» The Rising Irrelevance Of Talk Radio That's the title of an op-ed piece that ran in the Boston Globe over the weekend (11/8) in which contributors Steve Elman and Alan Tolz conclude that last week's 2008 presidential elections is "the first one in more than 30 years in which Talk radio had no impact." The authors say the "overall use of the medium is in decline" and suggest that the proliferation of new technologies have hurt the format's growth by providing alternatives to broadcast radio that are more attractive to younger demos. "Younger listeners largely ignore Talk radio and its existing audience is calcifying," say Elman and Tolz. "New ears - even middle-aged or senior ears - are vital to Talk radio's influence because they are attached to brains that are available for persuasion, rather than brains that have already made a choice." You can read their full article HERE and offer your comments on it HERE.

» Where's Phil? Since his exit at WABC/New York last month, speculation on Phil Boyce's next move has suggested the veteran programmer would likely join his friend and ABC Radio Networks/Premiere Radio Networks syndicate host Sean Hannity in a new venture. While we know that Boyce is very close to announcing his next move, frankly we wouldn't place our bets on it being a deal involving Hannity. Although the duo both expressed sentiments that each is the other's "best friend," our hunch is that Boyce is a guy with an entrepreneurial heart who's itching to break new ground in his career. We expect his brief "time off" to end shortly with the announcement of a new opportunity for the longtime programming executive who has a knack for identifying and growing new Talk radio talent. Stay tuned!

» To The Victor Go The Spoils: That would seem to be the case in Washington, DC radio where Red Zebra Broadcasting has understandably jettisoned its "McCain 570" handle on WTNT in favor of a new moniker, "Freedom 570." The AM talker's lineup continues to feature a bevy of syndicated conservative-leaning yakkers including Laura Ingraham, Monica Crowley, Bill Bennett, Lars Larson, Dennis Miller and Mancow. Meanwhile, liberal Talk clustermate WWRC retains its "Obama 1260" handle honoring the new President-elect and featuring programming from Air America Radio and other syndicated lib-talk shows hosted by Stephanie Miller, Ed Schultz and Bill Press. PD Greg Tantum says, "The recent election served as a powerful focus group to make it clear that a large number of people want a choice in what they hear on the radio. Red Zebra gives DC listeners that option."

Sharp Dressed Men" Enjoying this past Saturday night's (11/8) Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony held in Chicago are (l-r) Westwood One host and staff announcer for the event's national radio broadcast Jim Bohannon; Master of Ceremonies, WW One syndicated host and KLSX/Los Angeles morning man Adam Carrola; and veteran broadcaster and RHOF Chairman Bruce DuMont. If you couldn't make it to the Windy City for this year's ceremony, check out an online video of the nationwide broadcast HERE.

» WEAE/Pittsburgh Gets Rich: The ESPN Radio O&O names Nanci Rich as General Sales Manager for the Steel City Sports/Talker. The Western Pennsylvania native was most recently a corporate sponsorship sales exec for the Pittsburgh Steelers Radio Network. Prior to that she held promotions and marketing positions at a number of Pittsburgh radio stations and also served as Promotions Director for baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates. In her new gig Rich will report directly to GM Mike Thompson who said, "Nanci is very experienced as a manager and seller. She is a creative spirit that knows about creating a 'wow' factor for both our listeners and advertisers."

» R.I.P. Craig Robbins: The WREC/Memphis morning host and 20-year market veteran died suddenly after suffering an apparent heart attack while driving home from work on Friday (11/7). He was 58. Robbins, who first moved to Memphis in 1987, hosted WREC's Memphis Morning News and was also News Director for the Clear Channel News/Talker. Prior to joining WREC Robbins also worked at crosstown WMC and did commentaries for Memphis TV stations WPTY and WLMT. Robbins is survived by his wife Sue and his oft talked about "kids" -- 3 dogs and 8 cats that he proudly noted, "were all adopted from shelters." Funeral arrangements are pending.