Art Bell may return to popular radio show

Angie Wagner

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1998 | 9:01 a.m.

LAS VEGAS - His sign off remained a mystery Monday night, but Art Bell did give his faithful listeners what they wanted to hear - he may return to his radio show.

Bell signed off on Oct. 13, citing a "threatening terrible event" that occurred to his family.

But on Monday, Bell announced that he hopes the problem can be resolved and he can return to his show. Again, Bell refused to say what the event was, only describing it as something that "absolutely requires my full-time attention."

Bell, 51, said he quit his "Coast-to-Coast" show, the country's most popular overnight radio show, because of the event that occurred one year ago as well as subsequent events.

He said he and his family are in no immediate danger.

"To disclose details of what did occur would have a rather immediate, negative effect on my family, and I will not do that."

Bell said several news organizations have learned of the event Bell referred to but have chosen not to disclose it.

"For this, I am very thankful. Of course, as soon as I can, if the story breaks, and I will not be the one to break it, I will discuss it with you. I'll tell you all about it," he said.

Bell, who broadcasts from the small town of Pahrump, 60 miles west of Las Vegas, had cultivated a worldwide audience of insomniacs who offered an earful on theories ranging from space aliens to conspiracies involving the FBI or CIA.

His show reaches more than 400 stations nationwide and has 15 million listeners.

Bell said Monday that since his resignation, Premiere Radio Network, the Los Angeles syndication arm for his show, has been trying to resolve the situation.

"Frankly, on the night I resigned, I thought it could not be resolved. Now I hope it can, allowing me to return to what I love doing so much. But I need more time," Bell said.

Bell said his decision to quit was not a publicity stunt or a contract ploy.

"It is real and serious," Bell said. "This should become self-evident to you when you know, and you will know."

Cincinnati-based Clear Communication Inc. announced recently that it was taking over Covington, Ky.-based Jacor Communications Inc., which provides radio stations with Bell's show, in a $3.4 billion stock deal creating a 450-station radio station powerhouse.

If approved, the buyout will reduce to three the number of major players in the rapidly changing radio industry, along with Chancellor Media Corp. and CBS Corp.