Do syndicated radio shows get paid by the station?

Question

When a radio station carries a syndicated show (such as Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly), does the station pay for the show, or is the only compensation to the syndicator from national ads? What ratio of national to local ads is there usually?

Answer 1

Depends on the market of the radio station, the talent and the ownership of the celebrity.  If the market is big enough, i.e. to 20, the network may be happy with what they get for their own spots.  If the talent is not that big, the network may have to be satisfied to get their stuff on the air.  If the talent's contract is held by the station owners, i.e. Clear Channel, Premiere, etc. then it can vary considerably .  In smaller markets, the station probably have to pay the network to carry the top shows.