Industry News

Greenville’s News/Talk 98.9 WORD Adds Erick Erickson Show

Audacy announces that WYRD-FM, Greenville, South Carolina “News/Talk 98.9 WORD” adds the WSB, Atlanta-based, syndicated Erick Erickson show to the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm time slot, effective tomorrow (6/21). Audacy Greenville-Spartanburg SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi says, “With the arrival ofim Erick Erickson as the new afternoon talk show host on WYRD-FM, an unsurpassed team of talent will serve the Upstate, north Georgia and western North Carolina. Erick’s thought-provoking discussions, unyielding insight and captivating presence will be a welcomed addition to our listeners and partners. Erick will complete News/Talk 98.9 WORD’s incredible lineup, allowing us to provide unmatched content for listeners and the largest and most effective platform for advertisers.” Erickson is syndicated via Compass Media Networks.

Industry News

Report: Licata Moving to Middays at WFAN

According to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, overnight personality Sal Licata will move to the middayim daypart and join current co-host Brandon Tierney as Tierney’s longtime partner Tiki Barber moves to afternoon drive alongside Evan Roberts. Barber’s new role comes as Craig Carton leaves Audacy’s sports talk WFAN, New York to focus on his morning show at FS1. Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Townsquare Media to Join Russell Indexes

Townsquare Media, Inc is joining the broad-market Russell 3000 Index and the Small-Cap Russell 2000 Index at the conclusion of the 2023 Russell indexes annual reconstitution, effective after the US market opens on June 26, 2023, according to a preliminary membership list. Annual Russell indexes reconstitution captures theim 4,000 largest US stocks as of April 28, 2023, ranking them by total market capitalization. Membership in the US all-cap Russell 3000 Index, which remains in place for one year, means automatic inclusion in the Large-Cap Russell 1000 Index or Small-Cap Russell 2000 Index as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes. FTSE Russell determines membership for its Russell indexes primarily by objective, market-capitalization rankings and style attributes. Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies. Approximately $12.1 trillion in assets are benchmarked against Russell’s US indexes. Russell indexes are part of FTSE Russell, a leading global index provider.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/19) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Juneteenth holiday; the 2024 presidential race; the search for the missing Titanic submersible; China’s Cuba ambitions and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s meetings with Xi Jinping; the Rusian-Ukraine war; and the heatwave hitting Texas and Louisiana were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Video Posted: Fireside Chat with Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw

One of the many highlights of the TALKERS 2023 conference held at Hofstra University on Long Island on June 2 was a fireside chat conducted between Michael Harrison and Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw. The video of that informative conversation is posted here today (6/19). Jeff Warshaw describes himself as a “lifelong broadcaster.” He built his first station while still a student at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1993, he founded Connoisseur Communications Partnersim LP, a 39-station group which he later sold to Cumulus Broadcasting in 2000 for $258 million. At this time, he pioneered notable progress in integrating legacy media with emerging digital technology. In 2004, he formed Connoisseur Media which now operates 13 radio station brands and digital assets in five markets. Highly respected and celebrated industry-wide for his outspoken candor and bullish approach to radio station ownership, Jeff Warshaw serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Broadcasters, the executive committee of the Radio Advertising Bureau, and is chairman of the Nielsen Audio advisory council. Harrison describes Warshaw as “one of the most knowledgeable, emerging forces to be reckoned with among radio industry leaders and a potential leader in the next wave of radio station consolidation.” The two discuss the intersection between ratings, revenue, and corporate culture. Not to be missed. See the video here.

Industry News

Report: Tiki Barber to Fill Craig Carton’s Role at WFAN

According to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, former New York Giants running back, and current midday personality Tiki Barber will assume the afternoon drive co-host role at Audacy’s WFAN, New Yorkim alongside Evan Roberts. This news comes several days after Craig Carton announced that he will leave WFAN on June 30 after agreeing to focus on his FS1 morning program. Barber has been co-hosting the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm show on WFAN with Brandon Tierney. Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Producer Ann Ingold Joins KFI, Los Angeles

iHeartMedia Los Angeles announces it is naming Ann Ingold producer for news/talk KFI-AM 640’s morning shows, “The Bill Handel Show” and “Wake Up Call.” KFI program director Robin Bertolucci says, “Ann’s hadim an illustrious career in LA radio, from LOVELINE’s inception on KROQ through the show’s network syndication and MTV. We’re thrilled to have Ann joining our iHeart LA team.” Ingold was most recently serving as producer on ITV’s weekly live Facebook Watch program and consulted Los Angeles radio shows for Audacy and Meruelo Media. She comments, “I want to thank Robin and everyone at KFI for being so welcoming.”

Industry Views

Pending Business: Recruitment 3.0

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imIt’s that time of year. College graduates are pushing out resumes. Are you open for entry level sellers? Any turnover on your sales team this year?

In April, we reviewed new data impacting today’s college graduate entry-level sellers. 97% are open to jobs unrelated to their new degrees. 56% of Americans, as in their parents, do not believe a college degree is worth it anymore.

There’s more. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, a survey by college healthcare provider Timelycare, shows 53% of (2023) graduates want a full work-from-the-office environment, while only 21% are good with total remote. Are we saying entry-level sellers WANT to work from the office? These young people want the commute, politics, and distractions of the office workplace environment. Are you kidding me? The good old days?

The survey results do make some sense when you stop to realize most of the new grads spent a good part of their COVID-impacted college lives logging into classes, missing several semesters of lecture hall instruction and dorm life.

Now comes the closer: these isolation years caused these new grads a lack of “soft skills” or what we used to call social skills. Recruiters, colleges and universities are now coaching these new grads in everything from “How to Start a Conversation,” to proper in-office dress, to eating at the same pace as your business lunchmate.

Not kidding here, all you 50- and 60-something sellers and managers. This round of recruiting entry-level sellers is totally about “How To…” and you may want to consider video and an eBook once hired.

Let’s face it, with AI coming fast, the future is here and like everything else in sales, there is no clear “How To…” handbook. But recruit we must as nothing happens without a seller. Loyalty is quickly fading as new, younger sellers want a different experience.

Let’s prepare a starter list for recruiting entry-level sellers in today’s world. Here are 10 suggested questions and concepts to cover the basics:

— Why do you want to join our sales team?

— What do you think is the most important quality a seller must have?

— How would you define a sale?

— When was the last time you experienced rejection? What did you do?

— Give me an example of a recent success in a competitive situation.

— If you could do anything professionally, what would it be?

— I am going to hand you my pen. Sell it to me.

— What is the difference between a Winner and a Champion?

— What do you think the most important thing an advertiser wants to hear from a seller?

— Tell me what specifically brings you to sell for _______?

I’m sure you have your own recruitment strategy/profile. Is it current? For the seller, that younger team member may be different from what you expect. The best seller I coached was an Art History major.

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

Harry Hurley Charity Holds Annual Golf Open

The Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation was the beneficiary of last Thursday’s 16th Annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Golf Open held at The Linwood Country Club. Over the past 16 years, WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley‘s Hurley in theim Morning Charity Foundation has raised more than $1.4 million and has written hundreds of grants, including a $ 7,000 donation to the Broadcasters Foundation of America presented on June 2 TALKERS 2023 held at Hofstra University. The Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation also presents an annual Charity Gala at Resorts Casino in Atlantic City. This year’s event takes place on September 29 and this year’s guest of honor and keynote speaker will be FOX News superstar Brian Kilmeade.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: I’m Sorry, You Are…?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imHas this happened to you? Moments after you have met someone, you forget his or her name? OOPS.

How to avoid this faux pas? Even a robot knows! I asked ChatGPT:

— Pay attention: When you are introduced to someone, make a conscious effort to pay attention to their name. Focus on the pronunciation and any unique aspects of their name.

— Repeat the name: After hearing the person’s name, repeat it back to them. This not only helps you reinforce the name in your memory but also confirms that you heard it correctly.

— Use association techniques: Associate the person’s name with something familiar or memorable. It could be a visual image, a rhyme, or a word that sounds similar. For example, if you meet someone named Mark, imagine them leaving a mark on something or wearing a specific item that reminds you of their name.

 

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— Create mental connections: Connect the person’s name with something you already know or someone you know who has the same name. This association can help trigger your memory when you see the person again.

— Use name repetition: In the course of the conversation, try to use the person’s name naturally in your interactions. This repetition can reinforce the memory of their name in your mind.

— Visualize the name: Visualize the person’s name written out in your mind or imagine it spelled out in a particular font or color. This mental image can help solidify the memory.

— Practice active listening: Engage in active listening by asking questions and using the person’s name in conversation. Actively engaging with the person helps create stronger connections in your memory.

— Review and reinforce: After the initial introduction, take a moment to review the person’s name in your mind. If possible, use it when saying goodbye or when addressing them in subsequent interactions. The more you reinforce the name, the better chance you have of remembering it.

Excerpted from the E-book “Even a Robot Knows How to Sell Radio Advertising,” a free download at http://getonthenet.com/EvenARobotKnowsRadioSales.pdf

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 the E-book and FREE on-air radio features Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;“and Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

Townsquare Media Executes Stock Buyback

Townsquare Media reports to investors that it has repurchased, and subsequently retired, 1.5 million shares of Class C common stock held by MSG National Properties, LLC, for $9.70 per share. The purchase price reflects an 8.5% discount from the closing price of the Class A common stock on June 15, 2023. Following this transaction, MSG will own 1,708,139 shares of Common Stock in the Company (comprising 583,139 shares ofim Class A Common Stock and 1,125,000 shares of Class C Common Stock). The purchase price of $14.6 million was funded with cash on hand. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson states, “We could not be more pleased to share that given our strong cash position, we were able to repurchase approximately 8.5% of our total shares outstanding (and nearly half of MSG’s ownership in Townsquare), capturing a positive return for our shareholders. Due to our strong cash flow generation, we have demonstrated Townsquare’s ability to support a high-yield dividend and repurchase debt and equity, while also simultaneously investing in the future of our digital growth engine. This repurchase is immediately accretive to shareholders and we thank our board of directors for their vote of confidence in our medium and long-term business plan to grow revenue and profits.”

Industry News

Urban One Announces Partnership to Operate Richmond Casino

Urban One reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission that on June 13, 2023, Urban One, Inc.’s 50/50 partnership with Churchill Downs Incorporated, RVA Entertainment Holdings, LLC, entered into aim Resort Casino Host Community Agreement with the City of Richmond, Virginia, to be the city’s preferred casino gaming operator subject to certification by the Virginia Lottery Department and a local referendum. The planned project is a $562 million world-class entertainment and gaming venue.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s visit to China to attempt to smooth U.S.-China relations; today’s Juneteenth Holiday; the uneasy truce between House hardliners and Speaker Kevin McCarthy over spending cuts; the heatwave hitting the U.S. South; and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research fromTALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred is Published

The TALKERS magazine editorial board announces that the 2023 edition of its annual feature the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – also known as the Heavy Hundred – is now posted. This annual ranking of talk radio hosts is undertaken by TALKERS editors, with input from industry leaders, and is based on a combination of hard and soft factors including courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, ratings, recognition, revenue, service, talent, and uniqueness. It is as much subjective art as mathematical science and intended to be a dimensional snapshot of the national talk radio industry at this given moment with an emphasis on the news/talk format.  Candidates for the Heavy Hundred must be working a regularly scheduled professional show on the air at a minimum of one terrestrial or satellite radio station at the time of publication. TALKERS magazine executive editor Kevin Casey says, “This feature remains one of the most challenging undertakings for the editors. There are so many quality talk radio hosts working at stations in major markets all the way down to the smallest outlets serving intimate communities. Winnowing that field to the ‘100 most important’ is very difficult, but it is a challenge we take very seriously. We’re excited to publish this year’s Heavy Hundred and to congratulate those fine hosts who’ve made the list.” See the 2023 Heavy Hundred here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of “The BIG Picture” Panel Discussion Posted

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During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/16) with the panel discussion, “The BIG Picture.” The session,im sponsored by Newsmax, was introduced by TALKERS associate publisher and media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison, Esq. (pictured at right) and moderated by TALKERS publisher, Michael Harrison (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Lee Harris, director of integrated operations, NewsNationLee Habeeb, host/producer, “Our American Stories”; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC/chair, Radio Hall of FameArthur Aidala, Esq., founding partner, Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, PC/host, AM 970 The Answer, New York; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York/Big Apple Media; and Dr. Asa Andrew, CEO/host, “The Doctor Asa Show.” See video of the session here.

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Industry News

Craig Carton Says Farewell to WFAN

Yesterday (6/15), the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand broke the news that WFAN, New York afternoon drive personality Craig Carton will leave his role with the station at the end of the month to focus full time on his show on cable’s FS1 network. During Thursday’s program, he delivered an emotional farewell to the station, his co-host Evan Roberts, and to Audacy New York senior vice president Chris Oliviero – the man whoim brought Carton back to WFAN after he served a year in prison for fraud. He said, “I had a saint in my corner. A gentleman by the name of Chris Oliviero. He has maintained his support of me as a friend and a brother through all the ups and downs of my radio career. When I got myself in trouble, he came and visited me. He told me if I ever got my life back in order and figured out why I made the bad decisions I made, he would be there for me. No guarantees of a job, but that he would never stop being my friend. Having a guy like that as your friend, I’m the luckiest guy in the world. Not only is he my friend, but he paved the way for me to come back to WFAN.” The WFAN website says Carton will continue to do his weekend gambling addiction program, “Hello, My Name is Craig” show that airs on WFAN on Saturday mornings. He added, “WFAN has meant the world to me. If WFAN didn’t give me the opportunity to come back and restart a career, no joke, I’m unemployable… so, walking away from WFAN is not easy. WFAN is my home.”

Industry News

Dallas-Fort Worth Sports Talk Legend Norm Hitzges Announces Retirement

Cumulus Media announces that KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth “The Ticket” late morning personality Norm Hitzges will retire from the station on June 23 after 48 years in sports media and 23 years with “The Ticket.” Cumulus Media Dallas/Houston regional VP Dan Bennett says, “From the minute Norm hit the airwaves 36im years ago on KLIF and then ‘The Ticket’ you could tell he was a special communicator. He truly is one of Dallas radio’s great storytellers and he kept it going with Susquehanna and then Cumulus all these years. Not many have that kind of staying power. We wish him every happiness in his well-deserved retirement.” Hitzges states, “I’m so proud to be a part of what ‘The Ticket’ has built – a ratings dominator in a fantastic sports city. I shall so miss the daily ‘rush’ of being on the air. But after 48 consecutive years on the air in Dallas doing sports talk, it’s time to move on to the next phase of my life, whatever that may be.”

Industry News

Round Four of May PPMs Released

imThe fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 PPPM survey has been release for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM loses half a share to finish the survey with an 8.3 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) and stays ranked #2, while Capitol Broadcasting’s news WRAL-HD3 fell two-tenths to a 0.1 share good for the #15 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee tacks on a half share to wrap the survey with a 10.2 share and the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ lost a full share for an 8.2 share finish but remains ranked #3. In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM is down 1.7 shares, finishing with a 5.0 share that drops it to the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM lost two-tenths for a 1.1 share finish good for the #20 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Edison Research and SXM Media Release Gen Z Podcast Study

Edison Research and SXM Media release the Gen Z Podcast Listener Report. The report notes that Gen Z (ages 13-24) has an estimated online population of 24 million Americans. Some of the takeaways from this report include: 1) Podcast listening has grown among those age 13-24: In 2018, 30% of those age 13-24 had listened to a podcast in the last month. Today, 47% of those age 13-24 have listened to a podcast in the last month (24 million Americans), a 57% increase; 2) Gen Z got an early start with podcasts: 16% of Gen Zim monthly podcast listeners started listening as a child, 57% started listening as a teenager and 25% started listening as an adult. This means 73% of Gen Z monthly podcast listeners began listening before the age of 18; 3) Those who began listening earlier in life, listen longer: Gen Z monthly podcast listeners who started listening as a child consume 10.6 hours of podcasts per week; those who started as a teenager consume 7.5 hours per week, and those who started as an adult consume 6.6 hours of podcasts per week. The average for all Gen Z monthly podcast listeners is 7.7 hours per week; and 4) Gen Z act as a result of podcast ads: 82% of Gen Z monthly podcast listeners have taken any action as a result of hearing a podcast advertisement; 70% have either purchased or wanted to purchase the product or service they heard advertised, 61% have visited a company or product website, 44% have used a promo code or discount code mentioned in the podcast, and 42% have recommended a product to a friend or family member. See the study here.

Industry News

Lee Greenwood Visits WABC, New York

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Pictured above is country singer/songwriter Lee Greenwood (center) with the staff of Red Apple Media’s 77 WABC. Greenwood, composer of the hit song “God Bless The USA,” appeared on the “Sid & Friends Morning Show.” Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis is at the far right, Margo Catsimatidis is to the left of Greenwood and WABC program director Matt Meany and president Chad Lopez are to the right of Greenwood.

Industry News

Larry Young Interviews Maryland Governor Wes Moore

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Legendary Baltimore talk broadcaster Larry Young (left) is pictured above interviewing Maryland Governor Wes Moore on June 14 at the Greater Baltimore Chapter gathering of the National Action Network. Young, who retired from his long career at WOLB-AM, Baltimore last year, will feature the interview on his podcast, “In Conversation with LY.”

Industry News

WBA and MIW Sponsor Mentoring Program

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association is partnering with Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Inc to launch a mentorship program aimed at advancing female leadership in radio broadcasting. WBA president and CEO Michelle Vetterkind states, “Your WBA is thrilled to offer this excellent opportunity to our members.im We’re confident there will be many qualified applicants seeking to take advantage of this fabulous partnership.” Wisconsin is the second state to partner with MIW, which is hoping to expand to all 50 states. Minnesota launched the first partnership last year. MIw board president Ruth Presslaff comments, “Welcome Wisconsin! We are so appreciative of the support the Wisconsin broadcasters are showing by launching this mentorship program with MIW. Many thanks to Michelle Vetterkind and everyone at WBA.” Applications are due July 7. Find out more and apply here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of June 12-16

The arraignment of former President Donald Trump on charges of mishandling classified documents and obstruction was 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, including the entrance of Chris Christie, Mike Pence, and Francis Suarez in the GOP primary and RFK, Jr in the Democratic primary, followed by the battle among Republicans in the House over legislation to cut spending 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

TALKERS 2023: Video of “Talk Radio and Podcasting” Panel Discussion Posted

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During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/15) with the panel discussion, “Talk Radio andim Podcasting.” The session, sponsored by Our American Stories, was introduced by syndicated talk show host Guy Benson of FOX News Radio (pictured at right) and moderated by talk show host Lisa Wexler of WICC, Bridgeport, CT (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Steve Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi MediaGary Krantz, CEO, Krantz Media GroupGreg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia; Ron Hartenbaum, managing member, WYD Media; and Larry Young, host/producer, “In Conversation with LY” podcast. See the video of this session here

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Industry News

Round Three of May PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA falls three-tenths and finishes the survey with a 3.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that leaves it ranked #12, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI also dips three-tenths to wrap with a 3.1 share good for the #14 rank in the market. iHeartMedia’s talk WTKS-FM, Orlando declines six-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and the #10 rank, while Cox Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WDBO adds two-tenths to finish with a 3.7 share that leaves it locked in the #11 position. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

“NPR News Now” Maintains #1 Spot in Triton Digital Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital releases its May 2023 U.S. Podcast Report that ranks podcasts listened to in America based on weekly average downloads and NPR’s “NPR News Now” is again the #1 podcast on the ranker. At #2 isim audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie,” followed by Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Ben Shapiro Show,” which rises from #4 to #3. Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” was steady at #7, while the company’s “The Matt Walsh Show” climbed two spots to #19. The Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” fell two spots to #21. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Audacy Names Two to Leadership Roles at Pineapple Street Studios

Audacy announces a new leadership team at is podcast unit Pineapple Street Studios as it promotes head of operations Bari Finkel and executive producer Je-Anne Berry to co-heads of the studio, reporting to Jennaim Weiss-Berman, Audacy’s EVP of podcasts. Also, Pineapple Street co-founder Max Linsky is been named senior podcast strategist for Audacy’s podcast division. In this imrole, he will continue to executive produce projects, as well as collaborate on podcast strategy for the company overall, advise Finkel and Berry in their new roles and work closely with key partners. Linsky says, “As everyone who has worked with Bari or Je-Anne knows, they are the perfect team for this job. Bari has been here since day one, and Je-Anne joined once we were part of Audacy — the combination of those two vantage points, plus the shared vision for where podcasting is headed, makes me just so excited for this next era.”

Industry News

Lopez and Cohen Join Broadcasters Foundation Board of Directors

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces it has elected Chad Lopez, president of Red Apple Media and 77 WABC New York, and Heather Cohen, EVP of the Weiss Agency, to its board of directors.im BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “Chad and Heather are exceptional broadcast industry leaders, and they are a terrific addition to our board of directors. I look forward imto working with them to continue our mission of helping broadcasters in dire need.” Chad Lopez has more than 25 years of experience in broadcast and digital media. Prior to joining Red Apple Media, he served as vice president of Cumulus Media’s New York cluster. In addition to her work at the Weiss Agency, Heather Cohen serves on the Alliance for Women in Media and its foundation board of directors, has co-chaired the Gracie Awards since 2016, and most recently was appointed president of the executive board of Hofstra University’s Alumni Organization.

Industry News

John Hope Bryant to Black Effect Podcast Net Board of Directors

The Black Effect Podcast Network, the joint venture between iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God, announces that John Hope Bryant joins its board of directors, effective immediately. Bryant is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Operation HOPE, Inc, the non-profit provider of financial literacy andim economic empowerment tools and services in the United States. He is also chairman and chief executive officer of John Hope Bryant Holdings, Bryant Group Ventures and The Promise Homes Company, a for-profit minority-controlled owner of institutional-quality, single-family residential rental homes in the U.S. “We are pleased to welcome John Hope Bryant to The Black Effect Podcast Network’s board of directors. John brings a strong track record of business success, broad leadership experience in philanthropy, education, public engagement and innovation, and a deep appreciation for black culture that makes him the perfect choice to help steer and shape the future of the network.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/14) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The arraignment of former President Donald Trump on charges of mishandling classified documents and obstruction; the 2024 presidential race, including former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez joining the GOP race and RFK Jr’s Democratic challenge to Joe Biden; U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff dodges Republican censure attempt; the Fed votes to not raise interest rates at its latest meeting; concerns about AI and the European Union’s AI Act that would put limits on use of the technology and ban public face-scanning; the Biden administration’s immigration policies and the bussing of migrants to Democrat-led cities; Louisiana Army fort renamed for Black American WWI hero; the intensifying fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war; and the aftermath of the I-95 collapse in Philadelphia were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

VIDEO POSTED: Martha Zoller Receives Woman of the Year Award at TALKERS 2023

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WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, Georgia mid-morning talk show host Martha Zoller was the 2023 recipient of the TALKERS Woman of the Year award. The award, that has continuously been presented since 2001, is officially titled The Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Woman in Talk Radio. Zoller was presented the honor at TALKERS 2023 on June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. In making the presentation, TALKERS broadcast operations director David Bernstein stated, “Martha’s developed a national reputation in the talk media industry as a reliable go-to observer of the dynamics of Georgia politics from an even-handed, conservative perspective.

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Over the years, she’s pivoted at different times between being a local and regional radio talk show host, a student, a political operative, a congressional candidate and a businesswoman… as well as a wife, mother, and grandmother. After graduating in 1979 from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, she worked in the corporate world in addition to raising a family. She says, ‘I know there is no glass ceiling and women can have it all, just not at the same time.’ A lifelong learner, she completed her M.A. in Political Science in 2021 at the University of Georgia’s School of Politics and International Affairs. Among her political experiences, she served as the state director of field offices for Governor Brian Kemp. From 2014 until 2018, she worked for U.S. Senator David Perdue in senior staff positions. She began her talk radio career in 1994 after having been a regular caller to WDUN. In addition to being a perennial member of the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred,” she has been named to James magazine’s list of Most Influential Georgians and Georgia Trend magazine named her as one of Georgia’s most influential members of the media. She also currently serves as the 9th District Representative on the Georgia State Board of Education. See a portion of Martha Zoller’ acceptance speech at TALKERS 2023 here. (EDITOR’S NOTE: TALKERS regrets that the opening portion of Martha Zoller’s speech was lost due to a technical mishap.)

Industry News

Karen Knotts is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Author/actress/stand-up comic and aspiring talk radio host Karen Knotts is this week’s guest on the PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” According to Harrison, “You never know who you are going to meet at the TALKERS conference. I had the good fortune of crossing paths with the delightful, articulate and notably talented daughter of one of the 20th century’s most beloved show business icons and immediately booked her for the podcast. We had a great conversation!” Karen Knotts is the daughter of the legendary actor/comedian Don Knotts of the Andy Griffith Show and Three’s Company fame who passed away in 2006 at the age of 81. Karen Knotts is an actress, author, stand-up comic, former librarian and, as Harrison describes, “an all-around positive, fun person with lots to say about lots of things.” During the pandemic, Knotts finally had the opportunity to pen the book everyone’s been telling her to write about her memories of life growing up in California as the daughter of one of America’s funniest and most iconic entertainers – Tied Up in Knotts: My Dad and Me (Chicago Review Press, 2021). She’s been touring the country with an informative and funny one-woman show based on the book and her experiences growing up with a famous father. Harrison and Knotts discuss her life with a show biz dad, along with anecdotes about her encounters with celebrities and her interest in talk radio, covering topics such as the evolution of public libraries in the digital era, changes in TV over the years and dealing with the present-day cultural abuse of the name “Karen.” Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.