Industry News

Newsweek Launches Josh Hammer Weekly Radio Show

Newsweek is launching a weekly talk radio version of its podcast, “The Josh Hammer Show” with Bonneville’s news/talk KTTH-AM, Seattle as its flagship station. The program debuts on Saturday (11/4)im anchored by Newsweek senior editor-at-large Josh Hammer. Newsweek says the program’s goal is to “navigate the converging realms of politics, law, and culture while deliberating on the evolution of American conservatism. Hammer, with his background as a constitutional lawyer, intends to present commentary accompanied by interactions with contemporary conservative thought leaders.” Newsweek director of radio and podcasting Jesse Edwards adds, “Josh Hammer is going to be the next big voice in conservative talk radio, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring his powerful message to the airwaves of Seattle, and beyond.”

Industry News

Broadcasters Foundation Launches Year-End Giving Campaign

The Broadcasters Foundation of America launches its annual Year-End Giving Campaign this week. The 501c3 charity provides financial aid to broadcast radio and television colleagues who are in need due to debilitating illness, accident, or tragedy. The Year-End Giving Campaign asks for personal tax-imdeductible donations to the Guardian Fund. Corporate donations can be given to the Angel Initiative, which is also tax deductible. BFoA chairman Scott Herman states, “Life can change in a heartbeat, and exorbitant medical bills can leave one of our colleagues in broadcasting in desperate need of assistance. I’m asking everyone in radio and television to consider a donation, in any amount, so that we can continue to provide assistance to those in our industry who need it most.” Find information about the Broadcasters Foundation and donate or apply for aid here.

Industry News

NYPost: Mad Dog Backs Out of Stern Stunt

The New York Post’s Christian Arnold writes that it appears SiriusXM sports talk personality Chris “Mad Dog” Russo is backing out of the stunt fellow SXM host Howard Stern created to make up for notim retiring after he promised to do that if the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Philadelphia Phillies. After the D-backs made the World Series, Stern hosted Russo on his show and got him to agree to wear a Diamondbacks-themed bikini and hold a sign saying, “I am a liar and a dope.” Now it seems Russo is reneging on the deal. Stern, who told his audience he’s done with it, shared a text from a listener who suggested Stern refer to Russo as Chris “Mad Fraud” Russo. Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Free Talk Live Continues Distribution Via GCN

The nationally syndicated talk radio show “Free Talk Live” continues to be distributed by Genesis Communications Network after that company and Westwood One were unable to come to terms on a new satellite distribution deal. FTL founder Ian Freeman says the show continues with GCN via itsim ECHO box technology. He says, “GCN’s Adam Miller explains that their ECHO Files can easily be synced with most radio automation systems for easy delay broadcast with no new hardware needed and about fifteen minutes setup time! There is no need to have staff do daily chores like pulling files manually from an FTP or website. Those days are done! For live affiliates GCN has their ECHO Box that comes pre-programmed for the shows the affiliate carries. The ECHO Box can also do delay broadcast. They are sending these out with priority to stations that take the largest number of live hours, but eventually all live affiliates will receive them as dozens more of the very small ECHO Boxes will be coming in early November.” Affiliates with questions can call Adam Miller at 612-695-5982.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) announces a new partnership with the International Coaching Federation Foundation (ICF) that will provide AWM members with the unique opportunity to access professional coaching at an exclusive discounted rate. Participants in the AWM Coaching program can anticipate a series of six to 10 coaching sessions with their individual ICF Coach, ensuring a productive and tailored coaching experience. The schedule and goals for these coaching sessions will be established between the coach and participant. Learn more about the program here.

Gemini XIII’s United Stations Radio Networks announces a new partnership with Yea Networks to represent the advertising sales for “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show.” Gemini XIII CEO Spencer Brown states, “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show is one of the most popular and successful morning shows in the country, and we are confident that sponsorships, cross-platform opportunities and activations for brands will once again be a part of the media mix for clients looking to activate with female demos in a meaningful way.”

FOX News Audio expands its partnership with Audacy to include FOX Weather, FOX News Media’s free, ad-supported streaming television (“FAST”) weather service. This deal expands FOX News Audio’s existing relationship with Audacy, which also distributes FOX News Podcasts and the FOX News Talk audio streams.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (11/1) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war, international pleas for humanitarian pause in Gaza attacks and the increasing incidents of anti-Semitism globally; the Fed keeps interest rates at current level; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership; GOP frustration over Senator Tommy Tuberville’s hold on military nominees; the 2024 presidential race; Tuesday’s Ohio ballot issue on abortion access; and legendary college basketball coach Bobby Knight dies were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WJR, Detroit Announces New Drive Time Programming

Cumulus Media announces additions to the morning and afternoon drive dayparts at news/talk WJR, Detroit. First is the all-new “JR Morning with Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie” program airing from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and starring Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds. The station says, “The dynamicim team of award-winning journalists brings a fresh perspective to mornings while delivering a perfect mix of news, sports, and entertainment.” Also, station traffic and weather anchor Renee Vitale becomes co-host of “First Thing with Mike Parsons” from 5:00 am to 6:00 am. The station is pairing Detroit Lions great Lomas Brown with WJR’s Sean Baligian for the 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm “Sportswrap with Lomas Brown and Sean Baligian” program. Cumulus Media regional VP and market manager Steve Finateri comments, “‘JR Morning with Guy, Lloyd and Jamie’ plus ‘SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Sean Baligian’ as bookends to our current big-name local daily shows on WJR has given ‘The Great Voice of The Great Lakes’ more prime time firepower than at any time in the past 20 years!”

Industry News

Beasley Media Group Q3 Net Revenue Falls 5.8%

Reporting its operating results for the third quarter of 2023, Beasley Media Group says net revenue was $60.1 million, a decrease of 5.8% over the same period in 2022. The company also reports a net loss of $67.5 million compare to the net income of $500,000 it reported in the third quarter of 2022, due largely to non-cash impairment losses.  Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Beasley’s third quarter financial results reflect the well-publicized economic challenges and continued advertising market softness which we outlined in the prior quarters. Similar to recent quarters, Beasley delivered strongim digital revenue growth of 9.1% year-over-year, with digital revenue representing 18.6% of total third quarter revenue. Our continued strong digital revenue growth has moved us to within a few basis points of reaching the bottom end of our goal of digital revenue accounting for 20% to 30% of total revenue, and we remain laser focused on this initiative as a means to diversify our revenue in a cash flow positive manner. Our dedicated sales teams continue to leverage the tremendous audience reach and engagement of our local multi-platform content to attract new advertisers, resulting in a 22% increase in new local business revenue growth for the third quarter. Additionally, the actions we have taken to reduce our cost structure resulted in third quarter operating and corporate expenses decreases of 2.7% and 12.5%, respectively. In summary, we believe our third quarter financial performance demonstrates that our digital transformation and revenue diversification strategies continue to gain momentum and our initiatives focused on lowering operating expenses and reducing debt are positioning Beasley to generate increased and more diversified cash flows in future periods. Looking ahead, as has always been the case for non-election years, we expect fourth quarter revenues to be somewhat impacted by the absence of cyclical political advertising. While we plan to offset some of this expected softness through continued growth in digital and new business, we are hopeful that the overall advertising environment will improve in the fourth quarter and continue to closely monitor the economy.”

Industry News

SiriusXM Q3 Revenue Flat

The third quarter 2023 revenue for SiriusXM was $2.27 billion, basically flat from the same period in 2022. The satellite and internet broadcaster reports net income of $363 million for the quarter. SiriusXMim noted that it lost about 96,000 self-pay subscribers during the quarter and states that its current total subscribers stands at 34 million. SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz says, “We are very excited to unveil SiriusXM’s next-generation platform on November 8th, a key component of our long-term vision for the company’s consumer offerings. Our content portfolio continues to differentiate us in the audio marketplace with exclusive access to live sports, talk, music and one-of-a-kind content.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Debuts “The Patriot” in Vero Beach

iHeartMedia Treasure Coast announces the debut of the new “Newsradio 107.9 FM/1370 AM The Patriot” on (former oldies) WZTA-AM/W300BQ, Vero Beach. The station is airing “The Brian Mudd Show” in morning drive, simulcast from its home base at WJNO-AM, West Palm Beach. Otherim programming includes Premiere Networks’ “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” and “The Jesse Kelly Show,” as well as programming from Westwood One. iHeartMedia SVP of programming Jason Carr says, “We’re excited to bring ‘The Patriot’ to Vero Beach with local talk and news from ‘The Brian Mudd Show’ and some of the biggest names in national talk radio. ‘The Patriot’ will super-serve the growing Vero Beach community, with the most up-to-date news, weather and sports updates, including sources like FOX News and the Florida News Network.”

Industry News

Round Two of October PPMs Released

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s October PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period was September 14 through October 11. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM rises one-tenth to finish with a 4.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP dropped six-tenths to an 8.1 share and stays locked in the #2 rank. In Detroit, Audacy’s all-news WWJ adds six-tenths for a 4.6 share finish and rises to the #9 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR rises half a share for a 2.3 share that lifts it to the #16 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here. Note that missing data from yesterday’s first round of markets for the San Jose and Middlesex-Somerset-Union markets has been published and is included in yesterday’s Takeaways.

Industry News

NPR and Edison Research to Release Spoken Word Audio Report

Next Thursday (11/9), NPR and Edison Research will present a webinar to reveal the results of theirim Spoken Word Audio Report 2023. According to data from the study, 48% of those in the U.S. age 13+ listen to some type of spoken-word audio daily, and audio consumers in the U.S. age 13+ spend 31% of their daily audio time with spoken word. They say this edition of the study focuses on listening locations and explores spoken-word audio consumption at home, at work, in-car, and other locations. Register for the webinar here.

Industry News

Fisher House Offers Free Veterans Day Weekend Radio Show

Fisher House Foundation is offering to news/talk radio stations a free Veterans Day Weekend edition of “The Fisher House Story.” This program is provided in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as a 30-minute public affairs show for all formats in the U.S. and around the world. The programs are hosted by radio pro Larry O’Connor (AM drive host at WMAL-FM, Washington, DC) and featuresim stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care. The inspiring and patriotic radio show features an exclusive interview with Jessica Lynch who recounts her harrowing experience as a prisoner of war during the early days of the 2003 invasion of Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom. She reveals details of her treatment during her captivity, her rescue, the ensuing years of medical treatment and the special role Fisher House played (and continues to play) in her recovery. Hear the demo and register for the show here.

Industry News

WABC, New York Presents Cuomo-Scaramucci Debate

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Red Apple Media’s news/talk 77WABC in New York pre-empted regular programming today to present an exclusive, two-hour, no-holds-barred discussion between former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and former White House Communications Director and financier Anthony Scaramucci. The debate touched on the issues including, crime, Israel, migrants, guns and assault weapons, abortion, taxes and SALT, bail reform, LGBTQ+ rights, COVID and possible future pandemics, and the impact of both Republican and Democratic extremists on mainstream America. Scaramucci pointed to the current lack of trust the public has for government as the biggest obstacle standing in the way of unity and progress. Cuomo urged the audience to listen, learn, and understand the other side.

Industry News

Chicago Sports Talk Enters Syndication

STC Media, LLC announces that its flagship program, “Sports Talk Chicago,” begins syndication across radio and TV stations in Illinois and Indiana. The program, which boasts 18,500 YouTube subscribers and a dedicated podcast following, is now airing on six media outlets including WRPW-FM, Bloomington and WKAN, Kankakee, Illinois. Show host and STC Media president Jon Zaghloul says, “I couldn’t be more excited to expand ‘Sports Talk Chicago’ with such great partners. Their support, along with our loyal fanbase, has made this historic day possible. We look forward to continuing to provide our patented brand of opinionated, unfiltered Chicago sports talk across all of our major distribution platforms.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/31) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war, international pleas for humanitarian pause in Gaza attacks and the increasing incidents of anti-Semitism globally; the controversy over Senator Josh Hawley’s Ending Corporate Influence on Elections Act; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the aftermath of the Maine mass shooting and the other shootings that occurred over the weekend; and the trial of FTX chief Sam Bankman-Fried were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

International “1World Radio” Co-hosts Andy Gladding (USA) and Jamie-Lee Fredericks (South Africa) are This Week’s Guests on Harrison Podcast

The co-hosts of “1World Radio,” Andy Gladding and Jamie-Lee Fredericks, are this week’s guests on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Their weekly international radio show is a co-production of Gladding’s WRHU 88.7 FM, Hempstead, NY, USA and Fredericks’ Bush Radio 89.5 FM, Cape Town, South Africa. WRHU is a highly respected campus radio station broadcasting from Hofstra University on Long Island, just outside of New York City. The American co-host is also the chief engineer at WRHU as well as a college instructor. He simultaneously serves as chief engineer at Salem Media’s WNYM and WMCA in New York. The South African co-host is an air personality on Bush Radio – a dynamic young woman who grew up with an intense love of radio. The conversation explores the differences and similarities between their stations and how they reflect the cultures of their home nations. Not to be missed. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

Audacy Common Stock to Delist from NYSE

Audacy’s appeal of the New York Stock Exchange’s move to delist its Class A Common Stock was not successful. The NYSE goes ahead with its delisting procedure that will become effective on or around November 10. Audacy’s Common Stock will continue to trade over the counter under the symbolim “AUDA.” Audacy says, “The NYSE’s determination has no impact on Audacy’s business strategy or operations. Audacy continues to focus on growing and enhancing its capabilities as a leading, multi-platform audio content and entertainment company, and continues to engage in discussions with its lenders to deleverage its balance sheet and improve its capital structure to position Audacy for long-term growth.”

Industry News

Round One of October 2023 PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s October 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario. The October 2023 survey covers the period of September 14 – October 11. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC sheds three-tenths for a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) finish and remains ranked #11, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR is steady with a 1.2 share good for the #23 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI slips three-tenths to a 4.5 share and the #5 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM falls four-tenths to a 3.3 share good for the #10 rank. In Chicago, Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM climbs seven-tenths to a 5.6 share but remains ranked #3, while Nexstar Media’s news/talk WGN inches up two-tenths to a 3.6 share and steady at the #8 rank, and Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.5 share but drops back to the #25 rank. It should be noted that, for reasons unexplained, there is no October data for the San Jose and Middlesex-Somerset-Union markets. There is also a noteworthy reduction in data in the Nassau-Suffolk and Riverside markets. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

WWO: Brand Advertisers Now Tops in Podcasting Ad Spend

According to this week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog post, when it comes to podcast revenue, brand spending now represents 61% of ad dollars, surpassing direct response (39%). This data comes from the Interactive Advertising Bureau’s eighth annual podcast revenue report. The blog post notes, “Podcast advertising revenue was born thanks to direct responseim advertising. In 2016 and 2017, direct response represented the vast majority of podcast advertising. From 2018 to 2021, the proportion of podcast ad spend was equally split between brand and direct response.” The post says there are four major implications of the shift to podcast brand advertising: 1) Targeting will become much broader: Wide campaign reach will become the priority with a goal of “being known before you’re needed”; 2) Creative will shift to become more entertaining and emotion based: The objective will be to stir passions and create positive feelings and associations with ads that people find interesting and enjoyable; 3) Brand safety and suitability measurement will become more crucial: Firms like Barometer will become powerful resources to help marketers find the right context for their campaigns with nuanced data; and 4) Measurement will focus on how well campaigns build memories to ensure brands are “easy to mind and easy to find”: Key performance indicators are brand awareness, brand consideration, and brand preference. See the complete blog here.

Industry News

Audacy St. Louis Names Charles Mems VP of Sales

Audacy appoints Charles Mems vice president of sales in St. Louis. In this role, he’ll be responsible forim the achievement of the market’s total sales goal. Mems comes to Audacy from his most recent post as president of the Central Illinois Media group. Audacy St. Louis SVP of sales Becky Domyan states, “We are happy to add Charles and his vast experience of media sales and client support to our team. I have no doubt that he will drive exceptional results for our collection of brands.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

PodcastOne announces deals to extend top performing and fan favorite podcasts “LadyGang,” “Gals on the Go” and “Melissa Gorga On Display.” PodcastOne president and co-founder Kit Gray comments, “PodcastOne prides itself on being talent first and ‘LadyGang,’ ‘Gals on the Go’ and ‘Melissa Gorga On Display’ are some of the most talented hosts in the medium. We’re incredibly fortunate to build on a legacy of groundbreaking audio driven entertainment for women. Being able to grow these podcasts in partnership with their hosts has truly been a pleasure over the last several years, and we look forward to what the future has in store.”

VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, adds new affiliate stations in Medford, Oregon and Abilene, Texas. VSiN general manager Len Mead says, “Following new radio affiliates in New Hampshire and North Carolina late this summer, the new football season brings continued expansion of VSiN’s leading sports betting radio network. We’re excited to welcome new fans in Medford and Abilene as we continue to expand our distribution footprint to inform and entertain more listeners than ever before.”

iHeartPodcasts and Novel announce the launch of brand-new weekly podcast, “28 Dates Later with Grace Campbell.” Comedian and writer Campbell goes on 28 dates across two months, only dating people who are the total opposite of her usual type. Listeners not only hear audio from the actual dates, but are also be given a ringside seat to the post-date debrief between Grace and her friends Roz and Dan.

NASCAR crowns it’s Premier Series Champion this Sunday (11/5) at Phoenix Raceway capping its historic 75th Anniversary season. When Motor Racing Network completes its live broadcast from Phoenix, it will signal the end of approximately 350 hours of NASCAR related content produced by the network in 2023.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/30) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Israel rebuffs international pleas for humanitarian pause in Gaza attacks and the increasing incidents of anti-Semitism globally; President Joe Biden issues executive order designed to regulate the risks of Artificial Intelligence; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the aftermath of the Maine mass shooting and the other shootings that occurred over the weekend; and the death of actor Matthew Perry were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Audacy Gets Breathing Room on Interest Payments

Audacy, Inc files a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission to noting that it is in continuing discussions with its creditors with respect to a number of potential alternatives regarding a restructuring of its outstanding indebtedness. To that end, Audacy has entered into a First Supplemental Indenture with Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas on its 6.750% senior secured second-lienim notes due March 31, 2029 that extends the grace period before which a default in payment of interest on the 2029 Notes matures into an Event of Default by 30 days. The grace period for the interest payment under the 2029 Notes Indenture in the amount of approximately $18 million that was due on September 30, 2023, which, as previously disclosed, the Issuer elected to utilize, now ends on November 29, 2023. Additionally, Audacy is using the 30-day grace period under the existing indenture governing its 6.500% senior secured second-lien notes due May 1, 2027 for the interest payment in the amount of approximately $15 million that is due on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Audacy intends to utilize the 3-business day grace period under the credit agreement, dated as of October 17, 2016, among the Issuer, the guarantors named therein, the lenders named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders and collateral agent for the secured parties thereunder, for interest payments in the aggregate amount of approximately $17 million that are due on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

Industry News

Michael DelGiorno to Host AMs on WLAC, Nashville

Talk radio personality Michael DelGiorno posts news on his Facebook page that he’s taking over the morning show on iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLAC-AM/W252CM, Nashville on November 6. The 5:00 amim to 8:00 am show will be simulcast on the company’s KTOK-AM, Oklahoma City and KAKC-AM, Tulsa. iHeartMedia Nashville market president Dan Endom says, “We are thrilled to welcome Michael, a true broadcasting legend, to iHeartMedia Nashville. Michael’s extensive knowledge of the airwaves coupled with his innate ability to connect with audiences will elevate our programming to new heights.” DelGiorno served with Cumulus Media’s crosstown WWTN-FM, Nashville from 2007 through March of this year. He also previously hosted shows on KFAQ and KRMG in Tulsa.

Industry Views

Pending Business: AI vs the Personal Connection

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imReady to go back to the future?

We may need more than Doc Brown and Marty McFly to understand this one: product reviews written by A.I., not humans.

It’s the subject of a debate happening between the mighty Gannett company, owner of Reviewed, and a group of writers and editors who work there. According to The New York Times, the writers and editors group claims several reviews were A.I. generated. The posted reviews in question were run through A.I. detection software and the results were a slim to none chance humans wrote the reviews in question. Gannett says, not so fast, the reviews in question were authored by real humans.

Now here is where we need a time machine to take us a few years into the future. Let’s look at the reviews on our favorite go-to shopping, restaurant or travel review websites. How do we know who really wrote those reviews? This could be a whole new level of truth and proper disclosure in advertising.

Consider the possibilities of A.I.-generated reviews. Is every consumer offering feedback comfortable sharing their name on a Google review when many businesses ask for a positive review? There is a simple alternative to the A.I.-generated product review debate, and it’s right in front of you.

The answer should be part of your daily talk radio local sales mission statement. Demonstrate to your advertisers and prospects the proven results your on-air talent delivers every day. Chances are you may be taking for granted how to bring to life the credibility and trust your local on-air talent earns with each show. Global events, roller coaster economies and shifting political dynamics are all part of the daily conversation on your talk radio station. As your air talent distills the issues for the audience, take a few calls and engage in an energetic dialogue, they develop a bond that is unique to talk radio.

So, imagine the difference in the mind of the consumer when they hear the review or referral from a trusted source versus wondering if the review or referral they read is from a human or A.I. generated.

Is that the DeLorean time machine I hear?

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Stamina, Systems, Support

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In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke asks veteran broadcasters (l-r) Mike McVay, Jay Philippone, Gene Valicenti, and Paul Gleiser: “How do you keep up this pace?” Clue: They have a genuine love of our craft. Read Cooke’s column here.

Industry News

75 Radio Show Adds Danila Rodrigues as “Spokesmodel”

The news/talk show “75 Radio Show” co-hosted by Walter Yurkiw and Peter “Scoop” Stanton announces that Danila Rodrigues joins the show as its “radio spokesmodel.” The program is syndicatedim by Liberty News Radio Network from its flagship station WMQM-AM/W227DQ, Memphis. The show says, “Danila has immigrated to America from Brazil to live the American Dream! And we couldn’t be happier! She has been featured in Moevir, Latinos Today and Pump magazines.” Rodrigues is the second female member on the show, joining special correspondent Heather Powers McBride.

Industry News

NYSBA Inducts 2023 Hall of Fame Class

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The New York State Broadcasters Association inducted their Hall of Fame class for 2023 with Galaxy Media Partners CEO Ed Levine – chair of NYSBA’s Hall of Fame committee – serving as emcee. Pictured above are (from l-r) Levine, inductee Irv Gikofsky, Craig Stevens Harris, Dan Cummings, Angie Martinez, Bob Matthews, and NYSBA president David Donovan.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The Israel-Hamas war, U.S. protests, and the rise in anti-Semitic incidents; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 election and arguments to bar Trump from the ballot over the “insurrection clause”; the deadly shooting in Tampa; President Joe Biden’s executive order to guide the development of Artificial Intelligence; and the death of actor Matthew Perry were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Cumulus Media 2023 Q3 Revenue Falls 11%

Cumulus Media Inc is the first audio group to report third quarter 2023 operating results in a year that’s been challenging for all media reliant on advertising. Today’s Q3 report reveals net revenue of $207 million, a decline of 11% over the same period in 2022. Cumulus reports net income during the quarter of $2.7 million, down 68% from a year ago. However, for the first nine months of 2023, the company reportsim a net loss of $19.8 million. Cumulus reports in segments, and for the Q3 period total broadcast radio revenue was $146 million, down 17.4% from a year ago. Spot revenue was down 15.2% while network revenue declined 22.8% from Q3 of 2022. Cumulus’ digital segment reports revenue of $37.2 million, an increase of 6.6%, year-over-year. Cumulus CEO Mary G. Berner states, “Third quarter revenue and Adjusted EBITDA finished in line with expectations with results reflecting the continued dichotomy between local imand national business lines. Despite the challenging environment, we maximized performance by continuing to focus on areas we can control, including growing each of our digital businesses, reducing costs, and improving our balance sheet through non-core asset sales and debt reduction. These actions have further improved the company’s revenue growth profile, operating leverage, financial flexibility, and strategic optionality and, collectively, position us to rebound when the advertising environment improves. While we are continuing to see weakness in national markets, as companies are starting to set their 2024 marketing budgets, we are seeing some initial indications from key national advertisers in several categories that sentiment is improving for next year. That tone, combined with the anticipation of a robust political spending cycle, gives us cautious optimism that we may be seeing the early signs of a market recovery.”

Industry News

KMBZ-FM, Kansas City Host Scott Parks Returns After Rehab Stint

Morning drive talk host Scott Parks (right) thanks his co-host Dana Wright (left) and his family members who staged an intervention that got him into rehab for saving his life. Parks returned to the morning show on im Audacy’s KMBZ, Kansas City yesterday (10/26) after spending the last month in a rehab program, according to a story in the Kansas City Star. Parks says he’s been addicted to alcohol for much of his adult life but had been sober for three years before an undisclosed family trauma in July led him back to drinking. Wright noticed Parks’ relapse and, fearing for his health, contacted Parks’ brother. Parks credits the resulting intervention with getting him the help he needed. Read the Kansas City Star story here.