It's The Height Of Talk Radio Season...

Negative political ads are the things that people dislike most about national elections (see: the latest Washington Whispers poll) but they love negative talk about national elections (or anything else) which would explain the popularity of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck and other dispensers of "negativism" (see: Spiro Agnew). Market Watch calls this the nastiest political climate the U.S. has seen in 40-plus years which means Premiere Radio Networks, syndicator of Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck will celebrate Christmas early this year. No matter how nasty the talk gets, talk radio audiences love it. That's why they're listening. The choir loves to be preached to. Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck are on a pace to see their shows advertising sales increase by 10% to 40% from last year, according to Premiere. Talkers magazine's latest list of top radio audiences has Limbaugh with more than 15 million unique listeners each week, followed by Hannity's 14 million-plus and Beck's more than 10 million. A potent political force that can never be taken lightly...

Ratings for the Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck shows are expected to climb. Len Klatt, senior VP/Dir. research says "We always enjoy a 15% to 20% perk for those shows in the fall (Arbitron) book. When there's a presidential election, it's even higher. 2008 was monstrous for these three shows. We think we're probably going to get...pretty darn close to presidential levels. With the tea-party movement and the way those hosts are talking about it, I think you're going to see 85% of the presidential levels." ...

While most of this piece has focused on Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck, this is not meant to ignore the efforts of other talk show hosts like Michael Savage and Mark Levin who both have more than 8.5 million weekly listeners nor Neal Boortz, Michael Medved, Mike Gallagher and others. While critics contend that too many talk-radio shows offend listeners - hate sells. That's why people listen to them...

10 Timeline Memories:
1.1642] A time for joy, a time for tears: Harvard holds its first commencement. A grand total of 9 men graduate with degrees...
2.1952] Your move Mr. Nixon: When questioned about his integrity, VP candidate Richard Nixon gives his famous "Checkers" speech. Checkers was the name of a dog given as a gift to 6-year old daughter Tricia...
3.1952] The winner and new champ: Rocky Marciano wins his biggest fight, winning the heavyweight crown by knocking out previous champ Jersey Joe Walcott in the 13th round. When Rocky went down in that small plane he was 49-0. He never lost a fight...
4.1956] Circus Boy: Mickey Braddock begins his career as "Corky", a 12-year old adopted by the circus in NBC-TV's "Circus Boy". Mickey Braddock will change his name to Micky Dolenz...
5.1962] Maury Wills it so: Dodger Maury Wills breaks Ty Cobb's 47-year old stolen base record when he swipes #97 on the way to 104...
6.1962] The Name Game: The New York Philharmonic Hall opens as the first unit in Lincoln Center. The hall will later be renamed Avery Fisher Hall...
7.1969] Paul is dead: The London Daily Mirror reports that Paul McCartney is dead in one of the greatest hoaxes of all-time...
8.1977] Musical Angels: Cheryl Ladd replaces Farrah Fawcett on "Charlie's Angels"...
9.1988] 40-40 Club: Jose Canseco is baseball's 1st player to steal 40 bases and hit 40 home runs while dating Madonna...
10.1991] Going to Hall: Islanders' Mike Bossy and Denis Potvin are inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame...

Music Memories:

• 1967] Released on this date: "People Are Strange" - Doors...1972] "All The Young Dudes" - Mott The Hoople...

Commentary: Make plans now to attend the Tampa Bay Radio Reunion, Saturday, November 6, 2010 by RSVPing Sandy Hall at swoodworth@embargmail.com or call 813-205-5247. Sandy needs a headcount for the reunion. Tedd Webb says "if you missed it last year, you missed a good one, so pass along the info and come swap lies and have a few brews." The reunion will start at 2 PM...

"Happy Birthday...happy birthday":
Chi McBride (49), Jason Alexander (51), Bruce Springsteen (61), Paul Petersen (65), Julio Iglesias (67) and Mickey Rooney (90)...

Timeline Countdown: 13 days until the MLB playoff opener, 35 days until the World Series begins & 39 nights until Halloween...