Industry News

Yesterday’s (5/23) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders over the debt ceiling; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expected to announce presidential bid with Elon Musk via Twitter; Ford announces it will keep AM radio available in 2024 models; anti-Putin Russians attack Russia’s Belgorod region from positions in Ukraine;  the surgeon general issues a report warning of the dangers of social media for children; Donald Trump’s legal battles; and South Carolina legislature approves six-week abortion ban were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Ford Reconsiders – Will Keep AM Radio in 2024 Cars and ’23 EVs

According to a report by the AP, Ford is changing its previously announced policy regarding AM radios. Ford CEO Jim Farley states, “We’ve decided to include it on all 2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles. For any owners of Ford’s EVs without AM broadcast capability, we’ll offer a software update.” Reacting to Ford’s earlier decision, U.S. lawmakers rolled out a bi-partisan, bi-cameral bill that would authorize the National Highway Trafficim Safety Administration to require AM in new vehicles at no additional cost, citing safety for citizens, access to foreign language programming and more. While Ford’s change of heart takes some of the immediate heat off the industry, there’s no indication legislators won’t continue pushing the legislation. Reacting to the bill, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation called the bill unnecessary and said the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System sends public safety messages across numerous platforms including FM radio, streaming sites, satellite radios, and cellular networks. Read the AP story here.

Industry News

Audacy Strikes Deal with AMG for New Audio Streams

Audacy and Allen Media Group announce a content distribution partnership that will allow Audacy to launch three new audio streams for AGM properties The Weather Channel television network, Pattrn, and The Weather Channel en Español. The companies say The Weather Channel stream will only be available duringim severe weather events as a live audio simulcast of The Weather Channel television channel. The Pattrn stream will be a daily live audio simulcast of the Pattrn FAST channel, which explores climate, the environment and how the Earth is changing and elevates new voices to imthe conversation. The Weather Channel en Español stream will be a daily live audio simulcast of The Weather Channel en Español network.  Audacy SVP digital audio content Tim Clarke says, “Audio and radio are time-tested, reliable ways for listeners to access critical and potentially life-saving information during severe weather events. This partnership will add a new layer to our best-in-class news content offering while expanding the reach of The Weather Channel’s broadcast weather coverage to Audacy app users across the country.”

Industry News

Fisher House Foundation Offers Free Memorial Day Programming

Fisher House Foundation is announcing The Jeff Wyatt Group has a Memorial Day Weekend edition of “The Fisher House Story: On the Road to 100 Houses” for 2023 now available for download at no cost. “The Fisher House Story” is a radio special available in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as a 30-minuteim public affairs show for ALL formats in the U.S. and around the world. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during a medical crisis. The three-hour, one-hour, 25- and 30-minute radio specials are hosted by radio personality Larry O’Connor (WMAL-FM, Washington) and feature stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Hear the demo, register, and download today at radio.fisherhouse.org.

Industry News

WBZ-AM, Boston Takes Home Four Regional Murrow Awards

iHeartMedia Boston’s all-news WBZ-AM wins four Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the RTDNA in the categories of Excellence in Innovation, Breaking News Coverage, Best Newscast, and Excellence in Sound. Inim 2022, WBZ NewsRadio won three Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence Breaking News Coverage, Best Newscast and Continuing Coverage. WBZ NewsRadio director of operations Bill Flaherty comments, “To be singled out in these important categories is such an honor. I couldn’t be prouder of our team and the hard work they put in over the past year.”

Industry News

Salem Front and Center at NRB Conference

im

More than 4,000 Christian broadcasters are in Orlando this week attending the 79th annual National Religious Broadcasters conference. Among those in attendance are Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, evangelist Franklin Graham, and authors like FOX News personality Raymond Arroyo (above, left) being interviewed by Salem Radio Network news correspondent Lori Tradup (right.)

Industry News

Katz Named Honorary Captain for Police Charity Hockey Squad

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WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (above, left) has been “drafted” by the Prince George Patriots! Katz, a former police officer, was named Honorary Captain of the team of Central Virginia law enforcement officers who play charity hockey games throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Katz, who himself used to play defense, said, “I’m honored to help! While I’m not sure if I will lace up a pair of skates or put on the foil, I will definitely be cheering for my favorite cops on skates!” The Patriots face off against the United States Secret Service team in Richmond on June 3 for a benefit to fight colorectal cancer.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (5/22) Top News/Talk Stories

The negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders over the debt ceiling; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the 2024 presidential race and the entrance of Senator Tim Scott into the GOP primary; reports that a second IRS whistleblower has been removed from the Hunter Biden investigation; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis versus the LGBTQ community; the three-state pact to reduce use of water from the Colorado River; and the NBA and NHL playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

The Birth of the Car Radio

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling on Sunday

imA beautiful night. Paul Galvin and William Lear took their girlfriends to a romantic look-out view. Paul asked, “Isn’t this great?” His girlfriend replied, “It would better if we could hear music.”

That set Galvin and Lear on a mission to get entertainment into the car. A car radio. They were tinkerers. Galvin owned a failed battery manufacturing company. Lear and Galvin were smart but broke.

They ultimately invented a prototype radio for the car, but it was massive and complicated. No car battery could power it, the radio required its own big battery which was stored under the seat. The antenna was netting covering the roof. Their biggest challenge was static generated by the car’s starter, transmission, battery, lights – you name it. Galvin and Lear traced each source to correct the trouble-making components one by one. Parts of the radio had to be placed in different locations throughout the car. For example, the receiver was mounted on the engine, the controls on the dash.

Finally, still broke, they drove their Studebaker loaded with radio to the bank to apply for a loan to back the venture. The banker agreed to test drive the car for a night. Unfortunately, it caught fire in his garage and no loan was granted. Next Galvin traveled 800 hundred miles to a radio manufacturer convention. He sat outside the convention hall, played the radio loud and attracted enough orders for the radio to continue his quest.

The trouble continued. It was an expensive install: $600 for a $3,000 car. Many people thought it was dangerous to listen to the radio in the car – a distraction. Municipalities tried to ban it fearing it was a driver attention hazard. Supporters of the ban argued that many types of radio programming could put drivers to sleep. Surveys showed most Americans believed car radios were dangerous.

Oh, and the name they gave the device was horrible: 7FT1. Galvin came up with a new name that was both descriptive and synched with the times, Motorola. Partner William Lear went on the invent the Lear Jet.

Chevrolet installed the first reasonably priced Motorola radios in the early 1920s.

The objections were overcome by an initiative of the Radio Manufacturers Association: They argued that car radios actually helped people become better drivers. They pointed out that radios informed drivers about hazardous road conditions that lie ahead and weather conditions that may disrupt their travel. Supporters of car radios also said that radios actually helped to keep drivers awake when they became drowsy.

Conclusion: Are they nuts? A car can park itself but can’t handle an AM radio, those tech challenges were solved in 1920 – by the inventors of the Lear Jet and of your cell phone. Are manufacturers looking for a “display allowance?” Satellite radio was launched by paying zillions for a slot in the dash. Do carmakers want that for AM radios? Forget the EAS which nobody has ever heard and wasn’t activated during 9/11 in New York City. Weather, traffic, gospel, more gospel, compelling talk shows. (One Cleveland AM station runs the SAME Al Sharpton show from dusk Fridays till dawn Monday.) The better the shows, well, the better.

Sure, write your Member of Congress but you will find more vigilant allies among the preachers. You may recall that in the 1990s there was great debate about the proper deployment of the UHF spectrum. Allegedly, at his inauguration President Bill Clinton shook the hand of UHF TV icon, Billy Graham, who looked the president in the eye and said, “Don’t take away my TV stations.”

Walter Sabo was the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of NBC. The youngest VP in the history of ABC. He was a consultant to RKO General longer than Bill Drake. Walter was the in-house consultant to Sirius for eight years. He has never written a resume. Contact him at walter@sabomedia.com. or mobile 646-678-1110. Hear Walter Sterling at www.waltersterlingshow.comMeet Walter Sabo at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Verbs?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imWarning: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts certified me to teach high school English, in the early 1970s, the last year certifications were for life. Though I was lured-away by VU-meter hypnosis, I still carry a red pen. And radio news has it running-dry.

This story was about a love triangle shooting.

— Here’s what listeners heard — read this aloud: “The woman’s husband arrested the wounded man taken to the hospital.”

— Here are the facts the writer obscured: Police arrested the woman’s husband, the accused shooter. The person he shot was hospitalized.

— As-is, the ear was told something very different when half-sentences ran-together.

Another example: “A cruise ship expected to take Americans out of Lebanon today.”

— I think he meant: “A cruise ship is expected to take Americans out of Lebanon today.”

— But the missing verb, the time zone difference, and the chaos in Lebanon were such that – as written — listeners could have inferred the copy to mean that a cruise ship was-expected-to evacuate Americans…until something went wrong.

im

Translation?

“A young mother murdered the suspect found dead.”

Huh?

“Woods asked directly about his future on the tour.”

It’s unclear whether this sentence means:

— Tiger Woods was asking about his future…OR…

— He was asked-about it.

Even a robot knows better

When I typed “Missing verbs confuse the ear,” ChatGPT replied:

“Yes, missing verbs can make sentences unclear and confusing to the listener or reader. Verbs are important components of a sentence as they express the action, state, or occurrence of the subject. They help to convey the intended meaning of the sentence and to show how different elements of the sentence relate to each other.”

And finally…

Never verb nouns.

KIDDING.

Old English teacher joke.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books; and “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.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry Views

Pending Business: Get Your Head Straight

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imAre you a multiplatform juggler? If you sell or manage for a radio station, the answer is yes.

Why? Because it’s been part of the radio ad sales DNA since radio advertising shrunk to single digit growth.

Maybe someone reading this column can research or remember the last time radio industry pre-pandemic ad sales grew at double digits. It’s a tough putt, for sure.

Radio sellers were the first to reach across the aisle and “cross-sell” event sponsorships, concert tie-ins, publications, prize catalogues, bridal fairs, recruitment fairs, half-off fairs, sports and leisure tie-ins, hurricane guides, meet and greets, and it all started with a simple concept called a “remote.”

Radio ad sales strategy has come a long way since the first five-year plan had no projected double-digit growth. Even worse was the negative growth forecast for many markets. I remember that famous local market slogan “last one out, please turn off the lights.”

Those simple, linear, fun-to-present packages that required nothing more than easy-to-follow graphics, reasonable pricing, and a testimonial letter required little training, re-skilling, and new technical understanding. The toughest questions were about electrical outlets, display details, and when do we load in?

Covid killed some of those income generators, but you can add in pre-pandemic tired, low-energy sellers and managers taking concepts for granted as the final nail in the coffin.

Wait a minute. Aren’t brides still making decisions? Is inflation driving us back to coupons and looking for daily deals? Seems like sports-related advertising always thrives, right?

Some concepts will return, others will be reimagined, and a few are gone forever. Back to the future. Digital and social media sales will shape your sales future whether you like it or not. The digital/social media growth trend is moving at a non-stop, double-digit pace, pushing every competitive sales team to learn more and sell faster.

Smart, energetic thinkers are planning the next move, reshaping the past for what will sell tomorrow. It’s been almost 25 years since the first Blackberry phone. Sometimes innovation leaves iconic concepts in the dust. Here is where all of this goes. Get your attitude ready to learn and earn.

— Your glass is never full. The next time a manager introduces a new opportunity open your thinking

— Ask questions. Remember “new” is a powerful sales world door opener. Be sure YOU know how this new opportunity works. Leave your ego outside the sales meeting.

— Local advertisers like a competitive edge. Procter & Gamble built the most successful package goods marketing in the world with “New and Improved.” Learn from the legacy winners.

Managers and sellers want to win new business. Are you prepared to learn how?

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. Steve Lapa will be moderating the “Generating Revenue” panel at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University.

Industry News

RIP: Shane Finch

The industry is mourning the untimely death of Shane Finch, who died on Saturday (5/20) at the age of 59im after suffering a cardiac event. Finch was director of sales for Broadcasters General Store. Previously, he held sales positions with Enco Systems and MusicMaster Inc. For many years, he served as an air personality on Gainesville/Ocala, Florida music stations WTRS-FM and WMFQ-FM.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Audacy partners with nonprofit breast cancer organization Susan G. Komen for its four Milwaukee radio stations – including sports talk WSSP-AM “1250AM The Fan” – to become the official radio media sponsor of the organization’s Wisconsin division. The stations will unite to support Susan G. Komen with a “One in Eight” program spotlighting the fact that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. On the eighth, eighteenth, and twenty-eighth day of each month, the stations will host a segment promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors. Audacy Madison and Milwaukee regional president Andrea Hansen says, “We’re proud to leverage our voice to inspire local community members to support the cause to end breast cancer in ways that unite Milwaukee and deliver much-needed funding. Susan G. Komen is the leader in breast cancer research and the fight to find a cure and we’re thrilled to team up with them to champion their mission.”

City College of New York-owned non-commercial station WHCR-FM is airing a new, weekly radio programim hosted by Barbara Askins, president & CEO of the 125th Street Business Improvement District. The title of the show is “125th Street & Beyond” and focuses on the organization’s mission. WHCR general manager Angela Harden comments, “It is also a show about the relationships the 125th St. BID is building with New York City agencies and with BIDs around the world. Perhaps no neighborhood in New York City is as storied as Harlem, long the capital of Black culture in the United States. It’s a name known around the world. And now 125th Street has its own show. I am honored to host the show and look forward to welcoming many voices that support the betterment of Harlem.”

Industry News

Dr. Daliah Wachs Meets Donny Osmond

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Pictured above is GCN nationally syndicated talk radio host Dr. Daliah Wachs (right) with legendary performer Donny Osmond (left). Dr. Wachs tells TALKERS magazine, “It was such an honor being invited to his amazing show and to hang out with him afterward so my family could meet him (my mom snuck a kiss on his cheek LOL).”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders over the debt ceiling; the number of migrants applying for asylum in the U.S.; the G7 summit, Volodymyr Zelensky’s participation in the gathering and the Russia/Ukraine war; Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) enters the 2024 presidential race; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the NAACP issues travel advisory for Florida in response to Governor Ron DeSantis policies; and the NHL and NBA playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Round Four of April PPMs Released

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN is unchanged at a 9.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises from #2 to #1, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ jumps 1.8 shares to finish the survey with a 9.2 share lifting it to the #3 rank. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM, Nashville dips two-tenths to a 6.7 share and remains ranked #4, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM rises three-tenths to a 1.3 share that lifts it to the #17 rank. In Memphis, iHeartMedia’s WREC-AM adds a half share to wrap the month with a 2.8 share and stays locked in the #11 spot, while Starnes Media Group’s crosstown news/talk KWAM is steady at .2 share but rises to the #19 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

KWAM, Memphis Nabs Regional Murrow Award

Starnes Media Group’s news/talk KWAM, Memphis “The Mighty 990” wins its first Regional Edward R. Murrow Award from the RTDNA, in which it was recognized for its digital platform. Starnes Media Group owner Toddim Starnes comments, “When I bought KWAM I promised our listeners that we were going to bring fair and balanced journalism back to the radio. I’m incredibly proud of our dedicated and hard-working team of broadcasters at KWAM.”

Industry News

Lee Habeeb of Our American Stories is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Going all the way back to the beginnings of language, meaningful communication between human beings has been built on the foundation of storytelling. One of modern talk radio’s greatest storytellers, Lee Habeeb, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Habeeb is the hostim and founder of “Our American Stories,” a storytelling radio show and podcast featuring narratives that represent the best of America: history, sports, music, free enterprise, charity, faith, family and more. It can be heard five days a week, two hours a night, on well over 250 affiliates, including many heritage outlets, across the country. And archives of the show are available as an evergreen series of podcasts. In 2021, “Our American Stories” was signed to a syndication deal with Premiere Networks, giving it an added layer of distribution muscle as the property continues to show non-stop growth and display tremendous compatibility with more traditional forms of news/talk radio programming. According to Harrison, “Lee Habeeb is one of the most positive, as well as successful, players in the news/talk radio community with a compelling message of goodness and unity. He is a shining light of hope and growth for our industry and America.” Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

Outkick Celebrates YouTube Growth

Sports media platform OutKick announces that its YouTube subscriptions rose more than 140% from March to April 2023. Outkick also says it enjoyed a record month of video views on YouTube with 284.2 million – up 909% versus March 2023, according to Shareable. Additionally, the platform finished April 2023 ahead of itsim custom competitive set in year-over-year growth across multiplatform unique visitors, page views, and minutes spent, according to data from Comscore. OutKick delivered over 8 million multiplatform total unique visitors, up 394% year-over-year, 32 million multiplatform total views, and 36 million multiplatform total minutes. OutKick founder Clay Travis says, “OutKick continues to be the only platform that drives the sports, culture, and political intersection and that separates us from the rest of the field. Our authentic and unfiltered reporting across the board is unmatched which is a direct result of the significant increases we’re seeing every month.”

Industry News

News Pro Steve Clawson Dies at 64

Career news pro Steve Clawson has died at the age of 64. Clawson was most recently serving as managing editor and anchor for Skyview Networks. The company says of Clawson, “After beginning his career at WTRX in Flint, Michigan, he came to Arizona where he was a radio journalist at KTAR and KFYI, an assignment editorim at FOX’s KSAZ, a producer at PBS’s KAET, and whose voice was prominently featured in the 1989 award-winning documentary, Roger and Me. In 2018, Steve joined Skyview Networks’ Arizona and California News Radio teams, where he covered many news stories, including political elections and a recent interview with newly elected Arizona Governor, Katie Hobbs. Skyview Networks VP, news Jeff Scott says, “In addition to being an outstanding broadcaster and journalist, Steve was a wonderful person, with a kind word and a smile for everyone he encountered. I feel incredibly lucky to have known him for more than three decades, and for having worked alongside him at KTAR, KSAZ, and for the past several years at Skyview Networks. Please keep Steve in your thoughts and know that we will do our very best to carry on his tradition of excellence and service.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Salem Media Group announces that it will present virtually at the Singular Research Spring Select Webinar on May 24 at 4:45 ET. The presentation will be available on the investor relations portion of the company’s website prior to the company’s presentation.

Audacy Philadelphia celebrated Operation Legacy, a home rehabilitation project in partnership with Travis Manion Foundation, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at local veteran Kris Giuranna’s home on May 19. The stations – including news/talk WPHT, all-news KYW, and sports talk WIP-FM – teamed up to provide United States Marine Corps veteran a home fit for a hero and honor his contributions to the country. Audacy Philly SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “It is so rewarding to watch this project come to life. Audacy Philly, along with our partners Travis Manion Foundation, Window Nation, Impriano Roofing and Main Line Pro Painting, are thrilled to honor Kris and his service to our country by providing him with the needed renovations for his new home.”

The Newsmax syndicated radio program “The Rob Carson Show” adds new affiliate station news/talk WGMD-FM, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware to its roster of affiliates. Resort Broadcasting also operates news/talk WUSX-FM, Seaford Delaware and simulcasts most of the programming on the two stations. Rob Carson’s show airs on WGMD’s 92.7 FM frequency.

Industry News

Marlo Thomas to Be Honored at 48th Annual Gracie Awards

The Alliance for Women in Media announces that it will honor Marlo Thomas with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 48th Anniversary Gracie Awards on May 23 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles for her exceptional contributions to the industry. The evening will support AWMF’s educational programs, charitable activities, public service initiatives, and scholarships benefiting women in media and will include a specialim performance by Sofia Carson and Diane Warren. Presenters include 2023 Gracie winner Maria Shriver, Jodi Balfour, Camilla Luddington, and Rachel Lindsay among many others. AWMF president Becky Brooks comments, “Marlo Thomas is not only a true icon of the entertainment industry, but a visionary whose work has left a lasting impact on society. Her groundbreaking role as Ann Marie in ‘That Girl’ shattered stereotypes and opened doors for women in television. Furthermore, Marlo’s charitable and activist work with the Ms. Foundation for Women and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has transformed countless lives, making her a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all. She truly exemplifies the ethos of AWMF. We’re proud to honor her with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of May 15-19

The surge of migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. and the Biden administration’s immigration policies came together as the top story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders over the debt ceiling, followed by special counsel John Durham’s scathing report on the FBI’s Trump-Russia investigation at #3.  The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media this week. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Job Opportunity

Salem Media New York Looking for Sales Pro Seasoned in the Digital Space

Salem Media has an outstanding opportunity for a digital sales rep in the company’s New York market clusterim that includes AM 570 WMCA and AM 970 The Answer. Radio broadcasting background is preferred – especially applicants with an already existing book of business and contacts – but not entirely necessary for the right candidate. Interviewing now! Find out more and apply here. Salem Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Opportunity

Townsquare Media Has Opportunities for News and Talk Pros

Townsquare Media has open opportunities for news/talkers with exceptional leadership and digital content skills to join a few key markets across the nation. If you’re the total package with a compelling on-air presence, exceptional writing skills, and a desire to super-serve the local community, you’ll be set up for success at TSM.

96.5 KPEL needs a morning show host to wake up Acadiana and serve the community of Lafayette, Louisiana.im You’d be joining a dynamic and high-achieving team that likes to play as much as they win. Read the full listing here.

In Lubbock, Texas, KFYO “News/Talk 95.1 & 790” needs a strong media leader with AM programming skills to oversee the station and its growing newsroom. The ideal candidate is looking for a fun, vibrant community to dig their heels into and win over the listeners of Lubbock. Check out the listing here.

If the heat isn’t your thing, consider joining the 98-year-old WIBX, Utica, New York. This station is a major fixture in the market, having served generations of central New Yorkers and is not looking to slow down anytime soon. With a big birthday right around the corner, the ideal candidate will be able to jump in and use their programming and community-building skills to keep the station fresh, friendly, and full of life. That listing can be found here.

Interested talkers can email their resume and aircheck to TSM’s content recruiter at savannah.bullard@townsquaremedia.com or apply directly. Don’t forget to mention you saw the listing in TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Save AM Radio in Cars Legislation Introduced

The bill – sponsored by a bi-partisan, bi-cameral group including Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Ted Cruz (R-TX),Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and J.D. Vance (R-OH), and Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Bruce Westerman (R-AR-4), Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ-7), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-8) and Maria Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-3) – would “direct federal regulators to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge.” Specifically, the bill would do three things: 1) Direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a rule that requires automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles without a separate or additional payment, fee, or surcharge; 2) Require any automaker that sells vehicles without access to AM broadcast radio before the effective date of the NHTSA regulation to clearly disclose to consumers that the vehicle lacks access to AM broadcast radio; and 3) Direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study whether alternative communication systems could fully replicate the reach and effectiveness of AM broadcast radio for alerting the public to emergencies. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt comments, “NAB commends Sens. Markey, Cruz, Baldwin, Fischer, Luján and Vance, and Reps. Gottheimer, Westerman, Kean, Menendez and Gluesenkamp Perez, for their leadership in advocating for AM radio listeners. This legislation ensures that the tens of million Americans who depend on AM radio for news, entertainment and critical safety information each month can continue to have access to this reliable communications medium. As the backbone of the Emergency Alert System, AM radio is instrumental in promptly disseminating vital information across all mediums during crises, ensuring that communities remain safe and well-informed. America’s local broadcasters applaud the bill’s authors and supporters for recognizing AM radio’s critical role in our nation’s public safety infrastructure.”

Industry News

Drudge: New Prime Time Lineup Coming to FNC

The Drudge Report posts a story that says a major re-tooling of FOX News Channel’s prime-time programming is about to change. The report says current 9:00 pm ET host Sean Hannity will move to the 8:00 pm slot formerly held by Tucker Carlson, while hinting that current 10:00 pm host Laura Ingraham will exit as FNCim moves Jesse Watters (currently the 7:00 pm host) and Greg Gutfeld (currently the 11:00 pm host) into prime-time slots. However, relative to this, FOX News reportedly told Mediaite the following: “No decision has been made on a new prime-time lineup and there are multiple scenarios under consideration.” The Drudge piece also makes note of the recent ratings: “MSNBC on Monday beat FOX News in prime time in both total viewers and in the key 25-54 age demographic favored by advertisers. Rachel Maddow beat Hannity at 9:00 pm on Monday and helped boost MSNBC to 1.86 million average prime-time viewers and 188,000 prime-time demo viewers. FOX came in a close second with 1.72 million prime-time viewers and 174,000 prime-time demo viewers.” Read the Drudge story here.

Industry News

Round Three of April PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 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 April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk owned KTSA is unchanged at a 3.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share), but rises to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI also remains steady at a 3.4 share and moves up to the #12 rank. iHeartMedia’s KFBK-AM/FM, Sacramento is steady with a 9.4 share that keeps it ranked #1, while sister news/talk KSTE-AM falls half a share for a 3.7 share finish good for the #9 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-FM adds 1.4 shares to finish the survey with a 6.5 share and shoots up to the #2 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM tack on two-tenths for a 5.0 share and remains ranked  #6. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Industry News

KNX-FM, Los Angeles to Present Town Hall on AI

Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM, Los Angeles is presenting a one-hour town hall broadcast titled, “Reality in an A.I. World,” live today (5/18) at 4:00 pm PT from the Audacy SoundSpace on L.A.’s Miracle Mile. The station says, “With A.I. a key sticking point in the ongoing Hollywood writers’ strike, the panel will feature actor, screenwriter,im producer and director Justine Bateman. Other panelists include Ramsay Brown, chief executive officer of the A.I. Responsibility Lab, Brandie Nonnecke, co-director of the Berkeley Center for Law and Technology, and others.” Audacy Southern California regional president Jeff Federman adds, “It seems like the impact of A.I. is suddenly everywhere you look and listen. Our audience wants to know how it will affect their lives, and they trust the team at KNX News to separate fact from rumor and hype.” Mike Simpson, host of “LA’s Morning News” on KNX, and Charles Feldman, host of “KNX In Depth” and “LA’s Afternoon News,” will serve as hosts of the commercial-free event.

Industry News

NPR News Now Keeps #1 Spot on Triton Digital Podcast Chart

Triton Digital releases its ranker of the top 100 U.S. podcasts for April 2023 based on Weekly Average Downloads and NPR’s “NPR News Now” stays at #1, followed by audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” at #2, andim NPR’s “Up First” at #3, bumping Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” to the #4 rank. Other commercial radio-related podcasts ranking high on this month’s chart include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” (#7), Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” (#17), and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Matt Walsh Show” and “Mark Levin Podcast” at #21 and #22, respectively. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

WSCR, Chicago Producer Expected to Return After Suspension

According to several reports, Shane Riordan, producer for the “Parks & Spiegel” show on Audacy’s sports talk WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score,” is expected back in the studios today after serving a suspension for comments he made on the air last Friday. The matter began with a Twitter spat between Riordan and FOXim Sports gambling analyst Jason McIntyre in which crosstown news/talk WIND-AM, Chicago personality Dan Proft soon became involved. In the course of this being discussed by hosts on both WIND and WSCR, Riordan said, directing his words to Proft, “Dan, I’ll have sex with your mother,” and then adding, “Dan Proft, you bring your mother over here, and I’ll bone her.” When Audacy was asked for a comment by the Chicago Sun-Times, it declined to comment. Read the New York Post’s coverage here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Remote News Service adds 13 new affiliate stations to its roster, including Alpha Media’s KTSA, San Antonio; Forcht Broadcasting’s stations in Paintsville, Kentucky, and Basin Mediactive’s stations in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Remote News Service president and lead anchor Lesley Lotto says, “We’ve always provided fill-in news anchors for vacations, illness, sudden departures, etc. Across the industry there’s been an increase in fill-in requests, especially from stations that need someone on the air in 6 to 12 hours, which we are able to provide.”

The Motley Fool announces that Chris Hill, longtime host of the “Motley Fool Money” podcast and radio show, is leaving at the end of the month. Taking over host duties is head of programming Dylan Lewis. Hill comments, “Getting the chance to create and host Motley Fool Money has been the highlight of my time at The Motley Fool. One of the things I’ve always loved is the team approach we’ve taken to helping listeners understand what’s happening on Wall Street, bringing a long-term perspective to daily market news, and offering stock ideas and analysis. We have a deep bench, and that same team approach will continue after I’m gone. With the show in such a position of strength, the time is right for me to explore the next chapter in my professional life.”

iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and COO and CFO Rich Bressler will participate in a question and answer session during the J.P. Morgan Technology, Media and Communications Conference on May 23 at 5:15 pm ET. A live webcast of the session will be available to the general public at the start of the session through a link on the Investors homepage of iHeartMedia’s website and a replay of the webcast will be available in the Events & Presentation section of iHeartMedia’s Investors homepage.