Industry News

“Free Talk Live” Goes Independent Post-GCN

The nationally syndicated program “Free Talk Live” announces that it will continue operating as a completely independent program after Genesis Communications Network ceases operations on May 5.im Program founder Ian Freeman – who is currently in federal prison after a crypto-currency fraud conviction – thanked GCN and CEO Ted Anderson for 20 years of great syndication service. Freeman says the change will mean no recorded network inventory for affiliates and the elimination of the middleman means no more affiliate agreements. He adds that the current hosts of the program are dedicated to keeping “Free Talk Live” on the air.

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TALKERS News Notes

The nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show” adds new affiliate station KJCE, Austin. Erickson received a welcome to Austin message from Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

SiriusXM will present coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft, with live announcements of every selection from every round and in-depth analysis on the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel, as well as additional NFL Draft-focused programming on the SiriusXM College Sports Radio channel. The draft begins Thursday night from Detroit.

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Yesterday’s (4/22) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Donald Trump “hush money” trial in NYC; the pro-Palestinian protests on several U.S. campuses over the Israel-Hamas war; the presidential race; SCOTUS hears arguments over Oregon city’s ban on sleeping overnight in public spaces; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s job security; Earth Day and climate change; the foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan; the Russia-Ukraine war; and the U.S. migrant crisis were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Beasley Considering Reverse Stock Split to Prevent NASDAQ Delisting

Beasley Broadcast Group announces that it sought and has received approval from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC to transfer the listing of its Class A common stock from the Nasdaq Global Market to the Nasdaq Capital Market. If you recall, Beasley was notified by Nasdaq last October 13 that its stock hadim traded below the $1.00 per share minimum bid price requirement for 30 consecutive days and it was being given 180 days to regain compliance. This move gives Beasley another 180 days to come into compliance by having its stock price trade at the $1.00 threshold or above for 10 consecutive days. The company announces that it has notified Nasdaq that it intends to cure its deficiency in satisfying the minimum bid price requirement by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. It would require the approval of current shareholders to do so. A reverse stock split reduces the number of shares in a company, thereby increasing the value of the existing shares.

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Cumulus Issues Preliminary Q1 Operating Results

Cumulus Media releases preliminary operating results for the first quarter of 2024 (January 1 – Marchim 31). The company says it expects to report net revenue in a range of $199 million to $201 million – change of between 3.3% and 2.3%. It also expects to report a net loss in a range of $(14.9) million to $(13.4) million and Adjusted EBITDA in a range of $7.65 million to $9.15 million. The company will report its actual first quarter 2024 operating results on Friday, May 3.  

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WIP, Philadelphia’s Glen Macnow to Retire in July

Longtime WIP, Philadelphia sports talk host Glen Macnow announces that he’ll retire from the Audacyim sports talk outlet where he’s been an on-air personality for the past 31 years. Currently, Macnow hosts the Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm shows and the Eagles pre-game show. Macnow says his last weekend program (which he co-hosts with Mike Sielski) will be July 13. Get more on this story and Macnow’s career at WIP from Crossing Broad here.

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PodcastOne’s Adam Carolla Show Celebrates 15 Years

PodcastOne announces that its award-winning podcast “The Adam Carolla Show” is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Carolla launched his world-famous show in 2009. PodcastOne co-founder and president Kitim Gray states, “Longevity in podcasting is a testament to how well loved the host is and there are few hosts who have had an impact across a multitude of generations as Adam Carolla. We are so proud to be Adam’s longtime partner on this journey and to celebrate 15 years in podcasting together is a wonderful achievement. We look forward to 15 more years as podcasting partners.”

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BFoA Announces Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces The Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award to be presented annually at the Golden Mic Award Gala beginning in 2025. The BFoA says the Spirit Award will be bestowed upon an individual who exhibits the spirit of dedication and relentless drive to theim Broadcasters Foundation charitable mission exemplified by its former longtime chairman, Phil Lombardo, who passed away earlier this year. Board members, officers, supporters, contributors, and sponsors with a long history of demonstrating Lombardo’s commitment to the Foundation will be candidates for this special recognition. BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “Phil brought the sense of urgency that is often needed to give donors an understanding of why they need to donate to our charitable purpose. He led the board for many years, overseeing significant advancements that brought in more funds, and thereby allowing us to continue to distribute financial aid to broadcasters in need.”

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Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The Donald Trump “hush money” trial in NYC; the presidential race; the aid package for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan; Marjorie Taylor Greene’s threat to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson; speculation about more Iran-Israel military strikes; the tensions at Columbia University and Yale over Israel-Hamas protests; the U.S. House passes a ban on TikTok; the Supreme Court to hear arguments about criminalizing homelessness; and the Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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March 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imThe fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2024 PPM survey has been released for: Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford. The March 2024 survey period covered February 29 – March 27. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from these 12 markets. Despite being a combined -2.5 in back-to-back down or flat sweeps (11.5 – 9.0 – 9.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WISN is #1 for the seventh consecutive month. For the fourth time in a row, crosstown format foe – Good Karma Brands’ WTMJ – is unlisted. Appearing at #22, Civic Media progressive news/talk WAUK “The Sha 101 FM” posts a .2 (6+). Repeating in fifth-place, Cumulus Media Nashville news/talk WWTN posts its third progressive trend for a combined +2.6 (3.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 6.5, 6+). Meanwhile in that Tennessee market, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WLAC is trending 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 (January – February – March, #17 to #18, 6+). Albeit that their combined March 2024 6+ total is 4.8, three news/talkers surface in West Palm Beach’s top twenty. Specifically, Hubbard’s WFTL bounces back from a February dip of seven-tenths with a gain of three-tenths (3.0 – 2.3 – 2.6, ninth to eighth, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WJNO is up or flat the third straight time (.6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1, #14 to #13, 6+) and ties co-owned WZZR (1.4 – 1.1, flat at #13, 6+). With a half-share March increase to 6.2 (sixth to fifth, 6+), Audacy Hartford’s WTIC-AM continues an alternating down-up-down pattern that began in October and has yielded an overall +1.1 (5.1 – 4.8 – 5.3 – .2 – 6.6 – 5.7 – 6.2, 6+). Remaining flat at 1.6 (6+), cross-town Red Wolf-owned WDRC-AM slips from #14 to #16. See Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets here.
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Stephanie Miller Among Those To Enter Buffalo’s HOF

Buffalo Hall of Fame The Buffalo Broadcasters Association (BBA) has announced this year’s Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees; Stephanie Miller included on the list is syndicated talk show host Stephanie Miller. Buffalo Broadcasters Association president Steve Monaco comments, “Our Hall of Fame classes become more impressive every year. Each inductee has made important contributions to broadcasting in Buffalo.” A standup comedienne and best-selling author, Miller gained her first radio experience doing comedy bits on Sandy Beach’s morning show. She began her talk radio career at Los Angeles’ KFI in 1994. Miller would later host afternoons in Los Angeles at KTZN in 1997, before doing evenings at KABC (1997 – 2000). Her show was heard on progressive news/talk KTLK from 2005 – 2013 and she started the “Stephanie Miller’s Happy Hour” podcast. In a 1995 Los Angeles Times interview, Miller admitted, “I never thought about doing talk radio. To me talk radio was like old gray-haired guys talking about the budget.” Miller’s fellow BBA 2024 inductees will be former WGR sports radio morning host Howard Simon; former WGR-TV news anchor/reporter Sheila Murphy (who was a news reporter/anchor at Buffalo radio outlets WGR-AM and WBEN); network television producer/writer/actor Nick Bakay; former WKBW-TV reporter Mary Travers Murphy; morning radio team Shredd & Ragan; WGRZ-TV videographer J. Dooley O’Rourke; and former director of national sales for Buffalo/Toronto Public Media Jim DiMino. The Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Dinner will be held September 19 at 7:00 pm at Samuel’s Grande Manor in Williamsville.
Industry News

Travis’ Atlanta, Seattle Travelogue

Clay TravisThis past Tuesday (4/16) in Atlanta, Clay Travis of Premiere Networks’ “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” joined Georgia leaders, lawmakers, and over 300 attendees at Greater Georgia’s Second Annual Legislative Awards Ceremony. Among those at the Travis-emceed  event included Georgia Governor Brian Kemp; Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones; former Senator/Greater Georgia chair Kelly Loeffler; and Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns. Then the following night (Wednesday, 4/17), Travis was in Washington State where he spoke at Hillsdale College’s National Leadership Seminar in Bellevue. The biannual event drew over 500 attendees and addressed politics; economics; and culture. Hillsdale College is a sponsor of “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” which airs weekdays 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm (ET) on more than 470 stations. During his trip, Travis visited/broadcasted live from Dickey Broadcasting Atlanta news/talk WFOM “XTRA 106.3 FM,” and iHeartMedia Seattle news/talk KPTR “1090 The Patriot.” Travis formerly hosted FOX Sports Radio’s weekday morning “Outkick The Coverage with Clay Travis.”  Pictured above: Hillsdale College president Dr. Larry P. Arnn (left) and Clay Travis (right) at Hillsdale College’s National Leadership Seminar
Industry News

BFA Honors Industry Leaders

BFASeveral notable industry executives were honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America during the organization’s annual breakfast held this past Wednesday (4/17) at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Among those cited was RAB president/chief executive officer Erica Farber, the recipient of the Lowry Mays “Excellence in Broadcasting Award.”  Pictured above (l-r): McVay Media Consulting president Mike McVay; Wiley partner Kathleen Kirby; CBS Radio and ABC Radio executive Don Bouloukos; Erica Farber; NBCU Local chief revenue officer/president, commercial operations Frank Comerford; ABC Affiliate Relations, Disney Platform Distribution executive vice president John Rouse; and ABC Radio Network president/ESPN Radio senior vice president Traug Keller.
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KMJ’s Triple-Play Day At City Hall

Cumulus Media’s Fresno news/talk KMJ was celebrated in triplicate at Fresno City Hall yesterday (4/18), as Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer officially declared April 18th “Christopher Gabriel Day”; “Christina Musson Day”; and “Fresno’s Morning News Day.” Gabriel is part of KMJ’s “Morning News” (6:00 am – 9:00 am), while Musson co-hosts the station’s “Broeske & Musson” program (9:00 am – 11:00 am). The proclamations were in recognition of the station’s community service and several awards KMJ has recently received. KMJ’s morning news team – Gabriel, Liz Kern, KMJDon York and Gabe Navarro – won a Golden Mike for “Best Newscast” from RTNA Southern California; Gabriel also notched a “Best Sportscast” Golden Mike. Meanwhile, Musson won her second successive Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Gracie Award for “Best Co-Host, Talk/Personality – Small/Medium Market Radio.” Pictured above (top photo right to left): Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer; KMJ, Fresno’s Christina Musson; her husband Ralph Rendon; and Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld. Also pictured above (bottom photo left to right) Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld; KMJ, Fresno’s Christopher Gabriel; his daughter Cadence; his wife Wendy; and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.

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TALKERS News Notes

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of April 15 – 19

The tensions between Israel and Iran escalating from the Israel-Hamas War was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.   At #2 this week was the presidential race followed closely by former President Donald Trump’s election tampering criminal trial. Other hot topics include the state of the U.S. economy focusing on inflation,  House Speaker Mike Johnson’s struggle with members of his own party per supporting Ukraine and Israel, The U.S. migrant crisis, and SCOTUS and the January 6 case.  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

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Genesis Communications Network to Shut Down

TALKERS has learned that effective Sunday May 5, Genesis Communications Network (GCN) will be ending its broadcasting operations.  In a letter sent to its program producers, signed by GCN owner/CEO Ted Anderson and chief engineer George Prondzinski, it states, “It is with great sadness, I wish to inform you that the Genesis Communications Network will be closing effective Sunday May 05, 2024. im This decision has been most difficult for us to make in lieu of poor economic and industry conditions. We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause you and appreciate your affiliation with GCN.”  GCN was launched in 1998 by Anderson and has featured a diverse line up of daily and weekend programming covering politics, finance, health, self-help, how-to and topics of general interest. At last count the network was carrying 37 hosts and programs including Alex Jones.  When asked by TALKERS if GCN would continue in any form, Anderson replied, “No, I’m done but would entertain proposals from anyone interested.”  

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AM Radio Legislative Hearing Set

Congressional Seal“Draft Legislation to Preserve Americans’ Access to AM Radio” is the title of a legislative hearing that House Energy and Commerce Committee chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) and ranking member Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey) will hold the last day of the month (4/30). Rodgers and Pallone previously released draft legislation that mirrors legislative language the Senate Commerce Committee passed out last year. NAB president/CEO Curtis LeGeyt comments, “NAB is deeply grateful to chair Rodgers and ranking member Pallone for their continued leadership in safeguarding continued access to AM radio in new cars. With 82 million monthly listeners, AM radio is the backbone of the Emergency Alert System and serves as a trusted source of factual news and diverse programming in communities across the country. Local broadcasters look forward to continuing to work with [Rodgers, Pallone] and all committee members to ensure this critical communications medium remains accessible to listeners across the country.” The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (S.1669/H.R. 3413) currently has 48 co-sponsors in the Senate and 245 House co-sponsors. In related news KFNX, Phoenix owner Bill Brady will be delivering an address titled “The Case for AM Radio” at the forthcoming TALKERS 2024:Radio and Beyond conference on June 7 at Hofstra University.  More information in stories below and here.
Industry News

Round Three of March PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2024 PPM survey has been released for: Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus. The survey period covered February 29 – March 27. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from these 12 markets. Even though Alpha Media Portland news/talk KXL-FM drops four-tenths (6.9 – 6.5, 6+), it retains its #2 ranking. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KEX-AM adds three-tenths for a second straight month (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.8, 6+) and returns to the top 20 (#21 – #20). In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI has its second successive downward trend (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+), but continues at #14. At the same time, cross-town Alpha Media news/talk KTSA is off four-tenths (2.3 – 1.9, 6+), slipping from #16 – #17. Anchored in the runner-up slot, Salt Lake City news/talk KSL-AM & FM is a combined +3.1 since the “Holiday” 2023 report (3.6 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+). The Bonneville property widens its lead over iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & FM, which is down a cumulative nine-tenths since January (3.5 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+), tumbling from #13 to #17. Not only does iHeartMedia Cincinnati news/talk WLW notch a robust February – March +1.1 (10.2 – 11.3, 6+), it has the distinction of being the only spoken-word station from this group of 12 markets to rank first (#2 – #1, 6+). Steady in fifth-place, co-owned WKRC is trending 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.0 (January – February – March, 6+). Progressing from seventh to fifth, iHeartMedia Orlando’s WTKS notches its third straight positive trend for a combined +2.8 (3.1 – 4.3 – 5.0 – 5.9, 6+). In that same period, cross-town Cox Media Group’s WDBO is a repetitive  3.1 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 3.5, #13 to #12, 6+). See Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets here.
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Winding Up A Sterling Career

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Berliner Resigns From NPR

NPR

As we reported just yesterday (TALKERS  4/17), NPR senior business editor Uri Berliner was suspended one week without pay from the public media organization after writing an essay for Substack publication The Free Press without first seeking permission from NPR as required by his contract. Now comes word from The New York Times that Berliner – who accused the broadcaster of liberal bias in that online piece – has resigned from the nonprofit. In his resignation letter, Berliner called NPR “a great American institution” that should not be defunded. In the letter posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Berliner writes, “I respect the integrity of my colleagues and wish NPR to thrive and do important journalism.” He, however, continues that he “cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems I cite in my Free Press essay.” CBS News notes that Katherine Maher, who became NPR’s CEO last month, wrote a staff memo several days after publication of Berliner’s essay addressing his criticisms of the organization’s editorial process. Among Berliner’s claims are that NPR is failing to consider other viewpoints and that it is fixated on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.   
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KSL, Salt Lake City Adds “America Tonight”

Kate DelaneyThis past Sunday (4/14) in Las Vegas, Kate Delaney was a keynote speaker for the NAB Leadership Foundation’s “Focus on Leadership” speaker series. The “America Tonight” host comments, “I was honored to speak at NAB this year. Radio, at its best, keeps and grows an audience with great storytelling, innovative use of audio and the experience you create for listeners.” Delaney’s NAB appearance coincided with the announcement that her Talk Media Network show joins the nighttime lineup of Bonneville Salt Lake City news/talk KSL, which just received an NAB Crystal Radio Award. “I’m thrilled ‘America Tonight’ can now be heard on KSL,” Delaney states. “It’s a powerful station with a rich history of serving its listeners.” Program director Kevin LaRue adds, “KSL is excited for overnight news programming with a combination of solid information and a big personality to be a trusted companion to our listeners.” Talk Media Network CEO Josh Leng remarks, “Kate Delaney is a pro’s pro. She’s made her own luck, through hard work and great communication. Talk Media Network is proud to be expanding her audience. Thank you KSL for continuing to invest in radio. Your operation is one of the best, shining examples in our business.” Meanwhile, “Amazing Americans” founder Jerry Schemmel passes hosting duties of the weekly, one-hour show he started in 2019 to Delaney who looks forward “to continuing to share compelling and captivating and inspirational stories of human achievement. Radio listeners are hungry for authentic, true-life stories, to leave them feeling inspired.” Meet Kate Delaney at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond on June 7 at Hofstra University.
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Triton Digital Releases March Podcast Ranker

imAs measured by Triton Digital’s Podcast Metrics measurement service, SiriusXM Podcast Network remains #1 on March’s “Top Sales Networks Report.” Per the data, SiriusXM Podcast Network’s stats are 42.5 million average weekly downloads/13.2 million average weekly users. It is again followed by (#2) NPR with 25.1 million average weekly downloads/7.0 million average weekly users and (#3) Wondery, 21.0 million average weekly downloads/6.8 million average weekly users. The top three downloaded podcasts were NPR News Now (NPR); Dateline NBC (NBCUniversal News Group); and Crime Junkie (audiochuck). Ranked by total listeners, NPR News Now (NPR); Crime Junkie (audiochuck); and Up First (NPR) are again first, second, and third, respectively. Among March debuts were Three (SiriusXM Podcast Network, both downloads and listeners); Killer Psyche (Wondery, downloads); and Environment (NPR, listeners). Participating Sales Networks include content owners/creators and sales representation organizations. Any sales network or publisher with a United States audience is eligible to participate in the U.S. Podcast Report. The March reporting period is February 26, 2024 – March 31, 2024).
Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

OutKick, the national multimedia sports platform, continued its growth trajectory in Q1 of 2024 versus Q4 of 2023 with 81 million total multiplatform views, up 10%, and 78 million total multiplatform minutes, up 7%, according to Comscore. The platform also saw 6.1 million average monthly multiplatform unique visitors. Additionally, OutKick in March 2024 garnered 24 million total multiplatform views, up 2% versus February 2024, and 23 million total multiplatform minutes, up 4% from the previous month, according to Comscore. In commenting on the digital performance, SVP/managing editor Gary Schreier tells TALKERS, “I’m excited to see OutKick’s continued growth in Q1 of 2024. It’s a direct result of our talented and smart team who push the boundaries on any topic, which separates us from other sports sites. OutKick takes on the important issues and asks the vital questions in sports that our competitors seem afraid to touch.”

As a way to help medium- and small-market stations maximize political advertising in the upcoming midterm elections, Gen Media Partners and the Ten-Minute Trainer Network will conduct a free webinar next Wednesday (4/24) at 12:00 noon (ET). According to Gen Media Partners executive vice president Greg Tacher, “Preparation is vital to ensure stations take full advantage of the political cycle. This is a terrific opportunity for small and medium market stations to gain free valuable knowledge that can help them generate political advertising revenue.” Ten-Minute Trainer Network/P1 Learning president Bryan Marriott adds, “The Ten-Minute Trainer Network is excited to partner with Gen Media Partners to bring this important and timely webinar. In less than an hour, attendees will gain valuable insights from political advertising experts.” The webinar will be hosted by Gen Media Partners’ senior vice president of political/issue advocacy & strategic alliances Roger Rafson; vice president/political strategies manager Linley Grande; and political broadcast strategist Heather Karban. Gen Media Partners is an independently-owned media sales and content organization; The Ten-Minute Trainer Network is a collaboration between P1 Learning and The Swagger Institute.  Click here for the link to register.  

The debut episode of iHeartPodcasts’ weekly “I Choose Me with Jennie Garth” is set to be released April 30. Actress/entrepreneur/designer Garth played “Kelly Taylor” for ten seasons on “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Val Tyler” on “What I Like About You.” When “Kelly Taylor” found herself in a love triangle and was forced to choose one man, she said, “I choose me.” Those three words stayed true to Garth in real life, becoming her formula for fulfillment she wants to share with listeners. “I Choose Me” is the second venture with Garth and iHeartPodcasts, as she’ll continue to host “9021OMG” with her friend/former co-star Tori Spelling.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/17) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s hush money/election tampering trial; U.S. response to Iran-Israel tensions; Ukraine-Israel aid debate; inflation/economy concerns; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s political struggles; the migrant crisis; and Boeing under pressure were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (4/17) according to the research of TALKERS magazine.