Howard Stern is once again the most popular talk radio personalities with Web users, according to LYCOS, Inc. It marks the sixth year in a row that Stern has been awarded the crown.
Stern generated 232 percent more online interest than Adam Corolla, who holds the number two spot this year. In fact, due in part to Sterns move, search activity for Sirius Satellite Radio increased 1,300 percent in 2005 and another 128 percent in 2006.
A recent New York Post article reported that Sterns popularity was declining, and rumors began circulating that Stern planned to return to the free airwaves. Both Stern and a spokesperson from Sirius denied the story, and certainly, Web users would seem to agree that Sterns popularity remains strong, although not as strong as in 2005. Since his move to Sirius in Jan., Sterns online interest has dipped only 15 percent.
The most interesting trend this year is the large number of newcomers generating online interest. Of the top 20 talk radio personalities of 2006, six are making first-ever appearances, including Wendy Williams, Emma B, Jim Cramer, Chris Evans, Sara Cox and Carolla. In addition to OReilly, other notables falling out of the top 20 in 2006 include David Lee Roth, Larry King, Dr. Laura, Kim Komando, Mancow, Laura Ingraham and Paul Harvey.
The Top 20 Most-Searched Talk Radio Personalities of 2006 (numbers in parentheses reflect last years rank):
1) Howard Stern (1) 11) Jim Cramer (-)
2) Adam Carolla (-) 12) Opie & Anthony (10)
3) Tavis Smiley (29) 13) Tom Leykis (17)
4) Don Imus (-) 14) Emma B (-)
5) Rush Limbaugh (2) 15) Sean Hannity (11)
6) Tom Joyner (-) 16) Michael Savage (5)
7) Lionel (-) 17) Chris Evans (-)
8) Wendy Williams (-) 18) Don and Mike (15)
9) Al Franken (-) 19) Bob & Tom (9)
10) Art Bell (7) 20) Sara Cox (-)