Industry News Uncategorized

CBS Evening News Gives AM Radio Props for NC Disaster Relief

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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

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Podtrac Releases September Podcast Ranker

According to data from Podtrac’s ranking of the top U.S. podcasts for September 2024 based on U.S. unique monthly audience, the top three shows remain unchanged from the August ranker: #1 is The New Yorkim Times’ “The Daily,” followed by NPR’s “NPR News Now” at #2 and NPR’s “Up First” at #3. Some moves of note include Dan Bongino’s “The Dan Bongino Show” sliding from #4 to #5, The DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” dipping two spots to #11, and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” rising to one spot to #12. See the complete ranker here.

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BFoA Adjusts Grant Guidelines and Application Process

In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Helene and the impending Hurricane Milton, the Broadcasters Foundation of America is taking immediate steps to make sure every broadcaster who qualifies for emergency aid receives it quickly. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “We’ve temporarily adjusted ourim already streamlined Emergency Grant Guidelines and Application Process to make it even easier and faster to get funds into the hands of broadcasters hit hardest by these storms. The situation is catastrophic for many of our colleagues and with insufficient or total lack of internet service, an individual or families cannot even submit an application.” Under the adjusted guidelines, broadcasters who have suffered catastrophic loss contact their market or general manager, who then fills out the Hurricanes Helene and Milton Group Submission Form for all of those within their station who are applying. To access the new temporary application form market or general managers may click here. For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.

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TALKERS News Notes

FOX Weather Presents Continuing Coverage of Hurricane Milton. FOX Weather, FOX News Media’s free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) weather service, will present continuous coverage of Hurricane Milton including non-stop live programming from this morning through Friday evening. FOX Business Network will also extend its FOX Weather simulcast from 4:00 am to 6:00 am ET on Thursday morning. FOX News Audio is offering FOX Weather simulcast to affiliates in Florida as well.

Salem’s LifeAudio Announces Partnership with “Jesus Calling.” Salem Media Group, Inc. announced today that LifeAudio, a leading Christian podcast network of Salem Media Group, is thrilled to announce its newest partnership with “Jesus Calling.” The “Jesus Calling” podcast brings heartfelt encouragement and spiritual wisdom to listeners, offering a daily message that brings hope and strengthens faith. Known for its popular devotional series, the podcast will now provide a new platform for its audience to engage with meaningful, faith-driven content through LifeAudio’s expansive reach.

MPR Welcomes New Member to Board of Trustees. The board of trustees of Minnesota Public Radio welcomes Dr. Marc Gorelick as its newest member. Gorelick is president and chief executive officer of Children’s Minnesota, the state’s only health care system dedicated exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. He previously served as executive vice president and COO of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and practiced academic pediatric emergency medicine for 25 years in Philadelphia, Wilmington, Del., and Milwaukee. His education includes a bachelor’s from Princeton University, an M.D. from Duke University, and a master’s from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

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Yesterday’s (10/8) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and today’s expected landfall of Hurricane Milton in Florida were the most talked-about stories, followed closely by the presidential race, Bob Woodward’s report of Donald Trump’s close relationship with Vladimir Putin, and the escalation of violence in the Middle East.  Climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/8), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Hurricane Milton

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10% AM/FM Radio Listening Growth Expected as Nielsen Eyes Methodological Tweak

According to Cumulus and other reliable sources, in a series of private meetings with customers, Nielsen has reportedly revealed potential plans to enhance the way it generates average quarter-hour audiences in the 48 markets which utilize the Portable People Meter. Crediting to AM/FM radio listening in local PPM markets will increase by +24%. For national marketers and media agencies, the expected impact in 2025 will be a +10% increase in total U.S. listening levels. This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® blog examines the implications for AM/FM radio.  Here are some key points

• The trend of AM/FM radio surpassing TV in ratings will accelerate: Over the last five years, AM/FM radio has overtaken linear TV in ratings. Based on TV and AM/FM radio audience forecasts, 2025 will see AM/FM radio overtake TV in the all-important 25-54 demographic by 13% and widen its ratings lead over TV among 18-49s by 47%.

• 2025 post-buy analyses will overachieve 2024 media plans: In PPM markets, expect up to +24% increases in audience deliveries based on prior year schedules. For local buys, outcomes will vary by demographic, markets utilized, and AM/FM radio programming format mix.

• AM/FM radio, already America’s number one mass reach media, will experience reach growth in advertising schedules: With an estimated daily reach growth of +7% and weekly week growth of +4%, reach and frequency analyses are expected to experience growth.

• AM/FM radio ads will become more effective as stations increase the number of commercial breaks with shorter durations: With a 3-minute quarter hour qualification, stations could create more breaks of shorter duration. This will significantly benefit advertisers.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison’s reaction to this possible course of action is, “The game is played the way the game is scored.  However, we in radio must be careful not to fool ourselves by what could simply be a lowering of the bar. If the fences are moved in an extra hundred feet, the result will be more home runs… but not necessarily better hitting.”

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iHeartMedia Alaska and Hawaii Markets Announce Retirement of Area President Andy Lohman

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New Jersey Honors Harrison and Hurley at Charity Dinner – MH Tells Attendees Technology is Rewiring the Human Brain to Induce Artificial Telepathy

In the wake of the enormous success of the 16th Annual Hurley in the Morning Foundation Charity Dinner this past Friday evening (10/4) in Atlantic City (see full story below) in which the amount of money raised by the philanthropic initiative has now exceeded $1.75 million to be distributed to worthy non-profits across the Garden State and beyond, the New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly issued separate proclamations honoring the event’s organizer and founder, Harry Hurley and its guest of honor/keynote speaker Michael Harrison.  The joint resolutions praise both media figures for their outstanding work and careers in radio and service on behalf of the public good.  In addition, Harry Hurley, 33-year veteran morning host on WPG, Atlantic City, was honored by the designation of October 4, 2024 as “Harry Hurley Day” in Atlantic Country, NJ.

MH at dinner

Michael Harrison discusses the enormous changes taking place in the human nervous system as a result of digital and AI technology at New Jersey Charity Dinner.

Michael Harrison tells attendees that modern digital technology is rewiring the human brain with shocking results. One of the many highlights of Harrison’s 48-minute presentation was his observation that due to the rewiring on the human brain by rapidly evolving digital mechanics, we humans are evolving into a “technologically induced telepathic species.”  To see a clip of Harrison’s comments please click here.

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Audacy Shares Creativity, AI and Measurement Trends to Accelerate Brand Success

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Yesterday’s (10/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and anticipation of Hurricane Milton were the most talked-about stories, followed closely by the presidential race and the escalation of violence in the Middle East.  Climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/7), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Florida Radio Stations Prepare for Hurricane Milton

Radio is a survivorAs most readers of TALKERS magazine know, dedicated and alert radio stations rise to the occasion of abundant vigilance and public service in providing their communities with vital information and support during natural disasters.  Such has been the case with Hurricane Helene and the same thing will take place as Hurricane Milton threatens Florida and the East Coast.

TALKERS has been informed of the following plan put in place by the Florida-based Beasley Media Group:

1. Hourly Storm Updates: The Tampa and Fort Myers markets will commence hourly storm updates immediately, increasing to twice per hour as the storm nears. Wall-to-wall coverage will begin 24 hours before landfall, incorporating active listener engagement.

2. Partnership with Local TV Stations: Beasley Tampa will partner with local Scripps ABC television, while Fort Myers will align with the Hearst NBC-2/ABC-7 affiliates to enhance storm coverage.

3. Remote Broadcasting: Should there be widespread flooding, evacuations, or power/internet outages, Q105’s afternoon host, Geno, will broadcast live from Beasley’s Boston-based studios to maintain continuous storm coverage.

4. On-Site Presence: Some staff may remain overnight at the radio station, provided there are no safety concerns.

5. Beasley’s engineering team is on standby to address any technical issues that arise, ensuring the stations remain operational.

6. Local Storm Coverage: All syndicated programming will be suspended during the storm to prioritize local storm coverage.

7. Digital Content and Storm Central: Beasley’s Digital Content team will establish a dedicated “Storm Central” section on the station websites, offering timely updates, which will also be shared across social media platforms. Additionally, Quu dashboard technology will deliver special messaging featuring storm warnings.

Beasley personnel are closely monitoring the evolving storm conditions and are ready to take necessary action to keep their communities informed and safe.

Industry News

16th Annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner Ups Total Raised to $1.75 Million

The 16th annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation Dinner took place Friday evening (10/4) at the historic Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.  The event is a key component each year of the philanthropic work performed by 33-year veteran WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley on behalf of non-profits across New Jersey and beyond.

Harry and Van Drew
Harry Hurley (l) is joined by U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) – one of hundreds of elected officials, media, and business dignitaries in attendance Friday evening (10/4) at the 16th Annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner at the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.

The gathering was literally a who’s who of the Garden State’s political, business, health care, and cultural communities including U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), U.S Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw, and literally dozens of members of the New Jersey legislature, county leaders, mayors, council members and a broad section of business and industry leaders at the highest level. The gala event, which drew the largest attendance in the event’s colorful history, opened with a video welcome message from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. More than $100,00 was raised at the gathering that evening, which included a remarkably curated silent auction, bringing the foundation’s total to more than $1.75 million.

MH at dinner
Michael Harrison, pictured here addressing the gathering, was the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the Hurley charity dinner, now considered one of the most important radio-related annual philanthropic civic initiatives in America.

TALKERS founder/publisher Michael Harrison served as the dinner’s keynote speaker and guest of honor. In his 40-minute presentation, Harrison discussed a variety of topics including the consequential impact of changing technology on society, the state of radio and journalism, the importance of the First Amendment and education in preserving democracy and the challenges facing unique cities such as Atlantic City in carrying on their meaningful legacies in the brave new world of the 21st century. Highlights of Harrison’s speech will be posted to the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel in the coming days.

Harrison stated, “The positive impact Harry Hurley has on South Jersey – economically, politically, and culturally – is a thing of beauty when witnessed up close as I just did this past weekend.  I salute Harry, WPG, and Townsquare Media for setting a stunning example of just how consequential this enduring medium of radio can be when operated by such dedicated, resourceful, and community-minded individuals. I was humbled and deeply honored to be able to play a small role in their magnificent efforts.”

Industry News

Mike Gallagher Marks Anniversary of Oct. 7 Attack Broadcasting from Israel