Norm Pattiz’s Courtside Entertainment has picked up Laura Ingraham, who recently left Talk Radio Network at the end of her contract. She launches with Courtside on Jan. 2 and returns to more than 300 affiliates with an expanded show experience and a heightened digital presence.
Ingraham will also increase her audience through Launchpad Digital Media, a division of Courtside. Launchpad will digitally stream the live three-hour program online, make it available as an on-demand podcast, and feature new original content from Ingraham’s Dream in My Head Productions. The Laura Ingraham Show will be produced by Dream In My Head Productions with ad representation managed by Courtside.
In the Q3, The Laura Ingraham Show was the 3rd most popular political talk show streamed in the nation.
“I suppose this means putting aside my xylophone and modern dance ambitions,” Ingraham joked. “I’m thrilled to partner with Norm Pattiz, who helped guide my show after its initial launch in 2001; I am humbled by the outpouring of affection from my listeners over the past few weeks. Courtside’s commitment to our team, our audience, and stations will broaden the national reach of the Laura Ingraham Show to new radio markets.
“The wait is over. The most-listened-to woman in political talk is returning to the national airwaves and is making a major move into the on-demand digital space,” said Pattiz. “Laura Ingraham is one of the most popular and well-known personalities in America today. Recognizing the rapidly growing demand for great on-demand digital content, we are honored that Laura has chosen Launchpad to share her wit and wisdom with the widening online audience. Launchpad is currently delivering over 90 million downloads per month, and we are excited to continue adding powerful radio personas like Laura Ingraham to the expanding roster of Launchpad podcast offerings.”
Dave Houston, the GM of Ingraham’s flagship WTNT in Washington, DC, said, “Since the announcement of Laura’s radio hiatus, our listeners have been clamoring for her return. This is fantastic news–her voice is unique and was sorely missed.”
Laura Scotti, the General Manager at Crawford Broadcasting Company (Ingraham affiliates in Denver and Birmingham) enthused, “Laura Ingraham provides top quality programming which our listeners thoroughly enjoy. We all really look forward to hearing her on air again.”
RBR-TVBR observation: Courtside is really making a name for itself—it’s similar to how Westwood One founder Pattiz built that empire years ago. He’s very involved with his talent, and as Ingraham said, he helped guide her show after its initial launch in 2001. Courtside now produces and finances Bill O’Reilly’s Talking Points, Loveline, One Minute Clinic with Dr. Drew Pinsky, The Dave Koz Show and music specials featuring exclusive interviews with the biggest names in every music genre.
