Industry News

Beasley Reports 2024 Q4 Net Revenue Up 2.3%

Beasley Broadcast Group reports operating results for the fourth quarter of 2024 and for the full year of 2024. For Q4 of 2024, Beasley reports revenue of $67.3 million, an increase of 2.3% over the same period in 2023. The company reports a net loss of $2.06 due to a $98.8 million of non-cash impairment losses. For the full year of 2024 Beasley reports revenue of $240.3 a decline of 2.7% from the full year of 2023.img Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley says, “2024 was a transformative year for Beasley as we took decisive actions to strengthen our balance sheet, streamline our operations, and position the company for long-term success. Through disciplined cost management and strategic capital initiatives, we achieved approximately $20.0 million in annualized expense reductions, improved our leverage profile, imgand enhanced our financial flexibility. These efforts, combined with the continued momentum of our digital business—now representing nearly 20% of total revenue—have reinforced our ability to navigate industry challenges while capitalizing on new growth opportunities in audio and digital media. As we enter 2025, we remain focused on executing our strategy to drive sustainable revenue growth, expand our digital offerings, and optimize our sales approach. We see substantial opportunities in harnessing data-driven insights, enhancing direct-to-consumer engagement, and providing our advertisers with cutting-edge marketing solutions. With a refined portfolio of premium brands, a leaner and more agile cost structure, and a strengthened financial foundation, Beasley is well-positioned to accelerate our digital evolution and deliver long-term value for our shareholders, audiences, and partners.”

Industry News

Edison Research: Podcast Consumption Reaches New High

Edison Research releases its research project The Infinite Dial 2025 (with support from Audacy, Cumulus Media, and SiriusXM Media) that provides insights into “podcast consumption, online audio trends, in-car audio usage, smart speaker usage, social media behaviors, and other digital media habits.” Some of theimg key findings of this edition of the study include that podcast consumption has reached an all-time high with 70% of Americans age 12+ having listened to a podcast; 51% of those Americans age 12+ having watched a podcast; 73% of Americans age 12+ having consumed a podcast in either audio or video format, representing an estimated 210 million people; and 55% of Americans age 12+ now being monthly consumers. The study also looked at in-car audio use and finds that among americans age 18+ who have driven or ridden in a car in the past month (88%), 40% have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and 33% actively use one of these systems. You can download the study here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 17-21, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/17-21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories/Topics

1. Trump Dismantles Department of Education
2. Trump vs Judiciary
3. The Economy-Jobs-Inflation
4. Musk-DOGE Activities / Federal Firings
5. Israel-Hamas War-Gaza Cease Fire Broken / Russia-Ukraine War
6. Astronauts Return
7. ICE Deportation Crackdown
8. First Amendment Issues / GOP Town Halls
9. Big Tech / Misinformation / Censorship
10.Healthcare / Avian (Bird) Flu / Measles Outbreak

People

1. Donald Trump / Elon Musk
2. Benjamin Netanyahu
3. Vladimir Putin
4. Volodymyr Zelenskyy
5. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
6. Jeff Bezos
7. Mike Johnson
8. John Roberts / James Boasberg
9. Butch Wilmore / Suni Williams
10.JD Vance / Marco Rubio

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

Industry News

SRN Moves Charlie Kirk to Dennis Prager’s Affiliates

Salem Media Group’s Salem Radio Network is putting host Charlie Kirk onto the Dennis Prager affiliate stations, effective March 31. This move comes as the result of Prager suffering a debilitating injury lastimg November after a fall in his home in which he suffered a spinal cord injury. Prager is going through extensive rehabilitation. Charlie Kirk has been hosting his show live in the same 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart as Prager since October of 2020 and SRN says this will be an easy transition for most stations. Prager and imgSalem have agreed to his return for one hour a day, airing 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET, starting Tuesday, June 3. Salem SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce says, “Dennis may have some physical limitations at the moment, but his wit, wisdom, insights and passion are as strong and as clear as ever and we are delighted at his spirit and resolve to return to his audience. We want Dennis to remain a part of the Salem family and want his millions of loyal fans to continue to hear his voice. Affiliates of Charlie will continue to get the Kirk show with no interruption, and affiliates of Dennis will soon get Charlie Kirk as a strong and able replacement.”

Industry News

Triton Digital Releases February 2025 U.S. Podcast Ranker

According to the February 2025 U.S. Podcast Ranker from Triton Digital, the top of this chart doesn’t change from January with NPR maintaining its grip on the first two spots with “NPR News Now” at #1 andimg “Up First” at #2. Remaining at #3 is Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show.” Moves of note in February include iHeartRadio’s “The Daily Show: Ears Edition” rising five places to #20; Audacy’s “We Can Do Hard Things” falling six places to #25; and iHeartRadio’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” dropping eight places to #37. The Triton Digital U.S. Podcast Ranker is based on weekly average downloads. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

New York Festivals Radio Awards Unveils 2025 Shortlist

The New York Festivals 2025 Radio Awards announces the 2025 Radio Awards Shortlist. NYFestivals says, “This year’s impressive shortlist features entries across a range of categories, including audiobooks, podcasts, dramas, documentaries, breaking news coverage, entertainment, and music specials.img Pioneering work was submitted by radio stations, networks, prominent production companies, and independent producers worldwide.” Additionally, the 2025 National Press Club Award will go to the highest scoring entry in news program categories including: Coverage of Breaking News Story, Coverage of Ongoing News Story, Nonfiction Series, Investigative Journalism podcast, and News Podcast. The winner will be announced during the New York Festivals 2025 Storytellers Gala virtual event on May 22, 2025. See the entire 2025 Radio Awards Shortlist here.

Industry News

NewsTalkSTL Announces Programming Changes

NewsTalkSTL announces programming changes on its trio of signals in the St. Louis metro that includes KNBS-FM, Bowling Green; KLJY-HD2, St. Louis; and translator K270BW, Bellefontaine in Missouri. Theimg “NewsTalkST” brand is filling the hole in middays due to the end of the “Dan Bongino Show” by moving “The Allman Report” with Jamie Allman to the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm daypart and expanding the “The Vic Porcelli Show,” hosted by Porcelli and Ken Williams to 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. NewsTalkSTL president of programming Jeff Allen says, “This is the first major change to our prime time weekday lineup since we launched nearly four years ago, which speaks to how important this expansion is for our station and our listeners. Listener feedback over the past few weeks made it clear this was the lineup they wanted, and we’re excited to deliver it.”

Industry News

Democrat Starks to Leave the FCC

Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Geoffrey Starks announces he is resigning from the Commission. He issued the following statement: “Today I sent a letter to the president and leader Schumer indicating that I intend to resign my seat as a commissioner this spring. Serving the American people as aimg commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission has been the honor of my life. With my extraordinary fellow commissioners and the incredible career staff at the agency, we have worked hard to connect all Americans, promote innovation, protect consumers, and ensure national security. I have learned so much from my time in this position, particularly when I have heard directly from Americans on the issues that matter to them. I have been inspired by the passion, engagement and commitment I have seen from colleagues, advocates, and industry. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to working with the chairman and my fellow commissioners, and all FCC staff, to further the mission of the agency.” Starks is one of two Democrats currently serving on the Commission.

Industry News

WWO Presents Multiplatform Coverage of NCAA Tournament

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One, as the official network audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, isimg presenting coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. The network will present all of the games through the National Championship on Monday, April 7. The trio of Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel, and P.J. Carlesimo will announce all the action for the Final Four and the National Championship.

Industry News

Audacy Announces Executive Changes

Audacy makes a number of changes to its senior management team beginning with interim CEO Kelli Turner being named permanent president and CEO. In addition to a couple of promotions, the company has parted ways with four of its senior managers as COO Susan Larkin, chief digital officer J.D. Crowley, chief marketing officer Paul Suchman, and general counsel and EVP Andrew Sutor all exit. Promotionsimg include Chris Oliviero rising from market president for New York to chief business officer; Bob Philips shifting from president of networks and multi-market sales to chief revenue officer; and deputy general counsel Mike Dash rising to EVP and general counsel. Audacy chairman and lead media investor in Soros Fund Management Michael Del Nin says, “On behalf of the Audacy board, we are delighted that Kelli Turner has agreed to take on the permanent president and CEO role and lead Audacy through its next phase of reinvention and growth. She is an exceptional media executive who, along with Chris Oliviero and the rest of the Audacy team, will ensure we continue to invest in high-quality content to engage our audiences and provide best-in-class solutions to our partners.”

Industry News

Rich Herrera to Host “Richmond’s Morning News”

Broadcasting pro Rich Herrera is the new host of “Richmond’s Morning News” on Audacy’s WRVA/WTVR-HD2, Richmond. Audacy Virginia SVP and market manager Bennett Zier says, “Rich brings an authentic voice to the morning airwaves and a strong commitment to his community. His sharp analysis and ability toimg engage listeners in meaningful and entertaining conversation make him a valuable addition to the WRVA team. We’re excited to welcome Rich and continue delivering the news that matters most to our community.” Herrera comments, “I am thrilled to join the WRVA team, a legendary station with a great lineup of hosts and shows. After meeting with Bennett Zier and Zach McHugh and getting the chance to host Richmond’s morning news, I fell in love with the station. My family is excited to make Richmond our home. I want to thank Chris Oliviero and Jeff Sottolano for their support and mentorship, as well as Drew Anderssen, our format vice president, who encouraged me a year ago to transition from sports talk to general news.”

Industry News

Salem Media Group to Sell Remaining Hawaii Stations

Salem Media Group is selling its remaining Hawaii broadcast properties and digital assets to Malama Media Group. Malama is acquiring country KHCM-FM, sports talk KGU-AM and KHCM-AM/K236CR,img Christian KGU-FM, classic hits KKOL-FM, and news/talk KHNR-AM/K232FL. Salem CEO David Santrella says, “While Salem closes our chapter in Honolulu, I am thrilled to know that these stations are going to a buyer that has a shared passion for the formats we have there and plans to keep those formats intact, particularly the Christian teach and talk and conservative news/talk formats.”

Industry News

Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Hit 550-Affiliate Mark

Premiere Networks announces that “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” reaches the 550-affiliate milestone. Recent affiliate additions include: WOWO-AM/FM, Fort Wayne, IN; WTAQ-AM, Green Bay;img KLIX-AM, Twin Falls, Idaho; and more. Premiere Networks EVP of affiliate sales Peter Tripi states, “We couldn’t be happier to celebrate this milestone with Clay and Buck. They’ve worked hard to develop a unique brand that stands out in the marketplace and delivers unparalleled results for our partners. In addition to producing the highest-quality program, their dedication to working directly with our affiliates to drive success in markets across the country is what sets them apart.”

Industry News

Broadcasters Elected to BFoA Board

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the election of Kristin Cantrell, owner/CEO Seven Mountains Media and CapCity Communications; Kate Riley, president and CEO America’s Publicimg Television Stations; and Peter H. Smyth, former chairman and CEO Greater Media, to its board of directors. Broadcasters Foundation chair Scott Herman comments, “We are delighted that broadcast executives of this caliber will serve on our Board. Their advocacy for our charitable mission is exemplary. Their input and ideas will help us continue to reach out to broadcasters across America to help those in our business who are in critical need.”

Industry News

Black Information Network Launches Altadena Podcast Series

iHeartMedia and BIN: Black Information Network announced a new podcast series set to debut on March 24 titled, “To Altadena, With Love.” The five-part series focuses on the devastating impact of the Eatonimg fires on the historic Black middle-class community of Altadena, California. The company says, “This groundbreaking series will explore the significance of Altadena, its legacy and the personal stories of survivors and community members who lived through one of the region’s most destructive natural disasters.” The series is hosted by Black Information Network journalist Mimi Brown.

Industry News

ESPN Chicago Names Meller White Sox Shows Host

Good Karma Brands’ sports talk WMVP “ESPN Chicago” announces that Jeff Meller is named the host of the Pregame and Postgame shows for Chicago White Sox broadcasts this season, Meller is a longtimeimg producer and host at the station. “ESPN Chicago” director of content Danny Zederman says, “We are excited to add Jeff to the ‘ESPN Chicago’ White Sox broadcast crew. We know fans of the Sox will appreciate his knowledge and will connect with him as a lifelong fan of the club. Meller has been a member of the ESPN Chicago team for 20 years! He has great passion for the Sox and all Chicago sports. This is a ‘dream job’ for him and we know he will add great value to our broadcasts.”

Industry News

Talk Radio Host Joe Pags Swatted; Armed Police Swarm His Home

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Nationally syndicated talk radio host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo’s home was swatted last week, bringing heavily armed police officers to his home at 2:35 in the morning. Pags recounted the events for his listeners and posted video of the segment to X. In it, says that he’s usually up until 5:00 am and therefore was awake when his cameras app told him there was something outside his house. Hisimg camera app showed the image you see in the photo here – a man who appears dressed as a cop with an AR-15 outside his house. Pags says he quickly called 911, identified himself, told the operator he thought he was being swatted and asked if the police were at his house. After confirming that it was the police, Pags was able to get the officers to stand down and they were assured there was no reason to be there. Pags tells his listeners that the goal of the swatters was to get him to grab his gun and go outside, in which case he likely would have been killed. You can listen to the show segment here.

Industry News

Cumulus Media Shuts Down Stations in Cost Saving Move

Cumulus Media is undergoing a corporate mandate to shutter underperforming stations across the country. As reports of dark stations tickle in TALKERS can report that according to the Fulton Sun, Cumulus Mediaimg has ended operations of news/talk KLIK-AM and its translator K278CT. The station ceased broadcasting on March 14. Read the Sun story here. The company also ended operations at sports talk WLZR-AM, Melbourne, Florida and its translator W300DL at 107.9 FM. Last week it was reported that Cumulus ceased operations at KZAC-AM, formerly KSFO-AM.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Matter, and Money Will Follow

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgThere has never been more news. And news has never been more quotable. It costs two-plus cents to make a penny.

Events impacting everyday life are unfolding around-the-corner, around-the-world, around-the-clock. The listeners our advertisers want as customers are in “What NEXT???” mode.

There have never been more places to get news. And the broadcasters that monetize information best have evolved what we used to call “a radio station” into a multiplatform source of content pertinent to its target listener. Trusted call letters are the surname shared by digital siblings.

Being known for helpful information is key. My client stations image relentlessly as “Your Only Local News Radio.” If you are too, rip me off, and burn-it-in.

But imaging merely talks-the-talk. All the promos in the world won’t walk-the-walk. We become habit-forming by delivering information that is relevant and useful and enabling and easily understood and seems up-to-date.

im

Accordingly:

  • When we report information-given-to-us (press releases, etc.), rewrite to succinctly convey what the story means. Typically, press releases are about the sender. Our lead sentence needs to be about how-it-matters-to the listener.
  • Keep it fresh. The second and third time someone hears a story word-for-word, the little voice in his/her head says, “You already told me that.” Every effort we make to update copy is worth it.
  • Listen to your on-hour network, for three reasons: Emulate their crisp copy style, which conveys the consequence of items being reported. And emulate their delivery. Note how FOX News Radio morning anchor Dave Anthony sounds like he’s talking, not reading. And listen for opportunities to localize big national/international stories.

What is being reported by national media, how does it hit home, and who locally can comment or explain?

  • How is DOGE government downsizing impacting people in your state, in your city? Most of the federal workforce does not live in Washington/Maryland/Virginia.
  • We pray for ailing Pope Francis. When he passes, who from your diocese or parish can you interview? “The Conclave” won an Oscar and was nominated for eight.

Music radio is in the fight of its life with streams, and too much talk radio is an angry caricature. Matter most, and money will follow.

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

Industry News

Townsquare Media Reports Q4 and 2024 Full Year Results

Townsquare Media reports its operating results for the fourth quarter of 2024 and for the full year of 2024. Company CEO Bill Wilson says, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s performance improved meaningfully throughout 2024, culminating with fourth quarter net revenue growth of +2.6% year-over-year (on revenue of $117.8 million), and Adjusted EBITDA growth of +25.8% year-over-year, driven by the strong sequential improvement in our two digital businesses and the benefit of political revenue. Inimg addition, net income (loss) improved $26.9 million year-over-year in the fourth quarter, and $32.1 million in the year, in large part due to a reduction in non-cash impairment charges… Our Broadcast Advertising net revenue declined in-line with our expectations for 2024 (mid-single digit ex-political decline) which aligns with our view that broadcast is a mature cash cow business that will continue to face headwinds going forward, as businesses will continue to share shift from traditional advertising to digital advertising. Thankfully, we are often the beneficiary in that case, as we frequently have the most comprehensive set of digital advertising solutions available in our markets. Digital is and will continue to be Townsquare’s growth engine, and we believe Townsquare’s ability to drive profitable, sustainable digital growth is a key differentiator for our company, and consistent with our strategy of being a Digital First Local Media Company.”

Industry News

Salem Media Group Reveals 2024 Financial Results

Salem Media Group reports total net revenue of $237.5 million for the full year of 2024, a decline of 8.1% from 2023. But Salem made a number of changes in its business in 2024, including the sale of its Christianimg music stations and it Christian contemporary format. It sold a number of other assets during the year. While its broadcasting net revenue was $185.9 million, a decline of 6% from 2023, its digital net revenue was $45 million, an increase of 7.2%. Salem was also able to report net income of $16.2 million for 2024, compared to the net loss of $43.3 million it reported for 2023.

Industry News

WRVA, Richmond’s Jeff Katz Walks on Hot Coals to Benefit Special Olympics

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Last year WRVA, Richmond afternoon talk host Jeff Katz promised to get the logo of the Special Olympics of Virginia tattooed if he was able to raise $15,000 for the organization, and he did. This year he promised to walk on 1,200-degree coals a la Tony Robbins if he could beat last year’s amount. Teaming up with his friend, local county Sheriff Karl Leonard, they raised just shy of $18,000! Pictured above is Jeff strolling the coals. Regarding next year’s challenge, Katz says, “We have not decided, but alligator wrestling is under serious consideration.” Katz raises funds for the Special Olympics in honor his favorite Special Olympian, his daughter Julia.