Nationals Lampooned? Clear Channel Backs Out On Flaghip Deal

The Nationals are “hurriedly renegotiating their once-imminent” flagship radio deal with Clear Channel’s WTEM-AM after the company “walked away from the deal last weekend,” according to Eric Fisher of the WASHINGTON TIMES. Sources said that the deal was never signed, as Clear Channel lawyers found “several key elements missing in the proposed revenue-sharing accord.” Nationals and Clear Channel execs were scheduled to meet this morning “in an attempt to resurrect the deal,” but the Nationals have also resumed negotiations with Infinity Broadcasting, with whom they held preliminary talks late last year. Fisher writes the departure of MLB relocation consultant Corey Busch is “complicating the issue.” Busch negotiated the framework of Clear Channel’s agreement but has joined a prospective Nationals ownership group (WASHINGTON TIMES, 1/27).