Drudge radio deal irks ABC news chief
I can become a news anchor sitting next to Stephanopoulos, Drudge sez
Industry insiders say Westin raised a major stink when he got wind of the Drudge deal and lobbied hard to stop it. The news topper apparently was concerned that listeners would associate the Internet scribe and Fox News Channel host with ABC News.
ABC Radio brass listened to Westin's objections but decided to go forward with the show anyway. The live two-hour program will begin airing Sunday night on about 15-20 stations, including KABC and the seven other ABC-owned AM talk stations.
Westin wasn't the only potential obstacle to the national Drudge radio show. Fox News execs initially balked at letting Drudge ink with ABC, since Fox has its own radio news net. The execs eventually gave the OK for the show.
ABC News declined comment, while an ABC Radio spokeswoman said Drudge's show would be marketed as entertainment rather than news.
And Drudge? Reached at his Hollywood apartment, he made light of the whole mini-controversy.
"If I work really hard, I suppose I could become a news anchor at ABC sitting next to George Stephanopoulos," he said, referring to the Clinton adviser turned substitute "Good Morning America" host.
