TALKERS magazine – Page 122 – The Bible of Talk Radio and the New Talk Media

Industry Speculation About Soros’ Plans for Audacy News and Talk Outlets Intensifies

By TALKERS | October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by TALKERS

Audacy, Inc. announced yesterday (9/30) that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring, implementing a fully consensual, deleveraging transaction that equitized approximately $1.6 billion of funded debt, a reduction of 80% from approximately $1.9 billion to $350 million. Sources at the radio giant – owner of more than 220 local stations including major all-news, news/talk, and sports talk outlets – say the company emerges as a “healthy, scaled, multi-platform leader in the dynamic audio sector, with total net leverage of approximately 2.7x, differentiated by its #1 position in exclusive, premium audio content.” Audacy will continue to be led by David J. Field, its current president and CEO, and its existing management team. Field will also serve on the company’s new board of directors. Field states, “We are pleased to have successfully achieved all of our restructuring goals, emerging with an outstanding balance sheet, delivering industry-leading growth, serving our listeners and advertisers with excellence and honoring our commitments to employees and partners,” adding, “Today, Audacy embarks on our next chapter, capitalizing on our position as a scaled, multi-platform audio leader, differentiated by our exclusive, premium audio content, including our unrivaled leadership in sports audio, powered by our industry-leading financial strength and focused on accelerating our innovation and digital transformation. We are maximizing a broad set of opportunities to further accelerate our growth for the benefit of Audacy and all its stakeholders.” In conjunction with the completion of its restructuring, Audacy is expected to become a private company. Audacy’s restructuring comes after the FCC’s commissioners gave a thumbs up on the assignment of licenses held by the radio giant to a new, post-bankruptcy version of the company on September 18, allowing the radio giant to bypass the commission’s review, at least temporarily. According to reliable reports, the Soros Fund Management, led by billionaire investor and powerful supporter of liberal causes, George Soros, acquired over $400 million of the radio company’s debt, making it the largest contributor among a group of lenders looking to exchange loans for stock. Concern grows in the radio industry and related political circles, including some Members of Congress, that the influence of Soros’ political leanings might be felt in the programming of Audacy’s all news stations and predominantly conservative news/talk outlets.

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WABC Morning Host Sid Rosenberg to Make Second Trip to Israel for Week-Long Live Broadcasts on Anniversary of October 7

By TALKERS | October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by TALKERS

Sid Rosenberg, host of “Sid & Friends In the Morning” on WABC, New York, is making his second trip to Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, for a series of live broadcasts, Monday, October 7 through Thursday, October 10, 2024, including from near the Gaza border. Rosenberg, who is active in the New York Jewish community and has streaming listeners in Israel, made his first trip in January, just a few months after the attack.

“I was so moved by the brutal Hamas attack on Israel, I just had to go,” explained Rosenberg. “I went to [station owner/CEO} John Catsimatidis and [station president] Chad Lopez and said, ‘I have to be there… we have to be there,’ and they said yes! I am so grateful for their support for this monumental trip and broadcasts to honor and remember those who lost their lives and those who are being held hostage.” John Catsimatidis tells TALKERS, “When Sid came to us, we didn’t hesitate,” adding, “Sid is passionate about the attacks on Israel, and, make no mistake, he is putting himself in danger to bring the truth of what’s going on in the Middle East to our listeners.” Chad Lopez tells TALKERS, “WABC was the only New York radio station to broadcast from Israel following the October 7 attack, and we felt it was just as important to return for the anniversary,” adding, “As a broadcaster, it is our responsibility to deliver global news to our listeners, whether they are in New York, other states, or tuning in from around the world via the internet or our app. We are proud to support Sid on this important trip.”

Cumulus Fresno’s NewsTalk 580/105.9 KMJ Partners With Gar Bennett to Raise a Record-Breaking $493,000 for the Central California Food Bank in 11th Annual Feeding Families Fund Drive

By TALKERS | October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by TALKERS

NewsTalk 580/105.9 KMJ in Fresno, CA, joined forces with local agriculture company Gar Bennett to raise funds for the Central California Food Bank through the 11th Annual Feeding Families Fund Drive (9/20). KMJ listeners responded to the one-day broadcast with generous donations to help their less fortunate neighbors, raising over $200,000 in a single day. Gar Bennett matched every donation with 50 cents on the dollar, for a grand total of $493,000 going to the Central California Food Bank. Co-sponsor Farm Credit also pitched in with a large donation to the cause. The annual one-day event has raised more than $4.5 million for the Central California Food Bank, providing 20 million meals in 11 years. This year’s record-breaking fundraising effort will feed over two million people who struggle with hunger in the Central Valley. Pictured above (l-r): KMJ’s Ray Appleton; Kym Dildyne, CEO, Central California Food Bank, and KMJ’s Liz Kern.

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by TALKERS

Beasley Hits Pause: Extends the “Note” Worthy Exchange Deadline. Beasley Broadcast Group Inc. has extended the deadlines for its exchange offer, tender offer, and new notes offering to October 4, 2024, at 5:00 pm ET , with the settlement date moved to October 8, 2024. This extension follows a request from key holders of the company’s existing 8.625% Senior Secured Notes due in 2026 to adjust their participation in the offers. As of yesterday (9/30), about 93% of the outstanding notes were submitted for exchange or tender. The offers are detailed in the Exchange Offer Memorandum and its supplements, available to existing note-holders. The company emphasizes that this announcement does not constitute an offer to buy or sell any securities, and only eligible institutional buyers can participate. The extension aims to finalize changes to existing holders’ participation without altering the total number of notes tendered or exchanged.

John Catsimatidis is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. WABC, New York owner/CEO John Catsimatidis is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” The fascinating conversation between the two seasoned media dynamos was repurposed for the audio-only platform from its original configuration as a video presentation on the TALKERSMEDIA YouTube channel. Harrison and Catsimatidis talk about a wide array of issues – past present and future – touching upon radio, media, real estate, sports, energy, and inflation. Don’t miss this! To listen to the podcast, click here. To watch the video version, click here.

EXCLUSIVE DEBUT: Richard Neer’s New Radio Short Story, “Invisible Airwaves”

By TALKERS | October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by TALKERS

Invisible Airwaves

Legendary WFAN, New York personality Richard Neer, an accomplished author as well as a radio broadcasting pioneer in both the album rock and sports-talk genres, has written a fascinating short story that takes place in a contemporary radio setting. TALKERS is proud to publish its world debut today (9/30) marking the first time in its 34-year history that the trade journal is presenting a work of literary fiction based on the media. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Our talk media industry readers will find this short story relatable, dramatic and compelling.”

Kelly Sterling, a lifestyle reporter for The Washington Post, sets out to find Greg Campbell, a once-prominent DC radio talk show host who vanished from the airwaves more than two decades ago. His search leads him to a small town in rural Virginia, where Campbell broadcasts from a tiny station with little reach. Now in his nineties, Campbell continues to deliver thoughtful, reasoned commentaries, offering a rare voice of moderation in an increasingly polarized media landscape. Sterling meets Campbell and his daughter, Grace, who cares for him and supports his passion for broadcasting. Despite the station’s humble setting, Campbell’s love for radio and dedication to the principles of journalism shine through as he prepares for each broadcast. As Sterling digs deeper, he discovers there’s more to the story of Campbell’s life and career than he initially expected, revealing layers of resilience, purpose, and the enduring impact of one man’s voice.

To read the story in its entirety, please click here.

Yesterday’s (9/30) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | October 1, 2024October 2, 2024 by TALKERS

The escalation of violence in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the danger of it leading to World War III was again the most talked about story. The presidential race, various polls, and anticipation for the VP debate; the Russia-Ukraine war; the economy; the migrant crisis, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (9/24), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

CNN: Local Broadcasters Become Lifeline for Hard-hit North Carolina Communities in Wake of Helene’s Wrath

By TALKERS | September 30, 2024September 30, 2024 by TALKERS

An article by reporter Brian Stelter published by CNN today provides an in-depth look at local radio’s rising to the need of providing listeners in western North Carolina with lifeline information in the wake of watery devastation inflicted upon the region by Hurricane Helene. One caller was trying to find her brother. Another was asking about evacuation routes. A third was wondering if another tropical storm was on the way. And many callers expressed the same sentiment: “I’m just so proud of my neighbors.” All of the calls were broadcast live Sunday (9/29) across western North Carolina on a patchwork of local radio stations as the region struggled to recover from Helene’s unrelenting floodwaters. The calls and emails to News Radio 570 WWNC, an AM station owned by iHeartMedia, reflected the still unfolding crisis as the waters recede. A listener named Paul called into the switchboard on Sunday to ask if a nearby dam was failing. “People are freaking out right now,” Paul said, citing recent reports of concerns about the structural integrity of other dams. The radio hosts reassured Paul and the listening public that the dam rumors were “misinformation.” As communications across the region remained severed for many, the voices on the radio became a lifeline for locals in dire need of reliable information; sharing updates on road closures; opening the phone lines to anyone with working wireless or landline phones; and reassuring listeners that help is on the way from government organizations and volunteer groups. WWNC, the oldest station broadcasting in western North Carolina, and six other stations owned by iHeart came together to simulcast their coverage of the weather emergency, host Mark Starling told CNN during his marathon live broadcast. He signed off Sunday at 11:00 pm and started again Monday at 6:00 in the morning. “Please,” he said to listeners shortly after sunrise, “please take care of yourselves. If you need help, ask for it.” Then he repeated the station’s phone numbers again. To read the entire CNN article, please click here.

Monday Memo: Advertisers, Explaining

By TALKERS | September 30, 2024September 30, 2024 by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

As listener attention and advertising dollars continue to go-digital, stations now sell more than spots, to monetize advertiser demand that will otherwise be satisfied by other vendors. With you or without you, local retailers need/want to be seen.

Many local businesses are already on YouTube. And whether their video is polished or embarrassingly amateurish, they crave traffic. Stacks of research demonstrate that NO other companion medium drives online traffic better than radio. We train station reps to ask prospects with online assets: “Unless we tell our listeners, how will they know it’s there?” And if your station web site is content-rich and properly promoted, your traffic runs rings around theirs.

Low-hanging fruit: Local service retailers, explaining. Example: A bicycle shop demonstrates how to change a flat tire. Doing so identifies the business as helpful and helps sell spare tires and patch kits. One video I saw so thoroughly explained the process that it left me thinking I’d let them do it! 😉

How-to-do-something videos are among YouTube’s most-watched. Second-only to entertaining videos. Tips, based on what’s up at stations I work with, and sources cited:

• Keep ‘em short, based on viewing data which demonstrates that people stop watching after two minutes, if they watch that long (the first five seconds is critical). And so, you can sell the advertiser a series of videos.

• From YouTube Marketing by QuickStudy.com: Create videos that solve [the advertiser’s] customers’ problems. Each video should address one concern, narrowly focused on one problem end users face and how to overcome it. Doing a series invites viewers back to see that series of episodes.

• Depict advertisers demonstrating their expertise, so consumers are confident that your client is the right choice; and to personalize the business.

• Use keywords that the viewers you want would likely search, in your self-explanatory title (“How to change a flat bicycle tire”) and in the video’s Description and Tags.

• Early in your YouTube Description copy, include a link to more information, i.e., “Step-by-step instructions: example.com/flat.pdf”

• Research from Kinetic: More than half of viewers watch without sound. So, consider how you can get your message across without it.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | September 30, 2024September 30, 2024 by TALKERS

FCC Approves Audacy’s Post-Bankruptcy Vote In Split Vote. According to a report this morning (9/30) by Adam Jacobson in Radio+Television Business Report, the FCC, as expected, has approved of Audacy Inc.’s plan to emerge from debtor-in-possession status – a move that makes Soros Fund Management the controlling interest holder in the audio content creation and distribution company founded by the Field family. While the release of the Commission’s Memorandum Opinion and Order came early Monday, it was adopted in a divisive 3-2 vote on September 18, with Republicans Brendan Carr and Nate Simington vociferously disapproving the deal over Soros’ ties to liberal and Democratic causes. Timing of the Memorandum Opinion and Order’s release comes as Audacy’s Debtor-in-Possession Forbearance Agreement was scheduled to expire today, after an extension granted by Houston-based U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in mid-August. Lopez approved all of the necessary paperwork to allow Audacy Inc. to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 20.

Dave Krieger Joins Forces with LibertyNewsRadio.com. Award-winning investigative journalist, author, reporter, and radio commentator Dave Krieger has joined Sam Bushman and the broadcast team on LibertyNewsRadio.com, as well as streaming live on the Galaxy 19 Satellite network GlobalStar with The Krieger Files. The show airs from 8:00 am to 9:00 am CT Monday through Friday on both LibertyNewsRadio.com and on Galaxy 19 and then re-broadcasts at 11:00 am CT on Galaxy 19 and re-broadcasts again at 5:00 pm CT on Krieger’s new internet broadcast network, Squirrel Radio (sqrradio.com), without news breaks. The Squirrel also carries Truth Seekers, Liberty Round Table and The Big Mig’s radio re-broadcasts. Krieger’s focus centers around what affects government behaviors have on the nation’s economy, legal system, and Constitutional rights. Krieger is available for syndication, commentary, and interviews at: TheKriegerFiles.com.

SummitMedia Names Mike Hogan to Lead Omaha Market. SummitMedia, LLC has announced Mike Hogan as the new president and GM to oversee operations in the Omaha, Nebraska cluster. Hogan brings more than 25 years’ experience in management, sales, and marketing which, according to the company, positions him to achieve results for Summit’s Omaha team and regional clients. Most recently, he oversaw clusters in Sioux City, Iowa, and Ogallala, Nebraska. He served there for more than a decade, developing key partnerships with clients, growing revenue, building relationships within the business community, and executing plans to drive sales growth. “We’re excited to have an executive of Mike’s caliber running our Omaha cluster,” said Summit chairman and CEO Carl Parmer. He brings incredible experience, expertise, and leadership to our team.”

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (9/28-29)

By TALKERS | September 30, 2024September 30, 2024 by TALKERS

The escalating violence in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict including the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the devastation of Hurricane Helene, the presidential race, the economy, the migrant crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war were the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

FOX Weather Reporter Saves Drowning Hurricane Helene Victim Live on Air

By TALKERS | September 27, 2024 by TALKERS

FOX Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen cut away from his live shot this morning (9/27) in Atlanta on “FOX & Friends” to help a woman who was screaming from her car after it was submerged in water from the flooding from Hurricane Helene. After hearing her scream, he called 911, but before they arrived Van Dillen took matters into his own hands, pulling the woman out of her car and bringing her to safety. Bob Van Dillen joined “FOX & Friends” afterwards to discuss. Please click the links below to see clips to the segments:

https://video.snapstream.net/Play/2F71koaLAeR2F8AZtU8hJS?accessToken=dzw2pfpwyjv7x

https://video.snapstream.net/Play/9EbwYjddfnWumst1QRoETY?accessToken=cw6121agi38n2

https://video.snapstream.net/Play/8rli72d1ibJpAPwiSR9e4Y?accessToken=dxanlzpzgnqgd

Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Video Podcast

By TALKERS | September 27, 2024September 27, 2024 by TALKERS

What topics beyond politics work well on news/talk radio? How is YouTube becoming an amazingly fertile platform for the next wave of talk media and commentary open to all sides, subjects, and viewpoints? What the heck is Screenis Envy? What’s life really like in the great state of Texas? What made the Righteous Brothers such a remarkable recording act? Does an in-studio camera take away from the “theater of the mind” aspect of modern radio? What is authentic versus inauthentic in the emerging world of video talk media? These questions and more are tackled in a fascinating non-stop-rat-tat-tat conversation between two titans of talk… TALKERS publisher and radio pioneer Michael Harrison and top 10 Heavy Hundred syndicated talk media star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo. It all unfolds on the new TALKERSMEDIA edition of Up Close Far Out. Don’t miss this! To view the entire conversation, please click here.

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | September 27, 2024September 27, 2024 by TALKERS

Steve Jones and Mike McVay Guest on New Episodes of Benztown Podcast. Benztown, a global leader in radio imaging, voiceovers, programming, podcasting, and jingles, has released two new episodes of “Chachi Loves Everybody,” an original podcast series hosted by its president Dave “Chachi” Denes. The episodes feature Chachi’s special guests Steve Jones, president and CEO, Skyview Networks, and Mike McVay, president, McVay Media Consulting. Jones and McVay will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12^th at Gotham Hall in New York City. To listen to the new “Chachi Loves Everybody” podcast episodes, please click here.

PodcastOne Debuts “Beat It Out” Podcast from Adam Carolla with Co-Host Jay Mohr Exclusively on Adam Carolla Show Substack. PodcastOne, a leading podcast platform and a subsidiary of LiveOne, announces the launch of “Beat It Out,” a podcast from Podcasting Hall of Fame member Adam Carolla exclusively on the Adam Carolla Show Substack featuring Season One co-host, comedian Jay Mohr. The addition of “Beat It Out” to the network’s roster of podcast programming further strengthens the 15 years long relationship between PodcastOne and Carolla who has been with the network since its inception in 2009. Paid subscribers to the Adam Carolla Substack will have full access to “Beat It Out,” as well as ad free and video content for all new episodes of “The Adam Carolla Show,” “Adam and Drew,” and “Carolla Classics.” Additionally, subscribers will receive an exclusive newsletter, access to archival content and be the first to experience planned live recording sessions and live chats. “Beat It Out” marks a podcasting return for Mohr who previously hosted the long running and fan favorite podcast “Mohr Stories” and “Mohr Sports” from Los Angeles through his Fake Mustache Studios. PodcastOne president Kit Gray tells TALKERS, “Podcasting remains the most exciting and fastest growing medium in entertainment, and we’re always thrilled when we can exhibit content in new ways and across new channels reaching fans like never before. Our use of Substack allows PodcastOne and Adam Carolla to uniquely package exclusive content to the most passionate of podcast listeners.” Adam Carolla’s impact on the medium of podcasting is unmatched. Across his numerous podcasts he has received over 700 million downloads to date and is often credited as one of the founding hosts in podcasting.

Vikings and iHeartMedia Sign Seven-Year Broadcast Extension. The Minnesota Vikings and iHeartMedia Minneapolis’s KFAN Sports Radio FM 100.3 and Twin Cities News Talk 1130 have announced a seven-year extension renewing both stations’ broadcast rights of Vikings preseason, regular season, and postseason games. “We are delighted to continue our long-term partnership with the Minnesota Vikings,” says Greg Alexander, market president, iHeart Minneapolis. “Next season will mark our 25th anniversary together. Our relationship has been fantastic over the years, and as we keep collaborating, we will uncover new opportunities to create outstanding experiences for our listeners.”

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of September 23-27

By TALKERS | September 27, 2024September 27, 2024 by TALKERS

The presidential race, polls, and “dirt” constituted the week’s #1 story in the talk media. It was followed by the escalation of Middle East violence at #2. The economy placed #3. #4 was the federal criminal indictment of NYC Mayor Eric Adams. #5 was the migrant crisis and #6 was the Russia-Ukraine war. The Talkers Ten^TM 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. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Hundreds Gather for RI Radio-TV Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

By TALKERS | September 26, 2024September 26, 2024 by TALKERS

More than 320 broadcasters from the vibrant Rhode Island radio and television industries turned out last night (9/25) in celebration of the state’s industry Hall of Fame inductions at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI. Six members of the state’s broadcasting community were inducted including Betty-Jo Cugini of WERI/WRX Radio/WLNE-TV/WJAR-TV; Chris DiPaola of WBLQ-AM Radio (posthumously); Joe Hassett, color commentator Providence College Basketball; Dan Yorke of WPRO-AM Radio/WPRI-TV; Paul Zangari of WEAN-AM Radio/RI PBS/ WPRO-AM Radio; and Sean Daly, WLNE-TV/WPRI-TV. An emotional high-point of the ceremony took place when the late Chris DiPaola was inducted as the inaugural recipient of the Ron St. Pierre Radio Innovator Award – named after the late RI radio legend who passed away earlier this year. The award was accepted by DiPaola’s father and son. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison attended the event, noting, “Last night’s beautiful gathering was a reminder that local radio and television are very much alive and well in Rhode Island. There were laughs, tears, pride, camaraderie, and an abundance of good vibes. It was inspirational!”

For more information, please click here.

Huggies — Hug of Fame. Inductee Dan Yorke, afternoon host at WPRO and longtime TALKERS Heavy Hundred member, and Michael Harrison share an emotional moment.

HC MH JC JM — (L-R): Consultant Holland Cooke, Michael Harrison, WABC commentator Joe Connolly and agent John McConnell.

Gene and Mike — (L) WPRO-AM/FM morning legend and TALKERS Heavy Hundred member Gene Valicenti. (R) Consultant Mike McVay.

Thirty Year Media Personality “Al Levine on the Scene” Joins NCC’s WHPC Radio on Long Island

By TALKERS | September 26, 2024September 26, 2024 by TALKERS

Al Levine, legendary host of “On the Scene,” most recently heard on Long Island’s 106.1 WBLI, and veteran radio broadcaster, has joined the staff of WHPC 90.3 FM, The Voice of Nassau Community College in Garden City. In this position, Levine will have a significant impact on the Nassau Community College community. According to college sources, “By bringing professionalism, experience, and expertise to the table, he will provide significant value to the work that is already heard on the air daily at WHPC. Many students who participate at WHPC move on to successful careers in the media industry, including at radio stations owned by iHeartMedia, Connoisseur Media, Cox Media Group, JVC Media, and others nation-wide. Levine joins the radio station to help catapult their professional experience before they even start their careers, giving them an edge over others who apply for the same positions in the industry.” Shawn Novatt, WHPC’s full-time faculty director tells TALKERS, “I am excited about bringing Al Levine to the WHPC scene,” adding, “Having also worked in commercial radio before coming to NCC, I know first-hand what Al will bring to the station, including his ability to help guide on-air personalities to get the best out of them both on, and off the air. The future of WHPC – and the radio industry – is brighter than ever, and I can’t wait to add to what we do at WHPC with Al at the station.” Levine comments, “I am excited and can’t get wait to get started at WHPC. I’ve had the privilege to help, hire and inspire talent on a professional level, many of whom got their start on air and have gone on to bigger radio markets. I thank Shawn for recognizing my experience which should prove instrumental for this position. Did I mention this is going to be fun?” Pictured above (l-r): Levine with student broadcasters Devin O’ Shea, Josue Bran (seated), and Linda Faulk. Photo by Shawn Novatt.

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | September 26, 2024September 26, 2024 by TALKERS

Kevin Washington Rises to Operations Manager Alpha Media-Dayton. Effective 10/1, Kevin Washington has been named operations manager for Alpha Media’s five Dayton, OH stations (WDHT-FM, WROU-FM, WGTZ-FM, WCLI-FM and sports talk, WING-AM). Washington has 20+ years of experience with Alpha Dayton and most recently held the position of APD/promotions director. Alpha Media’s SVP/market manager Brett Beshore tells TALKERS, “I’m thrilled to be promoting Kevin into this pivotal role with Alpha Dayton. He’s consistently demonstrated strong commitment to the organization’s values and goals, delivering exceptional results with everything he’s undertaken. There’s no one more deserving. He’s the absolute best choice to lead our highly[1]talented team with our heritage brands.” Washington adds, “I’m excited to take on this new role with Alpha Media. We have great stations in the market and greater people inside the building. I’m looking forward to this next chapter.”

Bob Longo to Retire as VP/GM of Cox Media Group TV – Jacksonville. After 35 years of service and leadership in local broadcasting, Bob Longo is retiring as VP/GM of Cox Media Group (CMG) TV – Jacksonville (WJAX-TV and Hoffman Communication’s WFOX-TV), effective Dec. 31. Longo’s career has deep roots in journalism. He started in radio as a reporter, anchor, news director, and talk host before moving to TV as a reporter and anchor, executive producer, and news director. He led newsrooms in Binghamton, Buffalo, Hartford, Pittsburgh, Orlando, and Jacksonville. He joined CMG in 2014 and was promoted to VP/GM in 2017. “Bob has been successful at every stop because he’s a personable and engaged leader with an unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and financial performance,” said Dan York, CMG’s president/CEO. “He’s consistently brought passion to serving his local communities and has been an ardent advocate for the value of local news and investigative journalism. While we’re happy for him, we’re going to miss Bob’s optimism and leadership.”

Yesterday’s (9/25) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | September 26, 2024September 26, 2024 by TALKERS

The escalation of violence in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the danger of it leading to World War III was again the most talked about story. The presidential race and various polls; the Russia-Ukraine war; the federal criminal indictment of NYC Mayor Eric Adams; the Mark Robinson flap; the economy; the migrant issue, and the intensification of hurricane Helene were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (9/24), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Seasoned Radio Journalist Veronica Carter is the New Co-Host of San Diego’s Morning News on KOGO-AM

By TALKERS | September 25, 2024September 25, 2024 by TALKERS

iHeartMedia San Diego’s Newsradio 600 KOGO – San Diego’s news and information station – announced Veronica Carter has joined “San Diego’s Morning News with Ted Garcia,” as a co-host, effective immediately. Broadcasting weekdays 5:00 am to 9:00 am PT, the show delivers what station sources describe as “unmatched news coverage of the critical stories shaping the community.” The program has a reputation for being a trusted news source dedicated to delivering timely and accurate coverage tackling everything from local and national news to business, entertainment headlines plus traffic and weather reports. Known for her warm delivery and engaging storytelling, Carter’s distinguished career includes roles at major news outlets such as WBBM in Chicago and Newsradio KFBK in Sacramento, where she became known for her sharp reporting and ability to connect with audiences. She will report to PD Mary Ayala who tells TALKERS, “I’m thrilled to welcome Veronica to our team,” adding, “Her depth of experience, vibrant enthusiasm and passion for connecting with the people of California make her a great addition to our morning show.” Carter comments, “I’m honored to join such a respected team and excited to connect with our listeners each morning, bringing them the news and stories that matter most.” Carter replaces LaDona Harvey, who announced she was stepping down from the role earlier this month.

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | September 25, 2024September 25, 2024 by TALKERS

Audacy Extends Broadcast Partnership with Penn State Football and Basketball. Audacy and Penn State University have extended their longtime broadcast partnership. As part of the multi-platform partnership, Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, Philadelphia will continue to serve as the flagship home for all Penn State football and men’s basketball play-by-play broadcasts. “Penn State has been a longtime valued partner of Audacy Philadelphia and Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, and we are delighted to continue this long-standing relationship,” David Yadgaroff, SVP/market manager, Audacy Philadelphia, tells TALKERS. “Philadelphia is home to many Penn State sports fans, and we are proud that Talk Radio 1210 WPHT will provide tremendous reach for fans and alums over the air, on their smart speakers, or the free Audacy app.”

FOX News Media to Simulcast CBS’ Vice Presidential Debate. In addition to simulcasting the event, FOX News Media will present live programming surrounding the CBS vice presidential debate between candidates Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday, October 1^st in New York City. Special programming will be available across all of FOX News Media’s key platforms, including FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio and FOX Nation.

iHeartMedia Joins Forces with Radio Ambulante Studios. The podcast publishing arm of iHeartMedia and Radio Ambulante Studios (RAS), a pioneering Spanish-language podcast production company that tells the stories of Latin America and Latino communities around the world, announced a deal that will bring RAS and its full slate of shows to iHeart’s My Cultura Podcast Network. As part of the deal, Radio Ambulante Studios’ flagship, award-winning podcast “Radio Ambulante” along with its groundbreaking weekly news show “El Hilo” and its anthology docuseries “Central” will now be distributed by iHeartPodcasts as part of My Cultura, iHeartMedia’s podcast network dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and stories. Under the new partnership, the two companies will also develop and co-produce a minimum of two new shows over the next two years.

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Yesterday’s (9/24) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | September 25, 2024September 25, 2024 by TALKERS

The escalation of violence in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the danger of it leading to World War III was again the most talked about story. The presidential race, the Mark Robinson flap; the economy including the price of eggs; the Russia-Ukraine war, the migrant issue, and tropical storm Helene were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (9/24), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Newsmax Wins Major Ruling in Smartmatic Case

By TALKERS | September 24, 2024September 24, 2024 by TALKERS

The Superior Court of Delaware ruled yesterday (9/23) that Smartmatic will not be eligible for punitive damages in its defamation case against Newsmax. This is a major ruling in favor of Newsmax.

The Court ruled that since Newsmax had never engaged in express malice – meaning it never intended to harm Smartmatic – the voting company could not claim punitive damages. Yesterday’s ruling means that to recover any damages Smartmatic will have to prove to a jury that Newsmax’s coverage caused Smartmatic actual losses. Sources at Newsmax tell TALKERS, “Newsmax’s reporting did not cause Smartmatic damages and after extensive discovery Smartmatic has offered no evidence of such claimed damages.” According to Newsmax, the multimedia platform covered both sides of the dispute in the aftermath of the 2020 election and that the Smartmatic suit against Newsmax “threatens freedom of speech and freedom of press.”

TALK MEDIA INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE: Trump Bites the Hand that Feeds Him

By TALKERS | September 24, 2024September 24, 2024 by TALKERS

At a rally in Indiana, PA yesterday (9/23) former President Donald Trump, working largely impromptu without a teleprompter, wandered off whatever script he was working with and took a shot at the FOX News Channel that should raise a few eyebrows across the talk media industry regardless of political position. After complaining about FOX’s practice of having some guests or sources on that are not pro-MAGA, which itself is a breach of journalistic boundaries, he stated, “You ever notice on FOX… they put me on… I do a great job… and then they follow me with a horrible commercial? I say what the hell is the good of me doing it. Roger Ailes never allowed bad commercials. What’s the purpose of me doing a nice show and they put nine horrible commercials on which are all lies.”

Premiere Adds Michael DelGiorno to National Lineup

By TALKERS | September 24, 2024September 24, 2024 by TALKERS

Premiere Networks announced today the addition of “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno” to its nationally syndicated radio lineup. Effective October 14, the talk radio program will be available to stations nationwide as a three-hour weekday morning show in the 6:00 am – 9:00 am ET timeslot. Currently heard on 25 affiliates across the U.S., “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno” will continue to originate from iHeartMedia Nashville. The program showcases the veteran talk radio host’s unique brand of morning show built for a talk audience. The program’s stated mission is to create entertaining discussion that goes beyond the latest news and political headlines to include lifestyle, pop culture topics and humor. Its motto is so much information, so little understanding. “I’m honored to join Premiere Networks, the home of Rush Limbaugh for so many years, and look forward to working with their amazing team to provide the nation with the highest level of information and entertainment,” says DelGiorno. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott tells TALKERS, “Over the course of his career in the talk radio format, Michael DelGiorno has built a loyal following who enjoy his compelling and entertaining approach to making complex issues easy to understand,” adding, “We couldn’t be happier to welcome Michael to the Premiere Networks family and look forward to expanding his show to many more stations across the country!” Stations interested in “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno” should contact Premiere Networks affiliate sales.

Audacy Announces Weekday Programming Changes for 670 The Score, Chicago

By TALKERS | September 24, 2024September 24, 2024 by TALKERS

Audacy has announced a series of programming changes for 670 The Score (WSCR-AM) in Chicago. Marshall Harris Midday show host Laurence Holmes (pictured left) will transition to afternoon drive and join co-host Matt Spiegel. “The Spiegel and Holmes Show” began being heard weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm CT yesterday (9/23). The station also installs local broadcast veteran Marshall Harris as midday show co-host. Harris succeeds Holmes and will be heard alongside Dan Bernstein on weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm CT beginning September 30. “We’re thrilled to debut the future of afternoons on The Score by pairing Laurence Holmes with Matt Spiegel,” said Kevin Cassidy, SVP/market manager, Audacy Chicago. “Laurence’s deep knowledge of Chicago sports, coupled with Matt’s existing rapport with our afternoon listeners, promises to deliver compelling, insightful content that resonates with our audience. We’re equally thrilled to welcome Marshall Harris, a seasoned sports broadcaster with deep local ties, to our midday lineup.” Holmes joined The Score in 1998 and covered the Bears for 10 years. He has also been a sports anchor on NBC5 and NBC Sports Chicago. He succeeds Danny Parkins, who recently left the station. Harris joins 670 The Score after serving as sports director for CBS2 in Chicago. He has also served as a fill-in host for 670 The Score since 2022 and has been heard on sister station Sports Radio 94WIP in Philadelphia.