Radio & Television Business Report

Savage, off air since last September after winning a legal battle with Talk Radio Network, told the San Francisco Chronicle 10/10 he expects to be back behind the mic within two weeks: “I’ve got to get back before these (presidential) debates are over,” Savage said. “And when I do, it will be bigger than ever.”

Well, he beat that deadline, and has signed with Cumulus Media Networks.

Michael Savage’s “The Savage Nation” will go live Tuesday, 10/23 and air Monday – Friday from 9PM  – midnight (ET) and 6PM – 9PM (PT) on stations across the country. The show was formerly in the 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET time slot.

He’ll be flag-shipping from Cumulus’ KSFO-AM San Francisco.

“Cumulus and Savage will make radio history,” Savage said. “The turbulent times we live in give talk radio a new power. This is the biggest move of my radio career, and I look forward to reaching many millions of new listeners on their flamethrower signals.”

They can, and may include WABC-AM NY, WJR-AM Detroit, WBAP-AM Dallas, WMAL-AM DC, WLS-AM Chicago, and more.

John Dickey, Cumulus COO, said that as his network “aggressively create radio’s most compelling mix of show hosts, the addition of Michael Savage is a milestone in our determined efforts to provide our listeners nationwide with the best programing in the business.”

“The Savage Nation” was recently the third most listened to radio talk show in the nation with more than ten million weekly listeners.  In 2012 the show became the # 1 talk show on the Internet. All of his numbers were way up especially via Mobile and Social Radio. He is the author of 28 books, including six New York Times bestsellers.

“As we aggressively create radio’s most compelling mix of show hosts the addition of Michael Savage is a milestone in our determined efforts to provide our listeners nationwide with the best programming in the business,” said John Dickey, co-chief operating officer of Cumulus. “Cumulus and Savage will make radio history. The turbulent times we live in give talk radio a new power. This is the biggest move of my radio career and I look forward to reaching many millions of new listeners on their flamethrower signals,” said avage.

In addition to Michael Savage, Cumulus Media Networks so far this year has announced new shows from hosts including former Governor Mike Huckabee, Geraldo Rivera, Perez Hilton and Kix Brooks.