Industry News

Danielle Lin’s Weekend Show Joins KSRO, Santa Rosa

The lifestyle and wellness talk programming on Amaturo Sonoma Media Group’s KSRO-AM/K278CD, Santa Rosa, California expands as the “Danielle Lin Show” is added to the schedule for air Sundays from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The station says, “We are delighted to welcome back the ‘Danielle Lin Show! The Art of Living and Science of Life.’ Lin’s warm and friendly style, along with her topical and relevant content, is an invaluable addition to our vibrant weekend lineup. Danielle Lin’s approach is a breath of fresh air that is undeniably in alignment with so many of the social issues facing all of our lives today. When you leave her conversations, you feel better about your life. With her four-decade broadcast history, we can rely on impeccable quality in programming and a trusted voice for longevity sponsorships.”

Industry News

NAB Crystal Finalists Revealed; KTAR-FM to Receive Heritage Award

The National Association of Broadcasters announces the finalists for the 36th annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards that recognize radio stations for their year-round commitment to community service. The finalists will be celebrated, and the winners announced during the We Are Broadcasters Awards ceremony at 10:00 am on April 18 on the Main Stage at NAB Show in Las Vegas. NAB will also present Bonneville International’s news/talk KTAR-FM, Phoenix with the esteemed Crystal Heritage Award during the ceremony. The Heritage Award recognizes radio stations that have won a total of five Crystal Radio Awards for exceptional year-round community service efforts. Only 10 other stations have received this honor. See the finalists for this year’s awards here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

— Salem Media Group, Inc announces the acquisition of George Gilder’s investment newsletters Gilder’s Technology Report, Gilder’s Technology Report PRO, Gilder’s Moonshots, Gilder’s Private Reserve and Gilder’s Guideposts. It also launches a new website for Gilder at www.GilderReport.com. Salem says adding this content to Eagle Financial Publications’ portfolio of investment newsletters and trading services adds more depth to an already powerful mix of products.

— Hillsdale College student Elena Lanning won first place for Most Creative/Innovative Show at this year’s Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference held in New York from February 23 to 26. Lanning was awarded first place for her show, “Five Minute Myths.” This award was the sixth national first-place honor from is WFRH, Hillsdale, Michigan “Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM” ’s sixth national first-place award from the National Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Awards. Additionally, WFRH’s Scot Bertram was named Best Faculty Advisor in radio. Bertram says, “I am thrilled for all the students whose hard work is being recognized. It’s always exciting and gratifying to have industry professionals acknowledge the outstanding content created by our students at WRFH. The station benefits greatly from the passion and commitment our students have for radio and audio.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/6) Top News/Talk Media Stories

China’s new foreign minister Qin Gang defends China’s relationship with Russia and warns the U.S. about interfering; Russia’s efforts to take the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut; former Vice President Mike Pence asks a judge to block a subpoena for his January 6 testimony; the battle in Congress over the U.S.’s debt ceiling; the U.S. economy and Fed chair Jerome Powell’s scheduled testimony today (3/7) before the Senate Banking Committee; the Biden administration’s immigration policies and its consideration of reinstating the detention of migrants; four Americans are kidnapped in Mexico by an armed gang; the severe winter weather hitting California; and tennis star Novak Djokovic seeks a COVID vaccine exemption to play in the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Noam Laden Returns to WABC, New York as News Director

New York City news pro Noam Laden joins Red Apple Media Group’s 77 WABC as news director. He was most recently serving with iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR as morning news anchor. In his new role with WABC, Laden will host the daily 5:00 am “WABC News Hour with Noam Laden” and will anchor the top-of-the-hour news during the “Sid & Friends Morning Show.” He’ll also be responsible for all WABC news content and distribution, on-air and online. Laden served with WABC from 2003 to 2018 in which he was news director, news anchor on the “Imus In the Morning” show, and co-host on the Geraldo Rivera show. Laden says, “I’m very excited to join the new 77 WABC. The station has a terrific lineup of hosts and the ratings are soaring. It’s great to be part of a winning team with passionate owners. We’ve got lots of exciting plans for distribution of our news.” Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez says, “New Yorkers need to be in-the-know first thing in the morning and throughout their busy day. Our goal at WABC Radio is not only to deliver the news but to include all sides of the story.”

Industry News

“Alabama Unfiltered Radio” Joins WACV-FM, Montgomery

The talk radio program “Alabama Unfiltered Radio” starring host Scott Beason joins the lineup of Bluewater Broadcasting’s WACV-FM, Montgomery, Alabama “News Talk 93.1” in the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart, beginning Wednesday (3/8).  The program is produced by the nonprofit LLC 1819 News, which says, “Beason is an Alabama native and former member of the Alabama Legislature, serving both in the House and Senate, and he has prior experience hosting Yellowhammer Radio.” 1819 News says, “From politics to faith, ‘Alabama Unfiltered Radio,’ covers the topics you won’t hear in the mainstream media. Listen in on dinner-table-style discussions between Scott and his co-hosts, Amie Beth Shaver and Allison Sinclair, on important topics you actually care about — news, current events and culture from a traditional conservative, Southern, Christian worldview presented in a very entertaining and never boring way.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Longtime Tampa Bay Rays radio broadcaster Dave Wills died early Sunday morning (3/5) at the age of 58. Wills and Andy Freed have been the radio broadcast team since the 2005 season. Prior to joining the Rays, Wills was part of the Chicago White Sox broadcast team in which he hosted pre- and post-game programs.

— Cumulus Media’s Westwood One continues its presentation of NCAA basketball conference championships this week and into next weekend. Westwood One will also broadcast Selection Sunday, which will reveal the 68-team field for both the men’s and the women’s tournaments. Jason Horowitz will host Selection Sunday coverage with former coach PJ Carlesimo serving as the men’s analyst and Debbie Antonelli as the women’s analyst.

— LiveOne reports that paid memberships for its subsidiaries Slacker Radio and PodcastOne grew by over 587,000 in the past 12 months and over 100,000 in the first two months of calendar 2023. Total members, including paid and ad-sponsored, are now at 2.85 million. LiveOne CEO Rob Ellin comments, “We are thrilled to have exceeded 2 million premium members on our platform, and we owe much of our growth to our B2B content partnerships, such as our longstanding collaboration with Tesla. Our team’s objective is to forge partnerships with similar-minded brands who understand the significance of providing their customers with new and relevant content.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

Former President Donald Trump speaks at CPAC; the race for the GOP nomination in ’24; U.S.-China relations and warnings from the West that China should not assist Russia in its invasion of Ukraine; President Joe Biden visits Selma, Alabama and promotes voting rights legislation; a second Norfolk Southern train derailment happens this time in Springfield, Ohio; Russia’s battle to take control of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut; the U.S. Energy Department’s conclusion that COVID-19 was the result of a Chinese lab leak; the testimony from FOX News executives and personalities in the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit; and Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington dies were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WBAL, Baltimore Names T.J. Smith Midday Host

Hearst Television’s WBAL-AM/W268BA “NewsRadio 1090/FM 101.5” announces that T.J. Smith is its new midday talk host. Smith is a familiar voice to the WBAL audience. He served as spokesperson for the Baltimore City Police Department from 2015 to 2018 in which he appeared regularly on the “C4 Show” spotlighting unsolved cases. He later served as press secretary for Baltimore County executive John Olszewski and ran for mayor of Baltimore in 2020. He takes over the midday show after Kimberly Klacik exited the position following seven months on the job. WBAL director of programming Jeff Wade says, “The WBAL audience has known and respected T.J. for years for his frank and honest dialogue on the issues that matter most to people living and working in Baltimore. Whether it’s policing, politics, or talking Orioles and Ravens, we can’t think of anyone better suited to sit behind the WBAL microphone weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.” Smith comments, “As a native Baltimorean who has gone to school, worked, run for office and even suffered loss in the city, I’m very familiar with the feel of the public from west Baltimore to the waterfront. I couldn’t be more excited to join the WBAL Radio family. I look forward to delivering straight talk and sharing my opinion based on my experience working in government and in law enforcement. I’m ready to ‘tell it like it is’ in a reasonable manner.”

Industry News

WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte and Host Brett Winterble Agree to Extension

Urban One’s WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte signs afternoon drive talk host Brett Winterble to a multi-year contract extension. WBT says, “Winterble arrived at WBT in February of 2020 at a critical time in the U.S. The country was in the middle of one of the most news-worthy election cycles in history and the early stages of a global pandemic. His expertise in national and global affairs was immediately recognized and appreciated by the WBT audience, but it was his fair analysis of the day’s news and his whole-hearted support of the Charlotte community in those difficult times that allowed him to become a welcomed part of the lives of the audience.” Winterble comments, “From the moment I walked into the legendary WBT Radio it felt like home. I am so thankful for the welcome and support I received from our clients, listeners, and incredible staff over these past three years. I am truly honored to continue this relationship with the best creators in the business. I am particularly grateful for the support of Urban One/Radio One, and Marsha Landess, Alfred Liggins, David Kantor, Mike Schaefer, and Kraig Kitchin in helping me to realize this professional dream. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us.”

Industry News

ESPN West Palm Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Good Karma Brands is celebrating 20 years of sports talk in the West Palm Beach market on WUUB-FM “ESPN West Palm.” GKB says it launched sports talk on WEFL-AM in 2003. “Today, ‘ESPN West Palm’ includes ‘ESPN 106.3,’ ‘Deportes Radio 760 AM,’ ESPN West Palm on (TV outlets) WPTV and WFLX, the Roofclaim.com Boca Raton Bowl, The High School “Top 63” Awards as well as other digital assets and events. Over the past two decades, ESPN West Palm recognized high school athletes, covered local teams, partnered with area businesses to help achieve their goals, gave back to the community, and ultimately defined West Palm Beach as a true sports town.” GKB West Palm market manager Stephanie Prince says, “Up until 2003, West Palm Beach was the largest market in the country without a sports radio station of its own. We are proud of the team, and the relationship we’ve established with our fans via the audio, event, coverage and digital platforms we have built. We are excited to celebrate and give back to the community by donating $20,000 to various local charities.” The station began a 20-hour celebratory broadcast at midnight (3/3) and Mayor Keith James is declaring today ESPN West Palm Day to recognize the station’s impact in the town in which it operates.

Industry News

Edison Presents 25th Edition of The Infinite Dial Study

Edison Research presented the result of its The Infinite Dial 2023 study during a webinar on Thursday (3/2). It represented the 25th anniversary of the study that Edison says is “the longest-running survey of digital media consumer behavior in America.” When the study debuted in 1998, 31% of Americans had internet access compared with 95% in 2023. In 1998, half of households had a computer, compared with 91% of Americans in 2023 who carry a computer – a smartphone – with them all the time. Other findings from this year’s edition of the study include: 1) 75% of Americans 12+ have listened to online audio in the last month; 2) Among U.S. adults age 18+ who have ridden in a car in the last month, 37% are listening to online audio in the car, up from 32% last year; 3) 42% of Americans 12+ have listened to a podcast in the last month, a new all-time high and up from 38% in 2022; and 4) 38% of U.S. adults age 18+ who have ridden in a car in the last month say they listen to podcasts in the car, up from 32% in 2022. Edison Research VP Megan Lazovick says, “After two previous annual studies that showed clear effects from the COVID-19 disruptions, the trends in audio and social media habits seem to be back on pattern. The growth of online audio and podcasting to record high levels is exciting to reveal.” See more about the study here.

Industry News

VoodooVision Consumer Study Findings Revealed

NuVoodoo Media Services announces that it is releasing the results of its VoodooVision nationwide consumer study in a series of free webinars this month. The study of more than 5,300 respondents between the ages of 14 and 54 is intended to “guide marketers through the myriad options available in the digital media and audio entertainment space.” NuVooDoo says, “The VoodooVision consumer study findings reveal that despite the steady increase of Internet-connected infotainment systems in vehicles, broadcast radio continues to hold its own. It remains competitive with podcasts and DSPs (Digital Streaming Providers, such as Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and others) when consumers are in vehicles or public transit during the early morning and late afternoon commutes, and on weekends.” Respondents were asked to select a top preference from a list of audio entertainment choices and their top choices were (for morning commuters), broadcast FM/AM radio with 19% of the sample, followed closely by podcasts, with streaming coming in at third. The study indicates the competition is closer during the late afternoon commute, where podcasts and streaming barely eclipse radio as the top choice among commuters at 15% vs. 14% of the sample, respectively. And radio remains competitive as an audio entertainment favorite among listeners on the go during the weekend, sharing the top spot with DSP’s and eking ahead of podcasts. You can register now for one of the two remaining webinars here.

Industry News

Meg Dowdy is 2023 Elevating Women in Audio Mentee

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces that Meg Dowdy is the recipient of the 2023 Elevating Women in Audio Mentorship program. The ‘Elevating Women in Audio: MIW & Luminate Mentorship’ program is a year-long experience that provides greater opportunities for women interested in management positions in audio, and involves personalized conversations with a vast network of high-level radio executives and experts to help advance a career within the radio/audio industry. Dowdy is a regional content director who works with nine Townsquare Media markets in the Southeastern United States. During her career she’s also been a morning show co-host, award-winning news reporter, brand manager, promotions director, and midday host. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “This year we had more applicants and more high-quality applicants than ever before. Meg’s dedication to her future, to the business and to paying her success forward was very impressive. We can’t wait to start working with her.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Jacksonville’s WJCT Public Media and The Florida Theatre announce the debut of their latest partnership, “Untold Stories,” a live oral storytelling series. “Untold Stories” is produced live on stage by The Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and The Florida Theatre. “Untold Stories” offers a platform for Northeast Florida residents to share their unique and inspiring experiences with the world. The radio program airs every Sunday this month at 7:00 pm.

— SiriusXM announces that six-time PGA TOUR winner Rocco Mediate is joining the roster of hosts on its SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel. Mediate will have his own show, “The Rocco Hour,” which he will host exclusively for every Tuesday at 6:00 pm ET beginning March 7. “I have 38 years of PGA TOUR experience. I see and remember everything! I have so much to say and I’m excited to have my own show on SiriusXM where I can share it with our listeners.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for February 27 – March 3

Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the UN General Assembly vote condemning the invasion and Vladimir Putin’s threats against the West combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was U.S.-China relations in the wake of the spy balloon matter and China’s cozying up to Russia, followed by the U.S. Energy Department concluding that COVID-19 was the result of a Chinese lab leak 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

CPAC Underway in Washington, DC with Active Media Row

CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference), the annual national meeting of leading conservatives, is underway in the nation’s capital at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. The event (March 1-4) draws active participants in the American conservative movement from politics, radio, TV, print and the general public. As is customary, the event features a sizable “media row” which includes a variety of live talk radio broadcasts presenting interviews with luminaries on the scene.  Pictured (above) at the event (l-r) Joe WangThe Epoch Times/NTD TVVictoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio CompanyLisa WendlThe Epoch Times; and Todd Starnes, owner/KWAM, Memphis/nationally syndicated radio talk show host.

Pictured above is Nan Su of The Epoch Times with talk show host Dan “Ox” Ochsner, host of KNSI, St. Cloud, MN’s “Ox in the Afternoon.” Victoria Jones, one of the nation’s leading talk media PR specialists, tells TALKERS, “In spite of some of the negative press and public relations problems associated with this year’s installment, the atmosphere is optimistic and the media row is extremely vibrant.”

Above is a shot of Media Row at CPAC.

Industry News

Eric Stanger Promoted to SVP of Operations for Sean Hannity Show

Premiere Networks announces that Eric Stanger is promoted to SVP of operations for “The Sean Hannity Show.” Premiere says, “Stanger, who most recently served as vice president of operations for the program, will continue to serve as brand manager of the program, which reached the 700th affiliate milestone last November and attracts tens of millions of listeners nationwide. He’ll also continue to oversee all daily operations for the top-ranked program, including production, affiliate sales, marketing and staff management.” Premiere Networks EVP of affiliate sales Peter Tripi says, “Eric is a key member of ‘The Sean Hannity Show’ team, and his leadership and collaboration with our affiliate partners have been instrumental in the program’s continued growth and success. I couldn’t be happier to recognize his efforts with this well-deserved promotion.” Prior to joining Premiere when the company began syndicating “The Sean Hannity Show” in 2009, Stanger served as director of talk programming at ABC Radio Networks. He’s also previously served as APD at KABC, Los Angeles as well as at WABC, New York, and at Westwood One as executive producer of “The Tom Leykis Show.” Stanger first joined forces with Hannity during his time at WGST Atlanta, where he served as producer of “The Sean Hannity Show.” Stanger comments, “I want to thank Peter Tripi, Julie Talbott, Sean Hannity, and our amazing studio team. It’s an honor and inspiration to work with this group of radio professionals every day – they are the best of the best!”

Industry News

Saga Announces Dividend and New Variable Dividend Policy

Saga Communications, Inc announces the declaration of a quarterly and special cash dividend and a new variable dividend policy. The company’s board of directors declares a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share and a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share on its Class A common stock. The aggregate amount of the payment to be made in connection with the combined quarterly and special dividends will be approximately $13.6 million. The quarterly and special cash dividends will be funded by cash on the company’s balance sheet. Including this dividend, the company will have paid over $106.6 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012. The board also adopts a new variable dividend policy for the allocation of cash flows aligned with the company’s goals of maintaining a strong balance sheet, increasing cash returns to shareholders, and continuing to grow the company through strategic acquisitions. Under the new policy, in addition to any quarterly and special dividends paid, the company will declare an additional dividend in the second quarter of each year of 70% of the preceding year’s annual Free Cash Flow, as reported in the company’s fourth quarter earnings release, net of acquisitions, special and quarterly dividends, debt paydowns and debt issuance costs, and stock buybacks. Saga president and CEO Christopher Forgy states, “We are very pleased that our strong capital position and operating performance allowed us to declare another regular quarterly cash dividend and a special cash dividend. We are excited to continue our commitment to provide a meaningful cash return to our shareholders through the declarations of these dividends. In addition, we have made tremendous progress during what has been a period of transition for our board of directors and executive management team. Our sustained financial strength has put us in a position to meet operational goals and to support efforts to return value to our shareholders. The cash dividends announced today, along with the new variable dividend policy, express the confidence of our board of directors and executive management team in Saga’s future.”

Industry News

Audacy Using Veritone Attribute for Enhanced Data and Analytics

Veritone, Inc announces that Audacy is using its Veritone Attribute to improve and enhance data and analytics reporting for advertising customers. Veritone says, “Through the addition of Veritone Attribute, Audacy will supplement their ability to prove the efficacy of broadcast ad campaigns by sharing directional insights with advertisers as to how their campaigns are performing over a cross section of Audacy’s portfolio of radio brands. With these insights, advertisers will be better able to evaluate campaign performance on Audacy stations in comparison to other mediums. Research has shown that advertisers who receive attribution reporting spend more year-over-year and cancel their ad campaigns less often on average than those who don’t measure performance.” Audacy chief revenue officer Brian Benedik states, “As we aim to best serve our clients, Veritone Attribute will further enable us to optimize advertisers’ campaigns and maximize their ad dollars. There has never been a better time to leverage the power of audio to tap consumers, and this technology will complement our existing capabilities.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

— Salem Media Group, Inc plans to report its fourth quarter 2022 financial results after the market closes on March 8. The company also plans to host a teleconference to discuss its results on that day at 4:00 pm CT.

— iHeartMedia, Inc chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and COO and CFO Rich Bressler will participate in a question and answer session during the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on March 8 at 3:15 pm ET. A live webcast of the session will be available to the general public at the start of the session through a link on the Investors homepage of iHeartMedia’s website. A replay of the webcast will be available in the Events & Presentation section of iHeartMedia’s Investors homepage.

— The “Moments with Marianne” show, hosted by Marianne Pestana and heard on KMET LLC’s KMET-AM, Banning, California each Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, is adding another program to the station’s schedule on Tuesdays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

— The University of Minnesota athletic department and LEARFIELD’s Gopher Sports Properties announce a multi-year contract extension with iHeartMedia Minneapolis through the 2026-27 athletic season. Gopher football games will air on “KFAN FM 100.3.” Men’s basketball will air on a mix of KFAN and KTLK-AM. Gopher men’s hockey will air on KTLK-AM. Women’s basketball game broadcasts will continue to air on KQQL-HD3/K244FE “KFAN+.”

— Wonder Media Network, a women-founded, mission-driven podcast network, announces that their original hit podcast “Womanica,” which tells the often untold stories of iconic women across history, will join the iHeartPodcasts platform. iHeartPodcasts president Will Pearson says, “We’ve been such big fans of Wonder Media Network and the incredible podcasts they’ve produced over the past few years and we’re incredibly excited for this partnership. ‘Womanica’ has already built a big and passionate audience and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce these amazing stories to millions of new listeners across our network.”

Industry News

Katz in the Hat Makes His Annual Appearance

WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz made his annual appearance at a local school to read to children as part of Read Across America. Katz says, “Did the kids have a great time? Did I make it all rhyme? Jumped straight out of bed, to read while wearing a hat on my head. I was the Katz in a hat, Reading Across America Day and that’s that!”

Katz is pictured above (right) wearing his “Katz Hat” at Salem Church Elementary in Chesterfield, Virginia alongside the teacher whose class he read to.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/1) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Attorney General Merrick Garland testifies before the Senate Judiciary oversight committee; Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid as crime in the city becomes chief election issue; the U.S. Energy Department’s conclusion that COVID was the result of a Chinese lab leak; the G-20 meeting in New Delhi, India; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine; Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko visits Xi Jinping in Beijing; testimony from the Dominion Voting Systems suit against FOX News; the numerous legal issues facing former President Donald Trump; the deadly Greek high-speed train crash; and Harry and Meghan are ousted from Frogmore Cottage by King Charles III were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Talk Host Mark Kaye Creates Biden “Top Secret” Gag Memo Pads

WOKV-FM, Jacksonville-based talk radio host Mark Kaye is selling notepads that he designed to look like top secret government documents found at President Joe Biden’s home and he says they’ve been “selling like hotcakes and have been found inside the offices of several congressional republicans.” Kaye says, “When we found out Joe Biden was keeping top secret documents in an old cardboard box in his garage, we just couldn’t believe it. I turned to my producer and said, ‘He’s treating them like scrap paper. I bet he uses them to take notes, or write out grocery lists, or doodle!’ That’s how I got the idea for the notepads. Two days later we had a prototype ready to go and began selling them like crazy!”

Pictured above is U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) showing off her note from Kaye and to the right is what the notepads look like.

Industry News Uncategorized

TheVerge: Why iHeartMedia’s Conal Byrne is Bullish on Podcasting

Conal Byrne, the CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group, spoke with Nilay Patel about the podcasting industry at TheVerge’s recent Hot Pod Summit. In the wide-ranging interview, Byrne says iHeartMedia’s structure with its radio group part of the Multiplatform Division and podcasting part of the Digital Audio Group does not limit how the two interact. “To be clear though, there’s a whole lot of fluidity between these segments. One thousand or so of the sellers that I mentioned sit in the multi-platform group, and they certainly sell all the assets we have. We have this mantra at the company that ‘Any seller can sell anything any day of the week wherever they live and work,’ and that has rung pretty true. That’s driven most of our growth in podcasting over the last two, three, four years at the company.” He also credits iHeartMedia’s history as a radio company with educating him about how radio personalities have developed the art of conversation. “But I have learned firsthand and talked a lot about the extent to which broadcast radio talent has honed this craft of conversation over the last hundred years and certainly the last few decades, and the extent to which that has driven our medium, just sheer talent hitting the medium, but also with an awareness of the medium.” Read the full story here.

Industry News

BFoA Announces 2023 Leadership Awards Recipients

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the recipients of the 2023 Leadership Awards that are given annually in recognition of career contributions to the broadcast industry and the community at-large. The Awards will be presented at the Broadcasters Foundation Annual Breakfast on April 19 during the NAB Show. The 2023 Leadership Awards honorees are: Jim Doyle, founder, JDA Media; Steven Lanzano, president, Television Bureau of Advertising; Rush Limbaugh, radio host and political commentator, deceased, award accepted by his widow Kathryn Limbaugh; Debra O’Connell, president, networks, The Walt Disney Company; Deborah Parenti, president/publisher, Radio Ink/RBR+TVBR; and Heidi Raphael, chief communications officer, Beasley Media Group. The Broadcasters Foundation will also present the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award during the Breakfast. That honoree will be announced shortly. The Broadcasters Foundation Breakfast is complimentary to all in broadcasting. Registration is required, call 212-373-8250 or email info@thebfoa.org.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

— PodcastOne announces that it has secured renewals for several tentpole programs that keep top performing and fan favorite podcasts with the network for the foreseeable future. The podcasts include: “The Adam Carolla Podcast,” “The Jordan Harbinger Show,” “LADYGANG,” “Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe,” and “Court Junkies.” PodcastOne president Kit Gray says, “The secret to our success as a network is the strength and longevity of our relationships with our partners in podcasting. In the exciting landscape of digital audio entertainment, being able to continue those relationships with six of our top performing and most beloved programs is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication.”

— SiriusXM announced a new show inspired by The Last Mile (TLM), a unique in-prison program that’s changing lives through technology-based education by preparing currently incarcerated students for careers upon their release. “The Last Mile Radio,” hosted by the program’s co-founder, Chris Redlitz, and formerly incarcerated musician and audio producer, Eric Abercrombie (known as Maserati-E), premieres on Saturday (3/4). Every week “The Last Mile Radio” will amplify the voices of influencers who are helping evolve the U.S. Justice System as we know it.

— iHeartMedia and the NBA unveil a new slate of team-specific shows coming to the iHeart/NBA Podcast Network. The lineup includes original podcasts from six NBA teams – the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “We are proud to leverage iHeart’s unmatched scale, reach and digital platform to continue to deliver compelling NBA content to fans. Together with the NBA and its teams, we look forward to bringing even more one-of-a-kind stories and cultural experiences to fans across the country.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/28) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Supreme Court hears arguments over the constitutionality of President Joe Biden’s student debt forgiveness plan; the escalating military action in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s threats against the West; Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko meets with Xi Jinping in Beijing; Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid as mayor of Chicago after criticism over city’s crime spike; the U.S. Energy Department’s conclusion that COVID was likely the result of a Chinese lab leak; Attorney General Merrick Garland goes before a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing today (3/1); the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; and the record snow and rain hitting California were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WPHT, Philadelphia Presents Major Live On-Air “Mayoral Showcase”

In what is being described as a first in Philadelphia talk radio, Audacy’s WPHT presented a huge three-hour debate/discussion/showcase on Friday (2/24) involving six Democrats and one Republican running for mayor in the crime-stricken city. Hosted by the widely acknowledged “Dean of Philadelphia Talk Radio,” Dom Giordano, on his 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm radio program and Facebook video stream, the event is receiving praise from all quarters for its thoroughness and even-handedness. It was a historic talk radio feat to organize a live event with such a large number of candidates and particularly with that many Democrats on a conservatively oriented station. Due to the horrific violence in Philadelphia, the main conversations centered on public safety, support for police, and whether to retain the current police commissioner. Station feedback indicated many listeners outside the city limits welcomed the showcase because they acknowledged that crime in Philadelphia is bleeding over into the suburbs and a significant percentage of residents still want to work in and visit Philadelphia. Reflecting on the event, Giordano tells TALKERS, “This presentation required vision from Audacy and WPHT management, trust from the Democratic candidates, the willingness of listeners to analyze which Democrat would be best on public safety, and great dogged producing from Dan Borowski, our amazing executive producer.” 

Pictured above are (from l-r): Giordano, Maria Quinones Sanchez and Derek Green.  Both Sanchez and Green are former city council members who recently resigned to run for mayor.

Industry News

Cumulus Launches Mark Levin YouTube Channel

Cumulus Media announces the launch of talk radio host Mark Levin’s official podcast channel on YouTube. Cumulus says, “The Mark Levin YouTube channel provides fans with a new platform to access each day’s podcast with new insights and unique commentary on the day’s top news events and issues from one of America’s pre-eminent constitutional experts and conservative voices.” Also featuring archived content, the official podcast YouTube channel offers Mark Levin Audio Rewind (complete audio of Levin’s Monday through Saturday podcast episodes), Mark’s Take on History – a collection of Levin’s monologues about key moments in American history, Newsmaker Interviews – Levin’s one-on-one sessions with notable figures, America’s Election Coverage – highlights from Levin’s election coverage over the years, and Shorts – Levin’s 59-second take on hot issues. Levin comments, “I am very excited about being on YouTube with my audio content. Having ‘The Mark Levin Show’ on another platform gives me a chance to connect with new listeners and bring fresh content to my longtime followers. I know there are a lot of different ways people find content, and this enables me to share my audio library in a creative way with a whole new audience.”

Industry News

WABC, New York Owner John Catsimatidis Publishes New Book

Billionaire entrepreneur John Catsimatidis, owner and CEO of the Red Apple Group which includes Red Apple Media, WABC Radio, and Red Apple Audio Networks publishes his new book, How Far Do You Want to Go? Lessons from a Common-Sense Billionaire (Matt Holt, 2023), in which he reveals how his instincts and common sense propelled him to massive business success. In the book, Catsimatidis shares his dynamic story, from his beginnings in the grocery business to entering the political arena, including a New York City mayoral campaign. He says, “The American dream doesn’t come with an instruction manual – or even a sign to let you know when you’ve arrived at the finish line. I’m far from finished. Buying WABC and launching Red Apple Media and the Red Apple Audio Networks has been a dream come true. I wrote How Far Do You Want to Go? to help others with an entrepreneurial spirit achieve success.”

Industry News

Jimmy Failla Guest Hosts FOX News’ “Gutfeld!” Show

FOX News Radio host Jimmy Failla served as guest host on last Friday night’s edition of FOX News Channel’s “GUTFELD!” program starring Greg Gutfeld. Failla hosts the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart on FOX News Radio and among his talents is stand-up comedy, making him a more-than-qualified guest host on Gutfeld’s show that offer’s a humorous take on the day’s news.

Pictured above (from l-r) on the set of the “GUTFELD!” show is the cast from Friday’s program: novelist and literary critic Walter Kirn, FOX News analyst and regular GUTFELD! panelist Kat Timpf, Failla, “Bar Rescue” host John Taffer, and FOX News Radio host Guy Benson.