Industry News

Andrew Wilkow Raises $166,000 for Veterans

Salem Media Group announces that talk personality Andrew Wilkow raised $166,568 for a variety of veterans-related charities with his annual “Close Air Support” fundraiser via the combined resources ofim his Salem News Channel TV show and SiriusXM radio show.  Wilkow says, “The charities our team works with are low to no overhead organizations where every dollar donated goes directly to the cause of veterans from suicide prevention, to getting homeless veterans off the streets, to providing PTSD therapy dogs. What also makes this year unique is the added support from The Salem News Channel. Many of the charities made appearances on both Salem News Channel and SiriusXM Patriot.”

Industry News

WABC Celebrates Sinatra Birthday with Live Event

im

On Sunday night (12/10), WABC, New York presented “The 77 WABC/Bulova Frank Sinatra Birthday Bash” at the station’s Studio 77 event space that the station says was “transformed into a glittering nightclub that would have made Ole Blue Eyes proud.” It was hosted by Joe Piscopo, who also hosts the station’s “Sundays with Sinatra” show. Pictured above is Piscopo with the team from Bulova.  

Industry News

Yesterday’s (12/11) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; anti-Semitism and the blowback against college deans; the Texas abortion battle; Jack Smith petitions SCOTUS on Donald Trump’s immunity defense; the 2024 presidential race; Volodymyr Zelensky’s trip to Washington; the Rudy Giuliani defamation case; the Trump Organization civil fraud case; U.S. immigration reform; and Google loses anti-trust case were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Houston’s KYST-AM to Become Conservative News/Talk in January

Hispanic Broadcasting Inc will flip Spanish talk KYST-AM, Houston to English-language news/talk on January 1. The company says, “An all-new sound is coming to talk radio in Houston! Beginning January 1, 2024, an exciting new lineup of conservative talk radio personalities are coming to KYST 920 AM.”im The lineup includes Westwood One talk hosts Dan Bongino, Chris Plante and Rich Valdes; Starnes Media Group’s Todd Starnes; FOX News Radio’s Guy Benson, Newsmax’s Rob Carson, and longtime Pittsburgh TV and radio personality Wendy Bell. It will also use FOX News Radio for network news. Hispanic Broadcasting president Matthew Velasquez says, “We’re excited to bring Houston listeners a better choice in news/talk radio. The mission of ‘Patriot Talk 920 AM’ is to become the leader in conservative talk radio with programming that reflects our core values of family, faith and freedom.” For more information, contact Steve Lapa at Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry News

Audacy and Creditors Agree on Extension of Grace Period

As Audacy continues to engage in discussions with its creditors with respect to potential alternatives regarding a restructuring of its outstanding indebtedness, the company gains an extension on the grace periods before defaulting. Regarding its latest Credit Facility Amendment, it “extends the grace period before which a default in the payment of interest matures into an Event of Default to 68 calendar days. However, if lenders holding a majority of the outstanding obligations under the Credit Facility have notim received a substantially final form of agreement with respect to a consensual transaction relating to the Issuer’s funded indebtedness satisfactory to such lenders on or before December 15, 2023, the grace period extension expires after 45 calendar days. This is relevant to the following Credit Facility interest payments: approximately $17,000,000 originally due on October 31, 2023; approximately $785,592 originally due on November 8, 2023; and approximately $1,125,000 originally due on December 28, 2023. Regarding the Receivables Facility Amendment, it amends the cross-default that would otherwise occur under the Receivables Facility in respect of certain defaults in the payment of interest under the Credit Facility, with the effect that such interest payment defaults will not result in an event of default under the Receivables Facility until the expiration of the 68 or 45 calendar day grace periods… and extends certain related covenant accommodations with respect to the Company’s liquidity position through January 7, 2024.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: News Tune-Out/Tune-In

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

im“Most registered voters avoid the news at least some of the time. Of those who disengage, over half avoid national politics coverage,” according to the “Voices of Value 2023 Report” by the Pell Center at Salve Regina University.

It’s a survey of registered voters in Rhode Island, where I live, and this data mirrors national polls: “Democrats and Republicans hold deeply negative views of their political counterparts. Nearly two-thirds of Republicans and Democrats view their political opponents as very close-minded. Independents are less likely to judge their counterparts as harshly.”

— Also reflecting national data: “More Rhode Islanders trust local than national news, but Republicans and Independents are less trusting than Democrats, given their concerns of partisan media as a threat to democracy.”
— “All parties are skeptical of news from social media sites as they are concerned with fake news and disinformation.”
— “Partisan differences exist beyond this fatigue of national politics. Republicans are the most likely party to distrust the news media and the least likely party to say they avoid the news. Over half receive most of their news from FOX News.”

im

What this means to radio:

— If you do local news, tout it.
— If you’re an affiliate, remind them that you’re FOX News in the car. It’s the source they trust. Those who disengage aren’t listening.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

BFoA Launches “12 Days of Giving” Campaign

The Broadcasters Foundation of America launches a social media campaign today (12/11) “12 Days of Giving.” Each day features a different message, ranging from thank you notes from grant recipients toim positive statements about radio, television, and charitable giving. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We need to reach radio and television professionals across every channel at our disposal ‘The 12 Days of Giving Social Media Campaign’ is a great way to raise funds and awareness of our mission, especially among junior-level people in broadcasting.” The BFoA has distributed more than $15 million dollars in aid over the past 20 years. This year, the Foundation will award approximately $1.8 million. More information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to make a donation or apply for aid, is available at broadcastersfoundation.org.

Industry News

Danny Bonaduce to Retire from Radio

Morning drive radio personality Danny Bonaduce announces he’s retiring from his gig hosting the morning show on iHeartMedia’s classic rock KZOK-FM, Seattle, effective this Friday (12/15).  While Bonaduce worked mostly at music-formatted stations as a host, he worked at KLSX-FM, Los Angelesim during its time as an FM talk station. KZOK says in its announcement of Bonaduce’s retirement, “Danny’s career in the limelight began at an early age, starting with appearances on ‘Bewitched’ in 1969 that landed him the role of Danny Partridge on the ‘Partridge Show’ from 1970 to 1974. Later, Danny would appear in Corvette Summer with Mark Hamill and many cameo appearances on TV and movies over the years.” He says, “I am the luckiest guy in entertainment. I joined the actors union at age three and with little interruption, I have worked in the industry I love for 60 years. I loved almost every minute of it. I want to thank the loyal fans who have followed me throughout my career, including the last 12 based in Seattle. Thank you to iHeartRadio for believing in me, to my on-air partner Sarah for putting up with me. My thanks to Paul Anderson, my agent for decades who has been my steady guide and business partner.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The 2024 presidential race and the latest polls; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; Penn president Liz Magill resigns and the fate of other college presidents in the aftermath of their anti-Semitism testimony; the pressure on Israel to end its Gaza operations; Hunter Biden is indicted on felony charges of tax evasion; Volodymyr Zelensky’s pending trip to Washington; U.S. immigration policy; and the deadly tornadoes that swept through Tennessee were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

KTTH, Seattle Adds Guy Benson and Jimmy Failla to Program Schedule

Bonneville’s news/talk KTTH, Seattle announces a new program lineup effective on January 1 thatim includes two FOX News Radio personalities. “The Guy Benson Show” will air from 12:00-3:00 pm and “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” is being delay imbroadcast in the 12:00 midnight to 3:00 am daypart. KTTH program director Jason Antebi states, “We’re incredibly excited to add Guy Benson’s fresh conservative perspective to our primetime lineup. Guy’s political acumen, ability to break down complex issues in ways making it easy to follow, and his pulse on what’s happening from Washington state to Washington, DC will be a huge asset for the KTTH audience.” Benson is the political editor of Townhall.com and a FOX News contributor.

Industry News

Affiliate Sales Pro Tim McDonald Retires

Imaging and voiceover firm Benztown announces that longtime affiliate sales pro Tim McDonald is retiring from the radio business after a successful 40-year career. McDonald joined Benztown in 2019 as a member of its affiliate sales team. Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes says, “I’ve learned immensely from Tim. He’s contributed greatly to our success and I’m thankful to have worked with him over the last five years. We thank him for sharing his talents with us and wish him every success in his next chapter.”

Industry News

Brian Kilmeade is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

FOX News Radio and FOX News Channel talk media star Brian Kilmeade is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  Kilmeade, ranked number three on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred, is seen every morning as one of three co-hosts on the popular FOX News Channel TV show “FOX & Friends” and heard on numerous stations across the country hosting his own daily midday program on FOX News Radio…among a number of other FOX projects and programs including the weekend, “One Nation with Brian Kilmeade.” He is the author of eight books – two about sports and he’s just published his sixth about key figures and stories in American history. Subscribing to the tried-and-true adage, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it,” Kilmeade brings new insights into the lives, times and impact of icons such as George WashingtonThomas JeffersonAndrew JacksonSam HoustonAbraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass. His latest book is titled, Teddy and Booker T: How Two American Icons Blazed A Path For Racial Equality (Sentinel, 2023) referring to the relationship between Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington and its impact on race relations in America. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Saga Communications, Inc’s board of directors declares a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share. The dividend will be paid on January 12, 2024, to shareholders of record on December 20, 2023. The aggregate amount of the payment to be made in connection with the special dividend will be approximately $12.5 million.

Westwood One is presenting exclusive national audio coverage of the annual ArmyNavy Football Game presented by USAA. This year’s game is being broadcast live from Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts tomorrow (12/9) at 2:00 pm ET.

Skyview Networks and SnoCountry renew their partnership for the former to handle network audio sales for the latter’s targeted ski reports.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of December 4 – 8

The 2024 presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was Wednesday’s GOP debate tied with Sean Hannity’s Donald Trump town hall, followed by the resumption of the Israel-Hamas war 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

Dan Bongino Renews Deal with Westwood One

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One announces that talk host Dan Bongino extends his contract to host both his eponymous syndicated daily radio program and his podcasts, including the unique podcast “The Dan Bongino Show,” on the Cumulus Podcast Network for multiple years. This comes a couple of years after Bongino said he would not renew his contract when it ran out because of his very public protestationim over Cumulus’ mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy. Bongino says, “It’s been a fascinating couple years of ups and downs both personally and in the political space. I love what I do, and I’m ecstatic that we’ve agreed to move forward with the show after changes were made. I want to thank all the shows’ supporters, the stations, and program directors for their continued support. I promise to keep my foot on the gas pedal.” Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes states, “‘The Dan Bongino Show’ is one of the greatest growth stories in network syndication, with Dan delivering programming unlike anyone else. As we head into what will surely be an unpredictable election cycle, we know Dan will be always insightful, sometimes provocative, and never disappointing, which is why our listeners are wildly engaged, and our advertisers have flocked to the show.”

Industry News

Report: Middleton Interviews for WBZ-FM, Boston Morning Gig

A Boston Herald piece by Rick Sobey reveals that WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” personality Kendra Middleton has interviewed for the open morning drive position on the station alongside Fred Toucher. Rich Shertenlieb parted ways with the company last month. However, Middleton appeared onim afternoon drive host Mike Felger’s Facebook Live “Off-Air Show” and said she doesn’t think she’ll get the gig. When asked why she said, “Just because I think that I’m young and new. I think [program director] Rick [Radzik] took me very seriously. It’s just I think that there’s probably someone who, I don’t know, I think that I’m qualified. It’s just I haven’t been here very long, so I don’t know.” Station afternoon personality Jim Murray has said he’s not interested in the position. The piece notes that midday personality Rob “Hardy” Poole is being talked about as a candidate for the morning show post. Read the Herald story here.

Industry News

Robert Dove to Lead Alpha Media Portland as Lisa Decker Retires

Alpha Media names Robert Dove SVP/market manager for its Portland station group that includes news/talk KXL-FM, talk KUFO-AM, sports talk KXTG-AM and four music brands. This comes as current market manager Lisa Decker announces her retirement at the end of this year after seven years withim the company. Dove, who starts on January 1, comes to Alpha Media from iHeartMedia where he most recently served as Pacific Northwest Region president. Alpha Media president and CEO Bob Proffitt commented on the announcement, “I am very excited to have Robert lead us to new heights, opportunities, and successes. He knows Portland like no other broadcaster, has deep relationships and knowledge of our city’s intricacies, and will be a great addition to our team of market managers all across America.” Dove adds, “I’m very excited to join the Alpha Media team. As a native Portlander having the chance to work with some of Portland radio’s most iconic brands is very rewarding and fulfilling. I can’t wait to get started.”

Industry News

Cumulus Promotes Holly Paras to Regional VP

Cumulus Media promotes Holly Paras to regional vice president for the company in which she adds the New London, Connecticut stations to her current oversight of the Providence, Rhode Island cluster.im Cumulus operates news/talk WXLM-AM in the New London market and news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM and sports talk WPRV-AM in Providence. Cumulus Media president of operations Dave Milner states, “Holly is an extremely effective and capable leader. Having her lead New London in addition to Providence allows for us to provide enhanced solutions for customers in Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut.”

Industry News

No Changes in Top Tier of Podtrac’s November Top Podcasts Chart

Podtrac releases its Top Podcasts, Publishers and Sales Networks charts for the month of November and the Top Podcasts chart – based on unique monthly audience – shows no movement among the topim five, with The New York Times’ “The Daily” remaining in first place. NPR’s “Up First” is #2 and NBC News’ “Dateline NBC” is #3. Commercial radio-related podcasts of note in the top 20 include The Daily Wire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” – down two spots to #8 – and Dan Bongino’s “The Dan Bongino Show” – down two spots to #11. FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” slipped one place to #16.

Uncategorized

TALKERS News Notes

Edison Podcast Metrics data from Edison Research indicates that the podcast, “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce,” has skyrocketed in listening over the last two months. Since Travis’ romance with Taylor Swift became public, the show has experienced a staggering four-and-a-half times increase in weekly reach among podcast listeners age 13 and older in the U.S. The influx of Swifties appears to have contributed to these numbers. Not only has the high-profile romance between Kelce and Swift helped grow the show’s weekly reach, but it has also significantly changed the gender breakdown of the show’s listeners. Before the pairing, the show’s listening base was 32% female, now the much-larger audience is 50% women.

AdLarge Podcast Network announces that three programs are joining the network. The company says the inclusion of “The Moments Podcast” featuring Lexi Hidalgo, “Dear Young Married Couple,” and “The Mother Daze ” exemplifies AdLarge’s ongoing dedication to championing and elevating the voices of women in podcasting.

Virtual News Center adds new affiliate KTNK, Lompoc, California to its growing roster of radio stations. Jared Cerullo provides local newscasts for the Sticks Media, LLC station.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (12/6) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The 2024 presidential race and Wednesday’s GOP debate; Israel’s resuming its mission to eliminate Hamas and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; the Senate impasse over aid for Ukraine & Israel and the demand for border security measures; Kevin McCarthy announces he’ll exit Congress at the end of the year; Sean Hannity’s Donald Trump town hall broadcast; Iran-backed Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea; the deans of Ivy League schools under fire for dodging questions about anti-Semitism on campus; the deadly shooting on the UNLV campus; and Norman Lear dies at 101 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Rachel Williamson and Kevin Cassidy

Audacy announces two promotions within its senior leadership team. Rachel Williamson is promoted to president of local sales strategy and innovation, and Kevin Cassidy moves from his role overseeing theim company’s New Orleans market to take over for Williamson as SVP and market manager for the Chicago market. Williamson reports to Brian Benedik, chief imrevenue officer, and Cassidy reports to Brian Purdy, regional president. Benedik says, “We are thrilled to move Rachel into this new, important assignment. Her leadership experience and expertise with linear and digital audio and video will be a tremendous asset to growing our local business across Audacy.” Purdy comments, “With an impressive multiyear track record of success overseeing our New Orleans cluster, Kevin knows how to grow brands and deliver performance. We are confident that Chicago will continue to thrive under Kevin’s guidance.”

Industry News

Anne Gress Exits Townsquare Media New Jersey in Budget Move

Programmer Anne Gress – who was responsible for news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton New Jersey 101.5 and CHR WPST-FM – exits her position as director of content for the two stations. Townsquare Mediaim issued the following statement: “Regional VP Brian Lang, who manages all of Townsquare’s stations in New Jersey, explains that the company earlier consolidated leadership in sales, promotions, finance, and engineering for the Trenton-Princeton and Monmouth-Ocean markets. Now it has also aligned content for those markets under Sam Gagliardi as VP of content. Gagliardi, who goes by the name Sam Elliot on the air, earlier served as general manager of Northern Lights Broadcasting in Minneapolis-St. Paul.”

Industry News

WICC, Bridgeport Host Lisa Wexler’s Interview with Mayor Confirms Ballot Stuffing

WICC, Bridgeport, Connecticut talk host Lisa Wexler’s Tuesday (12/5) program featured and interview with Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim who said he believes his supporters broke the law by mishandlingim absentee ballots but says he had nothing to do with it. He also says he won’t challenge a judge’s decision to toss the results of the September 12 Democratic primary election and possibly rerun the general election. Security cameras revealed people stuffing numerous absentee ballots into collection boxes in what appears to be a campaign of illegal ballot harvesting. Wexler tells TALKERS magazine the exclusive, one-hour sit down with Ganim made the AP and US News & World Report.

Industry News

WBAP Names Morning Drive News Anchor

Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas-Fort Worth brings Carla Marion back to the air staff to serveim as morning drive news anchor for the “Dallas’ Morning News” program co-hosted by Ernie Brown and Hal Jay. She begins her new position in January.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

SiriusXM announces that Morgan Ortagus, former State Department spokeswoman under the Trump administration, will host a Sunday news and foreign policy program that will air from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm ET on the SiriusXM Patriot channel beginning this week (12/10). SiriusXM says, “Every Sunday on her new program, Ortagus will utilize her nearly two-decades of foreign policy expertise to help listeners better understand the key issues around the world, with a heavy focus on Israel and the Middle East.”

“The World,” public radio’s longest-running daily global news program, announces that correspondent Carolyn Beeler becomes co-host of the program beginning January 16. Beeler joins longtime host Marco Werman at the helm of the show produced by Boston-based GBH and PRX.

iHeartPodcasts and Diversion Audio debut “The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told,” a new podcast hosted by true crime writer Mary Kay McBrayer. Each week, Mary Kay will walk the audience through the most riveting true crime stories ever told. iHeartPodcasts says, “The true crime genre too often takes gleeful fascination in crimes against women. Diversion has identified stories in which women are not the victim, but instead are our protagonists. These women can be the perpetrators, such as the murderers or scammers, but may also be the heroes of the story, such as the lawyer, detective, scientist, or family of the victim who never stopped fighting for answers.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (12/5) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Senate battle over aid for Ukraine in exchange for U.S. border security measures; Israel’s resuming its mission to eliminate Hamas; FBI Director Chris Wray warns of U.S. terror threats; college deans grilled in Congress over anti-Semitism on their campuses; the 2024 presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; Sean Hannity’s Donald Trump town hall program; and military promotions are approved as Senator Tommy Tuberville ends his blockade were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Cumulus Names Collin Jones to Lead Westwood One

Cumulus Media announces that Collin Jones adds the role of president of Westwood One to his responsibilities, effective January 1, 2024. Jones, who also holds the title, EVP of corporate strategy & development for Cumulus Media, takes over for Suzanne Grimes who has decided to “embark on the next chapter of her career after eight years.” Jones has served with Cumulus Media since 2011 and is responsible for leading the company’s strategy, corporate development (including major partnershipsim and M&A), and investor relations efforts. Jones has led the Cumulus through several strategic transactions and growth initiatives including the acquisition of Westwood One in 2013. Additionally, he oversees IncentRev, the company’s e-commerce and daily deal platform. Cumulus CEO Mary Berner comments, “With his deep understanding of both Cumulus Media and Westwood One, Collin is uniquely qualified for this role and is well-prepared to harness the full power of our platform to help Westwood One grow. Collin has consistently demonstrated his savvy business acumen, effective management style, and collaborative spirit, and I have full confidence that he has the skills and the vision to build upon Suzanne’s considerable accomplishments.” Berner adds, “I would like to thank Suzanne for her invaluable contributions and her pivotal role in our success. Under her leadership, we launched the top-rated Cumulus Podcast Network, built the multi-platform Westwood One News/Talk franchise, and established the industry-leading Audio Active Group. Throughout her time with Cumulus, she has been a remarkable leader, colleague, and mentor to many, and we are certain she will accomplish great things wherever she chooses to share her talents next.”

Industry News

New Titles and Responsibilities as iHeartMedia Realigns Markets Group

iHeartMedia realigns its Markets Group – part of the company’s Multi Platform Group segment –  that “takes advantage of iHeart’s unique scale and multiple platforms; leadership in audio; and its expertise in consumers, monetization and data.” In 2020, iHeart announced that it would group its markets by common needs and characteristics into three different divisions – Region, Metro and Community – to make sharing of resources and experiences easier and more targeted.  The company now names five new division presidents:  Bernie Weiss and Paul Corvino for the Region Division, and Kristin Foley, Chris Soechtig and DJ Hodge for the Metro Division. Tom McConnell, formerly a Metro Divisionim President, will also become a Region Division president. In addition, Nick Gnau, formerly a Community Division president, will become a Metro Division president, and Shosh Abromovich and Dan Lankford will add Nick’s former Markets to their responsibilities as the Community Division presidents. Amy Leimbach, who served as senior vice president of sales for Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, will become president of those Markets. The company also announces changes that will enable it to increase its focus on a number of high-growth opportunities. Kevin LeGrett, president of the iHeart Sports Network, makes the transition from his role as division president of Los Angeles to now focus exclusively on leading and growing the company’s leading Political and Sports platforms. Additionally, Tony Coles, president of BIN: Black Information Network, now leads all multicultural efforts as the president of multi-cultural business and development.  The new division presidents will report directly to Hartley Adkins, president of the iHeartMedia Markets Group, and Coles and LeGrett, as well as Adkins, will report to Rich Bressler, iHeart’s president, COO and CFO and CEO of the iHeartMedia Multi Platform Group. The company will be making this transition over the next few weeks.

Industry News

WMAL-FM, Washington Raises $400k-plus for Fisher House

Cumulus Media’s WMAL-FM in Washington, DC raises more than $413,000 during its 21st annual “WMAL Operation Fisher House Radiothon” held on November 30 and December 1. The broadcast event featured WMAL hosts’ interviews with families of injured veterans that have benefited from the donations made in past radiothons. Over the past 21 years, WMAL listeners have donated more than $8.7 million to support the efforts of the Fisher House Foundation, which provides housing to familiesim of injured military members and veterans who are undergoing treatment. Group homes at Bethesda, Walter Reed, the VA, Dover AFB, and at military and VA medical centers around the world offer a comfortable place for loved ones to live while remaining close to their injured family members. Fisher House Foundation chairman and CEO Ken Fisher says, “For an incredible 21 years, WMAL and its audience have given to military and veteran families through Fisher House Foundation. We are overwhelmed and grateful for the dedication and incredible generosity in support of our nation’s heroes and their loved ones.” WMAL PD and Cumulus Media VP of news/talk Bill Hess comments, “Year after year, our listeners step up with support for injured veterans and their families. As the Fisher House Foundation approaches its 100th house worldwide, it’s rewarding to know our listeners play such a large role in the organization’s ability to serve the families of our wounded servicemen and women.”

Industry News

Civic Media Adds New Evening Show to Wisconsin Talk Network

According to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, comedian and filmmaker Pete Schwaba is now hosting a nightly talk program on the network of news programs and progressive talk shows that Civic Media is airing on its network of stations in Wisconsin that includes flagship station WAUK-AM,im Waukesha. The “Nite Lite With Pete Schwaba” airs from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Schwaba has hosted programs for PBS Wisconsin in addition to his work in the film industry that includes writing for the 2003 film, A Guy Thing, and his own indie comedy film, The Godfather of Green Bay. He also served as a producer on the Jeff Foxworthy TV show, “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” He says, “Entertainment, just like sports, helps bring people together, which is more important now than ever. I’m excited to introduce listeners to people I’ve met over the years in the entertainment business, share experiences, and generally celebrate arts and culture in Wisconsin.” Read the Journal Sentinel piece here.

Industry News

Longtime WCCO, Minneapolis Host Jearlyn Steele Signs Off

Bring Me the News reports that longtime Sunday evening host Jearlyn Steele ends her weekly show,im “Steele Talkn’” after 27 years on the air at Audacy’s WCCO-AM, Minneapolis. She told listeners on last Sunday’s final program. Steele made the announcement during her final broadcast on Sunday, saying: “It’s been a blast. I want someone else to come and do a great job and learn, hopefully as much as I have learned. I have been a part of your lives and you have been a part of mine for many years. And I will not forget that.” Read the full story here.