Monday Memo: Well Said!
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Mark Twain reckoned that “the difference between the almost right word and the right word is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”
Examples, from dueling commercials in a hyper-competitive, hyper-growth industry:
“Draft Kings has so many ways to bet on baseball you’re going to feel like a winner all summer.”
“Every at-bat is a chance to win big on FanDuel.”
Craft copy for local retailers THAT well-written, and they will get results and you will get renewed.
Station promo copy this enabling and user-friendly will earn you tune-in and clicks: “The Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, all day tomorrow, anywhere you are, on the platforms of CNBC.”
The American Association of Retired Persons still advocates for them, but it no longer restricts membership to seniors. Otherwise, its base would, literally, die-off (radio take note). So…
“The younger you are, the more you need AARP.”
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features “Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;“and Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
“During that time, he has guest-hosted statewide news/talk programs as well as a regular weekend show, produced their daily morning show, worked with clients in a creative variety of ways, and spent countless evenings and weekends announcing local soccer and baseball games.” KFAB program director Scott Voorhees adds, “Emery will continue KFAB’s nearly 100-year-old tradition of on-air personalities who are passionate about connecting with the community we serve. It’s not about hammering an agenda; it’s about entertaining and relevant conversations of interest to Omaha/Council Bluffs and the surrounding area.”
These DMA analyses are based on all radio stations in the U.S., not just Nielsen subscribers. The top DMA is Glendive, Montana with 72.1% of the population using AM radio. While the most AM radio listening tends to be done in Midwestern DMAs, there is still substantial AM listening done in Eastern markets. For example, Chicago is the #8 DMA for AM listening with 51.2%, but Seattle-Tacoma is not far behind at #14 with 42.8%, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose is #20 with 41.3%, and the top two DMAs by population – New York and Los Angeles – show AM listenership is done by 31.8% of the population. 
gathered outside the Federal courthouse and calls from Mike’s nationwide audience giving their perspective on this unprecedented moment in our nation’s history. In addition to broadcasting his nationally-syndicated talk show from Salem/Miami….Gallagher and “Mike Gallagher Show” staffer Tracee Stockwell will then head to the Federal Courthouse where political supporters of the 45th president are organizing what’s being billed as ‘a peaceful rally in support of President Trump.’” Video of the Gallagher special will also be cleared live on the Salem News Channel.
Radio, and KGFJ Radio among others, joins such former recipients of the award as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O’ Reilly, Mark Levin, Michael Savage, Glenn Beck, Bob Grant, Thom Hartmann, Alan Colmes, Joe Madison, Karen Hunter, Al Franken, Brian Lamb, Norm Pattiz, Ian Freeman and others dating back to the origins of TALKERS in the late 1980s. Some two years ago, Smiley’s media company acquired an AM radio station in Los Angeles, the former hip hop legend KDAY, and transformed it into a new station and format – KBLA Talk 1580 – where he’s assembled an outstanding on-air staff, including himself, with the 
passionate mission of, as he puts it, “unapologetically serving people of color and who are politically progressive.” In making the announcement of this year’s recipient, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “This is our longest-running and most-important award. Mr. Smiley has risen to the enormous talk radio challenge of providing underserved African Americans and progressives with a major commercial platform in the nation’s second largest market with a worldwide reach. In today’s political environment and struggling AM radio industry, it doesn’t get any more ‘First Amendment’ than that.” Tavis Smiley was presented the award by Harrison at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. 
cable channel while speaking on WABC’s “Sid & Friends in the Morning” program. When asked by the Post about details of a bid for CNN, including how much he’d pay, he said, “It’s up to the investment bankers to come up with the numbers… We could always bring partners in, but I want to run the place. We are capable of putting down a substantial amount of money.” Catsimatidis added, “I’d go run the place tomorrow morning, and all I’d want is $1 per year and a piece of the upside,” saying he could “double the profits” in a brief period of time. 
Last week I had the privilege of moderating a panel at the TALKERS conference. Confession: I listen to speech patterns and tones more than words.
Second Amendment Foundation. The complaint states that journalist Fred Riehl was researching the case of The Second Amendment Foundation v. Robert Ferguson and asked ChatGPT to provide a summary of that complaint and received one that stated the suit’s plaintiff is Second Amendment Foundation founder Alan Gottlieb who accuses Walters as treasurer and chief financial officer of embezzling funds. Walters says, and Gottlieb confirms, that he didn’t serve in either position and didn’t steal anything. In the AI world, false text from services like ChatGPT are called “hallucinations.” As with any defamation case, Walters will have to prove he’s suffered damages, but this case will be interesting to watch as it appears to be the first such legal case involving the work of AI. 
unexpectedly on June 5 after a brief illness at the age of 59. JVC Broadcasting executive vice president Bruce Shepard states, “It is with an extremely heavy heart that I bring you the news that early this morning, Lev, a dear member of our JVC Family, our co-worker, our friend, lost his battle and was taken from us way too soon. We will miss Dave more than words can possibly say.”
Innings with Pledger,” airing from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Pledger says, “I’m excited for the opportunity. This has legitimately been a dream to have a weekday show.” Pledger will continue to produce the “The Blitz” as well as host “The Saturday Morning Hangover” program. He adds, “I’ve worked for this for so long. I have long wanted to be in both worlds because of the creativity that I use when producing, how it differs from creating a show. I love flexing both of those creative muscles.” 
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within the realm of the company going forward?” “How can radio remain true to its roots and mission as an audio medium and theater-of-the-mind without missing the opportunities provided in a multiplatform environment?” plus more. Pittman says that this is a “golden moment” for both radio and the larger field of audio in which it is and will remain a major player. He pointed out that “25% of iHeart’s stations do not play music” and that more and more shows on the company’s music stations are “actually talk shows that play little or no music at all.” He reaffirmed the company’s awareness that personality plays an important role in the presentation of music and it is its intention to pivot back in that direction. He candidly addressed the divide between the coastal elites who influence the direction of national media but are largely out of touch with the heartland and the rest of real America. 
streaming, podcasting, and wagertainment properties. Under Davis’ leadership, the team will be responsible for sales and execution, managing the entire client lifecycle.” Audacy chief revenue officer Brian Benedik comments, “No medium delivers more value for sports than audio. People are spending more time than ever with broadcast radio, streaming and podcasts, and the demand for compelling sports content across these channels is growing exponentially. Through our best-in-
class sports audio portfolio, powered by over 150 flagship team partnerships, iconic local broadcast brands, award-winning podcasts and sports betting content, Audacy is uniquely positioned to capitalize on a new sales strategy in this arena.” Audacy says, “From 1990 to 2005, Davis was key in building WFAN into America’s #1 sports radio station, overseeing local and national sales, programming and marketing, helping shape it into the highest-grossing station in the country.” Davis rejoined Audacy in 2018 to lead the reboot of Traffic Weather Information Network’s on-air content and ad operations teams. 
Election Coverage; Curtis Sliwa: Closing of Lenny’s Pizza for Best Personality, Social Media; and “The Other Side of Midnight” host Frank Morano’s interview with William Shatner for Best Podcast. Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis says, “I am proud of our talent and all station personnel that have worked hard to make 77WABC the station it once was. Our talent and staff are leaders in their field; our on-air personalities include the biggest names in New York. We’re just getting started. There is always more to come from the iconic 77WABC.”
was a violation of the non-compete portion of his contract. Axios reports that Carlson’s lawyers say, “Any legal action by FOX would violate [Carlson’s] First Amendment rights.” The Axios piece goes on to say that Carlson is accusing FOX News of breach of contract for breaking their promise to not settle the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit in a manner in which it would indicate wrongdoing on the part of Carlson. It’s been reported that firing Carlson was a part of FOX’s settlement agreement with Dominion. 
audience of 24.1 million from 214 shows, followed by NPR at #3 with a unique monthly audience of 18.9 million from 49 shows. Meanwhile, The New York Times’ “The Daily” was the #1 ranked podcast (based on unique monthly audience), followed by NBC News’ “Dateline NBC” at #2, and Wondery’s “Morbid” at #3. 
“The Star Spangled Banner” in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol by Capitol Police. Gallagher says, “We had already scheduled an evening of lively discussion about politics and current social issues when a video of these wonderful kids being cut off went viral. When we meet at the historic Greer Depot on Friday night, I can assure you the Rushingbrook Children’s Choir will perform our National Anthem unencumbered and will only be interrupted by thunderous applause from our listeners.”
Orlando among numerous music outlets. iHeartMedia area president for Central Florida Barbara Latham says, “I’m thrilled to have Andrew join us in Central Florida and bring his tenure with iHeartMedia, along with his extensive digital experience, to our team. Hryciw was most recently division VP of digital sales in the company’s Portland, Oregon market.
News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era – Part 2.” The session, sponsored by “Our American Stories,” is introduced by Alex Fife, VP operations, Southeast, iHeartMedia – Total Traffic & Weather Network (pictured at right) and moderated by Walter Sabo, CEO, Sabo Media and host (Walter Sterling) of Sterling on Sunday (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Dan Mandis, program director and host, WTN-FM, Nashville; Ross Kaminsky, host KOA, Denver; Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group/ops VP, New York region/WMCA/AM 970; Josh Leng, CEO, Talk Media Network; and Matt Meany, program director, WABC, New York/Red Apple Media. 
SalemNOW for rental or purchase. SalemNOW general manager Robert Ellis comments, “It’s a privilege to partner with The Epoch Times to offer their incredible film, LEAVING CALIFORNIA, on SalemNOW.” The film’s writer and producer Siyamak Khorrami 
comments, 
Jewish Committee. The AJC is a global advocacy organization that monitors Antisemitism around the world and offers education and support to the Jewish community as well as engaging with leaders at the highest levels of government. KFI program director Robin Bertolucci says, “I, along with others, recently watched in horror as anti-Semitic protesters were seen making Nazi salutes to passersby on the 405 freeway. As broadcasters, it is our duty to educate and inform our listeners and this podcast brings attention to the unseemly underbelly of Antisemitism which is sadly alive and well online and in our communities.” Other guests include Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the associate dean and director of Global Social Action Agenda for the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles; Dr. Matthew Schumacher, a clinical and operational psychologist who is on assignment with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Major Crimes Bureau; Dr. Michael Berenbaum, curator of the installation of the only authorized traveling exhibition of Auschwitz; Rabbi Michael Barclay, founding rabbi of Temple Ner Simcha in Westlake Village, California. 
Show” to a live clearance from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. KIDO brand manager Kevin Miller states, “In the world that we live in today, with the possibilities of world war and an upcoming presidential election, the addition of Clay and Buck along with Sean Hannity live will allow Idahoans to hear the news and talk about it as it happens. It’s great having all three talented hosts with Idaho connections and values in the Treasure Valley.”
hosts “Lifestyles Unlimited” from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, followed by Premiere Networks’ “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, “The Sean Hannity Show” from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Outkick’s “Hot Mic” with Chad Withrow and Jonathan Hutton from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tri-State Radio president Evan Stone says, “We felt like there was a void for more regional and local news, talk and sports – that was the motivation behind putting this lineup together. The ability to add the two biggest shows in conservative talk in Hannity and Clay and Buck was a no-brainer. It’s hard to find a bigger name in news talk than Sean Hannity and Clay Travis with his connection to the state of Tennessee… aligns us very well for success. Throughout the day we’ll feature local and regional newscasts and sportscasts every hour.”
47, James Norman Swank, 35, and Elizabeth Ann Caruso, 35, have been charged with burglary. The report goes on to note that Caruso and Swank admitted being at the station but denied stealing anything. While MacDowell admitted breaking into the station and stealing two demolition bags, sanitary wipes, and a fire extinguisher. They’ve each been released on $25,000 unsecured bail.