Industry News

Legendary NHL Champion Coach Mike Keenan is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Interviews

Industry News

COMMUNITY PRESENCE: WABC Floats Down Fifth Avenue

WABC Parade Picture
Yesterday (10/14) was a beautiful day in New York for the Columbus Day parade, which took place along Fifth Avenue.  The 77WABC Trolley was part of the parade, and the station broadcast the event live. Pictured above in front of the 77WABC Trolley are (left to right): Actor Gianni Russo, who played Carlo in The Godfather; Red Apple Media and WABC Radio owners Margo and John Catsimatidis; WABC “music radio” weekend host and local singing sensation Vinnie Medugno; popular personality Frank Morano, host of “The Other Side of Midnight;”  and Red Apple Media/WABC president Chad Lopez.

Industry News

The Score WSCO, Appleton, WI Shuffles Midday Lineup

Industry News

Hubbard Radio Welcomes Daniel Bortnick as New Director of Sales for South Florida Cluster

Hubbard Radio has announced the appointment of Daniel Bortnick as the new director of sales for its South Florida cluster. Daniel Bortnick Bortnick is a successful industry veteran who most recently served as regional vice president of sales at iHeart Media in Washington, DC. Elizabeth Hamma, market president tells TALKERS, “We are fortunate to welcome Danny Bortnick as director of sales for Hubbard South Florida. With his extensive and successful track record of driving revenue growth as well as fostering strong client relationships, we are confident Danny will make a big impact on our team and our advertising partners.”  Bortnick states, “I couldn’t be more excited to be joining Hubbard South Florida. I’m humbled to be representing such powerful brands, as well 2060 Digital. Looking forward to helping the Hubbard South Florida team reach new levels of success.”Hubbard Logo In his new role, according to the company, Bortnick will oversee sales operations for Hubbard’s South Florida stations, as well as 2060 Digital, focusing on driving revenue growth, building strong relationships with advertisers, and creating innovative solutions to meet client needs.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/14) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida were still the most talked-about stories focusing on the negative impact of misinformation about the damage and relief, as well as the attacks on FEMA personnel, followed closely by the presidential race with a spotlight on the intensifying vitriol. The escalation of violence in the Middle East, climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, Columbus Day, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/14), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

iHeartMedia to Host “We the People: An Audio Townhall with VP Kamala Harris and Charlamagne Tha God” Tomorrow (10/15) at 5:00 pm ET

iHeartMedia and multimedia mogul Charlamagne Tha God, on air host of New York’s Power 105’s popular, nationally syndicated hit radio show “The Breakfast Club” announced “We the People: An Audio Townhall with Kamala Harris and Charlamagne Tha God” an hour-long town hall-style event hosted live in Detroit tomorrow (10/15) at 5:00 pm ET.  Just 25 days before the 2024 elections, iHeartRadio’s Charlamagne Tha God will have what is being described as an important and thought-provoking discussion with the Democratic nominee for President of the United States on a variety of significant topics about the election. In addition to a thorough discussion about the election, Vice President Harris will answer some questions from voters across the country.  Our listeners are very passionate,” said Charlamagne during his morning show. “I want local voices from Detroit and voices from all the battleground states to get the opportunity to ask Vice President Kamala Harris some questions.  I know we got some pressing issues to talk about. The future of the nation is decided by who we elect.” The town hall will broadcast live and stream across 130 iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio App at iHeartRadio.com/WeThePeople.  It will be available on demand following the live broadcast at iHeartRadio.com/WeThePeople.  Listeners can also follow @BreakfastClubAM and @iHeartRadio on social platforms for the latest news and info.  Listeners can submit their questions to VP Harris right now by downloading the iHeartRadio app and using the Talk Back function. Listeners can simply click the microphone icon on their favorite iHeartRadio station, record their question and hit “send.”



Industry News

Audacy Announces Relaunch of 105.7 FM The Fan in Milwaukee

Audacy announced 1250 AM The Fan (WSSP-AM) in Milwaukee will return to FM and will once again be heard on 105.7 FM beginning today (10/14). The Fan LogoThe station will continue to be heard on 1250 AM.  Concurrent with the FM relaunch, the station will introduce two new local weekday shows. “The Pack-A-Day Radio Show” will air weekdays from 8:00 am to 9:00 am CT. Hosted by Green Bay Packers insider Andy Herman, the show will serve as a destination for all things green and gold. Herman currently hosts the “Pack-A-Day Podcast” and “Packer Report.”  The station will also launch “The Mason Crosby Show,” starring 17-year NFL kicker, Super Bowl champion and Packers all-time leading scorer Mason Crosby, weekdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am CT. The show will also feature Mitch “Thunder” Nelles as co-host and veteran producer Tommy Wortz.  “We couldn’t be more excited to bring The Fan back to FM and expand the reach of the best sports talk in Milwaukee,” said Jason Bjorson, SVP/market manager, Audacy Madison and Milwaukee. “Milwaukee has long been a premier market for football coverage, and through the addition of ‘The Pack-A-Day Radio Show’ and ‘The Mason Crosby Show,’ coupled with our existing must-listen programming, we’re elevating the listening experience and keeping fans connected to their favorite teams.” The station’s weekday lineup rounds out with “The Jim Rome Show” from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm CT and “Wisconsin Sports Daily” with station APD Steve “Sparky” Fifer from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm CT.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Q+A SOP

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

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Industry Views

MH: Why is “Talk Radio” Predominantly Conservative?

UCFO - Why is Talk Radio predominantly conservative.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison addressed a packed house of New Jersey political, civic, and business leaders at the 16th annual Hurley in the Morning Foundation Charity Dinner in Atlantic City (10/4) discussing the biological and sociological impact of modern era communications technology. In this clip, he answers his most frequently asked question – why is talk radio predominantly conservative?  According to Harrison, it comes down to the popular interpretation and skewed definition of the term “talk radio” coupled with the media business’s trend toward “targeting” audiences by affirming what they already want to hear.  To see a brief clip of Harrison’s comments please click here.

Job Opportunity

Salem Seeks GSM for New York City

Salem Media Group is seeking a seasoned general sales manager to lead its radio and digital sales team in New York City.Salem This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional to drive success in the country’s number one media market. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the NYC media landscape and strong market relationships to drive business growth.  Apply online at https://careers-salemmedia.icims.com/jobs/3336/general-sales-manager/job, or reach out directly to Jerry Crowley jcrowley@nycradio.com or Laura Sheaffer laura@nycradio.com

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (10/12-13)

Industry News Uncategorized

CBS Evening News Gives AM Radio Props for NC Disaster Relief

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Depend on disaster?

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter Sterling, Host
Sterling Every Damn Night, WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling On Sunday, TMN

Walter M. SterlingPaired association learning is the primary strategy our brain uses to remember facts: Oh, What a Feeling, Toyota.  For several years, our business has worked hard to “save” the AM band by demonstrating how useful radio is in times of Emergency: Floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes. Think AM and think local disaster!

A listener wants a good show and a pleasant seat. The better the show, the less important the seat – think Eras tour.

In your city, there are ancient movie palaces that were abandoned in the 1960s and brought back to life within the past decade.  Some of those palaces are independent movie theaters, children’s theaters or bookstores. They have been refurbished and repurposed. No one had the heart to tear them down, instead their history inspired fresh thinking and paint.

Many AM stations could become vital. First, fix the seating; fix the signal. Why should Congress bless a permanent place on the dial for AM if a company doesn’t invest in the infrastructure of transmission? While demanding mandatory inclusion of the AM band in cars, the same owners are cutting back on their AM facilities. Here’s a shocker: As late as the 1970s some companies chose to sell off their premium FM signals rather than experiment and fund them. We are talking big companies like Group W and RKO.  Today, many companies are downsizing their AM signals with requests for lower power, simpler directional patterns, and selling of their tower real estate. Yes, Congress, protect our band!

Today, AM processing has advanced to the point where properly installed, an AM signal can sound as good or better than an FM.  Ask Audacy’s Dave Skalish in Philadelphia. First, repair and upgrade the theater. Next, put a great show on the stage. The “savior” of the AM band is superior programming

Of course it can be done, but it can’t be done in pieces. The reason why WABC has grown from the scrap heap of crap from a negligent owner to a top 10 success in the world’s toughest city is by following programming rule number one consistency. John Catsimatidis and GM Chad Lopez deliver consistency: A consistent point of view. Consistent investment in top talent on and off the air. Consistent community visibility. Consistent pride In the product. The owner and management love radio and love the show. The show. Make a great show and they always come.

Consultant Walter Sabo A.K.A. Walter M Sterling has a nightly show “Sterling Every Damn Night” heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs Sundays 10:00 pm – 1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at waltermsterling@gmail.com or Sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

Owners of “The Flag” Radio Station Plan to Acquire WDAY Radio in Fargo

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/10) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Industry News

Michael Berry Interviews WWNC, Asheville PD Mark Starling

Ashville Iheart
Pictured above: the staff of WWNC, Asheville during the storm. Morning host and news director Mark Starling shown bottom center.

Premiere Networks and TALKERS top 10 Heavy Hundred-star Michael Berry interviewed Mark Starling, morning host and news director of iHeart’s WWNC, Asheville, NC yesterday (10/9) about his broadcast team’s experience serving the public while surviving themselves during the wrath of Hurricane Helene.  Berry tells TALKERS, “The WWNC staffers were stranded inside their studios in Asheville during the worst of the storm.  They rose to the occasion, reminding everyone why radio matters more than ever.  Not just the medium, the people who create the magic. He explains why this storm proves we need AM radio in our cars.  It saved lives.” Berry adds, “I want every congressman and senator to hear this.  Starling tells about his family being stranded in rising water, trying to get to them and safety, and he and his entire station were flooded in the building, unable to get out.  They had no power, internet, nothing. Radio at its best.  Humanity at its best. Grace.”  To listen to a podcast of the conversation between Berry and Starling, please click here.

To read a comprehensive story in the Asheville Citizen-Times about WWNC’s role in the storm, please click here.

Industry Views

Can Radio Talk Show Hosts Be Replaced By AI?

imTALKERS publisher Michael Harrison addressed a packed house of New Jersey political, civic, and business leaders at last Friday’s Hurley in the Morning Foundation Charity Dinner in Atlantic City (10/4) discussing the biological and sociological impact of modern era communications technology. In this clip, he discusses the potential influence of AI on the talk show host job market. One of the many highlights of Harrison’s 48-minute keynote address was his observation that it is very possible for robots powered by artificial intelligence to be able to hold multi-faceted on-air conversations with each other or with guests or callers by tapping into their ability to instantaneously access every talking point already out there in cyberspace – left, right, or center – and to present them with an endless array of voices and attitudes. To protect their jobs and future against this formidable competitor, Harrison advises talk show hosts to significantly “up their game” and operate with more originality outside the realm of hackneyed talking points.  To see a brief clip of Harrison’s comments please click here.

Industry News

John Catsimatidis To Match $25,000 In Donations to Broadcasters Foundation for Emergency Hurricane Grants

John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC, New York, is matching $25,000 of donations to the Broadcasters Foundation of America to help fund emergency grants for individual broadcasters devastated by the destruction of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. BFOA  “My family, Red Apple Media, and WABC Radio have supported numerous causes and organizations,” stated Catsimatidis. im“At this time of great need for colleagues catastrophically impacted by these storms, I will match the next $25,000 in donations to help them get back on their feet. I applaud all those who have already donated any amount because every dollar helps.”  “We are grateful to John and Red Apple Media for their generous patronage of our charitable mission,” said Tim McCarthy, president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. “It is with the support of industry leaders like John that the Foundation can provide assistance to those in our industry who need it most, including in times of emergency. I ask every broadcaster to consider giving an individual or corporation donation so that we can continue our charitable mission for broadcasters in need.” Additionally, WABC is running PSAs to appeal to listeners for donations. In addition, the station has produced a version of the PSA that can be tagged by a radio station with their own call letters. Interested stations should contact WABC.  To make a donation to the Broadcasters Foundation of America Hurricanes Helene and Milton Emergency Fund, please click here.

Industry News

National Association of Broadcasters Names Recipients of 2024 Marconi Awards

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) named its winners of the 2024 Marconi Radio Awards during a presentation during its NAB Show at the Javits Center in New York City last evening (10/9).  The winners from talk and spoken word radio include: LEGENDARY RADIO MANAGER OF THE YEAR, Bennett Zier, Audacy;  LARGE MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR, Dan Mandis, WWTN; Nashville; NEWS/TALK STATION OF THE YEAR, KDKA-AM; Pittsburgh; and SPORTS STATION OF THE YEAR, KKFN; Denver.  For a complete list of the winners, please click here.

Industry News

KNX News in Los Angeles Hosts L.A. County District Attorney Debate

Just as ballots arrived at homes across America’s largest county, Audacy’s KNX News 97.1 FM in Los Angeles presented a live debate Tuesday (10/8) in the pivotal race for L.A. County district attorney between incumbent George Gascon (pictured at left podium) and challenger Nathan Hochman (right). Also pictured above: KNX News’s Mike Simpson (l) and Charles Feldman (r) moderated. The feisty drive-time debate, which was presented in partnership with The Los Angeles Times from the Audacy SoundSpace, cast a sharp contrast between the candidates and made news by addressing Gascon’s recent decision to review the murder convictions of the Menendez brothers, the subjects of the Netflix series “Monsters.”

KNX Debate

Panelists included KNX’s Emily Valdez (r)along with L.A. Times reporters James Queally (l) and Brittny Mejia (c).

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Newsmax Now on YouTube TV.  Newsmax joins YouTube TV’s pay TV lineup of major cable channels as of noon ET yesterday (10/9).  YouTube TV is the linear pay TV service of the ubiquitous video streamer and one of the fastest-growing virtual cable services in the nation.  Now Newsmax, the 4th highest-rated cable news channel, will be available to subscribers of YouTube TV’s Base Plan.  YouTube TV lists its channels alphabetically, so viewers will find Newsmax under the “N” listings. Subscribers can also personalize their lineup using personal channel preferences. Wednesday’s addition of YouTube TV places Newsmax in nearly 60 million pay TV homes, putting it in the top tier of cable network reach. Newsmax is already carried by all major cable operators, including Directv, Xfinity, Dish, Spectrum, Cox, Optimum and more.

 

Not a Toyota Adam Carolla

Radio’s John Clay Wolfe and Podcaster Adam Carolla Purchase Paul Newman’s 1976 Racing Ferrari.  Former radio and now podcasting icon Adam Carolla and nationally syndicated radio host John Clay Wolfe are both car aficionados and friends.  Adam actually races and owns a collection of Paul Newman’s race cars while John Clay Wolfe is president/founder of “Give Me the VIN,” a $2 billion annual revenue wholesale car company.  Recently they partnered on the purchase of Paul Newman’s 1976 Racing Ferrari, thus completing Adam’s collection.  This is the first car the duo has purchased together. They did a video about it, complete with radio interviews… “Celebrity Car VAULT: Paul Newman’s Ferrari 308.” Check it out here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/9) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Industry News

Glenn Beck and Mercury One Deliver Aid to Asheville Residents

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Premiere Networks nationally syndicated personality Glenn Beck and his non-profit organization Mercury One visited Asheville, North Carolina to deliver much-needed aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Mercury One is partnering with U.S. Rep. Cory Mills of Florida and the United Cajun Navy to deliver baby supplies, personal hygiene products, diapers, paper towels, and non-perishable food to North Carolina. Using more than 30 helicopters, they worked together to deliver more than 10 tons of supplies so far. They even flew a local woman to a hospital so she could receive lifesaving care. One hundred percent of every donation to Mercury One goes directly to providing relief to Hurricane Helene victims in desperate need. Please consider donating at MercuryOne.org. Pictured above are (from l-r): Mills, Beck, and TheBlaze’s Jill Savage.

Industry News

FOX News to Launch Hour-long Spanish-Language News Program

FOX News Media announces the October 15 launch of a new daily, one-hour Spanish-language program titled, “FOX Noticias,” focusing on issues impacting the Hispanic community. The program will be anchored by “FOX & Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy and airs weekdays at 4:00 pm ET on Spanish-imlanguage sports network FOX Deportes. It will also be available in podcast form via FOX News Audio. Ahead of the debut, FOX News Digital will launch a Spanish-language version of the FOXNews.com website beginning today which will be machine translated. Campos-Duffy comments, “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to host ‘FOX Noticias.’ As the fastest-growing electorate, accounting for nearly 20% of the population, the Hispanic American community is thriving, and I am proud to bring a new show that breaks down the news of the day with a focus on the kitchen table issues that matter most to our community.”

Industry News

Beasley Announces Settlement of Exchange and Tender Offers

Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. announces the settlement of its previously announced exchange of the company’s existing 8.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026, cash offer to purchase up to $68.0 million of Existing Notes at a purchase price of 62.5% and new notes offer of $30.9 million aggregate principal amountim of 11.000% Superpriority Senior Secured Notes due 2028. Holders of approximately $194.7 million of Existing Notes participated in the Exchange Offer, exchanging their Existing Notes into 9.200% Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2028 at an exchange ratio of 95.0%; a pro rata share of 179,384 shares of Class A Common Stock of the company and a consent fee of $5.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes tendered. Additionally, as part of the Tender Offer, the company purchased $68.0 million of aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes at a purchase price of 62.5% plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company also issued $30.9 million of New Notes in the New Notes Offer.

Industry News

MH: Modern Digital Tech Inducing Artificial Telepathy

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TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison went into self-described “woo woo” mode on a packed house of New Jersey political, civic, and business leaders at last Friday’s Hurley in the Morning Foundation Charity Dinner in Atlantic City (10/4) discussing the biological and sociological impact of modern era communications technology. He discussed the potential impact of AI on the talk show host job market, and the shortening of attention spans, as well as a variety of modern era developments in 21st century communications. One of the many highlights of Harrison’s 48-minute keynote address was his observation that the digital rewiring of the Homo sapiens brain within a burgeoning information environment is artificially evolving humanity into a “technologically induced telepathic species.” Harrison said that we already can communicate with just about anyone in the world, at lightning speed, about all the information on the planet and beyond, with our ever-shrinking devices. The next step is to implant chips directly into our sensory lobes. “Then we can communicate without devices by simply twitching our noses or thinking an algorithmic code.” Harrison added, “The children born since 2015 are aliens from the future. We are on the verge of an unprecedentedly huge generational divide.”  To see a brief clip of Harrison’s comments please click here