Industry News

Doug Stephan’s “Good Day” Restructures for Weekends and Flex Schedule

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Talk host Doug Stephan announces that his daily morning radio show – airing consistently for the past 36 years – will cease its Monday through Friday live distribution via Wegner/Echobox on May 3. The current “Good Day Show with Doug Stephan & Jai Kershner” will be transitioned into two four-hour weekend programs, “Good Day Saturday” and “Good Day Sunday” that will be delivered to affiliate stations via FTP. Stephan says the two programs will be hosted by himself and Jai Kershner and will continue to feature regular and special guests. The programs will be modular so that in addition to airing them on the weekend, stations can air them as a one- or two-hour program. Stephan adds, “This isn’t goodbye, but it is changing when and how we will deliver our program. Weekends are a vast wasteland of infomercials and reruns. The content on this new show aligns with the same positive approach – features and friends that listeners have become accustomed to from ‘Good Day.’ This new program is deliberately formatted so each hour stands on its own and can be used in any daypart on the weekend or weekdays, and it can be aired more than once, should you want to do that.” United Stations Media Networks is handling FTP distribution and Stephan notes that his podcast programs remain unchanged, including the daily “Good Day” podcast. For more information contact Mike McVay at mikemcvay@mcvaymedia.com or Doug Stephan at doug.stephan@gmail.com.

Industry News

Audacy Cuts Hit KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh’s Rick Dayton

Among the employees of Audacy terminated in its ongoing reduction in force is Rick Dayton, the formerim KDKA-TV personality who became afternoon drive host at news/talk KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh in December of 2020. Colin Dunlap appears to be set to continue hosting the afternoon drive show solo. Audacy has stated that these staff cuts will amount to “less than 2%” of the company’s workforce.

Industry News

Powerful Agenda Being Set for TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond

imThe forthcoming 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national gathering will be meticulously documented on video for posterity. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Because the entire agenda of this year’s event will take place on the state of the art television soundstage ‘A’ at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and a special staging area for individual interviews will be set up on the adjacent TV soundstage ‘B,’ the opportunity to create an in-depth video time capsule of this remarkably transitional moment in talk media history will be unprecedented.” Harrison adds, “The number of heavyweight players from all ends of the business gathered in one place for one day on a television soundstage will be of tremendous historical significance. We will grab the opportunity to save everything we can for posterity. This conference will be more than just another industry ‘convention.’ It will be a ‘symposium’ for the ages reflecting and preserving a remarkably colorful and historic era in American media and culture. People all over the world and for years to come will bear witness to this ‘happening.’” This power-packed, one-day event will again be presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and the school’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. To register for TALKERS 2024 or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. For a look at the full list of speakers, stories about key panel discussions & presentations, as well as a list of nearby hotels, click here.

Industry News

New RAB CEO Appears on “Chachi Loves Everybody” Podcast

The latest duo of podcasts hosted by Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes have dropped. Joining Denes on the “Chachi Loves Everybody” podcast are new Radio Advertising Bureau CEO Mike Hulvey and Epic Media founder Brad Samuel. The two programs were recorded at the recent 2024 NAB Show in Las Vegas. Listen to them here.

Industry News

Beasley Southwest Florida Raises Funds for Golisano Children’s Hospital

Beasley Media Group’s Southwest Florida radio stations – including sports talk WBCN-AM, Fort Myers – joined forces with Children’s Miracle Network to shine a spotlight on Golisano Children’s Hospital and raised more than $50,000 for pediatric healthcare during a radiothon held on April 4. Beasley Soutwest Florida VP and market manager AJ Lurie comments, “We have an amazing team, and I am grateful to work with them. I am grateful to everyone who made this event a success. We are proud to partner with Children’s Miracle Network and Golisano Children’s Hospital. Thank you to each person who donated and every sponsor who supported our efforts.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Named Webby Podcast Company of the Year

At this year’s Webby Awards, iHeartMedia was named the Webby Podcast Company of the Year. iHeartMedia was recognized with 18 Webby Awards, 38 nominations and 16 honorees. The Webby Awards is an international awards program that celebrates the best of the internet across various forms of media, including websites, video, advertising, media & PR, social, apps and podcasts. The ceremony is overseen by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of April 22 – 26

The pro-Palestinian protests on numerous U.S. college campuses was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.  At #2 this week was the Donald Trump “hush money” trial, followed by the Supreme Court presidential immunity case at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week 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

Audacy Laying Off Staffers

As it prepares to emerge from Chapter 11 reorganization, Audacy is embarking on a staff reduction program that it says will affect “less than 2%” of the company’s workforce. WEEI, Boston sports reporterim  Mike Kadlik is one former Audacy staffer who took to social media to announce that he’s now a free agent. He posted to X, “My time with @WEEI has come to an end due to company-wide reductions. Very tough to swallow right before the NFL Draft, but I’m looking forward to continuing covering the #Patriots in some way.” Though the total number of people being let go is not known, it’s expected that more former employees will use social media to let the industry know they are available.

Industry News

Writers Union Files Grievance Against iHeartMedia

According to a story in The Hollywood Reporter, the Writers Guild of America East has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company’s management alleging that it has intimidated workers and encroached on their rights to discuss their working conditions and share union literature during break periods. iHeartMedia and the iHeart Podcast Union have been in negotiations for two years over theim workers’ first contract. The union says iHeartMedia has “violated Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act ‘by restricting protected Section 7 speech, by engaging in intimidating conduct and by interrogating employees about their support for the union.’” imThe union’s complaint adds, “When we have posted flyers about the union, management has removed these materials within the day, often within minutes… union members have received emails discouraging this activity, pointing out company policies about distributing literature in working areas, without acknowledging our federally protected right to discuss our working conditions or to distribute information about our union to our colleagues. Non-bargaining-unit employees and managers have used common work areas to openly disparage our union literature and efforts to inform unit members.” iHeartMedia has not responded publicly to the grievance. Read THR’s story here.

Industry News

LaBrozzi Says Bye to The ‘Burgh

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Audacy Pittsburgh threw a “Goodbye ‘Burgh Party” for news/talk KDKA-AM brand manager Dave LaBrozzi, who is retiring from his role with the station. Pictured in the photo above are back row (l-r): new brand manager PJ Kumanchik, regional VP programming Mark Anderson, KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” brand manager Kraig Riley, market manager Michael Spacciapolli, LaBrozzi, KDKA-AM morning host Larry Richert, former Audacy Cleveland OM Dave Popovich, and consultant Mike McVay. Front row (l-r): events, promotions and marketing manager Amy Mauk, sales manager Christine Fallon McKenna, and sales manager Denise Suba.

Industry News

Corinne Baldassano to Receive MIW’s Trailblazer Award

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc names Corinne Baldassano, the 2024 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer. Baldassano most recently served as SVP of programming & marketing at Take On The Day, LLC/“The Dr. Laura Program.” The Trailblazer Award is named after music industry pioneer and longtime BMI president and CEO Frances Preston and is presented annually to a woman who,im through her leadership and accomplishments in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff comments, “Corinne’s remarkable career firmly establishes her as a Trailblazer. In addition to all she’s accomplished, her selfless devotion to mentoring women and men, and absolute delight in helping them achieve their goals, is the essence of who she is. She is truly a mentor of mentors. We are thrilled to recognize her with our highest award.” Baldassano says, “I am honored to accept this year’s Trailblazer Award from MIW. As I built my career, it was natural for me to offer guidance to others who also wanted to take a similar path.  And it’s turned out to be one of the most important and satisfying things I’ve ever done.  I’m proud of those I have mentored, and I’m humbled to be recognized by an organization committed to fostering the growth of broadcasting’s next generation of women. I’m happy to see my work and theirs come full circle. Thank you!”

Industry News

Capitol Broadcasting Extends Panthers Partnership

The NFL’s Carolina Panthers and Capitol Broadcasting Company announce they have expanded their partnership to air live Panthers games in the Triangle region on WRAL-FM “MIX 101.5” beginning this fall. Games will be simulcast on “Buzz Sports Radio” (WDNC-AM, Durham; W283DE, Durham and WCMC-HD2, Holly Springs). CBC will continue its local, dedicated coverage and analysis of the Carolina Panthers on WCMC-FM “99.9 The Fan” and “Buzz Sports Radio” along with audio streaming and podcasts. The company says this contract extension through 2027 will make play-by-play broadcasts for all pre-season, regular season and post-season games, as well as the weekly “Panther Talk” and daily “Panthers Update” programs, available to listeners on one of the strongest FM signals in North Carolina.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/24) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The pro-Palestinian protests taking place on numerous college campuses; the Supreme Court to hear arguments on former President Donald Trump’s claim of presidential immunity; the Trump “hush money” trial in NYC; the presidential race; the Arizona abortion law battle; Arizona indicts Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani in 2020 fake elector scheme; the GOP’s Marjorie Taylor Greene problem; the Russia-Ukraine war; and the bird flu virus found in cows and questions about the safety of the milk supply were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

FTC Bans Common Media Biz Contract Clause: The Noncompete

In a move that could have far-reaching effects on the media industry, the Federal Trade Commission voted yesterday (4/23) to ban noncompete clauses in employment contracts for most U.S. workers. This is certainly going to be challenged in courts as The New York Times reports. “But the U.S. Chamber ofim Commerce vowed to sue the FTC to block the proposal, calling it ‘an unlawful power grab’ in a statement shortly after the vote. The chamber, as well as the two dissenting [FTC] commissioners, has argued that the FTC doesn’t have the authority to address this issue and that it should be left to the states.” The Times piece notes that the rule becomes law 120 days after being published in the Federal Register – meaning sometime in late August – but that legal challenges could block or delay the change. In the radio industry, most on-air talent, programmers, and sales staff who work under written contracts have a noncompete clause that prevents them from working “across the street” usually for six months. If this new policy stands, it will be a monumental change for radio companies. Read the Times story here.

Industry News

Media Research Center Files Petition to Deny Audacy Bankruptcy Exit

The conservative media watchdog organization Media Research Center has filed a Petition to Deny with the FCC the case of Audacy’s Chapter 11 reorganization, which must be approved by the Commission before the company’s radio stations’ licenses can be transferred to the New Audacy. The MRC notes in its Petition to Deny that Soros Fund Management, operated by liberal activist and billionaire Georgeim Soros, would become the largest shareholder in New Audacy and that Soros would “control these radio stations to advance their particular brand of activism.” Further, MRC objects saying that the FCC has an obligation to complete a full and thorough review and that the Commission is being asked to approve the change in ownership without this review, specifically imregarding the foreign ownership issue which the MRC says would not be handled as required by Section 310(b)(4) of the Communications Act of 1935 if the Soros Group gets what it wants. It’s asking the FCC “to waive that process and put it off until sometime down the road – indicating that those foreign stakeholders will be given ‘special warrants’ in the meantime. The Soros group says that putting off the required foreign ownership review will enable the FCC to expedite its approval of the Soros applications and thus allow them to more quickly realize their ownership interests in and take over the hundreds of local radio stations across the country.” The MRC argues that the Communications Act of 1935 “does not contain a special Soros shortcut.” Read the entire filing here.

Industry News

iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Launch Women’s Sports Audio Network

iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment announce a new partnership to launch the Women’s Sports Audio Network (WSAN), an audio platform dedicated exclusively to women’s sports. The companies say WSAN is a free, ad-supported network that will include podcasts, daily sports reports, spotlights and audio vignettes, social content, promotion and industry event presence, and will beim available across iHeartMedia’s broadcast, digital and podcast platforms and everywhere podcasts are heard. Talent to be heard on the platform include sports media personality Sarah Spain and WNBA legend & three-time Olympic gold medalist, Sheryl Swoopes, with more talent to be announced in the coming weeks. Deep Blue is led by agency veteran Laura Correnti as founder and CEO and WNBA legend Sue Bird as chief strategy officer. iHeartMedia chief marketing officer Gayle Troberman states, “Women’s sports are on fire and so is audio. The timing is perfect to deliver on the massive fan excitement today and most importantly use the power of iHeart’s massive audience reach to ensure women’s sports gets the attention it deserves.

Industry News

Audacy Sports Presenting Radio Row from NFL Draft in Detroit

Audacy Sports is hosting its own Radio Row at Buffalo Wild Wings in Detroit for the 2024 NFL Draft starting today (4/24) with shows from five of its leading sports brands. Taking part this week will beim WEEI, Boston’s midday show “Gresh & Fauria” with Andy Gresh and Christian Fauria, and night host Rich Keefe; WSCR, Chicago’s “Parkins & Spiegel” with Danny Parkins and Matt Spiegel; WXYT-FM, Detroit’s “Karsh & Anderson” with Doug Karsch and Scott “Gator” Anderson, and “The Mike Valenti Show with Rico”; WJFK-FM, Washington’s midday host Brian Mitchell and evening host Craig Hoffman.