» "Stop Listening To Rush! That's the advice of former Republican Secretary of State Colin Powell in the wake of the 2008 elections. In an interview with CNN anchor Fareed Zakaria Powell said that his party's attempt "to use polarization for political advantage" backfired in the November elections. "Can we continue to listen to Rush Limbaugh?" asks Powell. "Is this really the kind of party that we want to be when these kinds of spokespersons seem to appeal to our lesser instincts rather than our better instincts? I think the party has to stop shouting at the world and at the country." You can see Powell's interview on CNN's GPS program this Sunday (12/14) at 1pm (ET).

» Hannity And ... ? Actually it will be Sean Hannity and "nobody" as of January 12 when the FOX News Channel personality begins hosting a solo show in the 9pm (ET) hour that's been occupied for the past 12 years by Hannity & Colmes. In the wake of the pending departure of Alan Colmes the program will be re-titled simply Hannity featuring "The Great American Panel" that will include three nightly in-studio guests -- a liberal, an "x" factor and a conservative. The revamped show will be a mix of commentary and branded features, including the "Hate Hannity Hotline," a compilation of voice mails and videos from dissenting listeners of Hannity's daily ABC Radio Networks/Premiere Radio Networks Talk radio show. Commenting on the changes FNC SVP/Programming Bill Shine said, "When Alan Colmes left us with a void we decided to build a new program utilizing Sean's signature talents rather than take on the monumental task of replacing someone as exceptional as Alan and attempting to rebuild a rare chemistry that is unlikely to ever be matched in cable television again."

» "I Don't Want To Be The Boss": That's what comedian Jay Leno told KLSX/Los Angeles-based CBS Radio syndicated host Adam Carolla yesterday (12/11). Asked why he would embark on another TV show next year instead of comfortably retiring after years of success Leno told Carolla, "I'm Scottish, we kind of die in the mines. I like to write jokes and tell jokes and I have it set up for me so that's really all I have to do. I don't want to own my show. I don't want to be the boss. I don't want to tell people, 'Hey, we have to let you go.' I like to just come in, tell jokes and go home. Write joke, tell joke, get check -- it's really that simple." NBC-TV announced earlier this week that Leno will host a new nightly primetime hour at 10pm (ET) beginning in 2009.

» Larry Elder Checks Out: The 15-year KABC/Los Angeles afternoon host surprised listeners yesterday with the announcement that today (12/12) would be his last show on the Citadel News/Talker. Although leaving KABC, Elder didn't sound much like a guy who is leaving the Talk media biz saying, "I am looking forward to the other opportunities ahead of me, and I will post them at larryelder.com, when I'm ready to announce them. In the meantime, rest assured I'll still be fighting the good fight, and I won't back down. Stay strong." Beginning Monday (12/15) station veteran Al Rantel will takeover KABC's 3-7pm slot.

» Peter Kaliner Checks In: Meanwhile on the right coast, WBT/Charlotte has named their senior news reporter to fill the Greater Media News/Talker's 9pm-midnight slot. Those hours recently opened when former evening host Tara Servatius moved to afternoons to replace the departed Jeff Katz. "Pete Kaliner is Charlotte's most experienced and trusted news reporter," said VP/Market Manager Rick Jackson. "With this move he can now share his considerable insight and opinion about what's really going on behind the ropes with our decision makers and business leaders." Kaliner will begin his new hosting gig on December 15.

L.A. Lakers Announce Big Trade: No, the storied NBA franchise isn't giving up Kobe Bryant, but the team is moving it's radio broadcasts to ESPN Radio west coast flagship KSPN/Los Angeles effective with the start of the 2009-2010 season. Lakers' broadcasts currently air on crosstown Clear Channel Sports/Talker KLAC, the station that's been the Lakers' radio flagship for over 30 years. The team's EVP/Business Operations Jeanie Buss called KLAC "a wonderful partner" but added, "While we respect and appreciate all that they have done, we feel strongly that the time is right for this move to 710 ESPN." KSPN plans to broadcast pre- and post-game coverage of Lakers games from new state-of-the-art studios located at "L.A. Live," directly across the street from the team's home court at Staples Center. The Lakers' broadcast team of Spero Dedes and Mychal Thompson will make the move with the team to their new radio home.