fred! and am pretty excited by this news.
MFn G I M P on December 22, 2008 at 1:24 PM
Teh Fred was and always will be my favorite. As much of a McCainiac that I was (and still am) Fred was my choice long before there were FredHeads.
I will most certainly be listening!
JetBoy on December 22, 2008 at 1:26 PM
You’re quite simple. I’m not talking about streaming radio. I stream all of them and record them daily. I archive all types of medai….because I’m just that annoying.
What I’m talking about are the premium content sections of their sites. I hope you get your chance to catch me on some other flub. You blew this one.
The Race Card on December 22, 2008 at 1:27 PM
*media
The Race Card on December 22, 2008 at 1:27 PM
You’re one of the posters here I stop to read every time. Dead on almost every single comment. +10 on your last comment.
So many Conservative “will not” admit they even listen to Rush let alone admit they agree with him. You can accept the spin or admit that he calls it almost every single freaking time. He ended up supporting him, and he sounded optimistic just prior to election day, but he called McCain and the MSMs push to nominate him in 2000. He called it.
(You should send a voice tape audition in and try to get the O’Rielly 6-8pm slot here.)
hawkdriver on December 22, 2008 at 1:29 PM
…………woohoo? …….
DannoJyd on December 22, 2008 at 1:41 PM
Is he going to care enough to show up? Does he realize this takes commitment?
drjohn on December 22, 2008 at 1:42 PM
They are going to have to replace the “cough button” every week due to overuse.
Dilophos on December 22, 2008 at 1:44 PM
I like Larry Elder
Rick007 on December 22, 2008 at 1:44 PM
I’m glad they’re flushing that miserable stinking piece of Bill O’Reilly.
Fred! should be a welcome change.
Right_of_Attila on December 22, 2008 at 1:46 PM
The Fred is gonna rock it!!!
Southern fried dose of reality!
HoosierCon on December 22, 2008 at 1:51 PM
Not a religious man but I’ll tell you what…
THANK GOD!
scrubbiedude on December 22, 2008 at 1:52 PM
I like him a lot too. I was mega pissed when my local station dropped him for Mike Savage.
I’ll definetly download Thompson’s show; not sure where he would be on in my area or on Sirius/XM. It would be awesome if he were on Sirius/XM…
liquidflorian on December 22, 2008 at 1:55 PM
You know his show has been canceled, right? Sad, but true.
The Race Card on December 22, 2008 at 1:56 PM
Hannity and Fred Show?
Princeps on December 22, 2008 at 2:11 PM
I have two positive observations for O’Reilly:
1) He gets reasonably good guests.
2) He’s not afraid to invite those with whom he disagrees onto his show, which–among other reasons–is why he blows the competition away (Olbermann).
Besides that, O’Reilly would benefit from obtaining a basic understanding of economics. He has obstreperously fought Cavuto and many others who are WAY smarter than he is and just…doesn’t…get…it.
perroviejo on December 22, 2008 at 2:12 PM
I like Fred’s politics and I supported his presidential candidacy, but I was disappointed in his feeble attempt at a campaign earlier this year.
Color me a little disillusioned on Fred Thompson, the guy, but not his politics.
Kevin from Ohio in V on December 22, 2008 at 2:12 PM
One more thing. I’d rather listen to Fred over O’Reilly.
…as if.
perroviejo on December 22, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Mark is the best. I just can’t take a quitter like Fred that seriously. It is a notch better than O’Reilly since Bill has done nothing in life but whine about others. Fred has done something in life but somewhere along the way his spine detatched from his body and now he can only whine about others.
grdred944 on December 22, 2008 at 2:15 PM
A daily lecture from Fred Thompson on the U.S Constitution and Federalism would be more educational than a college class. It would definitely be more informative and entertaining than a blogger’s snide comments towards Fred.
I hope the 2 hours plays well to the public. We sorely need it! I’ll listen.
MoCoM on December 22, 2008 at 2:33 PM
I’m going to have to get a sockpuppet…Fred!Baby.
RushBaby on December 22, 2008 at 2:36 PM
I plan on giving Fred a shot, assuming he podcasts. This head to head thing doesn’t matter at all to me because I hardly ever use the radio. An hour of rush on the radio only has about 30 minutes of (extremely high quality!) content. My time is too important to do the radio thing!
Just out of curiosity, how many others are rush 24/7 listeners? Is everyone an iPod user, or are there some other ‘Obamanaughts’ like myself using the dreaded Zune?
StartinOver on December 22, 2008 at 2:37 PM
Fred! is awesome. I can’t wait to tune in.
HebrewToYou on December 22, 2008 at 2:38 PM
YES!
I’ll be a renewed FredHead, and recording his show daily if its put on XM/Sirius. I agree about the free download part, that allows me to listen to Mark Levin everyday while doing my choirs around the house or doing menial work on job.
I’m glad O’Reilly is gone, he needs to stick to his TV show.
I much prefer Fred over Hannity any day of the week. :D
Geministorm on December 22, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Wow, geez, thanks alot. I am flatered… I simply try to speak my heart without the worry of being politicaly correct.
I read your posts also, we seem to believe in Reagan principals and strong Conservative values and morals, a pride in America and a willingness to say so… I am not, nor will I be ever be afraid to say that I believe in God, Family and Country… I’m not at all ashamed to be a Conservative, that I still like Bush, even though I hated many of his policies, I respect and admire our VP and read the ManlyRash newsletter.
Thank you for your compliment.
Mark Garnett on December 22, 2008 at 2:50 PM
Merry Christmas to ME!
Y-not on December 22, 2008 at 2:53 PM
+100
Heck, I’d take Harry Ried over Hannity… I just can’t take him! I love Hannities support for our troops and Conservatives, but his “style” just kills my ability to listen to his views.
Mark Garnett on December 22, 2008 at 3:00 PM
my best bet – he shows up for the first two shows, goes on vacation (because you know, family is most important) and lasts until april when he will fondly wish everyone of his listeners farewell as he must retire and move on to other interests….can you tell im a little bitter about the potus run????
alabudboy on December 22, 2008 at 3:01 PM
Looking forward to it. Go Fred!
bridgetown on December 22, 2008 at 3:06 PM
Better yet. FOX should dump Huckabee and give Fred that slot.
Disturb the Universe on December 22, 2008 at 3:07 PM
The Race Card on December 22, 2008 at 1:27 PM
LOL, wow, you sound like an angry soul.
Not looking to ‘catch’ anyone in a ‘flub’
Excuuuuuuuuuse me for misunderstanding.
sheesh
bridgetown on December 22, 2008 at 3:08 PM
yeah for Fred! I never listened to O’Reilly, so I won’t miss him. The only show I do listen to regularly is Mark Levin. Fred!’s and Levin’s styles will balance each other: smooth, easy talkin’ plain-talk and bombastic passion.
I hope Fred!’s demeanor will make for good radio. His slow pace and cadence when he speaks could be a challenge.
And yes Westwood, make his shows available. I like to download the podcasts and listen to them when I can.
Mallard T. Drake on December 22, 2008 at 3:10 PM
Errrr – wouldn’t that be:
Or is that just an election 08 thing?
juanito on December 22, 2008 at 3:39 PM
Hopefully Fred will have the “fire in the belly” needed for talk radio–he’ll have to speed up his speaking cadence if he doesn’t want listeners asleep at the wheel. But Fred does have one advantage over O’Reilly–he thinks clearly! O’Reilly has a love affair with his own voice, and a nasty habit of interrupting guests smarter than himself, which Fred will probably avoid.
A Democrat President and a Democrat-controlled Congress is a target-rich environment. Take your best shots, Fred!
Steve Z on December 22, 2008 at 3:43 PM
I can hardly wait. I want to be the first caller.
“So, Fred, what exactly were you thinking when you were asked to provide legal advice to the Libyan Muslim terrorists responsible for the murder of 270 innocent people over Lockerbie Scotland? Why did you assist the legal effort to prevent the extradition of these murderous scumbags? You understand that your efforts were not part of a legitimate defense afforded to all defendants in a system of justice, but rather an effort avoid any trial in an unbiased justice system??
“P.S. Why do you think our brave firemen’s headgear looks “silly’”
I CAN HARDLY WAIT!
tommylotto on December 22, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Go Fred!
beachgirlusa on December 22, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Go for it tommy, but please sack up and use your real name and hometown. That way when you get your pinhead handed to you, all your neighbors can have their opinion of you validated.
rhodeymark on December 22, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Looking forward to it. They air O’Reilly at 6-9 P.M. down here, so Fred won’t be going up against Rush if they pick it up.
therightwinger on December 22, 2008 at 6:20 PM
I’m curious is there any conservative talk radio host that has a Southern accent? I mostly listen to Hugh Hewitt and Dennis Prager and they definitely don’t have Southern accents. I wonder if that is a hindrance in the talk show biz?
terryannonline on December 22, 2008 at 7:33 PM
As a former Fredhead this is interesting to me. If I can manage to be near a radio during Bill’s timeslot I will listen in. I won’t get my hopes up though….
Mooseman on December 22, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Angry soul? Dude, that sounds like a phrase straight out of Self-enlightnement for Dummies. Step away from therapy session.
Or if you like it a little rough:
You snarked off, got pimpsmacked. Now shut up and sit down.
The Race Card on December 22, 2008 at 8:56 PM
If you have the ability to listen on-line, it may be more convenient.
Having Fred in place of Hannity would be my ultimate dream. Can’t listen to Sean- he’s just too whiney-sounding.
redneck hippie on December 22, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Vis a vis Rush time slot. I lucked out–Westwood is on a competitor station in Chicago. So I can have the radio on in my left ear with Rush on, and the internet on in my right ear with Fred.
Sumpin tells me I’ll be turning off the radio, though.
redneck hippie on December 22, 2008 at 9:24 PM
All the Freddites here rejoice! When Rush gets on a topic I don’t like I can listen to Fred now. Hopefully they’ll run Fred on a couple hour delay so I can hear the whole show.
Mojave Mark on December 22, 2008 at 9:47 PM
Or like Bill Bennett’s Morning in America. Yeeeesh.
August Horch on December 22, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Remember back in the good old days when a Fred thread got 600 comments?
conservnut on December 22, 2008 at 9:57 PM
I wish Fred well, but he should know that filling a couple of hours on the radio is not like a two-minute prepared pontification. Rush makes it look easy. I don’t believe it is. Locally, O’Reilly ran after Rush and at the same time as Hannity. I stopped listening to O’Reilly when he climbed on that “oil companies are evil” bandwagon and wouldn’t get off. But I would enjoy an alternative to Hannity from time to time. Too much of a one-note Samba at times. Come on in, Fred. The water’s fine.
SKYFOX on December 23, 2008 at 5:13 AM
That is precisely what I was thinking. He should take Hannity’s time slot lol. I enjoy Hannity’s show… but frankly it gets irritating after a while. I think I would enjoy Thompson quite a bit more. Good luck stealing Rush listeners.
Passed on December 23, 2008 at 7:21 AM
Ahhhhhhhhh yeah… NOT!
rofl
Mark Garnett on December 23, 2008 at 7:34 AM
If it’s on @ 9 in my area it’ll give me something to listen to on those days I don’t feel like tuning in to Laura Ingraham – or during reruns.
Ryan Gandy on December 23, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Hallelujah. Sign me up.
Now maybe Bill O will have time to track down that guy that sets the gas prices. I always wondered who he is. Bill never did tell us. I think he paid Bill off.
darwin-t on December 23, 2008 at 5:11 PM