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Morning Radio Executive Producer Based in Richmond, VA

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Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of September 16-20

Industry News

Audacy Clears “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” on 1210 WPHT, Philadelphia

imAudacy has added “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” to its lineup on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, Philadelphia. Failla’s nationally syndicated political show will be heard weekdays from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET beginning October 7. “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” features guests from across the political spectrum for lively discussions on the day’s leading headlines.  David Yadgaroff, senior vice president and market manager, Audacy Philadelphia tells TALKERS, ““Jimmy’s coverage of today’s top stories brings a refreshing lightness to the political polarization in America, uniting listeners from all parties with laughter,” adding, “Talk radio has proved to be a reliable news source for listeners, so we’re proud to add this renowned program to our airwaves as the anticipation builds for the 2024 presidential election.”  TALKERS Heavy Hundred member, Failla says, “As a former taxi cab driver, I am thrilled to join a station that’s built the same strong relationships with its listeners as I built with my passengers,” adding, “I can’t wait to take this ride!”  In addition to his radio program, which is heard on 150 stations nationwide, Failla hosts the television show “FOX News Saturday Night,” where he uses his experience as a stand-up comedian to add humor to the biggest stories of the week. He is the New York Times bestselling author of the FOX News book Cancel Culture Dictionary and began writing for the network in 2016. Failla is replacing Cumulus / Westwood One syndicated star (and TALKERS Heavy Hundred member) Mark Levin at night on WPHT.

 

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Beasley Broadcast Group’s Reverse Stock Split: What Shareholders Need to Know

Job Opportunity

WOSH, Appleton-Oshkosh, WI Looking for Morning Show Host

WOSHCumulus Media Appleton-Oshkosh, WI is looking for a dynamic morning show host for its legendary conservative talk and news station WOSH-AM (with FM translator). The station just celebrated its 83rd anniversary and is looking for an engaging presence to guide it to its next milestone.  Station officials tell TALKERS, “The WOSH host shares the community voice and opinions and encourages listeners in the Fox River Valley to engage with the topics of the day, whether they agree (or even disagree) with us. Our talent, news, the sound of the station, and promotions are all forward thinking. If you are as well, maybe Wisconsin should be on your radar!”  For more details and contact information, please click here.

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Radio Hosts Invited to Appear in Forthcoming Gunhill Road Music Video Celebrating Talk Radio

Gunhill Road Needs You!

Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has attracted hundreds of thousands of worldwide followers with its growing repertoire of issue-oriented songs and music videos, is currently in production with an anthem celebrating talk radio. Titled “Don’t Stop Talkin’” – the song is an uplifting and infectiously catchy tune about the vital role talk radio plays in serving the cause of American freedom of speech.  With lines that include “As long as you’ve got a voice, don’t ever stop!” and “As long as you’ve got the truth, don’t ever stop!” the original composition co-written by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian Koonan, and Michael Harrison encourages talk radio practitioners to keep up the good work and great service they provide the nation.Gunhill Road Logo The images accompanying the music will be a dynamic montage of individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows.  The group invites talk show hosts from around the country – local and syndicated – to contribute video clips of themselves in action on the mic. The clips need not be longer than one minute and show the face of the host on air in the studio (even if it is a home studio) and, if possible, show the station or program logo in the frame.  Obviously, the group cannot guarantee inclusion in the final product, but every effort will be made to do so. Gunhill Road video producer (and TALKERS VP/associate publisher) Matthew B. Harrison states, “The members of Gunhill Road are so grateful for the attention and airplay they have received over the past five years from talk radio that they want to give something special back to the industry and its medium.”  Interested hosts should send their video clips to info@talkers.com along with permission to use them in the video.  The deadline for clips to be considered is October 11, 2024.  For more information about Gunhill Road please visit www.GunhillRoadMusic.com.



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TALKERS News Notes

AM for Every Vehicle Act Approved by House Energy and Commerce Committee.  The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the pending bill yesterday (9/19) requiring new cars to have AM radios in their dashboards. The bill was passed by the committee on a roll-call vote of 45-2 and now heads to the full House for final approval.  Titled the AM for Every Vehicle Act, the bill, if passed, would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles “without a separate or additional payment, fee, or surcharge.” Supporters of the bill say that AM radio serves the public interest and safety during natural disasters and other events requiring emergency broadcasting information – not to mention a wide variety of programming genres not readily available on other platforms in addition to regions of the country not fully served by digital media.

SEATTLE TIMES: Major Changes Could Be Coming to the Seattle Mariners Broadcasting Booth this Off Season. According to an article in the Seattle Times by reporter Adam Jude, longtime Mariners play-by-play voice Dave Sims is thought to be a finalist for the New York Yankees radio broadcasting vacancy, a position that opened up when John Sterling abruptly retired in April.  Sims, 71, has been one of the Mariners’ primary television voices since 2007, and his iconic calls — from “Hey now!” to Giddy up, baby!” — have endeared him to many fans. A Philadelphia native, Sims interviewed with the Yankees earlier this summer. The Yankees are not expected to announce a hire until after the season. “It’s just nice to be considered,” Sims said. To read the entire article, please click here.

Industry Views

Yesterday’s (9/18) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Springfield, OH migrant crisis remains in the top position among stories discussed in the talk media yesterday (9/17).  That was followed closely by controversy and concerns over the Israel-Hamas war and the Hezbollah pager/walkie-talkie explosions. The presidential race, the Russia-Ukraine war and the economy-inflation were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Salem New York VP/GM Jerry Crowley Announces Retirement at Year’s End

Longtime New York radio market executive Jerry Crowley has announced that he will be retiring at the end of 2024.  Jerry CrowleyCrowley has had a long and illustrious career in New York talk radio.  He has served as vice president/general manager of the Salem Media Group New York – WNYM 970 AM The Answer and WMCA 570 AM The Mission – since 2013. Prior to that, he held key management positions for 18 years as sales manager and VP/GM at WOR, New York.  In an internal memo issued to Salem management and corporate staff (9/17), company senior VP East region Jeff Reisman states, “Jerry has been an integral part of our team since 2013, leading both WMCA and WNYM with visionary guidance and unwavering dedication. His remarkable leadership and unique skills have strengthened Salem’s presence in the New York market.  Throughout his tenure, Jerry has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to blend his gifts and expertise, fostering a positive impact on our NY staff, our [WMCA] ministry partners, and our local advertising clients. His commitment to excellence and his innovative approach has set a high standard for all of us.”  Reisman concludes, “There is only one Jerry Crowley, and we are deeply grateful for his 11 years of hard work and dedication. While we will certainly miss his presence and leadership, we wish him all the best as he embarks on this new chapter of his life.” 

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iHeartMedia’s Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio Markets Announce Key Leadership Promotions

iHeartMedia has announced key leadership promotions across its Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio markets, reinforcing its position as the leading media company with more consumer reach, influence and live programming across multiple platforms.    Effective immediately (9/18), Christine Escobar re-joins the company as market president for Austin. Rosie Perez steps into the role of market president for San Antonio. GeorgeAdditionally, George Flora has been elevated to senior vice president of sales for Dallas-Fort Worth. As market presidents, Perez will oversee the operations of all seven iHeartMedia San Antonio stations and Escobar will oversee the operations for all five iHeartMedia Austin stations. As SVP of sales, Flora will be responsible for driving client success, leading the sales management team, working closely with sellers and growing revenue in the Dallas – Fort Worth region. All three leaders will report to Amy Leimbach, region president for iHeartMedia Dallas-Austin-San Antonio.  “Rosie, Christine and George are incredibly talented and are the right choice to lead their teams in the Dallas-Austin-San Antonio Region,” said Leimbach. “They each have a strong track record and a unique set of skills that fit their respective markets, with the ability to build and cultivate winning teams.”

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TALKERS News Notes

WGN, Chicago Names Charlie Roumeliotis as Studio Host of Blackhawks Pre- and Postgame Shows.  WGN Radio today named Charlie Roumeliotis as the studio host of Chicago Blackhawks pre- and postgame shows for the upcoming 2024-25 hockey season. Roumeliotis will also serve as the host of WGN’s weekly “Blackhawks Live” show. Long-time broadcast duo John Wiedeman and Troy Murray continue in their roles calling Blackhawks games on WGN Radio. Roumeliotis is extremely familiar with hockey and with the Blackhawks, having worked most recently as Blackhawks Insider for NBC Sports Chicago, where he delivered exclusive coverage of the team through articles, video content, podcast analysis, and TV appearances from 2019 through 2024. He also served as a Chicago Blackhawks correspondent for the NHL. Roumeliotis assumes the role previously held by Joe Brand who was recently named the radio play-by-play broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

 

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Yesterday’s (9/17) Top News/Talk Media Stories

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Today is Constitution Day

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AUDACY STUDY: Local Radio is the Most Trusted News Source

Local news radio is the most trusted news source, besting TV and social media, according to a new study conducted by Audacy in partnership with Alter Agents – a marketing research firm.  The study – “Local News Radio: Credible, Engaging & Mobilizing” – explores news radio’s powerful connection with news enthusiasts who consider news radio to be a vital part of their day and demonstrates how unbiased journalism and trusted relationships create a safe haven for audiences and brands. The study surveyed 2,542 listeners from seven markets with Audacy news stations, including Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco. “In an age of information overload, Americans seek credible news sources they can rely upon. Enter local news radio,” said Paul Suchman, chief marketing officer, Audacy. “Local news radio serves as a trusted voice, delivered by brands that are deeply connected to the communities they serve. These environments create exceptional opportunities for advertisers to reach engaged audiences with significant buying power. And the premium content local news stations deliver is unparalleled in its relevance, timeliness, and humanity.”  The study indicates that at all moments throughout the day, millions of listeners turn to their trusted local news radio stations for the latest updates, insights and stories that shape their community and the world. These listeners are deeply engaged with their cities, constantly seeking information and turn to trusted news sources to stay informed. 85% of listeners find local radio news credible – more than any other medium. The study further insinuates this credibility pays immense dividends for advertisers, as 92% of listeners pay attention to advertisements they hear on local radio, with almost 80% of these listeners finding ads on news stations both trustworthy and informative.  To view the “The Power of Local News Radio” please click here.

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Nikki Haley to Host New Radio Show on SiriusXM.

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Audacy’s KNX News 97.1 FM and the Los Angeles Times to Co-present a Live Debate in Race for L.A. County D.A

LA DA DebateAs millions of voters across Los Angeles County decide how to cast their ballots in the pivotal race for district attorney, Audacy’s KNX News 97.1 FM and the Los Angeles Times are joining forces to present a live debate between incumbent George Gascón and challenger Nathan Hochman on October 8 at 5:00 pm PT.  Sources at Audacy Los Angeles tell TALKERS, “With criminal justice top of mind for voters across Southern California, the KNX News/L.A. Times debate will dig into the key issues impacting safety, equity, and quality of life for the residents of America’s most populous county ahead of the November 5 election. The one-hour, commercial-free debate will air on KNX News (97.1 FM & 1070 AM) with live video available on the digital and social platforms of KNX News and the Los Angeles Times. KNX News anchor Mike Simpson and chief correspondent Charles Feldman will moderate the debate. Panelists will include L.A. Times reporters James Queally and Brittny Mejia and KNX News reporter Emily Valdez. Media interested in attending should contact Alex Silverman at alex.silverman@audacy.com for details and logistics.

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TALKERS News Notes

Job Opportunity

Great Full Time News Opportunity at WBT

WBT

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Yesterday’s (9/16) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The second attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life over the weekend remained the most talked about story in talk media yesterday (9/16).  The Israel-Hamas war and rising Middle East tensions; the Russia-Ukraine war; the migrant crisis; and situation in Springfield, OH; the economy-inflation and the indictment of Sean “Diddy” Combs were also some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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WPHT, Philly Draws 500 to “Politics & Pints” Live Event with Don, Jr

Dom and DonAudacy news/talker WPHT, Philadelphia’s recently launched live series of public meeting events titled “Politics & Pints” kicked into high gear this past Thursday (9/12) evening as popular station midday personality Dom Giordano hosted an evening with Trump Organization EVP, Donald Trump, Jr before a sold-out crowd of 500 listeners, sponsors, and local officials at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, NJ. The conversation covered the election, the state of the union, and Trump Jr’s worldview. Giordano (pictured above left) tells TALKERS, “Don Trump Jr (r) took us inside big Trump moments like the family coming down the escalator in 2016 and his call with his father after he was shot. He did this while doing a dead-on Trump impression and speaking fluent Czech.”  Giordano adds, “He was very personable and quite intelligent.” Politics and PintsA cash bar for soft drinks, beer and wine was available for purchase in the lobby of the Scottish Rite Auditorium. Ticket prices ranged from $500, which included a VIP pre-event meet and greet, a copy of Letters to Trump and a commemorative Politics & Pints tumbler, to $195 for reserved seating that included a copy of Letters to Trump by former President Donald Trump. Special handicap seating was also available.

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Monday Memo: Are You Boring?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

im

Lately, life is anything-BUT. Examples: the 2024 presidential race, extreme weather, the consumer economy, recurring gun violence. We’re all wondering, “What NEXT???”

So being-known-for-knowing will earn your station more occasions of tune-in. “Stay close to the news.” And exploit your network by offering, for example, “a quick FOX News update, every half-hour.”

Admittedly, what your network is reporting is also available on smartphones, smartwatches, and smart speakers. But your station may also be, as my clients tout, “Your Only Local News Radio.”

Simply doing local news is a start… BUT… I wish there was a more diplomatic way to say this: Are your newscasts boring?

im

Too often, local news copy doesn’t enable the listener by telling what a news item means to him or her. I heard a local news voice seeming to read a press release, announcing that: “The [name of] County government’s new website has gone live. The revamped site [URL] was unveiled at this week’s [name of] County commissioners meeting. The board’s chairman said the revamped site has a much more professional appearance, and offers quick, user-friendly navigation. The county’s IT director added that the feedback she’s received so far from county employees and residents has been positive.”

Zzz…

Don’t just recite process. Explain consequence. To Larry & Lisa Listener, typically self-congratulatory source material like that copy is irrelevant blah-blah-blah.

Bothering to actually explore the website, I found how it enables listeners to get help with: “potholes, damaged curb, traffic signals, weeds, dogs barking, abandoned vehicles, chemical discharge, water leaking, litter, road striping, ADA compliance, blocked drainage channel, street lights, damaged sidewalk, traffic/road signs, overhanging trees/shrubs, noise nuisance, hazardous parking, storm sewer leaking/blockage, water leaking on roadway, loose/protruding manhole cover, discrimination complaint, Fair Housing complaint.”

Unwrap the package.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

 

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TALKERS News Notes

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Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (9/14-15)

The second attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life was a major topic in news/talk media late in the weekend. Other topics included the presidential race followed by the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, the economy-inflation, the migrant crisis (focused on the debunked Haitian/Springfield, OH pet story) and the NYPD investigation which were the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Charlotte’s WBT AM/FM, Radio One, and The Carolina Journal partner to present “The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT”

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Katz Again Recognized as Richmond, VA Fave

Industry Views

STERLING STATES: Get Rush Right!

Walter M. Sterling
By Walter M Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
“Sterling on Sunday”
Talk Media Network

BLIND QUOTE TEST: Who said, “We don’t have to worry about oil spills, the ocean is a big place. What do we care about dolphins? I don’t see dolphins building super-highways at the bottom of the ocean.” That’s Rush Limbaugh at one of his more compelling moments.

Mr. Limbaugh and I shared a mentor: Ed McLaughlin.  When Rush launched, he did an interview with this publication where he stated that his mission was to INFORM-INFORM-INFORM. I was with Ed Mclaughlin when the article was published and Ed became distracted and slightly annoyed,

“I’m going to have to talk to Rush when he gets off the air. That’s not his mission. His mission is to ENTERTAIN-ENTERTAIN-ENTERTAIN,” said Mr. McLaughlin. Rush followed the guidance from McLaughlin, who was the founding GM of KGO San Francisco and president of the ABC Radio Networks.

The reason Rush was a success was not that he attacked Democrats, it was because he was entertaining.  Tragically, it appears that most of his copycats only steal Rush’s stage rather than his performance.

Rush’s show was heavily prepped to generate an entertaining package. Yes, he’d attack Democrats – and he initially attacked Donald Trump. But the show was everything else, and everything else won the ratings.

EVERYTHING ELSE:

• Every single day Rush brought BRAND NEW proof for his argument on any subject. He delivered revealing stories, anecdotes, jokes, observations. All shows were fresh and UNPREDICTABLE. While his conclusions on a given topic may have repeated day after day, his evidence was always new and often surprising.

• He liked cats. He talked a lot about his cats.

• Radio wrestling. If a caller presented hard, cold facts that refuted one of Rush’s arguments, facts that busted Rush, Rush would say, “So what of it sir? I’m right.” He never, ever changed his opinion and that is a show.

• He liked football, he talked a lot about football.

• TV shows, Florida, hating New York City, his weight and dumb fails of the characters of our country were often the majority content of a three-hour show.

• A lactating mom caller pleased him when she said it was her responsibility to find a place to express her milk during the workday – not her employer’s. At first Rush didn’t understand, then he realized, with her help that a nursing mom either shares her milk with the baby or she must “save” it. Bonus track, she was a Native American who adored Rush. But you didn’t expect any of that!

He was very savvy about who he became. He rarely did TV interviews because his audience was bigger than any cable channel he might bless. Why should he promote those channels?

Rush had been a top 40 jock. A Top 40 background matched KGO general manager Mickey Luckoff’s criteria for hiring hosts: “The main hosts must have top 40 experience because I can teach them ‘talk,’ but I can’t teach them how to do RADIO.” Howard Stern said on air, “My job is to get to the next thing.” Top 40 is all about the next thing.

His arguments against the Democrats were a stage for presenting daily surprises. If you want Rush’s ratings, SURPRISE!

Walter M Sterling’s nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at waltermsterling@gmail.com.