NEW YORK – Who says conventional and satellite radio can’t join forces? Shock jocks Opie and Anthony are returning to select CBS Radio stations, where they got their start before jumping ship to newcomer sat rad XM in 2004. But they’ll continue to be aired on XM.
XM and CBS call it an “unprecedented agreement” involving dual platforms.
The show will air on CBS stations in New York, Dallas, Philadelphia, Boston, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and West Palm Beach starting this Wednesday. The duo will air two extra hours a day that is only available to XM subscribers.
"With the combination of XM and CBS RADIO, we now have the best gig in the business. The O & A Show is going to be bigger and better than ever," said Gregg "Opie" Hughes, who along with Anthony Cumia has turned into one of the most popular shows on XM.
"Opie and Anthony have proven their determination to succeed in this business, and have a relationship with their audience that is second to none in the industry," said Joel Hollander, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Radio. "CBS Radio is well known for having among its portfolio some of the best brands in radio, and it’s great to have O&A among that stable again. Loyal listeners of O&A have grown accustomed to a show that’s real and entertaining."
The amount of the deal was not disclosed, though it’s doubtful it will be anywhere near the $500 million over five years that rival Howard Stern is making at Sirius, a leap he made in January.
