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Tag: "Salem Radio Network"
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Entercom Enlists Claritas to Assist with Attribution. This collaboration between Entercom and data-driven marketing firm Claritas will "enable advertisers to measure attribution and accurately determine the portions of their podcast and streaming campaigns that contributed to a purchase, store visit. or app download." Entercom EVP of digital sales Ken Lagana says, "Podcasting is a critical and exciting business segment with exponential growth opportunities. We are thrilled to partner with Claritas and integrate their measurement technology capabilities into our existing radio and digital audio attribution suite. This new tool helps us fill a critical gap in the industry and allows us the ability to offer clients the opportunity to accurately measure ROI for podcasts and other digital campaigns." Entercom says that with its podcast footprint growing exponentially, it needed to expand its existing over-the-air and digital attribution capabilities to include the podcast medium. The partnership with Claritas will allow advertisers to "calculate the total lift in business outcomes directly attributable to podcast and digital streaming and break out lift by the different components of a campaign, like target audiences, creative, geographic location visit, and more. The measurement tools provide a valuable component to advertisers for their attribution capabilities to tie multichannel exposures to offline and online conversions and revolutionize the way campaign effectiveness is measured."
WIP's Angelo Cataldi Honored by Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. WIP-FM, Philadelphia morning drive host Angelo Cataldi was honored on Monday (1/20) with the Bill Campbell Broadcast Award from the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. The award is named after the legendary Philadelphia broadcaster and recognizes local sportscasters, talk show hosts, and radio and television reporters who display an excellence in broadcasting. Cataldi says, "This award has great meaning to me for several reasons. First, it falls on the exact date of my 30th anniversary at WIP. Second, it comes from the Philadelphia sports writers, a role which I'm very proud to have had. Last, but not least, this award bears the name of one of my inspirations in broadcasting, Bill Campbell. I will never live up to Bill's legacy, but this award gives me more reason than ever to try." Cataldi has hosted mornings on the Entercom sports talk station since 1990. Prior to that he was the Philadelphia Eagles beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, where he earned two Pulitzer Prize nominations.
Round One of Nielsen's Holiday PPM Survey Released. The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio's Holiday PPM survey is released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The survey period was December 5 through January 1. The Holiday book is rarely good news for news/talk, all-news, or sports stations as the all-Christmas music stations grab a lot of the cume in each market and listeners' routines are disrupted by holiday activities. Still, there are some positive stories to tell from this year's Holiday survey. iHeartMedia's news/talk KTRH, Houston posted a half share increase over the December survey to land at a 4.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share). Entercom's sports talk WZGC, Atlanta "92.9 The Game" added a one-tenth share – the fifth positive move over the last six surveys to rise from July's 2.8 share to the Holiday survey's 5.0 share. Entercom's WIP-FM, Philadelphia rises six tenths to finish the Holiday survey at a 7.3 share and the #2 rank in the market. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways here.
Talking Freedom in Hong Kong. Pictured above is "Free Talk Live" co-host Mark Edge (right) with a freedom activist (left) in Hong Kong. Edge tells TALKERS magazine that he went to Hong Kong to report on its freedom movement, noting that "at 'Free Talk Live' we care about freedom everywhere in the world." Edge says that since the activists were asking Western media to come and report on their movement, they thought it was important. He says there were about 400 people in attendance for an event on a Wednesday at noon and about 20 counter-protestors waving Chinese flags that the activists believe were paid to be there. The five-finger hand gesture seen above symbolizes the five demands the activists are making: withdrawal of the extradition bill (which has happened), amnesty for arrested protesters, an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality, implementation of complete universal suffrage, and democratic elections for Hong Kong's leader.
TALKERS News Notes. News pro Katie Couric and iHeartMedia announce the "Next Question with Katie Couric" podcast is returning to the iHeartRadio platform for season two. iHeartMedia says that in the second season, "Couric will continue to examine critical issues like America's staggering maternal mortality rate, the environmental impact of meat consumption, the most cutting-edge health and wellness regimens, and the 2020 presidential election." The first episode drops today and examines the Equal Rights Amendment and the history of an effort that began in 1923. Season two will also debut additional bonus episodes called "Next Question Live" – taped in front of a live audience in which Couric hosts intimate conversations with CEOs, entrepreneurs and business trailblazers. Allbirds co-founder and co-CEO Tim Brown kicks off the series discussing how his career in professional sports inspired him to make sustainable, fashionable shoes…..Satellite broadcaster SiriusXM announces its plans for coverage of Super Bowl LIV week in Miami. Its NFL Radio channel will be broadcasting live from Miami with personalities Gil Brandt, David Diehl, Bruce Gradkowski, Torry Holt, Pat Kirwan, Ed McCaffrey, Jim Miller, Kirk Morrison, Brady Quinn, Charlie Weis, Solomon Wilcots, Alex Marvez, Bruce Murray, John Clayton and Howard Balzer on site. Additionally, the play-by-play of Super Bowl LIV will be broadcast in seven languages, including: Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), German, French, Hungarian, and Portuguese…..The nationally syndicated home show "The Money Pit Home Improvement Program" with host Tom Kraeutler adds new affiliate stations WMOV-AM, Ravenswood, West Virginia; WBLF-AM, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania; and KMAD-AM, Madill, Oklahoma…..Condolences to the family and friends of media broker Glenn Serafin, who passed away on Monday (1/20) at 69 after suffering a massive stroke. Serafin served two terms as president of the National Association of Media Brokers from 2013-2017. Prior to founding Serafin Bros in 1993, he spent eight years specializing in domestic broadcast brokerage and finance as a vice president of international investment banking firm Communications Equity Associates. Earlier in his career, he served in news, sales, and management at The Associated Press.
SRN News to Cover Trump at March for Life. When President Trump becomes the first U.S. president to make a live appearance at the annual March for Life in Washington, DC tomorrow (1/24), Salem Radio Network will provide live coverage. The network will provide an unanchored audio feed of the president's remarks for affiliate stations beginning at 12:00 noon ET. SRN VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, "Donald Trump will be the first president to address the pro-life march in its 47-year history. Previous occupants of the Oval Office have only sent written messages or addressed the annual March for Life via speakerphone."
Impeachment, Presidential Race, Wuhan Coronavirus, Davos 2020, and Hawaii Cop Slayings Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/22). The impeachment process taking place in the U.S. Senate; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in November and Hillary Clinton's attacks on Bernie Sanders; concerns about the Wuhan Coronavirus and China's quarantine of Wuhan City; the subject of climate change at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland; and Hawaiian legislators' response to the killing of two Honolulu police officers were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
WOR, New York, Morning Co-Host Michael Riedel Is This Week's Guest on Harrison Podcast. Longtime Broadway theater critic-turned-political-news/talker Michael Riedel is this week's guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, "The Michael Harrison Interview." Riedel, along with Len Berman, is the co-host of the morning show on WOR, New York in which he presents the conservative perspective and Berman expresses the liberal point of view on today's hottest issues. Harrison and Riedel talk about the state of today's highly polarized national conversation focusing on the nature of Donald Trump and the extraordinary role he is playing as an agent of change in these turbulent times. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked "The Michael Harrison Interview" located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Portland hot AC KKCW "K103" announces the new morning show is "K103 Mornings with Stacey & Mike," effective February 3. Mike Chase joins iHeartMedia after exiting Entercom's crosstown country KWJJ "99.5 The Wolf" in October where he co-hosted the morning show. Chase is being partnered with "K103" afternoon personality Stacey Lynn for the new AM show. iHeartMedia Portland market president Pete Landry says, "'K103' has a long history of extraordinary morning shows and I couldn't be more excited about this next chapter. Both Stacey and Mike are experienced broadcasters who love what they do."…..In Dallas, Mac Daniels exits Cumulus Media's country KPLX "99.5 The Wolf" and sister country KSCS "New Country 96.3" where he'd been program director since 2016…..Cochise Media Licenses enters into an agreement to sell classic rock KDVK-FM, Dove Creek, Colorado to Desert Explorer Communications, LLC.
Friday, December 20, 2019
WGN, Chicago Names Bob Sirott Morning Drive Host. The legendary Chicago media personality Bob Sirott will take over for Steve Cochran on Nexstar's news/talk WGN-AM, effective January 6. At the same time, Mary Sandberg Boyle is promoted to general manager. She's been acting GM since September 20 in addition to her director of news and operations position. WGN notes that Sirott started as a morning radio show personality in 1971. "His acclaimed broadcasting career has spanned nearly five decades and has included stints at WMAQ, WBBM-FM, WLS, WGN and various television stations. In 2015, Sirott was recognized for his achievements in the media industry and inducted into the Silver Circle by the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences." This move is the latest in a series that finalizes the station's programming going into 2020. Sirott's 5:00 am to 9:00 am show is followed by John Williams (9:00 to 12:00 noon), the "Wintrust Business Lunch with Ji Suk Yi" (12:00 noon to 1:00 pm), Anna Davlantes (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm), Roe Conn (3:00 pm to 7:00 pm), Justin Kaufmann (7:00 pm to 11:00 pm), Nick Digilio (11:00 pm to 4:00 am), and a WGN Radio simulcast of WGN-TV "Early Morning News" from 4:00 am to 5:00 am.
Dan Proft Named Night Host on Salem Radio Network. Chicago-based talk host Dan Proft is the new host of the 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight show on the Salem Radio Network. Proft, who has been co-hosting the WIND, Chicago "AM 560 The Answer" morning show with Amy Jacobson since 2015, fills the 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight slot that opend up when Joe Walsh entered the 2020 presidential race. Prior to joining WIND in 2015, Proft co-hosted a talk show on crosstown WLS-AM with Bruce Wolf from 2010 through 2014. SRN SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce says, "Dan Proft is incredibly intelligent, insightful, and full of knowledge. We are delighted to have a host of his quality available to take over the night slot on the lineup. I think stations will love having his wit and humor every night." Proft, who has a JD from Loyola University, Chicago Law School, will continue his morning drive duties on WIND.
NOW POSTED: New Installment of "The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation." The vibrant, one-hour weekend special, "The Michael Harrison Wrap," that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia's WONK-FM, Washington, DC (12/20). The new episode titled, "Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Persons!" looks back at this past week of December 16-20, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; John Caracciolo, president/CEO, JVC Broadcasting; Joe Madison, talk show host, SiriusXM Satellite Radio; Casey Hendrickson; talk show host, WRTC, South Bend, IN; Trevor Smith, president, Aloha Media Productions, Byron Bay, Australia; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on WONK-FM, Washington, DC on Friday evenings between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm. It also airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; the Virginia Talk Radio Network, and Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA as well as appearing on the iHeartRadio App. To listen to this week's episode (and the program's complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.
KMJ, Fresno Unveils New Afternoon Team 'Philip & Skip.' Fresno news/talk KMJ-AM/FM brings Frances "Skip" Echeverria (right) aboard to co-host the afternoon drive show with Philip Teresi (left). Echeverria was most recently morning drive personality at One Putt Broadcasting's crosstown rock outlet KFRR. Teresi moved into the afternoon drive slot at the Cumulus Media station after talk host Chris Daniel resigned from the show in early September after a 10-year stint. "Skip" says, "You'd be hard pressed to find someone in this valley that doesn't know the legend that is KMJ. When I started radio in 2001, I didn't anticipate this opportunity. But having been born and raised in Fresno, a graduate from Fresno State, and having chosen to raise my own family and base my mental health practice locally, I have a vested interest in the continued success of my community. I absolutely love this valley and its people. I'm honored and excited to join the KMJ team and am looking forward to conversations about topics that are important to us." Teresi adds, "I'm elated to be a part of the next step at KMJ. Skip makes a brilliant, powerful addition to the station. Bringing Skip to KMJ benefits the audience, the sponsors, and the station as a whole."
Will Sterrett Joins KMBZ's 'Kansas City's Morning News' as Co-Anchor. On-air pro Will Sterrett makes the move to morning drive co-host on "Kansas City's Morning News" alongside Ellen Schenk. He takes over for E.J. Becker, who dials back his responsibilities with the Entercom news/talk stations. The "Kansas City's Morning News" program airs on both KMBZ-FM and KMBZ-AM. Both stations air separate programming outside of AM drive. Sterrett had been a contributor to the afternoon drive "Dana & Parks" show on KMBZ-FM. He says via Twitter, "I have big shoes to fill as outgoing anchor E.J. Becker will stay on with the show as a special contributor. My final day with 'Dana & Parks' is Friday and I can't thank Dana and Scott enough for their votes of confidence earlier this year and their support as this new opportunity took shape. Many thanks, too, to [PD] Alan Furst for the opportunity and for putting up with all the back and forth that comes with it."
Hobnobbing for Charity. Pictured above are Weiss Agency EVP Heather Cohen (right) and RC Communications Marketing owner Renee Cassis (left) with Red Apple Media chief John Catsimatidis (center) at the NYC Police Athletic League Luncheon. The monthly luncheon – chaired by Catsimatidis – raises money for the PAL Kids charity. Catsimatidis hosts the weekly "Cats Roundtable" talk show (heard on 14 affiliate stations) and his media company is in the process of purchasing WABC, New York from Cumulus Media.
TALKERS News Notes. Former Arizona Congressman and radio talk show host J.D. Hayworth (left) chats over a meal in Phoenix with Salem Radio Network v.p./news & talk programming Tom Tradup (right) about SRN's strategy for covering the upcoming impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate. Tradup says Hayworth offered perspective from his six terms in Washington on what is likely to unfold in the historic Senate trial scheduled to begin in January…..WPG, Atlantic City morning drive host Harry Hurley scored a coup as he interviewed New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew on his radio show today. Van Drew made headlines recently after promising to switch parties from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. Hurley says, "Van Drew becomes only the 24th congressman in American history to switch political parties and my initial research indicates he's the first to switch from the majority party to the minority…..iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV announce the third installment of the "Monster" podcast series, "Monster: DC Sniper," premieres on January 2, 2020. "Monster: DC Sniper" takes listeners back in time to the tragic killing spree of the D.C. Sniper, "one of the most tangled, intricate true-story killing sprees to ever take place." The podcast also fast forwards to the present as the Supreme Court considers whether or not to amend the sentence of one of the two men convicted for the crime…..SiriusXM is giving sports fans a "comprehensive and in-depth look back at the Defining Moments of the Decade in their favorite sports" via a series of specials that examine the memorable moments and trends in professional and college sports from the last 10 years. SiriusXM will present these specials across 11 of its dedicated 24/7 sports channels. SiriusXM SVP of sports programming Steve Cohen says, "Over the past 10 years, SiriusXM has aired so many of these great moments live, and we've covered all of these important stories and trends across our channels more extensively than anyone else in radio. We're proud to be the place where all fans can not only hear all about their favorite sport but can call in and talk about it as well."…..Last Friday (12/13), Sinclair Radio's Seattle stations all-news KOMO-AM/FM, news/talk KVI, and hot AC KPLZ "Star 101.5" – along with Sinclair TV outlets KOMO-TV and KUNS-TV – held their annual Toy Drive benefitting the Salvation Army. The campaign resulted in the collection of $125,000 – including a $50,000 matching donation from the Wold Family Foundation – and more than 7,000 toys. Sinclair Radio Seattle station manager Gary Greenberg says, "The toy drive has been a nine-year tradition for our stations. Our team builds an amazing campaign every year and our listeners continue to come out to support the Salvation Army in a big way. It's what local radio is all about."
The Articles of Impeachment Against Donald Trump Top News/Talk Story for Week of December 16-20. The U.S. House's vote to levy articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the 2020 presidential race and last night's Democratic debate. Coming in at #3 was the Australian heat wave-drought-bushfires and the related topic of climate change, followed by the Obamacare mandate ruled unconstitutional and health care reform at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week's entire chart here.
Triton Digital to Issue Podcast Reports. There will be another firm rating the performances of podcasts in the New Year as Triton Digital announces it is launching Podcast Reports in the U.S., powered by its Podcast Metrics measurement service. Triton says, "The reports will provide a ranking of the top networks and top podcasts in the U.S., as measured by Podcast Metrics. Reported entities will be ranked by Average Weekly Downloads, in accordance with the latest IAB Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines." Podcast publishers signed up for the new service so far include: NPR, Entercom's RADIO.COM, Stitcher, and Cumulus Media. Triton Digital president of market development John Rosso adds, "We are pleased to leverage our 10-plus years of digital audio measurement expertise to provide reliable and informative data around podcast consumption in the U.S. Our Podcast Reports will provide buyers with the trusted, third-party podcast measurement they need to make informed decisions around podcast advertising. Furthermore, our reports will provide podcast networks with the reputable consumption data they need to grow their podcast strategies, gain a better understanding of their listening audiences, and increase their advertising revenue." The first U.S. Podcast Report will debut in March 2020. Triton currently publishes Podcast Reports in Australia and Latin America and has announced that the Netherlands will follow in early 2020.
Two News Positions Open at FOX News Radio and FOX News. There are two news posts that FOX News is seeking to fill. The first is Overnight Freelance Anchor for FOX News Radio in Washington, DC or New York City. FOX says, "As a radio news anchor you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a days' notice." See more about that position and apply here. The second position is a Freelance Writer for FOX News Headlines 24/7. The company says, "We are looking for a freelance writer to join the FOX News Headlines 24/7 team. As a writer, you will be a crucial member of our broadcast team. You will write news for our national news network, conceptualizing, writing, compiling enterprise stories, fact checking, and building show content newscasts for FOX News Headlines 24/7. You may be the right candidate if you have the right attitude and understand the level of commitment required to be successful in this role. Your passion for national and international news is bar none! See more and apply for this position here.
WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte Seeks News Anchor. Charlotte news/talk WBT-AM/FM has an immediate opening for a full-time news anchor. The Entercom station says, "You're an engaging, experienced on-air personality. You're a great storyteller. You know how to get to the heart of a story and make it relatable to the listener. You're never satisfied with knowing just the "Who?, What?, Where?, and When?" of a story; you always seek to know "Why?" If this sounds like you, News Talk 1110 & 99.3 WBT/Entercom Charlotte would like to hear from you. We are seeking a full-time news anchor for our programming team. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: Writing and on-air delivery of news reports based on programming clock; editing and preparation of news audio; filing of two to three recorded reports per day to be aired outside the live daypart of the shift; on-air interaction with the talk show host and personnel; and coverage and reporting of breaking news events in real-time. Interested candidates should visit the Entercom site here. EOE.
Cool Job Opportunity. An experienced guest booker/researcher is needed to find/book four to five top-tier guests per week to do telephone/Skype interviews for a top-ranked podcast. This is a work-from-home job with a great potential for advancement. This person will also research other interesting content for the podcast "Something You Should Know," primarily a self-help, news-you-can-use program. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience producing/booking talk radio programs. Resumes should be sent to: email@example.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In St. Louis, Marty Linck is named brand content manager for Hubbard Radio's adult hits WARH "106.5 The Arch" and rock KSHE. Linck previously served in the market as OM for Entercom's hot AC KYKY, AC KEZK and CHR KNOU. He's most recently been brand director for the JACK-FM format. Hubbard St. Louis VP and market manager John Kijowski says, "Marty is a dedicated leader whose professionalism and experience has achieved outstanding results. He also brings many years of success in managing high-performance radio brands that focus on live and local talent. We are excited to add him to our team."…..On-air pro Alex Waters is joining Max Media's CHR WVHT, Norfolk "Hot 100" as afternoon drive personality, effective January 6. He's been serving as the evening jock at Bahakel Communications' CHR WDOD-FM, Chattanooga "Hits 96."
Monday, December 16, 2019
Former Mega-Church Pastor Sues Mancow Muller for Defamation. In a complaint filed in Cook County Circuit Court in Illinois, WLS-AM, Chicago morning drive personality Erich "Mancow" Muller is being sued by James MacDonald, the former pastor of the Harvest Bible Chapel church. MacDonald is seeking $50,000 in compensatory damages and punitive damages to be determined at trial. The back story is that Mancow and MacDonald were once close, with Mancow a fan who publicly lauded MacDonald's Chicagoland megachurch. Over time, Mancow became disenchanted with MacDonald and ultimately recorded conversations in which MacDonald allegedly spoke of planting child porn on the computers of his enemies. That got MacDonald fired from his position with the church. MacDonald argues that Mancow used his radio show to destroy him and his surreptitious recordings were illegal. The complaint also targets Cumulus Media for allowing Mancow to broadcast his speech about MacDonald and for "negligent hiring" – implying the history of defamation allegations against Mancow should have been enough to prevent him from being hired.
Monday Memo: Don't list To-Do. "Assume that your listener is busier than you are," cautions consultant Holland Cooke. In this week's column, he notes how some radio talkers seem to be over-estimating listeners' attention. Read it here.
Impeachment, 2020 Presidential Race, IG's FBI Report, Chinese Diplomats Expelled, U.S.-China Trade Talks, Dem Congressman Flips, India's Citizenship Rule, UK Election Aftermath, and Richard Jewell Film Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The impeachment proceedings against President Trump; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the criticism of the FBI in the wake of the inspector general's scathing report; two Chinese diplomats are expelled from the U.S. after suspicion of espionage; the trade talks between the U.S. and China; plans by New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew to leave the Democratic Party for the Republican Party; the controversy over India's citizen rule that doesn't apply to Muslims; the aftermath of Boris Johnson's UK prime minister victory; and the poor weekend box office for the Richard Jewell film were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
FOX News Talk Superstar Brian Kilmeade Is Guest on Harrison Podcast. Cross-platform, multi-media personality Brian Kilmeade is the guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series "The Michael Harrison Interview." He is co-host with Ainsley Earhardt and Steve Doocy of the very popular daily 'FOX & Friends" show on FOX News Channel from 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET. Then he runs down the hall to host his daily 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET nationally syndicated "Heavy Hundred" talk show on FOX News Radio. Both of his shows are famously among the favorites of the President of the United States and, of course, politically controversial. Kilmeade is the 2019 recipient of the prestigious TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award. As a best-selling author, he is proving himself to be an extremely contemporary and communicative storyteller of great events in American history. With co-author Don Yaeger, he penned George Washington's Secret Six, followed by Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates and then Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans – all published by Sentinel. These three history books have already gone well past the million mark in sales. Now he has another book about American history, and it is extremely exciting and informative. It's titled, Sam Houston & the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Victory that Changed American History (Sentinel, 2019). Harrison and Kilmeade engage in a lively dialogue about the nature of leadership, past and present as well as the rigors of hosting a live, three-hour radio show while major news – such as the impeachment hearings – is breaking in real time. Don't miss this! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box that appears in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Joey Hudson's 'Breakfast Broadcasts' on WGTK, Greenville Benefit the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign. Morning drive talk radio personality Joey Hudson (pictured above at the mic) is making the rounds in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina broadcasting his show from breakfast restaurants while ringing the bell and asking listeners to donate to the Salvation Army. To date, Hudson's listeners have raised more than $30,000. Hudson's show is based at Salem Media Group's WGTK-FM, Greenville, South Carolina "94.5FM The Answer." He says, "I have this wonderful platform to ask people to give generously and why not spend some time out in the communities we serve to raise funds and awareness of the wonderful work being done by the Salvation Army."
Taylor Leads Townsquare's Rochester, Minnesota Cluster. Management and sales pro Ben Taylor is named market president and chief revenue officer for Townsquare Media's Rochester/Preston, Minnesota station group that includes news/talk KROC-AM and sports talk KLOM-AM "1520 The Ticket" and seven music brands. Taylor was most recently VP of sales for iHeartMedia in Minneapolis. Townsquare regional VP Kelly Quinn says, "Ben's vast experience in radio and digital, both on-air and in sales, combined with his leadership experience as a coach and volunteer firefighter, make him an ideal fit to lead our team in Rochester/Preston. We're poised for a strong 2020, building on the growth we had in 2019, with incredible on-air ratings and digital content, and by continuing our 'Local First' focus."
Townsquare Media Execs Receive New Contracts. In a filing with the Securities Exchange Commission, Townsquare Media reveals it has entered into letter agreements that amend the employment deals with CEO Bill Wilson, CFO Stuart Rosenstein, COO Local Media Chief Erik Hellum and executive chairman Steven Price. The agreements extend the terms of their deals through October 16, 2023 for Wilson and Rosenstein and through October 25, 2023 for Hellum. The letter agreements also provide that in the event of the executive's termination by the Company without cause or by the executive for good reason, all outstanding, vested stock option awards will remain exercisable for 24 months following the executive's termination date or, if earlier, until the original expiration date of the stock option award, and that all outstanding equity awards will fully accelerate and vest upon a change in control of the Company.
TALKERS News Notes. The best interviews from this year's Howard Stern programs on SiriusXM are being packaged in a 19-episode podcast series on Pandora. Titled, "Howard Stern: 19 from 2019" includes interviews with: Jennifer Aniston, Russell Crowe, Robert Downey Jr., and Kristen Stewart; musicians including The Black Crowes, Def Leppard, Billie Eilish, and Adam Levine; comedians including Jimmy Kimmel, Tracy Morgan, Seth Rogen, and Adam Sandler; and newsmakers such as Hillary Clinton…..There's a webinar on Wednesday (12/18) from Edison Research that focuses on moms and social media. Edison says, "The Infinite Dial study estimates that there are 15 million fewer Facebook users in the U.S. today than there were in 2017. However, among Moms in the U.S., Facebook remains strong year over year." The webinar will "debut data from this study that explores moms' usage, perceptions, and sentiments of all social media. This is a new survey conducted in the second half of 2019 among a sample of moms in the U.S. It includes why they use social media, what they use it for, and how they feel about using it – and how their feelings and actions don't always align."…..WTKN-FM, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina "Talk 94.5" is airing "The Jared Dillian Show," hosted by self-made millionaire Jared Dillian. He says, "I'm proud to be a part of the WTKN family and I couldn't be more impressed by everyone's professionalism in producing this show." The Jared Dillian Show is part of the 24/7 Smart Talk Radio Network, based in Chicago and distributed by Envision Networks…..Pictured at left is Salem Radio Network East Coast affiliate relations manager Jim Bligh in a still shot from Netflix's The Irishman in which he plays a mob supporter of Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa. He tells TALKERS, "As someone who grew up in Brooklyn and Staten Island, I literally jump at any chance to be in a Martin Scorsese movie… it's an offer you can't refuse. LOL."…..Entercom sports talker WSSP, Milwaukee "105.7 FM The Fan" helped raise more than $200,000 in cash and the value of toys to benefit Children's Wisconsin and Robyn's Nest during its 13th annual "WSSP Toy Drive." This marks a record-breaking year for the fundraiser, topping the $160,000 that the station raised in 2018…..Pictured below is Westwood One talk host Jim Bohannon reprising his role as Santa Claus for the Collins Children's Home of Seneca, South Carolina.
Internationally Noted Artist Inspired by TALKERS Panels. A world-renowned artist living and working in South America who is a fan of American talk media and reads TALKERS regularly has created a painting titled "Talking Heads" that she says was inspired by the convention and workshop panel discussions that she sees in this trade journal. Clearly, this is an abstract work subject to interpretation. Bobbie Winston (a.k.a. La Femme Bobbíe) is a multi-award-winning American artist living and painting in Rio de Janeiro since 1988. She has a world-wide following that enjoys her highly identifiable style. She paints wildly abstract portraits, full human figures, and imaginative, surrealistic scenarios marked by dramatic features and bold, striking colors. Her perspective on the human condition is cosmic, inclusive, and evolved. Bobbie Winston's Facebook page can be accessed here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programing pro Kelly Gueno is promoted from programming assistant to assistant program director for iHeartMedia Chicago's urban programming. In this role, Gueno will assist with brand support for all urban programming and digital operations for "V103," WGCI and "Inspiration 1390." She reports to VP of urban programming Derrick Brown. He says, "I couldn't be more thrilled with Kelly's expanded role. She literally grew up at our stations and it has been absolutely gratifying to see Kelly's progress from our promotions department, to being a programming assistant, and now, assistant program director for our iconic urban brands. Kelly's passion, skill and insight will be invaluable as we navigate our ever-changing media landscape."…..Pictured below are the staff of Beasley Media Group's country WKLB-FM, Boston at the Secret Superstar Holiday Jam last Thursday (12/12) at the House of Blues. The station officially announced the show about six weeks ago and sold the venue out without divulging the names of the talent (Dan + Shay and Lauren Alain) that would be performing until the day before the show! Pictured below are (clockwise from l-r): Summer Harlow, director, Northeast promotion, Mercury Nashville; Lauren Alaina; Dan Smyers; Shay Mooney; Dawn Santolucito, music and marketing director, WKLB; Kristen Williams, SVP radio & streaming, Warner Music Nashville; Heather Propper, regional manager, radio & streaming, WAR; and WKLB PD David Corey.
Friday, December 13, 2019
Report: Liberty Media Seeks Control or Ownership of iHeartMedia. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Liberty Media is asking the Department of Justice for permission to up its stake in iHeartMedia. Currently, Liberty owns 4.8% of iHM. The WSJ's sources say the deal that Liberty is seeking permission for would give it control or "outright ownership." One source says Liberty has not decided "what kind of transaction, if any, it would proceed with should it receive permission." Liberty Media currently owns 33% of Live Nation – the concert business that then-Clear Channel spun off in 2005 – and 71% of SiriusXM Holdings. The WSJ piece notes that Justice Department officials are asking "interested parties" how they'd be affected by a major live events business and a leading radio company being co-owned.
Radzik to Program '98.5 The Sports Hub' in Boston. At Boston sports talker WBZ-FM "98.5 The Sports Hub," Rick Radzik is named the station's new program director, effective immediately. Beasley Media Group announces Radzik is assuming the role being vacated by Mike Thomas, who heads to Chicago to become market manager for the ESPN-owned and Good Karma-managed WMVP "ESPN 1000." Radzik has been the station's assistant program director since the station signed on in August of 2009. Prior to that, he'd served for 15 years as a producer at all-news WBZ-AM, overseeing Boston Bruins broadcasts. He began his career at crosstown WEEI-AM (when it was a news station) producing the Bruins and Boston Celtics broadcasts, as well as various talk shows. Beasley Media Group Boston director of programming Cadillac Jack says, "Rick has been a key member of the 'Sports Hub' programming team since the station's inception. The knowledge he has amassed over the past decade, coupled with his relationships and passion for continuing our winning history, make him uniquely qualified to lead the 'Sports Hub' into the 2020s and beyond!"
NOW POSTED: New Installment of "The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation." The vibrant, one-hour weekend special, "The Michael Harrison Wrap," that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia's WONK-FM, Washington, DC (12/13). The new episode titled "Meddling and Muddling!" reviews the week of December 9-13, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Sebastian Gorka, talk show host, Salem Radio Network; Harry Hurley, talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Joan Michelson; Executive producer/host, GreenConnectionsRadio.com; Bob Lonsberry, talk show host, WHAM, Rochester/WSYR, Syracuse; Doug Stephan, talk show host, Stephan Multimedia; and Scott James Matheson, Mayor-elect, Valdosta, Georgia. This acclaimed news/talk radio show first airs each week on WONK-FM, Washington, DC on Friday evenings between 6:00-7:00 pm. It then airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; the Virginia Talk Radio Network and Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA. It also appears on the iHeartRadio App. To listen to this week's episode (and the program's complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.
'Cats Roundtable' Show Joins 'Florida Man Radio.' The weekly "Cats Roundtable" show hosted by Red Apple Group president and CEO John Catsimatidis is being added to the program schedule at JVC Media's WDYZ-AM/W288CJ, Orlando and WYGC-FM, High Springs (Gainesville market) "Florida Man Radio." Catsimatidis' company Red Apple Media recently entered into a deal to acquire venerable WABC-AM, New York from Cumulus Media for $12.5 million. That deal has not closed yet. JVC president and CEO John Caracciolo says, "'The Cats Roundtable' radio show is perfect for 'Florida Man Radio.' John's unique take on the news and his A-list celebrity interviews are fascinating conversations that keep listeners coming back for more. We have been very successful with his show on our Long Island station and know this is a great fit for our growing 'Florida Man Radio' network."
The Trump Impeachment Proceedings Top News/Talk Story for Week of December 9-13. The articles of impeachment against President Trump were the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week, landing in the top spot on the Talkers TenTM. Tied at #2 this week was Russia's meddling in the U.S. elections and the inspector general's report on the FBI's surveillance practices. At #3 was Time magazine's selection of Greta Thunberg as Person of the Year and the greater topic of climate change, followed by the deadly Jersey City shooting and the rise of anti-Semitism at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio this week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week's entire chart here.
TALKERS News Notes. The WGBH, Boston and PRI-produced program "Innovation Hub" takes a look at the rise of conservative talk radio and its influence on the America political scene on its most recent episode. Joining host Kara Miller is author and University of Pennsylvania scholar-in-residence Brian Rosenwald. His book, Talk Radio's America: How an Industry Took Over a Political Party That Took Over the United States (2019, Harvard University Press) examines the theory. The teaser of the radio show says, "When Rush Limbaugh's conservative talk radio program began in Sacramento in the 1980s, no one could have guessed that he would not only reinvigorate AM radio but also create a new format that would help remold the American political landscape." Check out the program here…..The WFAN watch continues as Newsday's Neil Best writes that the odds-on replacement for Mike Francesa in afternoon drive on the Entercom sports talk station is midday team Evan Roberts and Joe Benigno. He also says that Maggie Gray and Mark Malusis are "favorites" to serve as the midday personalities. Francesa left his regular full-time role with the station a couple of weeks ago but will contribute to The Fan's on-air content with a nightly, half-hour show at 6:00 pm. WFAN has made no announcements about its plans for the station as of today (12/13)…..Chicago media maven Robert Feder writes today about longtime Chicago radio personality Turi Ryder's new podcast that takes its name from her fictionalized memoir, She Said What? Ryder co-hosts the show with Kathryn Lake and she tells Feder she'll drop two podcasts each week, no longer than 15 minutes in length. You can check it out here…..Condolences to the family and friends of longtime radio journalist Pete Combs, who died in Atlanta after a three-month battle with lung cancer at age 61. Combs had been working at Cox Media Group's WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta since May of 2018. He previously worked for WSB from 2006 through 2015 but left for KOMO-AM, Seattle before returning last year. During his career, he worked at stations including: WGST-AM, Atlanta; KRLD-AM and the Texas State Network, Dallas; USA Radio News, Dallas; WINK-AM Fort Myers; and WBT-AM, Charlotte. He also reported for TV station in Charlotte and Tulsa during the early 1990s. See the rest of WSB's tribute to Combs here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Sales pro Dawn Girocco is named director of sales for Cumulus Media's country KSCS "New Country 96.3," country KPLX "99.5 The Wolf," and CHR KLIF-FM "Hot 93.3" in Dallas. She was most recently vice president/market manager for Cumulus Los Angeles. Cumulus Dallas/Houston RVP Dan Bennett comments, "Being able to get someone of Dawn Girocco's experience and success back in our company to join our Dallas team as a key sales management leader is a great plus for Dallas and our company. Dawn's past success in Los Angeles speaks for itself and we can't wait for her to get started here in Texas."…..Alpha Media promotes Danny Dwyer to assistant program director for country KUPL, Portland "98.7 The Bull" and inks him to a new, multi-year deal. Dwyer will continue to host the midday show and continue his role as music director. Alpha Portland SVP and market manager Lisa Decker states, "The energy and dedication Danny brings on and off the air to our 'Bull Nation' listeners, musicans, artists, labels, advertisers' and community partners are an incredible asset to our station. His leadership with station events and promotions including our St. Jude Radiothon and Countryfest concert are irreplaceable."…..Seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette, who is planning a 31-date North American tour next year, performed a special acoustic set of the album Jagged Little Pill in its entirety on December 2 at New York's legendary The Apollo. That show will be broadcast exclusively on SiriusXM today (12/13) through December 22…..Air personality Brittany Rose joins Townsquare Media's CHR WJBQ, Portland as co-host alongside Lori Voornas and Jeff Parsons on the "Q Morning Show," effective January 2. She was most recently with Townsquare Media's WEBB-FM, Augusta "B98.5."…..Cumulus Media's alternative WWWX, Appleton, Wisconsin "96.9 The Fox" announces the nationally syndicated "The Dave and Mahoney Morning Show" takes over the morning slot, effective Monday (12/16).
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Entercom Announces Sale of $100 Million in Second Lien Senior Secured Notes. These notes are being offered as additional notes under an existing indenture, dated April 30, 2019, pursuant to which the Issuer previously issued $325 million in aggregate principal amount of Entercom Media Group's 6.500% senior secured second-lien notes due 2027. Net proceeds from the additional $100 million offering will be used to partially repay existing indebtedness under its senior secured term loan facility. They have the same terms as the existing notes. They are offered and sold only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers.
AJ Lurie Assumes New Post with Beasley XP. Sales and management pro AJ Lurie is promoted to the newly created position of director of local market integrated partnerships at Beasley XP, Beasley Media Group's recently created esports division. Lurie began his career with Beasley Media Group in 2007 in Fort Myers and most recently served as the as vice president and market manager of its Wilmington, Delaware radio cluster. In his new role, Lurie will be responsible for overseeing all of Beasley Media Group's local market esports and gaming revenues by leveraging the company's content and local market gaming-oriented events. He says, "Beasley Media Group's entrance into the esports industry is transformative for our company and I am honored to be a part of this initiative. Leveraging our company's assets will present tremendous growth opportunities. I'm excited to work with some of Beasley's best to help build this division for our organization." As Lurie moves to his new position, BMG Philadelphia vice president and market manager Joe Bell will add the Wilmington radio cluster management duties to his current responsibilities under the new structure.
Fatherly Talk Radio Advice from Bob Lonsberry. WHAM, Rochester and WSYR, Syracuse talk radio personality Bob Lonsberry's son Lee begins his new talk radio show on Bonneville's KSL-AM/FM, Salt Lake City today (12/11). In the time honored tradition of fathers imparting advice to their sons, Bob Lonsberry offers his son his views on what it takes to become a successful talk radio host. He says, "Be you. Know who you are, what you stand for, what your values and priorities are, and build a genuine radio character around that. Don't pretend, don't act. Entertain, yes. Accentuate, absolutely. Pose, no." Read all of his advice here.
House Files Articles of Impeachment, Trump's Pennsylvania Rally, Deadly Jersey City Shooting, USMCA, 2020 Presidential Race, Patriots Video Controversy Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/10). The Democrat-led House files articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump; the president appears at a rally in Pennsylvania; a shooting at a Jewish market in Jersey City claims the lives of six, including a police officer and the two shooters; the House agrees on the Trump administration's US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement; the Democrats hoping to challenge President Trump in 2020; and the controversy over the taping of the Cincinnati Bengals' sidelines by a film crew hired by the New England Patriots were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Rush Limbaugh Announces $5 Million-Plus Raised for Tunnel to Towers Foundation. During an appearance on FOX News Channel's "FOX & Friends" morning program, Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk radio legend Rush Limbaugh announced that sales from his "Stand Up for Betsy Ross!" merchandise surpassed $5 million dollars. All proceeds benefit The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation that provides financial assistance to military heroes and their families, as well as first responders. Limbaugh first launched the line of merchandise with a single T-shirt in July and quickly raised $2 million dollars for Tunnel to Towers. It paid off the home mortgages of six fallen American heroes. Limbaugh subsequently decided to expand the merchandise and continue the fundraiser through the end of 2019. On the program, Limbaugh said, "Our fulfillment center is working around the clock. The orders have not stopped coming in. We owe a debt to the people who have participated in this."
Armstrong & Getty Raise More Than $1 Million for Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station. Sacramento-based, syndicated morning drive duo Armstrong & Getty – Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty – announce that the show's annual "Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station Radiothon" raised approximately $1.2 million to benefit the Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station charity that purchases plane tickets for injured warriors so they can spend the holidays at home and with their families. Getty says, "We feel compelled to give back to those who served our country. We owe it, as Americans, to support these guys." Armstrong adds, "In all kinds of different ways, WFFS creates a buffer zone between combat and civilian life, providing our injured warriors with sanctuary, a sense of community and the tools they'll need to rejoin society."
TALKERS News Notes. The regionally syndicated late morning talk radio show hosted by Erick Erickson begins airing on Cumulus Media's WMAC-AM, Macon, Georgia, effective December 16. Erickson hosts the afternoon drive show on Cox Media Group's WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta and he launched the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon show in September to focus on Georgia politics and issues. He says, "Macon is home. My family goes to church in Macon. Our kids go to school in Macon. I broadcast from Macon. We live here. Now, I finally have an answer for people when they ask when they can hear me on the radio here."…..iHeartMedia's news/talk KFI, Los Angeles raised a new record of more than $435,000 and 109,000 pounds of pasta during the ninth annual "KFI PastaThon" to benefit Caterina's Club, a charitable organization that feeds 25,000 underprivileged children, five days a week in more than 30 cities throughout Southern California. During the 17-hour live broadcast on December 6, all KFI – including Bill Handel, Jennifer Jones Lee, Gary Hoffmann, Shannon Farren, John Kobylt, Ken Chiampou, and Tim Conway Jr. were on site at the Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove encouraging listeners to donate money along with pasta and pasta sauce to help feed underprivileged children that live in motels without access to a kitchen…..Count former WEEI, Boston morning drive personality Gerry Callahan as the latest radio host to move into the podcast space. Callahan, who was let go from his longtime morning gig in at the Entercom sports talk station in July, will post new shows Monday through Thursday, beginning January 6. He announced the new venture on Kirk Minihane's podcast. Callahan and Minihane co-hosted the WEEI morning show for several years before Minihane's exit from Entercom last year. Callahan says the subtitle of his show will be "Politics, Sports, and Revenge."…..cabana announces it has inked a deal with Critical Frequency Network to exclusively handle podcast ad sales representation. Critical Frequency was founded by science and gender writer and journalist Amy Westervelt and features a diverse community of hosts – all women, people of color, and/or LGBTQ…..Condolences to the family and friends of former KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh morning news anchor Bob Kopler, who died yesterday (12/10) at the age of 81. He worked in the Pittsburgh market for more than 40 years and at KDKA from 1988 through his retirement in 2007.
Talking Cryptocurrency on WBZ-AM. On Tuesday (12/10), iHeartMedia all-news WBZ-AM hosted some of Boston's foremost experts in cryptocurrency to help explain what the savvy businessperson needs to know about the future of commerce. More than 300 WBZ listeners joined the panel for breakfast as WBZ business reporter and AM drive news anchor Jeff Brown moderated the conversation. Pictured above (l-r) are: Brown; Sir John Hargrave, author of Blockchain for Everyone; Christian Catalini, head economist at Calibra; Manasi Vora, head of product strategy at Sia; and Frank Makrides, founder & CEO of Tunnel.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At All Pro Broadcasting's hot AC KHTI, Riverside "HOT 103.9," midday host Sabrina Ruiz takes on music director duties, effective immediately. Station PD Rick Shaw comments, "It is with great pleasure that I can announce that Sabrina has accepted the position of 'HOT 103.9' music director. Sabrina's knowledge and passion for the music that we play on 'HOT' makes her the perfect person for the task."…..On-air pro Kayla Morgan joins SummitMedia's CHR WWST, Knoxville "Star 102.1" as evening personality. Morgan was most recently with Entercom's Detroit cluster as a personality on adult contemporary WDZH "98.7 The Breeze." SummitMedia Knoxville market president Chris Protzman states, "We are delighted to welcome Kayla to Knoxville and 'Star 102.1' nights. Her personality and passion for the music is infectious. Knoxville is in for a real treat!"
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder Out in New WGN, Chicago Program Schedule. Two months after new management ousted station manager Todd Manley from his role at WGN, Chicago and hinted more changes were on the horizon, the Nexstar-owned news/talk outlet announces its new programming lineup and late morning duo Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder are the odd couple out. After the close of the Tribune-Nexstar deal, Sean Compton became executive vice president and director of news and operations Mary Sandberg Boyle was named interim programming manager. Yesterday (11/20), Boyle announced the changes via internal email. Among the changes effective December 2 are: Steve Cochran's morning show starts an hour earlier, airing from 5:00 am to 9:00 am; John Williams moves from his current 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm slot to 9:00 am to 12:00 noon; Ji Suk Yi takes over hosting the 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm "Wintrust Business Lunch" show; and Anna Davlantes leaves the co-host role on the afternoon drive Roe Conn program to host her own 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm talk show. Conn remains in afternoons, followed by Justin Kaufmann from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, followed by Nick Digilio from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am. WGN will simulcast the "WGN-TV Early Morning News" from 4:00 am to 5:00 am. Read Chicago media writer Robert Feder's coverage here.
WPHT, Philadelphia's Rich Zeoli Interviews President Trump. Pictured above is WPHT, Philadelphia morning drive personality Rich Zeoli interviewing President Trump in the Oval Office as part of Tuesday's White House Radio Row on the United States Mexico Canada trade deal. The president also talked about the 2020 election and the impeachment hearings. Zeoli says, "The president was incredibly gracious with his time and said how much he loves talk radio." Photo: Andrea Hanks
John Fredericks Show Interviews VP Mike Pence. At Tuesday's White House Radio Row on the USMCA treaty, Virginia talk station owner and statewide talk radio personality John Fredericks (right) posed for a photo with Vice President Mike Pence (left) and Fredericks' wife, Anne (center), who serves as CFO of the John Fredericks Network.
Cumulus Inks 'The Ticket' Morning Show 'The Musers' to Multiyear Extension. Dallas sports talkers George Dunham, Craig Miller, and Gordon Keith – collectively known as "The Musers" – sign contract extensions to continue hosting the morning drive show on Cumulus Media's sports talk KCTK-AM/FM, Dallas "The Ticket." The Cumulus Dallas-Houston regional vice president Dan Bennett says, "For 25 years, the Morning Musers' George Dunham, Craig Miller, and Gordon Keith have performed at a market dominant level and we are excited that will continue for many more years in Dallas!" The Musers comment, "We are very pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Cumulus and the wonderful leadership of the Dallas/Fort Worth market. This company has made us feel appreciated and we are extremely thankful for their support of such a special station. 'The Ticket' in Dallas/Fort Worth is our home and the bond that we have with our listeners is something we will cherish for as long as we breathe."
Salem Covers A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Premiere. Above is Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup (left) interviewing director Marielle Heller (right) at last night's premiere of the SONY Pictures film, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. The film stars Tom Hanks as television icon Fred Rogers. The premiere took place in Pittsburgh where the "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" TV show was produced at WQED-TV.
Skyview Networks Sponsors Panels at MLB Rightsholders Conference. The photo above shows the participants in this year's MLB Audio Rightsholders Conference in Las Vegas. More than 20 teams and organizations participated in panels covering technology, audio sales strategies, and the future of emerging non-terrestrial mediums. Digital content captured the main focus of the conversations as franchises shared strategies for monetizing this evolving platform. Skyview Networks president and COO Steve Jones says, "Skyview Networks is proud to return as the title sponsor of this conference, which hosts an innovative group of baseball and broadcast executives as they discuss the critical role radio and digital audio play in fan engagement. We look forward to developing additional technology to serve our partners in this evolving audio space." Additional panel topics included maximizing ad sales with an emphasis on innovative features and creating awareness for franchises' ancillary digital content, especially concerning podcasts. As the digital listenership rapidly increases, the franchises are hyper-focused on monetizing the platform.
TALKERS News Notes. The NM Political Report says that KIVA-AM/K229CL, Albuquerque owner Eddy Aragon is considering running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Tom Udall, who is not running for re-election. Aragon – a staunch conservative – hosts the afternoon show on the station branded, "the Rock of Talk." He tells NM Political Report this is something he's only considering at this point. "You have to imagine the tremendous sacrifice that I have to consider. Being off [the air] during the year Donald Trump is running in 2020, that's a sacrifice to my radio station."…..KIDO, Boise morning drive talk host Kevin Miller is pictured below talking to KTVB-TV, Boise news about his annual Miller's Mission Turkey Drive to help provide the hungry and homeless in Boise with a warm dinner for the holidays. The goal is to collect 3,000 turkeys for the Boise Rescue Mission Ministries. Each year Miller dons his turkey suit and broadcasts live from a local Walmart parking lot to collect turkeys and cash donations.
Impeachment Testimony, 2020 Presidential Race/Atlanta Debate, Epstein Case/Prince Andrew Troubles, U.S.-China Trade Talks/Hong Kong Human Rights Act, and Mexicans Sue Walmart Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/20). Wednesday's impeachment hearing with testimony from EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020 and Wednesday's Atlanta debates; the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's death and the aftermath of Prince Andrew's BBC interview; U.S. trade talks with China and the U.S. House's Hong Kong Human Rights Act; and Mexicans' suit against Walmart over the mass shooting in El Paso were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Robyn Simone exits Cumulus Media's urban contemporary WLXC, Columbia, South Carolina "Kiss 103.1" where she'd been serving as program director for the past year. She says, "Working at Cumulus Media in Columbia was a challenge, but I gained a lot of knowledge in my short time there. As the program director/air talent for 'Kiss 103.1,' I'm a stronger and more knowledgeable PD because the experience. I would like to thank [VP programming operations] John Dimick and VP/urban programming Kenny Smoov for the opportunity and their commitment to set new standards for urban radio."
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Salem Radio Network to Distribute Steve Bannon's 'War Room: Impeachment.' The nightly radio show and podcast produced in cooperation with Virginia-based station owner and network operator John Fredericks is being made available on the Salem Radio Network from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET. "War Room: Impeachment," hosted by former Breitbart exec and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon – with co-hosts Raheem Kassam and Jason Miller – is taking over the first hour of the re-feed of "America First" with Sebastian Gorka.
Steve Duemig to Be Honored at Tampa Bay Lightning Game. Late Tampa sports talk radio host Steve Duemig – who passed away back in May after a long battle with brain cancer – will be honored by the Tampa Bay Lightning and Duemig's longtime radio home, iHeartMedia's WDAE. The ceremony will take place this Saturday (11/16) as the iHeartMedia Tampa Bay suite will be renamed the "Duemig Den" during the first period intermission. iHeartMedia Tampa market president Chris Soechtig says, "Steve Duemig was a legendary, one-of-a-kind talent that created a bond with his fan base like few others have. 'The Big Dog' was a true champion for Tampa Bay Sports and is deeply missed by his iHeartMedia family. We are honored to join the Tampa Bay Lightning to create a permanent tribute at Amalie Arena." Duemig worked at WDAE from 1996 through his final show in February of 2018. He also served as the Lightning's radio color analyst for two seasons, hosted a weekly show on the FOX Sports Radio network, and co-hosted a program on The Golf Channel.
TALKERS News Notes. Milwaukee progressive talk radio outlet WRRD-AM, Waukesha "Resistance Radio" adds an FM translator to its broadcast. The 200-watt signal W269DL, Milwaukee is at 101.7 FM. Station owner and "Devil's Advocate" program co-host Michael Crute says in a statement, "Our first official act as an FM radio station will be to broadcast history, the impeachment of Donald J. Trump. This is the completion of my vision since the day Trump was elected. We've created a Wisconsin political talk network to compete with the 81 conservative talk formatted, Trump supportive radio stations across Wisconsin." The station's programming is also heard on Madison signals WTTN-AM, Columbus/W224EG, Madison as "Talk 92.7 Madison.".…..The Boston Globe reports that Jon Wallach is taking a leave of absence from WBZ-FM, Boston "98.5 The Sports Hub" where he works on the "Toucher & Rich" morning drive show. Wallach was recently diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma – a tumor behind his right eardrum – that is, fortunately, benign…..There's rumor of a potential split about to take place at ESPN Radio. The Big Lead reports that Trey Wingo – one half of the "Golic & Wingo" morning drive program on ESPN Radio – wants off the radio show he co-hosts with Mike Golic. The Big Lead says, "Trey Wingo hopes to leave 'Golic & Wingo' on ESPN Radio by the time next football season rolls around … It is currently unknown whether or not he will remain with ESPN — he's been a fixture in Bristol since 1997 — when his deal expires in late 2020 but even if he does it is highly unlikely to be in the capacity of morning drive radio."…..New York Post columnist Andrew Marchand continues to write about the imminent programming changes at sports talk WFAN with the announced departure of afternoon drive host Mike Francesa from the radio schedule. Marchand pulls no punches as he scrutinizes the Entercom station. He says that both Greg Gianotti – Boomer Esiason's AM drive partner – and midday personality Bart Scott are both set to be free agents at the end of the year. Read his take on the state of WFAN here…..Tomorrow (11/15), Eric Goranson, host of Envision Networks' "Around The House With Eric G," and Jeff "JT" Tracy, host of Envision Networks' "Barbecue Nation," will participate in the live radiothon on Salem Media Group's news/talk KPAM-AM, Portland "AM 860 The Answer" to raise money for Operation Helping Our Heroes. Eric G. says, "It is an honor to work with a group like the Clark County Veterans Assistance Center, where 100% of the proceeds go directly to helping the needs of our servicemembers, veterans and their families."
Impeachment Hearings, Roger Stone Trial, Trump Tax Returns Ruling, 2020 Presidential Race, Dow Hits Record High, Trump-Erdogan Tensions, China Black Death Cases, Hong Kong Violence, College Admissions Scandal, Venice Floods/Climate Change Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/13). The impeachment hearings taking place before the House Intelligence Committee; the trial of former Trump adviser Roger Stone on charges of obstruction of Congress, lying to Congress and witness tampering; a U.S. Appeals Court declines to hear President Trump's appeal of a lower court ruling that Congress has the right to eight years of Trump's tax records; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020 and the addition of former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick into the race; the Dow closes at an all-time high of 27,783.59; President Trump meets with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Trump's letter advising Erdogan "not to be a fool"; two reported cases of the plague in China; a former California insurance exec is sentenced in the college admissions scandal; and Venice suffers record flooding after unusual high tide blamed on climate change were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
New York Festivals 2020 Radio Awards Open for Entries; Winners to Be Honored at NAB Show in Las Vegas. The New York Festivals 2020 Radio Awards is now open for entries and, for the first time in the 38-year history of the awards, the NYF's Radio Awards winners will share the stage and the spotlight with NYF's TV & Film Awards medal and trophy winners at the inaugural "Storytellers Gala." Both competitions will be honored on Tuesday, April 21 at the annual NAB Show in Las Vegas. New York Festivals VP and executive director Rose Anderson states, "Stories give us a common language – that's the way we communicate with each other – and today's technology provides so many opportunities that weren't possible or even imaginable in the past. This spring, we will celebrate the men and women from around the world whose innovative work impressed our grand jury panels." The "Storytellers Gala," celebrating global content creators from radio, TV & film, and across all platforms, marks the 10th year of NYF's strategic partnership with NAB Show. The 2020 multi-competition gala will feature award-winning guest presenters from around the globe and will bring a new level of prominence, interest, and recognition for all participants that will continue in the year ahead. The Radio Awards receives entries from radio stations, networks, and independent producers from over 30 countries around the globe. The mission of the competition is to honor the achievements of content creators who make up the global storytelling community. You can see the 2019 Winner's Showcase here. The deadline to enter the 2020 Radio Awards competition is February 1, 2020. To enter please click here. For additional information visit: Rules and Regulations.
Nielsen: 98% of Small and Medium Market Adults Use Radio. From its just-released Audio Today Medium & Small Market Edition report, Nielsen finds that in small and medium markets, 98% of adults 18+ use radio monthly in these markets; 94% of adults 18-34 do, as well, along with 99% of adults aged 25-to-54. In the study, Nielsen examines a new, in-depth profile of radio audiences by age, gender, employment, and other factors. The report details the buying power of these important consumers and reveals how, when and where they consume audio content – including podcast use and smart speaker adoption in smaller markets. The study finds that the top radio formats in medium and small markets are: country (14.1% share of audience), news/talk (11.8%), pop contemporary hit radio (8.3%), adult contemporary (7.3%) and classic rock (6.2%).
William O'Shaughnessy Publishes New Book, Radio Active. Westchester, New York broadcasting legend William O'Shaughnessy has published his latest book – a compendium of interviews, editorials, and musings – under the title, Radio Active (2019, Whitney Media Publishing). The president and chief executive of Whitney Global Media says that he's first and foremost a defender of the First Amendment. "I've been accused, among other unflattering appellations, of being a First Amendment voluptuary. It's a moniker I proudly wear…I've tried to do my bit on this vital and essential subject. But I haven't done nearly enough. My own meager and sporadic efforts pale in comparison to the valuable, unrelenting work of First Amendment warriors I've always admired. I'm not worthy to loosen the strap of their sandals." O'Shaughnessy has long served as editorial director of radio stations WVOX-AM and WVIP-FM in New Rochelle. He says, "At WVOX and WVIP our mantra has always been 'Where Many Different Voices Are Heard in the Land.'" TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison describes O' Shaughnessy's latest book as "an inspiring hodgepodge of politics, popular culture, and an array of voices representing the best of American diversity as expressed in the media marketplace – just like his radio stations." Harrison goes on to say, "Bill is one of the radio industry's most outspoken and courageous champions of the First Amendment. Part 1 of this book is totally devoted to his research, analysis, and explanation of the First Amendment and should be required reading for all of today's practitioners of talk media."
45th Gracie Awards Announces Call for Entries. The call for entries is open for the 45th Annual Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation. The Gracie Awards Gala will take place on May 19, 2020, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, and the Gracie Awards Luncheon takes place on June 24, 2020, in New York City at Cipriani 42nd Street. AWMF executive director Becky Brooks says, "Each year, the Gracie Awards celebrate and honor truly exceptional content by, for, and about women. It is our belief that recognizing expertise, courage, and contributions across television, radio, and interactive/digital media is essential to ensuring continued growth for our industry. As our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Gracies enables the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation to deliver on its promise of furthering the connection, education, and recognition of women in media." AWMF says that each year, attention is given to evaluating categories, and this year that included adding a category for showrunners in television and creating more avenues for radio hosts/co-hosts by adding categories for Outstanding News Anchor and Weekend Host Personality. Serving again as chairs for the 2020 Gracie Awards are McVay Media Consulting president Mike McVay and AWMF board members Heather Cohen, executive vice president at The Weiss Agency, and Annie Howell, co-founder and managing partner at The Punch Point Group. Vicangelo Bulluck, an Emmy Award-winning veteran in awards production, has produced the Gracie Awards since 2016 and will return to produce the Gracie Awards Gala in 2020. The 2019 Gracie Awards entry eligibility air dates are from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2019. Early Bird rates for entries end on December 12, 2019, at 11:59 PM Eastern. The deadline for all entries is January 16, 2019, at 11:59 PM Eastern. Entry details including pricing, updated categories can be seen here. See more about the 2019 Gracie Awards, including the media release and past video, here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming and on-air pro Bailey moves from iHeartMedia's KTCL-FM, Denver "Channel 93.3" to Entercom's alternative KVIL-FM, Dallas where she'll be music director and midday personality, effective December 2. Entercom Dallas regional president and market manager Brian Purdy says, "Jim Fox [vice president of programming] and I are excited to have Bailey bring her nearly 20 years of music programming and on-air experience to 'ALT 103.7.' With her extensive knowledge of the alternative format and its audience, Bailey is perfectly suited to serve our listeners." Bailey began her radio career in Boston at legendary alternative outlet WFNX…..On-air pro Quincy Harris exits Radio One's urban AC WRNB, Philadelphia where he'd been handling morning show duties alongside K Foxx. He'd been with the station for two years. K Foxx moves to middays while a replacement AM drive show is yet to be announced…..At Curtis Media Group's Greenville-New Bern, North Carolina hip hop WIKS "101.9 Kiss FM," Jane Dough is named program director, November 18. She comes to WIKS from her most recent post as midday personality and music director at Beasley Media Group's hip hop WZFX, Fayetteville, North Carolina "Foxy 99." Dough says, "Although it was hard to say goodbye to my Beasley Media Group family, I'm excited for a new beginning and the chance to grow even more in my career. The transition to New Bern has been easier than I expected thanks to the wonderful staff and co-workers at Curtis Media Group."…..Townsquare Media and Compass Media Networks are launching a new, syndicated radio show called "XXL HIGHER LEVEL RADIO," starring WBLK, Buffalo "Power 93.7" evening personality DJ Wire. The show's name is tied to Townsquare's XXL Magazine, website and app. The program features exclusive artist interviews, hip-hop news from the XXL news desk, DJ mixes, and a countdown of top hits. The show's playlist is driven by data from XXL. Townsquare SVP of digital Jared Willig says, "When Townsquare acquired XXL Magazine in 2014, our mission was to expand the iconic brand via social, video, podcasting, events and more, while maintaining the core print magazine which is so important to the community. 'XXL HIGHER LEVEL RADIO' is the next phase of that strategy, and like the XXL brand itself, we are excited for it to be influential, interactive and digital-forward."
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Townsquare Media Q3 Net Revenue Up 6.2%. Third quarter 2019 net revenue for Townsquare Media was $112.6 million, an increase of 6.2% over the same period in 2018. (Net revenue was up 7.9% excluding political revenue.) The company also is reporting year-to-date figures (the first three quarters of the year) and says that net revenue was up 6.7% over the same period in 2018. Net income was up $29 million during the first three quarters of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson says in a statement, "Townsquare's third quarter results exceeded our expectations, with ex-political net revenue and Adjusted EBITDA increasing 7.9% and 12.9%, respectively, over the prior year. In addition to the continued strong results of our digital marketing subscription business, Townsquare Interactive, which increased net revenue by 26.0% over the prior year, our Advertising business grew net revenue a very impressive 7.3% excluding political revenue over the prior year. Both segments also achieved strong profit margins in excess of 30% in the third quarter and year to date periods, which as a result increased Adjusted EBITDA by a strong 11.5% in the first nine months of 2019. Continued momentum in our revenue growth, coupled with our disciplined expense management, allowed us to reduce net leverage to 4.7x as of September 30th, a reduction of 0.6x year over year and the lowest net leverage level in our history. The ongoing strong performance of Townsquare Interactive and Townsquare Ignite, our proprietary digital programmatic advertising platform, is contributing to digital revenue being 35% of our total net revenue and reinforces our belief that each of those digital divisions will generate $100 million in annual net revenue within the next two to four years. We believe that our strong financial performance, talented teams, broad product suite of high quality, locally focused multiplatform offerings, and the size and strength of our digital businesses, further prove that Townsquare is not a traditional radio broadcaster, and has evolved to be a premier local media and digital marketing solutions company."
'ESPN Tucson' Adds New Morning Show. The new, two-hour morning drive show on Arizona Lotus Corp's sports talk KFFN-AM/K285DL in Tucson is hosted by Jeff Dean. He's a 20-plus year broadcast pro who has served as the PA announcer for University of Arizona Wildcats football and men's basketball for the past six years. Station operations manager Larry Mac says, "We are excited to have someone with the level of expertise that Jeff Dean will bring to the airwaves here in Tucson. His love of the Wildcats, and his passion for sports will help make 'ESPN Tucson' the destination for local morning sports talk radio in the Old Pueblo." Dean, whose show will air Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, says, "It's such an amazing feeling to be able to return home. I really hope to strengthen the relationship between the University of Arizona athletic department and the great sports fans of Tucson. It's time for these fans to know the real U of A and I hope that I can help facilitate that."
TALKERS News Notes. An 11-part series of reports in honor of the men and women who've served in the U.S. military is available from Cumulus Media's Westwood One. The Veterans Day report is approximately one minute long and features the men and women who make up the U.S. veteran population. They include perspectives from national leaders and veterans of varying ages about how veterans view their service and the day set aside to honor it. The series is reported and produced by Westwood One News reporter Chas Henry, himself a combat decorated veteran of the 1991 Gulf War…..A special episode of "The Adam Carolla Show" on PodcastOne was released yesterday (11/4) featuring Ford v Ferrari co-stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale. PodcastOne notes that "perhaps the most 'candid' moment came after they finished recording the podcast as Carolla and Damon were overheard talking about Carolla's longtime friend and colleague, and Damon's long-time public nemesis, Jimmy Kimmel." Check it out here…..PBS is presenting a Christmas special that will air a number of times in this month and in December featuring some of the traditional popular holiday music written by such composers as Johnny Marks, who wrote "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Serving as associate producer of the project is Chick Pallotta, who specializes in producing mini-radio programs for the holiday season using the voices of that era to introduce the recordings of their well-known compositions. Some 300 PBS stations will be airing the special…..SiriusXM announces host changes to its SiriusXM Progress channel leading up to the 2020 elections. First, "Signal Boost with Zerlina and Jess," co-hosted by Zerlina Maxwell and Jess McIntosh will expand to two hours, airing from 7:00 am to 9:00 am ET. Wrapping up the day's news will be SiriusXM's John Fugelsang, who joins the Progress channel's primetime schedule from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET. Fugelsang previously hosted a show on SiriusXM's Insight channel. In addition to regular appearances as a political expert on MSNBC, CNN, and FOX News, Fugelsang recently co-hosted the nationally syndicated television entertainment program "Page Six TV."
Celebrating Brian Kilmeade's New Book. Crews from New York news/talkers WABC, WOR, and FOX News were at Del Frisco's steakhouse in New York City to celebrate the publishing of FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio personality Brian Kilmeade's new book, Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Victory That Changed American History (2019, Penguin Publishing). Pictured above are (from l-r): FNC's Bill Hemmer, WABC executive producer Jill Vitale, WOR host Mark Simone, famed defense attorney and fill-in radio host Arthur Aidala, FOX News Radio affiliate relations account manager Tamara Karcev, Kilmeade, WABC program director Dave LaBrozzi, and WABC APD Matt Dahl.
Premiere Networks Offers 'Early Edition' of 'Coast to Coast AM.' An additional three-hours of "Coast to Coast AM" is being offered by Premiere Networks beginning this week. The company says that "Coast to Coast AM with George Noory – Early Edition" is a partial re-broadcast from the previous night that is available to existing affiliates to air from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am ET, Monday through Friday. In the same press release, Premiere reminds affiliate stations that "Coast to Coast AM" is continuing its long-standing tradition of providing live programming throughout the holidays, including music, special guest appearances, open lines and surprises on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Impeachment Process, Trump Tax Returns Ruling, Roger Stone Trial, 2020 Presidential Race, U.S. Withdraws from Paris Climate Deal, U.S.-China Trade Negotiations, and Popeye's Chicken Stabbing Death Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/4). The impeachment process against President Trump and the speculation about who will testify; a federal appeals court rules President Trump must turn over 8 years of tax returns; longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone federal trial on obstructing a congressional investigation looking into Russian hacking during the 2016 campaign begins this week; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the U.S. begins the final stage of exiting the Paris Climate Accord; the U.S.-China trade negotiations, and the death of a Maryland man as the result of an argument at a Popeye's Chicken restaurant were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Hail to the… Chef! Pictured above is Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher as he broadcast his nationally syndicated program on Monday (11/4) from Famous Hamburger Joe's restaurant in Surfside Beach, South Carolina to thank owner Tony Cherney for a large donation to Gallagher's "Food For The Poor" campaign. Gallagher says it was "magical" to have a restaurant provide such a major donation to feed hungry children through "Food For The Poor."
Alex Luke Appointed SVP of Digital Content for SiriusXM and Pandora. Music and media executive Alex Luke joins SiriusXM to take on the newly created position of senior vice president, digital content for SiriusXM and Pandora. In this role, Luke will lead programming for Pandora and editorial content on the Pandora and SiriusXM digital platforms. Most recently, Luke was global head of programming and content strategy at Amazon Music. He's also served with Napster and Apple. SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein says, "Alex is an expert in shaping the digital content experience for listeners, and we are excited to have him join us as we continue to advance and evolve how we create and present content for our listeners across our digital platforms. It is vital we ensure that the great content we produce today, as well as what we create in the future, is done in the most attractive and consumer-friendly manner so that it drives growth in usage across our digital platforms."
Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air pro Jack Shell exits the midday show at Cumulus Media's country WFMS, Indianapolis after almost two years there. He moved north from the company's adult contemporary WLYF, Miami "101.5 Lite FM" in December of 2017. In a Facebook post, Shell says, "Would like to thank those who listened to my show on 95.5 WFMS in Indianapolis, and I am proud to have accomplished quite a bit during my brief time here in terms of ratings and connecting with this audience. Thanks to Cumulus for getting me back into country music radio and giving me a great station on which to perform these last two years."…..Also leaving a Cumulus Media country outlet is Nathan Fast. He leaves his morning gig at KPLX, Dallas "99.5 The Wolf" after a little more than a year there. He'd been co-hosting the morning program with Lisa Taylor, who remains on the air in AM drive…..Entercom announces that 2019 CMA Awards nominee Luke Combs is hosting its exclusive one-hour "CMA Red Carpet Countdown" immediately preceding the televised CMA Awards beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 13. The show will feature Luke Combs introducing additional content and a curated playlist from Nashville…..The lineup for night two of Entercom's RADIO.COM event "KROQ Absolut Almost Acoustic Christmas 2019," taking place on Sunday, December 8 at the Honda Center in Anaheim is revealed. Taking the stage that evening will be: Mumford & Sons, Twenty One Pilots, The 1975, The Raconteurs, Of Monsters and Men, The Interrupters, lovelytheband, Matt Mason, and DJ Jeremiah Red. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of tickets benefits Para Los Niños and the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center…..Pictured below is "NASH Nights Live" co-host Elaina Smith (left) with country star Miranda Lambert (right) after Lambert appeared as a guest on Smith's podcast "Breaking Thru with Elaina." The interview will also be heard as part of Smith's "With Elaina," the Westwood One syndicated two-hour weekend country program for pop culture junkies, entertainment fans and country music lovers!
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Steve Bannon Launches Impeachment-Focused Radio Show and Podcast. Politico is reporting that former Breitbart executive and former Donald Trump strategist Stephen K. Bannon has launched a daily, one-hour radio show and podcast called, "War Room: Impeachment." The story indicates that show is airing on six conservative talk stations in Virginia and Florida, though no call letters are cited. Bannon tells Politico that "the show will be about the impeachment process, specifically the witnesses and the evidence, and 'is going to get very granular.'" Bannon says he aims "to break news and make the show an outlet for people to leak information related to impeachment." The program includes two co-hosts – former Trump campaign communications director Jason Miller and former Breitbart London bureau chief Raheem Kassam. Bannon hosted a daily morning political talk show on SiriusXM when he was with Breitbart.
Todd Starnes to Moderate SRN Political Event. Nationally syndicated talk show host Todd Starnes is moderating Salem Radio Network's "Countdown 2020: The Race to the White House" on November 5 in San Antonio. The panelists include SRN talk show hosts Dennis Prager and Dr. Sebastian Gorka. Starnes – a best-selling author and syndicated political columnist who recently left FOX News – is launching his new, three-hour talk radio program via Hamilton Strategies on Monday, November 4. Interested parties can contact firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
Report: Stephen A. Smith to Leave ESPN Radio as Part of New Contract. The New York Post is reporting on the story broken by The Big Lead that ESPN and Stephen A. Smith are negotiating a contract extension that would pay him $40 million to $50 million over a five-year period. According to the Post, Smith will continue his "First Take" duties, add more "SportsCenter" appearances, and host his own edition of "SportsCenter" on Wednesdays before NBA games. He would, however, exit his daily midday show on ESPN Radio. The story also says that ESPN talent who might take over the radio show include Max Kellerman or Mina Kimes.
KYW, Philadelphia's Cherri Gregg Named Journalist of the Year. KYW, Philadelphia community affairs reporter and on-air host Cherri Gregg is named Journalist of the Year by the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. Gregg is recognized by the organization in the broadcast and online category and will be honored at the PABJ's annual Awards and Scholarship Gala on November 2 in Philadelphia. Entercom Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, "Cherri is extremely deserving of this award. She is a champion of the community who is constantly searching for and reporting on the stories and issues that matter most to KYW Newsradio listeners across the Philadelphia area. I'm proud to call her a member of our team." Gregg joined KYW Newsradio as a reporter in 2010 and has served as the station's community affairs reporter since 2013. In addition to that role, Gregg hosts "Flashpoint with Cherri Gregg," a weekly program that focuses on the most relevant issues affecting the Philadelphia area. The program airs on five Entercom Philadelphia stations. Earlier this year, Gregg was recognized with two National Association of Black Journalists Salute To Excellence Awards for radio investigative reporting and podcasting.
TALKERS News Notes. On November 15, the Black News Channel will debut in 30 million American homes and one of the personalities on the new network will be Salem Radio Network talk host Larry Elder. BNC hasn't specifically stated what program or daypart Elder will host, just that he's a "show host/commentator." Vibe.com says, "Everyone loves a wildcard and BNC has found one in Larry Elder. The radio staple and attorney has over 25 years in the industry from news programs on NBC and ABC News & Talk. He also starred as a judge on 'Moral Court,' an early production by TMZ creator Harvey Levin in 2001."…..Gone from the air on Bonneville's news/talk KTAR-FM, Phoenix is afternoon drive personality Mac Watson – one half of the "Mac & Gaydos" show. The station made no announcement about the change, but Larry Gaydos continues in the daypart as solo host of "Gaydos in the Afternoon." Watson had been partnered with Gaydos since 2008…..In Cleveland, Good Karma Brands announces two new staffers for its sports talk duo of WKNR-AM "ESPN 850" and WWGK-AM "ESPN 1540 KNR2." Brock Thompson joins from MAVTV where he was VP of media sales to become general sales manager for Good Karma. At the same time, Amy Crossman is named marketing director for the stations. She was most recently director of partnerships for the Pro Football Hall of Fame…..The Radio America nationally syndicated "Passport Mommy" program, hosted by veteran talk show host and mom Michelle Jerson, welcomes WGCH-AM, Greenwich, Connecticut to its growing list of affiliates. "Passport Mommy" is heard on more than 50 radio stations nationwide. On the show, Jerson covers the topics on everyone's mind as a new parent. This nationally syndicated lifestyle, interview format show for women, features interesting guests with cool products and advice for parents.
Impeachment Inquiry, Ukraine 'Quid Pro Quo,' 2020 Presidential Race/Clinton-Gabbard Feud, A Warning Book to Be Published, U.S.-Syria Policy, Hong Kong Extradition Bill, and Brexit Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/22). The status of the impeachment inquiry against President Trump; the testimony from U.S. diplomat Bill Taylor regarding allegations President Trump would withhold military aid to Ukraine until it opened an investigation into Joe and Hunter Biden; the Democrats hoping to challenge Trump in 2020, speculation Hillary Clinton will join the race, and Clinton's feud with U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard; the anonymous Trump administration official announces November 15 for publication of tell-all book, A Warning; the U.S.' military exit from Syria; Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announces extradition bill is dead; and the U.K.'s Brexit chaos were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. A surprise at Entercom's country KMLE, Phoenix as Maria Knight and Chad Mitchell exit the morning show months after moving over from the company's classic hits KOOL. It's not clear what the station's plans are for replacing the duo but the show is now called "Country Music Mornings."…..On-air pro Ryan Lacosse is exiting the Cumulus Media Peoria station group at the end of this month to pursue a career outside of the radio business. Lacosse hosts the morning show on rhythmic CHR WZPW "Power 92.3" as Oryan and the midday show on sister rock WIXO "105.7 The X Rocks" as Ryan Black.….Cumulus Media's Westwood One is presenting "A Salute to Our Military Veterans," the annual Veterans Day special that honors "generations of men and women who answered the call to serve in the U.S. armed forces." The show is hosted by Kix Brooks, host of "America's Country Countdown," and includes appearances from Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Chris Young, Chris Janson, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert, and more. The program can air any time on Saturday, November 9 through Monday, November 11, 2019, between 6:00 am and 12:00 midnight…..Yesterday (10/22), WMMR, Philadelphia midday personality Pierre Robert was honored as one of the 2019 inductees into the Philadelphia Music Alliance's Annual Walk of Fame. Other honorees included the Philadelphia Orchestra, The O'Jays, The Hooters, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Jody Gerson, and Dorrance "Dodo" Hamilton.
Friday, October 18, 2019
NOW POSTED: New Installment of "The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation." The vibrant one-hour weekend special, "The Michael Harrison Wrap," that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia's WONK-FM, Washington, DC (10/18). The new episode titled "Quid Pro Schmo!," looks back at this past week of October 14-18, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Harry Hurley, talk show host WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; Michael Zwerling, talk show host/owner, KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; Richard Neer, talk show host, WFAN, New York; and Marianne Williamson, author/presidential candidate. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as well as other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; and KBKW, Aberdeen, WA as a special week-in-review and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA and the iHeartRadio App. To listen to this week's episode (and the program's complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.
Entercom Expands Distribution Footprint for RADIO.COM. As explained by Entercom VP corporate business development David Rosenbloom, the company's goal for RADIO.COM is to get it on as many platforms as possible. He says, "We are committed to our position as a premiere destination for live and on-demand audio news, entertainment, music, and sports content in the U.S. The partnerships with Autonomic Controls, DTS Play-Fi, and BluOS mark yet another expansion to the distribution footprint for RADIO.COM, ensuring that we are delivering the audio content our listeners want wherever and however they want it." These deals mean Autonomic Controls and BluOS will fully integrate RADIO.COM and their audio content throughout the entire home via Autonomic's Tune Bridge application and any speakers or amplifiers from NAD Electronics, Bluesound, and DALI Loudspeakers that contain the BluOS platform. DTS Play-Fi users will have access to RADIO.COM on more than 200 products across 30 brands in the DTS Play-Fi ecosystem, including Onkyo, Pioneer, Klipsch, and Dish TV, among others. Entercom says these platforms "join a roster of home and auto-connected devices that carry RADIO.COM, including Amazon Echo, Amazon FireTV, Sonos, Roku, Google Home, Google Chromecast, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and many more."
Beasley Names Todd Handy Chief Digital Officer. This is a newly created position at Beasley Media Group that Todd Handy will assume on November 1. Beasley says Handy has "been at the forefront of the digital media space for more than a decade, having spent six years in local media responsible for sales, advertising strategy and products, ad operations and analytics, programmatic sales and native advertising. Most recently he was vice president of digital media & ad tech at MarketStar. Handy currently is a member of the Dream Local Digital board of directors. Handy says, "I'm grateful for the opportunity to join Beasley Media Group in this role. I've been impressed by the alignment and focus of the executive team and know of Caroline's commitment to diversifying revenue and growing the company overall. I look forward to bringing my prior experience together with Beasley's people, culture, and properties to develop solutions that will benefit our listeners, advertisers, and employees. I can't wait to get started!"
Salem Radio Network Covers Texas Trump Rally. Pictured above is Salem Radio Network White House correspondent Greg Clugson reporting from the American Airlines Center in Dallas where President Trump held a "Keep America Great" rally on Thursday night (1017). Clugson filed stories for Salem Radio Network News and TOWNHALL News.
Impeachment Inquiry/Ukraine Scandal Top News/Talk Story for Week of October 14-18. The Democrats' impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump and the related Ukraine scandal involving Hunter and Joe Biden and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria. Coming in at #3 was the 2020 presidential race and the related Democratic debate, followed by health care reform and climate change at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week's entire chart here.
TALKERS News Notes. Reality TV star Paul Teutul Sr. is launching a new podcast titled, "Behind the Scenes at OCC" that features the crew at Orange County Choppers. The show digs into decades of behind-the-scenes stories as the crew reminisces through experiences, encounters, builds, and shop drama to give listeners the OCC lore that made the TV show famous. It also promises to tell the stories of the numerous celebrities who've had bikes built for them, including Adam Carolla and Steven Tyler. The program is managed by Steve Lapa and Lapcom Communications and is produced and distributed by DAX/Global in partnership with The Podglomerate…..ESPN Radio is broadcasting the World Series presented by YouTube TV. Dan Shulman calls the action for the ninth consecutive season. He's being joined by analyst Chris Singleton and reporter Buster Olney. Commentators Marc Kestecher, Kevin Winter, and Tim Kurkjian host the hour-long pregame shows prior to each game.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In the Fayetteville market, Beasley Media Group promotes Gregory "G Moniy" Johnson to afternoon drive at hip hop WZFX, Whiteville "Foxy 99." Johnson has been with the company since 2006, most recently as a part-time air personality. Beasley Media Group Fayetteville VP and market manager Kent Dunn says, "It's great to see talent grow from within. G has demonstrated with his on-air talent that he is the right candidate for the new role. We all look forward in seeing G grow!"…..Curtis Media Group names Brandon Fanney general sales manager for CHR duo WWPL-FM and WPLW-FM, Raleigh "96.9 & 102.5 Pulse FM" and hot AC WPLW-AM/W225DF "92.9 Star FM." Fanney was most recently VP/sales at Voice Media. Curtis Media Group president/COO Trip Savery comments, "We are very pleased to welcome Brandon to Curtis Media Group. His experiences working on successful campaigns with local businesses in markets across the region will serve him well as he begins this new role in the Triangle.".….Pictured below is Premiere Networks personality Amy Brown (right) with Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth (left) on the "4 Things with Amy Brown." Chenoweth discussed her new hit album, "For The Girls" (Concord Records) – a heart felt tribute to some of the great female singers who have influenced her, including: Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, and Judy Garland.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Monday Memo: Their Voice, Their Words. Competing with less-cluttered digital audio options, AM/FM radio needs to obsess on commercial Quality Control. In this week's column, consultant Holland Cooke details a technique that's landing accounts and producing results. Read it here.
Impeachment Inquiry, Ukraine Controversy, U.S.-Syria Policy/Turkish Assault, 2020 Presidential Election, Shepard Smith Leaves FOX News, Fort Worth Cop Kills Black Woman, and U.S.-China Relations/Hong Kong Protests Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Democrats' impeachment inquiry against President Trump; the controversy over Trump's call with Volodymyr Zelensky and the Bidens' activities in the region's oil industry, as well as the arrests of associates of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani; the Trump Administration's policy in Northeastern Syria and Turkey's assault on the Kurdish region; the Democrats hoping to challenge President Trump in 2020; the surprise exit of FOX News Channel news anchor Shepard Smith from the news organization; the slaying of a black woman shot through the window of her home by a Fort Worth police officer, and U.S.-China relations and the ongoing Hong Kong protests were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Kamla Exits KILT-AM, Houston for Expanded Role at SiriusXM. The Houston Chronicle's David Barron reports that KILT-AM, Houston sports talk personality Rick Kamla is leaving the station to take on added duties at SiriusXM, where he's been hosting a fantasy sports program. SiriusXM is broadening Kamla's duties to include work on its NBA Radio channel. Kamla had only been with KILT-AM for a little more than two months after having served with Entercom's Atlanta sports talker WZGC "92.9 FM The Game." He was partnered on KILT with Clint Stoerner in afternoon drive. Kamla was part of KILT's July host re-alignment that included the non-renewal of Rich Lord's contract and his former PM drive partner Sean Pendergast's move to AM drive alongside Seth Payne.
Salem Radio Network Announces 2020 Presidential and Vice-Presidential Debate Broadcasts. In cooperation with the Commission on Presidential Debates, Salem Radio Network's 24/7 news services SRN News and TOWNHALL News will provide live broadcast coverage of the 2020 Presidential and Vice Presidential debates scheduled for next fall. SRN White House correspondent Greg Clugston will provide analysis and SRN talk hosts, including Hugh Hewitt, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Dr. Sebastian Gorka, and Larry Elder, will offer opinions and analysis. So far, four debates have been scheduled: Presidential Debates on September 9 at the University of Notre Dame; October 15 at the University of Michigan; and October 22 at Belmont University in Nashville; plus, one Vice Presidential debate will on October 7 at the University of Utah.
Goldstein Promoted at Hubbard Radio. Digital sales pro Steve Goldstein is promoted from senior director, digital sales strategy, to his new position, SVP digital sales strategy and general manager 2060 Digital for the company. Hubbard Radio EVP/chief financial officer Dave Bestler says that Goldstein was most recently splitting duties between Hubbard Radio Washington DC and a corporate role developing digital sales strategies in all of the Hubbard Radio markets. Now, Goldstein will focus exclusively on the corporate role of growing digital sales with station-owned digital assets and 2060 Digital in all Hubbard Radio markets. The company says, "During the past five years 2060 Digital has become an important revenue growth strategy for Hubbard Radio, both in Hubbard radio markets, and recently in non-radio markets with the introduction of 2060 Digital's Shift division in Columbus, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Detroit, Nashville and Birmingham. Goldstein says, "I am honored and excited to take the helm of a business that I am so passionate about. Hubbard's overall digital platforms and 2060 Digital have already seen tremendous success. To lead and grow a team that has provided proven results for our clients and our company is thrilling and humbling. I am looking forward to partnering with 2060 Digital ops head Andy Shepherd, his talented team, and our Hubbard Radio market leaders and sellers, all of whom are making a difference for our clients." As a result of this move, 2060 Digital president James Bryant will focus on growing 2060 Digital's Shift division in expanding markets.
Hugh Hewitt Is Guest on Harrison Podcast. Legal scholar, journalist, and Salem Radio Network syndicated TALKERS Heavy Hundred talk radio star Hugh Hewitt guests on the award-winning PodcastOne series, "The Michael Harrison Interview." In addition to being one of the most important radio talk show hosts in America and a prolific best-selling author, Hewitt is a professor of constitutional law at Chapman University Law School in California. Harrison and Hewitt engage in an in-depth conversation about the 2020 presidential election, the Ukraine/impeachment issue, US-China relations, the US Constitution, and the complex legacy and personality of Richard Nixon. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked "The Michael Harrison Interview" located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.
TALKERS and The Epoch Times Co-Presented "Talk Media Forum on US-China Relations" Video Available on TALKERS TV. The video of the recent panel discussion, "Talk Media Forum on US-China Relations" that took place in New York City on October 1, is now available for viewing on TALKERS TV. The information-packed co-presentation of TALKERS and The Epoch Times included radio talk show hosts Hugh Hewitt of Salem Radio Network, John Batchelor of WABC, New York, and Tom Sullivan of Talk Media Network, as well as a group of experts on the present state of China and its increasingly strained relationship with the United States that included Nan Su of NTDTV, Joshua Philipp of The Epoch Times and Dr. Dana Cheng of The Epoch Times. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison served as moderator. The conversation focused on the US-China trade war, Hong Kong protests, China's human rights abuses, Huawei and the worldwide battle for 5G dominance, the North Korea nuclear threat, China's ongoing intellectual property theft, China's military buildup, and the long term goals and methods of the Chinese Communist Party, plus more. See the video of the event here.
EPOCH TIMES to Meet Heightened Talk Media Interest in US-China Relations by Granting Free Access to TALKERS Readers. The Epoch Times – founded in 2000 by Chinese Americans seeking freedom from the Communist regime and one of the most reliable sources in the world for information about China – has responded to heightened interest in US-China relations by making its website free to TALKERS readers. To sign up for this free courtesy service to talk show hosts and their producers, please click here.
PPM Analysis: Hot AC. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio's September 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on hot AC. Just 40% of hot AC stations on our panel were up – weekly, 6+ AQH share – from the August to September surveys, led by Capital Broadcasting's KBZN, Salt Lake City (+1.0). Comparing year-over-year, just as many hot AC stations were up as were down. Gainers from September 2018 to September 2019 include: Alpha Media's KEZR, San Jose (+2.4), Cox Media Group's KSMG, San Antonio (+1.8), and Entercom's WOMX, Orlando (+1.5). Two hot AC stations ranked #1 in their markets in September – Hubbard Radio's KSTP-FM, Minneapolis and WRMF, West Palm Beach. See Mike Kinosian's entire report here.
WAY-FM Reports 'Explosive' Digital Growth. Christian broadcaster WAY-FM reports it has experienced explosive digital growth in 2019 with the launch of the new WAYNATION.COM website and Podcast Network, and an aggressive shift towards digital content ministry. WAY-FM operates more than 20 Christian music radio stations around the nation in markets like Nashville, Dallas, Portland, and Denver. Parent company WAY Media announces that, in the first six months of 2019, its total digital audience surpassed 750,000 persons and the WAY Nation Podcast Network has earned nearly 3 million downloads in the past 12 months. It adds that these numbers nearly equal the size of WAY-FM's total radio listenership.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. In the Allentown market, Cumulus Media's country WCTO "CAT Country 96" the new "CAT Morning Crew with Sam and Hannah" – hosted by Sam Malone and Hannah Byrom. Byrom joins Cumulus Allentown-Bethlehem from Entercom New York's WNSH-FM "Country 94.7" where she was weekend personality. Prior to that, she was morning show co-host for Beasley Media Group's WKLB, Boston "Country 102.5." At the same time, the station is adding WWYY-FM, Belvidere, New Jersery as a simulcast of WCTO. The station had been alternative as "Spin Radio" in a simulcast with translator W234AX, Allentown at 94.7 FM. Cumulus Allentown-Bethlehem OM Jerry Padden says, "This is a very exciting day for all of us! Though Hannah has worked on some great stations across the country, she is a Jersey girl. Sam was born and bred here in the Lehigh Valley, so doing mornings in their hometowns is a dream come true for both Sam and Hannah."…..Cumulus Media debuts adult contemporary KQFC, Boise "Magic 97.9." The signal flips from country and Cumulus brings Lisa Adams aboard as program director. It's a return to Boise for Adams, who previously served as OM/PD for Townsquare Media's Boise stations. Most recently, she's been program director for Hubbard Radio's country KNUC, Seattle. The "Magic 97.9" air personality lineup so far features Adams in Mornings, Bret Connors in afternoons and Mike Kasper as morning news anchor. News in the morning, with more announcements to follow. Adams says, "I'm incredibly excited and blessed to start my new radio chapter back in a town I love and missed so much!"…..Cox Media Group adds Caitlin "CJ" Johnson as afternoon drive personality at country KKBQ, Houston, effective November 11. She takes over for Cactus Jack, who retired in August. Johnson was most recently afternoon drive host at CMG's CHR WAPE-FM, Jacksonville…..Entercom announces the continued expansion of the RADIO.COM original station CHANNEL Q. The company says, "To celebrate its one-year anniversary and National Coming Out Day, the premiere LGBTQ+ Talk Radio Network will be available in a total of 32 markets nationwide, including four new markets in Baltimore, Buffalo, Cleveland and St. Louis."
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Mike Thomas Exits Boston's 'Sports Hub' for WMVP, Chicago Market Manager Role. This move means a program director role at one of the top-performing sports talk radio stations in America is open. Beasley Media Group announces that it is "looking for the Bill Belichick of sports radio" as it seeks a PD for WBZ-FM, Boston "98.5 The Sports Hub." Mike Thomas, who also serves as Beasley Media Group's national spoken word and podcast brand manager, announces he's leaving Boston to accept a new position in Chicago – market manager for Good Karma-operated WMVP "ESPN 1000" – in order to be closer to his family and fulfill a career goal of becoming a market manager. Beasley says he will continue to remain as a consultant to the station and actively participate in the search process. Thomas says, "This was an incredibly difficult decision. This radio station is a once-in-a-career station, with a once-in-a-career staff. I would like to thank Caroline and Brian Beasley and the entire corporate team for everything. Locally, Mary Menna, Cadillac Jack, and Buzz Knight have been fantastic to work with! I also want to thank every single 'Sports Hub' employee for 10 years of winning! I know our relationships won't end here." Beasley Boston director of programming Cadillac Jack says, "I want to thank Mike for the instrumental part he has played in leading our award-winning brand throughout its first decade and wish him continued success in his next chapter. They're big shoes to fill and we look forward to meeting a lot of great talent in the process as the coming days and weeks unfold."
Ex-FOX News Radio Personality Todd Starnes Launches Syndicated Commentary. Former FOX News Radio personality Todd Starnes – who exited the company last week – announces he's unveiling a syndicated commentary that "more than 750 radio stations have signed on to carry." The "Todd Starnes News & Commentary" short-form program is produced by his Starnes Media Group and syndicated by Hamilton Strategies. Additionally, a three-hour, caller-driven radio talk show will debut on November 4. Starnes says that program will feature major newsmakers, entertainers, artists, and Christian leaders. He says, "I am first and foremost a radio guy. I love the format and I believe that radio will continue to have a lasting impact on the nation. We are also deeply committed to super-serving our radio affiliates with first class service." The commentaries are broadcasting on Bott Radio Network, American Family Radio, CSN Network, and a number of commercial radio stations. For information about broadcasting Starnes' commentaries or his talk show, contact Deborah Hamilton at email@example.com.
Tammy O'Dell Assumes VP/Market Manager Role at Cumulus Columbia. Sales and management pro Tammy O'Dell is named vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media's Columbia, South Carolina cluster. This is a return to Cumulus after serving most recently as local sales manager for Spectrum Reach in Cary, North Carolina. She was formerly Cumulus' VP/MM in Charleston, South Carolina. The Columbia cluster includes sports talk duo WNKT-FM "107.5 The Game" and WISW-AM "1320 The Fan" and three music brands. Cumulus Media EVP of operations Bob Walker says, "We are excited to welcome Tammy back to the Cumulus family in Columbia. Her passion for the Carolina region and her success in building a winning sales culture make her a great addition to the team in Columbia."
SiriusXM Woos Denise Karkos from TD Ameritrade. Marketing pro Denise Karkos is joining SiriusXM as the new chief marketing officer, a position in which she'll be responsible for brand and digital marketing of both the SiriusXM and Pandora brands and helping support and drive the growth of SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners. Karkos was most recently CMO at TD Ameritrade where she was named 2019 CMO of the Year by Ad Age. SiriusXM president, sales, marketing and operations Jennifer Witz says, "Denise is exceptionally innovative and forward thinking and we are very pleased and excited that she will be leading our marketing efforts as we continue to grow the SiriusXM and Pandora brands. She and her team will execute a cohesive marketing strategy to drive brand relevance and consideration through to customer conversion, with a deep focus on digital, social, and mobile marketing."
FOX Sports Radio Reports Digital Audience Gains. Citing data from August and September of this year, FOX Sports Radio – a division of Premiere Networks – is announcing audience growth "across several digital platforms, including podcasts, streaming and www.FOXSportsRadio.com." FOX Sports Radio says it set a new record for total monthly podcast listens in September, reaching more than 11 million monthly listens. It also notes total podcast listens have grown nearly 60% since January. FSR says it experienced its third-highest streaming audience in the history of the network with the streaming numbers growing 8% from August of 2018 to August 2019 and a 25% increase over August 2017.
Cumulus CEO Mary Berner to Receive Gracies Leadership Award. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation is honoring Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary Berner with a 2019 Gracies Leadership Award. The Gracies Leadership Awards are presented annually to women executives who have made a significant impact on the media industry, while also spurring to action and emboldening other female leaders. The award will be presented to Berner and five other female media executives at the Gracies Leadership Awards luncheon at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on Thursday, November 21, 2019. AFWMF executive director Becky Brooks says, "The Alliance for Women in Media is proud to showcase female executives for their extraordinary accomplishments and deep contributions across the media landscape. The Gracies Leadership Awards are one way AWM recognizes and connects women who serve in all areas of the media and entertainment industry. By honoring these outstanding women, including Mary Berner, we are empowering all women, at every level, to take that next step in elevating their careers and their contributions."
TALKERS News Notes. In Denver, Bonneville brings former Denver Broncos offensive tackle Tyler Polumbus aboard as co-host of "The Drive" on sports talk KKFN "Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan." Polumbus joins hosts Darren "DMac" McKee and Nick Ferguson on the afternoon drive show. He takes over for Tom Nalen who exits the station for personal reasons…..A "Free Talk Live" co-host is making news as he takes on two other candidates for mayor of Keene, New Hampshire. But there's more to the story. In August, Rich Paul filed in New Hampshire probate court to change his name to Nobody. Today's ballot gives voters three choices for mayor: Mitchell "Mitch" Greenwald, George S. Hansel, and Nobody. "Free Talk Live" host Ian Freeman tells TALKERS magazine Nobody's mayoral campaign is just the beginning. He's already announced his 2020 campaign to take on New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu and is even considering a presidential run in a few more years. Check out his campaign website: ElectNobody.com…..Edison Research is making three of its presentations originally delivered at the recent NAB/RAB Radio Show in Dallas available to the industry at its website. Available for your perusal are: "The Top 10 Findings from Edison Research in 2019 (so far)"; "The Secret to Longer TSL"; and "What Does it Mean for Radio to Be Local." Check them out here…..In Northern Michigan, an application is filed with the FCC to transfer the licenses of eight stations from Sovereign Communications, LLC to AMC Partners Escanaba, LLC. The stations are: news/talk WMIQ-AM, classic rock WIMK-FM, and hot AC WZNL-FM in the Iron Mountain/Escanaba area and news/talk WDMJ-AM and WIAN-AM, country WJPD-FM, classic rock WUPK-FM, and oldies WNGE-FM in the Marquette area. Sovereign Communications is headed by Bill Gleich. AMC Partners Escanaba is a Wisconsin-based company headed by Terry Shockley and Chris Bernier. KALIL & CO., INC. is the exclusive broker for this transaction…..The University of San Francisco and Cumulus Media San Francisco announce a multi-year agreement for KTCT-AM "KNBR 1050 The Sports Leader" to serve as flagship station for the school's men's basketball games. Pat Olson will serve as play-by-play voice for broadcasts of the USF Dons games.
Impeachment Inquiry, Bidens Investigation, Trump's Syria Decision, 2020 Presidential Race, Omar Files for Divorce, NBA-China Rift, and Joker Film Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/7). The impeachment inquiry against President Trump and the report of a second whistleblower; the reported activities of Joe and Hunter Biden with regard to business in foreign countries; President Trump's decision to remove U.S. troops from Northern Syria in deference to Turkey; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar files for divorce amidst rumors of an affair with a Democratic operative; the rift between the NBA and China over the Houston Rockets' general manager's comments; and the Joker film were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Bay Area sales pro David Drutz is named vice president and market manager for Alpha Media's San Jose duo KBAY-FM and KEZR-FM. Drutz was most recently vice president of sales for Cumulus Media's sports talk KNBR-AM/FM, San Francisco. Drutz says, "I'm incredibly excited to be part of a company as visionary as Alpha Media and lead classic hits KBAY and hot AC KEZR. Both brands not only dominate Silicon Valley but also have tremendous reach throughout the Bay Area. It's going to be great fun in managing these stations to even more success!"…..Programming pro JT Bosch is promoted to senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia's Greensboro station group, effective October 14. Bosch will also serve as program director for rock WVBZ-FM "105.7 MAN UP!" Bosch has been with iHeartMedia since 2001 and most recently served as the assistant program director, music director and afternoon show host for country WKKT, Charlotte "96.9 The Kat." He says, "The opportunity to lead our programming efforts in Greensboro is so incredible. We are ushering in a new era and I'm honored to be a part of it. Thanks to the entire iHeartMedia senior leadership team for their continued support."…..Cumulus Media announces that it has appointed Mike Moore program director for country WKHX-FM, Atlanta "Kicks 101.5." Moore comes to Atlanta from his most recent position as VP of programming for Entercom's Portland cluster where he also programmed country KWJJ "99.5 The Wolf." Cumulus EVP of content and audience Brian Philips states, "As we met a strong field of senior candidates for WKHX, Mike Moore pushed his way to the front with thoughtful ideas and hard-driving enthusiasm. His wartime country radio leadership experience will enable him to build the team that changes the Atlanta landscape."
Friday, September 27, 2019
The WWL, New Orleans-Seth Dunlap Case Gets More Bizarre; Station Accuses Host of Extortion. According to coverage of this story in the Times-Picayune, the reason Entercom went from an internal investigation of the anti-gay slur tweet against sports talk host Seth Dunlap to turning it over to the police (as TALKERS reported yesterday), is because it believes Dunlap himself sent the text and is attempting to extort $1.85 million out of the company. The New Orleans police department says WWL believes the tweet was sent from Dunlap's cell phone. The police report also notes that the station is accusing Dunlap of threatening to go "scorched earth" over the matter and is demanding $1.85 million in order to get out of personal financial trouble. The station adds that it has been receiving letters regarding wage garnishment for Dunlap as creditors attempt to collect for unpaid credit card bills and personal loans. The police are currently working to corroborate WWL's conclusions. Right now, they are calling it a possible extortion case. Dunlap's lawyer, Megan Kiefer, says Dunlap didn't have access to the station's Twitter account and that the station is "attempting to blame the victim of its own anti-LGBT culture."
New KIRO-AM, Seattle Program Schedule Unveiled. As a result of the semi-retirement of longtime KIRO-AM personality Dave "The Groz" Grosby and the transition of the "Brock & Salk" morning show to a podcast, Bonneville's sports talk KIRO-AM, Seattle "710 ESPN" announces its new lineup, effective Monday (9/30). First, in afternoon drive, Bob Stelton moves from the early afternoon show to afternoon drive with Dave Wyman and Jim Moore for the "Bob, Dave and Moore" show. Stelton's departure from the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show results in Tom Wassell being joined in the daypart by Stacy Rost and Jake Heaps for the "Tom, Jake and Stacy" show. Rost is a Seahawks insider who has served as a writer and editor with 710Sports.com and host with KIRO-AM. Heaps played quarterback at BYU, Kansas and Miami. He had pro stints with the Jets and Seahawks and joined the station in 2018. That show will be produced by current "Brock & Salk" producer Kyle Brown. Taking over the 7:00 am to 10:00 am show is the "Danny and Gallant" program, featuring Danny O'Neil and Paul Gallant. O'Neil moves from his current afternoon drive role on the "Danny, Dave and Moore" show and Paul Gallant arrives from Houston where he'd most recently been hosting mornings at Entercom's KILT-AM. Jessamyn McIntyre will produce the "Danny and Gallant" program. Mike Salk leaves his daily show to focus on his program director role with the station but, as noted above, he and Brock Huard will produce a weekly podcast version of their show, beginning next week. As TALKERS reported previously, Grosby steps away from his daily show but will do a segment with John Clayton at 11:45 am and will serve as a guest host. He's also going to have an expanded role with 710Sports.com.
New Installment Posted of "The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation." The recently launched, one-hour weekend special, "The Michael Harrison Wrap," that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia's WONK-FM, Washington, DC (9/20). The new episode titled "Whistle a Yappy Tune!" looks back at this past explosive week of September 23-27, 2019. Recorded at this week's "Hold Their Feet to the Fire" radio row in Washington, DC, the show features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Dale Jackson, WVNN, Huntsville, AL; Michael Brown, KHOW, Denver; Gordon Deal, Compass Media Networks; Casey Hendrickson, WRTC, South Bend, IN; Michael Patrick Leahy, WLAC, Nashville; Martha Zoller, WDUN, Gainesville, GA; Dan "Ox" Ochsner, KNSI, St. Cloud, MN; Joyce Kaufman, WFTL, Fort Lauderdale/Miami; and John De Petro, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as well as other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; and KBKW, Aberdeen, WA as a special week-in-review and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA and the iHeartRadio App. To listen to this week's episode (and the program's complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.
SRN's 'Battle for America's Soul' Tour Hits Phoenix. Pictured above are Salem Radio Network talk show hosts in Phoenix as SRN's "Battle for America's Soul" tour stopped at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. SRN says the sellout crowd of more than 1,000 heard the hosts discuss topics from impeachment to the culture wars. From left to right are: SRN hosts Larry Elder and Dr. Sebastian Gorka, two unidentified KKNT, Phoenix listeners, Twitchy.com founder Michelle Malkin, and moderator/SRN talk host Mike Gallagher.
Seen and Heard at the Radio Show. TALKERS magazine special features correspondent Jeff McKay reports from the 2019 NAB/RAB Radio Show in Dallas. He says Thursday's sessions focused on podcasting and sales, culminating in the annual Marconi Awards ceremony. He notes that 139 students interested in radio and media from across the country attended the Radio Show as part of the Broadcast Education Association's mentoring program. Executive director Heather Birks says of the 400 or so students who've taken part in the last five years, 75% are now working in media and about 50% are working in radio. Read Jeff McKay's report here.
2019 Marconi Award Winners Honored. At last night's awards dinner at the 2019 NAB/RAB Radio Show, the Marconi's were handed out. Spoken-word winners of this year's honors include: Hubbard Radio's WTOP-FM, Washington for Major Market Station of the Year; Bonneville's KIRO-FM, Seattle for News/Talk Station of the Year; and Beasley Media's WBZ-FM, Boston for Sports Station of the Year. WBZ-FM's "Felger and Massarotti" – Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti – were honored with the Major Market Personality of the Year award. WRHU-FM, Hempstead, New York "Radio Hofstra University" was honored with the "College Station of the Year" award. See all the winners here.
TALKERS News Notes. Journalist Katie Couric is hosting an iHeartRadio Original podcast titled, "Next Question with Katie Couric." The show becomes part of iHeartMedia's iHeartPodcast Network and will "explore some of today's most important issues and transformative trends through insightful and engaging conversations that span news, politics, and pop culture." Topics addressed in the 12 episodes include: ABC's of CBD, Jennifer Garner's foray into entrepreneurship, whether ageism is the last socially acceptable "ism," the eSports universe, and a conversation with a former white supremacist who now works to deradicalize others…..SiriusXM announces the launch of "The Johnny Carson Channel," on October 1. The month-long special programming will feature the top, handpicked episodes of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." The programs will highlight notable classic moments, including the first "Tonight Show" stand-up appearances by Jerry Seinfeld (1981), Jay Leno (1977), and Ellen DeGeneres (1986), and Eddie Murphy (1982). There are also interviews with Lucille Ball, Muhammad Ali, Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Billy Crystal, and Oprah Winfrey.
The Impeachment Inquiry Is the Top News/Talk Story for the Week of September 23-27. The Democrats decision to begin an impeachment inquiry against President Trump was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Ukraine phone conversation flap. Coming in at #3 was immigration reform, followed by the UN General Assembly and climate change tied at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week's entire chart here.
Sports Talk and Album Rock Radio Pioneer Richard Neer Is This Week's Guest on Harrison Podcast. There have been a number of stories these past couple of weeks from the world of popular culture. They include the milestone of Bruce Springsteen reaching his 70th birthday and the impact of his political outspokenness on how his fans might view him. The deaths of rock stars Ric Ocasek and Eddie Money – also in their seventies; the disturbing saga of football wide receiver Antonio Brown; and the growing popularity in the podcasting world of the "true crime" genre. WFAN, New York, sports talk personality Richard Neer is this week's guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series "The Michael Harrison Interview." Harrison describes Neer as "one of my oldest and best friends… and one of my top go-to guys on the subjects of sports, music and crime." Neer has been a sports talk show host on WFAN in New York since 1988. He is also a pioneer of album rock radio having worked in the golden era at WLIR on Long Island and WNEW-FM in New York. He wrote the milestone book about rock radio titled FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (Villard, 2001) and has a growing following of fans for his series of murder mysteries featuring the ongoing adventures of Riley King, Private Investigator. To listen to the podcast in its entirety please click here or click on the player box marked "The Michael Harrison Interview" located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter or on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air personality Joe "Flu Season" Lewis joins Cumulus Media as afternoon host and programming assistant at urban contemporary KTCX, Beaumont, Texas "Magic 102.5." He was most recently the evening host at Cumulus' WLZN-FM, Macon, Georgia. KTCX program director Kelly Mac says, "Joe is a passionate, multi-skilled on-air talent who brings an array of experience to the table. He not only gets the on-air aspect of radio, but strongly embraces the community as well as the digital, imaging, and branding aspect of radio, which made him a perfect fit for this role. I look forward to watching him grow and succeed with the Cumulus team."…..Leaving his brand/content director post with Hubbard Radio's adult hits WARH-FM, St. Louis "106.5 The Arch" for a yet-to-be-revealed position is programming pro Scott Roddy. He joined the station in February of 2016…..Below is Premiere Networks personality Amy Brown (right) with Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott (left). Scott appeared on the "4 Things with Amy Brown" podcast to talk about the band's new album and the single, "Ocean." She's also a guest on Scott's weekend radio program, "Women of iHeartCountry."
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Newsmax TV Announces Major Expansion and Seeks Talent and Staff. Chief executive officer Christopher Ruddy says Newsmax has spent the past several years building out the Newsmax TV network's distribution and they are close to "mission accomplished." As a result, Newsmax TV is expanding and hiring dozens of producers, bookers, correspondents, anchors, and show hosts. Newsmax tells TALKERS magazine that it has signed with all major cable carriers – including DirecTV, Xfinity, Dish, Fios, U-verse, Spectrum, Optimum, and dozens of others – putting Newsmax TV in more than 70 million U.S. cable homes. Newsmax has been experiencing meteoric growth and Ruddy says he believes there's room for more conservatives in American media. He states, "I like FOX News Channel, but we believe the country needs more conservative voices, not less. Imagine if there was just one conservative website or just one talk radio network." Ruddy says the network's goals are to beef up news and programming shows as 2020 nears. The TV operation is based in New York and interested parties sould send their resumes to email@example.com.
FAIR Kicks Off 13th Annual 'Hold Their Feet to the Fire' Radio Row. Some 60-plus radio talk show hosts from around the nation are gathered in Washington, DC for the 13th annual "Hold Their Feet to the Fire" radio row. The event, presented by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), is taking place today and tomorrow (9/25-26) at the Phoenix Park Hotel on Capitol Hill. As in years past, this gathering brings together talk hosts from across the nation to broadcast live while debating immigration policy, interviewing members of Congress, law enforcement officials, experts, activists, administration officials, and those who live and work along the Southern border. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is among the guests being interviewed at the event, personally appearing on more than 25 local and network programs during the two-day marathon. Harrison is pictured below with Gordon Deal, host of the Compass Media Networks tremendously successful "This Morning – America's First News" show at an opening reception presented by the company last night (9/24) at the world famous Irish pub, The Dubliner, located adjacent to the hotel.
KMG Networks to Syndicate Chris Hahn Show in 2020. Currently, in addition to work as a contributor to FOX News, lawyer and author Chris Hahn hosts a weekly, two-hour talk show on JVC Media's WRCN, Long Island "103.9 FM LI News Radio" that airs from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Thursday nights. Now, Krantz Media Group Networks, announces a new partnership with Hahn to syndicate his show nationally. Hahn says, "I'm excited to be partnering with [KMG CEO] Gary [Krantz] and KMG to bring my show to a broader national audience. 2020 is going to be the most consequential year in recent American political history and I'm looking forward to the national conversation we are about to have regarding the future of our nation." Krantz says, "For years, listeners, advertisers, and radio programmers, have asked me when we will see another powerful progressive radio voice on the radio. Now we have it. Chris speaks to a new generation of listeners who now want to identify with an aggressive, intelligent, and entertaining point of view. He is well respected on both sides of the aisle and appears regularly on conservative radio and TV programs well."
Cox Media Group Names Katie Reid to Lead Jacksonville Radio Group. Sales and management pro Katie Reid is promoted to vice president and general manager for Cox Media Group's Jacksonville radio stations that include news/talk WOKV-FM and sports talk WOKV-AM, as well as six music brands. She has been serving CMG as executive director of revenue. Current Jacksonville VP/GM Bob Longo remains in the market overseeing the company's two TV stations, WFOX-TV and WJAX-TV. CMG EVP Bill Hendrich states, "Katie is a dynamic leader who inspires her teams and everyone around her to reach their fullest potential. Paired with her extensive background and strategic vision, I am confident Katie and her talented team will continue to grow and deliver the best news and entertainment in Jacksonville."
Jason Meder to Manage Orlando Radio Assets for Cox Media Group. In the Orlando market, Cox Media Group separates its TV and radio management as in the Jacksonville story above. Paul Briggs moves south from the company's Atlanta offices where he was VP of content and broadcast operations to become VP/GM for Orlando television stations WFTV-TV and WRDQ-TV. Meanwhile, Jason Meder continues his vice president and general manager position, leading the company's radio outlets in Orlando that include news/talk WDBO-FM "News 96.5" and sports talk WDBO-AM "ESPN 580 Orlando." Meder says, "The CMG Orlando radio team is a talent-rich group that I am fortunate to get to work with every single day. I am confident that our continued partnership with TV will yield even greater results as we forge ahead."
MSN and Radio Ink Radio Sales Compensation Study Results Are In. The results of the 2019 Radio Sales Compensation Study from Media Staffing Network (MSN) and radio trade publication Radio Ink are in. The press release says, "The study's findings provide useful insights that help radio owners, operators, and managers develop competitive compensation packages and sharpen their budgeting process." Over a three-week period, the study surveyed 334 respondents, of which 72.5% were managers and 27.5% were sellers. Representing a wide range of market sizes from across the country, 29.3% were from top 20 markets, 15.9% from markets 21-50, 6.3% from markets 51-70, and the largest amount, 48.5%, came from markets 75+. Among the findings is that 27.5% of stations surveyed have sellers earning $150,000-plus while only 12.6% have their highest seller earning what is also the radio station average of $40,000 to $59,000. MSN founder and CEO Laurie Kahn says, "Recruiting and hiring the best candidates is crucial to generating revenue success. It all starts with the recruitment process and culminates in offering compensation packages that compete successfully in the current marketplace. With relocation extremely difficult, stations need to recruit more in their markets, often out of radio. We're grateful to Radio Ink for their support in delivering this important study to radio. I look forward to partnering again next year so we can track changes in the compensation of sellers going forward." See the results of the study here.
Seen and Heard at the Radio Show. TALKERS magazine special features correspondent Jeff McKay reports from the 2019 NAB/RAB Radio Show in Dallas and says that a lot of the talk in the halls – not to mention in the panels and presentations themselves – revolves around podcasting. NAB EVP of communications Dennis Wharton says, "We have a lot of sessions on podcasting this year. People see the growth of listenership and the monetization of podcasting is now taking root. The reason the NAB is doing so much this year here is it gives people more ways to learn, network ideas, create potential business relationships. It's clearly something that's on everybody's mind in the industry right now." Read Jeff McKay's entire report here.
TALKERS News Notes. Comedian and former U.S. Senator Al Franken is getting back in the talk show game with a weekly talk show on SiriusXM's Progress channel, beginning this Saturday (9/28). The hourlong program will air at 10:00 am ET. SiriusXM says the show "will feature the five-time Emmy winner hosting thought-provoking conversations with headliners and experts in the fields of politics, entertainment, media, technology, global affairs, and more." Franken says, "I'm excited to be back on SiriusXM, which carried my Air America show back in the day. Listeners can expect a mix of guests from my comedian friends like Chris Rock, to my political pals like former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, to policy experts on the issues in play in 2020. When I'm interviewing Harry or former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, I'll be the funny one. When I interview Rock or Patton Oswalt, I'll be the one who served eight-and-a-half years in the Senate."…..With the new iOS13 update for the iPhone, Entercom announces a collaboration with Apple to integrate its portfolio of news, sports, and music stations into the iOS13 software so that they are available via Apple Music and Siri. Entercom chairman, president and CEO David Field says, "Today marks an exciting new day in audio. We are delighted to partner with Apple to provide listeners with enhanced access to our lineup of many of the country's leading radio brands and personalities and other rich audio content. By integrating radio directly into their latest technology, Apple sends a clear message about the importance of local radio, the country's number one reach medium."…..Also from Entercom, the company appoints Elizabeth Bramowski chief accounting officer and controller. In this role, Bramowski will oversee corporate accounting functions including regulatory reporting, accounting policy and corporate tax. She joined the company in June of 2018 as VP of business operations. Prior to that, she served with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP for 15 years…..Pictured below are Salem Radio Network v.p./News& Talk Programming Tom Tradup (left) and Westwood One late night talk radio legend Jim Bohannon (right) huddling under an image of Premiere Networks superstar Rush Limbaugh at the NAB/RAB Radio Show in Dallas as they react to House Democrats launching a formal impeachment inquiry against President Trump.
Trump Impeachment Inquiry, 2020 Presidential Race, Trump at UN, Climate Change, Brexit Chaos, Mass. Vaping Ban, and Joker Film Violence Criticism Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/24). The Democrats' move to begin an impeachment inquiry into President Trump; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the president addresses the UN General Assembly; the UN climate change speech by Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg; the political chaos in Britain over Boris Johnson's Brexit tactics; Massachusetts puts a four-month ban on the sale of vaping products; and criticism of the violence in the soon-to-be-released film, The Joker, were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Kansas City, Cumulus Media brings programming pro Jowcol "Boogie D" Dolby aboard as PD for urban AC KMJK "Magic 107.3." Dolby was most recently with Radio One's Detroit station group as OM/PD for WGPR, WPZR and WDMK. Cumulus Kansas City RVP and market manager Donna Baker states, "Boogie D brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion to win to our outstanding 'Magic 107.3' team. We are fortunate to have his creativity and leadership as we continue robust growth generating results for advertisers and even more focus serving our listeners in the KC community."…..iHeartMedia Philadelphia names Matt Michaels digital program director for its six radio stations. iHeartMedia Philadelphia RVP of programming Brian Check states, "Matt has already proven he is a leader and is well respected by both programming and sales. Five years ago, he made an immediate mark as an intern and it has been incredibly rewarding to watch him grow and step into this new role."…..Musician and "Tonight Show" musical director Questlove partners with iHeartMedia to bring new seasons of his podcast "Questlove Supreme" to the iHeartPodcast Network. In addition, the famed Roots drummer will hand curate and produce a new slate of iHeartRadio Original content, that will go beyond just music, early next year. Previous guests on "Questlove Supreme" have included Usher, Michelle Obama, Chris Rock, Maya Rudolph, Weird Al, Chaka Khan, and many more.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Salem Radio Network Exercises Cancellation Clause for Joe Walsh's Talk Show. A day after the former Illinois congressman announced he would indeed begin a presidential campaign to challenge Donald Trump for the GOP nomination in 2020, Salem Radio Network announced it is cancelling national distribution of the Joe Walsh program, effective in 30 days. SRN says the last day of distribution will be September 26. "Walsh affiliates will continue to receive the Joe Walsh program from SRN during this 30-day period and will be given the opportunity to continue the Joe Walsh program from a different syndicator, to be selected by Joe Walsh, at the end of the 30-day period. SRN may also offer a replacement for the Walsh program to begin after the 30-day period expires to any affiliates who choose not to continue with the Walsh program. SRN will work with any affiliates who want to discontinue airing the Walsh program during the 30-day period due to concerns about FCC political regulations in light of Walsh's announcement of his candidacy for President of the United States. This announcement does not affect Joe Walsh's local program airing on "AM 560 The Answer" (WIND-AM) in Chicago, however Walsh's program will have to be removed as soon as he becomes a viable and legal candidate for president." As for Walsh's take on his radio show, he told Bruce Dumont on the Sunday edition of the Chicago-based "Beyond the Beltway" talk radio program that he realizes this is ending his talk radio career and it makes him sad. "But to me this is a bigger mission. I've got to do what I can to make sure this guy can't be reelected and to try to help save the Republican party. Trump has destroyed the Republican party."
Cumulus to Adds FM Signal to Sports Talk KNBR, San Francisco; Alternative KFOG-FM Ends 37-Year Run. A surprise move from Cumulus Media means the KNBR sports talk brand will be heard in the Bay Area on a full market FM signal, but there are those who will lament the end of a San Francisco rock radio institution. Cumulus is adding the 104.5 signal to the broadcast of its sports talk format heard on KNBR-AM, effective September 6. It's also changing the calls to KNBR-FM. The company says, "With the launch of KNBR-FM, sports fans will have another place to tune into KNBR's high-profile personalities and in-depth coverage of the Bay Area's favorite teams. The expansion of KNBR will offer listeners a stronger signal and provide a broader broadcast range for the station's leading sports programming." Cumulus San Francisco VP and market manager Doug Harvill says, "We are excited to bring 'KNBR, The Sports Leader' and official home of the Giants and 49ers, to a wider audience of sports listeners in the Bay Area. It's never easy to say goodbye to a station, and we want to thank the staff, listeners, and advertisers who together made KFOG the legendary and beloved station that so many of us in San Francisco had the opportunity to enjoy." KFOG began its life as a beautiful music station back in 1960. It became a rock outlet in 1982 and morphed into the triple A format during the 1990s. It re-branded in 2016, still as a triple A outlet, with the slogan "Music Matters." Earlier this year, it completed an 18-month evolution into an alternative rock station.
Dave Logan Signs New Deal to Remain with KOA, Denver. Longtime news/talk KOA, Denver personality and Denver Broncos play-by-play voice Dave Logan signs a 10-year contract extension with iHeartMedia Denver. Beginning next week, Logan will move to the late morning slot with Rick Lewis and Kathy Lee as co-host of the "Logan & Lewis" program. He'd been hosting the afternoon drive show. He will continue to serve as the play-by-play voice for Denver Broncos football broadcasts on KOA and will appear on the "Broncos Country Tonight" afternoon show on a weekly basis. The "Logan & Lewis" program bumps Premiere Networks' Rush Limbaugh from KOA to sister station news/talk KDFD-AM/K229BS "Freedom 93.7." iHeartMedia Denver president Tim Hager says, "As KOA enters its 50th season as the flagship station of the Denver Broncos, it's an honor to announce our long-term extension with Dave Logan. Few people have achieved Dave's level of success – both on air and off air – and we're fortunate to have a personality of Dave's caliber as the foundation of KOA."
TALKERS News Notes. Nationally syndicated talk show host Dennis Prager and his Prager University charity are the focus of a piece in last weekend's Sunday Los Angeles Times. The Salem Radio Network personality founded the registered charity that dispenses conservative thought via its online videos. PragerU's videos have been seen more than 2 billion times. Prager says his reason for creating PragerU was simple: "We thought there was a dearth of intelligent presentation of the values we care most about…to make the case for a God-based moral system. We play no role in Donald Trump's election, no role in his presidency…We don't talk about him. Not anti. Not pro. I am more interested that the viewer understand why they should honor their parents even if they have trouble with them than I am in the contemporary political scene."…..The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that sports media personality Tony Bruno getting back on terrestrial radio, although on his own part-time terms. Bruno is joining Townsquare Media's WENJ-FM, Millville, New Jersey "ESPN 97.3" to serve as pre-game host for the station's broadcast of Philadelphia Eagles games. Host two-hour pre-game shows prior to the station's airing of "Monday Night Football" and "Thursday Night Football." Bruno famously retired from WIP, Philadelphia and sports radio in 2015. Since then, he's been hosting streaming talk shows via Twitch…..The Wichita Eagle writes that talk radio personality Andy Hooser, host of the daily "The Voice of Reason," program on Steckline Communications' KQAM, Wichita, is leaving his show to re-locate to Ohio to be closer to family. Hooser's wife is battling illness and they wish to be closer to family. He tells the paper, "I felt really kind of honored to hold the mantle for the local conservative talk. This is actually one of the biggest markets in the nation that didn't have a local conservative voice and the fact I got to do that was a really great honor."…..Entercom's sports talk WIP, Philadelphia is partnering with the Philadelphia Eagles for the second annual "Eagles Radiothon" to raise funds for the Eagles Autism Challenge Inc. The multiday auction, sponsored by Santander Bank, will offer fans the opportunity to bid on exclusive sports and entertainment experiences, with all proceeds benefitting the charity's commitment to raising funds for innovative autism research and programs.
Entercom Names Paul Suchman Chief Marketing Officer. The addition of Paul Suchman to the Entercom executive team as chief marketing officer means he'll oversee all aspects of the company's marketing function, enhancing its "work with agencies and customers and spotlighting the tremendous untapped value for advertisers across the company's outstanding and evolving product offerings." Suchman will lead the development of business-to-business marketing strategies and initiatives, working closely with the company's sales leadership to deliver best-in-class opportunities and custom solutions to brands and advertisers. Entercom chairman, president and CEO David Field adds, "Paul has built his career working with leading brands to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving media landscape. He has led successful global initiatives and high-performing teams inside corporate and agency environments. Paul will play a pivotal role in elevating the Entercom and RADIO.COM brands in the client and agency communities and enhancing how customers capitalize on our robust, unique product offerings across our leading local radio brands, podcasting, digital, live events, sports and news, capitalizing on our powerful, emerging Entercom Advanced Audio tools." Suchman was most recently with real estate services and investment firm CBRE as global chief marketing officer.
Gino Torretta Eases Hochman's 'Canes Pain. The build-up to the game between Marc Hochman's University of Miami Hurricanes and Channing Crowder's University of Florida Gators was intense for the two personalities on their "Hochman & Crowder" show, simulcast on Entercom's sports talkers WQAM and WAXY-AM in Miami. Although Crowder's alma mater – where he was an All-American player – won, Hochman got U of Miami legend Gino Torretta to join the show on Monday (8/26) to talk about the game. Pictured above are (l-r): Crowder, Torretta and Hochman.
Trump at G7 Summit, Walsh to Challenge Trump/2020 Presidential Race, U.S.-China Trade War, Amazon Wildfires, Johnson & Johnson Opioid Ruling, and Taylor Swift's VMA Statement Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/26). U.S. relations with G7 nations and President Trump's trip to France; former congressman Joe Walsh's bid to challenge President Trump for the GOP nomination and the Democrats hoping to challenge him in 2020; the war of tariffs between the U.S. and China; the wildfires in Brazil's Amazon rain forest; the $572 million judgement levied against Johnson & Johnson in an Oklahoma opioid trial; and Taylor Swift's political message at the 2019 VMAs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Matt Talluto is named program director and brand manager for Cumulus Media's WFTK-FM, Cincinnati "96 Rock," effective September 16. He'll also host the afternoon drive program on the station. Talluto was most recently an air personality and program director at Pathfinder Communications' rock WBYR, Fort Wayne, Indiana "98.9 The Bear." Cumulus Cincinnati operations manager Keith Mitchell states, "We are ready for Matt to join our big, happy family at Cumulus Cincinnati. We've got a trip to Skyline Chili and Kings Island lined up for him upon his arrival. Matt has a great track record in Fort Wayne and rocked PM drive in Milwaukee for years at 'The Hog,' so we're ready for him to do the same here for '96 Rock.' He's arriving just in time for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, no better time to get acquainted with a half million beer drinkers."…..Air personality Frankie V is heading up the new morning show at iHeartMedia San Diego's hip hop KSSX "JAM'N 95.7." Frankie V says, "It's amazing to see the evolution of talent that we have here at iHeartMedia San Diego and I'm beyond fortunate to be a part of the growth and evolution. After nearly 13 years in San Diego, this city has a special place in my heart and I'm excited for this next chapter in my morning show career."…..Entercom Phoenix country station KMLE unveils its new logo. The station says that "as the Valley's country leader for the last 31 years, KMLE 'firstname.lastname@example.com' set out to create a fresh, new logo that matches its vibrant personality and that reflected its heritage. The new logo, which marks the first branding refresh in seven years, echoes the fun and upbeat tone of the station."…..Entercom's KROQ, Los Angeles, along with Hot Topic and Interscope Records, is giving fans the chance to win a trip for two to Los Angeles for an intimate Billie Eilish performance. Entercom Southern California regional president and market manager Jeff Federman states, "Billie Eilish has exploded onto the music scene in 2019 and we're thrilled to team up with Hot Topic and Interscope Records to provide fans with a one-of-a-kind experience." Additionally, Southern California fans will have an opportunity to win an intimate Billie Eilish show for 20 friends, along with a meet-and-greet for two and a brand new 2019 Honda Fit.
Monday, August 26, 2019
Joe Walsh Says He'll Challenge Trump for GOP Nomination. As teased on Friday (8/23), former Illinois GOP congressman and talk radio host Joe Walsh officially announced on Sunday that he will begin a GOP primary campaign to challenge President Trump for the GOP nomination. Walsh hosts the 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight program on the Salem Radio Network. It's not clear right now when he'll leave his radio show, but it's a safe bet it will be very soon. As a politically conservative broadcasting company, the SRN and Salem Media Group brass can't be thrilled about Walsh's decision. However, conventional wisdom says Walsh has no chance to take the nomination from Trump since the president enjoys overwhelming support from Republicans. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, weighing in on the syndicated host's announcement states, "The extraordinary amount of press surrounding this development illustrates just how powerful talk media has become during the age of Trump. We all know that talk radio and cable news/talk TV have been consistently influential platforms in the post-Fairness Doctrine decades. However, the sheer measurable power this bubbling influence has amassed in the age of Trump is jaw dropping to say the least. Regardless of your opinion of Donald Trump, the fact that the president of the United States is a huge talk media fan and constantly demonstrates it through his use of social media, shout-outs, and political appointments has been the most significant booster rocket imaginable in elevating talk media beyond junior status to equal-if-not-greater influence and prestige as the so-called mainstream media. Look at the amount of attention his tweets garnered for Wayne Allyn Root last week. The fact that Joe Walsh – a radio talk show host with a microscopically short resume of elective service – could get so much more coverage than former governors William Weld and Mark Sanford sends an important message. Radio and TV talk personalities are, in a growing number of cases, on the same level as major elected officials. In an industry where anecdotal qualitative influence is every bit as important as murky quantitative metrics, everyone in the talk business owes a debt of gratitude to President Trump. All I can say is, Mr. President, 'Keep listening and watching!'" Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story stated FOX News had ignored the story. Actually, FOX News published this story on Sunday and devoted reports on FOX News Channel to the story.
Neal Boortz Ends WSB-AM, Atlanta Commentary. Six years after retiring from his daily radio talk show, radio legend Neal Boortz does his last commentary feature for his old flagship station WSB-AM/WSBB-FM. In his final piece for the station, Boortz says he looks forward to paying less attention to the news because he believes the country is headed for disaster due to young people knowing more about LGBTQ history than American history. He says, "I'm going to just enjoy my friends, family and my travels while the rest of you see if you can pull this country back from the brink." Hear his commentary here.
LaDona Harvey Re-Ups with KOGO, San Diego. Longtime station personality LaDona Harvey signs a new contract with iHeartMedia's news/talk KOGO, San Diego to continue as morning personality through 2022. Harvey served as news anchor and then midday talk host before being partnered with Ted Garcia in morning drive in 2014. Station program director Brian Long says, "When we re-launched Newsradio 600 KOGO, it was clear that LaDona had the versatility needed to shift from a popular local news/talk host to become a strong morning news personality without missing a beat. LaDona and Ted Garcia together every morning share a chemistry that connects with San Diegans and serves to entertain and inform KOGO listeners every weekday morning."
New Affiliate Stations for 'Our American Stories.' The nationally syndicated "Our American Stories" radio program announces the program is being added to the program schedules at stations including: iHeartMedia's KHOW, Denver; Bustos Media's KVOI, Tucson; American General Media's KVEC, San Luis Obispo; Entercom's KNSS-AM/FM, Wichita; and Kensington Digital Media's WRSW-AM, Warsaw, Indiana. Lee Habeeb is host of the program and CEO of American Private Radio, producer and syndicator of the show. Habeeb comments that he's "grateful for the new markets and the opportunity to bring more listeners together in a positive listening environment. These stations, along with our 210 other affiliate partners are a testament that listeners want more than just political talk. They want a positive experience that radio does really well, which is just what 'Our American Stories' delivers.
Ken Lagana Named EVP of Digital Sales for Entercom. Digital sales executive Ken Lagana is appointed to the newly created position of executive vice president of digital sales for Entercom, effective September 10. Lagana was most recently head of sales and marketing for podcast technology firm Megaphone. In this new role, Lagana will lead sales strategy for the company's digital business, including RADIO.COM, and its newest podcast acquisitions – Cadence13 and Pineapple Street Studios. Entercom chief digital officer J.D. Crowley says, "I have known Ken a long time and have immense respect for the large digital businesses he's helped build. Ken has an incredible reputation in the industry for creating innovative programs at scale that solve challenges for marketers. We're excited to welcome him to the team as we continue to help shape the rapidly growing digital audio marketplace."
Envision and Radio PA State Network Partner for Sports Report. This partnership between Envision Networks and Radio PA State Network will result in EnvisionVirtualServices Sports Reports being distributed to more than 50 radio stations throughout the Keystone State. The feature his presented by sports reporter Andrew Scaglione who delivers twice-daily reports (and one report on Saturday). Scaglione says, "The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has such a rich sports history spanning from the high school level all the way up to the pros. It's a privilege to provide daily sports reports to stations around the state and keep folks up to date on Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, State College, Williamsport, and everywhere in between."
Monday Memo: YouTube Tweaks. YouTube is a powerful platform and it's real crowded. Every second, one hour of video is uploaded. If you just "throw something up there," you're probably not capitalizing on the benefits of YouTube. Consultant Holland Cooke suggests that before your video joins that torrent, take a look at some valuable tips here.
U.S.-China Trade War/G7 Summit, Hong Kong Protests, Joe Walsh to Challenge Trump in Primary/2020 Presidential Race, Israel Strikes Iranian Targets, and Andrew Luck Retires from NFL Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The tariff battle between the U.S. and China, the world's financial markets' reactions to them, and the meetings that took place at the G7 in France over the weekend; the protests against Chinese aggression in Hong Kong; talk host and former congressman Joe Walsh announces his Republican presidential bid and the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the Israeli military strikes against Iranian targets near Damascus, Syria; and the shocking retirement from pro football by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Forever Media to Buy Lebanon, Pennsylvania Duo. The stations – news/talk WLBR-AM and adult contemporary WQIC-FM "Soft Rock 100.1" – are being sold by family-owned Lebanon Broadcasting Company to Forever Media. The deal gives Forever 64 stations in 11 markets. Lebanon president Lynn Deppen says, "WLBR/WQIC has been in the Etter family for over 70 years. Since my sons have independent careers, I made the decision to sell to Forever Media. Forever Media is an excellent company consisting of community-oriented radio stations. They empower local managers with key decision-making authority and encourage local community interests to be a factor in any decision." Greg Guy of Patrick Communications represented the seller in this deal.
Barr Bids Buck Bon Voyage. Pictured above is Premiere Networks personality Buck Sexton (left) with U.S. Attorney General William Barr (right) at Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC. last Thursday night (8/22). Sexton, host of "The Buck Sexton Show," had an impromptu going away celebration at the hotel as he leaves Washington to move to New York City. Barr made an appearance to wish Sexton well as he returns to his home state.
TALKERS News Notes. Sports media personality Josh Innes is launching a podcast. The former KBME, Houston and WIP, Philadelphia sports talk host tells Forbes' Jonathan Berr that he intends to target sports fans in Philly and Houston with separate shows for each market. He says he understands that there are a ton of podcasts out there and that compared to big stations, he's a small business. He says he plans to target local advertisers who can't afford to advertise on major market radio stations…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Vivianne Linou is promoted to executive producer of WGN, Chicago's Steve Cochran morning show. The Tribune Broadcasting station promoted Mary Sandberg Boyle from that position to director of news and operations back in May. Linou joined WGN as a producer back in March after having previously served with Entercom's crosstown all-news WBBM-AM/WFCS-FM…..Alpha Media's Portland sports talk KXTG-AM drops the FM translator simulcast of its programming. The station signaled the end of the broadcast on K275CH with the re-branding of its social media accounts that eliminate the 102.9 FM frequency…..Saga Communications swaps FM translators as a simulcast of news/talk WGAN-AM, Portland. It goes from W288CU, PORTLAND at 105.5 FM to W253DA at 98.5 FM…..ESPN launches a new college football podcast featuring lead analysts Kirk Herbstreit and David Pollack plus SportsCenter's Kevin Negandhi. The "ESPN College Football Podcast- Herbie & Pollack" publish three times per week through the season with Negandhi hosting all episodes. Herbstreit will co-host on Mondays and Pollack will do so on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. West Palm Beach country outlet WIRK names Moriah Daniels midday personality. Daniels began her radio career eight years ago as an intern for the then-CBS Radio station, now owned and operated by Hubbard Radio. WIRK operations manager and brand/content director Bruce Logan states, "As a program director, there is nothing better than inheriting great talent! When I started the search to transition 'New Country 103.1' from a voice-tracked show to a live and local show in West Palm Beach, I was thrilled to find Moriah sitting mere feet from my office dutifully serving our sales team. She expressed interest, I went through the entire search process and in the end, there was no one I'd rather have as WIRK's At-Work host."…..Air personality Pat Gallagher returns to the Madison market to assume the morning show duties on Mid-West Family's alternative WRIS "The Resistance." Company VP of programming Randy Hawke says, "Pat helped define alternative music in Madison. It's so important to have him here and be a part of it." Gallagher worked in alternative radio in Madison for 27 years before joining Mid-West Family Madison for a brief time then heading to WCNR, Charlottesville, Virginia to do mornings…..Radio personality and doo wop enthusiast Ron Farber appeared on WMTR-AM, Morristown, New Jersey over the weekend as guest and co-host on the station's "Doo Wop Drive" program from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on August 23. It was a homecoming of sorts as Faber hosted the Friday night doo wop show from 2005 through 2008…..Air talent Scotty Kay joins the new morning program at Entercom's country WUSN, Chicago. Kay was most recently on air at Cumulus Media's CHR KLIF-FM, Dallas "HOT 93.3." He joins morning show hosts Katie Bright, Jason Pullman, and Erin Creedon on the program…..In Los Angeles, Doug "Sluggo" Roberts is named assistant program director and music director for classic rock KLOS. Roberts currently hosts weekend programs on SiriusXM's "1St Wave" and "Lithium" channels. He's also worked at alternative KROQ and adult hits KABC-FM in Los Angeles.
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Joe Walsh May Mount Primary Challenge Against Trump. Talk media personality and former U.S. Representative Joe Walsh (R-IL) tells Politico that he's seriously considering launching a Republican primary campaign to challenge President Trump for the nomination. Calling the president an "unfit, divider-in-chief," Walsh tells the publication he believes he can raise the money to compete against the president. He adds that if he decides to run, he'll make an announcement soon. Walsh hosts his eponymous 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET talk radio program syndicated by Salem Radio Network.
Sports Talker George Plaster to Return to Nashville Airwaves. Recently, Nashville sports media personality George Plaster went back on the radio in Nashville after a three-year stint as associate athletics director and Belmont College. But his gig with Grand Ole Opry's WSM-AM lasted only one month. Now, The Tennessean reports that Plaster is joining Southern Wabash Communications' sports talk WNSR-AM "Sportsradio 560" to host the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm show, effective September 3. Before Plaster left the radio biz to serve with Belmont College, he had served with Cumulus Media's WWTN-FM and WGFX-FM, as well as Cromwell Group's WPRT-FM as a sports talk host in the market.
PPM Analysis: MLB Flagships. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents the second of his four-part series looking at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio's July PPM survey. Today's report looks at stations that serve as MLB flagships. In it, see charts logging the changes in weekly, 6+ AQH share from the June survey to July's; from July of 2018 to this year; based on market rank; and more here.
WLAC, Nashville Host Steve Gill Arrested for Non-Payment of Child Support. According to coverage in The Tennessean, talk host and conservative media personality Steve Gill was arrested on Tuesday (8/20) and placed in the Williamson County Jail for non-payment of child support to his ex-wife. The piece states that Gill, who hosts "The TN Star Gill Report" on iHeartMedia's news/talk WLAC, Nashville, is being ordered by a county judge to pay Kathryn B. Gill $170,000 in support. The court is also ordering that Gill remain in jail until he pays the money owed. In January of this year, Kathryn Gill initiated a petition for civil contempt that sought $86,000 in child support, $4,400 in medical expenses, $133,000 in college expenses, and $11,000 for a car for the children's use.
Epoch Times Responds to NBC/MSNBC Attacks with Scathing Rebuttal. Once again, NBC News has attacked the independent New York-based international news organization with Chinese roots, The Epoch Times, in a harsh "expose" based on its unwavering support of President Donald Trump, its non-traditional reporting on so-called "conspiracy theories," its connection to the growing Chinese spiritual practice of Falun Gong, and its unambiguous opposition to the Chinese Communist Party. The article, written by NBC reporters Brandy Zadrozney and Ben Collins, posted Tuesday (8/20) is titled, "Trump, QAnon and an impending judgment day: Behind the Facebook-fueled rise of The Epoch Times." It's headline subtitle states, "Started almost two decades ago with a stated mission to 'provide information to Chinese communities to help immigrants assimilate into American society,' The Epoch Times now wields one of the biggest social media followings of any news outlet." During the past year, The Epoch Times has gained significant popularity as a news and guest source among conservative talk media hosts for what they see as its fresh perspective on a wide array of hot topics, from the Mueller Report to the Southern Border immigration crisis. But, specifically, it is The Epoch Times' first-hand connection to China and the growing importance of U.S.-China relations in the national conversation that have elevated it to must-read status among a growing number of conservative and independent media practitioners beefing up their intelligence in this rapidly emerging arena. In today's online edition of The Epoch Times, the news organization responds with a point-by-point rebuttal penned by its editor-in-chief/US editions, Jasper Fakkert titled, "Why NBC, MSNBC's Reporting on The Epoch Times is Textbook Fake News." TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison comments, "This troubling media skirmish prompted by the NBC 'expose' of The Epoch Times is yet another example of a disturbing trend in which diverse news organizations are attacking each other based on political bias and journalistic practices for the sheer purpose of providing affirmation to their target audiences. It has become a widespread exercise of the pot calling the kettle black. We all know that there's plenty to criticize about any media outlet in today's highly polarized political arena – and that 'cherry picking' isolated issues and piling them up out of context into a damning case has become routine in today's increasingly normal practice of seeking victory at the expense of truth. It is journalism's brand of the kind of 'negative campaigning' that has turned politics into an odious form of mud wrestling." Harrison continues, "My statement here is not to endorse nor oppose the editorial positions of The Epoch Times – I stay out of that kind of stuff – but rather to support the legitimacy of its role in the world media as one of the most influential outlets along the leading edge of the Chinese people's resistance to the repressive Communist control of their homeland for the past 70 years." To read the NBC story, please click here. To book an interview with editor Jasper Fakkert or a reporter from The Epoch Times please contact Victoria Jones of DC Radio Company at 202-227-7067 or email@example.com.
WEEI-NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon Raises $3.5 Million for Cancer Charity. The past two days – August 20-21 – Entercom sports talk WEEI-Boston produced the 18th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon with cable TV partner New England Sports Network. This year's radio-telethon helped raise $3,471,104 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Pictured above is Boston comic Lenny Clarke (center) with WEEI morning show personalities Greg Hill (right) and Danielle Murr (left).
Matt Senne to Lead Hubbard Radio's Central Minnesota Cluster. Radio pro Matt Senne is named to the general manager position for Hubbard Broadcasting's radio station group in the Alexandria and Wadena, Minnesota markets. Hubbard acquired the stations from Omni Broadcasting in a 2015 deal. Hubbard VP and regional manager Dan Seeman says, "I can't tell you how excited we are to bring Matt into Hubbard Broadcasting. Matt's background provides the perfect fit for the experience, passion and creativity we need in the Alexandria and Wadena markets. He comes from a great family company at Leighton Broadcasting and we look forward to welcoming him to the Hubbard family and Hubbard Broadcasting." Senne served with Leighton for 21 years, serving as morning show host, program director, operations manager and director of programming. Most recently he was the general manager for Leighton in Winona, Minnesota .
Sarah Huckabee Sanders Joining FOX News as Contributor. Former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is joining FOX News as a contributor, effective September 6. Variety's Brian Steinberg has the scoop here. Sanders has been Trump's longest-serving White House press secretary, logging two years in the position. In this position she'll make appearances on FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX News Digital and the FOX Nation streaming service.
U.S.-China Trade War, Financial Markets Activity/Recession Fears, 2020 Presidential Race, Immigration Reform, U.S.-Israel Relations, Trump's Greenland Purchase Controversy, and Sean Spicer-Dancing with the Stars Flap Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/21). The tariffs the U.S. and China are placing on each other's exports; the volatility of the world's financial markets and the fears of a recession; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the Trump administration's efforts to re-shape U.S. immigration and asylum rules; U.S.-Israel relations in the aftermath of the latter's travel ban on U.S. Reps Tlaib and Omar; the controversy over Trump's comments about buying Greenland; and the reactions to former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer's appearance on "Dancing with the Stars" were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Dana Cortez Talks with Chance the Rapper in Central Park. Nationally syndicated multi-media star Dana Cortez (right) is pictured above in Central Park in New York City chatting with Chance the Rapper (left) about his new album and his status as an expecting father preparing to go out on the road to support the record. "The Dana Cortez Show" is a cooperative effort of ABC Radio and Skyview Networks. See the video here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Los Angeles, KYSR-FM "ALT 98.7" imaging director Josh Jensen exits the station after a year. He moved to KYSR in 2018 after a lengthy gig at iHeartMedia's rock WXTB "98 Rock" and country WUFS "US 103.5" in Tampa. Jenson plans to re-locate to Nashville while continuing to handle imaging duties for The Mix Group.
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Blair Garner's Pete Buttigieg Interview Kept Off Westwood One Show. After Cumulus Media denied nationally syndicated overnight country radio host Blair Garner (left) permission to air segments of his interview with Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg (center) (but allowed him to post it on his personal Soundcloud account) the company is facing public scrutiny over its decision. Cumulus's official statement was that equal-time concerns – especially considering the large number of Democratic candidates running – were the only reasons for not allowing the interview on the air. Regarding the equal-time rule, TALKERS magazine legal editor Steven J.J. Weisman says, "As it applies to advertising, the rule means that if a station sells advertising to one candidate, it must offer the same amount of time to other candidates. Where the rule gets confusing to some is that if the station offers free air time to a candidate, it must offer free air time to other candidates. However, the [four] exceptions to the rule effectively eliminate this as a concern because free air time to other candidates is not required if the air time being used – as with the Buttigieg interview – is a bona fide news interview. Other candidates are not required to be given equal time. Therefore, the position of Cumulus Media that they are not running the interview because the provisions of the equal time rule would require them to provide air time for interviews with all of the other candidates, is an inaccurate interpretation of the rule." It's possible that Cumulus is choosing to avoid the political "can of worms" entirely by not engaging in political content on a country music show. Some critics, perhaps cynically, are suggesting the company's true motive centers on the fact that Buttigieg is openly gay and the country music audience is traditionally conservative. Garner said it all started when he was approached by Buttigieg's campaign ahead of his appearance in Nashville. Garner agreed to the interview because Buttigieg requested it. Garner told Buttigieg during the interview, "I think that our base tends to be more conservative. And the fact that you, from the Democratic ticket, are the singular candidate to reach out and to say, 'May I please be on your show?' That you are reaching out to our listeners, I think we all have to embrace that and be appreciative of that."
Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Videos Continue Posting Today with the Panel Discussion, "Overcoming Distrust of the Media. TALKERS is continuing to post key speeches, presentations and sessions from the recent 22nd annual edition of the talk media industry's longest-running and most-important national convention – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story. Today's (7/23) post: the panel discussion, "Overcoming Distrust of the Media" featuring panelists (in alphabetical order) Thom Hartmann, host, WYD Media; Joe "Pags" Pagliarulo, host, the Joe Pags Show; Doug Stephan, CEO/host, Stephan Multimedia; and Rick Ungar, host, the Rick Ungar Program/editor-in-chief, TheDalyCentrist.com. The session was moderated by Jim Bohannon, host, Westwood One. Posted yesterday (7/22): the presentation of the TALKERS Freedom of Speech award to Brian Kilmeade of Fox News Radio/Fox News Channel. Posted Friday (7/19): the discussion "Attracting Younger Demos to Talk Radio" featuring panelists (in alphabetical order) Mike "Bax" Baxendale, morning co-host, WAQY (Rock 102), Springfield, MA; Greg Foster, VP/programming and national news/talk brand coordinator, iHeart Media/PD, KOA, Denver; John T. Mullen, operations manager, WRHU, Hofstra University; Sid Rosenberg, morning co-host, WABC, New York; and Rich Zeoli, host, WPHT, Philadelphia. The session was moderated by Kevin Casey, VP/executive editor, TALKERS. Also already posted: discussion "Talk Radio in the Era of Watch What You Say" featuring panelists (in alphabetical order) Michael Berry, host, Michael Berry Show; Grace Blazer, national brand coordinator of news/talk/sports programming and director of AM programming Miami/Fort Lauderdale, iHeart Media; Karen Hunter, host SiriusXM Satellite Radio; Brett Winterble, host KFMB, San Diego; Larry Young, host, WOLB, Baltimore; and Dan Yorke, host WPRO, Providence. Also already posted: WPG, Atlantic City morning personality Harry Hurley saluting the Broadcasters Foundation of America and Vince Benedetto, CEO of Bold Gold Media Group receiving the Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service by a Talk Radio Broadcaster ("Humanitarian of the Year"); a special luncheon address by former Trump Administration advisor Sebastian Gorka, now a personality syndicated by Salem Radio Network; panel discussion "Adding the Video Component to Talk Radio" featuring Howie Carr, host of the Howie Carr Show (Howie Carr Radio Network and Newsmax TV), Jared Hart, former PD, WPHT, Philadelphia, and Art Vuolo, president, Vuolo Video. The session was introduced and facilitated by Scott Lakefield, APD, WOR, New York. Also posted: special keynote address delivered by CBS Sports Radio syndicated host Jim Rome with an introduction from Yappy Days author/college professor Bernadette Duncan; the panel discussion, "Generating Talk Radio Revenue in 2019" featuring (in alphabetical order) Asa Andrew, host, AsaRx; Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Suzanne Grimes, EVP/marketing, Cumulus Media and president, Westwood One; and Dave Robinett, chief marketing officer, #250-America's Mobile Speed Dial – moderated by Erica Farber, president and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and introduced by renown independent station owner Michael Zwerling of KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz, CA; the special keynote address by Key Networks syndicated personality Bill O'Reilly; the one-on-one discussion, "Sports Talk Radio's Role in Popular Culture" featuring a conversation between Mark Chernoff, senior VP/programming WFAN/Entercom, NY and captain/sports format, CBS Sports Radio and Mike Thomas, PD, WBZ-FM "98.5 The Sports Hub," Boston and brand manager/spoken word, podcasts, esports, Beasley Broadcasting with Kate Delaney, host, GCN and correspondent NBC Sports Radio, serving as facilitator; the panel discussion, "Broadcasting and Podcasting," featuring (in alphabetical order) Greg Batusic, chief operating officer, PodcastOne; Steven Goldstein, founder/CEO Amplifi Media; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WONK-FM, Washington, DC and iHeartRadio Podcast Channel; and Craig Schwalb, former program director WABC, New York and WPRO, Providence with moderation by Mike Kinosian, managing editor/West Coast bureau chief, TALKERS; the keynote "fireside chat" in which TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison interviews Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity in a casual one-on-one conversation introduced by DC Radio Company executive director Victoria Jones; the opening address titled, "Telling the Story," delivered by Lee Habeeb, host and producer of the successful syndicated program, "Our American Stories;" RAB president/CEO Erica Farber receiving the Woman of the Year award and SiriusXM Satellite Radio star "Cousin" Bruce Morrow receiving the Lifetime Achievement award. The convention took place in New York City on Friday, June 7 and was one of the most positively received in the event's colorful history. TALKERS plans to add one or two videos per day to those posted until all the major events of the conference are posted here at Talkers.com where they will remain on view for the rest of the year. To see the videos and convention video page, please click here.
Gallagher Broadcasts from 'Teen Student Action Summit.' Pictured above is Salem Radio Network talk radio host Mike Gallagher (left) speaking with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk (right) live from the group's "Teen Student Action Summit" in Washington, DC. Scheduled speakers at the three-day event include: President Trump, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul, plus Gallagher's SRN colleague, Dr. Sebastian Gorka.
Sports Talk WNDE-AM, Indianapolis Losing FM Translator. According to a piece in the Indianapolis Star, iHeartMedia has new plans for FM translator W248AW at 97.5. Local management is only saying they will debut a new format on the signal "very shortly." iHeartMedia Indianapolis SVP of programming Dave Hill tells the paper that the programming on sports talk WNDE-AM remains the same. WNDE-AM airs FOX Sports Radio programming, the local "Query & Schultz" PM drive show plus Premiere Networks' Rush Limbaugh.
Mueller Testimony, Immigration-Asylum Policy, 2020 Presidential Race, U.S.-Iran Tensions, Louisiana Cops' AOC Threat, $320B Budget Deal/Debt Ceiling Rises, Puerto Rico Protests, UK PM Race, and Brady-Daughter Cliff Jump Flap Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/22). Wednesday's testimony before the House judiciary and intelligence committees by special counsel Robert Mueller; the Trump administration's immigration and asylum policies and the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border; the Democrats vying for the nomination to challenge President Trump in 2020; Iran's claim to have arrested 17 CIA operatives; two Louisiana police officers are fired for social media post suggesting Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should be shot; the two-year budget deal that raises the debt ceiling and allows for $320 billion in new spending; the protests roiling Puerto Rico over Governor Ricardo Rossello's leaked chat messages; Britain's prime minister race between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt; and the flap over video of Tom Brady and his daughter jumping off a cliff into water were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming and on-air pro Walter Flakus moves from Cumulus Media's alternative WKQX, Chicago to Entercom's KNDD, Seattle "107.7 The End" where he's taking on assistant program director and afternoon drive duties, effective August 6. He'd been APD, music director and evening personality at WKQX. Entercom Seattle SVP and market manager Jack Hutchison says, "We're thrilled to welcome such a talented programmer to the '107.7 The End' team. Walter brings extensive experience and leadership both on and off the air which will benefit listeners and partners."…..In Atlanta, Cox Media Group names Chris Centore assistant program director for urban contemporary WALR, CHR WSB-FM "B98.5," and classic hits WSRV. Additionally, he's hosting the PM drive program on "B98.5." Centore joined WSB-FM in April of this year. He'd previously worked in Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. He says, "I am excited for this new opportunity with 'B98.5' and to work alongside Chris Eagan and the CMGA team. I look forward to being part of our listeners' afternoon commute and to help our radio stations continue to deliver the best, most compelling on-air content in Atlanta."…..Hubbard Radio St. Louis inks morning man Scott Rizzuto to a multi-year contract renewal to stay with alternative rock KPNT "105.7 The Point" with castmates Tony Patrico, Jeff Burton, Phillip Sneed, and Scott McNew. Hubbard St. Louis VP and market manager John Kijowski says, "Hubbard Radio believes in live and local talent. The Rizzuto show is undeniable when it comes to connecting with listeners, mirroring their lifestyles, and talking about things that matter locally. 'The Rizzuto Show' love is real! We're excited to partner with Scott for another four years."…..Radio One programming pro Arthur "A-Plus" Willis – currently PD for hip hop WIZF, Cincinnati "The Wiz 101.1" – is adding programming responsibilities for the company's rhythmic CHR WCKX, Columbus "Power 107.3/106.3."…..All day today, Beasley Media Group's classic rock WMGK-FM, Philadelphia is playing exclusively Rolling Stones songs as "102.9MCK – All Stones All the Time" in recognition of the band's show this evening at Lincoln Financial Field. "102.9MCK" is also providing complete concert coverage with afternoon drive host Andre Gardner broadcasting live from the venue.
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
APOLLO 11 ANNIVERSARY: CBS News Radio Correspondent Peter King is This Week's Guest on Harrison Podcast. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing (7/20) and the stellar 45-year career of a CBS News Radio reporter who has been covering the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the past two decades, Peter King is this week's guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series "The Michael Harrison Interview." Harrison (a passionate space enthusiast) and King discuss a wide variety of topics including NASA, US space exploration, memories of the Apollo 11 mission, their love of radio, and the state of journalism in America. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked "The Michael Harrison Interview" located in the right-hand column of the daily TALKERS email newsletter and every page of Talkers.com.
Esiason Gets The Call to NY State Broadcaster's Association HOF. Twelve-year Entercom New York City sports talk WFAN morning show co-host, Boomer Esiason, has been selected to the New York State Broadcaster's Association's Hall of Fame. The legendary former NFL quarterback will be inducted at the Broadcast Leadership and Hall of Fame luncheon during the NAB New York Show in October. Entercom New York regional president/market manager Susan Larkin remarks, "Boomer has been a cornerstone of this station since his arrival. This distinguished recognition represents his invaluable contributions to our station and industry overall." In thanking the NY State Broadcaster's Association "for this incredible honor," Esiason comments, "It is extremely humbling to be recognized alongside hardworking, accomplished individuals in our industry." He and Gregg Giannotti form "Boomer and Gio" weekday mornings on WFAN, which is the flagship of the Yankees, Giants, Brooklyn Nets, and New Jersey Devils. After his 14-year NFL career, Esiason debuted as a commentator on ABC-TV's "Monday Night Football." For nearly two decades, he has called games for Westwood One/CBS Radio Sports and served as a studio analyst for "The NFL Today" on CBS-TV and Showtime's "Inside the NFL."
Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Videos Continue Posting Today with Special Luncheon Address by Salem Radio Network Host Sebastian Gorka. TALKERS is continuing to post key speeches, presentations and sessions from the recent 22nd annual edition of the talk media industry's longest-running and most-important national convention – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story. Today's (7/16) post presents a special luncheon address by former Trump Administration advisor Sebastian Gorka, now a personality syndicated by Salem Radio Network. Yesterday's (7/15) post presents the panel discussion "Adding the Video Component to Talk Radio" featuring Howie Carr, host of the Howie Carr Show (Howie Carr Radio Network and Newsmax TV), Jared Hart, former PD, WPHT, Philadelphia, and Art Vuolo, president, Vuolo Video. The session was introduced and facilitated by Scott Lakefield, APD, WOR, New York. Already posted: the special keynote address delivered by CBS Sports Radio syndicated host Jim Rome with an introduction from Yappy Days author/college professor Bernadette Duncan; the panel discussion, "Generating Talk Radio Revenue in 2019" featuring (in alphabetical order) Asa Andrew, host, AsaRx; Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Suzanne Grimes, EVP/marketing, Cumulus Media and president, Westwood One; and Dave Robinett, chief marketing officer, #250-America's Mobile Speed Dial – moderated by Erica Farber, president and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and introduced by renown independent station owner Michael Zwerling of KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz, CA; the special keynote address by Key Networks syndicated personality Bill O'Reilly; the one-on-one discussion, "Sports Talk Radio's Role in Popular Culture" featuring a conversation between Mark Chernoff, senior VP/programming WFAN/Entercom, NY and captain/sports format, CBS Sports Radio and Mike Thomas, PD, WBZ-FM "98.5 The Sports Hub," Boston and brand manager/spoken word, podcasts, esports, Beasley Broadcasting with Kate Delaney, host, GCN and correspondent NBC Sports Radio, serving as facilitator; the panel discussion, "Broadcasting and Podcasting," featuring (in alphabetical order) Greg Batusic, chief operating officer, PodcastOne; Steven Goldstein, founder/CEO Amplifi Media; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WONK-FM, Washington, DC and iHeartRadio Podcast Channel; and Craig Schwalb, former program director WABC, New York and WPRO, Providence with moderation by Mike Kinosian, managing editor/West Coast bureau chief, TALKERS; the keynote "fireside chat" in which TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison interviews Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity in a casual one-on-one conversation introduced by DC Radio Company executive director Victoria Jones; the opening address titled, "Telling the Story," delivered by Lee Habeeb, host and producer of the successful syndicated program, "Our American Stories;" RAB president/CEO Erica Farber receiving the Woman of the Year award and SiriusXM Satellite Radio star "Cousin" Bruce Morrow receiving the Lifetime Achievement award. The convention took place in New York City on Friday, June 7 and was one of the most positively received in the event's colorful history. TALKERS plans to add one or two videos per day to those posted until all the major events of the conference are posted here at Talkers.com where they will remain on view for the rest of the year. To see the videos and convention video page, please click here.
Preliminary iHM Q2 Results, NASDAQ Listing. Under the Global Select Market ticker symbol "IHRT," NASDAQ approves the listing of iHeartMedia's Class A common stock, par valued at $0.001 per share. Class A shares are expected to begin trading on NASDAQ this Thursday (7/18). Meanwhile, preliminary SEC-filed second-quarter financial show year-to-year revenue rose 2.4% to $913 million. Operating income (OI) was off $1 million to $180, while Adjusted EBITDA grew 3.1% ($255 million to $263 million). Preliminary results have not been audited or reviewed by the company's independent accountants, and remain subject to review by iHeartMedia's management and audit committee. Results may differ from actual results, which remain subject to completion of management's and the audit committee's final review, as well as the interim review by its independent accountants.
Study: Podcast Ads Least Likely To Be Skipped. Monthly podcast listeners skip digital ad formats the most – online pop-up ads, online banner ads, e-mail advertising, direct mail, and online video. That's among the nuggets Westwood One uncovered when it teamed with Canadian media research consultancy Audience Insights in a study focused on podcast consumers and their listening habits. Fielded this past March, the report examines podcast consumption habits of 1,407 monthly podcast listeners. It addresses four distinct segments based on when people began listening to podcasts: 313 "Podcast Pioneers" who started listening four or more years ago; 415 who began listening two to three years ago; 327 who began listening in the past seven to 12 months; and 352 "Podcast Newcomers" who began listening within the last six months. Westwood One president/Cumulus Media executive vice president of marketing Suzanne Grimes states, "The finding that emerging podcast listeners are using a diverse number of platforms signals a turning point for the podcast industry. When compared to the 'Podcast Pioneers,' who use Apple Podcasts almost exclusively, 'Podcast Newcomers' are open to using multiple platforms to access podcasts." Audience Insights president Jeff Vidler notes, "This podcast download report expands on much of what we have seen as we put our microscope on Canadian podcast listeners. Podcasting is uniquely engaging, on trend with on-demand content platforms like Netflix or paid music streaming services, but the only one accessible to advertisers." Other study highlights include: Roughly three of ten (31%) "Podcast Newcomers" typically discover podcasts by hearing about them on terrestrial radio. While the average monthly podcast listener accesses 2.7 podcast platforms, "Podcast Newcomers" use 3.5 platforms. Two of three "Power" podcast listeners follow their favorite podcast hosts on social media. Podcast listeners equally use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to follow their favorite hosts. Approximately two of five (42%) "Power" podcast listeners follow their favorite podcast host on Twitter, compared to 22% of U.S. adults who ever use Twitter. Spotify and Google Podcasts are attracting consumers who recently began listening to podcasts. Among those listening to podcasts over four years, Apple is the leading destination.
SBG President: "Case Is Far From Over." As we reported yesterday (TALKERS, 7/15), a Los Angeles superior court jury ruled unanimously in favor of independent syndicator of radio live play-by-play Sports USA in its multi-year violation of contract suit against Sun Broadcasting Group. The jury awarded Sports USA damages in excess of $2 million as compensation for Sun's breach of its advertising representation agreement with Sports USA. Sun Broadcast Group president Jason Bailey, however, stresses, "This case is far from over. We were shocked and saddened by the verdict in Pacific West Radio Sports, LLC (d/b/a Sports USA) v. Sun Broadcast Group, Inc. Despite establishing wrongdoing by Sports USA from even before the inception of the agreement between the parties, the jury granted judgment in favor of Sports USA. The jury reached that verdict without the benefit of being able to consider key evidence of Sports USA's wrongdoing. Sun was barred from introducing that evidence at trial on hearsay grounds. We remain determined to see that justice is done, and plan to pursue every available avenue to overturn this result so that Sports USA's improper business practices are exposed and no other company falls victim. This verdict involves the old Sun, which has not traded since late 2018. It does not involve the current SBG-owned and operated by Gen Media Partners." Bailey further notes, "This will be the only statement I will make on the matter while we work through the appeal process."
Three Moody Radio AM Stations Are On The Block. With plans to exit the AM radio business, Moody Radio is set to spin off its three AM facilities. Chicago-based operator Moody Bible Institute will focus on FM network expansion. Senior vice president of media Greg Thornton writes, "Moody Radio seeks to transform the world for Jesus Christ, one listener at a time, by producing and delivering quality, creative, biblical content, which helps people take the next step in their journey with Jesus. In looking to the future, Moody Radio is committed to double [our] overall impact by 2030. Our strategic roadmap to achieving this bold vision includes audience growth through market expansion/realignment, and content development strategies." Thornton recognizes "the limitations of AM broadcasting today, including [that] many AM stations only broadcast in the daytime." Thus, Moody Radio will be selling Spanish religion WMBI W268AY "Moody Radio – AM 1110," Chicago; Spanish religion WDLM "Moody Radio – AM 960," East Moline/Quad Cities, Illinois; and Spanish religion WGNR "Moody Radio – AM 1470," Anderson, Indiana. According to Thornton, "Listeners in these cities will still hear Moody Radio 24 hours a day on our strong FM signals. Proceeds from the sale of these three AM licenses will be used to further the expansion of Moody Radio through the addition of digital/online content, new apps in both English and Spanish, and the acquisition of select FM broadcast licenses."
TALKERS News Notes. As part of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing investigating charges of bias against conservatives, Salem Radio Network host Dennis Prager will testify at 2:30 pm (ET) today (Tuesday, 7/16). Prager's opening statement has already been submitted and, in part, he states, "I have been communicating this appreciation of America for 35 years as a radio talk show host, the last 20 in national syndication with the Salem Radio Network, an organization that is a blessing in American life." According to Salem Radio Network vice president of news & talk programming Tom Tradup, videos from Prager's "online Prager University have been blocked as 'controversial' by Google and other search engines. Google officials deny any political bias or filtering of conservative viewpoints." Texas Republican senator Ted Cruz is the chair of today's hearing ….. In two weeks (7/30 & 7/31), Westwood One News' coverage of the Democratic National Committee-sanctioned/CNN-produced Democratic Presidential Debates will air from Detroit. Westwood One News correspondent Evan Haning will anchor, starting at 7:59 pm (ET) both nights, while Bob Costantini handles on-scene reporting and will be available for live Q&A from the Motor City. The network will offer stations an unanchored feed and one-minute special reports each night at the top and bottom of the hour (8:00 pm – 12:00 midnight) ….. Set to rejoin WTEM "980 The Team" in three weeks (8/5) is Kevin Sheehan, who wasn't retained when Radio One acquired the Washington (DC) sports talk outlet late last year. Sheehan co-hosted mornings with Chris Cooley and will return for 7:00 am – 10:00 am duty. Radio One senior regional vice president Jeff Wilson comments, "I'm elated to have Kevin Sheehan back home on 'The Team.' His unique approach to the sports landscape, combined with his overwhelming passion, provides an entertainment destination for listeners throughout the Nation's Capital." Prior to departing last year, Sheehan had been with WTEM 14 years and states, "I'm looking forward to coming home – it's great to be back." ….. The first three Jim Rutt Show podcasts went live yesterday (Monday, July 15) on JimRuttShow.com. The series will examine "cutting-edge thinking" in science and technology, and the future of our economic, political and social systems and institutions. The past chair of The Santa Fe Institute; former chief executive officer of Network Solutions; and first CTO of Thomson-Reuters, Rutt was called "the internet's bad boy" by The New York Times for his reputation for creative mischief. A complete collection of Rutt's podcasts, including show transcripts, episode highlights, guest biographies, and links are available on the aforementioned website.
Line Drives. This past weekend, NBC Sports Radio produced seven radio shows from the driving range at Edgewood Tahoe golf course in Lake Tahoe (Nevada), site of the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. Flanking MLB Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz (center) are Tim Murray and Michael Jenkins, hosts of NBC Sports Radio's "The Daily Line." Launched this past January in conjunction with Westwood One, "The Daily Line" is a weekday, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm sports talk show, focusing on sports betting.
Trump's Controversial Tweets; US Immigration Policy/Detention Facilities; 2020 Presidential Race; and US-China Trade War Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/15). President Donald Trump's Tweets attacking four Congressional Democratic women of color; conditions for migrants detained at the border; the relative standing and contributions raised by Democratic Party presidential candidates; and the US-China trade war's impact on the Chinese economy were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
CRB Elects 2019 – 2020 Board of Directors. Returning as board president of the Country Radio Broadcasters is Townsquare Media's Kurt Johnson; Cumulus Media's John Shomby is elected vice president; and SummitMedia's Beverlee Brannigan returns as secretary. Johnson remarks, "This is one of the strongest boards CRB has ever had. [I am] so proud to work with this group of radio and Music Row leaders to present country with the best CRS ever – February 19 – 21, 2020." This year's board of directors are: Chuck Aly (Country Aircheck); Beverlee Brannigan (SummitMedia); Becky Brenner (Albright & O'Malley & Brenner Consulting); Johnny Chiang (KKBQ-FM, Houston); George Couri (Triple 8 Management); Andy Denemark (United Stations); Ryan Dokke (Curb); Mike Dungan (UMG); John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville); Dan Halyburton (Falls Media); Debra Herman (Apple); Steve Hodges (Sony Nashville); Clay Hunnicutt, Dave Kelly (Big Machine Label Group); Jon Loba (BBR/BMG); Mike McVay (McVay Media); Charlie Morgan (Emmis Communications); Rod Phillips (iHeartCountry); Tim Roberts (WYCD, Detroit); Royce Risser (UMG); Bob Richards (Emmis Communications/WLHK, Indianapolis); Brittany Schaffer (Spotify); John Shomby (Cumulus Media); Lesly Simon (Pearl Records); Matt Sunshine (CFSS); Joel Raab (Joel Raab Country Radio/Media); Ryan Redington (Amazon Music); Kristen Williams (Warner); and Charlie Monk continues as a lifetime director emeritus.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Many stations are noting the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong's first-ever "moon walk" (July 20, 1969) with Apollo lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin. Without question, one of the cleverest promotions is being done by the program director of Cumulus Media Salt Lake City country-formatted KUBL "K-Bull 93" … Travis Moon. As part of the "Travis Moon Walk," which began today (Tuesday, 7/16) at 7:00 am and is expected to end Saturday (7/20) coinciding with that history-making mission, Moon plans to "walk" more than 80 miles to raise money for Salt Lake City-based Shriner's Hospitals For Children. Hoping to travel approximately 16 miles a day, Moon admits it will be a "long, tough walk. The exciting part is the unknown – if I can actually do this physically. I guess we will all find out." While on foot from (Utah cities) Provo to Ogden, Moon will discuss the hospital's purpose and invite listeners to make donations ….. "California Live," a 30-minute lifestyle/entertainment show, which airs on Los Angeles' KNBC-TV (as well as KNTV-TV, San Jose and KNSD-TV, San Diego) has added "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" co-host Sisanie as a correspondent. In her latest segment, Sisanie visits Los Angeles' first cat cafe experience, where customers can drink coffee while cuddling rescue cats that are up for adoption ….. Starting next Monday (7/22), Sytonnia "Toni" Moore joins Cox Media Group Atlanta urban AC WALR "Kiss 104.1" as co-host/news anchor on the (5:00 am – 9:00 am) "Morning Groove" with Art Terrell and Corey "Zooman" Miller. The station's director/branding and programming, Terri Avery, declares, "Toni Moore is the real deal. Her experience and passion for radio is beyond compare and will take 'Kiss 104.1' to new levels." Moore remarks, "This is an incredible opportunity: I'm thrilled and honored to be joining the powerhouse that is Cox Media Group and 'Kiss 104.1.' It's a dream I've had for a few years. It's beyond exciting to see it come to fruition." Moore previously was an on-air personality for cross-town Entercom urban contemporary and sports talk siblings WVEE "V-103" and WZGC "92.9 The Game," as well as a sports reporter for the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Falcons ….. Continuing his role as afternoon-drive host, Andy Chanley adds music director duties at California State University – Northridge's KCSN & Saddleback College's KSBR, Mission Viejo (both California, simulcast on 88.5). General manager Patrick Osborn proclaims, "Andy has done it all in this market – mornings, middays, afternoon drive – and has vast experience in all the rock format genres. I'm happy to say we are operating at full strength with great, experienced broadcasters in every position." Program director Marc "Mookie" Kaczor notes, "Andy is such an asset for us. He's an incredible personality and he's been a great sounding-board for me. We're constantly bouncing ideas off of each other." Chanley adds, "There's no station in the world like 88.5 FM. It's a special blend of music and people — on both sides of the transmitter — that makes radio fun again. I'm really proud to be on this team, and beyond excited at the opportunity to help steer the rudder even more." KCSN and KSBR began simulcasting just over two years ago …. Three-year WUSN "US-99" nighttime talent Kimmie Caruba departs the Entercom country outlet. Caruba was previously heard in the same day-part in Phoenix on co-owned KMLE "Country @ 107.9," and she did mid-days in that Arizona market on cluster-mate KALV "Live 101.5." ….. A six-episode podcast on Milwaukee's hip-hop history, "Backspin," debuted yesterday (Monday, 7/15) on Radio Milwaukee triple A WYMS "88Nine." Hosted by hip-hop expert Tyrone Miller ("DJ Bizzon") and "88Nine" music director Justin Barney, "Backspin" provides an insightful view into black America in the late-1970s and early-1980s, through the lens of hip-hop. Miller comments, "The series is about so much more than who recorded Milwaukee's first hip-hop song. It's about the journey of getting to that song. Hip-hop is more than a genre: It's connected everywhere – radio, movies, TV, and fashion. It's in every piece of culture." ….. After departing two months ago from Townsquare Media, "Taste of Country Nights" host Sam Alex surfaced yesterday (Monday, 7/15) on the eponymous "Sam Alex Show." Affiliate licensing and sales for the syndicated program are being handled by Sun Broadcast Group. Alex notes (in Forbes Magazine) that he's "so excited about this new chapter. The world of radio," he opines, "has changed so much in the past decade, with continued consolidations, new technology, and increased competition to discover new music. This change positions me to have full creative control and reach listeners in new ways." ….. KDVV "V-100 Topeka's Rock Leader" 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm talent Randy Raley adds PD duties at the Cumulus Media rocker and classic hits cluster-mate KWIC "99.3 The Eagle." Cumulus Topeka operations manager Amber Lee notes, "Randy brings significant on-air experience and format knowledge to these stations and to our programming team." According to Raley, "I've been a radio geek since an early age – I'm happy to be taking the programming reins at the legendary 'V-100.' Amber Lee has put together an incredible staff and we're going to do great things together." St. Louis Classic Rock Hall of Famer Raley did afternoon drive on St. Louis' KSHE for 13 years and has worked in Kansas City at KYYS "KY-102," and KCFX "101 The Fox." ….. Among the latest affiliates for Envision Networks' "The Wolfman Jack Radio Show" is Metro Radio Berkeley Springs, West Virginia classic hits-oldies WXDC. The show airs Saturday nights starting at 7:00 pm on "Cool 92.9 – Good Times/Great Oldies."
June 2019 PPM Data – Part Four. June 2019 ratings information has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio's June 2019 survey period covered May 23 – June 19. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.
Monday, July 8, 2019
Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Videos Continues Posting Today with "Radio Broadcasting and Podcasting" Panel Discussion. TALKERS is continuing to post key speeches, presentations and sessions from the recent 22nd annual edition of the talk media industry's longest-running and most-important national convention – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story. Today's (7/8) post presents the panel discussion titled, "Radio Broadcasting and Podcasting," featuring (in alphabetical order) Greg Batusic, chief operating officer, PodcastOne; Steven Goldstein, founder/CEO Amplifi Media; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WONK-FM, Washington, DC and iHeartRadio Podcast Channel; and Craig Schwalb, former program director WABC, New York and WPRO, Providence. The discussion is moderated by Mike Kinosian, managing editor/West Coast bureau chief, TALKERS. Already posted: The convention's keynote chat in which TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison interviews Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity in a casual one-on-one conversation. The two discuss a variety of topics including Hannity's special relationship with President Donald J. Trump; what it takes to be successful on both radio and television talk media; the challenges facing talk radio in terms of ratings and marketing; Hannity's feelings about his life and career; plus more. The session is introduced by DC Radio Company executive director Victoria Jones. Also already posted on the page: The convention's official opening address titled, "Telling the Story," delivered by one of the industry's great storytellers, Lee Habeeb, host and producer of the tremendously successful syndicated program, "Our American Stories" as well as RAB president/CEO Erica Farber receiving the Woman of the Year award and SiriusXM Satellite Radio star "Cousin" Bruce Morrow receiving the Lifetime Achievement award. The convention took place in New York City on Friday, June 7 and was one of the most positively received in the event's colorful history. TALKERS plans to add one or two videos per day to those posted until all the major events of the conference are posted here at Talkers.com. To see the videos and convention video page, please click here.
'Delaware 105.9' Ends Local Susan Monday Show; Adds Syndicated Programming. The new owner of news/talk WXDE-FM, Lewes "Delaware 105.9" is dropping local talk personality Susan Monday. At the same time, early afternoon host Ed Tyll resigns from the station that Forever Media acquired along with nine other signals from Delmarva Broadcasting for $18.5 million earlier this year. WXDE is adding Salem Radio Network's Mike Gallagher show in the late morning daypart and the Compass Media Networks-syndicated "Markley, van Camp and Robbins" show in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm slot. Monday is ready for her next opportunity. She can be reached at email@example.com.
SB Nation Radio Launches New Afternoon Show. Current SB Nation Radio personalities Cody Stoots and Jake Asman are being paired up to co-host "The Main Event with Cody Stoots and Jake Asman" show in the SB Nation Radio lineup. The network is operated by Houston-based Gow Media. Stoots has been with Gow' Sportsmap and Asman has been hosting the network's 7:00 pm ET "The Power Hour" program. The new show airs from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET. Gow Media and SB Nation Radio CEO David Gow comments, "It's been a joy listening to Jake and Cody in various roles the last couple of years. They both are so versatile. The perfect combination of humor and constructive sports debate. It's going to be a very entertaining program."
Levin Broadcasts from Israel. Pictured above is Westwood One nationally syndicated radio star Mark Levin (left) interviewing British intelligence and military officer Colonel Richard Kemp (right) in the Christian Broadcasting Network studios in Jerusalem. The two discussed Iran, the war in Afghanistan, and Kemp's collaboration with the CIA and Israeli intelligence and defense agencies. Kemp was one of a number of expert guests Levin interviewed during his international remote broadcast.
Confer Radio Institute Opens Today. Today at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, 25 students are beginning the 10-day Confer Radio Talent Institute in which they will learn from a group of more than 40 broadcast professionals, including: Kristin Cantrell, CEO of CapCity Communications and Seven Mountains Media and Jim Loftus, COO of Seven Mountains Media; Lynn Deppen, president of Forever Media; Joe Bell, VP/market manager of Beasley Media Group Philadelphia; Karen Richards, VP/sales, Cumulus Media Harrisburg; Jon Zellner, president of programming operations, National Programming Group, iHeartMedia New York; Shelly Easton, VP of music programming, Entercom Philadelphia; Brian Check, SVP of programming, iHeartMedia Philadelphia; Eric Johnson, program director of Beasley Media Group's WPEN-FM, Philadelphia "97.5 The Fanatic," and many more. The institute is being underwritten by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters and Kerby Confer to underwrite the institute. Lifelong broadcaster Kirby Confer (pictured at right teaching at a previous institute) says, "We want to make a difference and give this next generation a firm foundation in the industry. We are going to birth a whole new generation of radio people and are so pleased the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters offer both their time and financial support, investing in radio's future." All students will be certified Radio Marketing Professionals after completing the RMP sales training course from the RAB.
Beasley Unveils New XP Studio in Detroit. The new Beasley Media Group broadcast space pictured above will serve as the official headquarters for Beasley's nationally syndicated Esports lifestyle-driven program, "Checkpoint XP." The program is seen daily on Twitch and heard weekly on 74 affiliate stations via the Sun Broadcast Group network, and via a lineup of original content Esports-focused podcasts. Seen sitting in the state-of-the-art studios are (from l-r): "Checkpoint XP" personalities Norris Howard and Joe Sloan, Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley, Checkpoint XP's Robbie Landis and Nate Bender.
Media Staffing Network and Radio Ink Partner for 2019 Radio Sales Compensation Study. The 2019 Radio Sales Compensation Study results will be presented at this year's NAB/RAB Radio Show in Dallas. It's a partnership between Media Staffing Network (MSN) and our friends at Radio Ink. The study begins with a two-minute survey for managers and sellers that launches today (7/8) and runs through Friday, July 26. The goal of the study is to guide radio owners, operators, and managers to develop sales compensation packages that attract – and keep – the best candidates, including those from younger demographics, in today's highly competitive hiring landscape. All survey participants will be entered in a random drawing to win one of three licenses to MSN's Local Sales Recruitment Online Learning Program. Radio Ink EVP and president/publisher Deborah Parenti says, "We are delighted to team up with MSN in a project that will hopefully help provide guidance, especially to smaller groups and individual stations, in crafting the kind of compensation packages that encourage young people to consider radio sales as a career path. With so much competition from digital media, making radio 'sexier' to prospective hires has to, first and foremost, include a more competitive pay structure." To access the survey, click here.
WTEM, Washington Adds FOX Sports Radio Programming. Washington, DC sports talker WTEM "The Team 980" adds evening and overnight programming from FOX Sports Radio to its daily program schedule. Effective immediately, the Radio One-owned station begins airing "The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard and Rob Parker" in the 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm slot, "The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon" from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am, and "The Ben Maller Show" in the 2:00 am to 6:00 am daypart. The station also airs FOX Sports Radio's full lineup of weekend programming when play-by-play sports is not on the schedule.
NAB to Honor Mary Quass with National Radio Award. At this year's NAB Radio Show in Dallas, NRG Media chairman and CEO Mary Quass will receive the National Radio Award from the National Association of Broadcasters. The award – given for "outstanding leadership in the radio industry" – will be presented during the September 25 luncheon program, "2020 and Beyond: Insights from the Top." NAB president and CEO Gordon Smith says, "We are pleased to honor Mary Quass for her many achievements and impact on radio. She is a true catalyst in our industry who exemplifies the meaning of the National Radio Award through her leadership, integrity and success."
Trump's Fourth of July Celebration, 2020 Presidential Race, Iran Nuclear Ambitions, California Earthquakes, U.K. Ambassador's Trump Criticisms, Jeffrey Epstein Arrest, and U.S. Women's Soccer Victory Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Washington, DC Fourth of July celebration, including President Trump's speech and the military component; the Democrats vying to challenge Trump in 2020; Iran's uranium enrichment program and tensions with the U.S.; the earthquakes in Southern California since the July 4 temblor; British Ambassador Kim Darroch's criticism of President Trump; the arrest of billionaire Jeffrey Epstein on sexual assault charges; and the U.S. Women's Soccer team's World Cup victory were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the holiday weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Air personality Jasmine Lee is named co-host of the "Big Mama and the Wild Bunch" morning show on Beasley Media Group's CHR WXKB, Fort Myers "B103.9." She was most recently morning host at Stillwater Broadcasting's CHR KSPI-FM, Stillwater, Oklahoma. WXKB operations manager Adam Star comments, "Jasmine has great charm and charisma on the air. Her energy and fun personality is infectious. She is the final piece that we were looking to add to 'Big Mama and The Wild Bunch Morning Show.'"…..In the Salisbury-Ocean City, Maryland market, Don Harrison is the new brand manager at Adams Radio's rock WZBH "The Beach" and classic rock WGBG "Big 107.7." He was most recently operations manager at Townsquare Media's operations in the Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming markets. Harrison says, "I'm honored to join Adams Radio Group and be working with the entire team. It's refreshing to be part of a company that believes in local radio, super-serving the community, and creating a great working environment. I also can't wait to team up with Lisa Layne – she's a rock star."…..iHeartMedia Boston brings Hisham Fayed aboard as director of marketing to work with the cluster's music brands: WXKS-FM "Kiss 108," WJMN-FM "JAM'N 94.5," WBWL-FM "101.7 The Bull," WZLX-FM, and WKAF-FM. In this role, Fayed will work closely with the promotions, events, sales, and programming teams in developing and executing marketing plans. iHeartMedia VP of marketing Adam Ralston says, "Hisham has a proven track record of impactful marketing campaign creation and execution in Boston. We are thrilled to add him to our superstar marketing team, and we know he will contribute to our brands' ongoing success."
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Mapleton Communications Sells 37 Stations in Seven Markets to Stephens Media Group. This is an exit from the radio business for California-based, Jim Shea-led Mapleton Communications. The price for the 37 stations in Medford, Oregon; Merced, Monterey, and Redding, California; Spokane, Washington; and Alexandria and Monroe, Louisiana was not revealed in the press release. But, with Mapleton previously agreeing to sell KSFN-AM, San Francisco and its Chico, California stations to Bustos Media, it will have divested of all of its radio assets. The buyer in this transaction is Oklahoma-based Stephens Media Group, led by David Stephens. Stephens begins operating the stations immediately under an LMA. Stephens Media owns stations in Tulsa and Ardmore, Oklahoma; Watertown, Ogdensburg, Massena, and Rochester, New York; and Yakima and the Tri-Cities in Washington. Several news/talk and sports talk stations are involved, including KYOS-AM, Merced; KQMS-FM and KNRO-AM in Redding; KCMX-AM in Medford; and KGA-AM in Spokane. You can see Mapleton's stations here. KALIL & CO., INC. is the exclusive broker for this transaction.
KMOX Promotes Amy Marxkors to Daily On-Air Role. Effective immediately, Amy Marxkors begins a regular on-air role with Entercom's KMOX, St. Louis joining station institution Charlie Brennan as a co-host of the "Total Information AM Overdrive" Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 am to 9:00 am and will stay on the air for "The Charlie Brennan Show" from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Marxkors joined the station in 2018 as a sports reporter and host. Prior to joining Entercom, she served as co-host of the St. Louis Blues weekly hockey show "Chili's Week in Hockey" in 2016, that aired on KMOX. She joined the Blues radio broadcast in 2017 and became the first woman to host the pre- and post-game of a radio broadcast for any St. Louis professional sports team in February 2019. Entercom St. Louis SVP and market manager Becky Domyan says, "Amy is a rising star in radio and has shown tremendous growth on air while covering everything from the Blues Stanley Cup run to discussing local and national issues during our long-form talk shows. She has a very bright future and I'm looking forward to the impact she can make on KMOX." In addition to her role on the morning show, Marxkors will continue to cover the St. Louis Blues and the National Hockey League by hosting a weekly hockey podcast.
Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Videos Continues Posting Today with Lee Habeeb of "Our American Stories" Delivering Official Welcoming Address. TALKERS is continuing to post key speeches, presentations and sessions from the recent 22nd annual edition of the talk media industry's longest-running and most-important national convention – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story. Today's post presents the convention's official opening address titled, "Telling the Story," delivered by one of the industry's great storytellers, Lee Habeeb, host and producer of the tremendously successful syndicated program, "Our American Stories." The first two videos already posted today are of RAB president/CEO Erica Farber receiving the Woman of the Year award and SiriusXM Satellite Radio star "Cousin" Bruce Morrow receiving the Lifetime Achievement award. The convention took place in New York City on Friday June 7 and was one of the most positively received in the event's colorful history. TALKERS plans to add one or two videos per day to those posted until all the major events of the conference are posted here at Talkers.com. To see the videos and convention video page, please click here.
News and News/Talk Radio Analysis. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents an assessment of "the temperature of spoken-word stations as a complete entity in all 48 PPM-markets." Formats involved in this report are news/talk, all-news (including business or financial news), and public radio news/talk. As this report is based on Nielsen Audio's PPM surveys, the rating metric is weekly, 6+ AQH share from subscribing stations. Looking at the May PPM survey, the #1 market for news and news/talk is Washington, DC. On the strength of Hubbard's all-news WTOP-FM, Cumulus Media's news/talk WMAL-FM, and American University's public radio news/talk WAMU-FM, the format garnered a 22.7 share in May. Rounding out the top three markets are Milwaukee and San Francisco. See Mike Kinosian's entire report here.
TALKERS News Notes. Sources in Philadelphia tell TALKERS magazine that news/talk WPHT program director Jared Hart has exited Entercom. We've reached out to Entercom Philadelphia for confirmation but have not yet heard back…..In addition to his work as a nationally syndicated talk show host for the Salem Radio Network, Hugh Hewitt also serves as president of the Richard Nixon Foundation. In that capacity, he announces two coming events being held at the library in Yorba Linda, California centered around the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing in 1969. On July 20, the "Earth to Moon: The Longest Distance Phone Call in History" celebration will commemorate Nixon's call to the Apollo 11 astronauts on the surface of the moon. Nixon White House officials Dwight Chapin, Larry Higby, and John Price – who were with Nixon the night he made the historic call will be in attendance. Then, on July 23, the library will present the "Splashdown Celebration" with Dr. Buzz Aldrin to honor the legendary Apollo moonwalker…..ESPN's annual ESPYS Auction benefiting the V Foundation for Cancer Research is again teaming up with eBay for Charity for its 15th year. Bidding for the 80-plus VIP packages and experiences is now available on eBay and will remain open through July 10. Senior vice president of ESPN Audio Traug Keller says, "Everyone at ESPN Radio is beyond proud to have played a role in raising funds for cancer research with the ESPYS Auction the last 15 years. Seeing the support from fans bidding on experiences or directly donating to the V Foundation is truly something unique and special."…..The nationally syndicated "Free Talk Live" program reports the addition of new affiliate station WSLW-AM/FM in Lewisburg, West Virginia and the expansion of carriage of the show on existing affiliate KINN-AM/FM in Alamogordo, New Mexico…..The Houston Chronicle reports that longtime market radio news pro Charles L. "Chuck" Scott died on June 28 after complications from a fall and previously diagnosed lung cancer. Scott most recently served with Houston Public Media's KUHF-FM. During his long career he worked in the news department KIKK-AM, KNUZ-AM, and KQUE-FM. He also worked for a number of years in the late 1960s and early 1970s at WLS-AM, Chicago.
Simmons Takes Over for Ryan at Salem Boston. At Salem Media Group's three-station Boston cluster, Pat Ryan retires as general manager and general sales manager Carole Howley Simmons is promoted to the GM position. Salem operates three Christian stations in the market – WROL-AM, WEZE-AM, and WWDJ-AM. Salem regional VP Jeff Reisman says, "Throughout Carole's tenure she has proven herself to be a creative and compassionate leader, skills that will serve her well as GM. Carole brings a wealth of local-market knowledge and tenacity that will be instrumental in growing the Salem Boston radio stations/digital services to their full potential."
Trump's Meeting with Kim Jong Un, U.S. Tariffs Strategy, U.S.-China Trade Talks, 2020 Presidential Race, Immigration Reform-Detention Facilities, and Iran Nukes Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/1). The meeting in the DMZ between President Trump and Kim Jong Un; the U.S.'s tariffs strategy, including proposed tariffs on European Union goods; President Trump and China's Xi Jinping enter into trade talks; the Democrats vying to challenge Trump in 2020; the Trump Administration's immigration reform efforts and controversial reports of conditions at border detention centers; and Iran's violation of the nuclear deal were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Classic call letters are returning to California's Central Coast as Cumulus Media announces the launch of classic hits KRUZ. At the same time, the company announces that classic hip hop KVYB at 103.3 FM signs off in the Santa Barbara market and moves to the 106.3 FM frequency in the Oxnard market. Cumulus Oxnard/Ventura RVP and market manager Sommer Frisk says, "Everything good takes time. And, after more than a decade, it's time we bring KRUZ 103.3 FM back to the Central Coast! It's also the right time to move '106.3 The Vibe' to Oxnard to give the fans what they've been begging for. With the combination of KRUZ 103.3's powerful signal, along with the synergy of its legendary sister brand '106.3 The Vibe,' we will provide new and exciting ways for our listeners and marketing partners to engage with the fans up and down the Central Coast."…..Entercom names Brian Shannon morning show co-host for classic rock KGON. Shannon joins Terry Boyd on "Terry Boyd's World," effective July 8. Shannon says, "I am incredibly excited to be going home to radio and to be working alongside one of Portland's best, Terry Boyd. Radio is my happy place and I'm planning to be a part of this station and this city for a long time." Prior to joining Entercom, Shannon was an editor and anchor for KROI, Houston "News 92 FM."…..iHeartMedia re-brands country WCKY-FM, Toledo as "Buckeye Country, 103.7 'CKY." Market president Shosh Abromovich says, "We're so excited to once again be playing some of country music's greatest songs from the 80s and 90s through today. You may even hear some older classic country from time-to-time." The Bobby Bones show remains in morning drive. Bob Delmont and Bob Pickett will split middays. Meaghan Mick continues in afternoon drive. Tom Travis handles evenings and "CMT with Cody Allen" airs in the overnights…..Speaking of Bobby Bones, his Premiere Networks-syndicated "Country Top 30 with Bobby Bones" program is now airing on the Chris Stevens-owned "Chris Country" format heard in numerous markets in the UK. Also joining "Chris Country" is "Women of iHeartCountry," an hour-long weekend program hosted by Bones and Amy Brown. Each week on the show, they spotlight music from both established female country music artists and promising up-and-comers…..Last weekend, Premiere Networks-syndicated personality Delilah welcomed more than 100 guests to her home outside Seattle for the fifth-annual "Farm to Table" fundraiser for her non-profit foundation Point Hope. 2019 marks Delilah's 15-year commitment to Point Hope, an organization she established as a voice for forgotten children everywhere. The immediate focus of the Foundation is supporting children in the U.S. foster care system, as well as refugee children in Ghana. Pictured below is Delilah (left) and four-time Grammy Award-nominated artist Chris Daughtry, who performed for the dinner guests.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
WGN-AM, Chicago and Patti Vasquez Go Separate Ways. Chicago media writer Robert Feder has the story of WGN's decision to part ways with late-night talk show host Patti Vasquez after a five-year run. Feder notes that Vasquez had been suspended several times during her stint with the station for various infractions of the rules but apparently the accidental airing of the f-word earlier this month proved to be the last straw. In a memo to the staff, WGN station manager and vice president of content Todd Manley wrote, "Patti Vasquez is no longer working with WGN Radio. Her departure is a private matter and will remain that way. We are grateful to her for her service to WGN Radio, and wish her the best." The station will rotate various WGN personalities in the 10:00 pm to 1:00 am daypart for now. In a separate matter, Vasquez has announced she will seek the Illinois 10th District State Senate seat.
Michael Savage's Trump Criticisms Focal Point of NYTimes Piece. Nationally syndicated talk radio host Michael Savage is the subject of a piece in The New York Times that looks into Savage's criticism of President Trump – such as his failure to secure a border wall deal and the ballooning federal budget deficit – and how Savage's audience is reacting to that criticism. As the story indicates, Savage still supports Trump and will vote for him in 2020, but Savage has never been one to avoid criticism of any politician if he believes it's deserved. What's new is that Trump's base appears to want none of that. The Westwood One personality tells Times writer Jeremy W. Peters, "I don't think they care very much about issues. They'll vote for him no matter what because he's not 'them.' I think it's come down to 'them' or 'us.'" Read the story here.
Contrite Craig Carton Heads Off to Prison. Sports talk radio personality Craig Carton began his three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for fraud yesterday (6/17). Regular TALKERS readers are aware that Carton was convicted of defrauding investors of millions in a phony concert tickets re-sale business. Carton, who had insisted that he was innocent of the charges, now admits his guilt. He tweeted, "I made mistakes. Mistakes in judgments, decisions and how I was living my life. I was wrong. I have, will, and should continue to pay a dear price for those mistakes. I also though, believe in redemption and earning second chances…I will work tirelessly to repay those whom I have hurt and to regain the trust that you all had in me." Carton was co-host of the morning show on WFAN, New York at the time of his arrest in September of 2017.
Gallagher Chats with Florida Trump Fans. Pictured above outside Amway Stadium in Orlando is Salem Radio Network talk radio host Mike Gallagher (center) with Donald Trump supporters "Kevin from Pompano Beach" and "Barry from Key West" — the first two people in line for tonight's Trump 2020 kickoff rally. Gallagher and fellow SRN host Dr. Sebastian Gorka are broadcasting their Tuesday programs from the nearby Hairy Buffalo sports bar.
New York Festivals Radio Awards Announces Ceremony Presenters. The New York Festivals Radio Awards announces the prominent radio industry professionals slated to present awards at the 2019 Radio Awards ceremony at Manhattan Penthouse in New York on June 24. The 2019 ceremony segment presenters include: Richard Baker, senior investigative journalist, The Age, Melbourne, Australia; Jennie Cataldo, vice president of programming, BMP Audio, USA; Donal O'Herlihy, producer, "Documentary on One," RTÉ Radio 1, Ireland; Tanya Springer, senior producer, CBC Podcasts, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Canada; and Mark Travis, associate director, media production, New York Philharmonic, USA. For more information on the 2019 NYF Radio Awards gala or to purchase tickets, please click here. See a complete list of all the 2019 New York Festivals Radio Award Finalists here.
Iran Nukes, 2020 Presidential Race, SCOTUS Virginia Gerrymandering Ruling, Illegal Immigration/Trump Announces Deportation Plan, U.S. Hacks Russia's Power Grid, Stewart vs McConnell on 9/11 Victims Fund, and Raptors Victory Celebration Violence Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/17). Iran's statement of intent to violate the terms of the previous nuclear deal and the U.S.'s talk of military options; the Democrats running for president and Donald Trump's kick-off of the 2020 campaign; the Supreme Court rules against Republicans in the Virginia gerrymandering case; the immigration issues at the Southern border and President Trump's statement that ICE will begin deporting millions; allegations the U.S. has hacked Russia's power grid; Jon Stewart's challenge to Mitch McConnell to fully fund the 9/11 victims fund; and the shootings at the Toronto Raptors victory celebration were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Collecting Pennies for a Good Cause. KIDO, Boise morning drive personality Kevin Miller (right) helped collect more than 1.6 million pennies – for a total of $16,743 – to benefit the Boise Rescue Mission. Pictured with Miller is Todd Christensen of Cap Ed Credit Union (left) and Reverend Bill Roscoe of the Boise Rescue Mission (center). To collect the pennies, Miller lived in a local Walmart for a week collecting coins, dollars, and other items.
Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters Honor NBC TV 4, Los Angeles, Meteorologist Fritz Coleman. NBC4 meteorologist Fritz Coleman was honored with the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters Art Gilmore Career Achievement Award for his many distinguished years as a "TV Icon Weatherman and Comic Entertainer" during a ceremony at the Airtel Hotel in Van Nuys last week (6/14). Pictured above at the event: TalkersRadio personality Meg McDonald (center) KFI, Los Angeles host Tim Conway, Jr. (left) and Pacific Pioneer Broadcaster board member and KTWV, Los Angeles host Mike Sakellarides (right). Photo: Roxanne Schorbach
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Providence country outlet WCTK-FM "Cat Country 98.1" moves midday personality Madelyn Grimaldi to mornings as co-host with Brian Mulhern. Taking over the open midday slot is Courtney Kelley, who's been with the station as a part-time and fill-in jock. Hall Communications vice president of programming Bob Walker says, "Our philosophy is to hire great people and allow them to grow in our company and the industry. Being able to see these two talented personalities take on new challenges is what it's all about."…..Premiere Networks promotes Mary DelGrande from executive director of affiliate sales to vice president of affiliate sales. New York-based DelGrande continues to oversee affiliate sales for Premiere's roster of national entertainment programs, including: Delilah, "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," "CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan," "ON with Mario Lopez," and more.