Industry News

“New Jersey 101.5” Presents Town Hall on Victim-Proofing

This Thursday (6/15), Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” presents a town hall-style discussion titled, “Victim-Proofing Your Life.” The station says this presentation “will help New Jersey residents protect themselves from a tidal wave of scams, auto and home thefts, mass shootings, and identity theft thatim has reached epidemic levels.” Station senior political director Eric Scott will lead the discussion with safety and security experts to help listeners identify and safeguard themselves from these threats. He says, “From home break-ins, catalytic converter thefts and internet scams, there is no shortage of ways that bad actors try and take advantage of you. This program will help New Jersey residents protect themselves from bad actors who are operating throughout New Jersey.”

Industry News

Jeff Katz Guest at Virginia Governor’s Father’s Day Reception

Pictured here is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive host Jeff Katz (right) with Virginia First Lady Suzanneim Youngkin (left) at the Virginia Executive Mansion where he attended Governor Glenn Youngkin’s first-ever Governor’s Father’s Day Reception. Katz volunteers with the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia and holds the fundraising record for that organization. In addition to raising funds, Katz serves as a volunteer teacher for first time fathers, fathers to special needs children as well as fathers who are incarcerated.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/12) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The federal indictment of former President Donald Trump and his expected appearance in Miami today for an indictment hearing; the 2024 presidential race and Chris Christie’s Monday evening CNN Town Hall; the intensifying fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war; China’s Xi Jinping prepares citizens for “conflict” with the West; and criticism of the White House Pride Month celebration were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

VIDEO POSTED: Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy Interviewed in Fireside Chat at TALKERS 2023

One of the talk media industry’s most impactful movers and shakers, Christopher Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax Media spoke at TALKERS 2023 on June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. Ruddy engaged in one of the conference’s two “fireside chats” hosted by TALKERS publisher  Michael Harrison. According to Harrison, “There isn’t a day that Chris Ruddy isn’t in or behind

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the media news. The growth of Newsmax on the television, radio, print and digital fronts has been nothing short of phenomenal. He is extraordinarily connected and his influence on this business as well as the national conversation is on a non-stop upward trajectory. I was
imdelighted to have him as a guest in this setting and at this time.” In a fast-paced session sponsored by Collette guided travel tour specialists, Ruddy and Harrison engaged in a candid conversation about positioning, programming and navigating the infrastructure of modern media including print, digital and radio as well as cable news/talk television. See the exclusive video of the session here.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Thank You, Mr. President

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imHow about a collective “thank you” to the 45th president of the United States for keeping your talk radio programming relevant, timely, unpredictable and most of all engaging?

The interpretation, speculation and compilation of facts, opinions and reporting will be non-stop until this chapter of the news cycle meets the next chapter. This is a never-ending saga that keeps the dial locked into your talk radio frequency. This is the content that keeps the electronic water cooler crowded with listeners who can’t get enough.

Whatever comes next in this chapter of history unfolding in front of our collective ears and eyes is the oxygen that keeps the talk radio world alive and well every day. By the way, the 45th president of the United States just may have pulled your typically soft talk radio summer sales out of the basement and pushed you into an express elevator to the penthouse.

Are you still feeling the drumbeat of the naysayers predicting how talk radio will age out? Or better yet, run its course? My prediction is talk radio is about enter a phase previously unmatched in American broadcast history. Seriously. When was the last time a former president of the United States owned the headlines and collective headspace of talk radio hosts and listeners worldwide for so many years? Never.

Let’s get ready to refresh our summer vacation schedules, seasonal sales packages, rates, and most of all strategies. Start here:

— Sell the concept. Leave the opinions and banter about indictments, politics and the law to your on-air talent. Focus instead on the unique value of the engaged audience.

— Experts are important. Chances are your talk radio hosts will be smart enough to break down the issues and lean on experts to help the audience understand the ramifications. Credibility and consistency can make your coverage stand apart. Show your advertiser what makes your coverage different and better.

— Talk radio goes where TV and video can’t – the car, the beach, even the backyard. Sell the need to know on the go.

— Unfolding the unpredictable. Your listeners want the “inside scoop” on what the next chapter of this saga looks like. Your on-air talent look for every opportunity to give their listeners a peek behind the opinion curtain. The seller’s job is to bring the value of that connection to life on every sales call.

Talk radio is alive and well every day. It’s up to you to show your advertisers the value of instant access to a trusted voice.

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.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Well Said!

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imMark Twain reckoned that “the difference between the almost right word and the right word is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”

Examples, from dueling commercials in a hyper-competitive, hyper-growth industry:

“Draft Kings has so many ways to bet on baseball you’re going to feel like a winner all summer.”

“Every at-bat is a chance to win big on FanDuel.”

im

 

Craft copy for local retailers THAT well-written, and they will get results and you will get renewed.

Station promo copy this enabling and user-friendly will earn you tune-in and clicks: “The Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, all day tomorrow, anywhere you are, on the platforms of CNBC.”

The American Association of Retired Persons still advocates for them, but it no longer restricts membership to seniors. Otherwise, its base would, literally, die-off (radio take note). So…

“The younger you are, the more you need AARP.”

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

Emery Songer Named Afternoon Host at KFAB, Omaha

iHeartMedia announces that Emery Songer is the new afternoon drive talk host at KFAB, Omaha “NewsRadio 1110,” effective June 26. Songer joins KFAB, Omaha after more than five years as a host and producer with Newsradio 1040 WHO in Des Moines. iHeartMedia says,im “During that time, he has guest-hosted statewide news/talk programs as well as a regular weekend show, produced their daily morning show, worked with clients in a creative variety of ways, and spent countless evenings and weekends announcing local soccer and baseball games.” KFAB program director Scott Voorhees adds, “Emery will continue KFAB’s nearly 100-year-old tradition of on-air personalities who are passionate about connecting with the community we serve. It’s not about hammering an agenda; it’s about entertaining and relevant conversations of interest to Omaha/Council Bluffs and the surrounding area.”

Industry News

Westwood One: Nielsen Reveals Top DMAs for AM Listening

A recent blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group addresses the most recent data released by Nielsen that reports the 141 local markets where AM radio is listened to by at least 20% of the radio audience. This latest data from Nielsen takes a deeper look into “the vitality of AM radio in local markets with new data at the state and local DMA level.”im These DMA analyses are based on all radio stations in the U.S., not just Nielsen subscribers. The top DMA is Glendive, Montana with 72.1% of the population using AM radio. While the most AM radio listening tends to be done in Midwestern DMAs, there is still substantial AM listening done in Eastern markets. For example, Chicago is the #8 DMA for AM listening with 51.2%, but Seattle-Tacoma is not far behind at #14 with 42.8%, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose is #20 with 41.3%, and the top two DMAs by population – New York and Los Angeles – show AM listenership is done by 31.8% of the population. See the whole report here.

Industry News

Mike Gallagher to Broadcast from Miami Tomorrow

Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher is preparing to host his Tuesday program from the studios of Salem Media Group in Miami to coincide with former President Donald Trump’s scheduled appearance in Miami for an indictment hearing. Salem says, “The special broadcast will include reaction to the indictment from newsmakers, live interviews with Trump supportersim gathered outside the Federal courthouse and calls from Mike’s nationwide audience giving their perspective on this unprecedented moment in our nation’s history. In addition to broadcasting his nationally-syndicated talk show from Salem/Miami….Gallagher and “Mike Gallagher Show” staffer Tracee Stockwell will then head to the Federal Courthouse where political supporters of the 45th president are organizing what’s being billed as ‘a peaceful rally in support of President Trump.’” Video of the Gallagher special will also be cleared live on the Salem News Channel.

Industry News

WABC, New York Recognized by Catholic Charities

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Pictured above are staffers from Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York at the recent Catholic Charities of NY 14thAnnual Gala at the American Museum of Natural History. At the event Cardinal Dolan gave a shout-out to WABC for the work it’s doing.From left to right, top row are: New York news anchor and WABC personality Ernie Anastos, WABC host Rita Cosby, WABC host Frank Morano, WABC host Dominic Carter, and Marilyn Carter. Left to right, bottom row: Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis, Margo Catsimatidis, Red Apple general counsel Emily Pankow, and WABC president Chad Lopez.

Industry News

Class of 2023 Inducted into MBA Hall of Fame

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The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association inducted the Class of 2023 into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame at a ceremony attended by almost 300 broadcasters, friends, and fans last Thursday (6/8). The six inductees are: retired long-time former sports anchor Mike Lynch from Boston’s WCVB-TV; the late and beloved videographer Therman Toon from Boston’s Channel 7; the late WBZ-TV, Boston, reporter, the gifted storyteller Bill Shields; from WBZ NewsRadio 1030, Boston, the heralded news reporter and “poet laureate” Carl Stevens; Spanish-language radio station entrepreneur Patrick Costa; and Lesley University communications professor and former rock and roll DJ Donna L. Halper. Halper also received the Hall of Fame Pioneer Award, given, as HOF committee chair Peter Brown explained, “to individuals who have distinguished themselves over decades for lasting contributions made to the broadcast industry and through a leadership role in their particular craft.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The indictment of former President Donald Trump on charges related to his possession of classified and top-secret documents; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s battle against the far right members of the House who oppose his speakership; the homelessness crisis in a growing number of American cities; the backlash against LGBTQ activism; the 2024 presidential race and RFK Jr.’s challenging Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination; the destruction of a portion of I-95 in Philadelphia after a tanker fire; the Canadian wildfires and concerns they’ll continue all summer long; and Italy’s Silvio Burlesconi dies at 86 were some of the most-talked-about stories over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 VIDEO: KBLA Talk 1580 Founder Tavis Smiley Honored with Freedom of Speech Award

Prolific author and veteran talk media purveyor of current events with a focus on African American perspectives, Tavis Smiley, was honored by the TALKERS editorial board at the TALKERS 2023 conference as the 2023 recipient of the highly prestigious Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech. (The presentation was sponsored by The Todd Starnes Show) The award is presented each year to a talk media practitioner whose work sets an example for the exercise and preservation of the First Amendment. Smiley, who has hosted shows on a diverse array of platforms such as BET, CNN, ABC, PBS, KABCim Radio, and KGFJ Radio among others, joins such former recipients of the award as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O’ Reilly, Mark Levin, Michael Savage, Glenn Beck, Bob Grant, Thom Hartmann, Alan Colmes, Joe Madison, Karen Hunter, Al Franken, Brian Lamb, Norm Pattiz, Ian Freeman and others dating back to the origins of TALKERS in the late 1980s. Some two years ago, Smiley’s media company acquired an AM radio station in Los Angeles, the former hip hop legend KDAY, and transformed it into a new station and format – KBLA Talk 1580 – where he’s assembled an outstanding on-air staff, including himself, with the impassionate mission of, as he puts it, “unapologetically serving people of color and who are politically progressive.” In making the announcement of this year’s recipient, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “This is our longest-running and most-important award. Mr. Smiley has risen to the enormous talk radio challenge of providing underserved African Americans and progressives with a major commercial platform in the nation’s second largest market with a worldwide reach. In today’s political environment and struggling AM radio industry, it doesn’t get any more ‘First Amendment’ than that.” Tavis Smiley was presented the award by Harrison at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. See the presentation and Smiley’s acceptance speech here.

Industry News

Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis Wants to Buy CNN

The owner of New York City’s legendary news/talk outlet WABC says he’s interested in buying cable news/talk channel CNN, telling the New York Post that “CNN deserves to be #1 in the world right now.” Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis mused about acquiring the embattledim cable channel while speaking on WABC’s “Sid & Friends in the Morning” program. When asked by the Post about details of a bid for CNN, including how much he’d pay, he said, “It’s up to the investment bankers to come up with the numbers… We could always bring partners in, but I want to run the place. We are capable of putting down a substantial amount of money.” Catsimatidis added, “I’d go run the place tomorrow morning, and all I’d want is $1 per year and a piece of the upside,” saying he could “double the profits” in a brief period of time. Read the Post story here.

Industry Views

Passion Versus AI

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

imLast week I had the privilege of moderating a panel at the TALKERS conference. Confession: I listen to speech patterns and tones more than words.

The prestigious panel featured Dan Mandis, program director and host, WTN-FM, Nashville; Ross Kaminsky, host KOA, Denver; Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group/ops VP, New York region/WMCA/AM 970; Josh Leng, CEO, Talk Media Network; and Matt Meany, program director, WABC, New York/Red Apple Media.

Yes, their collective knowledge and experience is unbeatable. They answered questions of great interest: How does iHeart measure social media accomplishments? Should one be fired for social media or podcast content or just for their air work? Establishing a syndication base, how does that happen? Where are the women – kudos to Salem’s Phil Boyce for celebrating their women hosts. What do programmers really look for in hosts? All valuable answers.  See the video of this session here.

Their words aren’t the “win.” The win is the fact that each of these pros has passion, passion and more passion. Their knowledge results in caring, heartfelt, supportive shares. They care about the future; they care about their craft. Programmers have to be optimistic about radio’s positive impact in order for them to do their jobs. Their descriptive tones make radio appealing.

The panel represents radio’s caretakers, gardeners, guides. The executives on the stage reveal qualities and qualifications that become overwhelmingly apparent in their demeanor and speech patterns. That’s what I hear.

Radio does not have to compete or fret over AI.  AI coders have to fret over their inevitable failure to capture or even coldly mimic the depth of emotion and confidence expressed by Matt, Josh, Phil, Ross and Dan. Good luck with that algorithm …losers.

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.com.

Industry News

Radio Host Mark Walters Suing OpenAI for Defamation

Talk host Mark Walters, who produces and hosts Second Amendment-themed radio programs via his CCW Broadcast Media company, is suing OpenAI in a Georgia Superior Court claiming that OpenAI’s ChatGPT created a false case alleging that Walters embezzled funds from theim Second Amendment Foundation. The complaint states that journalist Fred Riehl was researching the case of The Second Amendment Foundation v. Robert Ferguson and asked ChatGPT to provide a summary of that complaint and received one that stated the suit’s plaintiff is Second Amendment Foundation founder Alan Gottlieb who accuses Walters as treasurer and chief financial officer of embezzling funds. Walters says, and Gottlieb confirms, that he didn’t serve in either position and didn’t steal anything. In the AI world, false text from services like ChatGPT are called “hallucinations.” As with any defamation case, Walters will have to prove he’s suffered damages, but this case will be interesting to watch as it appears to be the first such legal case involving the work of AI. Read the New York Post’s story here.

Industry News

JVC Broadcasting Executive and Host David Levenstein Dies

David Levenstein, who served as general manager of  JVC Broadcasting’s WRCN-FM, Riverhead, New York “103.9 LI News Radio” and as host of “Back To Business,” diedim unexpectedly on June 5 after a brief illness at the age of 59. JVC Broadcasting executive vice president Bruce Shepard states, “It is with an extremely heavy heart that I bring you the news that early this morning, Lev, a dear member of our JVC Family, our co-worker, our friend, lost his battle and was taken from us way too soon. We will miss Dave more than words can possibly say.”

Industry News

KTFM-FM, San Antonio’s James Pledger Launches New Sports Show

Alpha Media’s sports talk KTFM-FM, San Antonio shifts the afternoon drive program “The Blitz with Jason Minnix and Joe Reinagel” from the 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm slot to an earlier 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm airing and gives show producer James Pledger his own one-hour show titled, “Extraim Innings with Pledger,” airing from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Pledger says, “I’m excited for the opportunity. This has legitimately been a dream to have a weekday show.” Pledger will continue to produce the “The Blitz” as well as host “The Saturday Morning Hangover” program. He adds, “I’ve worked for this for so long. I have long wanted to be in both worlds because of the creativity that I use when producing, how it differs from creating a show. I love flexing both of those creative muscles.” Read the KENS-TV report here.

Industry News

2023 Radio Mercury Award Winners Announced

The winners of the 2023 Radio Mercury Awards were announced last night (6/8) during the 32nd annual awards presentation held at SONY Hall in New York. RAB president and CEO Ericaim Farber, who also serves as chair of Radio Creative Fund, says, “Tonight was another great night for radio, celebrating the creativity that agencies and radio stations are producing on behalf of their clients. The Radio Mercury Awards continues to advance the medium forward by showcasing and awarding work that is innovative and effective.” This year’s Radio Marketer of the Year Award was presented to Procter & Gamble.  See (and hear!) all the winners here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of June 5-9

The 2024 presidential race – including former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie entering the GOP primary race – was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the indictment of former President Donald Trump on charges of mishandling classified documents, followed by the House GOP infighting at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top 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

Bob Pittman Addresses Key Issues in TALKERS 2023 Video

iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman and TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison engaged in an exclusive nine-minute video conversation that debuted during the opening segment (sponsored by Doctor Asa) of TALKERS 2023, the 26th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important conference held June 2 at Hofstra University. In it, Pittman candidly and directly addresses key existential issues pertaining to the talk radio industry as it faces daunting forks in the road. Harrison, who has known Pittman since he was a 20-year-old music director at WMAQ, Chicago in the mid-1970s, asks the chief of radio’s largest firm such questions as, “Do you still have the same passion for radio as I remember you having when we were kids in the business?” “What are iHeart’s intentions for news/talk and sports talk radioim within the realm of the company going forward?” “How can radio remain true to its roots and mission as an audio medium and theater-of-the-mind without missing the opportunities provided in a multiplatform environment?” plus more. Pittman says that this is a “golden moment” for both radio and the larger field of audio in which it is and will remain a major player. He pointed out that “25% of iHeart’s stations do not play music” and that more and more shows on the company’s music stations are “actually talk shows that play little or no music at all.” He reaffirmed the company’s awareness that personality plays an important role in the presentation of music and it is its intention to pivot back in that direction. He candidly addressed the divide between the coastal elites who influence the direction of national media but are largely out of touch with the heartland and the rest of real America. The video is now posted and can be viewed here.

Industry News

Lee Davis to Lead Audacy’s Reorganized Sports Sales Team

Audacy announces a new “sales and enablement team dedicated to accelerating growth within the company’s sports vertical” to be led by the company’s Lee Davis, who is named senior vice president of the team. Audacy says Davis’ team is “charged with developing high-value, high-return programs leveraging the power of Audacy’s sports platform across its broadcast,im streaming, podcasting, and wagertainment properties. Under Davis’ leadership, the team will be responsible for sales and execution, managing the entire client lifecycle.” Audacy chief revenue officer Brian Benedik comments, “No medium delivers more value for sports than audio. People are spending more time than ever with broadcast radio, streaming and podcasts, and the demand for compelling sports content across these channels is growing exponentially. Through our best-in-imclass sports audio portfolio, powered by over 150 flagship team partnerships, iconic local broadcast brands, award-winning podcasts and sports betting content, Audacy is uniquely positioned to capitalize on a new sales strategy in this arena.” Audacy says, “From 1990 to 2005, Davis was key in building WFAN into America’s #1 sports radio station, overseeing local and national sales, programming and marketing, helping shape it into the highest-grossing station in the country.” Davis rejoined Audacy in 2018 to lead the reboot of Traffic Weather Information Network’s on-air content and ad operations teams.

Industry News

WABC, New York Wins Eight NYSBA Awards

Red Apple Media’s “Talkradio 77WABC” is honored with eight Excellence in Broadcasting Awards from the New York State Broadcasters Association. Honors include “Sid & Friends in the Morning” for Best Morning Show; Rita Cosby, Dominic Carter, Noam Laden for Bestim Election Coverage; Curtis Sliwa:  Closing of Lenny’s Pizza for Best Personality, Social Media; and “The Other Side of Midnight” host Frank Morano’s interview with William Shatner for Best Podcast. Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis says, “I am proud of our talent and all station personnel that have worked hard to make 77WABC the station it once was. Our talent and staff are leaders in their field; our on-air personalities include the biggest names in New York. We’re just getting started. There is always more to come from the iconic 77WABC.”

Industry News

Tucker Carlson Debuts on Twitter; FOX News Cries Foul

According to a report by Axios, FOX News has notified Tucker Carlson’s attorneys that they believe his Tuesday Twitter broadcast is in violation of his contract. The Tuesday program was Carlson’s first broadcast since he exited FOX News Channel in April. FOX argues that the showim was a violation of the non-compete portion of his contract. Axios reports that Carlson’s lawyers say, “Any legal action by FOX would violate [Carlson’s] First Amendment rights.” The Axios piece goes on to say that Carlson is accusing FOX News of breach of contract for breaking their promise to not settle the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit in a manner in which it would indicate wrongdoing on the part of Carlson. It’s been reported that firing Carlson was a part of FOX’s settlement agreement with Dominion. Read the Axios report here.