Industry News

Urban One Moving WBT, Charlotte to 107.9 FM Frequency

Urban One announces a series of frequency swaps that will put news/talk WBT on the full-market 107.9 FM frequency currently occupied by hot AC WLNK-FM. WBT is heard on 1110 AM and will continue to be heard there. It has been heard on FM in 99.3 FM for decades but that signal is licensed to Chester, Northimg Carolina – southwest of the city of Charlotte. The company says the move will bring “Charlotte’s premier source for news, conversation, and community connection to a powerful 100,000-watt signal.” The company is moving WLNK to the 100.9 and 93.3 frequencies. Charlotte VP and market manager Marsha Landess adds, “We are thrilled to elevate WBT to the FM dial, ensuring that even more listeners can connect with the voices they trust every day. These moves further strengthen our position in the market and reinforce our commitment to serving Charlotte with the best local programming, news, and entertainment.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: A Long History – Do Not Fear AI

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgAndy Economos, the founder of Radio Computing Systems (RCS), was a leader in bringing digital tech into the radio industry. In 1980, he was leaving his position as head of technology for NBC Inc. to start his own company. I was EVP of the NBC FM stations. Andy and I were walking to lunch, crossing Sixth Avenue at 49th street and he asked me, “Is there any software your radio stations could use?”

I said, “Yes, we could use software that programs music.” He was interested. I said, “When you invent that, NBC will buy your first products.”

Andy went forth and invented “Selector,” the first viable, almost easy-to-understand, user-friendly music programming software. Prior to “Selector,” music was programmed in a wide variety of homemade processes such as rotating songs against back timing photo lab clocks (WABC) to RKO’s “Gold Book” mess requiring jocks to use many colored pens to log off played songs. Or the wooden spike technique: Jocks took the 45s off one spike after it was played and stacked it on a different spike – really.

The adoption of “Selector” didn’t go as planned. First, most of the industry was terrified that what little freedom jocks had to select songs would be lost. My favorite cry from jocks, “But when it’s raining, I’ve got to play a song that sings about rain.”

My hope for computerizing the organization of songs was that it would free up programmers to program! The desired end game was that programmers would have more time to talk with their talent, create bigger promotions and upgrade overall production.

What happened, however, was most programmers devoted more time to programming music! Throughout the country programmers pored over the output from “Selector” and manually, hour by hour by hour and edited every song.

When discussing the virtue of precision music selection, WABC midday talent Ron Lundy said, “It don’t mean nothinnnnn.”

AI is just like “Selector.” First, it strikes fear. But it will be used in every radio station very soon. How it will be used and its impact on you will be different than we can imagine. The more a person learns about AI’s capabilities and how to use its fresh options, the more control they will have of it.

Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many other leading media outlets. His company, HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

Jeff Katz Scores Thousands of Views of Drunk Raccoon Interview

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WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz took advantage of the story of the raccoon that got into an Ashland, Virginia liquor store, broke some liquor bottles, drank some of the booze and passed out. He’s pictured above “interviewing” the raccoon on his show. Katz tells TALKERS the store is just 15 miles north of Richmond and it’s all that anyone is talking about, so he decided to create the photo and share it on social media with links to his show.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Edison Research to Present The Top 10 Findings of 2025. Research firm Edison Research says it will present a 30-minute webinar on December 11 at 2:00 pm ET to highlight its Top 10 Findings of 2025. This report is the result of the company examining it Weekly Insights, custom studies, and syndicated services research.

WYPR’s Tom Hall Transitioning to New Post. Baltimore Public Media’s WYPR 88.1 FM announces that midday talk host Tom Hall will step down from the daily host role in early 2026 and transition into a new role as WYPR’s senior news analyst. In January, he’ll move to a three-day hosting schedule while WYPR conducts a search for the show’s next full-time host. When the new host is chosen, Hall will shift fully into his new role, contributing interviews, features, and essays and spearheading special projects.

105.3 The Fan Raises Funds for Charity. Audacy’s KRLD-FM, Dallas “105.3 The Fan” raised $77,000 during its 12th annual Piece-a-Thon Fundraiser benefiting two local organizations, My Possibilities and Sandlot Children’s Charity. Station midday hosts Kevin Hageland and Cory Mageors from “K&C Masterpiece” broadcast live from RJ Duke’s Sports and were joined by special guests throughout the day.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (December 1-5, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (12/1-5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

                Stories

  1. Drug Boats Strike Controversy
  2. Hegseth Under Fire
  3. ICE Raids / Trump’s Somalis Comment
  4. The Economy / Crypto Sell-Off /Trump Approval Numbers
  5. Russia-Ukraine Peace Process
  6. Trump Health Questions
  7. Tennessee House Special Election
  8. House Subpoenas Jack Smith
  9. S. Attorneys Disqualified
  10. The Epstein Files / NY Times Sues Pentagon

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Pete Hegseth
  3. Mitch Bradley
  4. Steve Witkoff
  5. Vladimir Putin
  6. Scott Bessent
  7. Matt Van Epps / Aftyn Behn
  8. Jim Jordan / Jack Smith
  9. Lindsey Halligan / Alina Habba
  10. Jeffrey Epstein

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Bold Gold Relaunches Catskills News/Talk Outlet

Bold Gold Media Group relaunches of two dark Delaware County, New York radio stations previously owned by Townsquare Media – news/talk WDLA-AM and country WDLA-FM – both licensed to Walton,img New York. Bold Gold says WDLA-AM will “broadcast Catskills News Talk, the Voice of Sullivan and the Catskills, a news and talk format featuring ‘Ciliberto & Friends’ with radio legend Paul Ciliberto.” Bold Gold Media NY region general manager Dawn Ciorciari states, “There is something truly special about turning the lights back on for a local radio station. We are beyond excited to bring local radio back to life for the people of Walton and Delaware County; to once again give this community a local voice, a source of connection, and radio stations they can call their own.”

Industry News

Savannah Bananas’ Toll to Host Westwood One Morning Sports Show

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One names Drake C. Toll – play-by-play broadcaster with baseball’s Savannah Bananas – the morning host on its 24/7 sports talk lineup. Toll says, “Westwood One is the goldimg standard in audio, and it’s an honor to join a brand creatively steeped in sports storytelling. Not unlike the Savannah Bananas, I’m prepared to push the limits of sports talk. I’ll deliver for Jimmy in Tucson, Arizona just as much as Joe in Marshall, Texas. And for every groundbreaking Los Angeles Lakers trade, there’s a Boston College linebacker who survived cancer. You’ll hear the same fire and heart for each. We’re going to create something special; I promise you that.” Cumulus SVP sports/content & audience Bruce Gilbert comments, “Drake represents exactly what we’re building – a modern, interactive sports experience that is driven by personalities and fueled by fans – programming that breaks away from the predictable and formulaic. Drake’s ability to entertain, connect, and innovate makes him the ideal voice for mornings on Westwood One.”

Industry News

Brenberg to Co-Host FBN’s “The Bottom Line”

FOX Business Network adds new hosting duties for Brian Brenberg, who is joining Dagen McDowell asimg co-host of “The Bottom Line,” beginning Monday (12/8). Brenberg will continue his role with the network co-hosting “The Big Money Show” alongside McDowell, Jackie DeAngelis and Taylor Riggs. Brenberg says, “It’s been great to work with Dagen on ‘The Big Money Show’ and I am excited to join her on ‘The Bottom Line’ where we can continue our conversations surrounding the biggest market movers and business drivers that are impacting Main Street, Wall Street, and everyday Americans.”

Industry News

Edison Research Releases TikTok Study

For a while it was easy to dismiss TikTok as an app to share silly videos, but the social media platform hasimg grown exponentially in the U.S., so much so that Edison Research just unveiled the results of a new research effort called The Infinite Scroll: A TikTok Report in a recent webinar. Edison says the webinar offered insights into how often U.S. users engage with TikTok, their perceptions of the platform, ad recall on TikTok, if they spend too much time on the platform, and more. See more about the study here.

Industry News

95.5 WSB Launches 35th Clark’s Christmas Kids

Cox Media Group’s news/talk 95.5 WSB (WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta) announces the 35th annual “Clark’simg Christmas Kids,” a Georgia holiday tradition dedicated to fulfilling the Christmas wishes of children in foster care. Clark Howard says, “I am so excited for our 35th year of Clark’s Christmas Kids. I could have never imagined that our generous WSB listeners would take care of over 300,000 children in foster care donating $50 million plus in toys and cash since 1991.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (12/3)

The most discussed stories yesterday (12/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Drug Boats Strike Controversy
  2. Hegseth Under Fire
  3. ICE Raids
  4. Russia-Ukraine Peace Process
  5. The Epstein Files
Industry News

Report: Craig Carton Returning to WFAN Afternoons

According to a report in The Athletic by Andrew Marchand, former WFAN, New York personality Craigimg Carton is finalizing a deal to return to the station in afternoon drive. This comes several months after Carton exited FS1 where he hosted a couple of different versions of a morning show that, from a ratings standpoint, never took off the way FS1 execs had hoped. Carton’s return will reportedly bump current afternoon team Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber to middays which would force the station to cut ties with current midday hosts Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata. As for Carton’s co-host, Marchand is reporting that overnight host Chris McMonigle is the leading candidate for that role.

Industry News

Nankival to Lead Saga in Harrisonburg

Saga Communications names Tom Nankival general manager for its Harrisonburg, Virginia operations that includes news/talk WSVA-AM/W221CF, sports talk WHBG-AM, several music stations and digital newsimg publication RockTownNow.com. Saga COO Wayne Leland states, “Tom understands what makes local media matter. His role at Harrisonburg Media Group positions us to grow our brands and expand the value we deliver to our listeners, readers, and advertisers. We’re excited to have him leading the team.” Nankival comments, “I am thrilled to rejoin Saga as VP and general manager of the Harrisonburg Media Group, which is a shining star in our company. My job is to keep it performing at a high level and serving the Shen Valley community with unwavering commitment and dedication.”

Industry Views

An Artist’s Perspective on Rush Limbaugh

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By Doug Henry
Artist
Turnwright Gallery
Hanover, New Hampshire

imgMy introduction to Rush Limbaugh begins in the fall of 1992. I began listening to Rush’s radio show after seeing him campaigning on stage with George H.W. Bush during the 1992 fall presidential election. Bill Clinton would win the election and so would begin the greatest, media political rivalry ever between Rush Limbaugh and Bill Clinton. Rush’s middle America authentic voice was cutting through the mainstream media noise of the day from a generationally unique perspective. He was the perfect counterculture combatant to Bill Clinton’s political philosophy. Being a baby boomer myself and two years younger than Rush, I was immediately hooked on the EIB radio network!

As a professional illustrator, my career in 1996 was about to cross paths with Rush Limbaugh at my mailbox. A neighbor had just received his monthly Limbaugh Letter, and this would be my first opportunity to actually see and thumb through the newsletter. Noticing the magazine used illustration, I jotted down the address and fired off a promotional package of my art to the art director. Within a week, I received a call from the art director, and I got my very first illustration assignment for the Limbaugh Letter. Throughout 1997, I would receive many more illustration assignments. My very first cover painting for the newsletter, the May issue, “If I Were a Liberal,” would impress and really captivate Rush. So much so that he took to the airwaves not once but twice declaring: “You’re going to want to get this cover blown up and framed, I predict.” And “It’s just fabulous, you’re going to want to subscribe to the newsletter just to see this cover.”

What a thrill for me! Over the course of the next seven years, I would create 70 cover paintings of Rush, often having him doing hilarious things to his Democrat party nemesis. The February 1998 issue would have Rush crashing through a spotted owl’s forest habitat in an SUV. This cover would earn me the title, “Official Limbaugh Letter Cover Illustrator.” Another favorite was the March 1998 issue with Rush, scissors in hand cutting down a spider web holding up a spider with a head that looked eerily like Bill Clinton. This cover prompted Rush to send a complimentary email to the art director saying “A totally awesome cover… one of the best in our history…well done!!!” All in caps I might add! Every month that followed would be one fun assignment after the other. It was beyond cool working on the next Limbaugh Letter cover while listening to Rush on the radio. In 2001, I got to accompany the Limbaugh Letter art director to a Manhattan photo shoot where I finally got to meet the man himself. What a memory! Finally, working for Rush, “America’s Real Anchorman,” was both an honor and a privilege. What a fun ride it was… to have contributed in a very small way, my part… in the “Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy.” Isaac Newton wrote, “If I see farther, it’s because I’m standing on the shoulders of giants.” We stand on your shoulders, Rush, and America thanks you. Mega Dittos Rush Limbaugh, Mega Dittos!

Turnwright Gallery is an online platform that features the art of Doug Henry and his catalog of Limbaugh Letter cover paintings. The art collection is comprised of 70 hand-painted newsletter illustrations of America’s legendary, king of talk radio, Rush Limbaugh. The paintings were created between the years 1997 and 2004.  For more information please click here https://www.turnwrightgallery.com/turnwright-gallery

Industry News

FOX News Media Promotes Hasnie to Anchor and White House Correspondent

FOX News Media promotes Aishah Hasnie to anchor and White House correspondent. FOX News Mediaimg president and executive editor Jay Wallace adds that Hasnie will anchor her own solo signature program on Saturday afternoons from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm ET, effective January 10. Wallace says, “Aishah’s knowledge of Washington makes her a perfect addition to our stellar White House team of correspondents, and we are confident she will excel in the anchor chair as well.” Hasnie joined FOX News Channel in 2019.

Industry News

FSR’s Rob Parker Finalist for Sportswriter HoF

FOX Sports Radio’s Rob Parker – co-host of “The Odd Couple with Rob Parker & Kelvin Washington,”img MLB Network analyst, and founder/editor of MLBbro.com – is a finalist for the 2026 National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame Sportswriter (Living category). Winners will be notified the first week of January, and the awards will be presented during the NSMA’s 66th Awards Weekend & National Convention, June 28-29, at Grandover Resort & Spa in Greensboro, North Carolina. Parker says, “It’s an absolute honor to be considered with so many journalism heavyweights.”

Industry News

Todd Starnes Feeds 1,000 Federal Agents

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Pictured above is nationally syndicated talk radio host and owner of news/talk KWAM, Memphis Todd Starnes (left) with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi (right) in Memphis where some 1,000 federal agents gathered as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force. Starnes tells TALKERS that he received a call from the White House asking if he would be interested in providing a meal to the agents. He agreed and provided a home-cooked meal to the 1,000-plus agents along with Bondi, HUD Secretary Scott Turner, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator Bill Hagerty.

Industry News

New York Thanksgiving Parade of Legends

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Legendary New York Mets first baseman (1986 World Series champs) and current member of its TV broadcasting team, Keith Hernandez (right) is pictured co-hosting a Thanksgiving morning special on WFAN, New York with his buddy Richard Neer (left). Neer has been a WFAN mainstay for decades and is occasionally heard on the storied station for special events such as this one. The broadcast emanated from Neer’s home studio on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina where he and longtime friend Hernandez are neighbors.

Industry News

Mayflower Marathon Raises Record Food & Cash for Charity

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Pictured above is WAQY, Springfield, Massachusetts Rock 102 morning host Mike “Bax” Baxendale (center) interviewing a community member as co-host Steve Nagle (right) looks on. The duo spent three days straight collecting a $262,000 in food and cash for the Springfield Open Pantry during its annual Mayflower Marathon. The annual event raised nearly $30,000 more than its previous best. Bax tells TALKERS, “Much of what was raised was in honor of John O’Brien [Bax’s previous co-host with whom he launched the charity event more than two decades ago] who died Sunday night – the night before the Marathon had begun. John had been invited to join us on the air and had agreed to it. Unfortunately, that did not happen.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

CMG Atlanta Collects Food for Charity. Cox Media Group Atlanta’s radio stations partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to collect 10,700 pounds of food leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. CMG Atlanta VP and general manager David Abel says, “Congratulations to our CMG Atlanta radio team and our incredible listeners for their hard work and generosity. It is an honor serving the needs of our communities and our team couldn’t be happier with the results of this year’s food drive. Being able to provide 20,188 meals will make a real difference for local families who need it most.”

77WABC Partners with Shriners Children’s. 77WABC in New York City partnered with Shriners Children’s for a multi-media campaign that will increase awareness and support for the mission of providing children with The Most Amazing Care Anywhere for Giving Tuesday. Station owner John Catsimatidis says, “Children are our future. We are proud to partner with Shriners Children’s and support their mission of providing specialty medical care to children across the country and around the world.”



Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (12/2)

The most discussed stories yesterday (12/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Drug Boats Strike Controversy
  2. New Immigration Rules
  3. Tennessee House Special Election
  4. Russia-Ukraine Peace Process
  5. Trump Health Questions
Industry News

Red Apple Media to Acquire More Long Island Signals for WABC

Red Apple Media is expanding on Long Island. The company is filing to acquire WLID-AM, Patchogue, andimg FM translators W239CY, Patchogue at 95.9 and W296EK, Brentwood at 107.1 for $500,000 from Cantico Nuevo Ministry. The addition of the three signals will improve news/talk WABC’s coverage in Suffolk County. Red Apple Media will assume operation of the signals under a Local Marketing Agreement.

Industry News

Townsquare Media’s WFGR Flips to Sports Talk

Last month, Audacy announced the launch of the Detroit Sports Network – a syndication of sports talk radioimg from its WXYT-FM, Detroit 97.1 The Ticket – and its deal with Townsquare Media to air the format on Townsquare stations in Michigan. Now, Townsquare is flipping WFGR-FM, Grand Rapids from classic hits to sports talk as “Sports Radio 98.7.” Townsquare Media COO Erik Hellum says, “Townsquare Media is excited to bring such high-caliber, Michigan-focused sports programming to West Michigan. This is a big win for listeners who want strong, local sports conversation without having to rely on national networks.”

Industry News

Urban One Announces Early Results of Exchange Offers

Urban One announces the early results of the previously announced offers to exchange any and all of the company’s outstanding 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 held by Eligible Holders for newly issued 7.625% Second Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2031, to be issued by the Company, and cash, toimg purchase up to $185 million in aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes for up to $111 million in cash and the right to subscribe to purchase up to $60.6 million in aggregate principal amount of newly issued 10.500% First Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2030. As of 5:00 pm ET yesterday (12/1), Urban One received from Eligible Holders valid and unwithdrawn tenders and related Consents, as reported by D.F. King & Co., Inc., representing approximately $450 million in aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes, or approximately 92.2% of the aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes outstanding. See the entire report from Urban One here.

Industry News

KIDO, Boise’s Kevin Miller Hosts Successful 14th Annual Turkey Drive

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KIDO, Boise morning drive host Kevin Miller hosting the 14th annual Miller’s Mission Turkey Drive from November 17-22 and raised more than $63,000, 922 turkeys, and over 4,000 pounds of essential items to benefit the Boise Rescue Mission. Miller – who spends the week dressed as a turkey broadcasting from a local Walmart – is pictured above (right) with the Boise Rescue Mission’s Reverend Bill Roscoe (left).

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Dr. Daliah Wachs Show Adds Affiliate. The Talk Media Network nationally syndicated “Dr. Daliah Wachs Show” is now being heard on weekends on Larson-Wynn Inc’s news/talk KODL-AM, City of The Dalles, Oregon

PodcastOne and Dr. Phil Announces Partnership. PodcastOne and Dr. Phil’s Envoy Media Co are partnering to launch a co-branded multi-platform podcast network. The networks’ content lineup debuts later this month with an all-new daily “Dr. Phil Podcast” distributed across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, PodcastOne, as well as LiveOne’s streaming video network.

Saga to Present at Financial Conference. Saga Communications president and CEO Christopher S. Forgy EVP/CFO and treasurer Samuel D. Bush will be presenting at the Noble Capital Markets’ Twenty First Annual Emerging Growth Equity Conference at Florida Atlantic University tomorrow (12/3). A video webcast of the presentation will be available following the event on the company’s website.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (12/1)

The most discussed stories yesterday (12/1) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Drug Boats Strikes / Venezuela Tensions
  2. Appeals Court Habba Ruling
  3. Trump Health-MRI Tests
  4. ICE Raids
  5. Russia-Ukraine Peace Negotiations
Industry News

McGuinness Named iHeartMedia CFO

Michael McGuinness rises from his EVP, deputy chief financial officer and head of investor relationsimg position to chief financial officer for iHeartMedia, effective January 1, 2026. At that time his salary will rise from $925,000 to $1.2 million and his bonus target increases to 150% of his base salary and his annual long-term incentive grant will have a target grant date fair value of $1.5 million. McGuinness’ employment contract runs through June 30 of 2030. McGuinness reports to former chief financial officer and current president and chief operating officer Rich Bressler.

Industry News

Bob Fisher Named News & Sports Director for Connoisseur Media Mason City

Bob Fisher is returning to Connoisseur Media’s Mason City, Iowa stations – including news KGLO-AM – as news & sports director, effective immediately. KIMT-TV reports that Fisher will host “The KGLO Morningimg Program” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am daily. Connoisseur Media says that local news and sports updates will begin being heard on all of the Mason City stations during morning and afternoon drive times. Fisher comments, “It’s great to be back to help re-establish KGLO as ‘Your Hometown News Station in North-Central Iowa’ as well as to continue to provide vital local information to our listeners. With their recent purchase of the radio stations, Connoisseur Media has shown a commitment to serving north-central Iowans with quality, local-based information.” Market manager Dalena Barz adds, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Bob back with Connoisseur Media in Mason City. He has been a well-respected voice in our community for over 30 years. He’s always been an integral part of our radio family, and we sincerely say, Welcome back, Bob!” See the KIMT-TV story here.

Industry News

Sanchez Extended at K-Dawn in Las Vegas

Las Vegas talk radio host Steve Sanchez and Audacy sign a new contract extending Sanchez’s deal withimg the company through the end of 2027. As part of the new contract, Sanchez moves to the 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm daypart on news/talk “101.5 FM K-Dawn Las Vegas” airing on KMXB-HD3/K286CS. Sanchez states, “I’m excited to continue to be part of a great media brand like Audacy and I’m very excited to go back home to evenings where it all started for me. This move allows me to continue to grow our Gen-X audience while focusing on continued content creation for our fast-growing social media platforms and new stand-alone videocasts.”

Industry News

“Money Pit” Radio Show to End After December 27-28 Broadcast

“The Money Pit Radio Show” will air its final broadcast the weekend of December 27–28, according to Sueimg Kraeutler – wife of program founder and host Tom Kraeutler. Tom Kraeutler passed away on February 2 of this year, but the show continued with longtime co-host Leslie Segrete hosting the program. The show was produced by Money Pit Media and Squeaky Door Productions. Sue Kraeutler says, “I want to thank our loyal affiliates and sponsors for believing in us going back to when we first started some 25 years ago. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s time that we closed the Squeaky Door.” “The Money Pit Radio Show” aired on hundreds of radio stations across the U.S.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Subliminal Sleigh Bells

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgBy now, a music station in your market – hopefully in your cluster – is all-Christmas-music-all-the-time, a great perennial franchise.

How other stations can sound in-tune-with this special season: Hang a strip of jingle bells in the studio. Or set up a hotkey.

Associate that sound with your weather forecast, a hook valuable to a station of any format, especially news/talkers, which should own the market’s information images. In local hours, you might ring ‘em as you announce the present temperature at the end of the forecast. In non-local hours, have ‘em in the background under your standard forecast intro language.

HOW special is this time of year? People are singing “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” in every country on Earth…except one. In Panama, it’s “I’m dreaming of a wide isthmus.”

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn