Industry News

NYC Radio Committee Touts Success of Image Campaign

The New York City Radio Committee, a joint partnership of New York City radio broadcasters iHeartMedia, Spanish Broadcasting System, Salem Media Group, Media Co., Univision, and Audacy announce the completion of a successful campaign designed to promote the power of radio advertising agencies and advertising executives. The multi-media “Fall in Love with Radio” campaign ran from mid-September to the end of November during which more than 2,800 radio spots were broadcast on 21 of the most popular stations in NYC. The campaign included digital and social media marketing, trade press, and signage at venues during Advertising Week in New York City. According to independent brand lift analysis by DYNATA, ad professionals who saw or heard the campaign were 29% more likely to consider radio for their media campaigns compared to those that had not seen the campaign. Of those that saw the campaign, 82% said they were somewhat/extremely likely to consider using radio for their next campaign compared to 53% of respondents who did not see the campaign. Audacy New York market president and NYC Radio Committee chair Chris Oliviero says, “The outstanding results of the campaign prove when we tell our story, with data and creativity, that radio can substantially enhance its position with advertising professionals. While radio continues to earn its place as an essential part of any media plan, we still must communicate our benefits and invite more marketing partners to collaborate together. This innovative multi-platform outreach accomplished just that. My appreciation to all my colleagues in New York City, across several ownership groups, who came together with a commitment to make ‘Fall in Love with Radio’ a success.”

Industry News

Westwood One Announces Radio Talent for Super Bowl LVII Coverage

This Sunday (2/12), CUMULUS MEDIA’s Westwood One produces its 50th championship game as the official network audio broadcast partner of the National Football League. When the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles face off at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Kevin Harlan will handle play-by-play duties for the 13th straight year, and Kurt Warner returns for the fifth consecutive year as lead analyst. Gene Steratore will also join the radio broadcast booth. For the fourth time, Laura Okmin will patrol the sidelines, along with former defensive lineman Mike Golic, who returns for his second Super Bowl with Westwood One’s broadcast crew. Scott Graham anchors the pregame, halftime, and postgame shows and Ryan Harris provides pregame, halftime, and postgame analysis. Gameday coverage begins at 2:00 pm ET with “Super Bowl Preview,” co-hosted by Scott Graham, Mike Golic, and Kurt Warner, followed by “Super Bowl Insider” at 3:00 p.m. ET with Scott Graham, Jason McCourty, and Ian Rapoport.

Industry News

“101.7 The Truth” Black Talk Radio Celebrates Second Anniversary

Good Karma Brands’ Milwaukee talk station WGKB-AM/W269DL “101.7 The Truth” is celebrating its second anniversary today (2/10) with a night of fun exclusive to its fans, partners, and teammates. Good Karma says, “The station debuted on January 4, 2021 and serves the city of Milwaukee as well as its surrounding communities with local news, entertainment, and community affairs programming seven days a week. The station was built to uplift the voices in the Black community, sharing their stories, ideas and experiences following the George Floyd incident and protests. The station produces a tapestry of content for fans and advertising opportunities for partners that truly represents the Black experience in our city.” The station was honored with a 2022 Anthem Award (from the creators of the Webby Awards) in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Corporate Responsibility category. Hosts on the station have interviewed notable guests including Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, musicians Jennifer Hudson and Mary J. Blige, and many more.

Industry News

Edison Research Announces Forthcoming Reports

Edison Research says it will present the results of its “The Black Podcast Listener Report 2.0” – done in partnership with SXM Media and Mindshare during a webinar on Wednesday, February 22 at 2:00 pm ET. Edison says, “Forty-three percent of Black Americans age 18+ are monthly podcast listeners. Findings from the study illuminate how Black Americans consume podcasts, discover podcasts, why they listen, and more. The study is a follow-up to the original Black Podcast Listener Report. Then, on March 2, Edison Research with Amazon Music, Wondery, and ART19 will present “The Infinite Dial 2023.” The research firm says, “‘The Infinite Dial’ is America’s longest-running survey of digital media consumer behavior, tracked annually since 1998. The study provides important benchmark measures around usage and behavior around streaming audio, podcasting, radio, smart audio, social media, and more.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of February 6 – 10, 2023

President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address and the Republican response was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the U.S.’s shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon and the diplomatic repercussions, followed by the debate in Congress over the United States’ debt ceiling at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. You can see this week’s complete chart here.

Job Opportunity

KBLA, Los Angeles Seeks Brand Manager

Smiley Audio Media is seeking a brand manager for its Los Angeles talk station KBLA “TALK 1580.” The company says it seeks “a radio executive responsible for developing, closing, and maintaining advertising accounts for the radio station. Other duties include preparing and doing follow-up on media schedules, production, proposals and completing all CRM and management required reports for the company. KBLA is looking for a savvy, highly motivated sales professional to join our team selling traditional, digital, and event marketing solutions in Los Angeles for the only Black talk radio station west of the Mississippi. Our ideal candidate is a goal-oriented, relentless hunter who drives to win new business and has a track record of exceeding monthly goals. If you are passionate about selling, have a deep knowledge of marketing principles and products, and possess excellent presentation and closing skills, then we’d love to talk to you!

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Job Opportunity

WIOD, Miami Seeks Midday Co-Host

iHeartMedia’s “NewsRadio 610” WIOD, Miami is searching for a talk show co-host for their midday show to complement Manny Munoz. The ideal candidate will be well-rounded and well-informed. They must be passionate about South Florida, news savvy, and have a strong interest in current events, politics, and lifestyle issues affecting their target audience. A strong digital platform and social media skills are vital for this role. In addition, all candidates must be proactive and work well in a team environment.

Work experience:

  • 3-plus years of on-air radio experience required
  • Audio demo of on-air interviews, commentary, announcements, etc.

Education

  • 4-year college degree, preferably in Communications or Broadcast Journalism

You can find out more about this position and apply here.

Job Opportunity

The Erick Erickson Show Seeks Sales Pro

The nationally syndicated talk radio program is seeking a sales professional. It asks, “Are you picky? We are. ‘The Erick Erickson Show’ is growing nationally and needs to grow its sales team. We’ve got inventory to fill, but we have a real problem. Our host doesn’t like to take money from advertisers who he doesn’t believe in. He thinks he sells best what he likes best. Want to work with a host who doesn’t want to just sell anything but the right thing? Reach out to us. ads@ewerickson.com.”

Industry News

Beasley Philly Personalities on Road Trip to Phoenix

Radio personalities from Beasley Media Group’s Philadelphia cluster are driving to Arizona to deliver “Brotherly Love” ahead of the Super Bowl matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Pictured above as they leave Philadelphia for Arizona are (from left to right): WMMR evening jock Jacky Bam Bam, WPEN “97.5 The Fanatic” midday host Anthony “Cuz” Gargano, “Preston & Steve” producer CaseyBoy, and videographer Kyle Maack. Super Bowl Radio Row is always packed with radio personalities but most fly there early in the week. The Beasley personalities decided to make an adventure of it and document it on their stations’ websites and via social media. They began their drive west after collecting ‘Philly Things’ to bring good juju to The Birds. They carrying the ashes of three deceased Eagles fans in the car along with other “good luck charms” and memorabilia. They stopped at Arrowhead in Kansas City to hand out Philly snacks to Chiefs fans and they randomly met a Delaware County, Pennsylvania man while stopping to take a photo in front of the Philadelphia, Missouri sign. Tomorrow (2/10) Gargano will broadcast his “97.5 The Fanatic” show live from Radio Row in Arizona.

Industry News

Chaz and AJ Celebrate 20 Years at Connoisseur’s WPLR, New Haven

The WPLR, New Haven morning team of “Chaz and AJ” is celebrating its 20th anniversary hosting their program. Connoisseur Media says, “Chaz and AJ joined WPLR in the winter of 2003 and immediately became a ratings success. Chaz had worked at night for the station years prior and AJ transferred over from Long Island. The duo quickly made a name for themselves for not only comedic pieces, but also for being a major part of the community. The show calls itself an on-air town hall meeting and the spot where the local community can discuss all the important, and not so important, topics of the day. They have hosted gubernatorial debates, stayed on the air around the clock during major local news and weather events, and have featured conversations with two sitting vice presidents, 11 U.S. senators, four Connecticut governors, and the biggest names in movies, TV, and rock music.” Connoisseur Media VP of programming Keith Dakin says, “Of their 20 years on the air, I’ve had the privilege to be able to work with them for over half. To see their drive and quest to continue to entertain and inform day after day is truly inspiring. It is not often that you get to work with a show like this that is so woven into the fabric of the community.”

Industry News

CNN Audio Launches Season 6 of Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta

CNN Audio announces that season six of “Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta” premieres on February 14. In the new season, the CNN chief medical correspondent explores such topics as What is a healthy relationship with technology? Is there a way to be active online, but also protect your privacy? How are families approaching the issue of screentime with their children? Does a cellphone or social media ‘detox’ actually work? Dr. Gupta says, “I am so excited to launch this new season of ‘Chasing Life’ because it’s my most personal one yet. As a dad, I’m always thinking about how to navigate screen time and its impact on my three teenage daughters’ brains. It is one of the most challenging parts of being a parent. It was important to me to bring them into the conversation and go on this magical journey of discovery together.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/8) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address and his efforts to protect Social Security and Medicare; the Chinese spy balloon, China’s military goals, and the state of U.S.-China relations; the battle in Congress over the debt ceiling; the tech industry’s obsession with AI and its effect on Wall Street; Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is hospitalized after feeling lightheaded; testimony before a House Oversight Committee hearing in the Twitter-Hunter Biden laptop matter; Volodymyr Zelensky’s addressing the EU Parliament seeking more weapons to fight Russia’s invasion; the ongoing investigation into Tyre Nichols’ death at the hands of Memphis police; the death toll hits 17,000 from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria; and the build-up to Super Bowl LVII were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WABC and Cousin Brucie to Recreate British Invasion

WABC-AM, New York announces that on September 7 of this year, radio legend “Cousin” Bruce Morrow – who hosts a weekend program on 77WABC – will recreate The Beatles’ British Invasion at 2:00 pm at the WABC Radio Studio as the station marks the 100th anniversary of WABC. The Red Apple Media station says, “Some 60 years ago Cousin Brucie was one of the first disc jockeys in the country to air The Beatles. The record changed the sound of rock and roll forever. State and city officials will be proclaiming WABC Radio Day in New York as Cousin Brucie replays the original vinyl Meet the Beatles album that made history. Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis will also dedicate the WABC Radio Studio in Cousin Brucie’s name.  TALKERS founder Michael Harrison comments, “Once again the strategists at WABC are maximizing their historic assets as having been both a successful talk station and music station over the years – personified by the remarkable Cousin Brucie – to play great music and talk about it as well. A powerful combination!”

Industry News

Dave Ramsey to Host Caller-Driven Entreleadership Podcast

Nationally syndicated radio host and Ramsey Solutions CEO Dave Ramsey is taking over as host of “The EntreLeadership Podcast” that is produced by the Ramsey Network. Ramsey Solutions says the podcast is “among the top business podcasts ever created.” Ramsey begins as host for the February 13 edition that will feature a new, caller-driven format in which he’ll “take calls from America’s small-business owners to help guide them through the unique challenges they face as leaders in business.” Ramsey says, “Thirty years ago, I started my business from a card table in my living room. I know how hard it is to grow a business and grow yourself. I’m more fired up than ever to come alongside leaders that are in the trenches, scratching and clawing to transform business as usual into the business they dreamed of. This show is everything you wanted to know about business and leadership, but you didn’t know who to ask.” Dave Ramsey is also the author of the #1 best-selling book, EntreLeadership.

Industry News

JVC Broadcast Flips WDYZ-AM, Orlando to Sports Talk

JVC Broadcasting announces the flip of WDYZ-AM, Orlando from a simulcast of its “Florida Man Radio” talk format to sports talk as “ESPN 660 – Orlando Sports Radio.” The station is airing ESPN Radio programming including “Keyshawn, JWill & Max” and “#Greeny” in late mornings. It will also air sports play-by-play and the Daytona 500 on February 19. JVC Florida director of programming Stevie DeMann says, “ESPN Radio offers the access to play-by-play, nationally known talent, and athletes that cannot be replicated. ‘ESPN 660 Orlando’ will air events like the Daytona 500 and the College Football Playoffs, giving radio listeners long-awaited access to these ‘must listen to’ sports, that previously were not available in Central Florida. We will have the largest selection of compelling sports content on ESPN 660 Orlando.”

Industry News

Radio’s Digital Sales Approaching $2 Billion

According to data from RAB’s newly released 11th annual benchmarking report in partnership with Borrell Associates, the radio industry is poised to hit $2 billion in digital sales this year. RAB says, “In 2022, radio stations drove $1.8 billion in digital sales, up 21.1% for the year. Those sales accounted for nearly one in five advertising dollars, with a fast-growing portion of it coming from the sale of streaming video advertising. That has led to a ‘tipping point,’ the report concludes, with half of the industry’s top-line growth expected to come from digital sales in 2023 and more local ad revenue coming from video streaming than audio streaming spots.” RAB president and CEO Erica Farber comments, “Digital continues to be the catalyst for growth in today’s environment. A solid foundation in digital is a key driver for today’s successful marketing professional. As technology evolves, revenue and sales gains can only be obtained via digital services and training know-how. RAB continues to provide the training, tools and services needed to realize these gains.” The annual report shows that digital sales in 2022 comprised 19% of total ad revenue, representing between $85,064 for the average small-market station and $1.2 million for a station in a large market. Some market clusters were making tens of millions of dollars from digital ad sales. The full report – an analysis of online ad revenue from 3,753 radio stations, as well as survey responses from 851 local radio buyers and 169 radio managers – is available to RAB members.

Industry News

Salem Teams with Food For The Poor to Aid Turkey and Syria

Salem Radio Network is teaming with international relief agency Food For The Poor to provide aid to those in need in Turkey and Syria in the wake of Monday’s deadly earthquake. To achieve this, Food For The Poor is working with partners including MAP International (medicines and supplies), Brother’s Brother (medicines and supplies), Feed My Starving Children (rice casserole meals) and Water Mission (safe water). SRN talk show hosts and radio partners raising funds to provide assistance include Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt, Sebastian Gorka, Brandon Tatum, and Eric Metaxas.

Industry News

ESPN Digital Reports “Best Year Ever”

ESPN says that according to recently released Comscore data, ESPN set all-time records across its digital platforms in 2022, including an average of more than 108 million unique users in the U.S. each month of the year and 7.5 billion engagements on social media. ESPN adds that its ESPN app had its best year with 25.4 million average monthly unique visitors and says that that is “four times more unique visitors than its closest competitor.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address; the debt ceiling battle in Congress; the U.S. Navy releases photos of the recovery of the Chinese spy balloon; former President Donald Trump’s and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s campaigns for president in 2024; the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria surpasses 11,000; Ukraine’s search for support from the U.S. and European nations to counter Russia’s invasion; the move to ban TikTok in the U.S. combined with the expansion of AI technology; and LeBron James claims the NBA’s career scoring leader title were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WBAP-AM, Dallas-Fort Worth Host Hal Jay Gets New Heart

Longtime WBAP-AM, Dallas-Fort Worth morning personality Hal Jay has received a heart transplant. Jay suffered several ventricular tachycardia events during the second week of January and was admitted to Baylor Scott & White University Medical Center where he was told he needed a new heart. His wife Ann reports to the “WBAP Morning News” team that Jay underwent transplant surgery early Sunday morning (2/5) and is recovering. Jay made a brief appearance on the show today (2/7) speaking with fellow hosts Ernie Brown and Brad Barton via phone from the hospital and says he feels good and may be allowed to go home sooner than expected. He also says he expects to be able to return to work within three weeks or so, depending on what his doctors say.

Industry News

CB Cotton Joins FOX News Channel as Correspondent

Journalist CB Cotton joins FOX News Channel as a New York-based correspondent covering breaking news from the network’s headquarters. Cotton has been serving as a reporter for ABC affiliate KMGH-TV, Denver, Colorado where she was the station’s lead night side reporter focused on crime, justice, and law enforcement. During her tenure, she covered the city’s breaking news stories, including the Boulder King Soopers supermarket shooting and the December 2021 Marshall fire. She has also reported on alleged police misconduct, such as the violent arrest of Kyle Vinson in Aurora, the controversial apprehension of then-75-year-old Karen Garner in 2020 and the fallout surrounding the death of Elijah McClain following his 2019 arrest. Cotton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast and electronic journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is professionally fluent in Spanish and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Press Photographers Association.

Industry News

BFoA’s Golden Mike Dinner & Ceremony Set for March 6

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the host for this year’s BFOA Golden Mike Award dinner and ceremony is Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and nationally syndicated talk show host Soledad O’Brien. The 2023 BFOA Golden Mike Award gala takes place on March 6 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The annual event is the biggest fundraiser for the Broadcasters Foundation, whose sole mission is to provide aid to radio and television professionals in acute need. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We’re very excited to have Soledad host this year’s Golden Mike Award dinner. She is a multiple award-winning broadcast journalist whose reporting has brought awareness on numerous issues to the forefront. Combined with her philanthropic endeavors, she is the perfect person to host our special evening.” This year’s BFOA Golden Mike Award honoree is Jack Abernethy, CEO of FOX Television Stations. The Lifetime Achievment Award will be presented during the gala frundraiser to Richard E. Wiley, former chairman, commissioner, and general counsel of the Federal Communications Commission and one of the most prominent media and telecommunications lawyers in broadcasting.

Industry News

Westwood One Audio Active Group: AM/FM Sells Cars

This week’s report from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group reveals the results of a study from data analysis agency Colourtext and UK commercial AM/FM radio industry group Radiocentre. Calling it the “largest and most comprehensive AM/FM radio ad effectiveness report in the world,” WWO says the study measured 59 tier-one auto campaigns for brands like Toyota, Honda, Land Rover, BMW, VW, Nissan, Volvo, Lexus, and Jaguar. The conclusion is that “AM/FM radio advertising generates significant increases in advertising awareness, brand relevance, brand trust, and brand consideration.” Other key findings include: 1) AM/FM radio increases the efficiency of automotive media plans: Colourtext and Radiocentre compared AM/FM radio’s average share of total media spend to the increase in advertising awareness, brand relevance, and brand trust generated by AM/FM radio campaigns. In each case, the auto brand lift is four to 11 times greater than AM/FM radio’s share of media spend; 2) the best performing auto campaigns place an emphasis on creative consistency; 3) AM/FM radio creates future demand for automotive brands; 4) Nielsen Scarborough: American auto intenders clock a lot of miles in their vehicles: A Nielsen Scarborough study of 199,118 Americans finds new car buying intentions in the next year increase as miles traveled grows; 5) among ad-supported audio, AM/FM radio has a dominating 89% share of in-car time spent; 6) Nielsen Scarborough: Heavy AM/FM radio and digital consumers are way above the norm for auto purchase intention; and 7) new vehicle purchasers are similar in profile to heavy AM/FM radio listeners, and heavy Internet users, and podcast listeners. See more about the study here.

Industry News

Audacy Releases Company Social Impact Report

Audacy shares its latest “Social Impact Report, Supporting Sound Communities,” that reveals the company’s “powerful impact story across our 6 pillars of Audacy Serves.” The company says, “This year, we showcase ‘I’m Listening’ as our flagship social impact program dedicated to more mental health conversations. Brands – and media in particular – have an incredible opportunity to impact our lives and communities. Audacy leans into its strength – Audio – to build connection with our listeners. We support their well-being by sharing stories of mental health experiences. This authentic storytelling is the heart of our business and helps improve health outcomes too!  That’s why the content we create for ‘I’m Listening’ features artists, athletes, and celebrities sharing their mental health experiences – we are living our belief, ‘Talk Saves Lives… We’ve raised more than $1.5 million for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; hosted a national mental health conversation with experts and listeners – all living our belief, Talk Saves Lives.” You can see the complete report here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/6) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Anticipation of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address to be delivered this evening; the aftermath of the U.S.’s shooting down a Chinese spy balloon over the weekend; the battle in Congress over solving the United States’ debt ceiling issue; the soaring death toll after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria; the House GOP investigation into the dealings of Hunter Biden; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and concerns about it leading to a wider war; the foiled attack by alleged neo-Nazis on Baltimore’s power grid; and the build-up to Super Bowl LVII were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.