Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

HighkiniHM Portand Adds Sean Highkin as Trail Blazers Correspondent on WPOJ-AM.  iHeartMedia Portland’s Rip City Radio 620, “Your Home of the Portland Trail Blazers,” announced today (10/24) that acclaimed sports journalist Sean Highkin will join the station as the Portland Trail Blazers correspondent, effective immediately. He will provide comprehensive coverage of the games, practices, press conferences and everything revolving around the Portland Trail Blazers on their flagship station. Highkin brings over a decade of experience covering the NBA, including seven years dedicated to the Portland Trail Blazers. As a trusted voice in basketball, his experience includes contributing to national outlets such as Bleacher Report, USA Today, The Athletic and NBC Sports. In 2023, Highkin was named Oregon Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.  “Sean’s knowledge, expertise and impressive track record will elevate and take our Trail Blazers coverage to the next level,” said Marshal Burgess, metro president of iHeartMedia Portland. “His insightful analysis and in-depth reporting have made him a respected voice in the sports journalism community, and we are thrilled to have him join the iHeartRadio Portland team.”

 

2025 Grand JuryNew York Festivals 2025 Radio Awards Announces Distinguished Grand Jury.  The New York Festivals® Radio Awards has announced its 2025 Grand Jury.  The 2025 Radio Awards Grand Jury features over 100 global leaders from the radio industry across six continents. This distinguished panel comprises world-class content creators, industry visionaries, and iconic voices. Recruited from renowned companies, these directors, producers, journalists, writers, and sound artists are celebrated for their innovation and engaging storytelling. “The robust world of audio storytelling today is fully represented in the 2025 edition of the Grand Jury,” said Rose Anderson, EVP/executive director, New York Festivals Radio Awards. “From audiobooks to podcasts, from investigative journalism to live events, and from mystery to social justice, this year’s jury members volunteer their time and lend their expertise.”  The New York Festivals Radio Awards provides a platform to celebrate creative storytellers from around the world. For 67 years, NYF has recognized both innovation and exceptional quality in broadcast audio content across all genres and platforms since 1957.  Since 2023, The National Press Club, has partnered with New York Festivals to honor the highest scoring news program across the Coverage Of Breaking News Story, Coverage Of Ongoing News Story, Nonfiction Series, Investigative Journalism Podcast, and News Podcast categories. The winner will be announced during the 2025 Storytellers Gala in April.  NYF’s Radio Awards receives entries from radio stations, networks, and independent producers from over 30 countries around the globe. The mission of the competition is to honor the achievements of the men and women who make up the global audio storytelling community.   To see complete list of Grand Jurors click here 2025 Grand Jury.  Award-winning entries for 2025 will be showcased on the Radio Awards winners gallery. View the 2024 winners’ showcase.  The entry deadline for the 2025 Radio Awards competition is January 31, 2025. To enter the 2025 Radio Awards please visit: HERE, for additional information visit: HERE.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/23) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Industry News

Audacy’s Suchman: What’s Making Audio the Most Effective Ad Medium

In a piece in AdAge, Audacy chief marketing officer Paul Suchman spells out how AI and influencer marketing are transforming audio into the most effective ad medium. Suchman writes, “Audio deserves muchim more recognition as a (legacy) medium that’s constantly innovating and evolving to enhance the consumer experience and the advertiser opportunity. At the heart of Audio lives great storytelling. From the beginning of humankind to today’s best advertising, storytelling is the single most effective tool for sharing information and knowledge – all while entertaining, educating and yes, selling. Storytelling is a constant, but the way stories are told is shifting, driven by new technologies and approaches that allow brands to create more emotional connection, deliver more personalized experiences and scale their campaigns for maximum impact. And no medium is better equipped to do this than audio.” Read the full article here.

Industry News

Seven Alumni Inducted into 2024 Hofstra Radio Hall of Fame

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Hundreds of Hofstra alumni, students, faculty, staff, and administrators gathered to celebrate the induction of seven alumni into the University’s Radio Hall of Fame this past Saturday (10/19) at the Hofstra University Club on the school campus in Hempstead, NY. Over its 65 years, WRHU-88.7 (previously WHCH and WVHC) has won some of the industry’s most coveted awards, including four Marconi Awards for College Radio Station of the Year from the National Association of Broadcasters. Student reporters have won national and regional honors and worked alongside professional journalists in covering events ranging from political conventions, presidential debates, and inaugurations to the Super Bowl and major league playoff and championship games. At WRHU, Hofstra students create multiplatform live game content for Hofstra D1 teams and the NBA G League Long Island Nets. They produce and distribute all NY Islanders live NHL games to ESPN Radio NYC, SiriusXM, NHL.com, WRCN-FM, and WRHU-FM. Students also produce and perform on-air roles for the Long Island Ducks baseball franchise. The evening’s celebration was emceed by Lee Harris (front row, far left), a 2009 WRHU Hall of Fame award winner and recent inductee into the national Radio Hall of Fame, and Jamie Morris ’07 (not pictured), host of K-JOY, Long Island’s “Mornings with Jamie and You.” This year’s inductees for the Radio Hall of Fame are Danielle Dellilo ’01 (front row, second from left); Shannan Ferry ’14 (front row, fourth from left); Jared Greenberg ’05 (back row, far left); Damon (Dave) Mock ’00 (posthumously); Shawn Novatt ’00 (first row, second from right); Stu Rushfield ’89 (back row, second from left); and John Santucci ’11 (not pictured). Also pictured: noted agent and president of the executive board of Hofstra University’s Alumni Organization, Heather Cohen (front row, third from left); Mike Kluger (back row, third from left);  Steve Graziano (back row, third from right); George Musgrave (back row, second from right); Jim Helfgott (back row, far right); WRHU general manager, John T. Mullen (front row, fourth from right); and current president Hofstra Radio Alumni Association, Liane Sousa (front row, far right). (HRAA photo)

Industry News

Benztown Unveils List of Top Voiceover Pros

Benztown announced the release of its 9th annual Benztown 50 List of Radio’s Biggest Imaging Voices – the radio industry’s exclusive listing of the top 50 voiceover artists in the U.S. and Canada. Benztown enlisted P1 Media Group to compile and analyze industry data that was the foundation for the list. A special highlight ofim this year’s Benztown 50 is the presentation of the voiceover industry’s highest honor, the Chris Corley Lifetime Achievement Award, to Ann DeWig. Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes says, “We are thrilled to recognize the top 50 VO artists in the U.S. and Canada for 2024, along with the peer-voted ‘Best of Format’ honorees and the great Ann DeWig, recipient of the Chris Corley Lifetime Achievement Award. These individuals represent the pinnacle of audio branding and are synonymous with many major brands in our industry. Fifteen years ago, when we began working with VO talent, I never imagined we would collaborate with the best in North America. I am incredibly grateful for their support; without it, Benztown would not be where it is today. As we celebrate these honorees, we also honor all world-class VO talent and the emerging voices that shape the future of the industry.” See all the winners here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

SiriusXM Announces Coverage for 2024-25 NBA Season. The satellite and internet broadcaster launched its coverage of the NBA’s 2024-25 season with a doubleheader featuring the reigning NBA Champion Boston Celtics hosting the New York Knicks, followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers. This season, SiriusXM listeners will get access to live broadcasts of every NBA game through the NBA postseason and The Finals, as well as daily, in-depth NBA-focused programming on the SiriusXM NBA Radio channel.

PodcastOne Unveils the Explosive 10th Season of The Opportunist: “Tim Ballard: Unmasking a Hero.” PodcastOne announces the release of the latest season of its hit series, “The Opportunist,” hosted by veteran true crime author and podcast host Sara James McLaughlin. The new series delves into the dramatic rise and fall of Tim Ballard, the embattled founder of Operation Underground Railroad. Known for his work rescuing trafficked children, Ballard’s public persona hides darker allegations. McLaughlin takes listeners on a gripping investigative journey, featuring interviews with some of the women who have accused Ballard of sexual misconduct.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/22) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race, including Kamala Harris’ scheduled Pennsylvania town hall on CNN and former Trump chief of staff John Kelly’s warning about Donald Trump’s “facism,” the escalation of violence in the Middle East, climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, and the Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

TRAVELIN’ MAN: Salem Radio Network’s Greg Clugston to Channel Charles Kuralt “On The Road”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

CRN ReunionOld Friends and Colleagues Gather for CRN International Reunion.  Some 50 long-ago colleagues gathered at a warm weekend reunion at a cozy restaurant in the Nutmeg State for what, in the 1970s, began as “Connecticut Radio Network.” It evolved into CRN International, a major advertising promotion agency, which ceased operations a decade ago. CRN SkiWatch reports aired across the USA, customized for each affiliate, and based on conditions reported by CRN’s army of spotters. Pictured above (l-r): consultant Holland Cooke; CRN International founder Barry Berman; and WABC, New York news personality, Joe Connolly. (NOTE: CRN International is not to be confused with long-active CRN Digital Talk Radio.)

 

Circle ThisAdLarge Adds Innovative “CIRCLE THIS” Podcast to Client Stable.  AdLarge, a pioneering podcast advertising agency, has announces the addition of “CIRCLE THIS with Andrea ‘Dre’ Bendewald” to the fwd. network, an innovative media brand championing female creators. “CIRCLE THIS” is described as a series of deep, playful, and intimate conversations shedding light on how to create magic and meaning in your everyday life. Bendewald invites her close circle of friends which include innovators, authors, entrepreneurs, healers, and artists, to share their stories and practices for building and nurturing authentic relationships. Adding “CIRCLE THIS” to the fwd. network, represents a “bold step forward” in what AdLarge describes as its “ongoing effort and dedication to amplifying female creators as crucial voices in the modern media landscape.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/21) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Industry News

New Ramsey Solutions Research Shows Nearly 80% of U.S. Adults Say They’re Worried About The Economy

Two weeks before Americans head to the polls to elect a new president, 78% of adults say they’re worried about the economy according to Ramsey Solutions’ new State of Personal Finance report for the third quarter of 2024. Ramsey SolutionsThe research notes millennials (ages 27-42) are the most concerned at 83%.  The survey finds people are feeling the effects of the higher costs of goods and services, and they remain concerned about inflation. In addition, 37% said their finances are in worse shape than four years ago. Thirty-four percent said their finances are about the same, while only 29% said they’re better off than they were four years ago. The research indicates more than half (52%) of Americans believe the U.S. presidency has a major impact on their personal finances. “We encourage every American to go out and vote,” said Dave Ramsey, personal finance expert and host of “The Ramsey Show.But remember, what goes on in your house is a whole lot more important than who’s in the White House. The research shows that less than half of Americans believe a written household budget is the way to win with money. That has to change, or nothing will.”

Other key findings include:

• 1 in 3 Americans can’t afford Christmas and plan to use credit cards to make up for the shortfall.

• Nearly half of Americans (49%) report some difficulty paying bills, with Gen Z struggling the most (69%).

• 34% said they have at least $10,000 in consumer debt.

• Only 1 in 10 U.S. adults are investing 15% or more of their income.

To see the full results of Ramsey Solutions’ State of Personal Finance report, please click here.

The State of Personal Finance is a quarterly research study conducted by Ramsey Solutions with 1,006 U.S. adults to gain an understanding of opinions and attitudes toward money in America. The nationally representative sample was fielded September 12-16, 2024, using a third-party research panel.

 

 

Industry News

Fair Use: A Media Creator’s Guide to Using Copyrighted Content

Industry News

Stephanie Miller Bringing “The Sexy Liberal Show” to the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles (11/2)

Sexy Liberal Tour

Progressive, multi-platform talk show icon Stephanie Miller is bringing her long-running live touring review, “The Sexy Liberal Show” to the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles (11/2). The evolving stage presentation has been selling out live theaters and pay-per-views across the nation for years in support of progressive and Democratic Party politics.  In addition to Miller, this installment will feature “Sexy” regulars John Fugelsang, Hal Sparks, and the satirical duo Frangela. Miller tells TALKERS, “This will be the perfect pre-election party to get out the vote for Kamala Harris/Tim Walz and down-ballot Democrats, adding, “We’ve got an incredible lineup of special guests: Mark Hamill, Martin Sheen, Rep. Adam Schiff, and Glenn Kirschner! With their blend of political insight and humor, this night will have you laughing and fired up to hit the polls on Tuesday!”  The show goes live at 8 pm PT and will be available on-demand for a limited time. Live tickets on sale Here. PPV tickets on sale Here.  Also available: VIP Meet and Greet tickets.

Industry News

Talk Media Industry Publicist Produces Trump Film Documentary Set for Late October Release

“Trump’s Big FUSS (Fight for US Sovereignty),” a film documentary written and produced by veteran talk media publicist Jerry McGlothlin – president of Special Guests – and co-written by Todd Beezley, is set for theatrical (and online venues) release in the coming days of late October to “encourage apathetic voters and undecided voters to head to the polls Tuesday, November 5.”

Trumps Big Fuss
Targeted cinemas for the release are in swing states Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina. The film takes a decidedly pro-Donald Trump position.  McGlothlin is available to do interviews as part of his self-described “Late October Surprise” to explain how he believes “Trump’s fight to maintain U.S. sovereignty differs from Kamala Harris’s globalist policies.”  To reach Jerry McGlothlin, call 919-437-0001 or email jerry@specialguests.com. Further information is available here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Patty Hixson, regional vice president, Cumulus Fresno/Stockton/Modesto, was honored during the Marjaree Mason Center’s 41st Annual Top 10 Professional Women and Leading Business Awards (10/16). Patty HixsonThe hallmark awards ceremony, presented by CalViva Health in the New Exhibit Hall of the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center. The awards paid tribute to 10 Central Valley women who have excelled professionally, served as role models, and given back to their communities, as well as one business honored for its support of women and women’s issues. Patty Hixson’s successful radio career spans 32 years serving the Central Valley. An active leader in the community, she has been a member of the Fig Garden Rotary Club for 30 years, serving as president in 2018, and was a longtime member of the California State University-Fresno’s Bulldog Foundation. Hixson also served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. Patty Hixson said: “I’m honored and humbled to be recognized among this astute group of leaders. Giving back to the community is a central part of my DNA, and I thank the Marjaree Mason Center for this award and for its important efforts supporting all women in our community.”

Edison Research to present the Sports Audio Report: Demographics at Play.  Edison Research today announces that the Sports Audio Report: Demographics at Play with SiriusXM Media will be presented in a webinar on Tuesday, October 29 at 2:00 PM ET.  This third and final installment from the Sports Audio Report, from Edison Research, SiriusXM Media, and GroupM, will explore the diversity in sports fandom, examine sports fans’ interaction with sports audio, and discuss how to reach different groups of sports fans when it comes to advertising. The webinar will be presented by Salma Aly, manager of research at Edison Research and MaryKate Breslin, senior manager, sales research at SiriusXM Media.  Registration for the webinar is now open.  For more information: Daniella Peter Paul-Loor, dpeterpaulloor@edisonresearch.com

 

Jeff Lewis Signs New Multi-Year Agreement with SiriusXM, Expands Hit Talk Show “Jeff Lewis Live” to Two Hours Daily. SiriusXM announced today that Jeff Lewis has signed a multi-year agreement extension with SiriusXM.Sirius The agreement extension will feature Jeff Lewis expanding his popular show, “Jeff Lewis Live” to two hours a day giving listeners more of Jeff Lewis promoted as “just the way you want him…live and uncensored.”  Lewis tells TALKERS, “SiriusXM has given me the freedom to build a show that is unfiltered, unapologetic, and morally corrupt. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow my show and my cult…I mean, listeners.” The show will now air Monday through Fridays from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm ET on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy (ch. 102) and on the SiriusXM app. SiriusXM’s Radio Andy features 24/7 content produced and curated by Andy Cohen, and features the latest in pop culture, celebrities, lifestyle, news and more. SiriusXM’s Radio Andy lineup includes “Andy Cohen Live,” “Jeff Lewis Live,” “Smith Sisters Live (Lauren, Rachel, and Mariah Smith),” “Gayle King in the House,” “The Jess Cagle Show with Julia Cunningham,” “It’s Me, Tinx,” and more.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories this Past Weekend (10/19-20)

The presidential race highlighted by scrutiny and defense over Trump’s alleged cognitive decline was the most discussed story on news/talk media this past weekend (10/19-20), followed by fear of escalating violence in the Middle East by Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. These stories were closely followed by (or incorporated) the economy, the migrant crisis, abortion, the Russia-Ukraine war, Elon Musk’s election money activity and the MLB playoffs according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Harris FOX Interview Delivers Blockbuster Ratings

Harris on FoxIdeology and, as Michael Harrison calls it, “the daily dance of affirmation” aside – perhaps there’s something to be said about booking “opposition” political luminaries as guests on our industry’s highly “targeted” venues.  FOX News Channel’s (FNC) “Special Report with Bret Baier” delivered 7.8 million viewers and 1,126,000 in the 25-54 demo during anchor Bret Baier’s exclusive interview with VP Kamala Harris from 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm ET this past Wednesday (10/6), according to Nielsen Media Research. The interview marked the highest rating of the Harris-Trump political season, outrating Harris’s individual appearances on “60 Minutes,” “The View,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” CNN and MSNBC. For the full 6:00 pm ET hour, “Special Report” drew 6.7 million viewers and 901,000 in the 25-54 demo. Combined with the show’s midnight airing 12:00 midnight -12:30 am ET, the interview with VP Harris nabbed 9.2 million viewers and 1.4 million in the 25-54 demo, beating ABC’s interview with President Joe Biden before he dropped out of the race (8.5 million viewers). FNC averaged more than 12 million viewers on Wednesday between all three airings of its interviews with VP (6:00 pm ET and 12:00 midnight ET) and its town hall with former President Donald Trump (11:00 am -12:00 noon ET). Interestingly, according to Nielsen Media Research, Pittsburgh, PA was the top-rated market in the country for the interview.

Industry News

2024 Presidential Race Taking on Historic Role as Nation’s First “Podcast Election”

Tyrus and Trump

Industry News

Erick Erickson Plays Both Sides of the Field

Erick 95.5 WSB, Atlanta (and nationally syndicated) TALKERS Heavy Hundred star, Erick Erickson is giving both sides an airing today (10/18) in his midday show that he’s broadcasting from the parlor in the Texas Governor’s Mansion (see pic at left) before UGA battles University of Texas tomorrow.  He tells TALKERS, he’ll have on both Governors Gregg Abbott (R-TX) and Brian Kemp (R-GA) to talk about the border, the election, and football.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories this Past Week (10/14-18)

Industry News

September 2024 U.S. Podcast Ranker Released from Triton Digital Plus New Political Podcast Data

TritonTriton Digital has just released its U.S. Podcast Ranker for September 2024. The ranker is measured by Triton’s Podcast Metrics measurement service and includes a reporting period of September 2, 2024 – September 29, 2024.

Highlights this month include:

• iHeart Audience Network was the #1 Top Sales Networks Report, SiriusXM Podcast Network came in at #2, followed by NPR at #3.

• Top podcasts based on downloads included “NPR News Now” (NPR) at #1, “Up First” (NPR) at #2, and “Crime Junkie” (audiochuck) climbing to #3.

• Top podcasts for listeners were “NPR News Now” (NPR) at #1, “Crime Junkie” (audiochuck) at #2, and “Up First” (NPR) at #3.

• Top podcast debuts included “NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal (iHeart Audience Network), “Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)” (SiriusXM Podcast Network), and “All In With Chris Hayes” (NBCUniversal News Group).

Additionally, Triton Digital collaborated with Signal Hill Insights to uncover political podcast downloads and audience trends as the U.S. presidential election approaches:

• Political podcasts have seen a 28% increase in year-over-year downloads with incremental increases over the last six months.

• Twice as many downloads come from Democrat-leaning podcasts as Republican-leaning ones. Although Democrat-leaning podcasts still make up the majority of the political podcast market, they saw their listenership decline from 58% to 56% year-over-year while Republican podcasts rose from 23% to 28% of total political podcast downloads.

• The demographic profile of political podcast listeners reveals an older, highly educated, and affluent audience compared to the U.S. general 18+ population: 59.7% are college graduates, 31.9% report a household income exceeding $100,000, and nearly half (47.2%) are 55 years or older.

• While still affluent and educated compared to the U.S. Population, Republican-leaning podcast listener profiles under-index compared to Democrat and Independent-leaning podcasts on these attributes. Additionally, they boast the highest proportion (89.9%) of White/Caucasian listeners among the three political leanings. Democrat-leaning podcasts have attracted the highest proportion (17.4%) of Black/African American listeners.

• Independent-leaning podcasts claim the highest proportion (16.2%) of Hispanic listeners and are 68.2% college-educated, and 62.4% male.

Please click HERE and for more details.

Industry News

Florida Association of Broadcasters Donates $25,000 to BFOA’s Hurricanes Helene and Milton Fund to Meet/Match Donation from WABC Owner John Catsimatidis

Florida Association of Broadcasters Logo BlkThe Florida Association of Broadcasters (FAB) has donated $25,000 to the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) Hurricanes Helene and Milton Fund. With the addition of FAB’s donation, BFOA has exceeded the amount necessary for the $25,000 match donation from John Catsimatidis, owner and CEO of Red Apple Media and WABC,  New York.  “The Broadcasters Foundation has been a tremendous help to individuals in broadcasting who are in the greatest need of assistance from the onslaught of these back-to-back hurricanes. On behalf of FAB’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, we are proud to make this contribution,”  said Pat Roberts, president/CEO of FAB. im “Unfortunately, this is far from over,” he continued. “Many of our colleagues are just now discovering the extent of the damage and the cost of repairing or rebuilding. On behalf of our members and all broadcasters who are suffering from the catastrophic impact of these storms, please continue to contribute to the Broadcasters Foundation Hurricanes Fund.”  “We are so grateful to John and Pat and all the individual donors who continue to rise to the occasion and provided much-needed donations to help our colleagues, many of whom are temporarily homeless,” stated Tim McCarthy, President of BFOA. “The volume of requests that pour in every day is overwhelming. We need everyone in radio and television to give as much as they can afford. There is no such thing as a too small donation. Every dollar helps.”  The Broadcasters Foundation has temporarily adjusted its already streamlined Emergency Grant Guidelines and Application Process to make it even easier and faster to get funds into the hands of broadcasters hit hardest by these storms. Under the adjusted guidelines, broadcasters who have suffered catastrophic loss contact their market manager or GM, who then fills out the Hurricanes Helene and Milton Group Submission Form for all of those within their station who are applying. To access the new temporary application form, market or general managers may click here. To make a donation to the Broadcasters Foundation of America Hurricanes Helene and Milton Emergency Fund, please click here.

Industry News

Connecticut Broadcasters Association (CBA) Awards include Heritage News/Talk Radio Stations WTIC, Hartford and WICC, Bridgeport

Brian and Co
The Connecticut Broadcasters Association debuted its first station awards presentation on Tuesday night (10/15) during its annual gala dinner at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.  The organization also welcomed six new members into its CBA Hall of Fame, including former longtime radio talker (WTIC), and current TV News 8 (New Haven-Hartford) anchor/political correspondent Mark Davis.  Heritage news/talker WTIC NewsTalk 1080, Hartford received two awards: Best Morning Show – “Brian & Company” (Brian Shactman); and Best Radio News Reporter – Morgan Cunningham.  WICC-AM, Bridgeport’s “Melissa in the Morning” (Melissa Sheketoff) received the Best Talk Show honor. Pictured above (l-r): WTIC’s Joey Bourgoin, Bob Cox, Morgan Cunningham, Brian Shactman, Matt Sirois, and Mark “The Shark” Christopher.

Industry News

NYF and PushDesign Celebrate the Power of Storytelling: Unveiling the “What Defines Greatness” Campaign

NY FestivalsNew York Festivals Radio and TV & Film Awards have launched the 2025 multi-platform call for entries campaign for the annual competitions which culminate in the Storytellers Gala every spring.  The two themes of the eight-video campaign are “What Defines Greatness” and “Sounds Over The Years.”  Together they celebrate a stand-out all-star list of innovative NYF winners through the years: My Octopus Teacher, Peaky Blinders, The Olympics, Done+Dusted, CBS Radio News, The Beatles Channel, Das Boot, A Capitol Fourth, The New York Philharmonic, CBC News, Molly Solomon, Marvin Kalb, and Donna de Varona.  “PushDesign’s Emmy-award winning creative work is a perfect match for NYF,” said Rose Anderson, EVP of New York Festivals and executive director of the TV & Film and Radio Awards Competitions. “These high energy sizzle reels let you see and hear what NYF winners are all about – enthusiasm, excitement, and excellence.”  “The New York Festivals has a global reach, is peer judged, and honors industry legends” said Rob Tobin, founder and creative director of PushDesign, “We wanted to let the programs and winners speak for themselves to inspire entrants.” The 2025 Grand Jury panel selection process is underway, and the TV & Film and Radio Grand Juries will be announced on October 23.  The New York Festivals TV & Film and Radio Awards competitions receive entries from over 50 countries.  Members of the Grand Jury panels vote to determine the Shortlists and final standings for Tower Trophies.  The 2025 Storytellers Gala will honor trophy winners of both competitions in the spring.  The official deadline to enter the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards is December 31, 2024. For more information on the 2025 TV & Film Awards visit: https://tvf.newyorkfestivals.com/. The official deadline to enter the 2025 Radio Awards is January 31, 2025. For more information on the 2025 Radio Awards winners visit: https://radiohome.newyorkfestivals.com/

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Industry News

Starnes to Offer Six-Hour Election Night Special

Election Night with Todd StarnesStarnes Media Group is hosting a live, six-hour Election Night special for radio stations across the nation. The free program will broadcast from 6:00 pm – 12:00 midnight ET. The show will be hosted by nationally syndicated TALKERS Heavy Hundred personality Todd Starnes and will feature radio reporters in all seven battleground states and more than two dozen pundits and pollsters. The show will also take calls from listeners. And stations will also be able to embed a digital television broadcast of the program on their websites. For information on clocks and how to get the show, email todd@starnesmediagroup.com or call 917-331-9866.  Starnes, who also is the owner of KWAM News Radio in Memphis, was re-elected to Tennessee Broadcasters Board. He has taken a large role in lobbying Congress on keeping AM radio in cars.