Masters replaces Savage with Jerry Doyle

Here’s the “October Surprise” we heard about after Michael Savage won his suit and left TRN. In addition, it looks like Savage’s days at TRN were numbered anyway. “I believe Jerry is the future of talk radio, TRN Enterprises CEO Mark Masters tells RBR-TVBR. “I think this is the best move I’ve made in talk programming…It was three months earlier than I thought, but it’s before the election and that’s good. Jerry was being groomed for this spot for a long time.”

Masters announced that the 6th largest syndicated talk show in America replaces what was the 3rd largest show. TRN’s Jerry Doyle moves to Michael Savage’s spot at 3pm-6pm PT (6pm to 9pm ET). Talkers ranks Doyle as the 6th largest syndicated talk radio show in America. Doyle comes to the time slot with 375 affiliates.

Masters tells us Doyle’s replacement will be announced Wednesday: “And it’s going to be under the same model. We’re taking the best lessons we’ve learned from our news division, entertainment programming and talk radio and we’ve created a synthesis of a great talk radio show that paces like a freight train.”

But will it be from in-house or outside? Masters said he couldn’t comment–for now.

In the meantime, Bill Wattenburg, a nationally renowned talk show host and scientist, will be filling in through Tuesday for the 12 to 3 p.m. PT slot (3-6 p.m. Eastern) until the new program in Jerry Doyle’s old time slot is announced.

Said Masters: “TRN Enterprises owns no stations – our shows have to earn their keep and stations love what this show does for them – through merit alone. Today that show will jump several spots to become the new 3rd or 4th largest syndicated show in the United States. Jerry will work with his stations reading their ads and promo’s, because he understands radio isn’t about host ego, it’s about high levels of performance, and it’s about business. Jerry shows up 5 days a week, 3 full hours a day because his work ethic is second to none.”

“He will bring massive audiences through word of mouth because he is brilliant and funny, showing both emotional and intellectual range that is beyond rare,” says TRN. “The Jerry Doyle Show is eminently saleable. He understands the advertising business like few others; Jerry is a triple-rated William Morris Agency voice-over artist who has voiced national ads for AT&T, Chevrolet, TGI Fridays, Anheuser-Busch, Panasonic, The US Armed Forces and many others. Jerry will work with his stations reading their ads and promo’s, because he understands radio isn’t about host ego, it’s about high levels of performance, and it’s about business.”

Added Masters: “Jerry Doyle is the vanguard of talk radio’s next evolutionary step, and he has been setting the standard for talk radio’s profitable, saleable and sustainable future for some time now, with commentary that is entertaining, memorable and responsible.  Good work Jerry, as you jump from the 6th largest show to the 3rd largest show in America – you deserve this day – you have earned it.”

Here’s what Stations are saying about The Jerry Doyle Show:

Jay Bohannon, former Clear Channel Program Director WPGB, Pittsburgh says, “Jerry is the leader of the new generation of Talk Radio Hosts and has been the stations #1 ranked host in the Pittsburgh market for years.”

Paul Giammarco, General Manager of WSAR, Providence (and former Program Director for WPRO, Providence) of says “Out of the gate, Jerry has always been a true performer who understands the business. I love Jerry and he is a radio pro.”

Billy Shears, Program Director of KKAR, Omaha says “Great Talk Show Hosts have a certain ‘something’…and you can’t turn Jerry off.”

Brian Gann of KFAQ, Tulsa says of Jerry “provides radio with an edge…high energy and tough talk…Jerry is not afraid to tell it like he sees it and the audience loves it.”

Jon Yinger, CEO of Christian Broadcasting and WQRT AM 1160, Cincinnati says, “We love Jerry. He has been a part of our lineup since the beginning and he truly resonates with our listeners.”

Ryan McCredden, Program Director of KQTH, Tucson says, “The Jerry Doyle show is the perfect mix of news, conversation and humor.  Jerry’s diverse background, energy and engagement with listeners make him a perfect fit for 104.1 The Truth.  Not only does Jerry put on a great show, but he has made numerous trips to Tucson which our listeners love.  This past May Jerry came to town for our 5th anniversary and helped pack our event with nearly 1000 listeners.”

RBR-TVBR observation: It’s interesting that Savage mentioned online Sunday that he wants Rush Limbaugh’s time slot of 12-3PM ET. If he does get that time slot with a new syndicator, it will help TRN’s move here dramatically. Former Savage affiliates currently transitioning to Doyle will be more likely to keep him if Savage doesn’t come back into the same time slot. A big decider will be how well Savage can sell ads for a syndicator. Ratings are great, but advertisers—local and national–make the ultimate vote on a talk host’s success.