TALKERS News Notes
Pennsylvania-based radio and television host John Fredericks – operator of the John Fredericks Radio Network – confirmed he is “strongly considering” a campaign for the Chair of the Pennsylvania delegation to the Republican National Convention. Fredericks says grassroots voters propelled him to a “landslide” victory to become an RNC delegate to nominate former President Donald Trump. Fredericks told The Pennsylvania Daily Star, “I’m only considering a run for delegation chairman due to the outpouring of support I’ve gotten and the number of people that have asked me to run. I am going to the convention for one purpose, and that is to make sure that President Trump’s agenda is executed to precision.”
Salem Media’s New York Christian Teach & Talk radio station WMCA “AM570/FM102.3 The Mission” is partnering with the Christian Cultural Center to host a day honoring the many hardworking pastors and ministry leaders of New York and their service to the citizens of the city. The WMCA Annual Pastors Appreciation Breakfast & Ministry Exhibition will be held on Friday, May 24.
PodcastOne’s “Baby Mamas No Drama” is named the People’s Choice Winner 2024 for Best Lifestyle Podcast in the 28th Annual Webby Awards Internet Celebration. The podcast is hosted by Kail Lowry and Vee Rivera, two hosts who are both part of the cultural phenomenon MTV television show, “Teen Mom.”
station after retiring from Cumulus Media’s crosstown sports talker KTCK-AM/FM “The Ticket” tells the Observer that he and castmates Julie Dobbs and Jeff Cavanaugh were let go on Friday (4/26). Rhyner says, “I could be standing at the New Mexico border and still see this coming. It’s a feeling that I and plenty of others at the station had been getting for some time now. iHeartRadio is a music company that really doesn’t do that much talk radio, and the talk radio they do is not local or locally originated, and they got caught into something [97.1 The Freak] they didn’t know anything about, and they were kind of overwhelmed by it, and they decided that ‘this is not our bag.’” Whitt’s Athlon story noted that “lagging ratings” and the talent expense [high overhead] had the station in corporate’s fiscal sights. 
York market president Chris Oliviero says, “Boomer has become a true cornerstone in the long, storied history of WFAN. He was already the highest-rated morning show in the FAN record books, and now, with this new extension, he will add longest-running to his accolades. And most excitedly, we are certain the best is still yet to come as Boomer begins this new chapter in his career by making a longterm commitment to the FAN, along with a creative vision for elevating the brand together to new heights.” Esiason comments, “For the last 17 years, it has been an honor to be the voice that New York sports fans wake up to. I could not be more excited to continue delivering four hours of entertaining conversation at the most vibrant and storied sports radio station in the country, working alongside the morning crew. I would like to thank Audacy, Chris Oliviero, and, most importantly, our passionate listeners for the opportunity to continue on this incredible ride.”
over for Greg Olsen alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt. Francesa is quoted saying that Brady obviously has a deep knowledge of the game but he believes Brady will struggle. “I don’t think his personality is such. I don’t think he’s going to be great at it. I really don’t. I think there’s a unique quality that you have to bring that allows you as an analyst to see the game, see the game quickly, plus bring personality into it. It’s a tricky job for the analyst in football because you’re going to spend a lot of time over replay. You’re going to spend a lot of time breaking down what happens on replay. And you also have to be very personable and glib in how you do it. I don’t see him there.” 
KDKA-TV personality who became afternoon drive host at news/talk KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh in December of 2020. Colin Dunlap appears to be set to continue hosting the afternoon drive show solo. Audacy has stated that these staff cuts will amount to “less than 2%” of the company’s workforce.
Mike Kadlik is one former Audacy staffer who took to social media to announce that he’s now a free agent. He posted to X, “My time with @WEEI has come to an end due to company-wide reductions. Very tough to swallow right before the NFL Draft, but I’m looking forward to continuing covering the #Patriots in some way.” Though the total number of people being let go is not known, it’s expected that more former employees will use social media to let the industry know they are available. 
workers’ first contract. The union says iHeartMedia has “violated Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act ‘by restricting protected Section 7 speech, by engaging in intimidating conduct and by interrogating employees about their support for the union.’” 
The union’s complaint adds, “When we have posted flyers about the union, management has removed these materials within the day, often within minutes… union members have received emails discouraging this activity, pointing out company policies about distributing literature in working areas, without acknowledging our federally protected right to discuss our working conditions or to distribute information about our union to our colleagues. Non-bargaining-unit employees and managers have used common work areas to openly disparage our union literature and efforts to inform unit members.” iHeartMedia has not responded publicly to the grievance. 
through her leadership and accomplishments in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff comments, “Corinne’s remarkable career firmly establishes her as a Trailblazer. In addition to all she’s accomplished, her selfless devotion to mentoring women and men, and absolute delight in helping them achieve their goals, is the essence of who she is. She is truly a mentor of mentors. We are thrilled to recognize her with our highest award.” Baldassano says, “I am honored to accept this year’s Trailblazer Award from MIW. As I built my career, it was natural for me to offer guidance to others who also wanted to take a similar path. And it’s turned out to be one of the most important and satisfying things I’ve ever done. I’m proud of those I have mentored, and I’m humbled to be recognized by an organization committed to fostering the growth of broadcasting’s next generation of women. I’m happy to see my work and theirs come full circle. Thank you!” 
Commerce vowed to sue the FTC to block the proposal, calling it ‘an unlawful power grab’ in a statement shortly after the vote. The chamber, as well as the two dissenting [FTC] commissioners, has argued that the FTC doesn’t have the authority to address this issue and that it should be left to the states.” The Times piece notes that the rule becomes law 120 days after being published in the Federal Register – meaning sometime in late August – but that legal challenges could block or delay the change. In the radio industry, most on-air talent, programmers, and sales staff who work under written contracts have a noncompete clause that prevents them from working “across the street” usually for six months. If this new policy stands, it will be a monumental change for radio companies. 
Soros, would become the largest shareholder in New Audacy and that Soros would “control these radio stations to advance their particular brand of activism.” Further, MRC objects saying that the FCC has an obligation to complete a full and thorough review and that the Commission is being asked to approve the change in ownership without this review, specifically 
available across iHeartMedia’s broadcast, digital and podcast platforms and everywhere podcasts are heard. Talent to be heard on the platform include sports media personality Sarah Spain and WNBA legend & three-time Olympic gold medalist, Sheryl Swoopes, with more talent to be announced in the coming weeks. Deep Blue is led by agency veteran Laura Correnti as founder and CEO and WNBA legend Sue Bird as chief strategy officer. iHeartMedia chief marketing officer Gayle Troberman states, “Women’s sports are on fire and so is audio. The timing is perfect to deliver on the massive fan excitement today and most importantly use the power of iHeart’s massive audience reach to ensure women’s sports gets the attention it deserves.
WEEI, Boston’s midday show “Gresh & Fauria” with Andy Gresh and Christian Fauria, and night host Rich Keefe; WSCR, Chicago’s “Parkins & Spiegel” with Danny Parkins and Matt Spiegel; WXYT-FM, Detroit’s “Karsh & Anderson” with Doug Karsch and Scott “Gator” Anderson, and “The Mike Valenti Show with Rico”; WJFK-FM, Washington’s midday host Brian Mitchell and evening host Craig Hoffman. 
Junkie Radio, its first-ever full-time true crime channel. The channel will feature the new series, “Crime Junkie AF,” hosted by Flowers. The 24/7 channel will present episodes from the deep archive of audiochuck’s flagship show “Crime Junkie” along with selections from its other top-rated shows, such as “The Deck.”
heard on more than 200 affiliate stations. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott says, “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Jesse Kelly. Since joining our industry-leading talk lineup three years ago, we’ve watched him build a loyal following of passionate fans who value his authentic, bold and relatable brand of entertainment. We look forward to many years of continued success together.” Kelly comments, “As blessed as I am to be part of Premiere, I know they’re twice as blessed to have me. I can’t wait for three more years of being the Da Vinci of the airwaves.”
McKone is named the new headline anchor and co-host on the station’s “Zolak & Bertrand” midday program. McKone takes over for Rob “Hardy” Poole, who moved to mornings with Fred Toucher on the station in January 2024. McKone has been a part-time on-air personality at the station since 2013. In addition to co-hosting and providing headlines on all weekday and weekend shows across the station, he has served as studio host for the Celtics and Bruins radio broadcasts.
Interestingly, marketers and media agencies massively underestimate the immense sales effect power of creative. NCSolutions says that creative drives half of sales, about two-and-a-half times what advertisers perceive. The Advertiser Perceptions February 2024 study reports brands and media agencies say creative only represents 19% of total sales effect. NCSolutions science reveals creative generates an eye-popping 49% of incremental sales. According to System1 chief customer officer Jon Evans, “Creative is the number one factor in explaining the performance of your advertising and yet most marketers still don’t realize it. That means that those who focus on getting the creative right have a huge competitive advantage. Firstly, marketers need to wake up to the importance of creative and secondly realize it isn’t some dark art but something you can measure and improve to give you an advantage over the competition who haven’t realized this yet.” 
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.