Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend
The presidential race and questions about President Joe Biden’s age and his fitness; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump and the Fani Willis misconduct hearings; the U.S. migrant crisis; Russia takes the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka and the death of Vladimir Putin critic Alexei Navalny; the Israel-Hamas war and the International Court of Justice hears arguments over Israel’s occupation of territory claimed by Palestinians; FBI warnings about Chinese hackers targeting U.S. infrastructure; and the report of Russia’s planned space-based nuclear weapons were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
reach 17% more voters.” The study references Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman’s 2022 campaign, noting that it deployed radio to reach voters in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. In doing so, it allocated 20% of media dollars to radio and generated a 10% lift from radio above the local TV campaign, amounting to 676,000 additional voters at no extra cost. Audacy SVP of strategy, partnerships and analytics Jon Blum says, “When campaigns activate a TV plan, they should activate a corresponding radio plan and incorporate it into the mix with TV. The portion of the population that isn’t reachable via TV could be the swing vote and what throws it over the top for a candidate.” Nielsen’s study noted that if a campaign moved 20% of ad spending to radio, the optimized media plan would connect with 15% more Democratic and Republican voters and 23% more unaffiliated voters. 
Digital, FOX News Audio, FOX Weather and FOX Nation. He takes over for Jeff Collins, who was recently elevated to president of the division for FOX 
Corporation. Additionally, Ryan Roelle is promoted to SVP of national sales where she will focus on endemic and national advertising in addition to leading linear and digital sales across the country. In making the announcement, Collins says, “Over the past four years, Trey’s vast knowledge and deep understanding of the news marketplace helped drive new revenue streams while Ryan has increased the effectiveness and performance of our endemic and national sales teams. Together, they will ensure continued growth across FOX News Media platforms and success for our valued partners.”
should keep quarterback Justin Fields or trade him in the upcoming draft for the #1 pick. Parkins and Spiegel will kick off the discussion from Audacy Chicago’s Blue Cross Blue Shield Performance Stage from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Football experts and a live audience will join Parkins and Spiegel to weigh in on the looming decision. “The Score” ran a contest this week for a chance to attend the “QB1 Town Hall.” These winners will make up the crowd that will have the opportunity take part in the debate. WSCR VP of programming Mitch Rosen says, “This decision will determine the entire season’s trajectory and the fans are passionate about their views on it. We’re looking forward to opening up this conversation to our listeners and Bears faithful.” The show is being made available via the Audacy app & website, the station’s Twitch, and YouTube channels. 
the month reaching 3.27 billion total multiplatform minutes, compared to CNN.com’s 1.85 billion, and NYTimes.com’s 1.59 billion. FOX News Media attracted 1.66 billion total multiplatform views, compared to NYTimes.com’s 1.49 billion, and CNN.com’s 1.17 billion. When it comes to total digital unique visitors – similar to radio’s cume – CNN.com still holds the lead with 112.7 million. But FOX News Digital (109.7 million) has gradually been gaining ground on CNN. 
Post says it confirmed the report with Audacy and the company added, “The decision by our existing and new debtholders to become equity holders in Audacy represents a significant vote of confidence in our company and the future of the radio and audio business.” The story cites an insider close to the situation who is a Republican saying he believes its “possible Soros was buying the stake to exert influence on public opinion in the months leading up to the 2024 presidential election.” 
says, “Back in Spring of 2009, during the chaos and sleepless nights involved in launching this national media company, the media gods sent me an angel in the form of Michelle Salvatore. Michelle faced down every challenge, worked tirelessly and with good cheer, and set a gold standard of excellence for not only Compass Media Networks, but our industry. We love and will miss Michelle dearly. Our goal is to build upon the greatness she created as we move ahead into the next chapter of our evolution.” Salvatore comments, “Working at Compass Media Networks literally changed my life for the better. I was able to travel the globe, producing games throughout the United States, Latin America and Europe, and had the chance to work with incredibly talented, passionate, and kind people. I am forever grateful to my dear friends at Compass Media Networks.”
NBCUniversal News Group’s “Dateline NBC” drops two spots to #4 and audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” rises to #2 and NPR’s “Up First” climbs to #3. Other radio related podcasts of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” steady at #7, Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” rising three spots to #15, and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Mark Levin Show” up one place to #24. 
challenges. The mix of diverse and insightful voices on this year’s boards will continue the important work of prioritizing recognition, connection and education of women across all facets of media.” The officer roles include: Katina Arnold, chair, VP, corporate communications, ESPN; Monica Bloom, incoming/vice chair, chief marketing officer, MHz Choice | Topic Streaming; Annie Howell, immediate past chair, chief communications officer, Hallmark Media; Catherine Badalamente, treasurer, president & CEO, Graham Media Group; and Marie Tedesco, treasurer-elect, CFO, Beasley Broadcast Group. New to the board of directors are: Isabel Lara, chief communications officer, NPR; Jaclyn Levin, president, Shriver Media and founder, Liminal Space Media; Christine Moran, head of creator partnerships, Electrify Video Partners; and Debra O’Connell, president, news group and networks, Disney Entertainment. 
spot. But the big story is the rise of WSE Originals’ “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce” shooting from #67 in the Q3 2023 report to #6 in the Q4 chart. (The show was not in the top 100 in the Q2 2023 survey.) Edison says the show starring Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce “gained four and a half times the number of listeners and saw a change in composition to 50% female listeners.” Other noteworthy moves from radio-related podcasts include The DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” rising from #17 in Q3 to #9 in Q4 and Cumulus Podcasts Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” climbing from #29 in Q3 to #26 in Q4. Edison’s Q4 2023 ranker was conducted from October 9, 2023 to December 23, 2023, and is based on surveys of 5,356 weekly podcast listeners age 13+.
Moshos. Moshos died on January 11 and today (2/14) would have been his 67th birthday. General manager Joel Oxley says, “George helped me so much when I first started at WTOP 30 some odd years ago. I knew little about production and he let me know it. His gruff demeanor and direct style took a minute to get used to. But it didn’t take long for me to realize this guy with the glint in his eyes was a person who cared. Really cared. About his job and doing it right and more importantly about people. He touched so, so many people and made things better for them. Seems only right to name where he spent so much of his time ‘The George Moshos Production Studio.’”
previously announced acquisition of Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”) to a shareholder group led by New Mountain Capital, LLC has closed, and the company has received $101.4 million of proceeds related to its equity interest in BMI. iHeartMedia says it plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of debt.
. Saga Communications president and CEO Chris Forgy comments, “We regretted missing the opportunity to acquire these stations a number of years ago when the Neuhoff family acquired them. These stations are a great fit for Saga. We see a lot of opportunity with these stations and this market and are pleased that the family has decided to entrust Saga with continuing these station’s long-standing heritage of serving the Greater Lafayette region. Saga intends to continue building its business in radio by identifying and acquiring middle market stations in dynamic communities.” KALIL & CO., INC was the exclusive broker.
KHTK-AM, Sacramento “Sactown Sports 1140 AM.” Gonzo posted to X, “I’ve loved my time here. Fresno born and raised. This is home. Through the hard times and the great times everyone here has had a hand in my growth. Thank you! Excited for my next radio chapter.” At the same time Fat Dawgs 7 Broadcasting announces that Enrique Loera is named VP and general manager for the company’s Fresno radio stations. 
to connect with their favorite hosts and shows on social media. Half of weekly podcasts consumers follow their favorite podcast hosts on one of the social platforms; 2) Younger 18-34 podcast consumers are more likely to follow their favorite hosts on social media. Compared to 35-49 and 50+ podcast consumers, 18-45 podcast consumers are more engaged socially with podcast hosts. 68% of podcast consumers 18-34 follow their favorite hosts on social media. 55% of 35-49s follow favorite hosts on social. 40% of those 50+ follow favorite podcast hosts on social; and 3) YouTube towers as a podcast discovery platform: 19% of weekly podcast consumers use YouTube to find podcasts. When asked which social platform they’ve used to find podcasts, 19% of podcast consumers are turning to YouTube, more than all other social media platforms combined.