Industry News

Steve Lapa Launches 3 MINUTE PLANNER™, a Sales Education Tool

Steve Lapa, well-known broadcast management & sales expert and TALKERS contributing columnist, has launched a new website, 3MINUTEPLANNER.COM, which provides an innovative platform designed to simplify sales meeting strategies with easy-to-follow “3 Minute” explainer videos and accompanying downloadable eBooks. This video-based re-education is the first of its kind in the industry, providing managers and sales teams with the resources that support their success.

According to Lapa, The 3 Minute Planner™ is designed to help radio managers and sales teams by providing concise, practical strategies that can be applied immediately. The three-minute videos cover a wide range of topics, from sales strategies to account management and client relationship building. Each video is accompanied by an eBook that expands on the topic, providing additional tips to help sellers and managers improve performance.

Lapa tells TALKERS, “Radio sales is about constant competition and pressure. The 3 Minute Planner™ is designed to provide managers and sales teams with the strategic guidance they need to succeed. Our video-based re-education approach makes it easy for anyone to learn and implement new strategies quickly.”

The package features over 100 topics and strategies, allowing managers and top sellers to tailor the content. Lapa says, “The 3 Minute Planner™ provides a clear, concise format that is easy to follow and apply, making it an ideal tool for busy sales teams who need to make the most of their time.”  Interested radio broadcasters can visit 3MinutePlanner.com for a free sample.

Steve Lapa will be moderating the sales panel at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University.

Industry News

ESPN Chicago Unveils Chicago Bears Programming

With the move of Chicago Bears radio play-by-play moving from Audacy’s WBBM Newsradio to Good Karma Brands’ WMVP-AM “ESPN Chicago” beginning this season, Good Karma announces the programming and talent lineup for Bears coverage. In the booth calling the games will be Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer, and Jason McKie. The pre-game show will be hosted by Marc “Silvy” Silverman, Dionne Miller, and Lance Briggs. Silvy will also host the halftime show that Good Karma says “will provide a fresh, fan-focused take on what fans expect from a typical halftime show. The new Network Halftime Show will incorporate fan reactions to the first half of each game, as well as a new segment called ‘The Celebrity Spotlight,’ highlighting a conversation with a well-known celebrity guest with Chicago ties.” The post-game show will be hosted by John “Jurko” Jurkovic and Peggy Kusinski. Coverage will also include a daily podcast hosted by Chicago-based YouTube personality Pat the Designer with station personalities joining him on a rotating basis. ESPN Chicago director of content Danny Zederman says, “I am ecstatic for ESPN Chicago to enter a new era for exclusive Bears content 365 days a year while bringing together a diverse, energetic, and passionate group of talent with a deep knowledge of Chicago sports. Our talent has a real understanding of the importance of the Chicago Bears and what the team means to the fans because our team is made up of fans. We are counting down the days until kickoff!”

Industry News

Phoenix Capital Begins Partnership with Travis & Sexton Show

Phoenix Capital Group is partnering with Premiere Networks’ “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” to discuss the firm’s bond offerings and energy topics. Phoenix says, “This 2023 partnership will touch on energy topics along with Phoenix Capital Group’s alternative investment offerings that allow investors access to this important commodity. These corporate bonds range from 8% to 12% annual percentage yield with various terms, maturities, and rates. With so much uncertainty in the economy right now – with rising inflation, the up-and-down stock market, and the uncertainty of retirement investments such as 401(k) plans – diversifying your investments through Phoenix Capital Group is proving to be a good idea, as ‘The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show’ will highlight on their program, which touches on other important political conversations happening in the U.S.”

Industry News

Charly Arnolt Joins Outkick

OutKick announces that sports media personality Charly Arnolt leaves ESPN to join Outkick as co-host of a new program that is currently in development. Outkick says that Arnolt will also be “featured across OutKick platforms to discuss trending topics and to provide her authentic takes on the most pressing stories in sports.” In addition to her work with ESPN, Arnolt has been a host for WWE and is currently a reporter for UFC events. Outkick founder Clay Travis says, “Charly is an outstanding talent and will be a great asset for OutKick. It doesn’t surprise me she wanted to leave ESPN given their woke approach to sports and this is a great opportunity for her to join a platform that’s growing fast where she can speak her mind.” Arnolt says, “I’m extremely excited to join OutKick and work alongside Clay and a great stable of talent. The outspoken nature of the platform and its ability to create engaging content is what really piqued my interest. I have a lot of opinions that I haven’t been able to express, and I can’t wait get started.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/17) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The House Judiciary Committee’s field hearing in New York City to address crime attributed to Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg’s prosecution policies; after a one-day delay, the Dominion vs FOX News defamation trial begins today in Delaware; the FBI arrests two men charged with operating an “undeclared police station” in New York’s Chinatown and conspiring with the Chinese government to silence dissidents in the U.S.; the shooting of 16-year-old Ralph Yarl by 84-year-old Andrew Lester in Kansas City and the protests that stemmed from it; 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis is killed by un upstate New York man after the car she was riding in turned into his driveway; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s plan to tie raising the debt ceiling to tax cuts; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ ongoing battle with Disney over the company’s control of the special tax district; and WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich makes an appearance in a Russian court after being arrested and charged with espionage were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: NAB Show 2023

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

The first thing we heard was an earful from NAB president & CEO Curtis LeGeyt regarding automakers dropping AM receivers from new cars: “This is an issue we consider to be absolutely existential.”

Quoting Nielsen’s Fall 2022 survey results, Cumulus/Westwood One chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard ticked-off what he called “82 million reasons to keep AM radio in cars”

— 82,346,800 Americans listen to AM radio monthly.

— One out of three American radio listeners are reached monthly by AM radio.

— 57% of the AM radio audience listens to news/talk stations, the very outlets that Americans turn to in times of crisis and breaking local news.

 

As he presented “The State of Media, Audio and Marketing,” attendees were screen-shooting every slide in Pierre’s deck, so he offered to share (PBouvard@WestwoodOne.com). This must-see data explains and validates what he calls “The Two Jobs of Marketing: Converting Existing Demand and Creating Future Demand,” powerful ammo station reps can use to nudge advertisers who only tout special sales to instead use radio on-an-ongoing-basis.

— “If an apple orchard represents a brand’s entire customer base, converting existing demand = picking ripe apples (customers that are ‘in market’).” Those are, for instance, what he called the “3% who are looking to buy a car right now,” who will respond to the dealer’s caricature sale spots. As for the other 97%…

“If an apple orchard represents a brand’s entire customer base, creating future demand = planting new trees. It takes time and patience for new trees to bear fruit.” Thus, the worth of “emotional messaging that is designed to stand out and be enjoyed by consumers, creating positive memories of our brand that will influence future purchase decisions.”

 

Help Wanted!

Two discussions I took part in during the Small-Medium Market Forum echoed a unison I’m hearing everywhere: Where do we find on-air talent and salespeople?

— In the talent roundtable Mike McVay led, participants tended to think-young, swapping ideas for identifying entry-level candidates, possibly now podcasting. Or think-older. One participant mentioned a retired schoolteacher, comfortably pensioned, now cheerfully on-air, working fewer than 40 hours.

— The part-timer’s opportunity also came up on the sales side, in a roundtable led by Midwest Communications’ president Peter Tanz. As with industry in general post-pandemic, flexible arrangements help. And Tanz urged “Use your air, with ‘more cowbell.’” Meaning not only advertise for sellers on-air (where you’ll be talking to people who know the station); and he also suggested airing Employee Recognition salutes, of off-air staffers, which make the station sound like an appreciative employer.

— I read attendees a Help Wanted-Sales spot that has been productive at client stations, which I’ll share with you too. Simply Email me at talkradio@hollandcooke.com

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author “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 Views

Pending Business: NAB – Never Assume the Basics

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

Welcome to the NAB edition of Pending Business.

Wait, not that NAB. I am talking about the NAB that affects every manager and seller in the broadcast business, especially radio. This NAB is all about Never Assume the Basics.

Timing could not be better. Borrell and Associates just released a report that validates the Covid pandemic-driven changes in the local advertising marketplace. The shifts are so big, they most likely will change the ad world for a long time. The report shows the measurable local advertising marketplace is now at approximately $143 billion dollars. If you believe the numbers in the report, 67% of local ad dollars are placed in digital media advertising. Simple math says 33% of local ad dollars are now split, radio, TV, all print, outdoor and direct mail. Now that is a genuine showstopper!

These numbers are a tough pill to swallow, especially for those of us who remember the days when (print) newspapers were the king of the hill of local ad dollars. Whether you accept the numbers or not, the trend is your friend, and no manager or seller wants to be left behind. The major drivers behind this seismic shift in local ad dollars are the giants of social/digital media. Members of what TV personality Jim Cramer calls the FANG set – Facebook, Amazon, Google – you know what I am talking about. The shift in local dollars happened and continues happening right before our collective ears and eyes. Some of us are changing with the flow, others are still satisfied just reading a competitive radio monitor report during the Monday morning sales meeting.

Let us pause right here and get back to the danger of assuming the basics. You know what assuming can do, so let us regroup. Zoom back and take a treetop view of how you reconcile the basics of:

— local ad budgets

— sales prospecting

— packaging

What’s changed in your approach to prospecting? What NEW information and new businesses are you targeting? How has your competitive information flow adjusted to reflect local market changes? What is the newest package concept in your sales arsenal? Are you up to speed on the newer social and digital media initiatives in your local market?

Make no mistake, I am not advocating breaking the foundation. Yet we cannot ignore market dynamics. Some companies are driving change and growing in the digital/social media ad space, while others are slower. The great Teddy Roosevelt said “Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way!” Leadership is never easy. When it comes to sales, it should be a constant goal. Do not let anyone push you out of the way.

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

Industry News

AZ Supreme Court Dismisses Suit Against KFYI’s James T. Harris

As reported by Tucson.com, the defamation suit filed against KFYI-AM, Phoenix talk host James T. Harris by failed Republican U.S. Senate candidate Daniel McCarthy has been dismissed by the Arizona Supreme Court. Harris hosts “The Conservative Circus” program on the iHeartMedia news/talk station. Harris was critical of McCarthy on his radio program in the wake of a local State Capitol rally that took place after the 2020 elections. McCarthy claimed that Harris uttered nine statements that qualified as slander in a suit first allowed to go forward by a Phoenix trial court judge. Harris and iHeartMedia appealed, arguing the case should be dismissed as Harris’ statements “were rhetorical hyperbole incapable of being proved false and protected by the First Amendment, and were therefore not actionable.” The State Supreme Court agreed unanimously. Justice William Montgomery wrote, “Under the First Amendment, apparently factual statements must be considered in light of the nature in which the speaker uttered them and the relationship of the statements to the overall context. Here, the nature of the words is colored by the context of an overtly political talk show.” But he also stated, “We do not suggest that the First Amendment provides categorical protection to anything that may be said on a political talk show,” adding a ruling from another case saying, “Candidates cannot make defamatory assertions they hope voters will believe, then, when sued for defamation, seek refuge in the defense that no one believes what politicians say.” Read the full story here.

Industry News

Feniger Named VP of Curtis Media Group Networks

Curtis Media Group announces that Bruce Feniger joins the company as vice president of Curtis Network Group, which includes the North Carolina News Network, Southern Farm Network and North Carolina Sports Network. Feniger has served for the past 12 years as vice president and general manager for Pamal Broadcasting in Hudson Valley, New York and as national sales manager for Pamal’s stations in Albany, Glenn Falls and Rutland, Vermont. Curtis president and COO Trip Savery comments, “I am so pleased to have Bruce join our team in North Carolina. He has enjoyed so much success in local, national and network radio sales and management, and I look forward to him leading our network division.”

Industry News

Study Explores Listener Rituals and Audio Listening

A study conducted by MAGNA’s Media Trials unit and Audacy looks at the connection between listeners’ daily rituals and their audio listening. The study found that advertisers who aligned with listeners’ rituals saw a greater lift in brand excitement (+10%) and brand relevance (+8%). The study is titled, “Aligning with Rituals: The Contextual Foundation of Audio, and notes that consumers experience greater “feelings of connection” with brands that synchronize with their audio rituals, by +12%, compared to +3% for non-aligned ads. A ranking of typical listening rituals featured in a previous Audacy study, “Audio Rituals,” was topped by running general errands (85%) and doing home maintenance (84%). Consumer engagement levels, though, were most heightened during “me-time” moments (73%), putting my child to bed (70%) and exercising outdoors (68%). Audacy’s “Audio Rituals” study also determined that 74% of listeners incorporated audio into their daily rituals and 40% planned their day/activities around audio content. Audacy head of research and insights Idil Cakim says, “Audio advertisers can amplify the effectiveness of their buys through ritual moments. Study participants agreed that the stronger the match between advertisement and content, the better the outcome for key performance indicators like brand favorability and purchase intent.” Seventy-eight percent of participants agreed that strong content/ad matches mattered in brand favorability and 80% for purchase intent. See the complete study results here.

Industry News

Jefferson Media Group Unveils “Making of America” Feature

Jefferson Media Group announces the launch of the 60-second radio feature, “The Making of America,” hosted by Hollywood media veteran Michael Emerson that the company calls a library of audience-engaging vignettes that are offered to radio stations on a no-cost basis at this time. Emerson says, “‘The Making of America’ is original content programming from people who love America FOR people who love America. Paramount to us is the unwavering, steadfast support for America’s fundamentals such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These are just some of the many principles that we as a people cherish as Americans.” In addition to work directing, writing and producing for film and television, Emerson was host of the “Face to Face” radio news program distributed by CBS.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Cumulus Media announces that it will host a conference call on Thursday, April 27 at 8:30 am ET to discuss its first quarter 2023 operating results. A press release containing a summary of these results will be issued before the call at approximately 8:00 am ET.

PodcastOne announces that it has acquired the network distribution and advertising sales rights to the podcasts, “I’ve Had It” hosted by Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan, as well as “Causing a Scene with Sara and Natalie” hosted by Sara Gretzky and Natalie Buck.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The House Judiciary Committee to hold a field hearing in New York in connection with Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg’s prosecution of former President Donald Trump; the beginning of the Dominion Voting vs FOX News trial is continued to Tuesday suggesting a possible settlement; the deadly shootings in Biloxi, Kansas City, Louisville and Dadeville, Alabama; the aftermath of the leaked classified Pentagon documents; large groups of youths cause chaos and overwhelm police during three consecutive Teen Takeover nights in Chicago; Anheuser-Busch launches patriotic ad campaign after Dylan Mulvaney Bud Light protests; G-7 diplomats are critical of Chinese, Russian, and North Korean aggression; and scrutiny of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ financial reports were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Changes in Executive Positions at Audacy

Audacy chairman, president and CEO David J. Field announces that Audacy president of sports Mike Dee is leaving his full-time position with the company and EVP and head of corporate business development Tim Murphy is exiting the company. Dee is transitioning to a new role as a senior advisor to the company. Field says, “During his tenure, Mike spearheaded our company’s foray into the rapidly growing sports betting space, including his work establishing record-breaking, multi-year partnerships with FanDuel and BetMGM, acquiring BetQL and the launch of the BetQL Network. Mike approached me in February about redefining his role within Audacy, where he could continue contributing but free up some bandwidth to pursue other professional interests.” Regarding Murphy, Field says, “Tim has been with Audacy for 15 years, playing a critical leadership role. Early in his tenure, he was the visionary behind WEEI.com, a landmark radio digital platform that blazed a new trail of innovation for its time… Tim has led corporate business development and provided outstanding leadership with key strategic, entrepreneurial, and industry partners and customers. Tim helped lead a number of important company business initiatives and technological, digital, and enterprise enhancements, including spearheading Audacy’s expansion into the podcasting space – developing strategy, and driving the acquisitions of Cadence13, Pineapple Street, and Podcorn. He has also played an important leadership role in working in collaboration with NAB and others on industry issues.”

Industry News

Edison Research & NPR: “Hit Play, Boomer!”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

“They have the time and tools to listen, they like spoken word contest,” and Edison Research president Larry Rosin reminds us, they’re big-money consumers.

Baby Boomers – born between 1946 and 1964 – are now age 59-77.  Those 55+ comprise 30% of total USA population.

Per Edison’s ongoing “Infinite Dial” research, and with data and listener videos captured for this study done with NPR:

— 55+ consume more than 3 hours and 39 minutes of audio PER DAY. And 78% own a smartphone. And “Boomers listen to way more radio than do their children and grandchildren.” And they’re “adopting online audio.”

— Nearly 2/3 of Boomers’ audio is consumed at home. “Only about a third of that group is still working…they have the time to listen to podcasts.” And home is the #1 podcast listening location.

— But compared to 25-54s, they’re podcast consumer laggards. Rosin sees opportunity: “They’ve entered the top of the sales funnel.”

Compared to 25-54s, Boomers are podcasting laggards.

— Many Boomers think podcasting is a time-shifted radio show.

— “Overwhelmingly,” 55+ podcast listeners prefer news-related podcasts.

— We need to explain how-to-listen better than “available as a podcast” and wherever-you-get-yours.

Broadcasters and podcasters: Know how busy you are, I don’t make this recommendation casually. It’s well-worth your time to see the on-demand replay of this informative webinar.

Now I’m off to fabulous, fabulous Las Vegas for the 2023 NAB Show. Look for my convention notes here next week.

Talkers contributor Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features “Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;” and.  Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

KMOX, St. Louis Personality Carol Daniel to Retire

The Audacy news/talk station announces what it calls “a bittersweet day at KMOX” as longtime station personality Carol Daniel announces her retirement. KMOX says, “Carol has been a fixture of KMOX for 28 years of her 40-year-long broadcast career. She’s told the stories of St. Louisans with care, compassion and curiosity, and her work has been recognized throughout the region — she was named Press Club Media Person of the Year, she received the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists Living Legend Award and the Media Hall of Fame Award, and she is a nominee for the Lincoln University Alumni Hall of Fame. Outside of her career in radio, Carol is a wife and mother, author, motivational speaker, and ministry co-leader, and looks forward to spending time with family in her retirement. Carol has produced countless impactful, in-depth interviews in her time here, most recently as the host of the expanded ‘Total Information AM.’ Her last day with KMOX is May 25. We will be sad to see her go but are so excited for her as she takes on this new chapter.”

Industry News

Audacy Feeling Out Users’ Interest in Paid, Commercial-Free Tier

According to a report by Matthew Keys at The Desk, Audacy has begun surveying users of its digital platform to see what they might be willing to pay for commercial-free streaming of its content. Keys writes, “The plan would see Audacy replace commercial breaks on its traditional AM and FM radio stations with ‘exclusive content like additional news, interviews or songs, all while remaining in sync with the live broadcast.’… The survey asked Audacy listeners to choose how much they’d be willing to pay for commercial-free radio, with the prices starting at $1 per month and going as high as $11 a month, according to a copy of the survey reviewed by The Desk. A follow-up question presented a similar list of options, but asked users to weigh in on the maximum price they’d be willing to pay before they thought a premium radio subscription was too expensive.” Read the story here.

Industry News

Talk Host Larry Elder “Likely” to Run for President

Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup tells the Daily Caller that the network’s former talk personality Larry Elder will “likely” announce his bid for the GOP nomination for president in 2024 “soon.” Elder challenged Gavin Newsom for governor of California in the 2021 recall election. Elder was the top Republican vote getter in that failed bid to unseat Newsom. Tradup says that Elder has visited Iowa and that his political action committee, Elder For America, is bringing in donations. Federal Elections Commission data indicates that the PAC raised nearly $1.7 million in 2022. Elder currently hosts a video talk program for The Epoch Times.

Industry News

Podcast Radio Announces New Production House

Podcast Radio announces that it is launching a new production house to “create, promote and distribute podcasts alongside its radio stations.” The company says, “The new venture will provide end-to-end bespoke podcast production solutions to brand partners worldwide. Suitable podcasts will be made and distributed on Podcast Radio itself and other platforms such as Apple, Spotify and Google. Podcast Radio will also provide promotional opportunities by way of advertising campaigns and on-air interviews with the podcast host or contributors.” Company founder and CEO Gerry Edwards adds, “This is a natural extension of what we do. We’ve made our own Podcast Radio Originals for some time, but we now want to extend our extensive production skills to brand partners as well.” Podcast Radio intends to take podcast content to radio listeners. It plans to begin distributing a 24/7 American version of its programming to radio stations and groups across the US beginning soon. To that end, it has partnered with New York-based KMG Networks to syndicate the programming.

Industry News

Salem Media Group Announces Specials for Florida Broadcasters

In the aftermath of iHeartMedia’s firing of longtime WFLA, Tampa morning personality Jack Harris, Salem Media Group had considered bringing Harris on one of its Tampa-area signals to allow him to say goodbye to his listeners. Now, the company says that due to Harris’ non-compete, it will wait until the fall to present the special show. Salem Tampa general manager Barb Yoder says, “When I read that Jack Harris regretted not having the opportunity to say goodbye to his fans at the end of his most recent morning show, it really touched my heart. I’ve been in broadcasting for many years as well and though he’s been on a competing radio station, I’ve always admired and respected him and the way he connects with the Tampa Bay community. So, to honor Jack we were going to devote one of our morning shows on ‘The Answer’ Tampa and Sarasota for a Jack Harris Tribute.” Salem is hosting another recently let go Tampa host as former “Q105” personality Mason Dixon will appear on its “Faith Talk” stations on “The Bill Bunkley Show” today (4/14) from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Good Karma Brands’ Milwaukee radio stations are launching video stream capabilities. News/talk WTMJ, sports talk WKTI-FM “ESPN Milwaukee,” and talk WGKB-AM/W269DL “101.7 The Truth” will feature video streaming and repurposed video of each brands’ prime dayparts. They will be available on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

iHeartPodcasts and School of Humans debut “Sanctum Unmasked,” an eight-part podcast series that explores the secretive sex empire known as SNCTM. The series takes a nuanced, fun and comedic look into money, power and sex, set in the backdrop of Hollywood. It’s hosted by American writer, television host and producer Karley Sciortino, who is the founder of Slutever, a website that focuses on sex and sexuality.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of April 10-14

The classified Pentagon documents leak, and the arrest of suspect Jack Teixeira was the most-talked-about story this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the abortion pill rulings, followed by the Russia-Ukraine war at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the stop 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

NPR to Stop Using Twitter Feeds

NPR’s David Folkenflik reports that the public media organization will cease putting up fresh content on its 52 official Twitter feeds after the social media platform labeled NPR as “state-affiliated media” which it also uses to label propaganda from places like China and Russia, before changing the label to “government-funded media.” NPR has responded to the new label saying it is “inaccurate and misleading, given that NPR is a private, nonprofit company with editorial independence. It receives less than 1 percent of its $300 million annual budget from the federally funded Corporation for Public Broadcasting.” NPR CEO John Lansing is quoted saying the company is “protecting its credibility and its ability to produce journalism without a shadow of negativity. The downside, whatever the downside, doesn’t change that fact. I would never have our content go anywhere that would risk our credibility.” Read the full story here.

Industry News

IAB: Digital Ad Revenue Growth Slows

The IAB publishes its IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report: Full Year 2022 and concludes that “after record-breaking growth in 2021, internet advertising revenue has slowed but still delivered double-digit growth in 2022. Between 2021 and 2022, internet advertising revenues grew 10.8% year-over-year totaling $209.7 billion and overall revenues increased $20.4 billion YoY. Q1 saw the highest growth of 21.1% followed by Q2 at 11.8%, resulting in ad revenues for the first half of the year surpassing $100 billion for the first time. Revenues slowed in Q3 (8.4%) and Q4 (4.4%).” IAB CEO David Cohen comments, “After unprecedented growth in 2021, we expected more moderation in 2022. Economic uncertainty, geo-political unrest, a shifting regulatory environment and addressability changes have all contributed to revenue growing at a slower pace. Looking ahead, there is definitely still growth to be had, but it will be harder to achieve and likely less than we have become accustomed to.” Read more here.

Industry News

Dan Dakich Renews with Outkick

Sports talk personality Dan Dakich signs a multi-year contract to continue as the host of the daily “Don’t @ Me!” show for Outkick. Dakich, who previously hosted a show on Urban One’s sports talk WFNI-AM, Indianapolis “The Fan,” has been hosting the 9:00 am to 11:00 am show on OutKick.com and its social media platforms since 2021. Outkick founder Clay Travis says, “Dan has been instrumental in the success of OutKick and I’m thrilled to have him on board. Every day his high energy, humor, and bold opinions drive fans to the platform and create awareness of the great content produced by OutKick.” Dakich comments, “I’ve had so much fun hosting my show with OutKick and am excited to keep it rolling. The team is tremendous and allows me to not only speak my mind but shed light on the most compelling sports news of the day. I can’t thank OutKick enough for giving me this platform.”

Industry News

Report: Audacy Closes WEEI Offices in Rhode Island

GoLocalProv reports that Audacy is shutting down the Rhode Island offices of sports talk WEEI. Programming from WEEI, Boston airs on WVEI-FM, Westerly, Rhode Island and the company has operated sales and some programming out of offices in Warwick. There’s nothing to indicate the simulcast programming from WEEI will change or that any staff were let go in the move. It sounds as though the company is looking to cut the costs of operating the offices. Read the story here.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Guests on “Chachi Loves Everybody” Podcast

Benztown, a global leader in radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting and jingles, announces the release today (4/13) of two new episodes of “Chachi Loves Everybody,” an original podcast produced by Benztown and featuring Benztown president and audio brand builder Dave “Chachi” Denes. The first new episode features Chachi’s recent chat from Benztown’s Los Angeles studios with Michael Harrison, founder and publisher, TALKERS.  In the second new episode, Chachi talks to Wayne Johnson, founder and owner of Rockaway Records in Los Angeles.

“Chachi Loves Everybody” takes listeners with Denes – better known as “Chachi” – as he sits down for candid conversations with radio’s legends, master brand builders, up-and-comers, and innovators in the burgeoning audio space, revealing the true stories behind their successes and their insights into building iconic brands through audio. According to Harrison, “Chachi is one of the most effective media platform interviewers I’ve ever encountered. He pulled stuff out of me that I’ve never said publicly. Radio freaks are going to love this podcast.”

Today’s Benztown press release states: Before founding TALKERS, radio innovator and thought-leader Michael Harrison worked at legendary radio stations from coast-to-coast, including WNEW-FM in New York, KMET in Los Angeles, KRPI in San Diego, WTIC in Hartford, CT, and WCBS-FM in New York. He also founded the AOR format, hosted several syndicated shows, and was the first managing editor for Radio & Records. Harrison has been a columnist for Billboard, a radio station owner, and member of the band Gunhill Road.

Harrison shares with Chachi and his listeners:

— How he started his career by creating one of the first progressive rock radio stations on Long Island with his colleague Richard Neer

— What it was like to work in NYC radio for three different formats at once – and teach at NYU at the same time

— About his move to San Diego and his instrumental role in the creation of the AOR format

— Stories behind the syndicated shows he hosted and what it was like working with Norm Pattiz in the early days of Westwood One

— How he published his own radio/music charts in his Goodphone publication and being bought out by Billboard

— Moving to talk radio and founding TALKERS magazine, TALKERS.com and the TALKERS Convention

— Joining the band Gunhill Road and releasing music with them

— What the radio industry must do to stay relevant

— And more!

Listen to the new podcast episodes here.

Industry News

WBAP, Dallas-Fort Worth Sponsors Weathercon 2023

Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas-Fort Worth – along with WFAA-TV – is presenting “The On Time Experts Weathercon 2023,” a free, live event “that delivers fun and excitement for the whole family through the immersive Weathercon experiences at Frontiers of Flight Museum, Texas’ premier air and space museum.” Included in the May 6 event is the opportunity for families to experience what it is like to be a meteorologist with a green screen, see storm chaser vehicles, and visit the interactive kids’ zone. WBAP meteorologist Brad Barton and WFAA-TV’s Pete Delkus will deliver presentations to visitors.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/12) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The intelligence leak that made public classified Pentagon documents regarding Ukraine, Russia and U.S. allies; the court rulings affecting the abortion pill mifepristone; Fed economists predict a “mild recession” for the U.S. later this year; Tennessee state rep Justin Pearson is returned to the legislature after being ousted for taking part in a gun control demonstration; the aftermath of the deadly Louisville shooting and the topic of gun control; the Russia-Ukraine war and the video that purports to show a Russian soldier beheading a Ukrainian soldier; the legal matters facing former President Donald Trump; U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein leaves committee to recuperate from shingles as some fellow Democrats request her resignation due to her absence; and jury selection to begin in Dominion Voting vs FOX News case were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Geoff Moyer Named Co-Director of Sales at Alpha Media Portland

Alpha Media names Geoff Moyer co-director of sales for the Portland cluster that includes news/talk KXL-FM, talk KUFO-AM, and sports talk KXTG-AM “The Game” plus four music brands. He now works alongside co-director Cressy Walton and she comments, “Geoff has been a significant asset to the management team at Alpha Media since he came on board in November of 2016. I look forward to our strong, continued partnership and am pleased to see his hard work recognized.” Alpha Portland SVP and market manager Lisa Decker adds, “It’s always special to promote from within and to honor hard work and growth. Geoff will join Cressy Walton as the co-director of sales. Cressy has been with Alpha Media since the beginning and has been the director of sales since 2019. The co-director of sales role will help to align our organization with our clients and our staff’s needs. I am proud of both of them and their accomplishments. They are the Dream Team.”

Industry News

Hubbard Promotes Wolinsky to Publisher of Federal News Network

Hubbard Broadcasting Washington D.C. announces Jeffrey Wolinsky is rising from director of Federal sales to publisher at the company’s Federal News Network. Hubbard says Federal News Network is “an industry leading trusted news and marketing platform that focuses on the issues and topics affecting the federal government and federal government contracting community.” Joel Oxley is vice president and general manager at WTOP News and Federal News Network. He says, “Each time I have brought new opportunities to Jeffrey he has used his creativity and collaborative approach to create success for our audience, our advertisers and our team. His expertise specifically in identifying trends our organization can leverage to better deliver on our mission will take a higher profile. Leading to even greater overall success. Jeffrey’s vision for the future will align directly with our goal of being the go-to source of federal news for employees and contractors and bringing new products and opportunities to market.” Wolinsky has served at Hubbard DC for the past 20 years.

Industry News

WFAN, New York Host Rick Wolff Dies

WFAN, New York listeners and the industry are mourning the passing of the station’s Sunday morning “The Sports Edge” host Rick Wolff, who died after a brief battle with brain cancer at age 71. Coverage of his death at NJ.com notes that Wolff was a Harvard graduate “with a master’s degree who dispensed common-sense advice to parents and coaches during his WFAN weekend show.” The family’s obit states, “To know Rick or Dad or Pops was to love him. He was wise, thoughtful, sharp, funny, incredibly smart, and truly just a wonderful person. In his honor, please remember to never give up on your dreams. He never did, even after so many of them had come true.” Read the NJ.com story here.