Report: Middleton Interviews for WBZ-FM, Boston Morning Gig
A Boston Herald piece by Rick Sobey reveals that WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” personality Kendra Middleton has interviewed for the open morning drive position on the station alongside Fred Toucher. Rich Shertenlieb parted ways with the company last month. However, Middleton appeared on
afternoon drive host Mike Felger’s Facebook Live “Off-Air Show” and said she doesn’t think she’ll get the gig. When asked why she said, “Just because I think that I’m young and new. I think [program director] Rick [Radzik] took me very seriously. It’s just I think that there’s probably someone who, I don’t know, I think that I’m qualified. It’s just I haven’t been here very long, so I don’t know.” Station afternoon personality Jim Murray has said he’s not interested in the position. The piece notes that midday personality Rob “Hardy” Poole is being talked about as a candidate for the morning show post. Read the Herald story here.
the company. Dove, who starts on January 1, comes to Alpha Media from iHeartMedia where he most recently served as Pacific Northwest Region president. Alpha Media president and CEO Bob Proffitt commented on the announcement, “I am very excited to have Robert lead us to new heights, opportunities, and successes. He knows Portland like no other broadcaster, has deep relationships and knowledge of our city’s intricacies, and will be a great addition to our team of market managers all across America.” Dove adds, “I’m very excited to join the Alpha Media team. As a native Portlander having the chance to work with some of Portland radio’s most iconic brands is very rewarding and fulfilling. I can’t wait to get started.” 
Cumulus operates news/talk WXLM-AM in the New London market and news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM and sports talk WPRV-AM in Providence. Cumulus Media president of operations Dave Milner states, “Holly is an extremely effective and capable leader. Having her lead New London in addition to Providence allows for us to provide enhanced solutions for customers in Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut.”
five, with The New York Times’ “The Daily” remaining in first place. NPR’s “Up First” is #2 and NBC News’ “Dateline NBC” is #3. Commercial radio-related podcasts of note in the top 20 include The Daily Wire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” – down two spots to #8 – and Dan Bongino’s “The Dan Bongino Show” – down two spots to #11. FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” slipped one place to #16.
company’s New Orleans market to take over for Williamson as SVP and market manager for the Chicago market. Williamson reports to Brian Benedik, chief 
revenue officer, and Cassidy reports to Brian Purdy, regional president. Benedik says, “We are thrilled to move Rachel into this new, important assignment. Her leadership experience and expertise with linear and digital audio and video will be a tremendous asset to growing our local business across Audacy.” Purdy comments, “With an impressive multiyear track record of success overseeing our New Orleans cluster, Kevin knows how to grow brands and deliver performance. We are confident that Chicago will continue to thrive under Kevin’s guidance.”
issued the following statement: “Regional VP Brian Lang, who manages all of Townsquare’s stations in New Jersey, explains that the company earlier consolidated leadership in sales, promotions, finance, and engineering for the Trenton-Princeton and Monmouth-Ocean markets. Now it has also aligned content for those markets under Sam Gagliardi as VP of content. Gagliardi, who goes by the name Sam Elliot on the air, earlier served as general manager of Northern Lights Broadcasting in Minneapolis-St. Paul.”
absentee ballots but says he had nothing to do with it. He also says he won’t challenge a judge’s decision to toss the results of the September 12 Democratic primary election and possibly rerun the general election. Security cameras revealed people stuffing numerous absentee ballots into collection boxes in what appears to be a campaign of illegal ballot harvesting. Wexler tells TALKERS magazine the exclusive, one-hour sit down with Ganim made the AP and US News & World Report.
as morning drive news anchor for the “Dallas’ Morning News” program co-hosted by Ernie Brown and Hal Jay. She begins her new position in January. 
and M&A), and investor relations efforts. Jones has led the Cumulus through several strategic transactions and growth initiatives including the acquisition of Westwood One in 2013. Additionally, he oversees IncentRev, the company’s e-commerce and daily deal platform. Cumulus CEO Mary Berner comments, “With his deep understanding of both Cumulus Media and Westwood One, Collin is uniquely qualified for this role and is well-prepared to harness the full power of our platform to help Westwood One grow. Collin has consistently demonstrated his savvy business acumen, effective management style, and collaborative spirit, and I have full confidence that he has the skills and the vision to build upon Suzanne’s considerable accomplishments.” Berner adds, “I would like to thank Suzanne for her invaluable contributions and her pivotal role in our success. Under her leadership, we launched the top-rated Cumulus Podcast Network, built the multi-platform Westwood One News/Talk franchise, and established the industry-leading Audio Active Group. Throughout her time with Cumulus, she has been a remarkable leader, colleague, and mentor to many, and we are certain she will accomplish great things wherever she chooses to share her talents next.”
President, will also become a Region Division president. In addition, Nick Gnau, formerly a Community Division president, will become a Metro Division president, and Shosh Abromovich and Dan Lankford will add Nick’s former Markets to their responsibilities as the Community Division presidents. Amy Leimbach, who served as senior vice president of sales for Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, will become president of those Markets. The company also announces changes that will enable it to increase its focus on a number of high-growth opportunities. Kevin LeGrett, president of the iHeart Sports Network, makes the transition from his role as division president of Los Angeles to now focus exclusively on leading and growing the company’s leading Political and Sports platforms. Additionally, Tony Coles, president of BIN: Black Information Network, now leads all multicultural efforts as the president of multi-cultural business and development. The new division presidents will report directly to Hartley Adkins, president of the iHeartMedia Markets Group, and Coles and LeGrett, as well as Adkins, will report to Rich Bressler, iHeart’s president, COO and CFO and CEO of the iHeartMedia Multi Platform Group. The company will be making this transition over the next few weeks.
of injured military members and veterans who are undergoing treatment. Group homes at Bethesda, Walter Reed, the VA, Dover AFB, and at military and VA medical centers around the world offer a comfortable place for loved ones to live while remaining close to their injured family members. Fisher House Foundation chairman and CEO Ken Fisher says, “For an incredible 21 years, WMAL and its audience have given to military and veteran families through Fisher House Foundation. We are overwhelmed and grateful for the dedication and incredible generosity in support of our nation’s heroes and their loved ones.” WMAL PD and Cumulus Media VP of news/talk Bill Hess comments, “Year after year, our listeners step up with support for injured veterans and their families. As the Fisher House Foundation approaches its 100th house worldwide, it’s rewarding to know our listeners play such a large role in the organization’s ability to serve the families of our wounded servicemen and women.”
Waukesha. The “Nite Lite With Pete Schwaba” airs from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Schwaba has hosted programs for PBS Wisconsin in addition to his work in the film industry that includes writing for the 2003 film, A Guy Thing, and his own indie comedy film, The Godfather of Green Bay. He also served as a producer on the Jeff Foxworthy TV show, “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” He says, “Entertainment, just like sports, helps bring people together, which is more important now than ever. I’m excited to introduce listeners to people I’ve met over the years in the entertainment business, share experiences, and generally celebrate arts and culture in Wisconsin.” 
“Steele Talkn’” after 27 years on the air at Audacy’s WCCO-AM, Minneapolis. She told listeners on last Sunday’s final program. Steele made the announcement during her final broadcast on Sunday, saying: “It’s been a blast. I want someone else to come and do a great job and learn, hopefully as much as I have learned. I have been a part of your lives and you have been a part of mine for many years. And I will not forget that.” 
The filing comes as Audacy “continues to engage in discussions with its creditors with respect to a number of potential alternatives regarding a restructuring of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness.” It also announces in the filing that JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. has resigned as Letter of Credit Issuer and Swing Line Lender (both as defined in the Credit Facility) and that Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB was appointed as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent under the Credit Facility.
company operates news/talk WHLD-AM, Buffalo; sports talk WRIE-AM, Erie; and sports talk WSKO-AM, Syracuse as well as 11 music-formatted stations. Cumulus Media president of operations Bob Walker states, “We are pleased to expand Beth’s responsibilities over these three key markets for Cumulus. Her deep experience and effectiveness as a leader make her a natural choice for this enhanced role.” 
The fourth of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s November PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey period covered October 12 through November 8. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN adds a full share for a 10.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish that keeps it ranked #1, while Good Karma Brands news/talk WTMJ loses 1.9 shares for a 7.7 share but remains ranked #2. In Nashville, Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN-FM is flat with a 5.7 share and remains ranked #5, while iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC-AM inches up one-tenth and remains ranked #19. In West Palm Beach, Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk WFTL adds four-tenths for a 2.7 share and stays locked in the #9 rank, while iHeartMedia talk WZZR-FM adds two-tenths for a 2.0 share and climbs to the #11 rank, and iHeartMedia’s news/talk WJNO is flat with a 1.2 share but falls back to the #15 rank. 
million viewers, according to data from Nielsen Media Research. The Sean Hannity-hosted program pulled in 742,000 viewers in the 25-54 demo, which FNC says represented nearly 73% of the cable news share in total viewers and 77% of the cable news share in the key demo. Additionally, the Hannity-hosted post-debate show earned 3.4 million total viewers and 541,000 in the A25-54 demo.
2) Audio is powerful. Podcast consumers spend a significant amount of time on YouTube listening to podcasts without watching the video; 3) Since 2019, YouTube and 
including continuing to participate in RAB’s Rising Through the Ranks leadership development training and National Radio Talent System, a wholly owned subsidiary of the organization.” The organization goes on to say, “Under Farber’s stewardship, the RAB has reshaped the organization into a full-service integrated membership, business development and training concern as well as forged strong relationships within the advertising marketplace. Additionally, she has diversified and re-invigorated its board of directors to ensure the future of the 
trade association.” Speaking about Hulvey, Warshaw says, “Mike is an excellent selection with the relevant skills and expertise to lead the RAB. He has an impressive track record in corporate management and local radio expertise. In addition, as a past chair of the RAB he has a clear understanding of the organization and what the broadcast industry requires from RAB. He has a tremendous passion for the industry which will serve us all well.” Warshaw adds, “We thank Erica for her leadership over the past decade in helping to shape an organization that meets the needs of broadcasters today as well as for the future of the audio industry. She’s left an indelible imprint on the industry, and we can’t thank her enough for her commitment and passion to radio. It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with her.” Hulvey will work with Farber to ensure a smooth and successful transition during the next few months as her last day with the RAB will be April 30, 2024.
Karma Brands, Steve Wexler, will serve as interim CEO and will begin working with the Neuhoff team in January. Julian Hickman and Makena Neuhoff, the Trustees for the Neuhoff family, say, “We thank Mike for his many contributions during his more than 30 years as part of Neuhoff Media. Under his leadership, Mike has advanced the family mission of great local radio. We wish Mike all the best in his new role at the RAB and are thrilled to welcome Steve Wexler as interim CEO.” Wexler comments, “I am thrilled for Mike and am honored to serve as interim CEO for this legendary company and look forward to working with the talented, committed team at Neuhoff during this transition.” 
McCaffrey has been co-host of the “Murph and Mac” show with Brian Murphy, who appears to still be employed with the station. The dismissal of Santangelo spells the end of the evening call-in show that’s been part of the station for the past 51 years. Station program director Adam Copeland– who also co-hosts the afternoon show with Tom Tolbert – said on the program, “It’s been a really difficult day. I love this building, I love this station, I love working with you, Tom, and I’ve listened to you for years. I love a lot of people. I love the guys we let go of today. I’m looking forward to the future, but I really think we need to tip our cap and applaud the work that those guys have done.” 
been spent at WFNC – with a special broadcast of “Good Morning Fayetteville” called, “Goldy’s Last Hurrah.” He tells Bill Kirby Jr. at CityViewNC, “Since I announced my retirement a few weeks ago, the outpouring of love and the good wishes from not only my listeners here in Fayetteville, but my listeners in Washington D.C., has been overwhelming. It has been a privilege and a joy to live out my dream for these last 45 years, and to have a second chapter like the one I’ve had here in Fayetteville exceeded my wildest dreams.”