Industry News

New Jim Peters Talk Show to Take Live Video Phone Calls

Former Conk News editor-in-chief Jim Peters announces that he is launching a new live video talk show, “Jim Peters At Night,” at 11:00 PM ET on July 31 that will broadcast simultaneously on 10 platforms and networks. Peter says, “There’s nothing new about what I’m doing. There are hundreds of people doing it on Twitch everyim night. But they’re all pretty much just talking to their friends. Ours might be the first ‘professional’ talk show that will take spontaneous video phone calls and only video phone calls from the public.” Peters goes on to say, “When I started this project, I decided I was going to go wherever the prevailing technology took me. Although I’ve hosted several television talk shows in the past, I’m a radio guy at heart. So, we started with a live audio show… but it’s currently way easier to do live video than live audio. So, then it became a radio show with a video feed, and standard phone call-in. But when I realized that we could take video phone calls, I said screw it, let’s get real: it’s a TV show – with the public joining in, on the screen.” Peters’ new program will debut on Rumble, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Twitch, OnlyFans, Odysee, Telegram & Trovo, and audio-only on Podbean Live.

Industry News

Thursday is Giving Day for Broadcasters Foundation

This Thursday (7/20) is the Broadcasters Foundation of America Giving Day – “a day for everyone in radio and television to come together as one community to support colleagues, across every position, in need of financial assistance due to critical illness, accident, or disaster.”  The BFoA says the campaign also strives to raise awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation to ensure that anyone in radio and television who mightim qualify for aid knows about its charitable mission and can apply. BFoA president Tim McCarthy adds, “Giving Day is an opportunity for everyone in radio and television to help our colleagues. As broadcasters, we are storytellers. Whether behind the scenes in marketing, sales, or administration, part of the production team, or on-air talent, everyone in the radio and television broadcasting profession has a common goal: to share vital stories with their communities. But who is there to help these essential community members when a natural disaster strikes, or an illness disrupts a family’s financial security and safety? The Broadcasters Foundation of America’s unique mission is to support our professional community during these hard times, when our colleagues are unable to work and struggling to pay basic living expenses.” Visit the BFoA’s donation page for more information.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The Russia-Ukraine war and Russia’s backing out of the Black Sea grain deal; the extreme weather affecting much of the U.S. and Europe; the 2024 presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; Hollywood writers and actors strikes; and the fight for social media dominance between Meta and Twitter were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

imJune 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.

TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.7 – 3.6, -1.1, seventh to ninth

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.0 – 8.2, +.2, anchored in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) flat at 2.4, continues at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.4 – 11.0, -.4, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 19th month in succession, 11.4 – 11.0, -.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WHUR (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WMAL (-1.1)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, ninth to tenth

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.5 – 4.8, +.3, eighth to seventh

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 8.3 – 5.5, -2.8, first to third

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1 #11 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.5 – 5.7, +.2, third to second

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.5 – 4.0, +.5, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, first month, flat at 6.0

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: hot AC WWBX (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WBZ-FM (-2.8)*

*Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from the 24 PPM-markets we’ve analyzed thus far

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 4.1 – 3.7, -.4, seventh to tenth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, fourth straight month, 9.1 – 8.9, -.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC WFLC (+1.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-.8)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” flat at 4.3, eighth to ninth

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.4 – 2.6, -.8, #14 to #16

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, eighth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.0 – 5.6, +1.6, tenth to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, first month, 6.5 – 7.4, +.9

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KUOW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KJEB; contemporary Christian KCMS; and sports talk KJR-FM (-.9)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” unchanged at 2.4, #14 to #17

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” flat at 3.5, #11 to #12

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.6 – 7.0, -.6, second to third

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #17 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, first month, 7.2 – 8.1, +.9

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WMXD (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic rock WCSX; sports talk WXYT-FM; and rock WRIF (-.6)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, #13 to #17

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #15 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 5.6 – 6.3, +.7, fourth to third

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock KSLX, first month, 6.5 – 6.8, +.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock KUPD (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KESZ (-1.1)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.7 – 3.2, -.5, #14 to #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #15 to #16

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.8 – 1.4, -.4, #18 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 5.4 – 4.3, -1.1, seventh to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.1 – 5.9, -.2, fifth to sixth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, third consecutive month, 9.5 – 10.3, +.8

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: hot AC KSTP-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KFXN (-1.1)

SAN DIEGO

 News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.1 – 4.5, -.6, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 4.9 – 5.4, +.5, seventh to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, third to second

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, fifth successive month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary XLTN (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-1.2)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 6.0 – 4.9, -1.1, fourth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, #15 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) flat at 2.0, repeats at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #16 to #17

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 23rd month in a row, 7.9 – 8.8, +.9

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WDUV and country WQYT (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WHPT (-1.1)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, anchored at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 4.0 – 3.5, -.5, #11 to #10

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” flat at 2.4, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.1 – 3.4, -.7, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 5.8 – 6.5, +.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country KYGO (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: hot AC KIMN (-.9)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.6 – 3.2, -.4, #11 to #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” steady at 1.6, repeats at #17

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, #19 to #20

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #21 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.8 – 3.7, -1.1, eighth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, third month in succession, 8.1 – 7.6, -.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WPOC (+1.9)**

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: rock WIYY (-1.6)

**Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 6.0 – 5.8, -.2, eighth to seventh

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, locked at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” flat at .8, steady at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, sixth month in a row, 10.5 – 10.0, -.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WIL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: alternative KPNT (-1.4)

Up next: June 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry Views

Lessons from Rush

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling on Sunday

Rush Limbaugh’s initial success spawned a nation of imitators.  Throughout the country hosts and executives heard Rush and concluded that the key to success was bashing liberals for three hour – or all day!

Oddly that wasn’t Rush’s mission.  When Ed McLaughlin launched Rush’s show an article appeared quoting Rush and his role.

Rush said, “I’m here to inform, inform, inform.”  Ed was the founding GM of KGO, he ran the ABC Radio Networks for about 20 years. He knew how to make great radio because that’s all he knew how to do.  I was in his office the day the article quoting Rush appeared.

Ed said to me, “I will have to talk to Rush about that. His job is to entertain.”  Following Ed’s conversation with him, Rush carried out his mission, he entertained.

Rush did not get ratings and cash for espousing conservative views. There were other spokespeople who did that very well such as William F Buckley – an erudite conservative who never got ratings.

Listening hard to Rush airchecks, he was mostly entertaining. How did he do that?  First, he never offered duplicate arguments for his opinions. Every single day he presented brand new evidence and facts and stories to support his point of view. Secondly, he riffed. There were long periods featuring funny, human stories. Cat stories!  Third, Rush understood radio to a pristine point of science. When he had nothing to say, he used the medium’s most powerful tool… silence!

He understood the essential bond with the listener and therefore we never heard his producer on talkback, rarely, rarely, rarely a guest interview.  Phone calls were extremely well screened, coached and ready for air. Sharp produced bits were designed to drive the conversation.  The show was a show not a lecture.

Rush understood that the biggest mistake he could make would be to change his position on anything. Regardless of a caller’s absolute facts, Rush would say, “So what of it sir, I’m right.”  His battle against facts made the show work. Radio wrestling.

Today’s winning hosts don’t waste time forming political opinions, they invest their time in building an entertaining show.

Walter Sabo was the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of NBC. The youngest VP in the history of ABC. He was a consultant to RKO General longer than Bill Drake. Walter was the in-house consultant to Sirius for eight years. He has never written a resume. Contact him at walter@sabomedia.com. or mobile 646-678-1110. Hear Walter Sterling at www.waltersterlingshow.com.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Rob and DonFormer President Trump Effectively Working Talk Radio.  Syndicated Newsmax Radio star Rob Carson conducted an exclusive interview with former President Donald Trump yesterday morning (6/13) for his popular midday radio show (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm EDT).  Newsmax played it at 12:00 noon and then repeated it during the 2:00 pm hour to the delight of the show’s national roster of affiliates.  According to a Newsmax spokesperson, “President Trump called Rob this morning and we were supposed to have 15 minutes. After 20 minutes, the former President’s people started asking us to wrap up but Trump said to ignore them, stating that he wanted to spend more time with Rob, and that he is a fan of Rob’s TV and radio shows. The two ended up speaking for a half hour.”  The interview covered topics including the White House cocaine controversy, Trump’s criticism of the Dept. of Justice, the 2024 campaign, the border, human trafficking, the economy and even Elvis Presley. The full interview can be heard by clicking here: Listen Page (newsmax.com)  In recent weeks, the former president has made several appearances on talk radio shows around the country indicating his respect for the ongoing influence of the medium and its listeners.

 

Lynn MontemayorLynn Montemayor Promoted to Director of Sales at Beasley Media Group Detroit.  The Beasley Media Group announces sales pro Lynn Montemayor has been promoted to director of sales at the company’s Detroit-based radio properties. Montemayor most recently served as the GSM of 101 WRIF-FM, 94.7 WCSX-FM, 105.1 The BOUNCE, 105.9 KISS-FM, Detroit PRAISE Network, and Motor City Sports Talk The ROAR. Beasley Media Group Detroit VP/market manager Patti Taylor tells TALKERS, “Lynn is one of the most passionate and adept leaders I have ever worked with. She is thoughtful and fair, a creative teammate and a tenacious partner. I feel lucky and grateful to be working alongside Lynn in this next chapter of the Beasley Detroit cluster.”  Montemayor is stepping up to fill the shoes of Taylor who was also recently promoted to her current position.

Industry News

SiriusXM To Cover Golf’s 151st Open Championship

Sirius XM
When golf’s original championship is contested next week at Hoylake’s Royal Liverpool (England), SiriusXM will offer 45 hours of live coverage on its “Open Radio” channel (92). SiriusXM president/chief content officer Scott Greenstein comments, “We’re very excited to deliver our listeners another extensive week of programming for the historic Open Championship. Our coverage will feature live shot-by-shot commentary from voices who are excellent at capturing and conveying the character and excitement of Open Championship golf, as well as daily programming that will deliver all the latest news from the event and interviews with the competitors in the field.” Championship broadcasts will begin Thursday (7/20) and Friday (7/21) at 2:00 am (ET) and Saturday (7/22) and Sunday (7/23) at 4:00 am (ET). They will continue through the conclusion of each day’s play. The Open Radio team will feature: Matt Adams; Marcus Buckland; Raymond Burns; Paul Eales; Harry Ewing; Ron Jones; Sue Thearle; Alison Walker; and Sophie Walker. SiriusXM analysts/commentators Maureen Madill and Carl Paulson will be in the booth and on the course. Immediately after each round, “The Open Postgame” recaps the day’s play and looks at the next day’s action. Will Haskett will host the show after the Thursday and Friday rounds, while Gary Williams performs the same duties the next two days. Major champions Hale Irwin, Dave Stockton, Scott Simpson and 1992 Open Championship runner-up John Cook  are also scheduled to contribute to the post-round discussion.

Industry News

Texas Longhorns Segue To iHM Austin Combo

Texas LonghornsAs TALKERS noted yesterday (Thursday, 7/13), Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “104.9 The Horn” will be dropping its sports talk format in just over two weeks (8/1). For the past seven years, “The Horn” was the home of University of Texas football, men’s basketball and baseball broadcasts; however, that will change owing to the upcoming format flip. Taking over as new flagships for the Texas Longhorns are iHeartMedia Austin sports talk KVET-AM “AM 1300 The Zone Austin’s Sports Talk” and its country cluster-mate, KVET-FM. The two outlets will simulcast football and men’s basketball. ZoneAccording to iHeartMedia sports president Kevin Legrett, “The Texas Longhorns is one of the leading college sports brands in the country. Longhorn Nation continues to be recognized for their pride and dedication to their home team. We are excited to be the broadcast home to these passionate sports fans, providing great programming and play-by-play coverage not only in Austin, but everywhere via iHeartRadio.” University of Texas vice president/director of athletics Chris Del Conte comments, “The move of our network’s flagship radio station to KVET is a huge win for our fans in Austin and central Texas. The powerful signals of ‘AM 1300 The Zone’ and [KVET-FM] will give our Longhorn faithful access to crystal-clear radio game broadcasts from the northern tips of Williamson County down to the southern regions of Caldwell and Hays counties and out east to our friends in Bastrop and west into the beautiful Hill Country. No matter where you are in that footprint, you’ll get your Horns loud and clear from kickoff, tipoff or first pitch. Then you add the cherry on top to this deal with our network’s partnership with the mighty brand of iHeartMedia, and we’ve hit a home run in every way.” This will be Craig Way’s 23rd year as play-by-play voice of the Longhorns. The deal was negotiated by rightsholder Learfield’s Longhorn Sports Properties.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

im

June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 ratings period has been released for 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.

Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.

Managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).

 

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, #11 to #10

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, #18 to #20

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” flat at 4.3, seventh to eighth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, locked at #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, repeats at #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, eighth month in a row, 8.4 – 7.6, -.8

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WKTU (+.6)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-.8)

 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” steady at 4.3, repeats in fifth-place

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” flat at 2.8, #11 to #12

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #18 to #20

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, fourth month in succession, unchanged at 5.9

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOST (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KBUE (-1.8)

 

 

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #9 to #11

Cumulus Media-owned WLS-AM “890 AM” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #22 to #20

News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, repeats in third-place

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.9 – 2.6, -.3, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 3.0 – 2.5, -.5, #12 to #15  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, ninth straight month, 7.3 – 7.2, -.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock WDRV and country WUSN (+.6)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WBEZ (-.5)

 

 

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.4 – 2.0, +.6, #23 to #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.4 – 5.9, -.5, repeats in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #13 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 4.5 – 5.3, +.8, fifth to fourth  

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, third month in succession, 9.0 – 7.8, -1.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: alternative KITS (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KGMZ (-1.8)

 

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.3 – 3.7, +.4, #11 to #9

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 6.6 – 5.1, -1.5, first to second

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #18 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #20 to #17

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KLUV, first month, 5.1 – 5.4, +.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: alternative KVIL (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KTCK (-1.5)

 

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, #9 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.7 – 2.3, -.4, repeats at #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 28th consecutive month, 9.2 – 8.9, -.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country KILT-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSBJ (-.7)

 

 

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.7 – 6.5, -.2, remains in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #18 to #14

Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.6 – 2.2, -.4, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 2.9 – 2.7, -.2, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, sixth successive month, 8.7 – 10.4,+1.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WSRV (+1.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: urban AC WAMJ (-1.5)

 

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.1 – 5.3, +.2, locked in seventh-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.9 – 3.8, -1.1, eighth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, second straight month, 8.5 – 10.6, +2.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock WMGK (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WIP’s internet stream (-1.2)

*Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

 

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.2 – 2.5, -.7, #10 to #16

iHeartMedia’s WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, repeats at #20

News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.2 – 3.7, +.5, tenth to ninth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, ninth to tenth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, seventh to fifth

WFAN’s internet stream 1.1 – 1.4, +.3, #22 to #20

Good Karma-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, flat at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, fourth month in a row, 6.4 – 6.7, +.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WABC (-.7)

 

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KPWK “Fox Sports AM 1350” flat at .1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, steady at .3, anchored at #19

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, third straight month, unchanged at 7.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KSCA (+.6)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country KFRG and hot AC KBIG (-.6)

 

 

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #20 to #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.5 – 6.3, -.2, repeats in third-place

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 4.0 – 4.5, +.5, continues at #7

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 2.3 – 1.1, -1.2, #16 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Bonneville classic rock KUFX, second month in a row, 6.6 – 7.1, +.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: hot AC KEZR (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KGMZ (-1.2)

 

 

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.4 – 5.5, -.9, fourth to third 

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” steady at 1.0, #20 to #19

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, repeats at #16

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, #18 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.2 – 4.6, +1.4, ninth to sixth

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, continues at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group contemporary WMGQ, first month, 7.2 – 8.7, +1.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMGQ (+1.5)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-2.0)**

**Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

 

Up next: June 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of July 10 – 14

The 2023 Vilnius Summit (NATO Summit) was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Russian-Ukrainian war, followed by Inflation tied with Biden-nomics at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

Round One of June PPMs Released

The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 PPM survey has been released for 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). Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Among his “Takeaways,” TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian notes that Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM notches the largest spoken-word (news/talk; all-news; sports talk; and public radio news/talk) month-to-month improvement in these dozen metered markets. “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” elevates by +1.4 in Middlesex-Somerset-Union (3.2 – 4.6, 6+) and advances from ninth to sixth. Conversely, another sports talk outlet suffers the sharpest month-to-month decline, as Cumulus Media Dallas’ KTCK falters by -1.5 (6.6 – 5.1, 6+). Thus, after five months at #1, “Sports Radio The Ticket” slips to the runner-up slot. Off by three-tenths each in New York are Red Apple Media news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” (3.7 – 3.4, #11 to #10, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” (1.7 – 1.4, #18 to #20, 6+). Spoken-word outlets from these dozen PPM markets boasting the highest market rank are Audacy San Francisco’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” (6.4 – 5.9, -.5, steady at #2) and Dallas’ aforementioned “Ticket.” See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Industry News

Gomez FCC Nom Gains Senate Commerce Committee Approval

Despite protests from nine Republican senators asking to be recorded as “no” votes, the nomination of Anna Gomez to fill the open seat on the FCC moves to the full Senate. This comes after the Senate Commerce Committee endorsed her nomination without a roll call. Committee chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) remarks, “Ms. Gomez is a dedicated public servant with 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. If confirmed, she will be the first Latina on the Commission in more than 20 years. Ms. Gomez has demonstrated she has the experience and judgment to be highly effective in this role as commissioner and has earned bipartisan support for her nomination.” Gomez has been with the State Department since January as senior adviser for International Information and Communications Policy. She previously spent more than 13 years as a deputy assistant secretary at the US National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Meanwhile, the re-nominations of FCC commissioners (Democrat) Geoffrey Starks and (Republican) Brendan Carr for new terms were approved and sent to the full Senate for a final vote. Starks has been on the FCC since 2019; Carr since 2017. Ranking member Ted Cruz (R-TX) opposed the nominations of Gomez and Starks. He accused Gomez of not being sufficiently in support of free speech because she opposes disinformation. Cruz criticized Starks for opposing “key recommendations to reduce fraud in the Affordable Connectivity Program, apparently because he doesn’t want to bar illegal aliens from receiving taxpayer-funded subsidies.” If the full Senate votes to approve Gomez, the Commission will be at full strength for the first time under President Biden’s administration.

Industry News

WSCR Honoring Hall of Famer Hughes

Pat HughesIn celebration of Chicago Cubs play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes’ induction next week into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the team’s flagship – Audacy sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” – will air a series of special programming. WSCR vice president and brand manager Mitch Rosen opines that, “Pat’s induction into baseball’s Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional broadcasting career and unwavering dedication to the Cubs and ‘670 The Score.’ For 28 seasons, Pat’s voice has captured the essence of Cubs baseball. We’re delighted to recount the franchise’s cornerstone moments sound-tracked by his unforgettable calls and honor a fixture in Chicago sports.” Next Friday (7/21), WSCR will air “Pat’s Call to the Hall,” a three-hour (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm) audio retrospective of Hughes’ career. Hosted by Hughes’ radio booth partners Ron Coomer and Zach Zaidman, the special will feature interviews with – among others – former Cubs manager Joe Maddon; current Cubs skipper David Ross; sports broadcaster Bob Costas; and musician/songwriter Eddie Vedder. Next Saturday (7/22) following its broadcast of the Cubs game, the station will air Hughes’ induction speech from Cooperstown (New York) and will rebroadcast “Pat’s Call to the Hall.” In addition, WSCR is airing vignettes saluting Hughes’ career. The Baseball Hall of Fame named Hughes this year’s winner of the Ford Frick Award, which recognizes excellence in broadcasting. A nine-time Illinois Sportscaster of the Year, Hughes won the award three times in Wisconsin as the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Industry News

Napolitano’s Podcast, CMG Partner for Sales and Marketing

Judging Freedom LogoJudge Andrew Napolitano, his Ampere Parkway Productions, Lapcom Communications, and Crossover Media Group enter into a partnership to expand sales/marketing of Napolitano’s “Judging Freedom” podcast. Crossover Media Group managing partner Sue Freund tells TALKERS, “The addition of the ‘Judging Freedom’ podcast to our portfolio is an honor. This partnership signifies our commitment to bringing diverse voices to the forefront. CMG has seen the positive results the judge delivers for advertisers which has further reinforced our enthusiasm for being involved with – and taking –  this podcast to the marketing community.” Lapcom Communications president Steve Lapa – who writes a weekly (Monday) column for TALKERS – comments, “The ‘Judging Freedom’ brand resonates with over five million fans each month. We look forward to the expertise of the Crossover Media Group team as they take ‘Judging Freedom’ to the next level.” Napolitano adds, “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting marketing partnership with everyone at CMG. Their expertise and dedication fit perfectly with our vision for the ‘Judging Freedom’ podcast.” Napolitano’s storylines have included legal, government, and national security issues. The partnership begins with Napolitano’s 30-minute interview of Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Industry News

Coleman Insights Introduces “Pod Predictor”

Coleman Insights Logo In order to measure interest in podcast content pre-launch, Coleman Insights is having 1,000 United States and Canadian podcast listeners (in the 18 – 64 demo) rate podcast show titles and elevator pitches on a one to five scale. Regarding this “Pod Predictor” concept, Coleman Insights vice president/consultant Jay Nachlis comments, “So much money and time is invested in the launch of new podcasts without any intel as to how that content will be received. With ‘Pod Predictor,’ podcasters can determine how appealing their concept is at an affordable price point, allowing them to refine their marketing message before launching it to the public.” Possessing the ability to test one or multiple concepts, “Pod Predictor” is available to individual publishers and networks. Results will be delivered with total results, as well as breakdowns by age, gender, ethnicity, geography, and category interest.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Hand to Host WWTN Middays. After being a fill-in talent on WWTN “Super Talk 99.7 WTN” last October through this past April, Chris Hand will return to the Cumulus Media Nashville news/talk outlet next Monday (7/17) for 9:00 am – 12:00 noon duties. He succeeds Michael Delgiorno, who exited several months ago. Hand previously was media director for Turning Point USA and worked in Pittsburgh at hot AC WLTJ.

KNX to Cover SAG-AFTRA Strike in Special.  Following the SAG-AFTRA National Board’s vote to strike today, Audacy’s all news KNX, Los Angeles will present a KNX In Depth “Instant Special” – Hollywood on Strike: What Now? It will dig into how the dynamics of the strike change with the actors joining the writers on the picket lines, what the long-term impact will be, and how it’s affecting the larger SoCal economy. The program will air at 1:00 pm PT in the normal KNX “In Depth” timeslot and will re-air in afternoon drive at 5:00 pm and again at 8:00 pm. The station will release it on-demand at the conclusion of the program.

KTXX To Jettison Sports Talk on 104.9. Per a Twitter post, Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” will drop its sports talk programming on 104.9 FM as of the first of August. “The Horn,” however will continue on KTAE 1260 AM and K270CO 101.9 FM.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Yesterday July 12

The most discussed story on news/talk radio yesterday (7/12) was the direction of inflation and the impact of President Joe Biden’s “Bidenomics” initiative.  At #2, the Russia-Ukraine War.  At #3, the 2024 presidential race.  At # 4, former President Donald Trump’s legal battles. At # 5, the heat and flooding conditions facing various parts of the nation this summer.  The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See last week’s complete chart here.

Job Opportunity

Connoisseur Seeks Part-Time Talk Host

Connoisseur Media Connecticut has an opening for a part-time, fill-in swing talk show host to substitute weekdays on WICC-AM/FM, Bridgeport. This position will work unique weekday hours filling in for our talk showim hosts. The ideal candidate will be able to execute either two- or four-hour air-shifts on WICC, along with booking guests, creating compelling local content, fielding listener phone calls, and pivoting subject matter as the news cycle dictates.  This position will have different hours based on need. Find out more about the position here. Please send your resume and 3-minute demo to allan.lamberti@connoisseurct.com with “SWING TALK SHOW HOST” in the subject line.

Job Opportunity

Cumulus Media Eugene Seeks PD For Talk Brands

Cumulus Media Logo

Cumulus Media Eugene (Oregon) is looking for an experienced program director for two iconic brands — news/talk KUGN-AM/FM (home of the Pac 12 Oregon Ducks) and sports talk KUJZ-FM. The program director will be responsible for growing and operating these brands and must have a strong background and passion for sports programming and spoken-word radio. Energy, enthusiasm, and experience within the genre is a must. You will be responsible for all aspects of programming including managing on-air staff; imaging; station strategy; developing/executing revenue-generating sales & programming promotions; website & social media; digital content; and have a strong understanding of the core audience(s). Find out more about this position and apply here.

Industry News

Podtrac Releases June’s Top Podcasts, Podcast Publishers

PODTRAC LogoAccording to Podtrac’s latest stats, the average U.S. “Unique Monthly Audience” for the Top 20 publishers dipped 3% month-to-month, but improved by that same percentage compared to June 2022. “Total Global Downloads” for the Top 20 publishers remained steady month-to-month; however, it declined 3% versus this time last year. The combined audience for the Top Sales Networks was up 5% month-to-month. The top ten podcasts by US Unique Monthly Audience (June 2023) are: “The Daily” (New York Times); “Dateline NBC” (NBC News); “Morbid” (Wondery); “Up First” (NPR); “NPR News Now” (NPR); “SmartLess” (Wonderly); “The Ben Shapiro Show” (Daily Wire); “Stuff You Should Know” (iHeartPodcasts); “Pardon My Take” (Barstool Sports); and “The Dan Bongino Show” (Dan Borgino). With a US “Unique Monthly Audience” of 31,625,000 (and 833 active shows), iHeartPodcasts is the top podcast publisher. It is followed by Wondery; NPR; NBC News; New York Times; Daily Wire; The Walt Disney Company; Barstool Sports; Vox Media; and PRX.

Industry News

Compass Media Networks To Handle ABC Audio Ad Sales

Compass Logo Effective immediately for inventory beginning next January, Compass Media Networks will be ABC Audio’s exclusive advertising representative. ABC Audio vice president Liz Alesse declares, “We are thrilled to usher in a new phase of growth for ABC Audio with the announcement of our strategic partnership with Compass Media Networks. “ABC News Radio remains steadfast in its mission to provide our news affiliates incisive, up-to-the-minute headlines; we’re equally committed to creating top-tier entertainment content. By maintaining our high standards in these areas, we do more than just serve our stations – we also create exceptional opportunities for our advertisers.” Compass Media Networks chief executive officer Peter Kosann remarks that, “Christmas has come early for us and our national sponsors. ABC Audio represents some of the most iconic brands and media assets in the world. We will move mountains to be a wonderful ambassador and advocate for our new partner.” As TALKERSnoted last Wednesday (7/5), ABC Audio and Skyview Networks agreed to end their similar arrangement. A Skyview statement read, “ABC Audio and Skyview Networks are committed to working together to ensure a smooth transition. Skyview will continue meeting the needs of the industry and its full-scale multi-partner relationships. Skyview Networks will continue representing ABC Audio network sales while also providing distribution service through 2023. We wish ABC Audio continued success in the years ahead.”

Industry News

Simon Says Happy 4th

Reagan Ranch
Each Independence Day, Simon Conway organizes a truly unique trip for his listeners. It’s on that special day that the afternoon drive talent on iHeartMedia Des Moines news/talk WHO “News Radio 1040” broadcasts his show from the deck of the historic Battleship Iowa – BB61. The fifty listeners (pictured below) who came on what Simon labels the “Freedom Tour” witnessed him fire five-inch guns in celebration of America’s birthday. The once in a lifetime celebration continued two days later as it was off to Southern California with the group visiting the famed Reagan Ranch, which Ronald Reagan used as the Western White House. As Conway points out, “You need an invitation to go there as it’s not open to the public. Before he went to Hollywood, President Reagan worked at two stations I broadcast on every day – [Davenport’s] WOC and my flagship station, WHO. We even get to have lunch on Ronnie and Nancy’s front lawn – it’s truly an honor.”

Industry News

WDET Imports Fox As PD

Having thus far spent his entire broadcasting career north of the border, native Canadian L. Adam Fox relocates to Detroit to program Wayne State University public radio news/talk WDET. He will report to WDET general manager Mary Zatina who states, “Adam’s experience and skills in programming L Adam Fox
are exceptional. He also brings a leadership style that will enhance both staff and listener experiences. WDET is on a fast-track to excellence in all areas; Adam will be steering our sound in a way that fully maximizes the community service we deliver.” Fox comments, “I’m thrilled to be joining the team to support the critical mission of WDET. This station has always been a beacon for me, reflecting the stories and culture of my favorite city in the world, and bringing the news of the world with a Detroit perspective.” For the past ten years, Fox has been program director for Calgary-based National Music Center. Prior to that, he programmed Toronto’s CHRY; was content director for CKUA Radio Network, Alberta; and was station manager of Windsor’s CJAM-FM. After registering a 1.0 in February and March, WDET has repeated a .9 in April and May (#22, 6+, Nielsen Audio).

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Armstrong & GettyWBEN/Buffalo Adds the Armstrong & Getty Show.  The Armstrong & Getty Show has added yet another major market – WBEN, Buffalo. The Audacy-owned outlet is one of the most respected news/talk radio stations in the country having won numerous state, regional, and national awards for its news reporting.  It is also one of the country’s heritage stations, tracing its beginning to 1922.  WBEN operations director/Audacy news talk format VP Tim Wenger tells TALKERS, “We’re thrilled to have Armstrong & Getty as part of the evening lineup at WBEN. Their entertaining approach to current events and politics is a refreshing way to cap off the daylong programming on the station.” In a joint statement, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty (pictured above left) say, “We’re excited to join the list of great radio voices that have been part of Buffalo and WBEN. Now, more than ever, it’s important that folks get a perspective from outside the mainstream media. We’re here to be that honest voice.” For more information about The Armstrong & Getty Show, contact Eric Weiss at The Weiss Agency: Eric@TheWeissAgency.com or Craig Whetstine at craig@armstrongandgetty.com.

PodcastOne Obtains Rights.  LiveOne subsidiary PodcastOne obtains exclusive network distribution/advertising sales rights to “Some More News” and its Cody Johnston & Katy Stoll-hosted spinoff podcast, “Even More News.” PodcastOne president Kit Gray notes, “With ‘Some More News’ and ‘Even More News,’ Cody and Katy host two intelligent, insightful and incredibly funny vodcasts. Their engaged audiences pair well with our existing programming. As we enter into a never-ending cycle of election year news, we’re looking forward to Cody’s and Katy’s comedic take on what promises to be an endless flood of attention-grabbing headlines. We couldn’t be more thrilled to work with this team to grow their shows and their advertiser audience.”

Portnoy Joins ABC News Radio.  Here just yesterday (TALKERS, Tuesday, 7/11), it was reported that, “Following an eight-and-a half-year run with CBS News Radio, White House correspondent Steven Portnoy is exiting CBS News ‘for a new opportunity.’ It didn’t take long to learn where he’s landing as ABC Audio vice president Liz Alesse today notes Portnoy is national correspondent for ABC News Radio. In a memo, she writes, “Steven has earned his reputation as an insightful, straightforward journalist with over two decades of reporting on politics and breaking news. His work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. As we embark on another pivotal presidential election season, ABC News Radio is committed to upholding those high ideals; Steven’s integrity and tenacity as a journalist will help us achieve that mission.” It is a homecoming for Portnoy who joined ABC News in 2002 as an intern for the White House unit of “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.” In 2006, he was named Washington correspondent for ABC News Radio, providing coverage of the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections and the 2011 death of Osama bin Laden. Portnoy extensively reported on the recent prisoner swap that led to the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner from Russia.

WSJ: Audacy Initiating Debt Restructuring Discussions. Per a Wall Street Journal report, Audacy is about to initiate discussions with creditors regarding a restructuring of the company’s $1.9 billion of debt. Lawyers representing two different groups of creditors have reportedly signed nondisclosure agreements. The report states that one group of senior lenders has hired one law firm, while another group of second lien bondholders has employed another entity to represent them in confidential negotiations. Audacy executed a thirty-for-one reverse stock split at the end of June to initiate compliance with the New York Stock Exchange.

Alpha Portland Change.  Alpha Media Portland (Oregon) content director Keith Abrams exits as his position has been eliminated. The Alpha Media Portland cluster includes news/talk KXL “FM 101 News”; sports talk KXTG “750 The Game”; and news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970.”

Bannister Joins WONE.  Starting next Monday (7/17), Marty Bannister will begin hosting a daily 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm show on iHeartMedia Dayton sports talk WONE “Fox Sports 980.” Bannister does play-by-play of Ohio University men’s and women’s basketball for ESPN3 and high school sports for Spectrum. He previously worked in Columbus as an update anchor for sports talk WBNS-FM “97.1 The Fan.”

TN HOF Banquet To Honor Legacy Class. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame awards ceremony and banquet later this month (7/29) in Columbia, Tennessee is a sell-out. The “Legacy Class of 2023” includes: Phil Valentine (Nashville); Sam Phillips (Memphis); E.G. Blackman (Nashville); Johnny Eagle (Chattanooga); Art Gilliam (Memphis); Al “Adams” Johnson (Knoxville); Devon O’Day (Nashville) and Dick Ellis (Tri-Cities). Joining the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame’s board of directors for a two-year term is Jeff Jarnigan from Cumulus Media Knoxville. In addition, Melissa McDonald returns to the board.   

Dr Daliah Wachs and Jimmy GaroppoloLas Vegas Abuzz Over Raiders and Jimmy Garoppolo.  Nationally syndicated, Las Vegas-based TALKERS Heavy Hundred host Dr. Daliah Wachs of the Genesis Communications Network met and received a jersey signed by the new Las Vegas Raider‘s quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The two are pictured (right) at an NFL “Salute To Service” event at Nellis Air Force Base.  Wachs tells TALKERS, “The region is hopeful that Garoppolo will add that winning spark to the team if only he stays healthy.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Yesterday July 11

The most discussed story on news/talk radio across America yesterday (7/11) was President Joe Biden’s activities at the G-7 Summit and latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine War. At # 2, a collection of the various legal battles facing former President Donald Trump. At #3, the 2024 presidential race. At # 4, the economy – as inflation seems to be cooling. At #5, the heat and flooding conditions facing various parts of the nation this summer. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See last week’s complete chart here.