‘Coast to Coast’ Syndicators Optimistic Host Will Return

Art Bell’s radio syndication company remains hopeful that the popular overnight host, who suddenly ended his “Coast to Coast” show last Tuesday, will return to the airwaves sometime soon. It will keep the program going with guest hosts.

Kraig T. Kitchin, president and chief operating officer of Premiere Radio Networks, said in a brief interview Friday from the National Assn. of Broadcasters convention in Seattle that “I am certainly optimistic that Art will be back very soon. As Art explained to his listeners, he has what I would consider some very important family matters that take priority over his ability to be on the air with his listeners every night.”

Meanwhile, Bell, 53, is scheduled to “make a statement to his listeners during the first hour of his broadcast” tonight, Kitchin announced. “Coast to Coast,” which is broadcast to more than 400 stations across the nation, is heard locally on KABC-AM (790) from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Signaling the extent of his optimism, Kitchin said that the Sherman Oaks-based company will continue to distribute Bell’s program using guests hosts, beginning tonight with veteran broadcaster Hilly Rose.

At the close of the interview, Kitchin said of Bell’s departure: “This isn’t a hoax, and it is not a publicity stunt, as some reports have stated.”