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Tag: "Podcasting"
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
More on Talk Radio Covering the Coronavirus Challenge. On Monday (3/9) TALKERS magazine reported on how radio stations and media companies are addressing the coronavirus epidemic. As TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison wrote, "Fears and near panic have infiltrated the beleaguered heath care systems of our communities, the stock market, and a number of inter-connected industries and public events. Add to that discourse about the problem in our politically oriented media have included the 'weaponization' of issues per the troubling practice of each side tending to seek victory at the expense of truth. Most talk media broadcasters tell TALKERS that this crisis provides radio both the mission and calling to provide a significant degree of comfort and helpful information to the public – thus showcasing its pertinence as a vital medium in the 21st century." On Thursday of this week (3/12), Townsquare Media's WKXW, Trenton "New Jersey 101.5" will present a special Town Hall broadcast to confront the worldwide novel coronavirus crisis and how it affects New Jersey residents. "New Jersey 101.5" special projects director and morning news anchor Eric Scott says, "As a corridor state and international arrival hub, the challenges of dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak are unique in New Jersey. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation being disseminated to the public. Our Town Hall broadcast will help New Jersey residents separate fact from fiction and allow them to make the best decisions for themselves and their families." The program's on-air expert panel will feature Dr. Lincoln Miller, infectious disease specialist with RWJBarnabas Health; Ken Kamen, president of Princeton-based Mercadien Asset Management; and a representative from the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. Scott and guests will answer live, call-in questions from listeners throughout the hour. At the national level, ABC Audio today begins producing the daily program, "COVID-19: What You Need to Know," as a podcast. It's being hosted by anchor and correspondent Aaron Katersky and features the latest headlines and updates on the coronavirus outbreak as well as chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton answering questions from social media. Back at the local level, KSCO, Santa Cruz, California general manager Michael Olson says the epidemic is affecting listeners' lives. "The situation in our broadcast area (South San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas) is rapidly evolving. Santa Clara County is now a community spread hotspot, Stanford University has closed its classrooms, and Santa Cruz County now has three confirmed cases. One of the area's big fears is the possible consequence of when and if the virus hits the homeless community, which is extensive and vulnerable." Olson says from a station operations standpoint, they have taken the following steps to protect the staff so KSCO can continue to serve the public. "To protect ourselves, we have established a to-the-extent-possible 'no touch' policy throughout the station and set up cleaning stations at each broadcast station so hosts can clean their surfaces before use. We are also reducing the number of people who actually come into the studios – 89 voices at last count – and are employing a remote studio adjacent to the main broadcast facility. To continue broadcasting should the virus take hold and we are quarantined, we have agreed to establish an ad-hoc KSCO broadcast staff of those able to stay at the station and continue broadcasting."
Lee Abrams Re-Launches Consultancy. Consultant and media executive Lee Abrams announces he's relaunching his consulting business under the name MediaVisions. Abrams has been consulting and working as an executive in the media industry for more than 40 years. During that time, he's worked with hundreds of radio stations, major networks, and leading corporate clients. Abrams says the focus of the firm will be: a new radio format; complete reimagination of video content, news and information; creative driven 40+ music innovation for entertainment and media leaders; innovative podcasting; and working with companies looking for creative direction and new ways to prosper. MediaVisions' goal is to generate revenue for what's on the horizon for media and entertainment entities. Abrams says, "Not data driven, very creative driven. I don't do research, I interpret it…news and information is what is steering our 21st century world – the equivalent of what rock 'n' roll was 40 years ago. MediaVisions will merge this passion for information, knowledge, and insight with the revolution in technology. We are positioned to help companies navigate and prosper in traditional media, today's digital landscape, and evolving disruptive technologies."
Bill O'Reilly Visits Affiliate WCBM, Baltimore. Pictured above is Bill O'Reilly, host of the Key Networks-syndicated program "The O'Reilly Update" (left) along with some of the staff of affiliate station WCBM, Baltimore as they enjoy a private dinner at the Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center in Ellicott City, Maryland. Seated with O'Reilly are (from l-r): WCBM morning co-host Bruce Elliott, his wife Vivian Elliott, WCBM midday host Derek Hunter, Robyn Casey, and her husband WCBM morning co-host (and station PD) Sean Casey.
Coronavirus Epidemic/Trump Chief of Staff Self-Quarantines, Financial Markets Sell-Off, Trump Payroll Tax Cut Proposal, Oil Price War, and Presidential Race Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/9). The status of the coronavirus epidemic and incoming chief of staff Mark Meadows self-quarantines; Monday's stock market sell-off brings Dow down 7%; President Trump's proposal of a payroll tax cut to help U.S. businesses; Saudi Arabia launches an oil price war putting oil stocks at the top of the sell-off; and the Democratic primary battle between Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TALKERS News Notes. There are more primary elections taking place across the country today (3/10) and FOX News Radio is providing hourly updates in addition to a two hour "Democracy 2020" special tonight from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET anchored by FNR national correspondent Jared Halpern. Joining him will be political analyst Josh Kraushaar and FNR correspondents around the country. FOX News Podcasts is offering a special edition of the daily morning podcast, "The FOX News Rundown," as well as new episodes of Brett Baier's "The Campaign" and "I'll Tell You What," hosted by Dana Perino and FNC politics editor Chris Stirewalt…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that DuPage Radio's WCKG-AM is dropping its FOX Sports Radio affiliation and will re-brand the station as "Sportsbook Radio," although there's no word yet on what programming will fill the airwaves. WCKG station manager Matt Dubiel says, "We're planning to develop long-form and short-form 'Sportsbook Radio' content on WCKG, with local casino and media partners to be announced. That work is underway, but rather than have sports personalities cover gambling, we'd prefer to have gambling experts on air. Ultimately, we will see our studio inside a Chicago-area sportsbook to get as close to the action as possible." Also from Robert Feder, radio news pro John Dempsey is moving to afternoons on WLS-AM for the Big John Howell show. As a result, anchor Lauren Cohn is moving to the midday slot…..The NFL's Los Angeles Chargers are sticking with iHeartMedia for their radio play-by-play this season but games will air on alternative KYSR "ALT 98.7" instead of news/talk KFI, where they aired last season. Some games will be simulcast on the company's sports talk KLAC "AM 570 LA Sports."
Music Radio News and Career Moves. A new adult contemporary outlet debuts in the Shreveport, Louisiana market as Cumulus Media flips KRMD-AM and translator K264AS to "Lite Rock 100.7." Cumulus Shreveport VP and market manager Aaron Criswell says, "We're excited to launch a fresh at-work listening station in the Shreveport metro. Since he has arrived, operations manager Jay Michaels has done a great job increasing audience levels with our top 40 station KQHN-FM. With this format flip from sports to the lite rock format, I am anticipating similar results."…..Yesterday (3/9), TALKERS reported that Brian Zepp is returning to Cumulus Media's rock KQRS, Minneapolis as a member of the "KQ Morning Show" with Tom Barnard. Now, we learn that Zepp is filling the role that co-host Michele Tafoya held for the past four years. Tafoya is exiting the show and tells the Star-Tribune she's in talks with NBC about more work for the network in addition to her NFL sideline reporting…..On-air pro Kimmie Caruba joins Pacific Media Group to co-host mornings with Keola Lui-Kwan on CHR KDDB, Honolulu "102.7 Da Bomb." Caruba was most recently evening personality at Entercom's country WUSN, Chicago "US99."…..Programming pro Casey Daniels is named operations manager for Adams Radio's Tallahassee station group and program director for country WWOF "103.1 The Wolf." Daniels was most recently on-air at WSBT-TV, South Bend, Indiana.
Monday, February 10, 2020
Monday Memo: THIS Time for Sure! A week after Rush Limbaugh's news stunned us, many affiliates are still asking what to do. In this week's column, consultant Holland Cooke has a suggestion. Read it here.
Presidential Race, Wuhan Coronavirus/Economic Impact, Attacks on Cops, Trump Budget-Border Wall Funding, and the Oscars Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The aftermath of the Iowa Caucuses and the buildup to Tuesday's New Hampshire primary; the status of the Wuhan coronavirus and its effect on the Chinese economy and the world's financial markets; the two planned attacks on New York City police officers; President Trump's budget proposal that includes heightened military and border wall spending and reduced foreign aid and safety net spending; and Sunday night's Academy Awards show were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Cox Media Group to Sell Ohio Papers to Cox Enterprises Inc. The Apollo Global Management-controlled Cox Media Group is agreeing to sell its Ohio dailies – the Dayton Daily News, the Springfield Sun-News, and the JournalNews to its former owner, Cox Enterprises Inc. (CEI is a minority owner of Cox Media Group). If you recall, CEI sold the majority of CMG to Apollo in a deal that closed in December. However, the courts reversed the FCC's ruling to rescind the cross-ownership ban, forcing CMG to either sell the newspapers or take them off a daily print schedule in order to comply with the ban. Apollo Global Management co-lead partner of private equity David Sambur says, "Apollo is committed to strengthening local media. When faced with the unfortunate requirements of an antiquated regulation, we would not accept an outcome that reduced local news coverage for the people of Dayton, Springfield and Butler County. We applaud the FCC for working with us and providing us the flexibility to find a stable, long-term buyer who is committed to providing the citizens of Ohio with award winning journalism." Following the sale, Rob Rohr will continue his role as vice president and general manager of CMG broadcast outlets news/talk WHIO-AM/FM, country WHKO, and rock WZLR plus WHIO-TV. Following the sale, the Ohio newspapers will be under the interim operational leadership of Jana Collier, who currently serves as vice president of content at CMG Ohio. The sale of the papers to CEI is expected to close in the coming weeks.
Eclectic Gathering. A diverse group of communications figures gathered last night (2/9) for a dinner symposium on media and politics organized by Newsmax at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Among the topics discussed were the 2020 presidential race, the state of talk radio, and the history of tabloid journalism in Western culture. Pictured (l-r): Bernadette Duncan, author/professor; Michael Harrison, founder TALKERS; Cable Neuhaus, legendary journalist/correspondent; Christopher Ruddy, CEO, Newsmax; Iain Calder, former president/editor, National Enquirer; Steve Lapa, president, Lapcom Communication Corp.; Herb Mallard, international issues blogger; and Nicole DiCocco, executive director, H.O.P.E. Foundation for a Better Tomorrow.
Entercom and NBC Agree to Share Content in Philly. This content-sharing partnership between Entercom's all-news KYW-AM and NBC's WCAU-TV "NBC 10" and WWSI-TV "Telemundo62" is multiplatform across all broadcast channels, websites, and social media. As part of the agreement, KYW Newsradio and WCAU and WWSI "will work together to better serve the community via improved access and coverage of live, local breaking news, general news, weather, sports, politics and entertainment in both English and Spanish languages." Content from the partnership will also be shared across Entercom Philadelphia sister stations WPHT-AM, WIP-FM, WTDY-FM, WOGL-FM, and WBEB-FM. Entercom Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, "We're thrilled that the region's most experienced and innovative radio team is joining forces with the most forward-thinking team in local television. This strategic partnership will provide the Philadelphia area with the most immediate, accurate, and compelling news, weather, traffic, and entertainment reports."
WWO Blog: Agencies Want More Reach and Better Attribution from Podcasting. According to the latest blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard, a new study of advertisers and agencies suggests that in order for podcasting to become a $2 billion per year advertising medium, it will have to achieve 44% reach and improved attribution. In the study, agencies and brands say the responses from the 95 executives surveyed centered around improved measurement and attribution. Besides that, "Some indicate content will need to step up: 'Larger scale content…a big breakthrough in the content space.' Others note podcast discovery and search needs improvement. A number feel big marketers coming into the podcast space will be a major accelerator. Several point to the major opportunity to monetize 'the longer tail shows which are being relatively ignored.'"
TALKERS News Notes. Former Illinois U.S. Representative Joe Walsh has ended his race for the Republican nomination for president. Walsh was hosting the evening program for Salem Radio Network and a local afternoon show at Salem's WIND-AM "AM 560 The Answer" prior to his late-August announcement he'd challenge Donald Trump for the nomination. As Chicago media writer Robert Feder notes in his column, Walsh has no plans to attempt to return to the talk radio business. He told the Daily Herald, "I don't like President Trump, so I have no home on conservative talk radio." Steve Cortes took over the WIND-AM show and WIND-AM morning drive co-host Dan Proft is hosting the syndicated evening show…..Legendary actor Robert Conrad – who hosted a talk radio show on the Southern California-based CRN Digital Talk Radio network in his later years – died on Sunday (2/8) at the age of 84. His radio program was called "The Lounge with Robert Conrad." Of course, he starred on such television hits as "The Wild, Wild West" and "Baa Baa Black Sheep."
Post Impeachment, Steve Bannon Transitions Radio Show. With the impeachment trial of President Trump behind the nation, Stephen K. Bannon transitions his "War Room: Impeachment" radio program into the new two-hour daily radio show "War Room: 2020" and "War Room: Pandemic" on The John Fredericks Radio Network. Joining Bannon on the programs are former Trump for President campaign communications director Jason Miller and Brexit comms chief Raheem Kassam.
PPM Analysis: AC Part 2. In this second look at the adult contemporary Holiday 2019 PPM survey results, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his analysis of data from the past six Holiday PPM surveys from Nielsen Audio. See the story here.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. The NAB announces that top 40 radio legend John Records Landecker will be inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcasting Hall of Fame at the 2020 NAB Show during the April 20 Achievement in Broadcasting Dinner at the Encore in Las Vegas. NAB EVP of industry affairs Steve Newberry says, "John Records Landecker has had a profound impact on radio and has inspired generations of new talent. His induction into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame symbolizes the personal connection between DJs and their audiences and how innovative personalities can influence radio programming."…..At the Buffalo operations of Townsquare Media, Chris Crowley adds operations manager for the cluster to his duties. Crowley will continue to serve as brand manager for country WYRK and adult contemporary WMSX. Simultaneously, urban AC WBLK afternoon personality Yasmin Young is promoted to brand manager for the station…..Pacific Media Group announces David Baronfield is the new market manager for its Oahu station group, beginning February 18. The Oahu cluster includes CHR KDDB "102.7 Da Bomb," rhythmic AC KUMU, alternative KPOI "ALT 105.9,"and Hawaiian KQMQ "Da Pa'ina." He was most recently director of sales and Hagadone Media Group Hawaii. Pacific Media Group president and CEO Chuck Bergson says, "After an extensive nationwide search, David was the perfect person to step in as the leader of the Honolulu stations. He is a proven and accomplished leader who has extensive experience in the radio business, has excelled in medium and large markets across the country serving in all aspects – programming, engineering, promotions, and sales. David has been successful in the Hawaii business community, developed key relationships, and has an understanding of what makes Hawaii such a special and unique place to live and do business. In the end, what made David different from the rest is his understanding of what makes radio 'magic,' and that is when it is live, local, and community-based."
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.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
iHeartMedia Third Quarter Revenue Rises 3%. Revenue for iHeartMedia, Inc. – whose shares became listed on the NASDAQ on July 18 of this year – was $948.3 million, an increase of 3% compared to the same period in 2018. Digital revenue increased 33.4%. Looking at the first three quarters of 2019, revenue was $2.66 billion – an increase of 2.8% over the same period in 2018. The company says, "Our traditional radio business, which is comprised of our Broadcast and Networks revenue streams, is stable and growing. Broadcast revenue declined by 0.6% on a reported basis and increased 0.4% excluding the impact of political revenue, while Networks grew 9.2% year-over-year driven primarily by growth in our Total Traffic & Weather network. Networks also grew sequentially by almost 300 basis points over the second quarter. Our growth was also driven by our Digital revenue stream, which grew 33.4%. Digital revenue growth was primarily driven by growth in podcasting, as well as other digital revenue. Audio & Media Services declined 14.3% on a reported basis and increased by 0.2% excluding the impact of political revenue. Political revenue primarily impacts our Broadcast and Audio & Media Services revenue, and therefore these revenue streams tend to show greater variance in non-political years. Sponsorships increased by 4.4% year-over-year. Importantly, all of our revenue streams grew year-over-year excluding the impact of political revenue, demonstrating the continued momentum in our business."
Beasley Broadcast Group Reports Q3 Net Income Up 1.5%. Net income for Beasley Broadcast Group's 2019 third quarter was $66.1 million, an increase of 1.5% over the same period in 2018 and the company says that "reflects increased revenue in the Company's Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston, Charlotte, Fayetteville, and Wilmington market clusters. Net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was comparable to net revenue for the same period in 2018 at the Company's other market clusters." For the first nine months of 2019, net income was $189.5 million, an increase of 4.1% over the same nine-month period in 2018. Station Operating Income increased 12.7% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2019. The company says the year-over-year increase is primarily attributable to higher revenue in the 2019 third quarter and lower station operating expenses related to $1.7 million of non-recurring bad debt expense that was recorded in the comparable 2018 period, partially offset by higher expenses at recently acquired stations. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, "Throughout the third quarter, we continued to advance our revenue diversification initiatives and actively manage our local radio broadcasting and digital platforms, while implementing our operating disciplines at recently acquired stations to drive SOI growth and margin expansion. Record third quarter net revenue of $66.1 million was driven by the strength of our station clusters in four of our top five largest revenue markets, as well as contributions from recent acquisitions and more than offset the approximate $0.9 million of combined political, spectrum and United States Traffic Network traffic revenue recorded in the 2018 third quarter, which did not recur in the 2019 third quarter…Third quarter results also began to reflect financial contributions related to our new and expanding digital development and diversification initiatives. Beasley generated a year-over-year increase in digital revenue of approximately 37%, with digital now accounting for 7.4% of total revenue, compared to 5.4% of total revenue in the prior year period. Going forward, we remain committed to increasing digital share of total revenue as we continue to aggressively roll out our digital transformation strategy across the organization."
Urban One Third Quarter Net Revenue Basically Flat at $111.1 Million. While third quarter net revenue was up just 0.3%, Urban One's broadcast and digital operating income was up 3.2% on $44.8 million, compared to the same period in 2018. Operating income was approximately $32.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to approximately $32.1 million for the same period in 2018. Urban One CEO and president Alfred Liggins III says, "During the third quarter we completed the sale of WDMK to Beasley Broadcasting, as a result of which our cash position improved, and net leverage was reduced. On a same station basis, our third quarter radio revenues were up 4.2%, and I was pleased that we were able to grow the Radio Broadcasting segment Adjusted EBITDA by 6.6%. Same station core radio revenues, excluding political, are currently pacing down low single digits for the fourth quarter. Cable Television advertising was robust in the quarter, up 7.8%. While digital revenues decreased by 6.4%, we were able to post significant Adjusted EBITDA growth in that segment as a result of improved cost control. Overall, we were able to grow Adjusted EBITDA by 5.8% for the quarter, and I believe we are well positioned to achieve our strategic goals for the year, with Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $138-$140 million."
Nielsen Announces Plans to Split into Two Companies. Along with its third quarter financial results, Nielsen Holdings Plc is announcing that it will "separate the Global Media and Global Connect businesses through a spin-off of the Global Connect business." Global Media is the audience measurement division and Global Connect is the consumer data division. CEO David Kenny says, "We are pleased with our third quarter results. Both Media and Connect revenues were ahead of our expectations, reflecting strong execution as well as our focus on driving faster, bolder decisions to enhance value for Nielsen and for our clients. We also announced today the conclusion of our strategic review and our decision to separate Global Media and Global Connect. As we look forward, we remain focused on executing on our growth strategies and positioning both businesses to create value for our shareholders." The strategic review was led by chairman of the board of directors James Attwood, who says, "Nielsen has two strong and global franchises — Global Media and Global Connect. Following an extensive review process, which included an in-depth analysis of our businesses, strategies and market opportunities, the Board concluded that separating into two independent, publicly traded companies is the best path to position each business for long term success and maximize value creation. As independent companies, both Nielsen — the Global Media business — and the new company consisting of Global Connect will enjoy added flexibility and further strengthen their paths toward a new phase of growth, productivity and industry leadership."
Q3 2019 Flat for Saga Communications. Third quarter net revenue for Saga Communications, Inc. was $31.3 million, basically flat compared to 2018's Q3 figure of $31.7 million. Station operating expense increased $171 thousand to $23.6 million and operating income decreased $520 thousand to $4.8 million compared to $5.3 million for the same period in 2018. Net Income decreased $361 thousand to $3.3 million for the quarter. On a same-station basis, third quarter net revenue decreased $1.4 million to $30.3 million. Looking at the first three quarters of 2019, net income was flat with the same period in 2018 at $9.4 million. Net revenue decreased $610 thousand to $91.3 million. On a same-station basis for the nine-month period, net revenue decreased $3.8 million to $88.1 million. Saga reports having $42.3 million in cash on hand as of November 4, 2019. The company's total bank debt was $10 million as of the end of the quarter.
PPM Analysis: Public Radio News/Talk. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio's October PPM survey, today focusing on the public radio news/talk format. More than 60% of public radio news/talk stations were up (weekly 6+ AQH share) compared to the September 2019 survey. Year-over-year, the results were split about 50/50, with half the stations up and half down. Four high-performing public outlets ranked #1 in their respective markets in October. They were: WAMU-FM, Washington; KPBS-FM, San Diego; KOPB-FM, Portland; and KUT-FM, Austin. Perennially top-ranked public outlet KQED, San Francisco ceded the #1 spot to Entercom's all-news KCBS-AM, San Francisco in October. See Mike Kinosian's entire report here.
Sun Broadcast Group to Rep All of Envision Networks' Products in 2020. This agreement between Sun Broadcast Group and Envision Networks is an expanded sales representation agreement that now includes all Envision Networks shows and services. Envision Networks CEO and president Danno Wolkoff says, "We started with Sun Broadcast Group selling all of our Spanish inventory and began adding more general market advertising to their networks as we grew. SBG's ability to maximize our lineups and create networks with such high advertiser demand fueled the development of many new shows and services. It's only fitting that Jay [Bailey], Julio [Aponte] and the Sun team now represent all of Envision Networks' advertising sales in 2020 … we're thrilled to be working together."
TALKERS News Notes. Greenville, South Carolina news/talk WYRD-FM "106.3 WORD" adds a translator to its broadcast. Now carrying the station's signal is W270AM, Anderson, South Carolina at 101.5 FM. Anderson is about 25 miles southwest of Greenville. Entercom Greenville-Spartanburg SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi says, "We're happy to meet the demand from listeners and advertisers to expand 106.3 WORD's over-the-air signal to Anderson County using 101.5 FM. Anderson is a fast-growing market that we are looking forward to serving with 106.3 WORD's programming on all of our platforms."…..Kentucky sports talk host Matt Jones will be off his WLAP-AM, Lexington-based program after U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission. Jones has announced he's exploring the possibility of running as a Democrat for McConnell's senate seat. The iHeartMedia station asked Jones to step away from the program after the complaint was issued. Jones was relieved of his duties at WLEX-TV, Lexington in July after he made his political ambitions known…..Cumulus Media's Westwood One is presenting a news special titled, "30 Years After the Fall: The Legacy of the Berlin Wall," that explores the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Correspondent Chas Henry hosts the program as he reports from the site where the Berlin Wall once stood. He talks to scholars about why the wall was constructed and with residents who watched it come down. The half-hour program airs Thanksgiving weekend. Stations interested can contact Jim Jones at email@example.com or 202-840-7933 for more information.
Impeachment Process, Ukraine Affair, 2020 Presidential Race, Tuesday's Election Results, Mormon Family Massacre, China-Hong Kong Tensions, New HIV Strain, and OK Boomer Meme Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/6). The impeachment process against President Trump; the testimony about President Trump's alleged quid pro quo offer to Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; Democratic victories in Virginia and Kentucky in Tuesday's elections; the massacre of nine members of a Mormon family by drug cartel members in Mexico; the ongoing tensions between Hong Kong and China; the discovery of a new strain of HIV; and the controversy over the "Ok Boomer" meme 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 the Fresno market, iHeartMedia names Angel "Visa" Jarquin program director for hip hop KBOS "B95." He comes to "B95" from his most recent position with the company's CHR KDON, Monterey where he was afternoon drive personality and assistant program director. iHeartMedia SVP of programming for Central California and Nevada Tony Matteo says, "Angel's incredible track record of success and his experience in the format make him an ideal fit to spearhead this market's leading brand in Fresno. We're excited to bring his energy to the 'B95' team."…..JVC Media announces the addition of Long Island radio personality Bill "The Wiseman" Wise as morning host at WPTY-HD2/W251BY, Patchogue, New York "Oldies 98.1" JVC New York general manager Bruce Shepard says, "The Wiseman is a great addition to our staff. He will not only be on the airwaves of 'Oldies 98.1,' he will also work with the team to develop new and exciting live events and concerts for 'Oldies 98.1.' I am thrilled to have him on board."…..Country outlet WYCD, Detroit hosted last night's "Stars and Strings Presented by RAM Trucks Built to Serve" event that raised more than $25,000 for Folds of Honor, the organization that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America's fallen and disabled service members. Entercom has now raised more than $275,000 to support the cause. The RADIO.COM event featured performances by Keith Urban, Maren Morris, Lady Antebellum, Kelsea Ballerini, Jon Pardi, Brett Young, and Ryan Hurd…..iHeartMedia's rock WJRR, Cocoa Beach, Florida announces the all-star lineup for its "Earthday Birthday Number 27" music festival taking place on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds and Orlando Amphitheater. Performing will be: Shinedown, Halestorm, Theory Of A Deadman, Beartooth, Fozzy, Dirty Honey, New Years Day, Crobot, and Dinosaur Pile-Up, with more to be announced…..Cox Media Group classic hits WSRV, Atlanta "97.1 The River" will celebrate its 14th birthday with "The River's Rockin' Birthday Bash Presents: Journey with Pretenders" on Thursday, August 13 at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood in Atlanta. Station director of branding and programming Chris Eagan says, "We can't wait to celebrate The River's 14th birthday with our awesome fans. Journey and Pretenders will definitely put on an unbelievable show to help us party on August 13!"
Monday Memo: Happy Birthday, Walkman
By Holland Cooke
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Born in 1979, the little tape deck hits The Big Four-Oh. Walkman was still going strong in 1990, when Julia Roberts sang-along to Prince in that bubble bath scene in "Pretty Woman."
Monday Memo: The Podcast Consumer 2019
Holland Cooke
BLOCK ISLAND, RI – Last week in Las Vegas, the message was unmistakable. While the National Association of Broadcasters' mission remains advocating for FCC-licensees, the clear message to broadcasters at the NAB Show was to augment on-air with on-demand. More, ICYMI in last week's column:
For AM/FM talkers and bloggers, "on-demand" = "podcasting," a topic we discussed with Michael Harrison and Fred Jacobs on my TV show:
Monday, April 1, 2019
Monday Memo: "Here's What's Happening…" In today's Monday Memo, consultant Holland Cooke reminds radio news people that "local information is something radio's non-local, new-tech competitors just can't deliver. And if recent cutbacks have competing stations mailing-it-in yours will be conspicuous by comparison. And if you're relevant and user-friendly to those busy in-car listeners advertisers want to meet, you're gold." Read HC's Monday Memo here.
iHeartMedia Revenue Rises 6% from January to February. Those following iHeartMedia's Chapter 11 reorganization process are aware the company has been filing monthly revenue reports since April of last year – a month after it declared Chapter 11. The most recent report filed with U.S Bankruptcy Court in Houston on March 28 shows revenue of $246.2 million for the month of February, up 6% from January. Most of the figures in the report – revenue, operating income, net income (loss) – have bounced around a lot since April 2018. Although revenue was up in February, that followed a drop in revenue of almost $100 million from December to January. Net income in February was $14.3 million, a turnaround from January's loss of $9.5 million. Operating income was $24.1 million in February, a bounceback from January's $7.6 million figure, the lowest reported number since April of 2018.
PPM Analysis: News/Talk. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio's February 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on news/talk. Half of the news/talk stations on our panel improved (weekly 6+ AQH share) from the January survey to the February survey, led by Entercom's KMBZ-FM, Kansas City (+1.0). Comparing February 2018 to February 2019, about half the stations showed improvement with Emmis' WIBC-FM, Indianapolis leading the pack (+2.2) and Cumulus's WMAL-AM/FM, Washington (+2.0) close behind. Three stations ranked #1 in their markets in February: Cox Media Group's WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta; Townsquare Media's WKXW, Trenton "New Jersey 101.5"; and CMG's WOKV-FM, Jacksonville. See Mike Kinosian's entire report here.
2019 Radio Mercury Awards Deadline Is Now April 19. The deadline for submitting entries for the RAB's 2019 Radio Mercury Awards is being extended to April 19. The "biggest creative awards show for radio and audio" will honor broadcasters' efforts in numerous categories. They include: Radio station produced commercials and campaigns; radio station produced promotional spots; creative use of audio: podcasts, branded content and activations, interactive audio, and more; creative use of sound/music: sonic branding, jingles, songs and music, etc.; integrated campaigns with radio/audio; PSA spots/campaigns; and Spanish-language spots/campaigns. You can listen to last year's winners, learn about the prize money, get more information, and enter by clicking here.
TALKERS News Notes. Washington, DC all-news station WTOP is celebrating 50 years as an all-news radio station and features a nice, historical piece on its website that chronicles the station's evolution. The idea for making the station a news-intensive one came from Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham who'd been listening to suburban AM WAVA present an all-news format and instructed WTOP's managers to focus on news. WTOP was owned by the Post at the time…..A piece published at NJ.com speculates about whether former WFAN, New York morning personality Craig Carton could pop back up at the Entercom-owned sports talk station if Carton avoids jail time at his sentencing on Friday (4/5). Citing a comment by WFAN program director Mark Chernoff in Newsday in which he said the station would welcome a discussion about a chance to return if he avoids prison, writer James Kratch reports Carton's attorneys suggest Carton would be able to pay restitution if he's allowed to work. However, Newsday also reports that the judge is unlikely to be so lenient about such serious fraud crimes. According to a story in the New York Daily News, prosecutors are seeking six to seven years in prison…..As per Chicago media maven Robert Feder's report, Erich Mancow Muller's morning drive show on Cumulus Media's news/talk WLS-AM is starting a bit earlier as the station makes a minor schedule change. Instead of starting at 6:00 am, the Mancow show starts at 5:30, effective today (4/1)…..Sports talk radio host Dan Sileo – who hosts the morning drive show at Entercom's San Diego sports talk station KWFN "97.3 The Fan" – is also hosting a new, two-hour weekend show at the company's WEEI-FM, Boston. Sileo's show – airing from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm – debuted over the weekend. Sileo is a Connecticut native who played college football at Miami and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1987.
Podcasting Is Now Mainstream (or Is It?). According to a new study by Edison Research, podcasting continues to permeate and gain ground within the general public's media usage. Media consultant and TALKERS columnist Holland Cooke sited these latest stats on his RT America "The Big Picture" TV show (3/29) and examined their implications by interviewing TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Jacobs Media president Fred Jacobs. To view the segment in its entirety, please click here.
Central American Aid Cuts, Joe Biden Inappropriateness Allegation, 2020 Democratic Hopefuls, Border Wall/Immigration Issues, Mueller Report Aftermath, AOC FDR Snafu, Trump vs Obamacare, NCAA Tourney, and NBA and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Trump administration plans aid cuts to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras; allegation about inappropriate touching by Joe Biden; the Democrats vying to face President Trump in 2020; the status of the U.S.-Mexico border wall and the flow of migrants to the border; the aftermath of the Trump-Russia investigation report from Robert Mueller; Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez's statement that Republicans engineered the 22nd Amendment to force FDR from office; the Trump administration's effort to repeal Obamacare; the NCAA tournament action; and NBA and MLB action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Radio pro Danita Maldonado is named afternoon personality and web/social media manager for Cumulus Media's country KXKC, Lafayette, Louisiana "NASH FM 99.1." She previously served on air at country KMRK-FM, Odessa, Texas and country KFTX, Corpus Christi, Texas as well as with production companies and ad agencies in New York City…..Swick Broadcasting adds the "O'Reilly In The Morning" program with Phil O'Reilly to WLKI-FM, Angola, Indiana. This is a move of flagships for O'Reilly who most recently broadcast his syndicated show from Midwest Communications' WNWN-FM, Battle Creek, Michigan. O'Reilly says, "I am very excited to be part of the teams at Swick Broadcasting and Local Radio Networks. My family and I reside just up the road in Battle Creek, Michigan and we are very happy to stay right here and continue to have fun on the radio!"…..Programming pro Brian Stephenson is named operations manager for Townsquare Media's six-station Yakima, Washington cluster that includes rock KATS-FM, CHR KFFM-FM, and country KDBL-FM…..Resonate Hawaii LLC is buying adult hits KBGX-FM, Keaau and country KKOA, Volcano from Mahalo Multimedia LLC for $550,000. Susan Patrick and Jason James of Patrick Communications were the exclusive brokers for this transaction…..Westwood One's new urban AC morning stars Rick Party (left) and Sasha the Diva (center), attended the NAACP Image Awards this weekend. Below, they pose for a pic with "The Daily Show" host Trevor Noah (right).
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Forever Broadcasting Buys Delmarva's Radio Assets for $18.5 Million. The acquisition of Delmarva Broadcasting's 10 radio stations in the Mid-Atlantic by Forever Broadcasting will, when consummated, mean the end of Delmarva's radio business. Delmarva is a subsidiary of Steinman Communications and that company continues in the media business as publisher of LPN/Lancaster Online. Forever Media will be getting news/talk WDEL-AM/FM, hot AC WSTW-FM and Gospel WFAI-AM in the Wilmington, Delaware market; country WXCY, Havre de Grace, Maryland; classic hits WAVD-FM, Ocean Pines, Maryland; classic hits WNCL, hot AC WAFL-FM, and sports talk WYUS-AM in Milford, Delaware; and news/talk WXDE-FM, Lewes, Delaware. Forever Media owns radio stations in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
Talk Host Doc Thompson Killed in Jogging Accident. Talk radio host Doc Thompson, a.k.a., Michael Thompson, was killed on Tuesday (2/5) while jogging near railroad tracks in Haltom City, Texas. The 50-year-old radio personality was hit by an Amtrak train. Thompson was hosting his own digital "Daily MoJo 5.0" program. Previously, he'd worked for Glenn Beck's TheBlaze Radio Network as well as iHeartMedia's WRVA, Richmond. Thompson leaves behind his wife, Yuna, and three young children. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist his family here.
Spotify to Acquire Gimlet Media and Anchor. As reported this morning by Variety and numerous other sources, music streaming giant Spotify is acquiring New York-based podcasting platform Gimlet Media for $230 million as it positions itself to become a major player in the podcasting industry. The report indicates that Spotify also is acquiring Anchor FM Inc., a platform that assists in podcast creating, publishing, and monetization. Spotify chief Daniel Ek says his company is in a merger and acquisition mode, seeking to spend up to $500 million on deals this year. He's quoted saying, "These acquisitions will meaningfully accelerate our path to becoming the world's leading audio platform, give users around the world access to the best podcast content, and improve the quality of our listening experience as well as enhance the Spotify brand." At the same time as it announced these deals, Spotify released fourth quarter 2018 and full-year financial data. Although Spotify produced its first-ever quarterly operating profit of $107 million in Q4 of 2018, it expects to return to losses due to its M&A mode. However, Spotify is reporting 96 million premium subscribers globally – an increase of 36% compared to 2017 figures. It also saw its total monthly active users rise to 207 million during Q4, an increase of 29% over the same period in 2017.
TALKERS News Notes. Nationally syndicated talk show host Dana Loesch is delving into possible mysteries surrounding the arrest of former Trump campaign official Roger Stone. Loesch interviewed Stone on her Radio America-syndicated talk show, discussing his indictment and the special counsel's investigation, and he suggests the special counsel's office may have tipped off CNN to his arrest. Hear it here…..As reported by Chicago media maven Robert Feder, sports media personality Barry Rozner is leaving the fill-in and weekend host position he's held with sports talk WSCR "The Score" for the past 10 years. Rozner was co-host of the Sunday morning baseball show "Hit & Run" with Joe Ostrowski. In addition to fill-in work, Rozner continues to serve as a sports columnist for the suburban Daily Herald…..Public radio news/talk KQED, San Francisco names Vinnee Tong managing editor, news. In her new role, Tong will "help deepen KQED's commitment to regional news on broadcast and digital platforms and work to increase representation of underrepresented voices and perspectives in KQED's coverage." Tong has worked at KQED since 2011 in editor and producer roles. Before working in public radio, she was a reporter at the Associated Press…..SAG-AFTRA is launching a new podcast hosted by president Gabrielle Carteris and national executive director David White featuring in-depth interviews, industry insights, and compelling stories affecting the entertainment and media industry. New shows are released every other Tuesday…..The "Motley Fool Money" weekend radio show with host Chris Hill adds new affiliate WLBR-AM, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to its roster of stations…..SiriusXM is presenting a new audio documentary celebrating the Comedy Grammy Award category. The show is timed to air in conjunction with this Sunday's Grammy award show. Comedy producer Dan Pasternack hosts "Obsessive Comedy Disorder: The 60 Year History of the Comedy Grammy Award," that premieres Thursday (2/7) at 5:00 pm ET on SiriusXM Comedy Greats…..The staff of iHeartMedia news/talk WOR, New York celebrated this week's debut of the new evening program "WOR Tonight with Joe Concha & Lis Wiehl" with a lunch at the legendary Patsy's Restaurant in Times Square. Pictured below are (from l-r): WOR program director Tom Cuddy, talk host Mark Simone, Concha, Wiehl, morning hosts Michael Riedel and Len Berman, assistant program director Scott Lakefield, and news director Joe Bartlett.
Report: Radio Digital Revenue Climbing Towards $1 Billion Mark. A report released by the Radio Advertising Bureau and Borrell Associates indicates that local radio stations brought in $804 million in digital ad revenue during 2018 and projections for 2019 are for an increase as high as $949 million. The report – to be released to RAB members today – analyzes online ad revenue from 3,121 radio stations in addition to survey responses from 1,715 local radio buyers and a survey of 132 radio managers. The data indicates that the average radio station earned more than $250,000 in digital revenue in 2018, an increase of 15% over 2017. RAB president and CEO Erica Farber says, "Digital has been integrated into all facets of broadcast radio's offering both in programming and sales, and the results are definitely paying off. As radio continues to provide integrated marketing solutions to its advertisers, we expect to see continued growth. The RAB is focused on providing digital training and continued knowledge-building for our members so they can better serve their clients."
Celebrating Super Bowl LIII. In Boston, Beasley Media Group's sports talk WBZ-FM "98.5 The Sports Hub" serves as the official flagship radio station of New England Patriots football. So, at yesterday's parade in downtown Boston, Beasley staff was on hand giving out "Never Gets Old" signs all along the parade route. Pictured above are (from l-r): Beasley Boston vice president/market manager Mary Menna, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, and WBZ-FM and national spoken word/esports format brand manager Mike Thomas.
State of the Union Address, Trump-Russia Investigation, 2020 Presidential Candidates, Warren 'American Indian' Controversy, Ralph Northam Controversy, North Korea Weapons Report, and Super Bowl LIII Aftermath Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/5). The State of the Union Address; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the potential candidates for president in 2020; Senator Elizabeth Warren's Texas Bar registration card in which she identifies as American Indian; the racist photos in Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's medical school yearbook; the report indicating North Korea is developing nuclear weapons and selling weapons to other nations; and the aftermath of Super Bowl LIII 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 Charley Connolly exits iHeartMedia's Cleveland station group where he programmed country WGAR and adult hits WHLK "106.5 The Lake." Connolly had been with the cluster since 2010…..Condolences to the family and friends of Alpha Media Biloxi-Gulfport production director Chuck Edwards, who died on January 30 at age 49. Alpha notes Edwards started his career at "Surf 107-1" – currently WXYK, Gulfport. He later moved on to rock WCPR where he was part of the morning show that became "The Cruise, Chuck and Rebecca Show" with Kevin Cruise and Rebecca Allen. Edwards also served as the PA announcer of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. Alpha Biloxi-Gulfport operations manager Kenny Vest says, "Chuck was one of the most talented production guys in the industry who could literally do it all. He had such a wide variety of deliveries and was great at writing copy. He also had the ability to turn on that booming voice that could get any crowd excited as he did at the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans games for so many years. Chuck was loved by so many and will be sorely missed by all of us who had the pleasure to know him."
Thursday, August 23, 2018
PPM Analysis: News/Talk. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his final format analysis of station performances based on data from the July 2018 PPM survey from Nielsen Audio. This report addresses news/talk radio. Comparing June's 6+ AQH shares to the July numbers indicates just as many news/talk stations went up as went down – 42% each. But 63% of news/talk stations in PPM markets saw their 6+ weekly AQH share rise, with Alpha Media's KXL, Portland leaping by 2.2 shares, iHeartMedia's WTKS-FM, Orlando rising by 1.9 shares, and Cumulus Media's KSFO up by 1.7 shares. While three news/talk stations ranked #1 in their respective markets in July, another eight ranked in the top five. Number one finishers in July were Cox Media Group's WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta; iHeartMedia's WLW, Cincinnati; and Townsquare Media's WKQX, Trenton "New Jersey 101.5." See the entire report here.
Westwood One Names New 'First Light' Host. Current "First Light" host Evan Haning is stepping back from full-time work with Westwood One but will continue as a part-time news anchor and fill-in for the morning news magazine. With his decision, Westwood One names WWO News correspondent Michael Toscano the new host. He is a former host of the Wall Street Journal Radio afternoon news program "The Daily Wrap." At the same time, Westwood One News also announces that Mike Moss is taking on the role of full-time news anchor. Moss has been part of Westwood One News' operation since joining as a part-time anchor and fill-in guest host earlier this year. He is well-known in the nation's capital from his many years as morning drive anchor at all-news WTOP, Washington.
Cristina Mendonsa Named Co-Host of KFBK, Sacramento Morning Show. Market news pro Cristina Mendonsa joins Dan Mitchinson as co-host of "The KFBK Morning News" on iHeartMedia's KFBK, Sacramento. Mendonsa served with KXTV-TV, Sacramento "ABC 10" for more than 21 years – most recently as a news anchor. KFBK program director Bill White says, "Cristina's a team builder, passionate journalist, and storyteller with deep connections to the communities we serve. A consummate pro, Cristina will further enhance KFBK's news reputation not only on the radio but also on our digital and social media platforms through informative and thought-provoking podcasts and video content." Mendonsa comments, "KFBK is approaching a century of serving Northern California. I'm so honored to become part of this team and legacy. I've missed talking with listeners and viewers and collaborating with a team of passionate professionals. Informing and engaging our community on a daily basis once again will be satisfying and fun!"
Athans Appointed New Radio Media CDO. Cultivating political talk programming will be Tom Athans' (left) primary responsibility as chief development officer of Michigan-based New Radio Media. The company's chief executive officer, Paul Bensman (right), comments, "We are excited to have Tom join our company. Tom brings a wealth of experience in creating exciting new shows from the ground up that will resonate across the country." Athans adds, "After a decade-long detour in the arena of government relations, I'm excited to be returning to my true love of talk and entertainment media and it's a real privilege to join the NRM team. In the early days of progressive talk, we were predicting that digital platforms were not far off in the future; well, the future is here. The NRM team is poised to do some really great things in the media landscape – particularly in political talk media. The political environment in this nation is more toxic and divisive than we've ever seen in modern American history. There hasn't been a greater need or opportunity than right now to launch a new generation of exciting and compelling voices in the nation. Through digital media, those programs will be unconstrained. Anyone with a smartphone or an internet connection will be able to tap into their favorite show at their convenience – live or on-demand." Formerly co-founder and chief executive officer of Washington, D.C.-based Democracy Radio, Athans developed/launched syndicated programs for progressive talk hosts Ed Schultz, Stephanie Miller, and Leslie Marshall. In addition, he was executive vice president for Air America Radio and managing director at Talk USA Media.
Musicoomph Publishes Infographic Highlighting Podcasting Data. The images here are from the infographic published by Musicoomph that reveals some of the most compelling data about the growth of podcasting and the medium's potential as a revenue stream. The graphic's date is culled from multiple 2018 studies of podcasting by Edison Research, Nielsen Audio, and others. It states, "With 550,000 active podcasts and rapidly growing, podcasting is indeed on a meteoric rise. In fact, 64% of the U.S. population is already familiar with what a podcast is. To put that into perspective, only 40% know the name of the vice president!" The graphic above indicates the growth of podcasting revenue over the years as well as its projected growth. The graphic below illustrates where people are listening to podcasts. See the whole infographic here.
TALKERS News Notes. WFAN, New York afternoon star Mike Francesa has recently been speaking to the media about his forthcoming Mike's On app and what it will mean to his brand, but he's a believer in radio he tells The New York Times Magazine in an interview piece with Jay Caspian Kang. Read it here…..Pictured below is WPGG, Atlantic City morning personality Harry Hurley surrounded by "The Bombshells" at Wednesday's eight-hour live broadcast from the 16th annual Atlantic City Airshow, "Thunder Over the Boardwalk." Hurley tells TALKERS magazine that the estimated attendance for the event was between 400,000 to 500,000. Hurley adds, "The Atlantic City Airshow is the largest mid-week Airshow in America. This mega-event generates more than $27 million in direct spend and more than $33 million in overall financial impact."
Manafort Conviction/Cohen Guilty Plea, Trump-Russia Investigation, Mollie Tibbetts Murder, Trump vs ESPN, Urban Meyer Suspension, Hurricane Lane, Asia Argento #MeToo Issue, Western Wildfires/Air Quality, NFL Pre-season and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/22). Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort is convicted on eight counts in fraud trial and former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen pleads guilty to breaking campaign finance laws; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the murder of Iowa college student Mollie Tibbetts and the illegal status of the suspect; President Trump encourages petition to ESPN over new policy of not showing national anthem during game broadcasts; Ohio State coach Urban Meyer is suspended for three games for role in assistant coach's domestic violence case; Hurricane Lane bears down on Hawaii; Harvey Weintstein accuser Asia Argento's reported payoff for having sex with a minor; the wildfires in the U.S. West and the region's poor air quality; NFL pre-season action and the Major League Baseball playoff push 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. At Phoenix country outlet KMLE "Country @ 107.9," Entercom moves afternoon personality Alana Lynn from the afternoon drive program to "The Breakfast Buzz" morning program with co-host Niko Petrou. Lynn maintains her music director role with the station. This change includes current morning personality Nina D moving to the afternoon drive show. Entercom Phoenix SVP and market manager Dave Pugh says, "Alana and Nina D both bring incredible talent and commitment to KMLE. We're looking forward to them continuing to raise the bar for the station and connecting with audiences in their new time slots."…..Detroit-based iHeartMedia personality Joe Carballo is upped to assistant program director and music director for CHR WKQI "Channel 955." He's also heard on iHeartMedia stations WKSC, Chicago "103.5 Kiss FM," WZEE, Madison "Z104," and WSNX, Grand Rapids…..In Tuscaloosa, alternative WQRR brand manager Meg Summers is promoted to operations manager for the Townsquare Media cluster that includes country duo WFFN and WTBC, urban AC WTUG, plus sports talk WTID and Gospel WTSK. She is also adding brand manager responsibilities for WFFN…..Exiting the operations and programming roles at Alpha Media's hot AC WHBC-FM and news/talk WHBC-AM in Canton, Ohio is John Stewart. He'd been with the stations for the past six years.
Monday, July 23, 2018
PPM Analysis: News/Talk. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents this month's final look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio's June 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on news/talk. Comparing 6+ numbers, 51% of news/talk stations saw their weekly AQH share decrease from the May 2018 survey to the June survey. Looking at year-over-year numbers, 51% of stations realized AQH share gains. In the June 2018 survey, 13 news/talk stations ranked in the top five in their markets (6+), with Cox Media Group's WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta; Entercom's KMOX, St. Louis; and iHeartMedia's WLW, Cincinnati ranking #1 in their respective markets. See Kinosian's entire report here.
Nielsen Releases Podcast Insights Study. This "marketers guide to podcasting" from Nielsen Audio explores the purchasing habits of podcasting fans in the fast-moving packaged goods category – groceries, booze, pet goods, personal care items, etc. Based on its Homescan panel with additional data from an online questionnaire of those panelists who identify as fans of podcasting, Nielsen says, "The podcast listener tends to spend more at the grocery store on a weekly basis according to our research. Advertisers who can leverage the podcast audience may find a greater ROI since this group tends to spend more." The study examines the buying habits of avid podcast fans based on podcast genre. For example, the graphic at right shows the top five product categories purchased by fans of news and politics podcasts, as measured by the influence those fans have had on a category's annual sales.
WFAN's Joe Benigno Off the Air Today. Contrary to the report published on Friday (7/20) in TALKERS based on a New York Post piece, midday sports talk personality Joe Benigno will not be on the air today. Benigno – who is accused of sexual harassment in a suit filed against him, WFAN, and other staffers in New York state court in Brooklyn by former WFAN sales exec Laura Lockwood – was on vacation last week when the suit was filed. Initially, the station said Benigno would be back on the air today (7/23) and that it looked forward to defending itself and Benigno. However, after letting clients know that Benigno would remain off the air today, the station is apparently doing its own investigation into Lockwood's claims and deems it wise to keep him off the radio for now. The station has not made public his return date.
NBC Sports Radio Adds Chris Simms and Peter King to 'Pro Football Talk Live.' Two NFL experts are added to the roster of NBC Sports Radio's "Pro Football Talk Live with Mike Florio." The press release from NBC Sports says former NFL quarterback Chris Simms continues as a part-time co-host during the radio/TV simulcast hours on NBC Sports Radio and NBCSN, and that NFL insider Peter King joins the program for a weekly, two-hour simulcast. "Pro Football Talk Live with Mike Florio" launched in January of 2015 and is currently heard in morning drive on more than 150 affiliate stations. It's also heard on SiriusXM.
iHeartMedia's 'FM 96.9 The Game' New Flagship for Orlando Magic. Jumping from Cox Media Group's WDBO-AM, Orlando to iHeartMedia's simulcast of WYGM-AM/W245CL "FM 96.9 The Game" is the NBA's Orlando Magic. The station will serve as the flagship for the franchise's radio play-by-play. Dennis Neumann is handling play-by-play, Richie Adubato takes on the color analyst duties for all home games, while Brandon Kravitz serves as pregame, halftime and postgame host for all games, and will provide sideline reports for all home contests. Additional programming includes the nightly, half-hour "Magic Drive Time" hosted by Dante Marchitelli.
Wither 'Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw?' We know that Shelly Dunn is retiring from radio and the "Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw" program that's been heard in the San Diego market for the past 28 years. But now that rock KFMB-FM owner Tegna has announced that it and the show have failed to come to terms on a new agreement, where the show will land is the big question. For its part, Tegna says, "After extensive negotiations and a generous offer to the DSC team, we were unfortunately unable to reach an agreement to keep the show here at KFMB. We wish the DSC the very best with their future pursuits. We also want to thank and wish Shelly Dunn well on her retirement, which she announced last week. She's had an incredible 30-year career and will be missed. We are looking to the future and remain committed to our listeners in San Diego." Dave Rickards posted a series of tweets showing his removing the show's stuff from the KFMB studios and saying he has a new place to put it, and ending with, "Announcement coming shortly." Some industry watchers believe the show might be destined for Entercom's struggling sports talker KWFN, based on the idea that the DSC show would be a good way to draw listeners to the newly flipped station – that is if Entercom wants a non-sports show in morning drive. Stay tuned.
Chad Benson Show Clears on 'Power Talk 1360' in Modesto-Stockton. The Radio America nationally syndicated Chad Benson show is now airing in the afternoon drive daypart on iHeartMedia's news/talk KFIV "Power Talk 1360" in the Modesto-Stockton, California market. KFIV-AM is added to the recent list of affiliates to begin carrying the show, including KTAR-FM, Phoenix and KSTE-AM, Sacramento.
Trump-Putin Summit, Trump-Russia Investigation, U.S.-E.U. Trade War Threats, Trump-Rouhani Threats, Jeanine Pirro-The View Spat, Trader Joe's Slaying/Standoff, Toronto Shooting, Mama Mia 2 and Equalizer 2 Films, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The aftermath of President Trump's summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin; the investigation into possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russian agents; the Trump tariffs on goods from the European Union and concerns about a new trade war; President Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani exchange threats; FOX News star Jeanine Pirro's boisterous exit from an appearance on ABC's "The View"; the slaying of a Trader Joe's staffer after a standoff with an armed man in Los Angeles; the deadly shooting in a Toronto restaurant; the opening weekend of the Mama Mia 2 and Equalizer 2 films; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
EXCLUSIVE TALKERS AUDIO: Michael Harrison Interviews Former CBS Radio CEO/President Dan Mason About VSiN and the Potential Impact of Legalized Sports Betting on Media. Launched in 2017, VSiN (Vegas Stats & Information Network) is the first media network dedicated to providing news, analysis and proprietary data to the millions of Americans who bet on sports and make gambling a multimillion-dollar industry. Launched by sports media legend Brent Musberger and fueled by award-winning broadcasters and legendary odds makers, VSiN's mission is to inform and entertain these consumers wherever and whenever they want it. A dedicated SiriusXM Satellite Radio channel (204) is among the platforms on which VSiN is available, which also include live video streaming, web (www.VSiN.com), mobile and social. One of the principals in the VSiN organization is former CBS Radio CEO/president Dan Mason who serves as a strategic advisor and investor participating in all aspects of the company's operations. Mason, who served in the top position at CBS Radio for 15 years, is one of the most colorful and accomplished figures in the radio industry today. He is a Radio Hall of Fame inductee who also serves as an advisor to iHeartMedia and chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, in addition to participating as a talent in network sports play-by-play announcing and commentary (women's basketball and horse racing). TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who worked closely with Mason in the late 1980s establishing WZLX, Boston as one of the nation's leading classic rock stations, caught up with him yesterday (7/17) for an exclusive telephone interview. They discuss VSiN and the potential impact of legalized sports betting on the media industry. To listen to the conversation in its entirety, please click
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Taking on the title of director of music programming in Baltimore for Entercom is Tom Cook. The company announces he'll be responsible for programming adult contemporary WLIF "Today's 101.9" and CHR WWMX "Mix 106.5." Cook was most recently Michigan regional operations manager for Townsquare Media. Entercom SVP and market manager Tracy Brandys comments, "We are delighted to welcome Tom to our team. He has an amazing track record of accomplishments at the various stations he has programmed and we look forward to him bringing that enthusiasm and experience to us here in Baltimore."…..On-air pro Dan Day exits his role as evening host at Guaranty Media's classic rock WDGL, Baton Rouge "Eagle 98.1." At the same time, the company announces that Mike Benson– who also serves as an account executive for the cluster, is returning to the air to host the midday program.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Midwest Television to Sell San Diego TV and Radio Stations to Tegna for $325 Million. Obviously, the bulk of that price tag relates to the value of the television stations KFMB-TV and the sub-channel that carries The CW. But, included in the deal between Midwest Television and Tegna are the two radio stations – news/talk KFMB-AM and triple A KFMB-FM. Tegna is the company that operates the television and local digital media outlets that used to be part of the Gannett brand before the company split, with Gannett continuing to operate the newspaper division. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the $325 million acquisition is a cash deal. It cites a Tegna spokeswoman saying Tegna has no plans to make any changes to the operations of the TV or radio stations. Tegna owns 46 television stations in 36 markets. The San Diego radio stations will be its first radio properties.
KRMG-AM/FM, Tulsa Anchor Russell Mills Takes Part in Journalists Trip to Pakistan. The program that brought KRMG-AM/FM, Tulsa anchor and reporter Russell Mills (pictured) to Pakistan is a cooperative effort between the University of Oklahoma's Gaylord School of Journalism, the U.S. State Department and a Pakistani organization called Uks (the Urdu translation of which is "reflection"). In the first chapter of his reports from Pakistan, Mills says the country has come far in recent years. Back in 2002, the only radio and television outlets were run by the state. Now, there are private media entities and Mills says reporters enjoy "a great deal of latitude in what they cover and how they cover it." But, he says they also "face the possibility of censorship, from both the military and civil government." He says the strict blasphemy laws complicate the journalistic process and physical danger is real: 14 journalists were killed in 2014. Read his report here.
Boyd Named to Lead Cumulus Mobile. This is a promotion within Cumulus Media for Don Boyd, who leaves his general sales manager role at the company's Atlanta station group to move to Mobile to lead the cluster as vice president and market manager. Cumulus Mobile includes: news/talk WQXW, urban contemporary WDLT, CHR WABD, hip hop WBLX, and Gospel WGOK-AM. Cumulus Media EVP Bob Walker comments, "Don Boyd is a seasoned media manager and operator with an established track record in leading high-performing teams that grow station brands and drive revenue. He will be a great addition to the team in Mobile as vice president/market manager of our five-station group."
FOX News Radio Renews Deal with CMG for Brian Kilmeade Show. The nationally syndicated Brian Kilmeade radio show picks up some additional broadcast hours on three affiliates and is added to the program schedule on another. The new deal between FOX News Radio and Cox Media Group brings the Kilmeade talk show to KRMG-AM/FM, Tulsa for the first time. It also extends the airing of the show to 9:00 am to 11:00 am on WDBO-FM, Orlando and WOKV-AM/FM, Jacksonville; and from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon on WHIO-AM/FM, Dayton. Kilmeade is one third of the FOX News Channel "Fox & Friends" morning show alongside Steve Doocy and Ainsley Earhardt.
TALKERS News Notes. At news/talk KQTH, Tucson, talk show host James T. Harris exits the station after a six-year run. Harris was a weekend and fill-in host at Scripps' WTMJ, Milwaukee before relocating to Tucson to host the two-hour midday show in October of 2011. In September of 2012, he moved to the 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm afternoon drive daypart. Scripps has not announced its plans for the afternoon show…..NPR reveals its plan for the afternoon "All Things Considered" program with the impending retirement of longtime host Robert Siegel. The public radio content creator is moving national security correspondent Mary Louise Kelly into the co-host role alongside Audie Cornish and Ari Shapiro, effective January 17. Kelly McEvers has been co-hosting both "All Things Considered" and producing "Embedded." She will relinquish the ATC role and continue to focus on "Embedded."…..There's been a change of heart at TV One, though it's hard to tell if Reach Media syndicated radio star Tom Joyner's call for a boycott of TV One forced programmers to reconsider canceling the Roland Martin-hosted news program, "NewsOne Now." Regardless, TV One (a subsidiary of Urban One) now says it will not cancel the program and is "working to restructure 'NewsOne Now' in 2018 under a new format that will better serve its audience and advertisers."…..iHeartMedia begins broadcasting the signal from all-news WBZ-AM, Boston on the HD-2 channel of sister CHR WXKS-FM at 107.9 FM.
ESPN's John Skipper Resigns to Seek Addiction Treatment. The report that ESPN president John Skipper is resigning his position with the sports media giant to seek addiction treatment shocked the media world. After all, Skipper had just signed a new multi-year contract and there were no indications (at least none reported) that something like this was an issue. Executive chairman John Bodenheimer will slide back into the president role for the interim while the company seeks a new president.
GOP Tax Reform Plan, Soaring Dow, Washington Train Disaster, Obama-Hezbollah Drug Trafficking Allegation, Mueller's Trump-Russia Investigation, U.S.-China Relations, North Korea Nuclear Threats, The Last Jedi, and Sunday's NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/18). The politics of the GOP tax reform plan and reports of the public's mood on the matter; the Dow rises 5,000 points in Donald Trump's first year in office; the deadly Amtrak train crash in Washington state; the allegation an Obama Administration policy left the door open to Hezbollah-sponsored U.S. drug trafficking; the status of Robert Mueller's investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the tenuous relations between the U.S. and China over the Trump Administration's national security policy; North Korea's nuclear program and threats against the U.S.; the latest Star Wars film, The Last Jedi; and Sunday's NFL action 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. Windy City radio pro Dave Fogel joins Kim Berk to co-host the AM drive show on Cumulus Media's classic hits WLS-FM. Fogel was most recently co-host of the morning show on crosstown adult hits WJMK, but Entercom quickly flipped the station to hip hop after acquiring it in the CBS RADIO merger. Fogel had been heard on WLS-FM in the past – from 2010 through 2013 in morning drive. With Fogel's arrival, local weather personality Brant Miller leaves the co-host role and will anchor the weather on Cumulus' WLS-FM and news/talk WLS-AM…..After last week's shuffle of rock station frequencies in the Denver Region, iHeartMedia announces the flip to country for KWYW, Denver – now branded as "106.7 The Bull." The station launches 10,000 commercial-free songs in a row and will be an affiliate for Premiere Networks' Bobby Bones morning drive show…..Urban radio pros Donnie Simpson and Tony Perkins are being reunited at Radio One's urban contemporary simulcast WMMJ, Washington/WDCJ, Prince Frederick, Maryland "MAJIC 102.3 and 92.7 FM." Effective January 16, the afternoon show becomes "The Donnie Simpson Show" featuring Simpson and Perkins. The duo worked together on Radio One's hip hop WKYS-FM from 1985 to 1992. For the past 20 years, Perkins has been serving with WTTG-TV "FOX 5 Washington." Radio One DC VP and general manager Jeffrey Wilson comments, "We are honored to deliver 'The Real Sound of the DMV' and that's not better defined than the historic pairing of Donnie Simpson and Tony Perkins. So, for the great people of this region we made it happen. Donnie and Tony are back together for the New Year. And with that new partnership, comes new opportunities to serve our communities with Donnie, Tony, and our friends at 'FOX 5' in the months and years to come." Perkins will remain with "FOX 5," hosting Friday and Saturday mornings, beginning January 19…..Cumulus Media names programming pro Roger McCoy program director and afternoon drive host for country WLXX-FM, Lexington, Kentucky "NASH FM 92.9." McCoy has been with the company's country WESC, Greenville, South Carolina as evening personality…..Rock radio programmer Russ Mottla is the new program director at NRG Media's rock KFMW, Waterloo/Cedar Falls/Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mottla has served as vice president of programming at Envisage Radio Group. He's also held programming positions at such rock outlets as WGIR, Manchester, New Hampshire; WIYY, Baltimore; and WFNX, Boston.
Bob & Sheri Welcome Troops Home. The nationally syndicated Bob & Sheri show helped welcome the troops coming home through the Charlotte airports as part of USO's annual Operation Exodus. Bob & Sheri helped provide "big smiles, words of gratitude and breakfast to 3,900-plus men and women returning from deployment and heading home to family and friends. Many of the troops traveling for Operation Exodus are fresh out of basic training and returning home for their first visit since enlisting. Pictured above are Bob (far left) and Sheri (far right) with service members.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
WW1: Advertiser Interest in Podcasting Rising Dramatically. Syndicator Westwood One releases new data from its Westwood One State of Podcasting 2017 report. The company says that the report "provides an in-depth look at listening behaviors and demographics of the podcast consumer, plus insight into how marketers and agencies view podcast advertising." In looking at advertiser perceptions of podcasting, the report indicates, "The proportion of advertisers and agencies who have discussed podcast advertising for potential media investments has soared from 41% in September of 2015 to 68% in May of 2017." Additionally, "The marketers and agencies who say they will definitely advertise in podcasts in the coming six months has increased threefold (10% to 27%) since September, 2015." WW1 president and Cumulus Media EVP, corporate marketing Suzanne Grimes states, "We knew that advertiser sentiment for podcast advertising was growing, as we have seen a significant increase in advertising spend on the Westwood One podcast network. The Westwood One State of Podcasting 2017 report quantifies the conversation, consideration, and intention among marketers to place their brands in the expansive podcast programming environment. It's great news for all of us in the fast-tracking on-demand space." The report includes data from Edison Research's "Share of Ear" and "Infinite Dial" studies, IPSOS, and Advertiser Perceptions. See more from the study here.
Radio Continues Fundraising Efforts for Harvey Relief. The fundraising efforts for Harvey relief by radio stations and radio companies continue with Beasley Media Group announcing Naples-Fort Myers stations CHR WXKB "B103.9," WRXK "96KRock," and AC WJPT "Sunny 106.3" are partnering with the local chapter of the American Red Cross to collect donations during today's "MUSIC THON. The morning air personalities from all three stations will stay on the air to play special song requests for donations…..Disney/ABC is launching a network-wide telethon and call-to-action today (including sports talk radio network ESPN Radio). Disney Media Networks co-chairman/president Ben Sherwood said, "With this 'Day of Giving' across all our networks and platforms, the men and women of Disney/ABC, ESPN and the A+E Networks are answering the call to stand up and support the communities hit hardest by Hurricane Harvey. In 2012, we rallied to support relief efforts after Hurricane Sandy, helping raise more than $18 million dollars. Now, we stand alongside the residents of Texas and the Gulf states who are battling the floods and devastation of Harvey."…..Mid-West Family Broadcasting's Springfield, Illinois radio stations are partnering with Sinclair Broadcasting's local TV stations to raise funds and supplies for victims of Harvey. Tomorrow (9/1), both broadcasting groups will stage a daylong event at a local Walmart taking donations – with an emphasis on monetary donations – to the Salvation Army. Sinclair is promising to match those donations up to $100,000. Mid-West Family Springfield GM Harvey Wells comments, "While we are a locally owned and locally focused broadcasting company, we have an obligation to use our reach to help in times of national crisis."
Paul Curran Named CMG Orlando Market Manager. Media sales and management pro Paul Curran is promoted to market vice president for Cox Media Group's Orlando cluster that includes news/talk WDBO "News 96.5," sports talk WDBO-AM "ESPN Orlando," classic hits WMMO, urban contemporary WCFB, hip hop WPYO, "Power 95.3," and Spanish "107.3 Solo Exitos," plus television stations WFTV-TV and WRDQ-TV in what CMG calls this "converged market." Curran has been serving as VP and general manager of the two TV stations. He says, "The opportunity to bring together the talented people and dynamic products of CMG Radio and CMG TV under one entity in Central Florida is an exciting one. No other media company can match our combined TV, radio, and digital footprint here, and the possibilities to build on collaboration and improve the experience for our viewers, listeners, and customers are limitless. I can't wait to get started."
WSJS, Winston-Salem Transitioning to Sports Talk. According to a report in the Winston-Salem Journal, Crescent Media Group is going all sports talk on WSJS, Winston-Salem, eliminating the news and non-sports talk. Morning drive personality J.R. Snider and news anchor Ed Skurka are exiting the station after today's broadcast and the sports programming schedule takes effect tomorrow (9/1). Station GM Al Bunch tells the paper the decision was about serving sports fans. "They crave a place to talk about sports and listen to sports being discussed, and we feel that's being underserved in the Triad. We're going to give them what they've been asking for." The station will air ESPN Radio content until 12:00 noon when it carries the Raleigh-based David Glenn program. The afternoon drive show will be the local "One on One With The Schass," with host Kyle Schassburger.
PodcastOne Launches Sports Division. Podcast platform PodcastOne is launching a new lineup of original sports programming under the banner of PodcastOne Sports. PodcastOne executive chairman Norm Pattiz says, "This new network demonstrates PodcastOne's interest in dramatically expanding our already successful portfolio of sports-related programming to build a singular hub for sports fans and brands. I can think of no better way to launch our new network than with coach Jim Harbaugh. Jim represents an established, well-respected voice in sports, and his vision for this show is certain to become a must-listen for sports fans everywhere." PodcastOne Sports debuts September 5 with the launch of "Attack Each Day: The Harbaugh's Podcast," hosted by University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh. Other personalities joining the lineup with original programs will include legendary sports broadcaster Dick Enberg, sports radio and television host Rich Eisen, sports broadcaster Suzy Schuster, football analyst Dave Dameshek with top podcaster Adam Carolla, popular sports personality Lilian Garcia, sports host and comedian Jay Mohr, and top sports writers from around the nation.
NAB Defends AM/FM Radio from NYU Scholar's White Paper. The NAB's response is quick to point out up front that the white paper – Paradigm Shift: Why Radio Must Adapt to the Rise of Digital by New York University's Larry S. Miller, director of the Steinhardt Music Business Program – is backed by digital performance rights organization SoundExchange, which NAB EVP of communications Dennis Wharton says is "bankrolled in part by giant record labels pushing a radio 'performance tax.'" The bulk of Miller's paper is dedicated to analyzing the effect digital availability of music is having on the radio industry and Wharton challenges his arguments. Specifically, Wharton takes aim at Miller's contention that young people are turning away from AM/FM radio as a source of music discovery. Wharton cites Nielsen data that suggests "millennials are listening in greater numbers than ever before, not just to over-the-air programming, but also to local radio on digital platforms…87.9% of Americans aged 12-17 turn to radio each week, and they spend nearly 10 hours a week listening to local radio. Even when they use streaming services to find new songs, younger generations continue tuning in to radio to listen to their favorite music." Interestingly, Miller notes early in his paper that the issue of whether radio actually provides adequate promotion for the sale of records in exchange for free air play – as the NAB has argued for decades defending radio's exemption from the performance fee – is not within the scope of his paper. But then he goes on to mention the matter several more times. You can see Miller's paper here.
TALKERS News Notes. Just a couple of months after a contentious public divorce from Glenn Beck's TheBlaze, popular conservative Internet personality Tomi Lahren joins FOX News Channel as a contributor. The Associated Press reports the story and says that "Lahren will have a 'signature role' on a digital product under development and be a commentator on the network's opinion programming. Her primary home will be on Sean Hannity's show, where she was to debut on Wednesday."…..InsiderNJ.com recently published its 2017 "Insider 100 Media Power List" in which it, as the title suggests, ranks the 100 most powerful media personalities in New Jersey. WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley ranked #17 on this year's list. Hurley's entry on the list states, "You like breaking news from Atlantic City and South Jersey? Then you must be familiar with the well-connected, well-sourced and popular Hurley who breaks most (or at least many) of the dock-front political stories – and has a must-read column with Shore News Today." See the whole list here…..Changes come to the nationally syndicated evening talk radio show "Connections" as host and co-founder Al "Blackjack" Spry leaves the program. This comes as the show is dropped from the schedule at iHeartMedia's talk WTKS-FM, Orlando "Real Radio 104.1." The program continues to air on its other affiliates with hosts Melissa Foxx and Glenda "G-Love" Chauncy…..CFRA, Ottawa's Evan Solomon is going national as Bell Media syndicates his daily talk show across other company news/talk stations, effective September 5. The program will be heard on CFRB-AM, Toronto; CJAD-AM, Montreal; CKFR-AM, Kelona, BC; CFAX-AM, Victoria; CKLW-AM, Windsor, CJBK-AM, London, Ontario, and CKTB-AM, St. Catharines. Solomon comments, "I'm very excited to launch this new, national forum for thought-provoking debate and discussion, highlighting compelling people who are making a difference in Canada. There's nothing more important to a free society than public opinion, and this show will be a platform for Canadians to share their thoughts on the most pressing issues of the day, at home and around the world."
Harvey Devastation/Relief Efforts, Trump Tax Reform Plan, Trump-Russia Investigation, Antifa Violence, FOX News Poll Results, U.S.- North Korea Tensions, Texas Sanctuary Cities Ban Blocked, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-Season Activity Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/30). The devastating flooding in Texas and Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, including analysis of President Trump's handling of the disaster; Trump begins promoting his tax reform plan; the investigation into possible connections between Trump operatives and Russian agents; criticism of violence against conservatives by "antifa" agents; the results of a new FOX News poll showing poor marks for Congress and President Trump; the military tensions between the U.S. and North Korea; a judge's temporary blocking of a Texas law banning sanctuary cities; Major League Baseball action; and NFL pre-season activity 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. Local singer and entertainer – and famed season 7 "The Voice" contestant Chris Jamison – is joining CBS RADIO Pittsburgh as a weekend and holiday personality on hot AC WBZZ "100.7 The Star." Jamison will be heard Sundays from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on holidays. Jamison first got to know the staff at WBZZ back in 2014 when the morning drive "Bubba Show" became his official hometown cheerleaders. He appeared at station events, including its "O Starry Night" concert." WBZZ program director Dave Anderson says, "Chris is a talented, standout entertainer with rich local ties. We're thrilled to have the opportunity to grow with him as he takes this next step as part of the '100.7 Star' team."…..Beasley Media Group announces two new "BOUNCE" ambassadors. Air personalities Cortney Hicks and A.P., a.k.a. The Absolute Princess, join the air staff of hip hop WMGC, Detroit "105.1 The BOUNCE." Hicks will host the 10:00 am to 3:00 pm show on Saturdays and Sundays and A.P. takes to the air at 7:00 pm on both weekend evenings. WMGC program director Al Payne comments, "Our goal is to assemble a team of the finest in Detroit radio, as well as the best hip hop personalities, to navigate our fans through each experience listening to this iconic music. That's why all of our announcers are known as ambassadors. Cortney and A.P. are shining examples of this mission and I look forward to what they have in store."…..As part of International Overdose Awareness Day (8/31), Premiere Networks host Nikki Sixx will dedicate four hours of "Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx" to raising awareness of the U.S. opioid crisis. Sixx, who detailed his near-fatal drug addiction in the best-selling book The Heroin Diaries, will welcome Dr. Oz, Louisville Courier-Journal writer Beth Warren, and Erik Gunn, a former drug addict and dealer who recently shared his story with Warren for a Courier-Journal series on addiction and recovery…..Cumulus Media announces country WNSH, New York's "Boots on the Boardwalk" end-of-summer bash, giving "NASH FM 94.7" listeners a chance to party one last time this summer season! This free event, featuring performances by Scotty McCreery, A Thousand Horses, NASH Next 2016 Winner Todd O'Neill, and Elizabeth Lyons, takes place at Jenkinson's Pavilion in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey tomorrow (9/1) from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm…..In Detroit, classic rocker WCSX and morning host Big Jim are trying to raise at least $10,000 for Holy Cross Children's Services via the Big Jim's House Million Penny Roof Sit, taking place at the 2017 Ford Arts, Beats & Eats festival in Royal Oak this weekend. The station is asking listeners and patrons of the festival to donate their pocket change to change the lives of children in need. Big Jim says, "We are excited to be working with Holy Cross Children's Services to raise money for kids in need. The kids receiving care from Holy Cross deserve to have opportunities to be successful in life, and every penny can help."…..According to a story in the Boston Herald, rock WAAF, Boston "Hill-Man Morning Show" host Greg Hill is considering a run for congress for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas. Hill's spokesman is local attorney Lawrence Army Jr., who tells the paper, "Greg is exploring all of his options, including running for the open congressional seat." Citing Hill's philanthropic efforts via the Greg Hill Foundation, Army adds, "Public service would be a logical next step for Greg. He is considering whether it would be the best way to give back to a community that's given him so much."
Digital Creates a New Ballgame For Boston's WEEI
By Jeff McKay
Special Features Correspondent
BOSTON – While some radio stations and companies are working harder and in some cases struggling to make digital dollars and digital traffic work for them, Boston's WEEI (850AM/93.7FM) has proven digital can work extremely well for them. The Boston and New England region Entercom sports/talk powerhouse weaves its podcasts, along with an unusually strong presence on social media into a mechanism that drives listeners to and from the radio and social media, and advertisers to multiple platforms.
Success for WEEI's digital arm didn't happen overnight. The digital and social media launch came nine years ago as the stock market was tanking and businesses crumbling during the "great recession," and now employs eight full and part-time staffers who also bring strong content to the radio while on-air sports radio hosts enhance their digital domain.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
PPM Analysis: Sports Talk. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents an analysis of the performances of sports talk stations based on data from the February 2017 PPM survey from Nielsen Audio. The period of time between the Super Bowl and the start of the MLB season is traditionally soft for sports talkers. The NHL, NBA and college hoops haven't historically provided the same level of fan attraction to sports talk radio as have football and baseball. This year seems no different. Kinosian notes that "roughly three of every four stations (76%) on this sports panel are down January 2017 – February 2017; only 16% are up; and the remaining 8% of the sample is flat (6+)." However, comparing February of 2016 to February of this year, "just over six of 10 stations from our eligible sports sample are down year-to-year (62%, 6+) while 27% improve; the remaining 11% are steady." See the entire analysis here.
Lyons Joins Cumulus Appleton-Oshkosh. At its five-station cluster in the Appleton-Oshkosh, Wisconsin market, Cumulus Media names Jeff Lyons promotions/marketing director. Lyons comes to Cumulus from iHeartMedia's Modesto, California station group where he held a similar position. Cumulus Appleton-Oshkosh operations manager Guy Dark comments, "Jeff's experience in various markets made him an easy choice to fill our promotions slot. Coming from California, he'll need to invest in some Badgers and Packers winter gear!" In the market, Cumulus operates news/talk WOSH-AM, classic hits WVBO, alternative WWWX "96.9 The Fox," country WPKR "NASH 99.5," and standards WNAM.
TALKERS News Notes. Former alternative KBZT, San Diego morning personality Chris Cantore is launching his podcasting career after being let go from the Entercom station – along with former partner Steven Woods. Via his new company YEW Media, Cantore and co-owner Chris Cote are seeking funding as they continue to produce podcasts. You can read a piece about his plans to grow from a local, San Diego platform to a national one in the San Diego Union Tribune here…..TVWeek is reporting that Fox News Channel made cable news history in the first quarter of 2017. "Delivering its most-watched quarter ever in total day viewers, FNC averaged 1.7 million viewers (up 27%) and 359,000 (up 32%) in the 25-54 demo. In primetime, FNC marked its second highest-rated quarter with 2.8 million total viewers (up 20%) and 576,000 (up 19%) in the 25-54 demo. For the quarter, FNC dominated cable news competition in both primetime and total day combined in total viewers. This quarter, FNC claimed 13 of the top 15 cable news programs in total viewers and eight out of the top 10 in the 25-54 demo. Additionally, all FNC programs were up double-digits in both viewers and demo compared to the same quarter last year. Read more about it here.
Philly Talk Radio Legend Mary Mason's Grandson to Be Arraigned on Charges Related to Theft of Her Estate. Longtime WHAT, Philadelphia talk show host Mary Mason – a legend to the city's urban radio audience – is currently wheelchair-bound and battling dementia. Now, the 86-year-old's grandson, Calvin Steven Turner IV, is being charged with theft relative to the disappearance of her estate. Philly.com reports that authorities are alleging that Turner squandered $843,000 of Mason's savings and investments. David A. Jaskowiak, the lawyer appointed last year to handle Mason's finances, tells Philly.com, "Suffice it to say that had she had the resources she had when she retired without any dissipation by her grandson, she would have more than ample resources to afford her good care for the rest of her life." Jaskowiak was able to recover $62,000 of Mason's money. Read Jenice Armstrong's column here.
GOP to Try Again on Health Care Bill, Trump Campaign-Russia Investigation, O'Reilly's Maxine Waters Comment, Trump Reverses Obama Energy Policies, Gorsuch SCOTUS Nomination, U.S. Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, Congress Nixes Internet Privacy Regs, and NFL League Meetings Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/28). Reports that the GOP will begin working on a new health care bill sooner rather than later; the investigation into connections between Trump campaign personnel and Russian agents; Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly apologizes for criticizing Rep. Maxine Waters' appearance; President Trump announces his directive reversing Obama Administration energy policies; speculation about whether the Democrats will filibuster the Neil Gorsuch SCOTUS nomination; claims that U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria have been causing civilian casualties; Congress votes to eliminate FCC regulations that limit Internet providers' abilities to share users habits and personal information; and this week's NFL league meetings in Phoenix were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Reform Party Forum at Cumulus Media's Stage 17. Pictured here at Cumulus Media's Stage 17 at 2 Penn Plaza in New York City in Monday (3/27) is WABC, New York personality Curtis Sliwa (on stage, far left) hosting the Reform Party Mayoral Candidate Forum. On stage (from l-r) are NYC mayoral hopefuls Sal Albanese, Michael Faulkner, Rocky De La Fuente, Mike Tolkin, Kevin Coenen, and Bo Dietl. WABC program director Craig Schwalb states, "Our Stage 17 space above Madison Square Garden takes these important conversations and makes them must-see events. Curtis got the NYC Mayoral Election heated up like no one else can." Photo: Dan Hirshl
WGN, Chicago Names 2017 'Walk of Fame' Honorees. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Tribune's news/talk WGN, Chicago is announcing this year's honorees who will join its "Walk of Fame." They are: late, legendary WGN sportscasters Lou Boudreau and Vince Lloyd, current overnight personality Nick Digilio, news anchor Judy Pielach, sports producer Jack Rosenberg, crime reporter Larry Schreiner (posthumously), and traffic reporters Leonard Baldy (posthumously), Lincoln Hampton, Mike Mathis and Anne Maxfield. The Walk of Fame honors WGN staffers both past and present with bronze plaques in front of the Tribune Tower on Michigan Avenue. This year's ceremony takes place live on WGN at 10:00 am on May 25.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Dallas adult contemporary KDGE "Star 102.1" announces it is bringing Leigh Ann Adam aboard to host the morning drive program, effective April 3. The morning radio pro most recently was with CBS RADIO's crosstown CHR KVIL, serving for 11 years. About her new gig with iHeartMedia, Adam says, "I love what I do and I'm so excited to wake up with 'Star 102.1' and the DFW community. Having the opportunity to host mornings is amazing and I can't wait to put on my new headphones and get started!" During her career, Adam worked at KBIG, Los Angeles co-hosting mornings with Charlie Tuna…..Wilkes-Barre/Scranton alternative WFUZ tweaks its format – adding more new alternative music and trimming the gold from its library – and re-brands from the old "Fuzz 92.1" to "ALT 92.1." The Times-Shamrock alt rock station first launched in 2010…..Townsquare Media's country KATP, Amarillo, Texas re-brands, dropping its "BLAKE FM" moniker and adopting the "101.9 The Bull" handle. Program director and afternoon personality Braden Smith is adding Premiere's Bobby Bones as the morning show…..WKTU, New York unveils the lineup of its annual ultimate summer dance party concert event, "KTUphoria 2017." The June 3 show at Jones Beach Theater will feature: Backstreet Boys, Fifth Harmony, Nicky Jam, Jason Derulo, Shaggy, Daya, and Craig David.
Podcasting for Professional Broadcasters
By Mike Carruthers
LOS ANGELES — Podcasting is now a real thing. In fact it is now a small industry. Consequently, this may be the perfect time for radio professionals to take a hard look at podcasting. Frankly, it is the one growth industry that can actually utilize the skills every experienced broadcaster has developed in their career. In fact these are the exact skills many podcasters would kill for, such as: the ability to project a personality, to talk to and interview people, to keep things interesting, to tell stories, to use audio creatively and to edit (both in real time and after the fact). These are exactly the things many podcasters struggle with – yet most seasoned radio pros can do them in their sleep.
It is hard to pinpoint exactly why commercial broadcasters have been reluctant to get into podcasting. If you look at the iTunes charts of the Top podcasts (https://www.podcastchart.com/) you see that many of the highly rated ones are produced by NPR or other public radio entities. But only a few are done by commercial radio people.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Salem Radio Network Adds Nightly, Syndicated Joe Walsh Show to Lineup. The change takes place on February 20 when WIND, Chicago-based talk show host (and former Congressman from Illinois) Joe Walsh takes over the 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET show on the Salem Radio Network, bumping the Steve Deace syndicated show from the timeslot. Walsh hosts the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm show on WIND and will continue in that role, adding the syndicated, late night show to his duties. Salem SVP Phil Boyce comments, "We have been watching Joe work locally in Chicago and have seen outstanding development. His audience there continues to grow and we felt he would continue to do well on the national stage. Joe is a courageous and fearless warrior on the conservative side, who encourages his audience to take a strong stand for what is right."
Casey Bartholomew to Program WFSX, Fort Myers-Naples. Longtime New Jersey-based talk radio pro Casey Bartholomew announces he's been named the new program director at Sun Broadcasting's news/talk WFSX, Fort Myers-Naples "92-5 FOX News." He writes in a Facebook post, "This will, for a time, require me to give up being on the air on a daily basis. But, I will still be able to do my fill-in work, and it may provide a chance for me to do a daily show on the station in the future. This is an exciting, new opportunity for me and I hope it all works out the way I'm hoping. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained."
Brad Fanning Co-Hosts Afternoons at KCSP, Kansas City. Kansas City sports talker KCSP "610 Sports" names Brad Fanning co-host of the afternoon program, "The Drive," alongside Carrington Harrison and producer Ben Heisler. Fanning takes over the slot vacated by Danny Parkins who moved to Chicago to co-host middays at WSCR "The Score." Fanning previously worked in the Kansas City market as a sports reporter for KCTV-TV.
Jeff Pantridge Assumes Afternoon Duties at 'ESPN 94.1' in Norfolk. Norfolk sports talk outlet WVSP "ESPN Radio 94.1" names Jeff Pantridge afternoon sports talk personality, taking over the role vacated by Nick Cattles, who moved to Boston for a gig at WBZ-FM "98.5 The Sports Hub." During his career, Pantridge has served with CBS Radio at the former WHFS-FM, Tampa and he produced the WFLA-AM, Tampa show hosted by Todd Schnitt. He'll continue to work with Max Media staffers Matthew Steinberg and A.J. Risser, who'd been co-hosting the afternoon show after Cattles' departure.
Scripps News/Talker WTMJ, Milwaukee Debuts 'Mobile' Podcast Network. Milwaukee news/talk outlet WTMJ is unveiling its new "WTMJ Mobile" – a podcast network that includes popular WTMJ shows on-demand in addition to locally based podcasters from Milwaukee and Wisconsin. The Scripps-owned station says this pilot program also includes exclusive podcasts for the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks. WTMJ and WKTI VP news, talk, and sports programming for radio Tom Langmyer states, "This uniquely Wisconsin platform expands our content offerings, builds strong third party partnerships and takes Scripps' Milwaukee brands to new levels." WTMJ director of programming Eric Brooks adds, "'WTMJ Mobile' helps ensure our continued leadership position in spoken-word content. Our live programming every day is valued content for our listeners. With the podcast network, our audiences have full access to choose the unique, digital-first content they want and when. Our diverse list of offerings will continue to increase the impact of WTMJ throughout the region." In addition to station-created content, WTMJ has partnered with Milwaukee organizations, including NEWaukee, the Milwaukee Brewing Company, Startup Milwaukee and many more to create a uniquely Wisconsin podcast experience. Director of marketing and innovation J. Pat Miller says, "With podcasting, WTMJ has exponentially expanded the amount of content we provide, while championing more local voices to engage our connected, vibrant listeners."
New Sales Roles Filled at CBS Radio in Chicago. With the transition of John Cravens to a consulting role for CBS Radio in Chicago, the company announces that Chad Feldman is assuming the position of director of news and sports sales, in which he'll oversee sales activities of all-news WBBM-AM, sports talk WSCR "The Score," and play-by-play assets for Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears broadcasts. At the same time, the company names Joe Mackay director of music sales for CHR WBBM-FM "B96," triple A WXRT, country WUSN "US99," and classic hits WJMK. Feldman – an 11-year CBS Radio Chicago staffer – was most recently GSM for WSCR. Mackay was serving as national sales manager for CBS Radio's Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh stations. About his new role, Feldman comments, "After a career devoted to sports radio, it's humbling for me to be given the good fortune to lead four of the most iconic Chicago radio brands ever. Coming here from Washington, DC 15 years ago, I would never have imagined I would be given this opportunity. I am grateful and excited about what is to come." The company also names general sales managers for four of its stations. They are: Paul Agase for WBBM-FM, Dan Richman for WXRT, Carla Ross for WJMK, and Sheila Mulcahy for WUSN.
Now Playing on Talkers TV: 'Needless to Say…' Consultant Holland Cooke says, "Your voice is competing for attention with a barrage of noise, thousands of other messages that vie for your listeners' attention every day. To 'break through,' broadcasters and podcasters must 'communicate clearly.'" Check out the Talkers TV video in the upper right-hand of this page in which Cooke offers specific coaching advice.
Comrex to Display New IP Audio Gateway at NAB Show 2017. This new product is called Opal – a portmanteau for Opus Portal – and it's an IP audio gateway that creates a studio internet audio portal. Install it in your studio and then anyone accessing it through a computer or Android device (with a microphone, earpiece, and browser) is able to broadcast from their computer or phone in high fidelity. High quality return audio is also provided to the guest. This product is optimal for audio programs and news departments that regularly use remote guests. It allows them to deliver "studio quality" sound without the need for any special equipment on their end. Comrex notes that "Opal is ideal for users who need to coordinate call-ins with non-technical remote guests – guests can simply click a link and connect instantly. Opal establishes the link using the Opus encoder, for excellent fidelity and low delay. Opal can support two connections at once and provides two independent professional audio I/O ports to the studio. Opal occupies 1/2U of rack space, and two can fit side-by-side in a 19" rack shelf. Connections to Opal can only be made from browsers that support WebRTC (Chrome and Firefox) at this time. Check it out in Las Vegas April 22-27.
TALKERS News Notes. And the winner is… Motel 6! The hospitality chain takes home the gold in the Westwood One Sports Sound Awards – the fourth annual contest to determine the most popular audio commercials aired the Super Bowl broadcast. The winner was Motel 6's ad in which spokesman Tom Bodett tries to incorporate millennial lingo to promote the hotel chain. Bodett says the ad truly was "on fleek." In 2nd place was also Motel 6 with their ad "Disclaimer," which found Bodett trying his best to not mention certain trademarked names that would land the hotel chain in legal trouble. Finally, in 3rd place was Hagerty Insurance's spot in which it pulled on the heartstrings of car lovers everywhere while taking listeners back to the first car they owned…..SiriusXM announces the appointment of political analyst and former Hillary Clinton aide Zerlina Maxwell as director of progressive programming. In this new role, Maxwell is overseeing the editorial direction of the Progress 127 channel. SiriusXM says, "With the addition of the progressive and feminist stalwart, the left-leaning channel has positioned itself with a renewed focus on both activism and resistance to the actions of the new Trump administration." Maxwell served as the Clinton campaign's director of progressive media. She'll report to SiriusXM VP/GM of talk programming Dave Gorab…..Radio station operators currently using satellite AMC-8 (139 degrees West Longitude) have until June 30 to repoint their satellite dishes to migrate to the new AMC-18 at 105 degrees West Longitude. There are five networks that use AMC-8 and are moving their service to AMC-18: Learfield, Orbital Media Networks (OMNi), Premiere Networks, Skyview Networks and Westwood One, in addition to syndicators who lease their satellite time from these five companies…..American Private Radio, distributor of "Our American Stories" to more than 40 U.S. radio markets is offering a Presidents Day special for radio stations that would like to air the program on Monday, February 20. Host and APR CEO Lee Habeeb says the Presidents Day special will be "a beautiful tribute to arguably the most important historical figure in U.S. history, our first President George Washington. We will weave together anecdotes, memoirs and biographical accounts of the public – and personal – life of Washington, including magnificent story-telling authentically narrated by two-time Pulitzer-Prize winning author and biographer David McCullough, who has written extensively about our nation's first President." For information on securing this special presentation, contact Our American Stories at 239-470-9297 or via email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Trump Travel Ban Court Fight, Elizabeth Warren vs. Jeff Sessions, Trump and U.S. Murder Rate, U.S.-Yemen Relations, Kremlin Demands Apology from FOX News, and Status of ObamaCare Repeal Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/7). The court battle over President Donald Trump's order preventing travel from seven predominantly Muslim nations; Senator Elizabeth Warren is silenced for impugning a fellow senator in the debate over Jeff Sessions' AG nomination; controversy over President Trump's statement that the U.S. murder rate is the highest it's been in 47 years; Yemen requiring permission for further strikes against Islamic State targets after its claim that civilians were killed in the recent U.S. raid; the Kremlin's demand for an apology from FOX News after Bill O'Reilly called Vladimir Putin a killer during his Sunday Trump interview; and the administration's and GOP's plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
WFTL's Rich Stevens Visited by an 'Angel.' Pictured above is WFTL, West Palm Beach late morning host Rich Stevens sitting in the studio with "Charlie's Angels" star Cheryl Ladd. The actress and 1970s icon made a rare, in-studio appearance with Stevens. The two talked about her work on the classic TV program, golfing with O.J. Simpson and her being on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson, among other things.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Program director Mike Preston is exiting Entercom's country KKWF, Seattle "100.7 The Wolf" and rhythmic oldies KHTP "HOT 103.7" to pursue his next radio gig. Preston says that, after seven years with the company in Seattle, he's ready to move on. "I'm very proud of what my teams have accomplished, making 'The Wolf' the top country brand in the market and putting our newest brand, 'HOT 103.7,' on the map in a big way. I'm grateful to Jack Hutchison, Dave Richards, Pat Paxton, and Mike Moore for the opportunity to put country 'under my belt' and to pioneer the classic hip hop and R&B format." Entercom Seattle VP of programming Dave Richards will be in charge of the stations as a successor to Preston is sought…..The Adams Radio Group cluster in Salisbury-Ocean City, Maryland has a new vice president and general manager. Paul Burton joins the company from the crosstown iHeartMedia cluster where he was vice president of sales. Adams CEO Ron Stone comments, "It is rare that you get an opportunity to partner with someone that literally can change your life. I have spent the past several months as the interim GM while searching for the right person to lead our organization in Delmarva. Paul is that person. His excitement and commitment to excellence is second to none."…..Afternoon personality and assistant program director Todd Michaels exits Beasley Media Group's country KCYE, Las Vegas "102.7 The Coyote" after two years with the station.
New Documentary About '70s Rock Band Gunhill Road Showcased at Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The early seventies NYC-based album rock band, Gunhill Road – best known for one big hit single 'Back When My Hair Was Short" – got a lot of media attention a couple of years ago with the unexpected release of their reunion album "Every 40 Years." Now a new documentary (also titled "Every 40 Years") chronicling the group's colorful story, spearheaded by the filmmaker son of one of the band's members, had its world premiere Monday evening (2/6) as a special feature of the prestigious Santa Barbara International Film Festival. For 25 years, director Eric Goldrich knew close to nothing about his dad's (Steve Goldrich) band Gunhill Road. A tribute concert to the band's old manager and owner of the famous nightclub The Bitter End incited the band's return to the stage. With the excitement of seeing his father play music with Gunhill Road again, Eric sought to document the performance. They were billed with Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul and Mary) that night, along with many other legendary musicians, but what the future held was unknown. Two years later, Gunhill Road reunited to record a brand new 19-track album, consisting of unrecorded songs that they had written in the '70s and '80s. Eric convinced co-director Benjamin Friedberg to join him on the unique journey of creating a documentary following the return of Gunhill Road. Through Eric and Ben's discovery, they learned how much Gunhill Road meant to its fans, and how close they got to breaking out as successful artists. They were the only band ever managed by The Bitter End's owner, Paul Colby, and Kenny Rogers produced their second album. They opened for some of the greatest acts in history, including George Carlin, Bette Midler, Soupy Sales, Jim Croce, Lily Tomlin, Poco, the Carpenters, and many more. As a band, one could say they failed. They're even called a "One Hit Wonder." Yet, in their 60's, they came back to play together again 40 years after they broke up. A story of courage, doubt, regret, and liberation, the new film documentary "Every 40 Years" is described as being about chasing your dream down one more time. The band played a special concert for its fans at the nearby Santa Barbara club, The Red Piano, following the screening of the film. Eric Goldrich tell TALKERS that plans are in the works to showcase the documentary at other film festivals around the country and eventually find it a home on one of the cable or internet film channels. To view the trailer for the film, please click here.
Gunhill Road stopped by heritage rocker KTYD-FM, Santa Barbara to do an interview on the station's morning show in conjunction with the premiere of their documentary at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Pictured (back row l-r): Gunhill Road members Steve Goldrich and Paul Reich, and KTYD-FM morning co-hosts Lin Aubuchon and David Perry. (Front row): Gunhill Road member Glenn Leopold.
RAIN Summit Nashville 2016
By Holland Cooke
Media Consultant
NASHVILLE — The NAB/RAB Radio Show is underway today in Music City, but several hundred of us arrived a day early for Tuesday's Radio And Internet News event. Some attendees I spoke with came only for the RAIN conference, a full day agenda on state of the art in Internet-delivered audio.
"Embrace the future!"
RAIN publisher Kurt Hanson's State of the Industry presentation summarized Edison Research and other data I've covered here; and he urged that broadcasters show up everywhere listeners now use to consume audio. Use is migrating from "single-purpose AM/FM receivers to multi-purpose connected devices." 1 of every 5 audio minutes are now heard via smartphone.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Talk Radio Reacts to Death of Muhammad Ali. The death of boxing legend Muhammad Ali dominated the talk radio and sports talk radio discussions over the weekend and it will continue into this week. Ali's status as a cultural icon from the 1960s and 1970s made him much more than a former athletic legend. Westwood One News reports it began airing special reports at 12:30 am on Saturday and continue twice an hour through Saturday afternoon. Westwood One News also made CNN correspondent Pablo Sandoval in Louisville available for station one-on-ones. This week correspondent Steve Kastenbaum reports from Louisville for coverage of Ali's funeral and surrounding events. This evening, the Jim Bohannon show is airing the Westwood One-Mutual live broadcast of the second Ali-Sonny Liston fight from 1965 when Ali retained his championship with the "phantom punch" first-round knockout. Pictured at left is ABC News Radio correspondent Ryan Burrow interviewing a mourner at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville.
Hivio 2016 Day Two Coverage: Commercial Radio's Changing Model. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian reports from Los Angeles and day two of the Hivio 2016 conference. Among the media pros who spoke with conference organizer and presenter Mark Ramsey were Panoply Media chief content officer Andy Bowers, Recode senior editor for media Peter Kafka, ESPN general manager Traug Keller, and Lapides Entertainment CEO Howard Lapides. The focus was on podcasting, monetizing the nascent audio format, and podcasting's ultimate effect on AM/FM radio. All of the aforementioned media figures are working at the ground level in the podcasting business and strongly believe in its power as a news and entertainment medium and as a revenue generator. Read Kinosian's complete coverage here.
The Death of Muhammad Ali, the Presidential Race, Tepid Job Growth Report, the Looming 'Brexit' Vote, the Battle Against Islamic State, and the NBA and NHL Finals Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The death of boxing legend Muhammad Ali; the activities of the candidates for president; the recent report indicating the growth of new jobs in the U.S. has slowed; the June 23 vote in which Britons will decide whether to exit the European Union; violence in Iraq as the battle for control of Fallujah continues; and the NBA and NHL Finals were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend.
Odds & Sods. Sports radio play-by-play pro Josh Lewin adds radio broadcast duties for UCLA football and men's basketball beginning with this fall's football season. Lewin is a busy man, already doing play-by-play for the MLB's New York Mets and the NFL's San Diego Chargers. Lewin takes over for longtime Bruins voice Bill Roth. iHeartMedia's KLAC, Los Angeles serves as the flagship station for UCLA's IMG College-licensed broadcasts…..Speaking of IMG and iHeartMedia, the two companies agree to terms for the latter's WRNL, Richmond to serve as flagship for Virginia Tech football and for the school's men's basketball to air on Richmond classic rock signal W241AP "96.1 The Planet."…..A new weekend outdoors program launched over the weekend (6/4). The show, "America Outdoors Radio" with host and producer John Kruse, aired on 21 affiliates in five states. Kruse also hosts "Northwestern Outdoors," which is heard on 56 stations in the Northwest. Talk Media Network is handling satellite distribution.
Think Radio Is Challenged? Try TV
By Holland Cooke
Radio Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — It's tempting to credit "House of Cards" for inventing binge watching. But Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Roku, and YouTube are following – not leading – consumers' on-demand expectation, and their appetite for more than just more-of-the-same.
Radio is late to the party, playing catch-up as podcast TSL swells, and radio dollars leak to digital. Ask any GM about car dealers; and how corporate is barking for more digital revenue.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Cumulus Reports Q4 and 2015 Full-Year Numbers; Net Revenue Dipped 7.5% in 2015. The net revenue numbers for Cumulus Media were not pretty but there was no expectation that they would be. The company's net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $308.8 million – down 6.2% from the same period in 2014. For all of 2015, net revenue was $1.1 billion; that represents a dip of 7.5% compared to all of 2014. Other fourth quarter numbers reveal big drops in the digital sector (- 42.7%) and in political advertising (- 78.3%). However, broadcast advertising was relatively flat (- 0.5). Breaking that down further, local advertising was flat (- 0.6) but national advertising was off 10.5% and network advertising was down 2.8%. New Cumulus CEO Mary Berner was brutally frank about the state of the company she's been leading for five short months. She told investors during yesterday's conference call, "As you can see by the continued underperformance we experienced this quarter versus our peers, we have a lot of work to do to stabilize the business. We are organizing that work around four foundational issues which I believe are responsible for our underperformance, and I will give you some context for the moves we are making to correct Cumulus' trajectory. First, a well-constructed operational plan wasn't or couldn't be executed at Cumulus due to a lack of management tools and information, as well as a misalignment of authority and responsibility across many functions. Second, the company had a corporate culture characterized by a lack of focus, accountability, and collaboration and under-investment in human capital which collectively resulted in significant turnover and economic leakage. Third, revenue was meaningfully impacted by multi-year declines in ratings across the entire platform in part due to a command and control operating strategy that often ignored local market dynamics. And finally, a substantial amount of leverage on the balance sheet has reduced the company's capital flexibility while increasing the pressure to execute in operational turnaround quickly. Our operational turnaround strategies thus are organized around these issues and are as follows; enhanced operational blocking and tackling, institute initiatives to improve the company's culture and drive ratings growth." Thanks to Seeking Alpha for the conference call transcript. Members can read the whole transcript here.
Analysis: The 2016 Infinite Dial. Yes, AM/FM radio is still the dominant audio listening device in-car, but, according to the most recent Infinite Dial study from Edison Research and Triton Digital, listening to podcasts and use of digital devices (especially smartphones) is continuing to rise at a steady rate. Consultant Holland Cooke attended yesterday's webinar on the study and files this story for TALKERS magazine. Among some of the more interesting findings: 93% of persons 12-24 own a smartphone; 21% of those surveyed own no AM-FM device in their home; and 60% own an Internet-connected television. See more here.
The Presidential Race Tops Talkers TenTM for Week of March 7-11. The activities of the candidates for president, the primary elections, and the debates were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 was the Hillary Clinton private email server matter. Coming in at #3 was U.S. immigration policy followed by the European migrant issues 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. View this week's entire chart here.
Garry Meier Enters Podcast World. According to a tip from Chicago media writer Robert Feder, Windy City radio legend Garry Meier is launching a new podcast on his garrymeier.com platform. The first show will stream on Saturday night. Meier is hoping to build a subscriber base, converting the free listeners into paying customers. Initially, he will produce three one-hour shows per week for free. His first guest on the program will be Howard Stern, who Feder notes has called podcasting "for losers." Meier has been off the radio since Tribune cancelled his show on WGN.fm in November of 2014. Read Feder's story here.
Gallagher Anchors SRN's GOP Debate Coverage. Nationally syndicated talk show host Mike Gallagher was in Miami last night (3/10) anchoring Salem Radio Network's coverage of the GOP debate at the University of Miami. The debate was aired on CNN and the audio simulcast was provided by SRN. Gallagher is pictured here speaking with GOP frontrunner Donald Trump after the conclusion of the debate. SRN personality Hugh Hewitt served on the CNN panel that questioned the four remaining GOP candidates.
Odds & Sods. Conservative Review published a short piece about viewers tuning out of last night's GOP debate and leaving the post-debate coverage on both Fox News Channel and CNN for Mark Levin's new LevinTV.com. The story features Twitter messages from people announcing their unhappiness with the Fox and CNN coverage and desire to get analysis from LevinTV…..At the Kevin Adell-owned religious urban-targeted station WFDF, Detroit, Oakland county executive L. Brooks Patterson is being paired up with radio pro Nancy Skinner for a program called "B.S. on 910." The weekly show will air from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. Patterson is a staunch conservative and Skinner is a liberal. Patterson is not being paid for his role on the program…..ABC News is offering a new podcast from staffer Dan Harris, author of the best-selling book 10% Happier. The book recounts Harris' reluctant journey into meditation. The podcast is called "10% Happier with Dan Harris," and will involve Harris interviewing gurus, scientists, teachers, celebrities, athletes and executives about their meditation practices "as he investigates whether enlightenment is real and whether there is anything beyond just 10%."
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Canzano's 'Bald Faced Truth' Show Renewed with KXTG-AM, Portland. Sports talk personality John Canzano inks a contract extension with Alpha Media's Portland sports talk outlet KXTG-AM "750/102.9 The Game." The two parties say the new, multi-year pact will allow Canzano's "The Bald Faced Truth" to continue in the daily 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm time slot. Alpha Media EVP of programming Scott Mahalick comments, "Renewing a seasoned professional varsity multi-media broadcast talent like John Canzano is the perfect centerpiece to The Game's talent roster." Canzano has been with "The Game" since its launch in 2008 and also serves as the lead sports columnist at The Oregonian and a sports commentator at Portland NBC affiliate KGW-TV.
Westwood One's State of American Podcasting. Today, radio consultant Holland Cooke reports for TALKERS on yesterday's webinar presented by Westwood One titled, The State of American Podcasting. The webinar featured Cumulus Media/WW1 chief marketing officer Pierre Bouvard with guests Stuart Last, VP of popular podcast and on-demand platform audioBoom; Jenna Weiss-Berman, director of audio at the pop culture website Buzzfeed; and Brendan McDonald, co-creator and executive producer of the podcast "WTF with Marc Maron." The growth of podcasting is predicted to continue and the average age of podcast P1s is much younger than the average age of radio users (45) and television (57), according to Edison Research data. Read Holland Cooke's takeaways from the webinar here.
Odds & Sods. Nashville-based, Westwood One-syndicated talk show host Phil Valentine was recently honored with another award for his screenplay, Derek Dickens & The Dream. The screenplay is the story of one man's mid-life crisis that turns him into an international pop sensation when he takes on an imaginary persona through which he lives out his lifelong dream. The 50-year-old fabricates a 20-something British band, with himself at the lead, and it takes the world by storm. Valentine just won first place at the Nevada International Film Festival in Las Vegas. Not long ago, he took home top honors at the Colorado Film Festival and placed third in the Atlantic City Cinefest. Valentine comments, "I had no idea this little movie script would be so well received. I'm really delighted to see it's doing so well. Maybe some Hollywood producer is paying attention and will bring this screenplay to the silver screen."…..Nationally syndication morning show "Good Day with Doug Stephan" is offering a holiday "gift" to talk stations by making his program available to non-affiliates on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day and New Year's Eve and Day. Stephan says the program will be live on these morning and stations carrying the show will not be required to sign a contract, just call Bob K. at 774-643-6450…..Nationally syndicated talk host Dr. Daliah Wachs (pictured at right) reports that 2.4 billion people worldwide do not have regular access to safe, public restrooms. She says, "Not only are they exposed to unsanitary conditions but also many women and children are vulnerable to assault when they're trying to use makeshift, unsecured stalls. We're raising awareness by posting pics of us on the toilet and reminding people how blessed we are to have safe sanitation." Donations are being accepted at www.worldtoilet.org.
Syrian Refugees Issue/Immigration Policy, Paris Terror Attacks Aftermath, 2016 Presidential Race, Minneapolis Police Protests, Princeton's Woodrow Wilson Controversy, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/18). The controversial debate over the handling of refugees from Syria in the U.S. and the larger issue of the nation's immigration policy; the ongoing search for those responsible for the Paris terror attacks and debate over how to try to prevent further attacks; the activities of the candidates for president in 2016; the protests in Minneapolis after the shooting death of a black man at the hands of local police; demands by Princeton students that Woodrow Wilson's name and image be disassociated from the school because of his racist policies; and action in the NFL were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Cool Job Opportunity. Greater Media Charlotte is seeking a continuity and traffic assistant. Ideal characteristics for candidates include: Enjoys analytics and puzzles, innately curious, meticulous with details, thrives in a fast-paced environment, works calmly and effectively under pressure, reacts quickly to meet tight deadlines, and diplomatic & determined with solid people skills. Position requires knowledge of computer skill and experience with broadcast inventory management and traffic software including Marketron, V-Creative, and Efficio is a plus. Email your cover letter and resume to director of sales Sandra Szoke at: firstname.lastname@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Radio Talent: Do What Cable Is Doing
By Holland Cooke
Radio Consultant
NEW YORK — I should clarify. I don't mean do what cable news channels are doing — contrived political arguments. That's being done to death there, and has become an unfortunate "Talk Radio" caricature. When there's a-war-on…the-war-on…The War on Christmas – and there's feigned outrage about under-decorated cardboard coffee cups — you know they're running out of things to talk about.
I'm saying do what you see on basic cable channels and so-called "Over The Top" (OTT) TV such as Netflix. And as I listened to Sony Pictures Television chairman Steve Mosko, the little voice in my kept whispering "podcasting."
Mosko calls himself "a studio guy" whose independent shop has 35 shows on 18 different networks, "the largest programming provider to OTT services." He was interviewed by author and veteran journalist Bill Carter (SiriusXM's "The Bill Carter Interview") at NAB Show/New York* this week.
Podcasting Gets an 'Upfront Showcase' with Advertisers
By Jeff McKay
Special Features Correspondent
NEW YORK — Peter Senerchia, Cari Champion, and Farnoosh Torabi. One is a former champion professional wrestler known in the ring as Taz, one is a TV reporter and anchor for ESPN, and the other works in her Brooklyn apartment. However, all three have something in common – they have carved out their own niches and become stars in the world of podcasting… and with their advertisers.
Digital audio has been on a roll over the past 18 months, and this is especially true among younger listeners. A February survey by Edison Research found approximately 46 million people listened to podcasts in February. Meanwhile, ad spending on podcasts is soaring. A recent survey by eMarketer says ad spending for digital audio is expected to reach $2.75 billion, up over 27% from a year ago.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Michael Harrison and Consultant Holland Cooke Discuss 'How Digital Media is Rewiring the Human Nervous System.' In the latest installment of Podcast One's international hit "Up Close and Far Out" posted today (9/15), noted radio and media consultant Holland Cooke joins host Michael Harrison in a discussion of what Harrison describes as the five major tenets of digital media's effect on the way human nervous systems are becoming "rewired" going into the 21st century. According to Harrison, here are the five major tenets of modern-day media theory for commercial practitioners to consider (from five to one in order of importance):
5. The magic of 20th century media is rapidly disappearing. Radio, television, film, print and records do not carry the same level of mystique that they did for most of our lifetimes. It is no longer just enough getting past the gatekeeper and "being there." Everybody is or has direct access to being a media star. This development democratizes production and distribution but significantly raises the bar on what must be achieved to actually attract attention and display panache in an increasingly noisy world.
4. Loss of privacy. It is becoming increasingly impossible to engage in modern life "on the grid" and preserve the level of privacy that many consider vital to maintain dignity and personal freedom. It is becoming increasingly treacherous to be famous or a "celebrity." Media whores beware! It is dangerous out there.
3. Life is becoming one big crazy reality show. Look no further than the media circus known as the 2016 presidential election to see this process at work – punctuated by the adventures of the greatest media exhibitionist of our time, Donald Trump. The once well-defined boundaries between entertainment and real life – fact and fantasy – are becoming increasingly blurred.
2. The rise of the techno-psychic. Modern-day instantaneous communications and data accumulation, punctuated by multi-tasking, social media, and the individual's immediate access to everyone and all publically archived information, is transforming the human race (Homo sapiens) into a technologically induced telepathic species. People literally are walking around with the voices of others inside their heads. We are just a handful of short years away from having chips implanted inside our bodies that will replace the inconvenience of having to lug around what we currently call "smartphones."
1. The coming of the quantum age. Don't expect the digital era to hang around as long as the analogue era has through all of the 20th century and into the 21st. It will be replaced relatively quickly by something truly "far out." Our increased understanding and coming to cultural terms with quantum physics is changing everything! Although the development of the quantum computer (which promises to replace the digital computer) is still in its infancy, progress is being made at a rapid rate. Quantum computing will exponentially increase humanity's influence on the very fabric of time and space themselves. Today's modern technology will seem as quaint as the horse and buggy in a relatively short time. Harrison advises, "Today's media practitioners interested in being prepared for the onrushing future should study everything they can about quantum physics and the impact it will have on computing and communications."
Interestingly, Harrison produced this installment of "Up Close and Far Out" on the road under difficult technological conditions stating, "Our studio back at TALKERS suffered an equipment malfunction and our server was undergoing maintenance. I found myself facing deadline with nothing more than two iPhones and a remote guest (Holland Cooke) who also had nothing more to work with at the moment than an iPhone. Somehow we made it work – although I regret that Holland's usually mellifluous voice sounds a bit like Rudy Vallee singing on his trademark megaphone. Considering the futuristic nature of our rather esoteric conversation, it is ironic that we produced the show under extremely primitive (by modern standards) conditions. All of us who've done radio over the years have had the experience of being forced to play MacGyver. This was one such case. Thank you, Holland Cooke, for being a good sport."
To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here. or click on the "Up Close and Far Out" player located in the right-hand column of every page on Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.
Familiar New York Voice Peter Rosenberg to Join WEPN's Michael Kay Show. New York radio personality Peter Rosenberg is joining the Michael Kay show on ESPN's WEPN. Rosenberg is host of Emmis-owned hip hop HOT 97's morning drive show – a position he will continue. Rosenberg will join Don LaGreca – himself recently inked to a contract renewal – as co-hosts with Kay. On this added gig, he comments, "I'm thrilled and thankful for this opportunity to be a part of the 98.7 family and to be part of a show that I have always loved with two guys that I couldn't respect and admire more. By working for both 98.7 and HOT 97, I'm able to contribute to a wide variety of topics I'm passionate about and provide listeners with a fresh perspective on not just hip hop, but sports, lifestyle, and more." He begins his new duties today (9/15).He begins his new duties today (9/15).
Martinez Joins 'News 96.5 Orlando' for Anchor Position. Trading the cold for sunshine this winter is Heather Jordan Martinez who is leaving iHeartMedia heritage news/talker WHO, Des Moines for Cox Media Group's WDBO-FM, Orlando "News 96.5." Martinez has a diverse resume including time in music radio on-air and in promotions. She is also a voice-over talent. Her new gig starts September 28.
IAB Presents Podcasting 'Upfront.' The recent "Upfront Showcase" held in New York City by the Interactive Advertising Bureau was held in response to the medium's recent and meteoric rise on the mainstream consumer's and advertiser's radar. TALKERS and RadioInfo special features correspondent Jeff McKay reports, "The Interactive Advertising Bureau put together the event to highlight some of the top-flight podcasters, along with some of the companies at the forefront of digital success and their advertiser successes." IAB president/CEO Randall Rothenberg explains, "We're here responding to market demand. Why are we here? The success of 'Serial' and President Obama's interview on 'WTF with Marc Maron' – these shows have opened up eyes to podcasting." Attendee and VP of digital sales for AdLarge, Jay Green states, "You're saying, 'I want to hear what this host has to say,' and that becomes a brand. For advertisers, the spot load is very low. It's not intrusive. And, the ads are integrated into the show, discussed by the host with their own brand and style." Read McKay's entire report from the IAB "Upfront Showcase" here.
ESPN Radio to Finalize New Network Lineup; Jones to PM Drive, Jalen & Jacoby to Assume Early Evening Show. TALKERS magazine sources say the revamped ESPN Radio schedule should be complete within a couple of weeks and, as we've reported in recent weeks, Bomani Jones will move from his 9:00 pm ET start to the afternoon drive slot being filled right now by Jorge Sedano and Sarah Spain. As regular TALKERS readers are aware, the changes at ESPN Radio were spurred by Colin Cowherd's move to Fox Sports. ESPN has already shuffled Dan Le Batard to the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm ET daypart, leaving an opening in afternoon drive. With Jones in the PM drive slot, TALKERS hears ESPN will move podcast duo Jalen & Jacoby – Jalen Rose and Dave Jacoby – to the 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET slot and Jorge Sedano will assume the 9:00 pm to 12:00 ET midnight show. Sedano will reportedly also take on more NBA-related program responsibilities on the TV side.
Salem Media Group to Acquire Radio Disney Signals. Five more Radio Disney AM signals are on their way to a new owner as Salem Media Group agrees to buy 5,000-watt class B KDIZ-AM, Minneapolis for $375,000; 10,000-watt class B KDDZ, Denver for $550,000; 10,000-watt class B KDZR, Portland for $275,000; 20,000-watt class B WSDZ, St. Louis (licensed to Belleville, Illinois) for $275,000; and 9,800-watt class B WWMI, Tampa-St. Petersburg for $750,000.
CORRECTION: Yesterday (9/14), TALKERS magazine incorrectly reported the new time of the "Business Rockstars" show. The correct time is 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. TALKERS regrets the error.
The Trump Campaign, the 2016 Presidential Candidates, European Migrant Tensions/U.S. Immigration Policy, Russia-Syria Military Buildup, Iran Nuclear Deal, North Korean Nuke Threat, California Wildfires and NFL Week One Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/14). The ongoing analysis of the early success of Donald Trump's presidential campaign; the activities of the candidates for president in 2016; the migration issues European nations are dealing with and talk about the immigration policy in the United States; reports of Russia's supplying Syria with weaponry; the controversial nuclear deal between the U.S. and Iran; the threats of nuclear missile use by North Korea; the destruction being caused by the Western wildfires; and the first week of the 2015 NFL season were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Your Phone IS Spying On You, Your FCC Still Loves You, Your Podcast Audience Awaits
By Holland Cooke
Radio Consultant
LAS VEGAS — Here are my notes from a real productive Wednesday at the NAB Show and New Media Expo (NMX). And ICYMI:
- My notes from Sunday's well-attended RAIN Summit West:
- Clever and profitable ideas from the RAB-at-NAB session "Small & Medium Market Idea Exchange:"
- Bouncing-back-and-forth between the NAB Show and NMX, I'm struck by the value of tips and techniques each group can learn from the other. For instance:
Setting Up WordPress and PodPress for a Podcast
By Michael W. Dean
The Freedom Feens
Genesis Communications Network
Talk Show Host
CASPER, Wy. — Podcasting is sometimes considered "the ugly stepchild of radio," because unlike radio, podcasting is open to the unwashed masses. Anyone with an Internet connection can reach the world, for no money and with no licensing.
Podcasting was ignored and vilified by radio industry people for years (it still is by some). But these days, almost all talk radio shows also release a podcast archive of their show, either a pay version or for free.
In addition to releasing podcast archives of terrestrial radio shows, some talk hosts become podcasters after voluntarily leaving radio or after being fired. And some people (like myself) start their shows as a podcast before getting syndicated on radio.
Radio Makes it Real…if, We're Keepin' it Real
By Holland Cooke
Radio Consultant
WASHINGTON, DC — If you're a broadcaster, you probably found this story remarkable. If you're a podcaster, you probably found it relatable:
"By most measures, he was nondescript: a youngish white man in jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt and a Washington Nationals baseball cap. From a small case, he removed a violin. Placing the open case at his feet, he shrewdly threw in a few dollars and pocket change as seed money, swiveled it to face pedestrian traffic, and began to play."
Life on the Frontier
Internet talk media has become the terrestrial radio farm system
By Michael Harrison
NEW YORK –– On page 23 of this issue of TALKERS magazine we are pleased to launch the third annual installment of a relatively new feature titled, "The Frontier Fifty: A Selection of Outstanding Talk Media Webcasters."
It is an alphabetical list of 50 talk "acts" consisting of a wide variety of hosts, teams and shows representing a cross section of the important pioneering work taking place in the burgeoning world of internet talk media. The continuing publication of such an "editorial staff's choice" in this magazine marks another evolutionary milestone as, together, we experience the fascinating transition between the AM/FM/VHF/UHF ("terrestrial") domination of pop culture during the second half of the 20th century and the emerging internet media's ("stickless") reign over the first half of the 21st –– already more than a decade underway. We thank our friends at Broadcasters General Store for their continued sponsorship of this ambitious and optimistic feature. Their faith in it is a sign that there is, in fact, a "new industry" of enormous potential proportions emerging before us all.