Talk-radio star Laura Ingraham, who recently announced she was off the air to retool her program, today announced a plan to work with Courtside Entertainment Group to relaunch a national radio program starting Jan. 2.

In the third quarter of 2012, “The Laura Ingraham Show” was the third-most popular political talk show streamed in the nation. In addition to her return to the air on more than 300 radio affiliates, she will enhance her profile on new media platforms.

The announcement said when Ingraham returns to the air, she also will reach out through Launchpad Digital Media, a division of Norm Pattiz’s Courtside Entertainment Group.

The results will include live streaming of the three-hour daily program, on-demand podcasts and new original content from Ingraham’s “Dream in My Head Productions.”

“I suppose this means putting aside my xylophone and modern dance ambitions,” she said. “I’m thrilled to partner with Norm Pattiz, who helped guide my show after its initial launch in 2001; I am humbled by the outpouring of affection from my listeners over the past few weeks.

“Courtside’s commitment to our team, our audience, and stations will broaden the national reach of the Laura Ingraham Show to new radio markets.”

She added: “The exciting collaboration with Launchpad gives us the opportunity to establish a powerful digital presence – a place where our audience can always find their ‘Healthy Radio Addiction’ on demand. Via Dream In My Head Productions, my team and I are creating original digital programming and new television and multi-media content.”

This year “The Laura Ingraham Show” was heard on 300-plus stations nationwide. She also is a Fox News contributor and the principal substitute host on “The O’Reilly Factor.” She is the author of five books, including the No. 1 New York Times bestsellers “Power to the People” and “The Obama Diaries.” She also wrote “Of Thee I Zing: America’s Cultural Decline from Muffin Tops to Body Shots,” “Shut Up & Sing” and “The Hillary Trap.”

Launchpad Digital Media is one of the largest players in the on-demand media world. Led by digital, online and podcast sales pioneer Kit Gray, Launchpad’s podcast platform includes some of the biggest names in digital entertainment, including Adam Carolla, CBS News, Afterbuzz TV with Maria Menounos, Jay Mohr, Dr. Drew, Mark & Lynda, Brian & Jill and Penn Jillette.

Courtside Entertainment Group produces and finances multi-platform, quality programming, including Bill O’Reilly’s “Talking Points”, “Loveline,” “One Minute Clinic with Dr. Drew Pinsky” and “The Dave Koz Show.”

“I look forward to resuming the conversation with the greatest audience in radio and those who have never listened before – making news, creating laughs, and talking about the things that really matter. People need more laughter and fewer lectures; more fresh insights and fewer stale talking points. Each day ‘The Laura Ingraham Show’ will drive the national conversation with humor and inspiration for a nation that sorely needs it,” she said.

Added Pattiz: “The wait is over. The most-listened-to woman in political talk is returning to the national airwaves and is making a major move into the on-demand digital space. Laura Ingraham is one of the most popular and well-known personalities in America today. Recognizing the rapidly growing demand for great on-demand digital content, we are honored that Laura has chosen Launchpad to share her wit and wisdom with the widening online audience.”

A former litigator and Supreme Court law clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas, Ingraham is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and Dartmouth College.

http://www.wnd.com/2012/12/laura-ingraham-returns-to-broadcast-mic/print/