Industry News

Former Salem Talk Host is University President

Salem Radio Network’s twin 24/7 national news services – SRN News and TOWNHALL News – recentlyim presented a five-part series profiling Colorado Christian University and its new president Eric Hogue. Earlier in his career, the ordained minister served with Salem Media Group as a talk show host at KTKZ, Sacramento.

Industry News

KMG Networks and USBC Announce “The Good News”

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KMG Networks and U.S. Black Chambers, Inc held a press conference yesterday (8/28) to promote the debut of “The Good News,” the national daily radio commentary by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr that highlights “those good news stories from a national and global perspective that have relevance to the aspirations of all Americans who strive for excellence and achievement in all fields of endeavor.” Pictured above are (from l-r): Sharon Barnes Waters, WINS-AM/FM, New York and DEI director for Audcacy NYC; Skip Dillard, brand manager “94.7 The Block” (WXBK-FM) New York; Gary Krantz, CEO – KMG/KMG Networks; Ron Busby, president & CEO of The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc; Dr. Benjamin J. Chavis, Jr; Tish Bazil, global head of media & experiential, The Chavis Group; Steve Roberts, founder & CEO of  Roberts Broadcasting Company; and Tiffany Murphy, CEO of The Culture Equity.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/28) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Judge Tanya Chutkan sets former President Donald Trump’s Washington, DC trial for March 4 and Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows testifies during a hearing to move his Georgia election interference trial to federal court; the special counsel Hunter Biden investigation; a UNC Chapel Hill faculty member is killed by gunfire; the racially motivated killing of three in a Jacksonville store; the migrant crisis; the rash of retail thefts and the closing of urban retail outlets in response; evacuations are ordered as Hurricane Idalia heads for Florida; American Airlines is fined over lengthy tarmac delays; and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo meets with her Chinese counterpart among top news/talk media stories yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Head Start

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imIt’s time to start planning your holiday strategy.

Wait, what? You have not finished Q3 and here I am pushing Q4?

The fourth quarter is easily the most time consuming, thought provoking, overwhelming mish-mash time of the year for every Baby Boomer and Millennial walking the planet. Especially those of us who earn our keep marketing. The transition window from Q3 to Q4 is the perfect time to lock down your plan and that window is about to open.

Let us review priority planning:

If you sell at the national level, your upfronts are in play and gradually moving to the won-lost report as you juggle and balance your daily avails.

If you sell at the local level here are five thought starters, so start thinking:

— Second Opinions. As we review everything from our insurance, financial, legal and medical needs, everyone can use another set of eyes on the prize. Plans change, laws change, life happens. Suggest messaging that works. Start prospecting now.

— Gift Giving. Last year over $200 billion was spent on the holiday season. Will your audience spend more this year than they did last year? Considering online research is a part of daily life, when do the purchase decisions really begin?

— Politics. You don’t need this column to remind you nearly 13 million watched the debate on August 24. Voters are interested in how this tumultuous political scene will ultimately play out. Politics is big business, and nobody covers it better than talk radio. We are in this window through 2024, get focused on where you need to be.

— Holiday Travel. Just this past week, our family get together was impacted by airline delays, rescheduling, and traffic. Travelers will plan earlier and smarter. You may or may not have contacts at the airlines but consider all the businesses that thrive based on travel and tourism.

— Weather. Is there a market that is immune? From hurricanes and wildfires to snowstorms and floods, weather is a factor that can impact your business flow in both a positive and negative way. As we say here in Florida, Be Prepared!

I am guessing you have thought about everything you’ve just read. I never assume the gap from thinking to doing happens. You know what they say about assuming…

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

Emotional Is Local

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling On Sunday
Talk Media Network

imMentioning a local street name won’t do it. Constant local references is not LOCAL LIVE, it’s a GOOGLE MAP!

For years, as VP/GM of the ABC Radio Networks, I explained to affiliates that, yes, our six network services were in fact local programming – local to a demographic.  The networks reached specific demographics and therefore were local to the heart and soul of a specific listener. (Yes, this usually worked!)

Today, true local programming hits an emotional moment in the day of the listener.  For example, by far the most topic response from listeners on “Sterling on Sunday” is to stories about my sister-in-law. The premise of these stories is that your sister-in-law controls your marriage. I share the horrors of life with my sister-in-law. The email, phone and Facebook response from listeners is stunning.

The greatest response to any host is when a listener is compelled to say “YES!” within the solitude of their car. That emotional response comes when a host shares their personal feelings, life events and experiences. It rarely comes from an interesting observation about today’s editorial page. Let me suggest that it NEVER comes from an interesting observation about today’s editorial page.

Bonding emotions are the result of a host’s personal, intimate revelations

Sharing personal, intimate emotions are pre-emptive. While other hosts may duplicate endless, dreary, old age attracting rants against Democrats, no two hosts have the same emotional life-events.

Mother-in-law, kid, marriage, sex, personal impact stories are singular, unique and MEMORABLE. Listeners return to hosts who tell personal, emotional stories. They want to hear what happens next, they remember the last host revelation and anticipate the next. Many radio stars share their personal stories every single day like Howard Stern and Elvis Duran.

Shared emotional appeal transcends demographics and geography. Emotions are universal and the foundation of a unique hit show.

Walter Sabo is Walter Sterling. Host of the hit Talk Media Network syndicated show “Sterling on Sunday. LIVE 10PM-1AM EST. Heard live 10:00 pm – 1:00 am live on affiliates KMOX, WPHT, KDKA, KMBZ-FM; and dozens more. Contact Walter at Walter@sabomedia.com, 646.678.1110. www.waltersterlingshow.com

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Improving Results from Endorsement Spots

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imThe stations I work with make big money with live endorsement spots delivered by familiar local on-air personalities. Remember them? With most AM/FM broadcast hours now robotic or non-local, your relationship with the listener is precious and can be leveraged… carefully.

Quality vs. Quantity

The more products or services you endorse, the less special each pitch will be. You’re asking the listener’s trust each time, so asking too often can sound insincere. So back-to-back “I’m [name] for [account]” is verboten, and that can happen when spots you voice air outside your show.

 “Tell me a story”

 When the late, great Don Hewitt – the father of “60 Minutes” – spoke at a NAB convention years ago, he told us that he was often asked, “Why is this the most successful TV news show of all time?” And he said, “I can tell you in four words: ‘Tell me a story,’” which every piece did.

Describe your personal experience with the advertiser’s product or service in before-and-after fashion – problem was, problem solved – in a relatable way.

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 OOPS!  Do you say, “I haven’t sold you yet?”

Often, these are long-standing advertiser relationships.  Two cautions:

If you’ve been touting an advertiser for a while, DON’T say so. “For years, I’ve been telling you about [name of business]” = “…and I haven’t sold you yet, have I?” Instead, keep the pitch fresh.

And keep it customer-centric rather than talking about a store. In one spot I heard, for a sewing supply retailer, the well-intentioned host sounded awestruck as he recited the store’s inventory (“over fifteen hundred bolts of fabric!”). That’s the store’s problem. Instead, solve the listener’s problem: “Imagine the money you could save if you made all your kids’ back-to-school clothes this year?  [advertiser] will give you free lessons!”

Avoid saying…

 “MY GOOD FRIENDS AT [name of business],” which sounds phony.

“All-new:” Say “new,” if it IS new, AND if newness is a listener benefit (and say why).

“…AND MUCH MORE,” which means nothing. Weed-out stuff like this, and you’ll give copy more time to breathe.

“Needs,” as in: “FOR ALL YOUR [product category] NEEDS” (the ultimate “BLAH, BLAH, BLAH”).

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

Scott Stanford Named Morning Anchor at WINS, New York

New York City news pro Scott Stanford is named morning drive co-anchor at Audacy’s all-news WINS-AM/FM, alongside Susan Richard. WINS brand manager Ivan Lee says, “As we continue to reshape mornings on WINS, we’re delighted to welcome Scott Stanford into the mix. His impressive resume and wealth of experienceim in this market will undoubtedly enhance our commitment to delivering top-notch news coverage and engaging content to our listeners every morning.” Stanford, who is currently co-hosting “The Suki & Scott Show” on Gannett’s USA Today Network, begins his new role on September 5. He comments, “Like most life-long New Yorkers, my Dad was always listening to 1010 WINS in the car when I was a kid. As an adult, WINS has been my go-to station for news, traffic and weather. As a New York broadcaster, it’s an honor to now be one of the morning voices on this legendary station.” Stanford served as PIX11 morning show co-host from 2013 to 2019. He’s also served as sports anchor at NBC4-NY, UPN9-NY, WCBS 880, CBS Sports HQ and Boxing30 on YES.

Industry News

Push to “Save AM Radio” Intensifies

There’s been an increase in media attention recently about the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act making its way through Congress and the future of the AM band. That legislation would direct the “National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a rule requiring automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles without a separate or additional payment, fee, or surcharge.” With each recent natural disaster, we’ve seen broadcasters and politicians point to them as times upon which AM radio is relied. Newsday recently published an in-depth story examining the state of AM radio in which a number of AM personalities are featured. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is also quoted in the piece. Read the story here.

Industry News

WOR, New York Hosts Joe Bartlett Retirement Party

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New York City news pro Joe Bartlett was honored with a retirement party at Patsy’s restaurant in the Big Apple last Thursday (8/24). Bartlett retired from iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR-AM last May after a 37-year career with the station, most recently as news director and morning news anchor. Pictured above are (from l-r): WOR morning personality Michael Riedel, Bartlett, and WOR morning personality Len Berman.

Industry News

Charlamagne Tha God Hosts Third Annual Mental Wealth Expo

iHeartMedia personality Charlamagne Tha God, in partnership with Mental Wealth Alliance is celebrating World Mental Health Day by hosting the third annual Mental Wealth Expo on October 7 at the Marriott Marquis inim Times Square, New York City. Attendees will hear from experts on everything mental health, panels, live podcasting, and breakout rooms including the podcast “MEternal,” that addresses the complexities of the Black maternal health crisis. Charlamagne Tha God says, “The Mental Wealth Expo was created for anyone who knows they need to start on their healing journey, but don’t know the first place to begin. It’s a day for folks to get exposed to mental health experts and resources that can get them on the right path and they get to receive this information for free! It is truly a blessing to be able to do this for a third consecutive year.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

Today’s Donald Trump trial-related hearings in which Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows argues to move his Georgia trial to federal court and Washington DC judge Tanya Chutkan hears arguments about trial dates for Trump’s January 6 case; the racially motivated deadly shooting in Jacksonville; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s plans to begin an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden; the confirmed death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Russia-Ukraine war; the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s march on Washington; and tropical storm Idalia makes its way toward Florida were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Says AI is One of the Most Important Talk Topics of Our Times

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison has kicked off a nationwide guesting tour of talk shows promoting discussion of the upside and downside of AI in conjunction with the release of the new song, “I Got a Line in New York City,” by the long-established classic rock group, Gunhill Road. Harrison performs lead vocals on the track performed with band members Steve GoldrichPaul Reisch and Brian Koonin. The music video of the song (produced by Harrison’s son and TALKERS associate publisher Matthew B. Harrison) has been described as a computer’s “fever dream about the Big Apple.” Although the music is totally organic, all of the visual graphics on the video have been assisted in their creation by generative artificial intelligence. Harrison says, “There’s huge interest in the topic of AI including the existential issues of its potential impact on our species. In the art community, debate is raging over whether AI enhances originality and creativity or if it is ushering in the death of individual artists and the role they play in the humanities.” See that video here.

Harrison launched the tour late last week appearing on the Rich Valdes show on Westwood One and has subsequently appeared on network programs hosted by Doug Stephan, Dr. Daliah Wachs, and WABC’s Frank Morano, as well as Harry Hurley on WPG, Atlantic City,  Todd Feinburg on WTIC-AM, Hartford and Michael Zwerling on KSCO, Santa Cruz.  WOR, New York has posted the video and an  accompanying story here.

To book Michael Harrison please call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413 or email info@talkers.com

Industry News

Clay Travis Wraps Book Tour at WISN, Milwaukee

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Premiere Networks radio personality Clay Travis – co-host of “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” and founder of Outkick Media – is pictured above (left) with U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) (right) in the studios of iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee. Travis broadcast his show from the station during his visit to Milwaukee as the final stop on the tour promoting his new book, American Playbook: A Guide to Winning Back the Country from the Democrats (Threshold Editions 2023). Travis hosted Johnson on his program as a preview of the first GOP debate. He closed out the book tour at the city’s historic Pabst Theater, where he discussed the book on stage with WISN personality Dan O’Donnell.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

FOX News Media says that according to data from Nielsen Media Research, its “Democracy 24: FOX News Republican Primary Debate” was the most-watched telecast in all of linear television, digital and streaming on Wednesday (8/23), averaging 12.8 million viewers and 2.8 million viewers in the 25-54 demo. That, FOX says, tops more than 70% of all presidential primary debates in the last two cycles (2016 and 2020).

SiriusXM announces it opens the 2023 college football season offering 87 live games during the week (8/26-9/4). SiriusXM says this slate includes games from every team from the Associated Press Top 25 poll, including the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs vs UT Martin; #13 Notre Dame vs Navy in Dublin, Ireland; and #5 LSU vs #8 Florida State.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of August 21-25

The booking and bond hearings for former President Donald Trump and is numerous co-defendants in the Georgia election case 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 and the presidential race, followed by the special counsel Hunter Biden investigation 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 on ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

Salem Media Group to Sell Greenville-Spartanburg Signals

Salem Media Group announces it is entering into an agreement to transfer the ownership of Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina stations news/talk WGTK-FM, classic hits duo WRTH-FM and WLTE-FM toim
Educational Media Foundation for $6,775,000. Salem Media CEO David Santrella states, “We have enjoyed our years in the Greenville-Spartanburg market but have made the strategic decision to divest our interests there. As we do, we are grateful to be able to place these signals in the hands of Educational Media Foundation who share a like-minded mission with Salem through their music programming. We are also thankful to our Greenville-Spartanburg staff for their many years of service.”
Industry News

KFI, Los Angeles Presents “Maui Island Inferno” Radio Show and Podcast

iHeartMedia news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is presenting the special program “Maui Island Inferno,” hosted by award-winning investigative journalist Steve Gregory (right). The program features exclusive interviewsim conducted by Gregory, who was on the island of Maui covering the wildfires, including the devastating fire in the historic town of Lahaina. The show explores the government’s response, the views of Maui islanders, and what happens next. iHeartMedia says, “Gregory became imthe center of controversy when, during a press conference, he pushed Hawaii Governor Josh Green for answers and access to the fire scenes. Local and national media covered the exchange and became the foundation for other reporters to push back, seeking transparency and accountability.” The radio special and podcast are produced by Gregory and Jacob Gonzalez for iHeartMedia Los Angeles and the iHeartRadio Podcast Network.

Industry News

Jeff Katz Scores Exclusive Interview with RFK Jr

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Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive host Jeff Katz (left) with Democratic Party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr (right). Katz says that during Kennedy’s visit to Richmond, he granted just one interview and says the two “spent just shy of 30 minutes one-on-one, chatting about everything from the economy to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm'” (Kennedy is married to Cheryl Hines who starred as Larry David’s wife on the hit show).

Industry News

Cline Exits WNKT-FM, Columbia, South Carolina

According to a report in The State, Heath Cline exits Cumulus Media’s Columbia, South Carolina sports talk outlet WNKT-FM “107.5 The Game.” Cline has hosted the afternoon drive show since December 2007. Cline says he and the company were unable to come to terms on a new deal. He had the chance to speak about itim with station PD Terry Ford on the air. He told his audience, “It’s not a money thing. I just hit 50 this year. There are some things in my career I still want to do. They really wanted to keep me in Columbia and focused on that, and we just couldn’t get to where we needed to… This isn’t anybody’s fault. It’s just how radio and how business works sometimes.” Meanwhile, Cline says he’ll serve as executive producer and sub host for Chuck Oliver’s regional, college football-focused show and will continue the weekend hosting and fill-in work he’s been doing for Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN, Atlanta “680 The Fan.” Read The State story here.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Discusses AI as Used to Create Stunning Images on New Gunhill Road Video

The historic rock band Gunhill Road, of which TALKERS founder Michael Harrison is a member, has just released a new advance track from its forthcoming fifth album. The song, “I Got a Line in New York City,” is a genre-bending combination of jazz, rock, and blues with a Broadway flair. Harrison serves as lead vocalist on the song which he co-wrote with his bandmates Steve GoldrichPaul Reisch and Brian Koonin. Further energized by its provocative music video, “I Got a Line in New York City” is slightly abstract and even mystical – while, simultaneously, heart-tugging and down-to-earth. The engaging narrative puts an ultra-modern-but-somewhat-retro twist on the classic story of a young person (Brando Young) whose lifelong dream of making it on the stage is dashed by the cold, harsh reality of the big time. HERE’S THE HOOK: The visual images that bring stunning dimension to the video were created by human artists – under the direction of the video’s producer, TALKERS associate publisher Matthew B. Harrison – tapping into the assistance of leading-edge generative AI on every panel. Michael Harrison states, “The experience of employing the assistance of ‘generative artificial intelligence’ to render these images of an ‘alternate universe’ version of the Big Apple, sprinkled with bizarre characters and weird technology, has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and educational experiences of my media career. I’m thrilled to be able to go out there now and talk about life-changing AI with this knowledge under my belt.” Harrison is embarking on a mini-media tour to discuss the AI aspect of the video and the sociological implications of this game changer.  To arrange a phone interview with Michael Harrison please call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413 or email info@talkers.com.  To view the video, please click here: www.igotaline.com

Industry News

WRNL, Richmond to Launch New Commanders Postgame Show

Audacy announces that sports talk WRNL, Richmond “SportsRadio 910 The Fan” will air the new program “The Postgame Gutcheck,” hosted by station Commanders insider Howard Gutman and his son Collin Gutman after each Commanders game this season. Howard Gutman – who served as Ambassador to Belgium duringim the Obama Administration – is also the host of the programs “As I See It” and “Take My Word for It” on sister news/talk WRVA-AM. Collin Gutman hosts “The Gutcheck” on WRNL. Audacy Richmond SVP and market manager Bennett Zier states, “We’re thrilled to introduce ‘The Postgame Gutcheck’ and give Commanders fans a dedicated space to dissect and digest each game this season. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Ambassador Howard Gutman and his son Collin, this show will be a must-listen for anyone seeking in-depth analysis, insider insights and a passionate breakdown of all things Commanders.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

CBS News is presenting the Labor Day special “Workers Across America,” hosted by Gil Gross. The three-hour show investigates the future of organized labor, the re-thinking of the importance of a college degree, toxic co-workers, how AI will radically change the workplace and more.

Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” and sports talk KMVP-FM “Arizona Sports” hosted the 15th annual Phoenix Children’s Give-A-Thon August 14-18 and raised $2,168,483 to support care at Phoenix Children’s. Bonneville Phoenix SVP and market manager Ryan Hatch states, “It is incredible to see $2.16 million raised through powerful storytelling that inspires our generous community to step up for the kids in Arizona. We are so grateful for our caring audiences, sponsors, team partners, and the hundreds of volunteers for their wonderful support of Give-A-Thon.”

iHeartMedia and the NFL announce an exclusive multi-year deal to bring “The Fantasy Footballers Dynasty Show” podcast to the NFL Podcast Network. A spin-off of the “Fantasy Footballers Show” started in 2014 by hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore and Mike Wright, the recently launched podcast dives into the Dynasty world of fantasy football including NFL rookie scouting, NFL draft coverage, Dynasty draft advice, player breakdowns and more.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/23) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The 2024 GOP presidential candidates’ debate; former President Donald Trump’s “counterprogramming” interview with Tucker Carlson; the 2020 Georgia election co-conspirators surrender in Fulton County; the special counsel Hunter Biden investigation; Kevin McCarthy’s promise of an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden; Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin reportedly dies in a plane crash in Russia; the BRICS summit and U.S.-China relations; Japan begins releasing Fukushima wastewater into the sea were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

News Pro Larry Mendte Joins WOR, New York

iHeartMedia announces that Emmy Award-winning news anchor Larry Mendte is joining news/talk WOR, New York as news director and morning news anchor. In this role, Mendte will anchor news during the station’s “Len Berman and Michael Riedel in the Morning” and during the late morning “Mark Simone Show.” Mendte takesim over the position after news director Joe Bartlett retired from the station on May 31 after 37 years with the WOR. Mendte had most recently been news director and host at WJLP-TV, Middletown, New Jersey “Me-TV.” Mendte says, “WOR is iconic in radio history, and I’m honored to accept this position. Len Berman and Michael Riedel are smart, entertaining, and informative. It’s the morning show I listen to, and I’m elated to now be part of it.” WOR program director Tom Cuddy states, “I’ve been a fan of Larry’s for many years. So, when the opportunity popped up for him to work with Len and Michael, I was truly pumped up that we were able to bring in a talent of his caliber.”

Industry News

Jake Kemp and Dan McDowell Agree to Cease Podcasts Until Mediation with Cumulus

The latest chapter in the disagreement between Cumulus Media’s KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth and former midday air personalities Jake Kemp and Dan McDowell includes the duo agreeing to not produce any newim podcasts, including “The Dumb Zone,” before they and Cumulus go into mediation over Cumulus’ charge that the two have violate their non-compete and other clauses in their contracts with the company. The court-ordered mediation was moved from yesterday (8/22) to next Tuesday (8/29).

Industry News

Stoney to Exit WXYT-FM, Detroit After the Super Bowl

Longtime Detroit sports talk personality Mike Stone, a.k.a. Stoney, announced to listeners this morning (8/23) that he will leave Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” after the Super Bowl in February. He co-hosts the morning drive show with Jon Jansen. Stoney told his audience he hopes theim Super Bowl will include the Lions, “There is nothing like an NFL run and nothing like knowing your team has a legitimate chance to get to the Super Bowl. I don’t know if they do, but I think it could be the start of a yearly thing. Them getting to the Super Bowl in my last year of doing the morning show, it would be unbelievable. I’d consider myself the lucky charm.” The 64-year-old Stone has been on Detroit sports radio since helping launch the format on WDFN-AM, Detroit in the early 1990s. Stone says he’ll stay with the station as a fill-in host for two more years.

Industry News

Dominick Milano Returns to Katz Media Group in SVP Role

Katz Media Group names Dominick Milano SVP, sales director and programmatic audio lead, effective immediately. He will report to Scott Porretti, president of Katz Digital Audio. Katz says, “Milano is an industry frontrunner at the intersection of audio and technology, with an extensive background in programmatic digitalim audio solutions, audio sales, and industry AdTech.  In his new role, Milano will lead one of Katz’s dedicated digital sales teams and drive Katz’s fast-growing programmatic audio offering, Audiology, the largest programmatic audio marketplace delivering precision data-driven audiences at scale.  Milano says, “The timing of my return could not be any better. Digital audio has grown monumentally through industry innovation and programmatic execution becoming more commonplace. Under Scott Porretti’s leadership, Katz’s digital position is well-established and ready to expand. I’m excited to play a role in its current success and new growth.”

Industry News

Urban One Receives Non-Compliance Notice from Nasdaq

Urban One has received a notice of non-compliance from Nasdaq Stock Market LLC due to its failure to timely file its Quarterly Report for the period ended March 31, 2023 and the period ended June 30, 2023 with theim Securities and Exchange Commission. Urban One has disclosed that it has been unable to file the reports in a timely manner due to the change of its independent registered public accounting firm. The company was granted 180 days to come into compliance by Nasdaq or face delisting and Urban One says it anticipates it will be able to file the reports in question before the deadline of September 27, 2023.

Industry News

Broadcasters Foundation Launches Tips & Sips for Young Broadcasting Professionals

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announce Sips & Tips, the second event in its campaign to give young professionals networking access to top-level broadcast industry managers and executives. Sips & Tips will take place during the Foundation’s Celebrity Golf Tournament & Fundraiser on September 11 at theim Greenwich Country Club. The Sips & Tips includes a two-hour golf lesson from a pro followed by access to the invitation-only reception and dinner and costs $300. BFoA president Tim McCarthy comments, “With these events, we open doors for junior professionals that can lead to long and fulfilling careers in broadcasting. We also bring awareness about our charitable mission to tomorrow’s broadcast leaders, helping to ensure that the Foundation will continue to provide aid for those in our business who need it most.” See more information here.

Industry News

“97.1 The Ticket” Unveils Detroit Lions Programming

Audacy sports talk WXYT-FM, Detroit “97.1 The Ticket” announces its game day programming for Detroit Lions broadcasts this season. The Sunday lineup includes: “Kickoff with Boomer Esiason & Mike Valenti” (9:00 am –im 10:00 am ET), “Lions Tailgate Show” with Rico Beard and Jim Costa (10:00 am – 12:00 noon), “Lions Pregame Show” with Dan Miller, Lomas Brown and TJ Lang (12:00 noon – 1:00 pm), Lions Radio Network postgame with Dan Miller, TJ Lang and Jim Costa (game end to 5:00 pm), “Lions Postgame Show” with Mike Stone and Jennifer Hammond (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm), and Pat Caputo (7:00 pm – 11:00 pm).

Industry News

Benztown Offers Free Labor Day AudioPack

Radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingles company Benztown is offering radio stations a free Labor Day Weekend AudioPack. Available now through September 1, the Benztown Labor Day Weekendim AudioPack has 20 pieces of audio available to download including SFX and musicbeds. It includes party ambiance, sunny musicbeds, Labor Day listener drops, glass clinking, beer-drinking, BBQ sizzlin’, pool splashing SFX. Find out more here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and COO CFO Rich Bressler will participate in a question and answer session during the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference on September 7 at 3:25 pm ET. A live webcast of the session will be available to the general public at the start of the session through a link on the Investors homepage of iHeartMedia’s website. A replay of the webcast will be available in the Events & Presentation section of iHeartMedia’s Investors homepage.

Triton Digital announces that it is integrating data with YouTube views of podcast episodes into its Triton Podcast Metrics. With this data, publishers can now view how their content is consumed on YouTube in conjunction with their overall podcast downloads.

The Kansas Association of Broadcasters announces the Hall of Fame inductees and Distinguished Service Award honoree for 2023. KSU professor and longtime broadcaster (WGN, Chicago; WGST, Atlanta; Coast to Coast AM) Ian Punnett is the Distinguished Service Award honoree. Mike Manns, Dale Morrell, and Randy Picking are the Hall of Fame inductees. See more about them here.