WOR-torn area
Segal exits after a month in Gambling’s spot
AFTER AN eight-decade run with the Gambling family, WOR’s new morning show lasted one month.
Elliot Segal’s “Elliot in the Morning,” which began last month, was canceled on Tuesday, with WOR’s parent Clear Channel announcing Segal will return to his longrunning show in Washington on WWDC. His abrupt departure from a station undergoing a near-total makeover triggered fast speculation that WOR (710 AM) might go after Scott Shannon, the popular 30-year city radio veteran who was cut loose from WPLJ (95.5 FM) a week and a half ago.
Contacted Tuesday, Shannon said he couldn’t “confirm or deny” any talks he might be having with potential new employers.
“I can tell you I will be back soon,” he said.
Mark Simone, WOR’s 9 a.m.-noon host, sat in for Segal on Tuesday. He said it was a one-day post and that he has no interest in taking over a morning show.
A Clear Channel spokesperson said there was no information on who will fill in for Segal the next few days or whether there is a timetable for finding a replacement.
The only ratings for Segal’s new show in New York, which came out Monday, were not encouraging.
His boisterous show, aimed at a younger audience than Gambling’s, did not please many long-time listeners.
Some listeners also found Segal an odd fit with the heart of WOR’s new lineup, the afternoon duo of conservative talkers Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.
WOR gained audience share in the new ratings this week, but still trailed rival WABC (770 AM).