Cumulus has unveiled its new 77 WABC lineup for 2014, signaling a shift in focus to more local news from the New York City-based talk radio station as it prepares to go up against the likes of
Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, both of whom parted ways with Cumulus Media in 2013.
Among the changes announced Thursday to the lineup on 77 WABC will be the reunion of Curtis Sliwa and Ron Kuby in the "Curtis & Kuby" show that will air weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. The pair had formerly hosted a popular radio show together from 2000 through 2007.
The distinctly New York duo will analyze and discuss the news of the day from polar opposite sides of the political spectrum, with Kuby, the progressive criminal defense and civil rights lawyer routinely butting heads with the conservative Sliwa, an anti-crime activist, who is the founder and CEO of the Guardian Angels organization.
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"Ever since I've left 77 WABC, everywhere I go people have asked me if and when I would ever reunite with Ron Kuby, because that was a great show!" Sliwa said in a press release. "At a time when New Yorkers are starved for information and entertainment, I'm thrilled that we'll be able to offer it to them on the greatest news/talk station this country has ever seen."
"I am thrilled to be back at legendary 77 WABC radio with the Curtis & Kuby show -- it is a new day for New York City and a new afternoon for New York radio!" Kuby added.
Joining the veteran radio personalities on the air will be NY1 anchor Pat Kiernan, who will come onboard Jan. 6. The veteran anchor will be tasked with delivering the news making headlines across the tri-state as well as insight and opinion on sports and pop culture, according to Cumulus – the nation's second largest owner and operator of AM and FM radio stations.
"We're delivering on our pledge to invest in localized content that will entertain, inform and engage listeners while also providing advertisers unique opportunities to reach their customers on a sustained basis," John Dickey, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Cumulus, said in a press release.
In addition to Kiernan, Kuby and Sliwa, New York native
Geraldo Rivera will be launching his own live radio show on 77 WABC called "Geraldo," which will air weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST.
"For the last four decades, in war and peace I've been chasing the news around the world. But there's a universe of stories right here in my hometown," Rivera said in a press release in late November when his show was first announced. "Energized and excited by this opportunity, I'm taking our show to the four corners of the five boroughs. I'll be on the streets and in the face of lawbreakers and newsmakers, ready with a hot mike and a helping hand."
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"Geraldo" will focus on the veteran journalist's hometown of New York City, concentrating on the social and political issues that impact all Americans, but particularly those affecting urban communities through the eyes of New Yorkers.
Rivera will reportedly remain a correspondent-at-large for Fox News and continue to host his nationally-syndicated show on Fox – "Geraldo at Large."