Ten Things You Need to Know to Be a Successful Talker (on or off the air)
By Michael Harrison
Publisher
TALKERS
10. Have a flight plan before taking off on a monologue. Know where and when you intend to land the plane. This is true of any point you’re trying to spontaneously make in the course of a conversation. There’s nothing worse than a talker bloviating in search of a point.
9. Know what you’re talking about. Don’t just go with half-baked information for fear of being late to the party or are desperate to fill time. You can’t be an effective talker if you are not an equally effective listener. Also be careful about assuming you are the first to notice or know something when you might actually be the last. Respect the fact that some of the people you are addressing might be more knowledgeable than you.
8. Take an extra fraction of a second to edit yourself. Loose lips sink careers. Especially today! The art of being an effective talker is like being a quarterback. Get rid of the ball quickly… but not too quickly.
7. Don’t try to be funny if you’re not. This relates to the point above. However, humor is an effective communications tool when used properly. The key is to use it properly with an honest assessment of your own “talent.” Everyone needs a director.
6. Don’t pander to your target audience (too much). The daily dance of affirmation – telling people exactly what you think they want to hear and never deviating – eventually leads to a happier but ever-shrinking audience that will eventually turn on you. Super-serving the wrong-headed beliefs (or bad taste) of the target audience can lead to slow-but-sure audience erosion. Don’t be afraid to occasionally piss-off the core. Its good for the soul as well as the cume. Always have an exit strategy. Don’t endeavor to deceive.
5. Don’t deviate too far from the course and point of the conversation. Tangents disrupt the flow of a meaningful conversation and make people forget what they are talking about. (This is equally important in off air conversations.) If mid-conversation someone asks “do you have time for a quick story,” your first impulse should be to say no.
4. Don’t interrupt. And don’t allow anyone to interrupt you. If you must interrupt, do so with surgical finesse. Avoid conversations with wind bags.
3. Avoid worn out talking points. Be original. Always bring something new to the table. Otherwise you deserve to be replaced by AI.
2. Don’t waste people’s precious time. In today’s world, time is as precious as money. There’s no such thing as “free” media. It costs people time to listen to you.
1. Know when to keep your mouth shut. This is one of life’s most valuable lessons, on and off the air.
Michael Harrison is the publisher of TALKERS. He can be emailed at michael@talkers.com.
compensation expense, debt modification costs, gains and losses on the sale or disposition of assets, impairments, depreciation expense and amortization expense increased 0.2% to $61.0 million. The company reports a net loss of $31.3 million for the quarter, an increase of 163% over the same period in 2022. Salem presents operating results by segment and reveals that its Broadcast segment’s revenue was $49 million, down 4.2% year-over-year; its Digital Media segment’s revenue was $10 million, down 2.2%; and the Publishing segment’s revenue was $4.6 million, a decline of 17.5%. 
the afternoon drive show based at WHO-AM, Des Moines and syndicated to WMT-AM Cedar Rapids and WOC-AM, Quad Cities – takes over the new morning show role from Bud Hedinger, who retired from the station after 20 years. Conway says, “It is such an honor to have been given the keys to this amazing morning drive show in the heart of Central Florida. We have a great crew and we are aiming to be hard-hitting, fun and entertaining all at the same time.”
Phoenix as host of the 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm talk show “All Right Now!” on CRC Broadcasting Company’s KFNN-AM. CRC founder Ron Cohen says, “JD coming home to KFNN is a watershed moment for our station and all Arizona radio listeners. With so much interest in the 2024 election and Arizona’s growing notoriety as a key battleground state, the timing could not be better to bring JD back to host a daily show. No Valley radio host possesses JD’s credentials in both broadcasting and politics.”
her Eugene, Oregon management role and becomes regional vice president. Cumulus operates news/talk outlet KKOH-AM, Reno; news/talk KUGN-AM & sports talk KUJZ-FM in Eugene, plus six music brands. Cumulus president, operations Bob Walker says, “We are thrilled to expand Tricia’s responsibilities and welcome her back to Reno. Her experience and relationships in the market are unmatched.” 
Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “It’s a great night in support of our local veterans. Audacy Philadelphia has a strong partnership with TMF, and we’re excited for our 94WIP hosts to assist in this fundraising effort.” 94WIP guest bartenders include Joe DeCamara, Rhea Hughes, James Seltzer, Hugh Douglas, Joe Giglio, Ike Reese, Jon Marks, Jack Fritz, Howard Eskin, Devan Kaney and Eliot Shorr Parks. Also, in attendance will be Ryan Manion and Col. Manion of Travis Manion Foundation.
will lead a discussion aimed at helping residents understand the best way to protect themselves and their loved ones. He says, “The war between Israel and Hamas has created heightened tensions in New Jersey. But even before the war began, New Jersey was dealing with multiple threats from foreign actors and extremist groups operating in the Garden State.” The program’s on-air panel will feature Daniel Engelhardt, deputy director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Nelson Delgado, assistant special agent-in-charge of counterterrorism for the Newark FBI office; Stafford Township Police Chief Thomas Dellane; and security representatives from various New Jersey state agencies and authorities.
Survey says nearly half of all Americans over 13, nearly 135 million, listen to spoken word formats. The growth curve boasts an eye opening 52% jump in time spent listening at home.
Here’s actual news copy, from Joe Connolly’s business report one morning on WCBS, NY: “One third of all domestic flights are now late, by an average of one hour.”
funded to analyze the potential effects of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act on the auto industry reveals the cost to the industry would be minimal, but that AAI “misrepresents, distorts and spins the results of the report it paid for to advance its position” in opposition to the legislation. 
accounting firm and the work required for E&Y to re-familiarize itself with the Company, the Company’s continued assessment of its internal controls, the Company is not able to finalize the financial statements and related information for inclusion in its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 (“2023 Q3 Form 10-Q”). Accordingly, the Company is unable to file its 2023 Q3 Form 10-Q within the prescribed time period as it works to complete each of the Company’s 2023 Q1 Form 10-Q, 2023 Q2 Form 10-Q and 2023 Q3 Form 10-Q.” This stems from BDO USA, LLP’s problematic valuation of Urban One’s investment interest in MGM National Harbor, which it sold for cash proceeds of approximately $136.8 million on April 21, 2023. This matter has also forced Nasdaq Stock Market LLC to begin the delisting process for the company’s stock.
from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. In addition to “Morning Juice,” Beam hosts the Ohio State Buckeyes football network post-game show in partnership with “97.1 The Fan” and Learfield/Ohio State Sports Properties and co-hosts the “Bone and Beam United” podcast. Station program director Matt Fishman says, “Beamer is a smart, versatile personality who has excelled in several roles. We are thrilled that he has decided to stay at ‘The Fan.’” Station manager Cody Welling adds, “Brandon is an emerging talent that has worked extremely hard on his development. I enjoy his energy, his passion for the station, and his love for Columbus, our teams, and our fans.”
Curley and Howie Carr encouraged listeners to donate and raise funds for the DAV of Massachusetts’ homeless shelter and transportation programs. iHeartMedia Boston director of operations, news, talk and sports Bill Flaherty says, “Year after year, the WRKO listeners overwhelm us with their generosity. This year, they have helped to raise $172,852 for the DAV of Massachusetts. It’s an honor to dedicate a day of programming to those who have given so much of themselves for this country.” Since 2016, the “DAV Radiothon” has raised over $1,058,000 to benefit veterans in the community.
clients, and industry insiders alike, Cohen has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of some of the biggest stars in the business. Her dedication to the well-being and success of her clients has set a new standard for excellence in talent representation.” The Weiss Agency founder and CEO Eric Weiss adds, “In Heather, we have not only an exceptional talent agent but a true leader and advocate for positive change. Her dedication, industry acumen, and commitment to her clients embody the values we hold dear at our company.” Cohen says, “I am so fortunate to have a career that I absolutely love. It is a privilege to represent people that I truly believe in. The content they provide is the force behind and the future of our industry. I am beyond grateful to Eric Weiss for his guidance, friendship, and faith in me. There is nowhere that I would rather be, and I look forward to many more years working with Eric and our Weiss Agency family.”
Beasley were unable to come to terms on a new contract a few weeks after the company announced Toucher had inked a new, multiyear deal that will see him continue as lead host of the morning show. WBTS-TV, Boston “NBC10” reports that Toucher announced the change on this morning’s show and indicated he was surprised when management told him Shertenlieb was leaving the program. He also said management wanted him to tell the audience that the company made him “a multi-year offer that he chose not to accept” and that “negotiations weren’t going anywhere.” Shertenlieb has not commented publicly other than to inform the show’s X followers that he has a new X handle. 
inspiring and patriotic radio show features an exclusive interview with Jessica Lynch who recounts her harrowing experience as a prisoner of war during the early days of the 2003 Invasion of Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom. She reveals details of her treatment during her captivity, her rescue, the ensuing years of medical treatment and the special role Fisher House played (and continues to play) in her recovery. This informational talk show will leave listeners feeling inspired during Veterans Day weekend and through the holiday season, sharing stories of amazing service members, veterans, and their families. 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 medical care because “A Family’s LOVE is Good Medicine.” For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact Larry O’Connor at 562-665-9537 or loconnor@fisherhouse.org.
word, which is a 55% increase over nine years ago (20%); 2) Spoken word listening at home has grown dramatically: 60% of the total daily audio time spent with spoken word audio is at home, 24% in the car, 13% at work, and 3% at some other location. The time spent listening to spoken word audio at home has grown to 41 daily minutes in 2023 from 27 daily minutes in 2014. Increases in at-home spoken word audio listening are seen across every hour in the listening day; 3) Spoken word listening in-car has shifted post-pandemic, but AM/FM radio remains on top: Of all the daily time spent listening to spoken word audio, time spent listening in the car has declined from 36% in 2014 to 24% in 2023. In the car, 62% of spoken word audio consumed by those in the U.S. age 13+ is to AM/FM radio content, including over the air and streams; 4) For the first time ever, the mobile device is the primary way people listen to spoken word: 39% of spoken word audio consumed daily by those age 13+ in the U.S. is on a mobile device, followed by 35% on an AM/FM radio receiver. At home, 41% of spoken word audio is consumed on a mobile device, and at work, 47% of spoken word is consumed on a mobile device. AM/FM radio receivers still dominate in-car, garnering 60% of the spoken word audio listening there; and 5) Podcasts represent a large and growing share of spoken word listening: Podcasts now represent over one-third (36%) of time spent with spoken word audio. Twenty-eight percent of time spent listening to podcasts goes to NPR/public radio. At home, 40% of spoken-word audio listening goes to podcasts. 
1:00 pm (instead of its usual 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm air time). The program is hosted by travel expert Colleen Kelly, who is cost, creator, and executive producer of the popular Emmy-nominated PBS series, “Family Travel With Colleen Kelly,” and is a digital contributor to National Geographic. WLS program director Stephanie Tichenor says, “Chicago loves to travel. Colleen has been giving our WLS-AM audience travel tips and tricks for over 100 episodes. We are so excited to celebrate this milestone with her as she continues to share her experiences from all over the world.” The series is also co-hosted and produced by Megan Kudla, as well as technically produced and edited by Lane Thoelcke.
Bakersfield and Spokane. In his new role as SVP of programming, Jarquin will be responsible for the oversight of programming and promotions across all Pacific Area iHeartMedia stations. iHeartMedia Pacific Area president Steve Darnell says, “Angel has a successful track record programming some of the most dynamic station brands in the market. His creativity, leadership and background on-air make him perfectly positioned to lead our station programming to connect with listeners throughout the Pacific Area.”