Industry News

Dave Ramsey to Host Caller-Driven Entreleadership Podcast

Nationally syndicated radio host and Ramsey Solutions CEO Dave Ramsey is taking over as host of “The EntreLeadership Podcast” that is produced by the Ramsey Network. Ramsey Solutions says the podcast is “among the top business podcasts ever created.” Ramsey begins as host for the February 13 edition that will feature a new, caller-driven format in which he’ll “take calls from America’s small-business owners to help guide them through the unique challenges they face as leaders in business.” Ramsey says, “Thirty years ago, I started my business from a card table in my living room. I know how hard it is to grow a business and grow yourself. I’m more fired up than ever to come alongside leaders that are in the trenches, scratching and clawing to transform business as usual into the business they dreamed of. This show is everything you wanted to know about business and leadership, but you didn’t know who to ask.” Dave Ramsey is also the author of the #1 best-selling book, EntreLeadership.

Industry News

JVC Broadcast Flips WDYZ-AM, Orlando to Sports Talk

JVC Broadcasting announces the flip of WDYZ-AM, Orlando from a simulcast of its “Florida Man Radio” talk format to sports talk as “ESPN 660 – Orlando Sports Radio.” The station is airing ESPN Radio programming including “Keyshawn, JWill & Max” and “#Greeny” in late mornings. It will also air sports play-by-play and the Daytona 500 on February 19. JVC Florida director of programming Stevie DeMann says, “ESPN Radio offers the access to play-by-play, nationally known talent, and athletes that cannot be replicated. ‘ESPN 660 Orlando’ will air events like the Daytona 500 and the College Football Playoffs, giving radio listeners long-awaited access to these ‘must listen to’ sports, that previously were not available in Central Florida. We will have the largest selection of compelling sports content on ESPN 660 Orlando.”

Industry News

Radio’s Digital Sales Approaching $2 Billion

According to data from RAB’s newly released 11th annual benchmarking report in partnership with Borrell Associates, the radio industry is poised to hit $2 billion in digital sales this year. RAB says, “In 2022, radio stations drove $1.8 billion in digital sales, up 21.1% for the year. Those sales accounted for nearly one in five advertising dollars, with a fast-growing portion of it coming from the sale of streaming video advertising. That has led to a ‘tipping point,’ the report concludes, with half of the industry’s top-line growth expected to come from digital sales in 2023 and more local ad revenue coming from video streaming than audio streaming spots.” RAB president and CEO Erica Farber comments, “Digital continues to be the catalyst for growth in today’s environment. A solid foundation in digital is a key driver for today’s successful marketing professional. As technology evolves, revenue and sales gains can only be obtained via digital services and training know-how. RAB continues to provide the training, tools and services needed to realize these gains.” The annual report shows that digital sales in 2022 comprised 19% of total ad revenue, representing between $85,064 for the average small-market station and $1.2 million for a station in a large market. Some market clusters were making tens of millions of dollars from digital ad sales. The full report – an analysis of online ad revenue from 3,753 radio stations, as well as survey responses from 851 local radio buyers and 169 radio managers – is available to RAB members.

Industry News

Salem Teams with Food For The Poor to Aid Turkey and Syria

Salem Radio Network is teaming with international relief agency Food For The Poor to provide aid to those in need in Turkey and Syria in the wake of Monday’s deadly earthquake. To achieve this, Food For The Poor is working with partners including MAP International (medicines and supplies), Brother’s Brother (medicines and supplies), Feed My Starving Children (rice casserole meals) and Water Mission (safe water). SRN talk show hosts and radio partners raising funds to provide assistance include Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt, Sebastian Gorka, Brandon Tatum, and Eric Metaxas.

Industry News

ESPN Digital Reports “Best Year Ever”

ESPN says that according to recently released Comscore data, ESPN set all-time records across its digital platforms in 2022, including an average of more than 108 million unique users in the U.S. each month of the year and 7.5 billion engagements on social media. ESPN adds that its ESPN app had its best year with 25.4 million average monthly unique visitors and says that that is “four times more unique visitors than its closest competitor.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address; the debt ceiling battle in Congress; the U.S. Navy releases photos of the recovery of the Chinese spy balloon; former President Donald Trump’s and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s campaigns for president in 2024; the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria surpasses 11,000; Ukraine’s search for support from the U.S. and European nations to counter Russia’s invasion; the move to ban TikTok in the U.S. combined with the expansion of AI technology; and LeBron James claims the NBA’s career scoring leader title were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WBAP-AM, Dallas-Fort Worth Host Hal Jay Gets New Heart

Longtime WBAP-AM, Dallas-Fort Worth morning personality Hal Jay has received a heart transplant. Jay suffered several ventricular tachycardia events during the second week of January and was admitted to Baylor Scott & White University Medical Center where he was told he needed a new heart. His wife Ann reports to the “WBAP Morning News” team that Jay underwent transplant surgery early Sunday morning (2/5) and is recovering. Jay made a brief appearance on the show today (2/7) speaking with fellow hosts Ernie Brown and Brad Barton via phone from the hospital and says he feels good and may be allowed to go home sooner than expected. He also says he expects to be able to return to work within three weeks or so, depending on what his doctors say.

Industry News

CB Cotton Joins FOX News Channel as Correspondent

Journalist CB Cotton joins FOX News Channel as a New York-based correspondent covering breaking news from the network’s headquarters. Cotton has been serving as a reporter for ABC affiliate KMGH-TV, Denver, Colorado where she was the station’s lead night side reporter focused on crime, justice, and law enforcement. During her tenure, she covered the city’s breaking news stories, including the Boulder King Soopers supermarket shooting and the December 2021 Marshall fire. She has also reported on alleged police misconduct, such as the violent arrest of Kyle Vinson in Aurora, the controversial apprehension of then-75-year-old Karen Garner in 2020 and the fallout surrounding the death of Elijah McClain following his 2019 arrest. Cotton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast and electronic journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is professionally fluent in Spanish and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Press Photographers Association.

Industry News

BFoA’s Golden Mike Dinner & Ceremony Set for March 6

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the host for this year’s BFOA Golden Mike Award dinner and ceremony is Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and nationally syndicated talk show host Soledad O’Brien. The 2023 BFOA Golden Mike Award gala takes place on March 6 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The annual event is the biggest fundraiser for the Broadcasters Foundation, whose sole mission is to provide aid to radio and television professionals in acute need. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We’re very excited to have Soledad host this year’s Golden Mike Award dinner. She is a multiple award-winning broadcast journalist whose reporting has brought awareness on numerous issues to the forefront. Combined with her philanthropic endeavors, she is the perfect person to host our special evening.” This year’s BFOA Golden Mike Award honoree is Jack Abernethy, CEO of FOX Television Stations. The Lifetime Achievment Award will be presented during the gala frundraiser to Richard E. Wiley, former chairman, commissioner, and general counsel of the Federal Communications Commission and one of the most prominent media and telecommunications lawyers in broadcasting.

Industry News

Westwood One Audio Active Group: AM/FM Sells Cars

This week’s report from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group reveals the results of a study from data analysis agency Colourtext and UK commercial AM/FM radio industry group Radiocentre. Calling it the “largest and most comprehensive AM/FM radio ad effectiveness report in the world,” WWO says the study measured 59 tier-one auto campaigns for brands like Toyota, Honda, Land Rover, BMW, VW, Nissan, Volvo, Lexus, and Jaguar. The conclusion is that “AM/FM radio advertising generates significant increases in advertising awareness, brand relevance, brand trust, and brand consideration.” Other key findings include: 1) AM/FM radio increases the efficiency of automotive media plans: Colourtext and Radiocentre compared AM/FM radio’s average share of total media spend to the increase in advertising awareness, brand relevance, and brand trust generated by AM/FM radio campaigns. In each case, the auto brand lift is four to 11 times greater than AM/FM radio’s share of media spend; 2) the best performing auto campaigns place an emphasis on creative consistency; 3) AM/FM radio creates future demand for automotive brands; 4) Nielsen Scarborough: American auto intenders clock a lot of miles in their vehicles: A Nielsen Scarborough study of 199,118 Americans finds new car buying intentions in the next year increase as miles traveled grows; 5) among ad-supported audio, AM/FM radio has a dominating 89% share of in-car time spent; 6) Nielsen Scarborough: Heavy AM/FM radio and digital consumers are way above the norm for auto purchase intention; and 7) new vehicle purchasers are similar in profile to heavy AM/FM radio listeners, and heavy Internet users, and podcast listeners. See more about the study here.

Industry News

Audacy Releases Company Social Impact Report

Audacy shares its latest “Social Impact Report, Supporting Sound Communities,” that reveals the company’s “powerful impact story across our 6 pillars of Audacy Serves.” The company says, “This year, we showcase ‘I’m Listening’ as our flagship social impact program dedicated to more mental health conversations. Brands – and media in particular – have an incredible opportunity to impact our lives and communities. Audacy leans into its strength – Audio – to build connection with our listeners. We support their well-being by sharing stories of mental health experiences. This authentic storytelling is the heart of our business and helps improve health outcomes too!  That’s why the content we create for ‘I’m Listening’ features artists, athletes, and celebrities sharing their mental health experiences – we are living our belief, ‘Talk Saves Lives… We’ve raised more than $1.5 million for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; hosted a national mental health conversation with experts and listeners – all living our belief, Talk Saves Lives.” You can see the complete report here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/6) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Anticipation of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address to be delivered this evening; the aftermath of the U.S.’s shooting down a Chinese spy balloon over the weekend; the battle in Congress over solving the United States’ debt ceiling issue; the soaring death toll after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria; the House GOP investigation into the dealings of Hunter Biden; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and concerns about it leading to a wider war; the foiled attack by alleged neo-Nazis on Baltimore’s power grid; and the build-up to Super Bowl LVII were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WIBC-FM Personality Abdul-Hakim Shabazz to Run for Mayor

According to Indianapolis news/talk WIBC-FM’s website, station personality and political journalist Abdul-Hakim Shabazz will enter the race for mayor of Indianapolis in the Republican primary. Shabazz made the announcement on the “Kendall and Casey” program that airs in middays on the Urban One station. He said, “I spoke to a lot of Hoosiers, a lot of folks in Indianapolis, in part parts of the city, Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians for that matter and their eyes just lit up. A very nice lady, she donated $5. She said ‘Abdul, that’s all I can afford to give, I really want you to be mayor.’ It’s for people like that who are of limited mean, who don’t have a lot to give, and just want to feel better about where they live.” Shabazz is a weekend host on WIBC-FM and is founder and publisher of IndyPolitics.org. He formed an exploratory committee late last year to look into the feasibility of a campaign for mayor. He joins Pastor James Jackson on the GOP ticket in the May primary.

Industry News

Audacy Adds Two to Mets Broadcasts on WCBS-AM, New York

Audacy announces the addition of Keith Raad and Pat McCarthy to WCBS-AM’s flagship broadcast coverage of New York Mets baseball, beginning with the upcoming 2023 season. Raad will join as play-by-play and color commentator, teaming up with the voice of Mets’ radio, Howie Rose. McCarthy, the son of former Mets announcer Tom McCarthy, will serve as pregame and postgame host for broadcasts along with providing play-by-play for select games. Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero states, “As we round the bases towards Spring Training, we’re proud to officially welcome Keith Raad and Pat McCarthy to our popular coverage of Mets baseball alongside Mets Hall of Famer Howie Rose. Once again, the Mets offseason has created anticipation and optimism for the 2023 Amazins’ and we’re looking forward to being the audio home for every moment on-air and digitally.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Through its partnership with BetMGM, Audacy’s BetQL Network will broadcast exclusively from the new BetMGM Sportsbook in Glendale, Arizona this week. The sportsbook is located next to State Farm Stadium, site of this year’s NFL Super Bowl. Audacy president of sports Mike Dee says, “We’re proud to leverage our partnership with our friends at BetMGM to bring sports bettors and our listeners over 50 hours of live, premier audio content – more than any other sports betting network – to get them ready for the biggest game in American sports.”

iHeartPodcasts and Storyglass are launching a new, eight-part podcast series, “False Profits: Hillsong,” a journey that dives into the Hillsong experience – “from Christian rock music to celebrity pastors and famous fans, to global status, enormous wealth, and shocking scandals. This series traces the rise and fall of Hillsong’s founder and peels back the layers of a culture of submission, exploitation, and discrimination.”

Audacy announces that Twin Cities news/talk WCCO-AM raised over $447,000 to benefit Second Harvest Heartland through its “Let’s Kick Hunger Day Radiothon.” The amount raised during the 14th annual radiothon held on February 2 brought the overall fundraising total to over $3.5 million since 2009. Audacy Minneapolis SVP and market manager Jeff Gonsales says, “Year after year, our fans open up their hearts to those in need. Lives are being impacted in significant ways, and we are incredibly grateful. WCCO’s long-standing partnership with Second Harvest Heartland means so much to us and to so many people who are helped by this community effort.”

Industry News

The Weekend’s Top News/Talk Stories

The U.S. shoots down a Chinese spy balloon, icing the two countries’ diplomatic relations; President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech to be given on Tuesday; the battle in Congress over the United States’ debt ceiling; the 2024 presidential campaign launched by former President Donald Trump and the expected run to be announced by former South Carolina Governor and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley; embattled freshman Congressman George Santos is accused of sexual misconduct by a prospective staffer; Sunday night’s Grammy Awards; and a 7.8 magnitude earthquake kills close to 2,000 people in Turkey and Syria were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Steve Sanchez Moves to Afternoons at KDWN, Las Vegas

Las Vegas talk radio host Steve Sanchez moves from the early evening daypart at Audacy’s news/talk KDWN-AM to afternoon drive beginning Monday (2/6). He moves from host of the 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm show to the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot currently held by Westwood One talk host Mark Levin. Sanchez says, “It is a thrill to be dominating my daypart in the format and I feel my audience growing exponentially right now. It’s a pleasure serving the Las Vegas market with the legendary station KDWN as my flagship.”

Industry News

Dave Elswick Renews with Salem’s “The Answer” in Little Rock

Talk host Dave Elswick tells TALKERS magazine that he’s signed a one-year contract extension with Salem Media Group to continue hosting the 7:00 am to 11:00 am program on KDXE-FM, Little Rock “101.1 FM The Answer.” Elswick notes that he’s beginning his 23rd year as a talk host in the Little Rock market. He says that with COVID protocols now in the rear-view mirror, he’s returning to hosting live broadcasts of the state legislature’s general session. Prior to joining Salem, Elswick served with iHeartMedia at crosstown news/talk KARN-FM.

Industry News

Stan Norfleet Joins Sports Talk KBME-AM, Houston

iHeartMedia Houston announces that Stan Norfleet is joining KBME-AM, Houston “Sportstalk 790” as co-host of the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program “Next Up with Stan Norfleet & Chris Gordy” beginning February 13. He takes over for ND Kalu who is leaving broadcasting to focus on his growing real estate business. Norfleet was an NFL prospect who played football at the University of Virginia and Texas Southern University. Norfleet worked for the Houston Texans and the Houston Rockets before transitioning into broadcasting as a host, analyst, and sideline reporter. iHeartMedia Houston director of AM programming Bryan Erickson says, “Stan brings amazing passion to everything he does. He has strong local ties and we’re thrilled to add him to the team.” Norfleet comments, “It is a tremendous blessing and honor to join the renowned iHeartMedia Houston family. I have long been a fan and avid listener of ‘Sportstalk 790’ and respect the history and contributions of its personalities. My affinity for Space City spans nearly two decades and I look forward to connecting with old friends and new listeners in the market.”

Industry News

Clyde Bass to Lead iHeartMedia’s New Texas/Arkansas Area

iHeartMedia names Clyde Bass area president for its newly formed Texas/Arkansas Area. The region consists of more than 48 stations across 10 markets. Bass is responsible for all operations in Beaumont, Waco, Bryan, McAllen and Corpus Christi, Texas and Fayetteville, Fort Smith and Little Rock, Arkansas, along with Wichita, Kansas and Springfield, Missouri. iHeartMedia division president Nick Gnau says, “I am so excited to add Clyde’s leadership to an already strong cluster of markets in Texas. Clyde’s passion for our industry, his knowledge of our products and the success he has shown through many roles with iHeartMedia make him the perfect fit to lead this newly formed Area. I look forward to seeing these areas continue to succeed as one.” Bass most recently led the Arkansas Area. He comments, “It’s been my honor to be involved for the last 10 years with some of the legendary stations that I grew up listening to here in Arkansas, and now to be reunited as area president with the team in Texas makes me even more energized over what iHeartMedia provides to advertisers and listeners.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartMedia, Inc. announces that it will report its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2022 and the full year on February 28. The company will also conduct a conference call at 4:30 pm to discuss its financial results and business outlook. A live audio webcast of the call will be available on the Investors homepage of iHeartMedia’s website.

FOX Sports Radio unveils its plans for its 23rd annual Super Week coverage that begins Monday (2/6). Its sports talk programming will emanate from Arizona during the week, with “The Dan Patrick Show” originating from Scottsdale Stadium, “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” live from State Farm Stadium (2/9-10), and the rest of its lineup broadcasting from Radio Row at the Phoenix Convention Center.

SiriusXM is also broadcasting from Arizona during Super Week and will also broadcast the game itself, with subscribers able to hear the Kansas City Chiefs team broadcast, the Philadelphia Eagles team broadcast, the Westwood One national radio broadcast and a Spanish-language broadcast. SiriusXM NFL Radio hosts will broadcast during the week from Radio Row at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for the Week of January 30 – February 3

The state of the U.S. economy and the Fed’s raising of interest rates by a quarter point was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the negotiations in congress over the United States’ debt ceiling, followed by the investigations into the possession of classified government documents by President Joe Biden, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former President Donald Trump 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

Marc Bertrand Inks New Deal with Beasley’s “98.5 The Sports Hub”

Sports talk host Marc Bertrand signs a multiyear contract extension with Beasley Media Group sports talker WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub.” Bertrand co-hosts the midday “Zolak & Bertrand” show with Scott Zolak. The station says, “Bertrand, or ‘Beetle’ as he’s affectionately known, became a co-host of the highly rated program in February 2015. The ‘Zolak & Bertrand’ show, along with Rob ‘Hardy’ Poole, have consistently maintained their #1 midday ranking in the market.” Bertrand comments, “I’m thrilled to be continuing at ‘98.5 The Sports Hub.’ I take great pride in having been a part of the station since its inception. I’m fortunate to have great teammates on ‘Zolak & Bertrand’ and as a group, we are incredibly thankful for our loyal listeners. It is their support and engagement that makes this job fun every single day.” Program director Rick Radzik states, “We are very pleased to have Marc continue on with ‘the Sports Hub’ for the coming years. Marc, Zo & Hardy have been entertaining Boston sports fans since 2015. To have that relationship continue for the coming years is a win for everyone.”

Industry News

“The Kalb Report” to Get NYFestivals Lifetime Achievement Award

New York Festivals Television & Film Awards/Radio Awards announces that it is honoring “The Kalb Report,” the public broadcasting series hosted by journalist Marvin Kalb, with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented at the Storytellers Gala on April 18. New York Festivals says this award recognizes prominent industry leaders, innovators, and driving forces in the broadcast industry whose accomplishments have advanced their field and made a lasting impression on the industry. “The Kalb Report” was created by Marvin Kalb in 1994 who partnered with former CBS Radio Network general manager Michael Freedman, who served as executive producer of the series for its entire 28-year run. (Freedman went on to become president of the National Press Club in 2020.) New York Festivals says, “During its nearly-three-decade run, the series has provided a forum for prominent newsmakers and journalists to discuss the news media’s impact on American democracy. The guest list included Supreme Court justices, civil rights icons, network news anchors, best-selling authors, members of Congress, and influential leaders from across the media landscape.” Trophy winning entries in the 2023 New York Festivals Radio Awards will be celebrated at the NYF Storytellers Gala on April 18 at the Centennial NAB Show in Las Vegas.

Industry News

Urban One Rebrands Digital Platform

The company announces the relaunch of iONE Digital, formerly known as Interactive One. Urban One says, “iOne Digital’s dynamic portfolio of media brands deliver entertaining, engaging, culturally and socially aware original content from a fresh perspective connecting with over 24 million unique monthly visitors. This year, Urban One has rallied around the relaunch of the iONE Digital brand to integrate and maximize synergies across the digital portfolio fully. The relaunch brings a fresh perspective and bold storytelling serving the needs of a diverse audience while continuing to illuminate Black voices.” Chief executive officer Alfred C. Liggins III says, “For over 42 years, Urban One has understood the need for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, especially in sharing our varied experiences. We are proud to be a leader with the largest African American footprint in the media space. As the needs and concerns constantly evolve, we are dedicated to helping brands understand, connect, and best translate to Black and Brown communities. In our next iteration, iONE Digital will continue to be a catalytic force in media.” The company says, “iOne Digital portfolio focuses on key passion points and interests, including men’s and women’s lifestyle, sports, beauty, fashion, and entertainment. The iONE portfolio is comprised of Cassius, HelloBeautiful, MadameNoire, Bossip, NewsOne, GlobalGrind, HipHopWired, BlackAmericaWeb and Elev8; plus the social network for urban millennials, BlackPlanet, and three YouTube brands – The Fumble, Hollyscoop, and Nerdwire… Looking to the future, iONE Digital has also immersed their visual identity into the world of audio and podcasting by conceptualizing a ‘video first’ approach centered around the amplification of the all-new Urban One Podcast Network – a platform which iONE helps to fuel by bringing a wide range of podcasts to life.”

Industry News

SiriusXM 2022 Q4 Revenue Flat; 2022 Up 4% Over 2021

SiriusXM reports results from the fourth quarter of 2022 as well as the year in full. For Q4, revenue was $2.28 billion, flat compared to the same period in 2021. For the full year of 2022, revenue was $9.0 billion, an increase of 4% over the full year of 2021. The company ended 2022 with 32.4 million self-pay subscribers, an increase of 348,000 for the year, aided by a growing base of streaming-only subscribers. Net income for Q4 of 2022 was $365 million, up from the $318 million posted in Q4 of 2021. For the year, net income was $1.2 billion, down from the $1.3 billion reported in 2021. CEO Jennifer Witz says, “2022 was a strong year for SiriusXM, as we continued to focus on bringing consumers the best in audio entertainment both in-car and on the go, reaching record high revenue and record low churn. Our strong operating and financial performance in 2022 are a testament to our resilient business model and growing contribution from streaming, which helped us deliver 348,000 net new self-pay subscribers. In 2023, we expect SiriusXM to deliver strong operating performance and generate significant cash, even as we face a challenging economic environment and continue to make material investments in our technology infrastructure.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Appoints Sales Pros for NYC Stations

iHeartMedia New York appoints Victor Giacomelli vice president of sales and Travia Charmont sales manager for WWRL-AM “Black Information Network” and “Power 105.1.”  iHeartMedia New York SVP of sales Steve DeLusant says, “Victor and Travia are the perfect combination to lead our sales efforts for ‘Power 105.1’ and the WWRL 1600 AM ‘Black Information Network.’ Both Victor and Travia have strong experience and knowledge working in the multicultural space. I am excited to have them join our team and watch them take our brands to the next level. Their additions will position our team for long-term success at iHeartMedia New York.” Giacomelli joins the iHeartMedia New York team from Audacy Denver where he was the director of sales. Charmont joins the iHeartMedia New York team from Audacy Atlanta where she was a senior AE.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Cumulus Media Inc. will report its fourth quarter 2022 and full-year operating results at 8:00 am ET on February 23. It will host a conference call at 8:30 am ET that day.

The nationally syndicated “America Tonight with Kate Delaney” adds Alpha Media’s WJNT-AM/W245AH, Jackson, Mississippi to its program schedule in the 1:00 pm to 12:00 midnight slot; and Ingstad Brothers Broadcasting’s KNUJ-AM/K247CU, New Ulm, Minnesota delayed to the 5:00 – 5:30 am slot.

SiriusXM adds “The Business Briefing” program hosted by Janet Alvarez to the program schedule on the Business Radio channel airing weekdays live at 9:00 am ET. Alvarez is the executive editor at WiseBread, and is a CNBC and Telemundo contributor.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/1) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The state of the United States’ economy and the Fed’s decision to raise interest rates; the political battle in Congress to address the U.S.’s debt ceiling; the classified government documents in the possession of Joe Biden, Mike Pence and Donald Trump; Hunter Biden seeks criminal investigation into stolen data from his laptop; former President Trump’s 2024 campaign and former South Carolina Governor and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley’s expected bid for the White House in ’24; Trump’s potential legal issues in Georgia and New York; Ukraine’s plea for fighter jets is rejected by the U.S. and Germany as it tries to fend off Russia; the aftermath of the police beating death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis; artificial intelligence and the effects of the release of chatbot ChatGPT; and the brutal winter weather affecting parts of the country were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

KOH, Reno PD and Host Dan Mason Retires

After a career spanning 49 years, Dan Mason retires from the industry and his position at program director and afternoon host at Cumulus Media’s KOH, Reno. Mason has programmed KOH for the past 28 years, during which the station’s achieved two finalist nominations for the National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Awards. He has also served as vice-chair of the Nevada Emergency Communication Committee that oversees the Emergency Alert System for the state of Nevada. Mason launched his career in 1974 at WLRC-FM in Whitehall, Michigan. Cumulus Reno VP and market manager Jennifer Odom says, “The day has come to announce my colleague, mentor, and friend Dan Mason’s retirement. His unwavering dedication to KOH for over 28 years, exceptional work ethic, and commitment to excellence have never faltered through any situation. News Talk 780 KOH is the powerhouse it is today because of Dan. Working with Dan has been one of the highlights of my career. We will miss Dan “Mad Dog” Mason immensely and wish him the very best in his retirement.” Mason comments, “It has been an honor to helm this extraordinary radio station for 28 years, but the time has come for someone else to take the mantle. My wife of 42 years is ready for that Alaskan cruise she’s had her eye on!”

Industry News

Talk Radio Host Jay Marvin Dies

Former talk radio host Jay Marvin died on Tuesday (1/31) at age 70, according to a Twitter post from his wife Mary. The cause of death was not revealed. Marvin left the talk radio business in 2010 after a series of health issues – hepatitis and a spinal infection – made it difficult for him to focus on his work. During his career, he hosted programs at WFLA, Tampa; KHOW and KKZN, Denver; and WLS-AM, Chicago; among others. Salem Radio Networks VP news & talk programming Tom Tradup hired Marvin at WLS. He tells TALKERS, “I brought Jay to WLS in Chicago by helping negotiate his way out of a contract he had with Carl Gardner at WTMJ, Milwaukee. We added him 10:00 pm-1:00 am and he was an instant hit, billing himself as “Chicago’s lovable manic-depressive” who championed striking cab drivers and teachers’ unions… so unlike our other conservative hosts at the time. Fans even turned out by the thousands for his annual “JayStock” festivals in Wisconsin. Jay was one in a million.”

Industry News

Beasley Names Rachel Pitts Digital PD for Philadelphia

Beasley Media Group announces that Rachel Pitts is named digital program director for its Philadelphia stations, including sports talk WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” and four music brands. Most recently, Pitts has been serving in a similar role with the company’s Tampa stations. Beasley chief content officer Justin Chase says, “One of Beasley’s goals for 2023 is growing our digital audience and Rachel has been one of the company’s top digital content leaders. She has helped to build a massive digital audience in Tampa, and we’re excited to watch her develop a similar strategy for our amazing Philadelphia digital brands.” Pitts comments, “I am excited to continue to help expand the digital footprint of Beasley Media Group. To have the opportunity to work with the legendary talent and brands of the company’s Philadelphia stations has been a big career goal!”