Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/22) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s co-defendants begin setting bond in Fulton County, Georgia case; Trump’s skipping tonight’s GOP debate and his plans to release a sit-down interview with Tucker Carlson; the 2024 presidential race; the Hunter Biden special counsel investigation; President Joe Biden’s visit to Maui; Vladimir Putin missing from the BRICS summit & the related U.S.-China relations; the Russia-Ukraine war; and the heat dome bringing sweltering conditions to the South and Midwest were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

KTUC-AM, Tucson Relaunches as “Freedom 1400”

Cumulus Media announces it is flipping KTUC-AM, Tucson to talk as the all-new “Freedom 1400,” Tucson’s Conservative Talk Station. It had been airing an adult standards format. It is now airing syndicated talk radio shows including FOX News Radio’s “Brian Kilmeade Show” and the “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla,”im Westwood One’s “Dan Bongino Show” and the “Chris Plante Show,” plus Ben Shaprio and FNC’s Guy Benson. KTUC program director Herb Crowe states, “We’re thrilled to unveil ‘Freedom 1400,’ Tucson’s Conservative Talk Station. As we embark on this exciting journey, we’re committed to providing a platform for open dialogues, diverse viewpoints, and robust discussions that matter to our community. With our esteemed lineup of talk show hosts, we’re confident that ‘Freedom 1400’ will become an essential source of information and insight for our listeners.”

Industry News

KWAM Awarded for Best News Coverage

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Starnes Media Group’s news/talk KWAM, Memphis was honored with the Best Large Market News Coverage award during the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Excellence in Broadcasting Contest. The station earned a second-place finish in “Best Public Service” and the station was lauded specifically for its coverage of a 2022 mass shooting that locked down the city. KWAM staffers pictured above include (from l-r): Caleb Parke, Ben Deeter, KWAM owner Todd Starnes, TAB executive director Chris Baker, Alan Pillow, and Grace Baker.

Industry News

Larry Elder Plans to Sue RNC

Appearing on “The Joe Piscopo Show” on WNYM-AM, New York “AM 970 The Answer” this morning (8/22), former Salem Radio Network host, attorney, and Republican presidential candidate Larry Elder announced hisim plans to sue the Republican National Committee over “their alleged attempt to keep him from participating in Thursday’s debate.” On the program, Elder explained the criteria he has met and why he should be allowed on the debate stage. The AP reports that the RNC qualifications require: polling “at least 1% in three high-quality national polls or a mix of national and early-state polls, between July 1 and Aug. 21, and a minimum of 40,000 donors, with 200 in 20 or more states.”

Industry News

“Hey, Let’s Hang Out Under the Boardwalk!”

imLong before AM radio was the band dominated by spoken-word programming, its early Top-40 stations were catering to the rabid demand for R&B and rock ‘n’ roll from America’s teenagers. Mark Wainwright – former WSYR, Syracuse morning talk host and a veteran radio performer – writes about a big hit record made on this date 59 years ago. He says, “Surprisingly, that iconic summertime feel-good song almost never made it to vinyl.” Read about what happened here.

Industry News

Radio’s Reliance on Power Companies and Internet Impact Ability to Serve

KSCO, Santa Cruz owner Michael Zwerling says as his station prepared to present a program on preparing forim the next big earthquake, ironically, the station lost power numerous times causing continuous off-and-on power situations that impacted the station’s broadcasts. Zwerling says each time the power went out and the generator kicked on – something that happened numerous times – it put stress on the transmitter and the generator. Complicating matters was that the station’s infrastructure – as well as the phone company’s and PG&E’s — is dependent on the internet and that requires consistent power. This puts stations’ abilities to serve at a disadvantage. Zwerling talks about this problem in an audio clip here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Red Apple Audio Networks says it’s now affiliated with 214 stations since its launch 18 months ago and its programming is heard in 15 of the top 25 DMAs, including its flagship 77 WABC, New York.

Dick Broadcasting transitions WRNS-AM, Greenville, North Carolina to a sports betting format using content from VSiN, The Sports Betting Network. The station is being rebranded “Bet on the Bull 960 AM.”

OutKick will host a one-hour special titled, “OutKick on Fox,” that will air Sunday (8/27) at 10:00 pm ET on FOX News Channel. OutKick founder Clay Travis and hosts Tomi Lahren and Charly Arnolt will “provide their unfiltered opinions on sports, culture, and the topics Americans are talking about right now.” Special guests will include Riley Gaines, host of the “Gaines for Girls” podcast on OutKick, OutKick.com columnist Mary Katherine Ham, and former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom.

Zimmer Midwest Communications announces listeners to its Springfield, Missouri stations – including news/talk KWTO, raised a record $38,770 during the 12-hour Honor Flight of the Ozarks Radiothon on August 18. Money raised from the radiothon goes directly to send local veterans to Washington, DC on honor flight missions to visit the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps Memorials, and many others.

The Premiere Networks syndicated “Dan Patrick Show” is broadcasting live from Ireland for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic featuring the University of Notre Dame vs. the United States Naval Academy game at Aviva Stadium on Saturday (8/26). “The Dan Patrick Show” will originate from 9 College Green in the Temple Bar district of Dublin tomorrow through Friday. The Dan Patrick crew will also be joined by actor Will Ferrell.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/21) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race and Wednesday’s GOP debate in Milwaukee; President Joe Biden visits Maui; the Hunter Biden special counsel investigation; tropical storm Hilary hits California & the Southwest as tropical storm Harold threatens Texas; immigration and border security; and the South and Midwest hit with brutal heat dome were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Radio to the Rescue: Maui KAOI Radio Stations Air 24/7 Disaster Coverage

As Southern California radio is currently diving into the process of serving its communities with supportive coverage of Hurricane Hilary’s devastating floods and wind damage, Hawaiian radio stations have stepped up the plate and offering vital support to its listeners. Once again, the medium of radio provides reliable and accurate information to populations under the threat of natural disasters.

The KAOI Radio Group on Maui consists of six legacy Maui County stations, four FMs – KAOI-FM, KDLX-FM, KNUQ-FM, KHEI-FM, and two AM stations, Maui’s only news/talk station KAOI-AM, and Hawaiian music KEWE-AM. The group has translators further solidifying its coverage all of Maui County.  The group is locally owned by Visionary Related Entertainment, based on Maui since 1988.

Coverage of the fires began when the first alert was issued for the Lahaina fire and later confirmed as “contained” only to have it restart later. Local coverage of the “up country” fire in the Kula area continued non-stop with intensive service to Lahaina as soon as the fire was confirmed as having restarted. The stations relied on coverage by AM station morning newsman Jack Gist, afternoon and evening host Garry Forsberg, and group president/GM/owner John Detz. Live reports around the Island were supplied by local talk show hosts including head of the Maui Chamber of CommerceMaui Humane Society, local attorney David Cain, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, and many others. All stations have remained on the air 24/7 reporting breaking news and community resource information.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison obtained an exclusive interview with group owner John Detz conducted yesterday (Sunday 8/20). Listen to their conversation here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Embrace “Car Radio”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imAs this week’s first Republican presidential debate looms, my FOX News Radio-affiliated client stations are irked. Thanks to their network, they’re carrying it live, and locally sponsored, and promo-ing it aplenty. A couple of my clients will travel to Milwaukee to wrap pre- and post-game color around the play-by-play. So, yuh, they’re irked.

Listen somewhere else

 FOX News Radio newscasts invite listeners to hear the debate live, at FoxNewsRadio.com. Hello?

I talked one client down-off-the-ledge, by reminding him that anyone who wants to watch the debate, and can, will. And that anyone who’s driving cannot and won’t likely drive distractedly-enough to somehow stream it from a website in-car.

For decades, I’ve scripted promos for events like this, and the Super Bowl and World Series, by offering that “if you’ll be in the car tonight,” and/or “if you can’t be near TV,” and/or “if you’ll be at work,” we’ve got it on radio.

Hey, if I was FOX News Radio, I’d do the same thing. But when one client called to complain and asked “could you at least add ‘…and many of these FOX News Radio stations?’” he was told they’d run-it-up-the-flagpole.

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It could be worse. You’re not a TV station.

THEY should be livid, as NBC uses affiliates’ air to say watch Peacock. Channel-surf, and you will be lured to Paramount+ or Discovery+ or Disney+.

And this didn’t happen overnight, as I demonstrated several years ago in a TV report about the TV switch-pitch (https://youtu.be/2o3CpTz66JY).

So, embrace radio’s preeminence in-car, and not just when plugging special coverage. Program and promote everything as though you’re talking to busy people behind the wheel. Nobody sitting stiller will feel rushed.

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 Views

Pending Business: TV Knows Best

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imBulletin: “Linear TV” is no longer the winner.

Linear TV is tech talk for combining over the air and cable TV, and according to Nielsen, July 2023 was the first-time streaming TV was the winner, as streaming captured most TV viewing.

From Netflix to YouTube, we are watching more content on streaming channels than linear TV. You have read about the resurgence in “Suits,” the legal drama that originally aired 2011-2019 and is now drawing 18 billion minutes of viewing on Netflix. Whether those 18 billion minutes are part Meghan Markle curiosity or part writers’ strike, does not matter. Those 18 billion minutes of viewing helped drive streaming viewership to an all-time high. Maybe streaming grabbed a page from that old radio handbook that starts with “Content is King.”

But the companies controlling the streaming ad-free experience on Netflix, Disney, Hulu, etc. seized the opportunity and raised rates. Soon, it will cost you more every month to watch your favorite content ad-free.

Wait a minute! Did I just say the ad-free experience as in commercial free or no interruptions? Did the streaming guys just take another page from the well-worn radio programming handbook and turn the commercial-free model upside down to increase income? Streaming channels will deliver commercial free programming and charge you anywhere from $13.99- $21.99 a month as the fees double and triple depending on when you started your subscription.

How about our friends at Amazon Prime jumping on “Thursday Night Football,” or Apple and Peacock pushing baseball? Do not forget the YouTube NFL packages starting at $250. No, this is not a veiled plug for paid programming, nor is it a critique of the value propositions offered in the streaming world. Time for a long look in the mirror:

— The commercial-free experience began when radio programmers dropped the commercials, programmed longer, commercial-free segments to drive listenership and ratings up. In the short term it worked. My hand is in the air, guilty as charged. Maybe I was one of the lone radio management voices who asked, “Then what, run the spots and drive the audience away? Are we sending the wrong message?” We were dumb. After commercial free came rates, packages, and promotions. None of us said, “Raise the rates when the commercial-free stops!” The streaming guys got it right – just raise the rates.

— There is no older radio programming mantra than “Content is King.” You can name the iconic talents with one word, Howard, Rush, Imus, yet major radio organizations struggle as they search for great, soon-to-be iconic talent. It is faster, easier, and more lucrative to become a Tik-Tok, YouTube, or Instagram star.

These are all just examples of how radio was first in and stopped innovating. There is some good news on the horizon. Facebook is stepping back from the news business as news organizations ban together and ask for compensation. This could be the first chink in Facebook’s 113-billion-dollar ad armor. Maybe not. Either way, the old school top-of-the-hour newscast, or large market all-news radio should be re-imagined, opening the door to the next generation of innovators.

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 News

Erick Erickson’s Gathering Draws Almost 1,000 to Atlanta

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WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta-based, nationally syndicated talk radio host Erick Erickson presented “The Erick Erickson Show Gathering” in Atlanta last Thursday through Saturday (8/17-19) that drew almost 1,000 of Erickson’s listeners from his markets across the country. During the event, Erickson conducted 16 hours of interviews with GOP presidential candidates including Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tim Scott, and Senators Tom Cotton (AR) and Joni Ernst (IA) plus Congressman Rich McCormick (GA); and Governors Brian Kemp (GA) and Glenn Youngkin (VA). Press from six countries covered the event and more than 90 local television and radio markets ran stories about the event. Erickson says, “Bringing my audience from across America together to be up close with presidential contenders and conservative leaders is something no one else does. This was my tenth time since starting my show on WSB. Since going into syndication with Compass Media earlier this year, it just made sense to expand the footprint of the Gathering to all my listeners and online readers nationwide. We kept the ticket price very low and relied on sponsors because we didn’t want to burden the audience. The conference isn’t intended to be a profit center. It’s to build lasting relationships with affiliates, listeners, and readers.” Pictured above is Erickson (left) interviewing Governor Youngkin (center) and Governor Kemp (right).

Industry News

Kim Komando’s Digital Life Hack Joins WTOP, Washington

Radio host and tech expert Kim Komando’s daily feature “Digital Life Hack” is joining the programming at Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM Washington, DC. WestStar TalkRadio Nework says, “With thisim exclusive offering, Kim Komando shares insider secrets to empower listeners to unlock the full potential of their digital lives, catering to a diverse audience across music and spoken word radio formats. Today, technology is infused into every aspect of our lives. Kim Komando’s daily programs transcend barriers, enhancing the lives of listeners from all backgrounds” Komando adds, “I’m thrilled to join forces with the industry leader, WTOP, to bring invaluable tech insights to their discerning audience.”

Industry News

WABC’s Curtis Sliwa Arrested Again Over Migrant Camps Protest

Guardian Angels founder and WABC, New York host Curtis Sliwa was arrested yesterday (8/20) for blockingim the street along with other protestors in front of the Midland Beach Migrant Shelter on Staten Island. According to a report by Greg Wehner at FOX News, Sliwa was protesting the at the former Midland Beach Senior Citizen Home. It was the second time in a week that Sliwa was arrested. On Wednesday of last week (8/16) he and others protested in front of the Creedmoor Hospital Grounds where a tent shelter for migrants has been built. Read the FOX News piece here.

Industry News

ESPN Radio Unveils New Daily Lineup

After numerous media reports about the new daily lineup at the ESPN Radio network, the company issues a press release announcing the programming schedule that will take effect on September 5. As reported earlier, the new morning show will be hosted by Chris Canty, Evan Cohen, and Michelle Smallmon (the name of theim show will come soon), Mike Greenberg’s “Greeny” show remains in the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon ET slot. Chris Carlin and Joe Fortenbaugh host the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET show (again, the name will come later), Freddie Coleman and Harry Douglas host the 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET “Freddie & Harry” show, followed by Amber Wilson and Ian Fitzsimmons hosting the “Amber & Ian” show from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET.

Industry News

Radio’s Pinfield and Holiday Talk on “Sound, Sobriety and Success”

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Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks announces that KROQ, Los Angeles personality Megan Holiday joins rock journalist Matt Pinfield on the latest episode of the “Sound, Sobriety & Success” podcast. In the new episode, Holiday discusses her journey from her hometown of Rancho Cucamonga, California to becoming a personality at KROQ. She also shares the stories along the way of her recovery from addiction to drugs. Pictured above are (from l-r): Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks’ Darren Silva, Holiday, Pinfield, and Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks’ Dave “Chachi” Denes.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the 2024 presidential race; the Hunter Biden special counsel investigation; tropical storm Hilary heads toward Southern California; the aftermath of the Maui wildfires; China’s negative economic news and U.S.-China relations; the Russian lunar mission crash; and the uptick in COVID cases were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Eric Baker Named Director of Sales for Audacy Atlanta

Radio sales pro Eric Baker joins Audacy as director of sales for the company’s Atlanta station group that includes sports talk WZGZ-FM “92.9 The Game,” urban talk WAOK-AM and two music brands. Baker most recently served as general sales manager for Urban One in Dallas. Audacy Atlanta SVP and market managerim Rick Caffey says, “We are thrilled to welcome Eric Baker to the Audacy Atlanta team as our new director of sales. With his extensive background in sales management, we are confident that Eric’s expertise will drive our market growth to new heights. His strategic vision and proven leadership will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success in delivering top-tier content and engagement to our valued listeners and partners.” Baker says, “It’s with great enthusiasm that I embark on this new journey as the director of sales at Audacy Atlanta. I’m thrilled to collaborate with industry veterans like Rick Caffey, Doug Abernethy, and Reggie Rouse, whose expertise I greatly respect. My 16 years at Radio One have been invaluable, and I can’t wait to bring that experience to the dynamic team at Audacy Atlanta, working together to deliver results and achieve remarkable success for our clients while continuing to positively impact the Atlanta community!”

Industry News

ViceTV’s Dark Side of the 2000s Looks at “Shock Jock” Wars

The ViceTV series “Dark Side of the 2000s” delves into the rivalry between radio personalities Howard Stern, Erich “Mancow” Muller and Opie & Anthony in episodes 5 and 6 titled, “Shock Jocks Part 1: The Rise” andim “Shock Jocks Part 2: The Fall.” Through interviews with major players in the radio and entertainment industries, including TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison, the story of the growth of male-targeted “FM talk” along with the vicious battles that took place between the major players is told. ViceTV is on a number of on-demand services. The episodes are also behind a paywall at vicetv.com.

Industry News

Georgia Expert and Heavy Hundred Host Martha Zoller Available as Guest to Share Ground Level Insight to Trump Indictment

TALKERS magazine’s recipient of the 2023 Woman of the Year award, Martha Zoller, is making herself available to her talk radio colleagues to serve as a “go to” on-air resource to illuminate the historic indictment of former President Donald Trump and 18 of his associates on the charge of election tampering in the state of Georgia. Zoller is heard daily on the North Georgia radio powerhouse WDUN-AM/FM based in Gainesville. She is a former Republican candidate for Congress in Georgia’s 9th district and made it to a runoff. After graduatingim in 1979 from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism from the prestigious Grady School of Journalism, she worked in the corporate world and met a payroll. She is a wife, mother and a grandmother. She’s stayed at home and juggled children and working priorities. She says there is no glass ceiling and women can have it all, just not at the same time. A life-long learner, she completed her MA in Political Science in 2021 at the University of Georgia’s School of Politics and International Affairs. Her thesis was on women’s electoral success in the GOP. During her formidable broadcasting career in the Peach State, she has pivoted between holding positions on key talk stations and performing stints in politics and the public sector. These include being state director of field offices for Governor Brian Kemp. She’s also worked for Senator David Perdue in senior staff positions. In addition to her daily duties at WDUN, Zoller serves on the Georgia State Board of Education. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “Martha Zoller is a perfect ‘go-to’ guest to discuss the Georgia Trump indictment. She’s an independent Republican and moderate conservative without an ax to grind. I have always found her to be an extremely credible source for political discussion of the hot issues – now with the Trump Georgia story boiling on the front burner, she is a talk show treasure for her industry colleagues.” To arrange an interview or set up a connection with Martha Zoller, contact Victoria Jones at DC Radio Company at 917-865-3991 or victoria@dcradiocompany.com.

Industry News

Outkick Reports Year-Over-Year Growth

Digital sports platform OutKick says that it delivered over 6 million total multiplatform unique visitors for July 2023, and that’s the highest year-over-year growth among its custom competitive set, up 119% versus Julyim 2022, according to data from Comscore. The platform also saw 24 million total multiplatform views and 27 million total multiplatform minutes. OutKick founder Clay Travis – co-host of the Premiere Networks syndicated talk show “Clay Travis and Buck Sexton” – says, “It’s always great to see OutKick’s strong growth every month. We continue to distribute engaging content on topics that reach beyond sports and add talent to our roster that embrace common sense reporting.”

Industry News

Michelle Beadle and Cody Decker Partner for SiriusXM Sports Show

SiriusXM announces the launch of a new daily show on the Mad Dog Sports Radio channel starring former ESPN personality Michelle Beadle and former MLB player Cody Decker airing live from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pmim ET. SiriusXM vice president of sports programming Eric Spitz says, “Michelle and Cody bring a tremendous level of energy and passion to the mic, which our listeners will love. ‘Beadle & Decker’ is an outstanding addition to Mad Dog Sports Radio and their strong personalities and opinions will help us continue to deliver the best all-sports talk channel to listeners across the country.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of August 14-18

The latest indictment of former President Donald Trump and his legal battles combined as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the 2024 presidential race, followed by the special counsel investigation of Hunter Biden 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

Mescon to Lead Programming at WGOW-AM/FM, Chattanooga

Cumulus Media announces that Jed Mescon is named program pirector and on-air host for news/talk WGOW-AM/FM, Chattanooga. Mescon will debut as morning drive host on Monday (8/21). Cumulus says, “Mescon brings 28 years of morning programming experience on local television to WGOW, and most recently worked inim marketing and community engagement for Chattanooga’s Erlanger Health System, TVFCU, and the Skyuka Hall School. A beloved media personality, Mescon’s signature style, boundless energy, and passion for the community have made him a household name throughout the Chattanooga region.” Cumulus Chattanooga VP and market manager John Lewis states, “We are thrilled to welcome Jed to WGOW and our Cumulus Chattanooga team. Jed has amassed an impressive career in media and his unique perspective, connection to the community, and skillset will undoubtedly take WGOW to the next level.” Mescon comments, “I spent 28 years waking up at 2:45 am to bring the news to Chattanooga. This brings me back to my roots, doing both news and co-hosting mornings from 6-10am on WGOW Talk Radio 102.3.”

Industry News

Programming Pro Chuck Tyler Downsized by Salem Los Angeles

Longtime Salem Media Group programmer Chuck Tyler has fallen victim to budget cuts at the company andim exits his role as director of programming for the Los Angeles operations that includes news/talk KRLA AM 870 “The Answer,” Christian talk KKLA-FM, and Christian contemporary KFSH-FM. Tyler tells TALKERS magazine he’s ready to apply his 20-plus years of director of programming and on-air experience in Los Angeles to his next successful situation. You can contact him at: chucktyler2020@yahoo.com

Industry News

Donal Ware Celebrates 18 Years of “BOXTOROW”

Sports talk personality Donal Ware is celebrating the 18th anniversary of his nationally syndicated program “BOXTOROW” that first aired on August 20, 2005 on a radio station in its home base of Raleigh, and stations inim Baltimore, Birmingham, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem. The show airs on SiriusXM’s College Sports channel in addition to radio stations in 12 of the top 50 markets across the country including Washington, Tampa, Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Austin, Kansas City, Raleigh, Nashville, Norfolk, Jacksonville, and New Orleans. Guests on the program over the years have included Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Simone Biles, Jerry Rice, Snoop Dogg, Michael B. Jordan, and more.

Industry News

Triton Digital Releases July Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital is releasing the July 2023 U.S. Podcast Report that ranks podcasts based on weekly average downloads for participating publishers. NPR’s “NPR News Now” remains in the #1 position, with audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” taking over the #2 spot from NBCUniversal News Group’s “Dateline NBC,” now at #3. Radioim related podcasts in the top 25 include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” at #7, Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” at #21, and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Mark Levin Show” at #22. Triton notes that Cumulus experienced data collection issues with the Daily Wire shows (such as “The Ben Shapiro Show” which ranked #3 in the June report) during this period. See the complete July ranker here.

Industry News

Starnes Media Group Offers Reporting from GOP Debate

Starnes Media Group – owner and operator of news/talk KWAM, Memphis – is dispatching news anchor Benim Deeter to Milwaukee to cover the first GOP presidential debate next Wednesday (8/23). SMG is making Deeter available to radio stations for live hits via a Comrex at no charge. Interested stations should reach out to SMG via email at: grace@kwamradio.com.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Religious broadcaster Hope Media Group names Tate Luck director of audio streaming. Luck as been a programming consultant and talent coach with his Jacksonville-based Tate Luck Media since 2015. Hope Media Group chief of innovation Shawn Farrington says, “I’ve worked with Tate for the past four years. His ear for texture and strength as a talent coach has helped NGEN Radio grow as an all-digital brand. Tate is among the best imaging producers in our industry. I’m looking forward to working with Tate to innovate on the digital streaming formats to create even more (future) experiences of God’s transforming love.”

The Society of Broadcast Engineers – the association for broadcast and multimedia technology professionals – elects Ted D. Hand its president. Hand says, “I look forward to working with the officers, board and SBE membership to further the goals of the Society, including the SBE education and mentoring efforts, which are important to me. I also want to keep the SBE on the forefront of RF spectrum protection.”

FOX Sports Radio’s “The Doug Gottlieb Show” hit the road bringin fans live, on-location coverage from the network’s annual NFL Training Camp Tour in which he got an insider’s look at the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, including interviews with players, coaches and franchise executives.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/16) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The latest indictment of former President Donald Trump; the 2024 presidential race and next week’s GOP debate in Milwaukee; the aftermath of the deadly wildfires in Maui; the Hunter Biden special counsel investigation; the Florida Black history teaching controversy; Russia’s blocking of the shipping corridors in the Black Sea; the Canadian wildfires; and the uptick in COVID cases were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Barr Named Digital Media Director for CMG Orlando

Cox Media Group announces that Kaylee Barr returns to the company as digital media director for the Orlando operations that includes news/talk WDBO-AM/FM plus WFTV-TV and five music radio brands. Barr first servedim with CMG in 2016 as a developmental marketing intern. She served on the community affairs department at WFTV-TV and as a digital campaign specialist and digital sales specialist for CMG Orlando. Director of sales Ashley Williams says, “I couldn’t be more excited about Kaylee returning to our team. Her digital acumen and experience will increase the value and results we deliver for our clients. Additionally, she’s a servant leader who cares deeply, making her the perfect fit for our team.”

Industry News

McIntyre Appears on Frank Morano’s WABC Show

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Former longtime late-night radio personality Doug McIntyre – along with his wife, actress and poet Penny Peyser – appeared live on Frank Morano’s “The Other Side of Midnight” show on WABC, New York on Tuesday (8/15). McIntyre, who launched the original version of the nationally syndicated overnight “Red Eye Radio” program, is in New York promoting his new novel Frank’s Shadow (Greenleaf Book Group Press, 2023). Today (8/16), Morano will moderate a Q&A with McIntyre at his appearance at Barnes & Noble on Long Island (Carle Place). Pictured above are (from l-r): Peyser, Morano, McIntyre.