By Aaron Bennett
National Inventors Hall of Fame
NORTH CANTON, Oh. — Established in September 2011 by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), World Radio Day celebrates the profound influence of radio technology in spreading diverse, democratic discourse. Because of the medium’s relatively low cost and massive reach, it remains one of the most accessible forms of communication.
WRVA, Richmond Talk Mainstay Jeff Katz is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the elite local hosts in talk radio, Jeff Katz – heard 3:00-6:00 pm daily on WRVA, Richmond – is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Katz has been a radio talk show host since the early 1990s on major stations in Boston, Hartford, Charlotte, Philadelphia and currently in Richmond since 2013. He grew up in Philadelphia and was aiming for a career as an attorney until his father suffered a heart attack that set him on a different path so that he could help support his family. Katz graduated at the top of his police academy class and then served as a police officer in Philadelphia until he traded in his badge for a microphone
and started his broadcasting odyssey. He’s a fan favorite in Richmond and his program has repeatedly been chosen as the best afternoon radio show by the readers of Richmond Magazine and STYLE Weekly. In 2020, the Richmond Times-Dispatch named Katz the “Best Afternoon Radio Show” in Central Virginia. Over the years, Jeff has volunteered thousands of hours to help members of the local community with a special focus on law enforcement officers and disabled children. He and his wife are parents of a disabled child and that experience has had a tremendous impact on their lives and on Katz’s work. Michael Harrison describes Katz as “one of talk radio’s true humanitarians and an inspirational role model for us all.” President Trump honored Katz by presenting him with the President’s Award for Volunteer Service. In addition, FBI Director Christopher Wray honored him as the recipient of The Director’s Community Leadership Award for 2019. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation in which Harrison and Katz discuss the state of the radio business, politics, parenting, law enforcement and the art of “keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.
Ramsey Solutions Presents ‘Money & Marriage’ Livestream Event. Ahead of Valentine’s Day on Monday, Ramsey Solutions is presenting a livestream event called “Money & Marriage.” The press release says, “Marriage isn’t for the faint of heart.
Whether it’s lack of communication, financial stress or a difference in parenting, marital strain is inevitable. But Ramsey Solutions wants to equip couples with the tools to build a stronger relationship.” The Friday 7:00 pm ET event will feature Rachel Cruze and mental health expert Dr. John Delony “for an evening of laughter and intentional conversation. Couples can enjoy this date night from home, all while covering topics ranging from fear avoidance to the importance of practicing connection.” Cruze says, “What you have to understand, first and foremost: it’s nearly impossible to win with money when you’re not on the same page as your spouse. Coming together practically and emotionally not only unifies you but gets you to your goals faster.” Tickets for the event can be had here.
Richardson and Gallant to Replace Charlie Pallilo at KFNC-FM, Houston. The Houston Chronicle’s Matt Young reports that Gow Media is naming Vanessa
Richardson and Paul Gallant hosts of the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program on sports talk KFNC-FM. This comes a day after longtime market sports personality Charlie Pallilo announced he is no longer with the station. Richardson is a former KPRC-TV sports anchor and reporter and Gallant previously served as a host at iHeartMedia’s crosstown KILT-AM “SportsRadio 610.” Richardson will be the only woman working in sports radio in Houston. She says, “I’ve wanted to host a show for a long time and I’m SO excited to do that on ESPN radio in Houston.”
Tee Gentry and Beasley Announce Renewal Deal. Programming pro Tee Gentry and Beasley Media Group announce they have signed a multiyear renewal deal for Gentry to continue with the company. Gentry, who has been with the company for the past 26
years, currently serves as Beasley’s vice president of brand strategies and regional operations manager of its Augusta, Georgia and Fayetteville, North Carolina radio clusters. Beasley chief content officer Justin Chase says, “Tee is one of the most brilliant programmers that I’ve had the opportunity to work with. During his many years with the company in markets like Augusta, Fayetteville, and Tampa, he’s only had success. We’re lucky to lock Tee in for another multiyear deal!” Gentry says, “It’s an absolute privilege to work with [regional VP] Kent Dunn and the incredible people in Augusta and Fayetteville. They are what local radio is all about! I look forward to continuing to be a part of the Beasley Media Group family for years to come.”
Salem Radio Network’s Larry Elder Featured in Newsweek Feature Story. The February 18 issue of Newsweek features the cover story, “The Rise of Black
Conservatives: Will the GOP’s Bet Pay Off?” that includes Salem Radio Network talk host Larry Elder, among other Black conservatives such as media figure Candace Owens, Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Sears, and Georgia U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker. Elder, who was the highest vote-getter in the recent recall election of California Governor Gavin Newsom, is quoted in the piece saying, “Donald Trump, to a greater degree than any Republican presidential candidate that I’ve seen, went to the inner city and tried to get Black votes. The message is this: Don’t act as if Black people cannot be convinced. They can be. Don’t condescend. Tell the truth. Talk about the issues, talk about how these issues benefit you.” Elder is also quoted saying the GOP needs to continue to work to attract Black voters. “Do I think that the Republican Party has done a poor job of marketing itself to Black voters? I do. They have written off Black people or they’ve assumed they’re going to vote for the Democratic Party.”
TALKERS News Notes. Sports talk legend Chris “Mad Dog” Russo – heard nationally on SiriusXM Radio – will again join ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim on the
“First Take” program on Wednesday February 16. ESPN says Russo will then return for weekly appearances every Wednesday beginning March 2. In January, Russo and Smith debated Barry Bonds’ Hall of Fame campaign and the episode turned out to be the show’s most-watched episode ever. ESPN EVP and executive editor Norby Williamson says, “We couldn’t be more excited to add another marquee name in Chris “Mad Dog” Russo to our weekly rotating lineup and further build this momentum going forward, providing viewers with the best possible debates, topics and content.”…..Cumulus Media and DCP Entertainment announce that the new season of DCP’s podcast “democracy-ish” on the Cumulus Podcast Network will feature Wajahat “Waj” Ali as the new co-host alongside veteran host Danielle Moodie. Cumulus says, “The podcast hosts aim to keep it real, blunt, and entertaining as they discuss how to achieve a multiracial democracy, cover all the ground left behind by mainstream media, and seek to make sense of the nonsense.”…..Award-winning reporter Nate Hegyi joins New Hampshire Public Radio as host and senior producer of “Outside/In,” the program that delves into the natural world and how we use it. Hegyi most recently worked as a reporter for the Mountain West News Bureau, a consortium of NPR member stations covering the region. NHPR president and CEO Jim Schachter says, “‘Outside/In’ is well on its way to becoming a leading national source of engaging, empowering environmental journalism. With Nate as host, the show can build a community of people across the United States and beyond who care deeply about the natural world and humankind’s responsibility for it.”…..WMFE and WMFV, the NPR affiliates serving the Orlando area and nine counties across Central Florida, name longtime public media journalist and consultant Judith Smelser president and general manager. Smelser has served as WMFE/WMFV’s interim president and general manager since September 2021 and has a long history with the station as an award-winning reporter from 2004-2007, and then news director until 2011, before she was recruited away by Colorado Public Radio in Denver.
COVID-19/Freedom Convoy, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Inflation, Cheney-Kinzinger Censure, Ukraine Tensions, Social Media & Cancel Culture, Beijing Olympics, and Super Bowl LVI Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/9). The rate of COVID-29 cases in the U.S., plans to pull back mask mandates in numerous states, and the Canadian truckers’ Freedom Convoy; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the U.S. is set to record the highest rate of inflation in 40 years; the GOP’s internal squabble over the RNC’s intent to censure Senators Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for criticizing Trump’s January 6 actions; the diplomatic tensions between Russia and the West over the Russian military presence at the Ukraine border; the politics of social media platform rules and Spotify’s tightrope walk over Joe Rogan’s popular podcast and its critics; the controversies at the Beijing Winter Olympics; and the buildup to Sunday’s Super Bowl LVI were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Report: Mike Golic Jr. Exits ESPN Radio. According to a piece in the New York Post, Mike Golic Jr. has left his role as co-host of the 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET show alongside Chris Canty. Although the paper says Golic Jr. didn’t respond to a request for a
comment, he tweeted, “life update” tweet: yesterday was officially my last day at ESPN. it was 6.5 years of my professional life, but really it’s been all I’ve ever known. simply put, ESPN changed my life in ways I will never be able to properly express my gratitude for.” As the Post notes, Golic Jr. joined ESPN in 2015 and originally contributed to the “Golic & Wingo” show with his father, Mike Golic, and Trey Wingo. Golic Sr. left the company in 2020. The Post report says a source told it ESPN made an offer to Golic Jr. but he chose not to take it. Chris Canty will continue hosting afternoons with rotating guest hosts joining him for now.
WLS-AM, Chicago Adds ‘The Pete McMurray Show.’ Windy City news/talk WLS-AM, is picking up the weekend program starring market media pro Pete McMurray that will
air Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Cumulus Media says “The Pete McMurray Show” that also features Chicago performer Lisa Kotara and veteran Chicago radio personality Rob Martier and will “serve up two hours 
of Chicago-style laughter, lifestyle and local content” and “cover entertainment, celebrities, sports, politics, social issues, and everything that is topical and fun in a highly listenable format that feels like an evening spent with friends.” McMurray comments, “We are
SO EXCITED to be back on the radio in Chicago, especially the ‘WLS 50,000-watt blowtorch!’ WLS is our 7th station added in six months to our growing Illinois and Northwest Indiana network. We couldn’t be more pumped! We all have enough problems in our lives. We want to make you laugh when you tune into the show.”
RAB: Radio’s Digital Sales Up 33%. According to the 10th annual benchmarking report on the industry’s digital activities from the Radio Advertising Bureau, local radio stations hit the jackpot with digital sales last year, generating $1.5 billion. The report adds that stations are poised to follow last year’s growth of 33% with another strong year, with digital sales forecast to grow 22%, approaching the $2 billion mark. RAB
president and CEO Erica Farber comments, “The findings from this report highlight the rewarded efforts of stations’ digital offerings to drive results for local advertisers. The focus on the importance of digital training has produced dividends for stations and sellers alike. RAB continues to provide business and professional development training that will help stations to super-serve their local businesses.” The report was compiled by Borrell Associates whose CEO, Gordon Borrell, says, “I’m happy to report that we underestimated radio’s digital determination when we published last year’s report. We predicted that radio would hit a double by increasing sales 18%. They hit a triple – maybe even a home run. It’s quite impressive, especially when you see that little stat that shows how digitally savvy radio sales reps are in the eyes of local advertisers.” The annual report showed that the average station made $362,250 in digital revenue in 2021, and the average market cluster made $1.6 million. Top-performing market clusters made more than $10 million, even in some of the smaller markets. The report, “Finally, A Digital Bounty: Radio’s Digital Sales Rise 33%,” is available to RAB members.
Cumulus Media and Bulwark Partner for Podcast Distribution. An agreement between Cumulus Media and political news and analysis network The Bulwark will put the latter’s podcast content on the Cumulus Podcast Network. Under the terms of the agreement, Cumulus monetizes all existing and forthcoming podcasts from The
Bulwark, a first for The Bulwark shows. Cumulus also markets and distributes the podcasts, which include “The Bulwark Podcast,” “Beg to Differ with Mona Charen,” “The Focus Group with Sarah Longwell,” and “The Bulwark Goes to Hollywood.” Bulwark publisher Sarah Longwell comments, “The Bulwark is committed to building a home for the politically untethered through smart political analysis free from tribal loyalties. Our partnership with Cumulus Media will enable The Bulwark to build on its strong audience growth over the past three years. Cumulus is first class in political podcast advertising and we’re extremely excited to begin this partnership.”
Al Roker and Deborah Roberts to Host BFoA Golden Mike Award. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that husband and wife broadcasters Al Roker and
Deborah Roberts will host the charitable organization’s Golden Mike Award dinner and ceremony. The 2022 BFOA Golden Mike Award returns following a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic and will take place Monday, March 14, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. As previously announced, this year’s BFOA Golden Mike Award honoree will be Hilton Howell, Jr., chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Gray Television and Atlantic American Corporation. The Lifetime Achievment Award will be presented to renowned sportscaster Lesley Visser.
Gordon Smith to Receive NAB’s Distinguished Service Award. Former National Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Gordon Smith will receive the organization’s Distinguished Service Award during the 2022 NAB Show in Las Vegas at
the NAB Show Welcome session on Monday, April 25. Smith served as president and CEO of NAB from November 2009 until his transition to special advisor at the end of 2021. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “As the head of NAB for more than a decade, Gordon was instrumental in advancing our agenda to help radio and television stations thrive. Gordon’s leadership, dedication and political acumen have enabled broadcasters to continue serving their local communities in ways no other medium can. It is an honor to present him with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of the immense impact he has left on broadcasting in our country and around the world.”
Women in Radio to Host Live Event in Atlanta. The organization Women In Radio is holding its 6th annual “Cocktails, Cupcakes, and Conversations” conference on Saturday, March 5, at WeWork Ponce City Market in Atlanta from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. WIR says that RTDNA/Newhouse School at Syracuse University research found
women are under 40% of the radio workforce, which is down from last year. WIR founder Meaghan Taylor (who serves as digital content producer for “The Steve Harvey Show”) says, “Women working in the radio industry somewhat decreased over the last year due in part to the pandemic. This event will provide in-depth radio expertise from women working across all platforms in this space including, trends and shifts in the market they may be experiencing.” WIR ambassador Chelsea LeMore will serve as the host. Panelists include on-air personality, Voice of Nights at Q99.7 FM Jade Jones, Cox Media Group integrated sales manager Beth Nifong-Mitchell, “CockTales” podcast host Kiki Said So, “Power 106.1” Atlanta on-air personality Shelby SOS, Pandora hip hop programming curator Dominique Higdon, and iHeartMedia SVP of programming Meg Stevens. You can buy tickets here.
TALKERS News Notes. Houston sports media pro Charlie Pallilo says he’s no longer a host on Gow Media’s KFNC-FM “ESPN 97.5.” He tweeted, “Most things have a shelf life. My tenure hosting daily at 97.5/92.5 is finished. Please wake me when the Astros’ season starts. Or May 1, whichever comes first.”…..Software provider vCreative names Drew Cain senior vice president of technology. Cain joins vCreative to oversee its product development team, platform operations, security and IT, and will report directly to CEO Susie Hedrick. Most recently, Cain held senior engineering roles and oversaw mission critical cloud infrastructure projects at Simpli.fi, helping to design, code and deploy products that optimize workflow and provide omnichannel programmatic advertising solutions across CTV, audio, mobile, display, and other media types.
COVID-19, January 6 RNC Rift, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill, Ukraine Tensions, North Korea Missile Tests, and Beijing Olympics Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/8). The numerous states preparing to eliminate mask mandates in schools and other public places and the Canadian truckers’ Freedom Convoy; the January 6 investigation and the rift between Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the RNC over the proposed censure of Republicans Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces support for state’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill that would prevent discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in primary schools; diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the latter’s military build-up at the Ukraine border; North Korea’s recent test of long-range ballistic missiles; and the Beijing Winter Olympics were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Beasley Broadcast Group Reports 2021 Q4 Net Revenue Up 3.3%. Reporting its financial data from the fourth quarter of 2021, Beasley Broadcast Group reveals net revenue was $70.7 million, an increase of 3.3% over the same period in 2020 that the company says primarily reflects “a year-over-year increase in audio and digital advertising revenue and other revenue due to the continued recovery of the commercial advertising market from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by a
decrease in political revenue.” For the whole of 2021, Beasley reports net revenue of $241.4 million compared to net revenue of $206.1 million for all of 2020. The company reports operating income of $6.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to operating income of $19.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The decrease largely reflects higher operating expenses related to its digital agency build out, and the return of certain expenses that had been reduced in 2020 due to temporary measures taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Beasley delivered a strong finish to a solid year of operating and financial performance, as the strength of our content and continuing improvement in advertising trends, combined with the ongoing success of our digital transformation and revenue diversification strategies, continue to fuel our recovery. Throughout the year, we made significant progress on our near-term goal of returning all of our revenue sources to pre-pandemic levels, as reflected by the 17% increase in full-year net revenues to $241 million. Top-line growth was the primary factor contributing to a 75% year-over-year increase in Station Operating Income to $42 million. Overall, we believe these results demonstrate the strength and relevance of our industry-leading audio content and our teams’ extraordinary efforts to serve our listeners, customers and communities through challenging circumstances. Growing consumer and advertiser demand for Beasley’s digital audio content drove a 47.3% year-over-year increase in digital revenue, with digital accounting for 15% of total fourth quarter revenue. Notably, our digital network delivered record digital audience impressions for the third consecutive quarter, with total digital impressions growing 20% over third quarter 2021 levels and 39% over the prior year period. Total outstanding debt as of December 31, 2021 was $300 million and we had $51.4 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand. Our strong liquidity position enables us to make debt repayments while providing us with increased financial flexibility to pursue a potential acquisition or investment within the digital space, should an opportunity arise that could accelerate our digital growth or provide synergies and increased free cash flow.”
Melissa Rapp Named SVP of Affiliate Sales for Key Networks. Media sales pro Melissa Rapp is named senior vice president, affiliate sales for Key Networks. Rapp was most recently with SDS as vice president of sales. During her career she’s also
served with vCreative and MediaSpan Online Services and has held sales positions at several radio stations. Key Networks COO Dennis Green says, “As we continue to build a best-in-class organization at Key Networks, we 
are delighted to welcome Melissa Rapp to lead our affiliation efforts. Melissa has extensive contacts in the industry, understands broadcasters’ needs and has the confidence from affiliates that she will deliver best-in-class products and services for their stations.” Rapp comments, “I’ve known Key Networks CEO Rob Koblasz and COO Dennis Green for many years, and I’m thrilled to finally have the opportunity to work with them. My passion has always been to help stations be more efficient and serve their communities with the best possible product. It’s a great time to be in radio and a grand time to represent the premium talent and programming at Key Networks!”
Carl Jackson Podcast Joins Salem Podcast Network. The host who filled in for Larry Elder during his hiatus from radio to run for governor of California in September’s recall election is getting his podcast added to Salem Media Group’s Salem Podcast Network. Carl Jackson’s eponymous podcast launched yesterday (2/7) with new episodes
dropping each weekday. In addition to subbing for Elder, Jackson has also been regularly heard on WORL-AM, Orlando “AM 950 The Answer.” Salem VP of spoken word Phil Boyce says, “Carl Jackson has an amazing story, and every day on this podcast he will be telling it. When Larry Elder took his leave of absence to run for California governor, Carl took over and never missed a beat. He is smart, articulate, and fearless.” Jackson comments, “I’m absolutely humbled and excited to be a part of the team on the Salem Podcast Network. This opportunity is proof that the American Dream is alive and well when you work hard. I look forward to reaching a new audience with this podcast that will help me fight to save America as we know it.”
NRG Media Promotes Jim Smith to COO. Media executive Jim Smith is promoted to chief operating officer at NRG Media, LLC. Smith has served the company as chief financial officer for the past 14 years. NRG says Smith will continue to oversee the
financial component of NRG Media as the company’s CFO but will add leading the operational oversight of NRG’s nine markets and 38 radio stations throughout the Midwest in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and Wisconsin to his duties. NRG Media president and CEO Mary Quass says, “Jim understands the importance of NRG’s mission to provide great local radio and plays an instrumental role in leading the company through operational challenges created by the pandemic over the last two years.”
‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ Tops Edison Research’s Podcast Chart. This chart of the top 50 podcasts in the U.S. from Edison Research is based on Edison’s Podcast Consumer Tracking Report, which Edison says is the only podcast measurement
service that measures the relative audience size and demographics of all podcast networks and is also the only measurement based on actual listening, not downloads. For the fourth quarter of 2021, Spotify’s “The Joe Rogan Experience” ranked #1, followed by The New York Times’ “The Daily” at #2 and audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” at #3. Edison says its podcast chart “is derived from data collected continuously Q1 2021 – Q4 2021, from surveying weekly podcast consumers ages 18 and older in the U.S. Participants indicate which podcasts they listened to in the past week along with a variety of demographic, psychographic, and purchase behavior information.” Subscribers include SXM Media, Google, NPR, Spotify, Wondery, ESPN/ABC/Disney, WarnerMedia, and more. You can see the complete chart here.
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that former WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM news anchor Mariam Sobh is launching a new podcast titled, “News with a Bite,” in collaboration with former WGN-AM programmer Todd Manley of EarSight Studios. Feder writes, “In addition to highlighting news headlines with Sobh’s commentary, the podcast features sketches, comedy songs and in-depth interviews with a variety of guests.”…..AdLarge announces the addition of the “Late Night Drive with Ellie Schnitt” podcast to its ad sales portfolio. The podcast expands on health and wellness content, specifically focusing on mental health, love, and navigating adult life. Schnitt is the former host of the popular Barstool Sports podcast, “Schnitt Talk.”…..The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will enshrine Rick Alloway, Gary Kerr and Neil Nelkin into its Hall of Fame at a celebration scheduled for August 9 in Lincoln, during the 87th Annual NBA Convention. Rick Alloway worked for KFOR, Lincoln from 1972-1984 as an announcer, producer, promotions director and operations manager. Nelkin’s career includes work as an announcer, talk show host, program director, operations manager, station manager and co-owner. He continues to stay active in Omaha radio, at both NRG Media and at Walnut Media.
Ukraine Tensions, COVID-19/Freedom Convoy, SCOTUS Redistricting Decision, Spotify-Joe Rogan Controversy, January 6 Investigation/Trump Documents Question, and Beijing Olympics Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/7). The diplomatic tensions over Russia’s military build-up at the Ukraine border; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad, the loosening of mask mandates, and the Canadian truckers’ Freedom Convoy; the Supreme Court sides with the Alabama GOP over its new congressional map; the ongoing controversy over Spotify’s PR maneuvers with podcaster Joe Rogan; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack and allegations that former President Donald Trump tore up documents related to the day’s events; and the Beijing Winter Olympics were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Monday Memo: But Wait, There’s More! “Are you making these six common on-air mistakes?” consultant Holland Cooke asks in this week’s follow-up to last week’s column. HC calls these “simple techniques that make your show more inviting, user-friendly, and memorable.” Read more here.
Pending Business: “F” is for Frequency. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa says, “The more social media I consume, the more I see the same ads over and over. Many advertisers do not bother changing creative. Others just update slightly. But the repetition is there, every day, non-stop.” He says local direct sellers must continue to show how a radio campaign can deliver targeted reach AND frequency more effectively than any other medium. Radio advertising is adaptable in ways other advertising is not. “With the right amount of repetition and updated copy with a solid call to action” radio is more effective than any other medium. Read his column here.
iHeartMedia Names Bloomdaddy Afternoon Host on WTAM, Cleveland. Three months after the passing of Cleveland talk radio icon Mike Trivisonno, iHeartMedia announces that David Blomquist, a.k.a. Bloomdaddy, is the new afternoon drive talk
host on heritage news/talk outlet “Newsradio WTAM 1100, The Big One.” Bloomdaddy has been the morning show host at the company’s WWVA, West Virginia, for the past 17 years. The program was syndicated regionally to stations in Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Akron, and Parkersburg, West 
Virginia. Bloomdaddy will now call WTAM 1100 his home. iHeartMedia says the newly created Cleveland-centric, issues-based afternoon show will feature broadcasting veteran Carmen Angelo, news reports from Julie Holiday, and regularly scheduled traffic reports from Olivia Muzica. iHeartMedia Cleveland president Keith Hotchkiss says, “We’re thrilled to introduce Bloomdaddy to WTAM and the city of Cleveland. His passion for sports, his quest for information, and his commonsense approach to talk radio is the perfect combination for afternoon drive on the legendary WTAM.” Bloomdaddy comments, “I’m thrilled to launch this new show on a station that means so much to Cleveland. From the minute I turned the mic on at WTAM, it’s felt like home. I look forward to having impactful conversations with my new radio family and learning even more about this incredible city.”
Bryan Suits Named Morning Host at KTTH, Seattle. Military veteran and talk radio personality Bryan Suits is back on the radio as morning host at Bonneville’s news/talk KTTH-AM, Seattle. Suits was an evening host on sister talk outlet KIRO-FM from 1999 through 2002. He’s also hosted at iHeartMedia’s KOGO, San Diego and KFI, Los
Angeles. He hosts a podcast and is a frequent guest on FOX Business. Suits says, “When we moved back to Western Washington, the last thing on my mind was radio. After filling in on KTTH mornings, I realized that I was born to do this. This is where I started and found my voice. Someone has to reflect what the sensible people are thinking and thankfully KTTH is doing that. I’m humbled and grateful to be part of the team that tells the truth every day.” Bonneville SVP and market manager Cathy Cangiano says, “KTTH is the region’s leading conservative talk station because of our passionate, local hosts. Bryan Suits makes us even stronger. As we head into the midterm elections, KTTH is poised to make some waves.”
Erin Vermeulen Promoted to Evening News Anchor on WWJ, Detroit. Radio news pro Erin Vermeulen is being promoted to evening news anchor at Audacy’s all-news WWJ, Detroit “NewsRadio 950.” She’d been serving the station as writer and editor for the station. WWJ notes that her career has taken her to the Cairo, Dubai, Oman and
South Africa before returning to the United States and working at KFI, Los Angeles as a member of “The Bill Handel Morning Show” in 2015. Vermeulen says, “I am really excited to get back to my radio roots as a news presenter at one of the most iconic stations in the country. I am also very grateful to work with such talented and extraordinary people at WWJ. It is great to be back on the airwaves in my hometown, where I started my career more than 20 years ago.” Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon comments, “Erin is well connected to the community and has a number of great ideas to keep listeners informed about the top stories and events happening across metro Detroit, the state and the country. We are excited to promote Erin to anchor and look forward to hearing her voice on WWJ.”
WGY, Albany to Celebrate 100th Anniversary with Special Broadcast and Podcast. Albany AM WGY will celebrate its 100th anniversary on air on February 20 with a number of special presentations, including a live celebration at 1:00 pm that day. On January 31, iHeartMedia began presenting the podcast series, “Wireless: 100 Years of WGY.” The program is hosted by WGY news anchor Mike Patrick and features intimate and candid interviews with many familiar WGY voices, with new episodes released
weekly. On February 20, many past and present hosts, news anchors and members of New York’s Capital Region will take part in the special live event. A retelling of radio’s first radio drama, “The Wolf,” will also be presented live from the Kenmore Ballroom in Albany where WGY has a history of broadcasting from going back to 1923. The event at the Kenmore begins at 3:00 pm with a lecture from Chris Hunter from the Museum of Innovation and Science. WGY program director Jeff Wolf says, “It’s an honor and huge responsibility to lead an institution of innovation and community service such as WGY into its next 100 years. We’re looking forward to highlighting our first 100 years and commemorating important events in history throughout 2022.” iHeartMedia Albany SVP of programming John Cooper adds, “As a longtime Capital Region resident, WGY has had an impact on my life since the early 60s. Starting as a listener, it has been an honor and privilege to have been able to work directly with some of the great news/talk programmers and personalities over my last 22 years. 100 years of service to this community is an amazing milestone. WGY is the go-to station when you need to know.”
‘The Next Great Podcast’ Winner Named. The winner of the second annual “The Next Great Podcast” contest from iHeartMedia and Dan Patrick, in partnership with Tongal, is, “Hookergate: Criminals & Libertines in the South,” from Dr. Lindsay Byron. Byron is a
former English professor, Southern historian and longtime stripper turned full-time artist, storyteller and community leader. “Hookergate: Criminals & Libertines in the South” takes listeners back in time to 1977 when a high-profile prostitution ring involving 11 businesses in three states was the most-talked-about headline of the day. The podcast combs through the dusty archives of the Danville Register & Bee, which were carefully clipped and preserved by Lindsay’s aunt’s mama, who held a familial connection to this web of crime. The program shares unforgettable colorful quotes from local reporters and unbelievable but true dramatic scenes pulled straight from the police reports. It’s all brought to life by Byron and presented alongside present-day interviews with individuals from the older Southern generation, who remember the madness as it unfolded in real time.
TALKERS News Notes. Clinical psychologist Dr. Ellen Kenner celebrated her 25th
anniversary show with her February 5 episode of “The Rational Basis of Happiness.” Dr. Kenner tells TALKERS she enjoys the unique connection that only radio provides and is looking forward to her 26th year on air of her syndicated show. “The Rational Basis of Happiness” is distributed via Talk Media Network…..Sports talk personality Kevin Dunn leaves Genuine Austin Radio’s “The Horn” (KTXX-FM/KTAE-AM/W270CO) in Austin for a full-time position outside the radio business and Mike Hardge joins the station to co-host afternoons with incumbent host Rod Babers.
COVID-19, Ukraine Tensions, January 6 Investigation, Electoral Count Act, Spotify-Joe Rogan Controversy, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, and Beijing Olympics Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad and the Canadian truckers’ protests paralyzing Ottawa; the investigation into the January 6 attack on the Capitol and former Vice President Mike Pence’s deviation from Donald Trump’s stance on the day’s events; the re-writing of the Electoral Count Act led by Senators Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski; the diplomatic tensions over Russia’s military build-up; Spotify supports Joe Rogan but deletes numerous episodes of his podcast after racially tinged comments contained within them resurface; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; and the politics and COVID issues surrounding the Beijing Winter Olympics were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Radio is about to lose a legend and if you sell local direct, maybe it’s your fault! I’m not kidding, this is as real as it gets. Your future is at stake. I’ve already done my part, and the rest is up to you, direct sellers.
Do I have your attention?
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — I worked with the late great Larry King four times, and I can sum-up how he got those he was interviewing to say something they didn’t say in other interviews along the PR tour by quoting his RT America show promo: “I never learned anything while I was talking.”
So thanks for compliments and to those who shared my column here last week: “Talk Radio 101: LISTEN.”
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Off to the Races,” looks back at this past week of 1/31 to 2/4. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Ricard Neer, talk show host, WFAN, New York; Grace Curley, talk show host, WRKO Boston; Tom Shattuck, talk show host, WTIC, Hartford; Steven Ebert, commentator, AM 970 The Answer, New York/attorney, Cassin & Cassin LLP; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
Andrew Wilkow’s Program Moves to Salem News Channel. Conservative media personality Andrew Wilkow is joining Salem Media Group’s OTT platform Salem News Channel (SalemNewsChannel.com) effective February 15. The “Wilkow!” program – billed as “a combination of breaking news from the day, and what to make of it from the
host’s perspective” – will air weekdays from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. Wilkow has hosted a regular program on The Blaze TV for the past seven years. This move to Salem News Channel ends that relationship. Wilkow also hosts “Wilkow Majority” on SiriusXM and that show will continue. Wilkow says, “I cannot wait to move ‘Wilkow!’ onto the Salem News Channel. The 5:00 pm 
hour is the starting point of the evening news cycle. Our plan is to give the viewer an hour of live TV that combines perfectly executed political analysis and whatever breaking stories are happening. This is not going to be a clone program. Starting February 15, we are going to bring passion and fire to the 5:00 pm hour every day.” Salem says the program will originate out of Salem’s New York City studio in Lower Manhattan and will be the first of many TV-only hours being produced by SNC. The Salem News Channel is also home to video simulcasts of Salem Radio Network’s shows including: Hugh Hewitt, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Sebastian Gorka, and Larry Elder. Salem SVP of spoken word formats Phil Boyce adds, “Andrew is a perfect fit for SNC and all of the hosts already there. Andrew has carved out a name for himself on the Sirius Patriot Channel. His many followers will have a great time watching him on our new TV network.”
KYW Newsradio Names Kevin McCorry News Director. Radio news pro Kevin McCorry joins Audacy’s all-news KYW-AM/WPHI-FM, Philadelphia as news director, effective February 28. In this role, McCorry will oversee editorial coverage across the station’s broadcast, digital, and podcasting departments and will be responsible for
planning and executing in-depth original multiplatform reporting projects. McCorry was most recently managing editor at crosstown public media outlet WHYY. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “KYW Newsradio’s influence and legacy is unmatched in Philadelphia, and its community-focused journalism has only grown stronger 
over the years. We’re happy to welcome Kevin and so excited to see and hear his impact on the continuing evolution of our modern multimedia newsroom.” McCorry comments, “I’m thrilled to lead KYW’s news team as it starts a new chapter and grows its capacity for ambitious, original, multimedia journalism. As a Philly native, I know that KYW Newsradio holds a special place in the hearts and habits of many people in our region, and the talent in this newsroom is immense. The bottom line for any news operation is trust, and I’m beyond excited to continue to build KYW’s trust among more of our region’s listeners and readers by bringing my passion for smart, fair, in-depth news and storytelling to this esteemed organization.”
iHeartMedia Presents Fourth Annual ‘iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.’ Last night, the fourth annual iHeartRadio Podcast Awards took place virtually. The program was exclusively video streamed on iHeartRadio’s YouTube channel and Facebook page and
broadcast across iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app. Pop star Dua Lipa presented the Podcast of the Year award to Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbes for their “You’re Wrong About” podcast. (Podcast of the Year was determined by popular vote via Twitter. The rest of the categories were determined by a panel of judges.) Other winners of note include: “The Daily” from The New York Times in the Best News Podcast category; “The Bill Simmons Podcast” from The Ringer/Bill Simmons in the Best Sports Podcast category; and “Pod Save America” from Crooked Media in the Best Political Podcast category. You can see all the winners here.
Edison Research and Ad Results Media to Present 3rd Annual Podcast Super Listeners Study Results. On February 16, Edison Research and Ad Results Media will present the results of the third annual “Super Listeners” study. “Super Listeners”
are defined as consumers who listen to five or more hours of podcasts weekly and are the people most likely to hear podcasting ads, and to have an opinion about them. During the webinar, Ad Results Media partner and CEO Marshall Williams and Edison Research WVP Tom Webster will walk attendees through an exclusive look at those who spend the most time listening to podcasts including: how Super Listeners feel about the number of ads in podcasts and the length of ad breaks; their attitudes about host-read ads versus pre-recorded ads versus sponsorships; how podcast advertising affects intent to purchase and other brand fit measures; plus more. You can register for the webinar here.
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Good Karma Brands’ sports talk WMVP-AM “ESPN 1000” is putting Chicago sportscasters Peggy
Kusinski and Dionne Miller together to host a new, weekly program that will air on the station on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. WMVP director of content Danny Zederman says, “We are really excited to have Peggy and Dionne on our team and know the fans will enjoy this duo. I think it’s going to be great.”…..Tomorrow (2/5), FOX Sports Radio personality Joy Taylor, co-host of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” and host of “The Joy Taylor Show” weekend program, is teaming up with Dr. Jen Welter, the first female coach in the NFL and the Semi-Pro Football San Diego Rebellion, to give female youth in Los Angeles the opportunity to learn the game of flag football. The program is being presented by The Joy Taylor Foundation and Dr. Welter’s Grrridiron Girls organization, the free flag football camp will be held at St. Frances X. Cabrini Catholic School in Los Angeles for girls ages 8-18. Dr. Welter, who has hosted over 30 Grrridiron Girls football camps to date, will lead on-the-field training, teaching the fundamentals of flag football while inspiring self-confidence, sisterhood and empowerment. In addition, Taylor will host “The Joy Taylor Show” live from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm PT at the camp. All participants will have the opportunity to hear from Taylor and ask her questions about her career in sports…..iHeartMedia unveils a new podcast hosted by pop star Dua Lipa titled, “Dua Lipa: At Your Service,” which was conceived and produced by Studio 2054 Productions. The weekly interview-style podcast will feature a special guest alongside Dua Lipa for “refreshing and thought-provoking conversations brimming with tools, tips, recommendations and inspiring stories.” The first episode will be available February 11 in English on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. The podcast will also be available to listeners in Spanish, Portuguese and French. Upcoming guests will include Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion, Russell Brand, Bowen Yang as well as South Korean rapper CL, author Lisa Taddeo, British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, novelist Hanya Yanagihara, Iraqi human rights activist Nadia Murad, and more.
Museum of Innovation and Science Hosts WGY-AM Exhibit. The Museum of Innovation and Science in Schenectady, New York is presenting an exhibit of the history of WGY-AM from its birth in 1922 to 1980 to coincide with the station’s 100th anniversary. A story by Northeast Public Radio’s WAMC, Albany details the exhibit. The station was put on the air by Schenectady-based General Electric. The museum’s Chris Hunter, VP of collections and exhibitions, says, “So, it was about 10th commercial station licensed in 1922. And because it was formed by GE’s publicity department, and not so much the engineers that formed a lot of the other early radio stations, they really placed a premium on entertainment and, kind of, the development of broadcasting.” The exhibit, called WGY: Radio’s Laboratory Celebrates Its Centennial, will be at the museum through May 8. It contains about 50 photos from its first 58 years, including the one above showing FDR doing one of his fireside chats. Hunter says, “So this one of Roosevelt’s early fireside chats. They became really famous once he became president and he gave these personal talks every weekend, kind of comforting people through the Great Depression and World War II, but he kind of perfected the format while New York State Governor here on WGY.” Photo: miSci
COVID-19 Mandates, Masks, Vaccines & Politics Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 31 to February 4. The combination of COVID-19 mandates, mask & vaccine policies and the politics surrounding the pandemic came together as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the state of the U.S. economy, including the financial markets activity, soaring retail and oil prices, and the national debt, followed by rising violent crime in U.S. cities and the spate of police officers being killed 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. See this week’s complete chart here.
WTOP, Washington’s Joel Oxley Testifies on Journalism Competition and Preservation Act. At a Senate subcommittee hearing in Washington, DC on Wednesday (2/2), numerous media executives provided testimony as the subcommittee considers the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act that “creates a four-year safe harbor from antitrust laws for print, broadcast, or digital news companies to
collectively negotiate with online content distributors (e.g., social media companies) regarding the terms on which the news companies’ content may be distributed by online content distributors.” Joel Oxley, general manager of Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM, Washington, DC testified on behalf of the National Association of Broadcasters. He said, “Quality journalism delivered through our uniquely free service has only been made possible over many decades through advertising revenues. As you all are aware, these revenues have experienced a free-fall in recent years, due almost exclusively to the rapid, often 
anticompetitive, expansion of the dominant online platforms who have upended the advertising marketplace. The market power of the tech platforms undermines the online advertising model for local broadcast journalism in two important ways. First, the tech platforms’ role as content gatekeepers stifles our ability to generate user traffic. Second, anticompetitive terms of service and a ‘take it or leave it’ approach leave local broadcasters with a below-market sliver of those advertising revenues derived through their products. For local broadcasters and our viewers and listeners who rely on quality journalism, this is a real catch-22: To attract online user traffic, we must be accessible through the major platforms, yet the terms of access dictated by the online platforms devalue our product. For example, not only is WTOP not being compensated by Facebook and Google for its content, WTOP is actually paying to make sure its content is being accessed on their platforms.” He added, “The dominant online platforms have flourished, siphoning off huge amounts of advertising revenues that are the lifeblood of free, local journalism. Consider the big storm that just blew through the Northeast over the weekend – a nor’easter and blizzard conditions. Tons of work at a lot of cost and time for local broadcasters to cover it for millions of people. But not for Facebook, Google and the like. They simply take our coverage and profit from it, and virtually nothing comes back to us. But without local news, my guess is a lot of people would have not evacuated places like Cape Cod last weekend, and lives would have been risked. We just can’t have that.” You can read his complete testimony here.
Erick Erickson Show Adds New Affiliates; Reports Ratings Growth. Nationally syndicated talk radio personality Erick Erickson announces the addition of two new
affiliate stations as Audacy’s KXNT, Las Vegas and Willamette Broadcasting’s KYKN, Salem, Oregon add the show to their program schedules. The show says, “In every Nielsen PPM market carrying his show, either live or delayed, Erickson is generating higher ratings than the show he replaced, including Rush Limbaugh’s show in Atlanta, Georgia on Erickson’s flagship station, WSB Radio. Erickson is also seeing robust digital growth. From June to December 2021, Erickson’s live-streaming audience increased 339% and his podcast audience grew 188%.”
Terry Foxx Named to Programming Role at Public Outlet KUT, Austin. Radio programming pro Terry Foxx is joining public radio station KUT, Austin as director of programming and audience. The organization says Foxx will oversee KUT 90.5’s on-air
programming and KUT and KUTX Studios’ podcast strategy. He will collaborate with the KUT newsroom and sister station KUTX 98.9, the Austin Music Experience, on developing audience-centered engagement strategies and expanding KUT’s reach. Foxx has most recently been serving as brand manager for Radio One’s sports talk WFNZ-AM, Charlotte and sister AC WLNK-FM. KUT and KUTX general manager Debbie Hiott comments, “Terry has deep knowledge and experience when it comes to identifying and expanding audiences. He grew up in Texas, has always had family in Austin, and understands how KUT can serve our community. With those things he will help us develop and provide programming that reaches into new areas important to Central Texas.” Foxx says, “KUT has a rich heritage and is part of the fabric of Central Texas. I look forward to joining the strong team at KUT and engaging new listeners in creative ways.”
BIN: Black Information Network Names Andrea Coleman News Director; Ramses Ja to Host New Daily Podcast. News pro Andrea Coleman is promoted from news anchor to news director for iHeartMedia’s BIN: Black Information Network. In this new
role, Coleman will be responsible for leading day-to-day newsroom operations, reporter and anchor development, and coordinating live news and specialty programming. She’ll be based in Atlanta, reporting to Tanita Myers, VP/news operations for the Black Information Network. Coleman joined iHeartMedia as an anchor/reporter for the 
Black Information Network in the summer of 2020. She says, “I welcome the opportunity to serve as news director of the Black Information Network and to continue to be a part of the dynamic team of Black professionals who have made the Network a relevant, trusted source of news and information for our community. We look forward to keeping our listeners informed and educated on all matters important to the Black experience.” BIN: Black Information Network also announces that media personality Ramses Ja is joining the
Network as the host of the new daily podcast, “Our Daily Story with Ramses Ja.” The program will feature Black journalists from across America telling the most meaningful stories of the day, from their perspective. The daily talk show-style podcast will premiere later this month, with new episodes launching every weekday morning. Ja says, “I’m excited to be partnering with BIN: Black Information Network. This partnership helps show the company’s commitment to helping create a more equitable experience for Black people in this country, and the other projects we have in the works are also sure to continue that trend.” BIN: Black Information Network president Tony Coles comments, “As BIN: Black Information Network continues to grow, I am thrilled to have Ramses Ja and Andrea Coleman as part of our team. They are incredibly talented, with proven track records, and dedication to delivering significant and trusted news coverage to the Black community. I know they will contribute to the network’s mission and ongoing success.”
Newsmax Claims Big Ratings for Trump Rally Coverage. Citing Nielsen data from last weekend, Newsmax says it was the big ratings winner with its exclusive cable coverage of former President Donald Trump’s rally in Texas. Newsmax reports “some 2.9 million cable viewers tuned in to watch the event live from Conroe — and 1.1 million
of them were adults ages 35-64, the demographic craved by advertisers… though Newsmax is carried in 20 million fewer homes than FOX, total audience impressions for both networks during Trump’s speech was almost at parity, both drawing around 1.4 million viewers per minute, according to Nielsen.” Newsmax points to a piece in Business Insider that said, “Newsmax’s audience skyrockets during Trump rallies that other networks, including FOX News, ignore.’” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy comments, “We can’t speak to FOX News’ decisions, but we believe this rally was a significant news event that was worthy of coverage.”
TALKERS News Notes. Former WIBC, Indianapolis talk host Greg Garrison has filed papers to run for prosecutor of Hamilton County, Indiana. According to the Indianapolis
Star, the 74-year-old Garrison will face off against three-term Republican prosecutor D. Lee Buckinham in the primary. Garrison, who also had a long career as a personal injury lawyer, retired from his radio program in 2017. He was part of the prosecution team that helped convict boxer Mike Tyson of rape charges in 1992…..Reporter Mara Hoplamazian is named New 
Hampshire Public Radio’s energy and environment reporter, a role in which they will anchor NHPR’s “By Degrees” climate reporting initiative. NHPR news director Dan Barrick says, “Awareness and dialogue are the best tools we have to fight climate change. The work of journalists such as Mara are crucial not simply to inform but to create awareness of what is at risk, and what we can do together.” Hoplamazian came to NHPR as the Barbara and Dick Couch Fellow. Before joining NHPR, Hoplamazian worked as an investigative reporting intern at The Sacramento Bee and a media intern at the Smithsonian Institution.
Trump & the GOP/Midterm Elections, January 6 Investigation, Ukraine Tensions, COVID-19, Spotify’s Joe Rogan Controversy, Whoopi Goldberg Suspension, Financial Markets/Economy, CNN’s Zucker Resigns, Beijing Olympics, Winter Weather, and Washington Football Team Reveals New Name Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/2). Former President Donald Trump’s influence within the GOP and November’s midterm elections; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack; diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the latter’s military build-up at the Ukraine border; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad and mask & vaccine mandates; the controversy over artists pulling their music from Spotify because of the conspiratorial tone of “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast; ABC is slammed for suspending Whoopi Goldberg over her holocaust comments; the world’s financial markets and concerns about the COVID-hampered U.S. economy; Jeff Zucker resigns from CNN after failing to acknowledge his romantic relationship with an employee; the political aspects of the Beijing Winter Olympics; severe winter weather affecting much of the U.S.; and reactions to the NFL’s Washington franchise revealing its new Commanders moniker were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Lotus Communications’ Seattle All-News Officially Announces New Calls and Slogan. Last Friday (1/28), TALKERS magazine reported the changes included in a Seattle Times piece about the former KOMO-AM/FM, Seattle. Now, Lotus Communications makes it official. The all-news outlet takes on the new call letters
KNWN-AM/FM and adopts the slogan “Northwest Newsradio.” The company says that the change was a condition of Sinclair Broadcast Group’s sale of the station – and sister AC KPLZ-FM “STAR 101.5” and talk KVI-AM – to Lotus. Sinclair continues to own and operate KOMO-TV. Lotus says, “Our commitment as the market’s leader in local and global news will not change. The same voices and outstanding news coverage that the Northwest has depended on will remain, as well as the station’s news and weather content sharing partnership with KOMO television.” Station general manager Gary Greenberg adds, “We honor the 95-year history of KOMO radio and its importance to our region. Lotus is fully committed to growing KNWN as the Northwest’s news and information leader by further engaging our community, advertisers and listeners.”
FOX News Channel Marks 20 Years as Top Cable News Channel. Citing data from Nielsen Media Research, FOX News Media says that its FOX News Channel “has accomplished another historic feat, marking its 20th consecutive year as the number
one cable news network in total day and primetime. Since January 2002, FNC has remained the most-watched cable news network across both dayparts with total viewers and in the 25-54 demographic. FNC continued its ratings dominance for the month of January and was the only cable news network to show year-
over-year growth in total day viewers, while MSNBC and CNN are experiencing massive declines, both shedding nearly three quarters of their audience.” FOX says that FNC continued to grow its audience share, occupying more than half the audience in total day viewers (55%) and the 25-54 demo (56%) and in primetime across both categories (56% P2+ and 56% A25-54). FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott comments, “I am immensely proud of this landmark achievement as it is a testament to the dedicated teams across FOX News Channel, who are the backbone in making us number one for 20 consecutive years with the most loyal and politically diverse audience in cable news.”
SiriusXM Reports Q 2021 Net Revenue Up 4%. Reporting its fourth quarter and full-year 2021 financial results, SiriusXM says its Q4 revenue was $2.28 billion – an increase of 4% over the same period in 2020 – and its full-year revenue was $8.7 billion – up 8% over all of 2020. Net income for the fourth quarter was $318 million, compared to Q4 2020’s
net loss of $677 million. Net income for the full-year of 2021 was $1.31 billion compared to 2020’s net income of $131 million. (The fourth quarter and full year 2020 was impacted by a $976 million non-cash impairment charge associated with Pandora.) SirtiusXM CEO Jennifer Witz says, “2021 was an outstanding year across the board. 
We added more than one million net new SiriusXM self-pay subscribers for the 10th time in the past 11 years; this growth continues to be sustained by a fifth straight year of improving churn. Once again, we outperformed all of 2021’s public guidance, and now our strong financial position enables us to declare a special cash dividend to our stockholders. Our performance last year is a testament to our strong execution – and staying true to our vision of connecting listeners to the content they love. We collaborated with renowned and emerging creators across our platforms to deliver curated premium content both in- and out-of-car; and delivered value to our advertisers with effective solutions to reach a massive audience of more than 150 million listeners.” The company reports data for two segments – the SiriusXM segment and the Pandora segment that includes podcast platform Stitcher. SiriusXM says that in 2021, Stitcher and the company’s off-platform advertising businesses contributed $348 million of revenue, representing nearly 23% of the Pandora segment’s total revenue. Off-platform revenue, excluding Stitcher, increased approximately $60 million or 36% compared to 2020.
Good Karma Brands and WTMJ-AM, Milwaukee Giving Officer Shot in Line of Duty Trip to Super Bowl XVI. Milwaukee news/talk outlet WTMJ-AM and parent company Good Karma Brands are sending Milwaukee police officer Herbert Davis III, a
Cincinnati Bengals fan who was shot multiple times while on duty on January 27, to the Super Bowl in Los Angeles. Davis was doing a welfare check on a person reportedly slumped over in their car. That person got into a struggle with Davis and shot him before stealing his cruiser and driving away. Davis says he’s taking his father with him to the game since his father instilled his love for the Bengals in him. WTMJ vice president Steve Wexler said on the WTMJ afternoon program, “It’s just a token of our appreciation for your service, your commitment, and your inspiration that you’ve brought to all of us.” Good Karma is giving Davis two tickets to the game, airfare to LA, a hotel room and several thousand dollars in spending money.
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that former WGN-AM late night talk host Nick Digilio launches a new podcast called “The Nick D
Podcast” on the Radio Misfits Podcast Network. Digilio tells Rick Kaempfer of Illinois Entertainer, “The podcast will be a lot like the WGN show. Tons of guests that were regulars on my show on WGN, and we cover the world of pop culture. We’ll do all the regular features that we did on the show. I’ll do movie reviews. And I get to swear a little. If you were a fan of the radio show, you’ll like this podcast.”…..Comic Byron Kennedy launches the podcast, “Hot Chicken & Cage-Free Conversation,” the first three episodes of which feature country artists Jimmie Allen, Brett Eldredge, and Lainey Wilson. The podcast is a production of Benztown and McVay Media Podcast Networks and is billed as a “wildly unscripted podcast that will feature special guests ranging from musical artists to industry power players, professional athletes, actors, fellow comedians and more.”…..FOX Sports Radio says it will begin its 22nd annual Super Week coverage on Monday (2/7). Twenty-three hours a day of FSR’s weekday lineup will originate from Los Angeles, including “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”; “The Dan Patrick Show”; “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn and Jonas Knox”; “The Doug Gottlieb Show”; “The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard and Rob Parker”; “The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon”; and “The Ben Maller Show.” The network will also present a special live, remote broadcast from Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica on Saturday (2/12) featuring “Up On Game with LaVar Arrington, TJ Houshmandzadeh and Plaxico Burress”; “The Joy Taylor Show”; and “Steve Hartman & Geoff Schwartz.”
January 6 Investigation, COVID-19, Ukraine Tensions, Midterm Elections/Trump & the GOP, Deadly Violence Against Cops, Beijing Olympics, Spotify Case, and Whoopi Goldberg Suspended Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/1). The House Select Committee’s investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack and Donald Trump’s statement he may pardon those convicted if elected; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad, mandates, and school policies; the diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the latter’s military build-up at the Ukraine border; the battle for control over Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the rash of deadly attacks on police in numerous U.S. cities; the political sideshow accompanying the Beijing Winter Olympics; Spotify’s handling of musicians pulling their music from the service over podcaster Joe Rogan’s program; and Whoopi Goldberg is suspended from ABC’s “The View” after Holocaust remarks were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Start Your Own Business. Consultant Walter Sabo says, in a piece for TALKERS magazine, “‘Get fired from your corporate job and start your own business.’ That is the advice shared with air talent and radio executives when they are kicked out of corporations; start your own business. Working for yourself is a seductive thought. The challenge is that very few corporate employees know how to embrace the frame of mind and tools of self-employed entrepreneurs.” For those considering a move into self-employment, Sabo has some advice to share. “This article is not about ‘how to be successful working for yourself’ because success is never guaranteed. This article is about the ingredients needed to start any business.” Read it here.
‘Bloomberg Business of Sports’ Joins SportsMap Radio Network. The sports business show from Bloomberg Radio and syndication company Key Networks titled, “Bloomberg Business of Sports” is expanding its reach with its addition to the SportsMap Radio Network. The one-hour radio show is airing on Saturdays at 12:00
noon ET and Sundays at 9:00 am ET on the network heard on 100 stations across the U.S. “Bloomberg Business of Sports” is hosted by Michael Barr, Scarlet Fu, and Mike Lynch, and “takes listeners inside the business end of the sports world and explains what it means to fans and their pocketbooks. The show follows the money in the world of sports and the decisions that 
power the multi-billion-dollar industry. From media and technology to finance and real estate, leagues and teams across the globe have matured into far more than just back-page entertainment. The show reports on sports trades, salaries, endorsements, contracts, collective bargaining and more – all from an insider’s perspective and explains the money behind the final score.” Key Networks COO Dennis Green says, “Sports business is as important as the games that take place between the lines. Working with our partners at SportsMap and having them add the one-hour version of the ‘Bloomberg Business of Sports’ program on their network brings this important content to listeners every weekend.” Gow Media CEO David Gow adds, “We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with Bloomberg. The daily 60-second ‘Bloomberg Business of Sports’ report has been well received by our audience. We know our affiliates and listeners will enjoy hearing the long-form ‘Bloomberg Business of Sports’ show. This move reflects our commitment to providing great content, whether our own or through partnerships.”
Doug Stephan’s ‘DJV Show’ Adds 10 Affiliates. The nationally syndicated radio program “The DJV Show,” anchored by Doug Stephan, adds 10 new stations to its roster of affiliates. Adding the program to their schedules are: KTLR, Oklahoma City;
WCAP, Lowell, MA; KUJ-AM/FM, Walla Walla, WA; WKCT-AM/FM, Bowling Green, KY; KLID-AM, Poplar Bluff, KY; KDXU, St. George, UT; and WGVA and WAUB, Finger Lakes, NY. This bumps the program that airs live from 5:00 am to 9:00 am ET hosted by Stephan and co-hosts Jennifer Horn, Victoria 
Keelan, and Jai Kershner presenting the What’s Trending Report, to more than 325 affiliates nationwide. Stephan comments, “It’s exciting to see the show continuing to grow after all these years. We welcome these new stations to a new and different way to start their day.” Keelan adds, “Creating the show has been a labor of love and a dream come true! We’ve blended my background of pop culture, fashion, and beauty with Jennifer’s vast knowledge of politics, world events, and her incredible sense of humor under the guidance of our fearless leader Doug, one of the most highly-regarded and versatile radio personalities. Together we have created a totally unique listening experience.”
Mark Grote to Host Overnights on WSCR, Chicago. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, Mark Grote will host the overnight show on Audacy’s sports talk
WSCR-AM “The Score.” After the recent passing of overnight host and legendary Chicago sports media personality Les Grobstein, the station is continuing to offer live and local sports talk in the daypart. Grote, who serves as Chicago Bears reporter, will host from 12:00 midnight to 5:00 am three nights per week with other WSCR staffers handling the other weeknights. In a memo to staff, station PD Mitch Rosen says, “There will never be another Grobber. Mark Grote was as close to Les as anyone on our team.”
RTDNF Names Recipients of 2022 First Amendment Awards. The Radio Television Digital News Foundation announces the recipients of the 31st annual First Amendment Awards, which “honor individuals and organizations that exemplify
responsible journalism and who practice their constitutionally guaranteed duty to seek and report the truth.” This year, RTDNF honors 10 individuals and organizations, an expanded group that recognizes the 2021 and 2022 recipients of the First Amendment Awards. Honorees will be recognized at the First Amendment Awards Dinner on March 9 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC. This year’s recipient of the Leonard Zeidenberg First Amendment Award is NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly, co-host of “All Things Considered.” The 2021 recipient was Cesar Conde, chairman of NBCUniversal News Group. See all the winners here.
TALKERS News Notes. The Independent Broadcasters Association opens sign-up registration for its fourth bi-annual IBA National Cash Contest. IBA president Ron Stone says, “The IBA National Cash Contest has been one of the strongest benefits of being
an IBA member. To be able to participate in a fully managed program like this, with up to three $1,000 winners daily, cannot be beat for the minimal investment of $300 per station. No other national program even comes close.” IBA member station volunteers will fully produce the contest. Vipology will serve as an independent source for all random drawings…..Public media outlet WNYC announces that news pro Phil Corso is joining the organization on February 14 as night editor for the Day-of 
News desk. WNYC says, “Phil’s arrival is a big step in the newsroom’s transformation and integration, giving us late-night support during the week and on Sunday nights for the first time. It’s a role that Phil is uniquely qualified to fill. He comes to WNYC from the New York Post, where he was a news editor for six years, overseeing that newsroom’s late-night operations and coverage decisions.”…..Veteran radio broadcasters Jim Harrington (WCBS-AM, New York; WBZ-AM, Boston; KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh) and Bill Knight (WUNI, Mobile; KWKH, Shreveport; WQDR Raleigh) are partnering to create a new information and entertainment podcast titled “It’s Another Day.” The “roughly” half-hour show is produced three days per week with the possibility of it becoming a daily program. Harrington says, “We figured we’d start the show and keep a low profile until we ironed out the rough spots. To our surprise, there were very few rough spots. Bill and I enjoy working together and it’s obvious to the listener. And what’s amazing is that the audience, even without that marketing, still found the program. We’ve had an amazing response.”…..iHeartMedia and Frolic Media announce the debut of “LoveStruck Daily,” a 20-minute daily podcast series hosted by romance experts that “dives into the addicting world of love, sharing a new real-life love story everyday guaranteed to give listeners all of the feels.” This is the first podcast from iHeartMedia and Frolic Media with plans to launch additional shows in the future…..Alec Baldwin and his company El Dorado Pictures, along with Cavalry Audioand iHeartMedia, announce a partnership on the new true crime podcast, “ART FRAUD.” The eight-episode series chronicles the fall of the one of the oldest and most revered galleries in New York City: The Knoedler. Narrated by Baldwin and containing never-before-heard interviews with the mastermind behind the years long con, “ART FRAUD” goes deep to paint the clearest picture yet about the greatest deception in the history of American art. It is written by Michael Shnayerson and is based on his Vanity Fair article…..Audacy adds “The BOB & TOM Show” to the weekday programming lineup on KFH-AM/FM, Wichita, beginning today (2/1). Tom Griswold says, “We’ve had a long and successful history in Wichita and we’re happy to be back. Let’s have a few laughs and have some fun again! Many thanks to Jackie Wise and Tony Duesing. What a great way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of KFH.”
Ukraine Tensions, COVID-19, Spotify & Joe Rogan, January 6 Investigation, Supreme Court, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Beijing Olympics, and Super Bowl Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/31). The diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the latter’s military build-up at the Ukraine border; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad and mask & vaccine mandates; Spotify’s challenges over controversy from Joe Rogan’s podcast and music artists leaving the streaming platform; the January 6 investigation and reports of Mike Pence chief of staff Marc Short’s cooperation with the House Select Committee; President Joe Biden’s promise to nominate a Black woman for the U.S. Supreme Court; the battle for control of Congress in the November midterms and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the political and COVID aspects of the Beijing Winter Olympics; and the Cincinnati Bengals’ and Los Angeles Rams’ Sunday victories that put them in Super Bowl XVI were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
By Walter Sabo
SABOMedia Corp
Founder
NEW YORK — “Get fired from your corporate job and start your own business.” That is the advice shared with air talent and radio executives when they are kicked out of corporations; start your own business. Working for yourself is a seductive thought. The challenge is that very few corporate employees know how to embrace the frame of mind and tools of self-employed entrepreneurs.
Monday Memo: Talk Radio 101 – LISTEN. “Streaming has music radio on its heels, because,” in consultant Holland Cooke’s view, “The Sentence Never Spoken is ‘Alexa, please play six commercials.’” Yet Cooke warns that “talkers should avoid taking false comfort that we’re less vulnerable to digital competitors, because people are using social media to talk to each other without us.” In this week’s column, HC details techniques to engage callers. Read it here.
Pending Business: It’s a Matter of Trust. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa says that it’s not unusual for news/talk radio sellers to unwittingly overlook the importance of the trust and credibility that their station’s hosts have engendered with their listeners. Too often, this important quality that’s not easy to match is left out of proposals for one reason or another. Read his column here.
Adriana Rizzo Named SVP of Consumer Marketing for Audacy. Marketing pro Adriana Rizzo joins Audacy as SVP of consumer marketing, effective January 31. In this role, Rizzo will lead the company’s audience growth initiatives across brand
strategy, creative, messaging, media planning and attribution, while also managing the company’s Alchemy function, focused on the strategic integration of exclusive content and programming to Audacy’s over 200 million listeners. Audacy chief marketing officer Paul Suchman says, “We’re thrilled to have Adriana join our growing team. Her hire underscores our commitment to world-class marketing and our vision to become the audio platform of choice for consumers. The timing of Adriana’s hire is well aligned with our deep investments in technology and our future-proofed digital platform. Adriana will be a key partner to our business lines and to our marketing leads across broadcast, digital, sports betting and podcasting.” Rizzo was most recently with Discovery and launched streaming service Discovery+. She’s also served with ESPN. She comments, “I’m very excited to be joining Audacy at such an important and strategic time for the company and the industry. I look forward to working closely with this talented team and helping Audacy achieve new heights.”
After YouTube Snub, Heidi Harris Launches Vimeo Show. Twenty-four-year veteran Las Vegas-based radio talk show host Heidi Harris, currently heard at “97.1 FM Talk St. Louis” (KFTK-FM), is another conservative commentator recently banned from YouTube because of political content that the mega-platform says doesn’t meet its standards. In response, she has launched a new channel on Vimeo which will feature her daily “Headlines with Heidi” program. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison served as her first guest. Harris and Harrison discussed the current Big Tech censorship controversy as well as a number of “behind-the-scenes” talk media issues. To see the program, please click here.
2022 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards Take Place Virtually on Thursday. A number of celebrities will make guest appearances on this Thursday’s 2022 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards. The program was originally to take place live at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los
Angeles but will now happen virtually at 9:00 pm ET on February 3 streaming on iHeartRadio’s YouTube channel and Facebook page as well as broadcast across select iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide. iHeartMedia says stars appearing include: Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, Martha Stewart, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, Paris Hilton, Shonda Rhimes, Will Ferrell, Wilmer Valderrama, and many more. While winners from most categories will be decided by a panel of industry leaders and creatives, the Podcast of the Year award is decided by social voting on Twitter. The nominees for Podcast of the Year are: “Code Switch,” “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” “Crime Junkie,” “Louder Than a Riot,” “Office Ladies,” “SmartLess,” “Stuff You Should Know,” “The Daily,” “The Midnight Miracle” and “You’re Wrong About.”
Round Four of Holiday PPM Ratings Released. The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s Holiday 2021 sweep covered December 9 – January 5. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Due to holiday listening habits influenced by Christmas music, spoken-word stations often lose share during this period, but not all stations saw losses this time around. In Indianapolis, Emmis Communications’ news/talk WIBC-FM adds seven-tenths for an 8.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #3 in the market. Cumulus Media’s WWTN-FM, Nashville “SuperTalk 99.7” is up eight-tenths for a 6.1 share finish and climbs from the #8 rank to #3. In Providence, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM rises nine-tenths to a 6.7 share but is still ranked #5 in the market. iHeartMedia’s WJNO, West Palm Beach adds a half share for a 2.3 share finish good for the #11 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first three rounds) here.
Ukraine Tensions/Sanctions, COVID-19, U.S.-China Relations/Olympics, Midterm Elections/Trump & the GOP, Spotify’s COVID Issue, Supreme Court Opening, North Korea Missile Test, and NFL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories over the Weekend. Russia’s military build-up at the Ukraine border and the West’s threatened sanctions if Russia invades; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad, and mask & vaccine mandates; the Biden Administration’s relations with China and the Beijing Winter Olympics; the battle for control of Congress in the November midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence on the GOP; Spotify deals with artists pulling their music in response to what they term medical misinformation being spread on the “Joe Rogan Experience”; the controversy over President Joe Biden’s promise to nominate a Black woman to fill retiring Justice Stephen Breyer’s Supreme Court seat; North Korea tests a new missile causing concern over its military ambitions; and the Cincinnati Bengals will face the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl after Sunday’s games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Disclaimer: For the purposes of this column, please understand there is no hidden political agenda.
The headline for the January 16 article in The Wall Street Journal said it all. Paraphrasing here, “Trusted Local Voices Are Deployed….on Radio.”
The article describes the efforts of doctors and health officials located in rural areas to get the word out on getting the public to participate in the local covid vaccines initiative.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Talk radio isn’t just different than music radio. It’s better. Talk radio is never on in the background. And streaming has music radio on its heels, because The Sentence Never Spoken is “Alexa, please play six commercials.”
Yet talkers should avoid taking false comfort that we’re less vulnerable to digital competitors, because people are using social media to talk to each other without us. So joining the conversation there is now table stakes. But defending the towers remains Job One.
“Holiday” 2021 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2021 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep covered December 9 (2021) – January 5 (2022)
Managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.3 – 3.9, -1.4, sixth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 2.4 – 1.4, -1.0, #13 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 6.8 – 7.3, +.5, locked in third-place
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KKMJ, first month, 7.4 – 12.6, +5.2
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KKMJ (+5.2)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: CHR KHFI (-1.7)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.0 – 6.3, -.7, third to fourth
Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #12 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) steady at 2.5, #14 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.5 – 6.9, -1.6, fourteen consecutive months at #1 to #3
Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, first month, 8.1 – 10.4, +2.3
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+2.3)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUNC (-1.6)
Note: adult contemporary WMAG (1.6, #17, 6+, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.1 – 8.8, +.7, repeats in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts and Pacers) 4.2 – 4.0, -.2, flat at #7
iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” steady at .9, unchanged at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 6.8 – 6.2, -.6, flat at #5
Number One 6+: Emmis adult contemporary WYXB, second successive month, 10.7 – 15.5 +4.8
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WYXB (+4.8)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): country WFMS and jazz-classical WICR (-.8)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.3 – 8.8, -1.5, back-to-back months at #1 to #4
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Green Bay Packers and Bucks) 7.1 – 6.7, -.4, fourth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #16 to #15
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .7 – 1.3, +.6, #19 to #17
Audacy’s WSSP “1250 AM The Fan” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #17 to #18
iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920” .6 – .7, +.1, anchored at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.1 – 4.5, +.4, tenth to seventh
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT, first month, 8.0 – 9.8, +1.8
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase:; adult contemporary WLDB (+4.7)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WMYX (-1.9)*
*Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.3 – 6.1, +.8, eighth to third
iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, repeats at #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 5.2 – 4.7, -.5, ninth to eighth
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.8 – 4.9, -.9, fifth to seventh
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in a row, 8.6 – 15.1, +6.5
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WJXA (+6.5)**
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-1.6)
**Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.8 – 6.7, +.9, continues in fifth-place
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” steady at 1.1, #15 to #14
Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790” flat at .1, #24 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins) 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, seventh to eighth
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.6 – 3.2, -.4, repeats at #9
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #11 to #10
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, stays at #10
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, first month, 10.1 – 14.2, +4.1
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+4.1)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WSNE (-.8)
Note: news – talk WBZ (1.3, #14, 6+, December 2021, 6+); CHR WXKS-FM (1.0, #16); classic rock WZLX (.8, #18); and rhythmic CHR WJMN (.7, #20) are all unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.1 – 1.5, -.6, #14 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WWDE, first month, 8.5 – 12.6, +4.1, succeeds urban AC cluster-mate WVKL, which had been #1 the past 38 months
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+4.1)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WPTE (-1.2)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 8.7 – 7.0, -1.7, unchanged at #3
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” steady at .4, stays at #18
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.3 – 2.8, -.5, #10 to #12
Number One 6+: Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ, second consecutive month, 10.8 – 15.9, +5.1
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+5.1)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): news/talk WOKV-FM and urban AC WSOL (-1.7)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #15 to #11
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #15 to #14
iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” flat at 1.1, #22 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .4 – .8, +.4, #24 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN steady at 3.0, seventh to sixth
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 9.4 – 12.0, +2.6
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+2.6)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: urban AC WMBX (-1.2)
Note: Spanish contemporary WZTU (2.1, #12, 6+, December 2021, 6+); CHR WHYI (1.4, #17); classic rock WBGG (1.2, #20); and adult contemporary WMIA (1.2, #20) are all unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.1 – 4.0, -.1, seventh to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Curtis Media Group-owned WSJS & WPCM 600 AM & 920 AM” flat at .4, #15 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, seventh to ninth
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, #13 to #15
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG, first month, 12.0 – 14.1, +2.1
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+2.1)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WQMG and country WTQR (-1.5)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.2 – 2.2, -1.0, #10 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy cluster-mates WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) steady at 4.4, continues in seventh-place; WMFS’ internet stream .5 – .3, -.2, repeats at #18; and WMC-AM “ESPN 790 AM” flat at .2, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #13 to #12
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRVR, first month, 9.7 – 14.0, +4.3
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+4.3)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: urban AC KJMS (-1.5)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” steady at 5.2, unchanged at #7
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” flat at .9, #15 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” unchanged at .9, #15 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.1 – 6.9, -.2, third to fourth
New England Public Media’s WFCR steady at .4, #17 to #16
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 22nd successive month, 14.9 – 18.6, +3.7
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+3.7)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: CHR WKSS (-1.5)
Note: Spanish tropical WRYM (1.5, #13, 6+, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Back in the USSR,” looks back at this past week of 1/24 to 1/28. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, TALKERS executive editor, John Batchelor, talk show host, CBS Radio; Harry Hurley, talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Victoria Jones, executive director/commentator, DC Radio Company; Josh Hammer, opinion editor/podcaster, Newsweek; and Nanette Holt, reporter, The Epoch Times. The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
Bonneville Names Sean Thompson PD for ‘Arizona Sports.’ Sports radio pro Sean Thompson is named program director for Bonneville’s Phoenix sports talk properties, KMVP-FM “98.7 FM Arizona Sports” and KTAR-AM “ESPN 620 Phoenix.” Thompson
comes to Bonneville from his most recent position as assistant brand manager for Audacy’s WZGC-FM, Atlanta “92.9 FM The Game.” Thompson comments, “It was going to need to be the ultimate opportunity for me to 
leave ‘The Game’ and I’ve found it. With the talented talk shows, flagship relationships with all the local teams and full commitment to digital content, the potential for the ‘Arizona Sports’ super brand is limitless.” Bonneville Phoenix SVP and market manager Ryan Hatch adds, “Sean is the perfect person to lead ‘Arizona’s Sports Station’ to new heights. He is strategic, creative, collaborative and we can’t wait to see what he will do to continue to grow the ‘Arizona Sports’ brand on all channels.” Thompson takes over for Rod Lakin, who assumed the brand manager post with Audacy’s sports talk WIP, Philadelphia in October.
KFI-AM Launches Weekly Show with LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Los Angeles news/talk KFI-AM announces the return of the weekly radio program, “Live and Unscripted with LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.” The iHeartMedia station will air
the program on Sundays from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm from its studios in Burbank. The station says, “The new weekly program is back by popular demand and is hosted by Alex Villanueva, who runs the country’s largest sheriff’s department. Every Sunday, listeners can join the show to hear the hottest topics on the mind of LA County residents: homelessness, crime, corruption and politics. Villanueva will also feature guests who will explain the inner workings of the various bureaus in his department.” Station program director Robin Bertolucci says, “Sheriff Alex Villanueva is a straight talker and KFI has always welcomed bold talk.”
Round Three of Holiday PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2021 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s Holiday 2021 sweep covered December 9 – January 5. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Radio listening patterns change during this period due to the seasonal implementation of Christmas music but some spoken-word stations were able to buck that trend. Audacy’s news/talk KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh tacked on seven-tenths for a 4.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and rose to the #8 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTAM, Cleveland was up four-tenths for a 4.4 share and climbed to the #7 rank. In Kansas City, Audacy’s KMBZ-FM rose four-tenths for a 5.0 share finish good for the #5 rank in the market. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well and the first two rounds) here.
Audacy Partners with Podchaser for Podcasting Insight. A new partnership between Audacy and Podchaser will allow Audacy to use Podchaser’s metadata and
podcast technology capabilities to gain insight into the performance and influence of podcasts across the entire industry, enhancing Audacy’s value proposition for agencies and clients. Audacy EVP of digital sales Ken Lagana says, “As Audacy continues to build out our industry leading, measurement and attribution suite, we are excited to partner with Podchaser to help our client and agency partners continue to make smart decisions routed in data when placing their podcast buys with Audacy.”
WABC, New York Honors Memory of Fallen NYPD Officer Jason Rivera. New York City news/talk “77 WABC Radio” is honoring fallen New York City Police Officer Jason Rivera today (1/28), the day of his funeral. The station is asking its listeners to recognize Rivera’s service. “On behalf of John Catsimatidis, chairman and chief
executive officer of The Red Apple Group and subsidiary Red Apple Media and the entire staff of 77 WABC, we encourage you to join us and support a hometown hero at the NYPD by ‘standing with us’ on Friday, January 28 at 9:00 am EST to honor the life of Jason Rivera. 77 WABC will pause the airwaves and take a moment of silence to show support and ask ALL of New York City and America to STAND, outside your home, inside your home, place of work or school. All of our communities are deeply saddened and affected, and we are asking to show your support.” 77 WABC and One Times Square have collaborated to display the image of Jason Rivera on the side of their building at 8:58 am, 9:15 am, 9:30 am, 9:45 am. The station is also distributing free “Back The Blue” pins to wear to show support for police officers via its website.
TALKERS News Notes. Seattle’s all-news KOMO-AM/FM “KOMO News” is losing its heritage call letters and the “KOMO News” slogan as part of the deal that transferred the station from Sinclair Broadcast Group to
Lotus Broadcasting. The Seattle Times reports that since the deal allows Sinclair to keep the KOMO calls off the stations, it will take up the new calls KNWN for “Northwest News.” Station PD and afternoon personality Rick Van Cise tells the paper, “There won’t be any difference in the sound of the radio station. The personalities, the reporters are all staying the same.”…..Austin public radio outlet KUT-FM names Jerry Quijano permanent host of the “All Things Considered” host seat at the NPR member station.
Quijano began his career with KUT in 2017 as a weekend local host. After graduating from Texas A&M University-San Antonio and participating in NPR’s Next-Generation Radio project, he started full-time the following year…..“Radiolab” founder Jad Abumrad announces he’s leaving the podcast he founded almost 20 years ago and to honor and celebrate him, WNYC is releasing the very first episode of the show that was broadcast only once on WNYC’s AM station in 2002 and then locked away in the vault. WNYC says it had to literally digitize the show from several CDs to get it on air. Speaking about his departure, Abumrad says, “For the last few years – since 2016 really – I’ve told myself that there’d come a point when the team would be ‘ready’ for me to leave. When they might even need me to. I wasn’t sure when that would be or how I’d know, but I made a pact with myself to stay watchful, to create space rather than filling it, and to listen rather than talk. We’re at that point.”
COVID-19 Vaccines, Masks & Mandates Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 24-28. Controversy surrounding COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates and the rate of infection from the Omicron variant in the U.S. and around the world came together as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the global tensions over the Russian military build-up at the Ukraine border, tied with relations between the U.S. and China. Coming in at #3 this week was the announced retirement of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and speculation about President Joe Biden’s potential nominee. 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. See this week’s complete chart here.
“Holiday” 2021 PPM Data – Information for the December 2021 ratings period has been released for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep covered December 9 (2021) – January 5 (2022)
Managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.1 – 5.9, -1.2, fourth to fifth
iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, flat at #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.2 – 8.3, +1.1, third to second and KOPB’s internet stream 2.2 – 2.7, +.5, #17 to #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, second month in succession, 12.4 – 17.0, +4.6
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+4.6)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLTH (-1.9)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) 3.8 – 2.9, -.9, #11 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFNZ “Sports Radio The Fan” (Hornets) 1.1 – .8, -.3, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation-owned WFAE 4.3 – 3.1, -1.2, #9 to #14
South Carolina Educational Television Commission’s WNSC .5 – .4, -.1, anchored at #20
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, second month in a row, 8.8 – 10.2, +1.4
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult hits WLKO (+2.7)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: country WKKT (-2.8)*
*Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 4.2 – 3.7, -.5, repeats in eighth-place
Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #14 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 3.1 – 3.3, +.2, #12 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, second straight month, 10.8 – 15.9, +5.1
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KQXT (+5.1)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: adult hits KJXK (-1.3)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 7.3 – 6.7, -.6, repeats in third-place and cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” 2.9 – 2.1, -.8, #12 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #19 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 4.5 – 4.0, -.5, eighth to seventh
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX, first month, 9.9 – 15.8, +5.9
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KYMX (+5.9)**
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic rock KSEG (-2.1)
**Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.7 – 4.4, +.7, ninth to eighth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 7.8 – 7.6, -.2, remains at #4
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #13 to #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, second month in succession, 11.1 – 15.5, +4.4
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+4.4)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: adult hits WRRK (-1.1)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 7.1 – 5.7, -1.4, second to sixth
Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.0 – 5.3, -.7, fifth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 4.1 – 3.7, -.4, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, second consecutive month, 10.9 – 16.3, +5.4
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+5.4)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: CHR KZHT (-1.5)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #23 to #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, second month in a row, 13.1 – 14.7, +1.6
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+1.6)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KKLZ (-1.4)
ORLANDO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.3 – 4.8, -.5, remains in eighth-place
Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, #16 to #17
iHeartMedia’s WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #19 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) 2.2 – 1.7, -.5, flat at #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections’ WMFE unchanged at 1.7, #17 to #14
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, second month in succession, 12.0 – 12.8, +.8
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.5)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOCL (-1.2)
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 10.2 – 10.0, -.2, locked at #2 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 5.2 – 4.7, -.5, repeats in sixth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #17 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio-owned WVXU 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, eighth to seventh
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM, first month, 6.2 – 10.4, +4.2
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRRM (+4.2)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.5)
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, ninth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.6 – 5.6, +1.0, eighth to sixth and WKRK’s internet stream 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, #14 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Ideastream’s WCPN 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, unchanged at #12
Kent State University-owned WKSU 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, #17 to #14
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WDOK second successive month, 10.4 – 12.4, +2.0
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies WMJI (+2.3)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: country WGAR (-1.4)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, sixth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #16 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri’s KCUR 6.1 – 4.8, -1.3, third to seventh
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, fourth consecutive month, 9.7 – 8.5, -1.2
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KCKC (+1.0)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KCUR (-1.3)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.5 – 6.0, -.5, fourth to fifth
News: iHeartMedia’s WYTS “Columbus’ BIN 1230” flat at .1, #19 to #20
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 10.3 – 8.2, -2.1, four straight months at #1 to #2 and cluster-mate WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM” .5 – .7, +.2, #18 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, repeats in fourth-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WODC, first month, 6.5 – 10.1, +3.6
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult hits WODC (+3.6)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: sports talk WBNS-FM (-2.1)
Up next: “Holiday” 2021 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
Newsweek Opinion Editor Josh Hammer is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The opinion editor of Newsweek, Josh Hammer, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Hammer is also a podcaster, constitutional lawyer, and rising young conservative thought-leader. Newsweek is planning the launch of his new podcast, “The Josh Hammer Show” in February. The one-hour podcast will conform to the format clock of a terrestrial radio show making it conveniently translatable as a syndicated product. Harrison describes Hammer as follows: “At 32 years of age, he has already made a huge splash within the print news community as an editor and political commentator reflective of a young conservative
perspective. I suspect he will be doing the same in talk media via radio and podcasting.” Harrison continues, “With such an emphasis being placed on lowering the demos, talk media practitioners – especially conservatives – should hear what he has to say.” Hammer focuses on conservative intellectual trends, contemporary domestic and foreign policy debates, constitutional and legal issues, and the intersection of law, politics and culture. His pieces have appeared in a number of major publications including the Los Angeles Times, the New York Post and many others. Harrison and Hammer take a deep-dive into the future of print versus digital, the legal complications of updating Section 230 and holding Big Tech accountable for the control they have seized over the public square, as well as the schism between traditional conservative politics and a viable next-gen approach. They discuss the impact and future of Donald Trump within the GOP and Newsweek’s strategy to appeal to a readership that spans the political spectrum. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.
Dan Bongino Booted from YouTube; Focuses His Content on Rumble. After violating the terms of his weeklong suspension from YouTube, Westwood One nationally syndicated talk host Dan Bongino has been permanently banned from the social media
video channel. Bongino shared a video on his website in which he says that he was suspended for saying nothing different than what Dr. Tony Fauci told “60 Minutes” in a March 2020 interview in which he said there’s no need for people to be walking around wearing masks because it’s not providing the protection that people think it is. Bongino questions why he’s being banned but Fauci is not. Bongino’s violation of the suspension came after he tried to post a video explaining to his fans why he’s leaving YouTube and will put all of his content on Rumble. Bongino says he had 871,000 YouTube subscribers and says he has more than 2 million subscribers on the Rumble channel.
Former Florida Sports Talk Host ‘Big Joe’ Ellicott to Cooperate with Feds’ Investigation of Rep. Matt Gaetz. According to a report by CNN, Joseph “Big Joe” Ellicott has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and distribution of a
controlled substance (Adderall) and has agreed to cooperate with the U.S. Justice Department’s investigation into allegations that U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) had sexual contact with a minor. Ellicott previously worked for Star Over Orlando at sports talk WRSO “CBS Sports Radio Orlando” on the “Bauman and Big Joe” program. CNN reports that Ellicott pleaded guilty to the charges that stemmed from “a bribery scheme between an unnamed contractor and an unnamed elected government official. Ellicott delivered $6,000 cash from the contractor to the government official in 2017.” Other media sources are concluding that the unnamed elected government official is his friend Joel Greenberg, a former confidant of Gaetz’s who is also cooperating with investigators in the Gaetz case.
Round Two of Holiday 2021 PPMs Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2021 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s Holiday 2021 sweep covered December 9 – January 5. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Although the Holiday PPM survey usually reveals listening patterns skewed by stations breaking format to air Christmas music, some spoken-word stations were able to avoid ratings declines. Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle was steady with a 6.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that kept it in the #2 rank. Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KOMO-AM/FM rose two-tenths for a 5.5 share finish and climbed to the #3 rank. Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis was up seven-tenths for a 5.2 share finish good for the #6 rank in the market. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KOA, Denver added nine-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.8 share and climbed to the #8 rank. You can see all of Mike Kinosian’s Ratings Takeways from this group of markets (as well as round one) here.
Religious Broadcasters Hope Media Group and WAY Media to Merge. Religious broadcasting companies Hope Media Group and WAY Media announce their intention to merge into one media organization. The formal merger is expected to close by later
this year pending FCC approval. The new Christian media organization will be headquartered in Houston and will operate under the name Hope Media Group. Hope Media Group was founded 40 years ago with radio station KSBJ-FM, Houston. WAY Media was formed 35
years ago with WAYJ-FM, Fort Myers. The companies say this is a merger of equals and a cash-free transaction that received a unanimous vote from both boards of directors. Currently, Hope Media Group is a family of media brands that include Houston-focused KSBJ, the brand-new Spanish Christian “Vida Unida,” digital content outlets NGEN Radio (Christian hip-hop and pop), Hope On Demand and Amen: The Prayer App, plus a concert and event brand, Special Events. WAY Media owns and operates a national network of more than 20 “WayFM” stations in markets that include Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Portland, Nashville, and South Florida plus more than 30 translators from Florida to Washington State, in addition to digital content outlets.
TALKERS News Notes. Streaming audio service TuneIn announces a partnership with Estrella Media to bring its content to the TuneIn platform. In addition, TuneIn has partnered with Grupo Fórmula to bring its Spanish-language entertainment and news
content to the platform. TuneIn CEO Richard Stern states, “Both Estrella Media and Grupo Fórmula are market leaders in Spanish-language entertainment and news radio content. We are extremely pleased to be expanding our Spanish-language offerings to a new generation of Latin radio fans and listeners around the world through the TuneIn platform. We’re also thrilled to help Estrella Media’s local stations increase monetization outside of their local markets as an added benefit of our partnership.”…..The Luminary original podcast, “The Roxane Gay Agenda,” launches with writer Dr. Roxane Gay as host and welcoming The New York Times writer Tressie McMillan Cottom and acclaimed author Terry McMillan as her first guests. The program is produced in partnership with iHeartMedia.
Stephen Breyer to Retire, Ukraine Tensions, COVID-19, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Financial Markets/Inflation/Crypto Plunge, Urban Violent Crime Spike, and the Beijing Olympics Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/26). News of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement and President Joe Biden’s possible nominations; the ongoing tensions between Vladimir Putin and the West over Russia’s military build-up at the Ukraine border; the Omicron variant infection rate and legal battles over mask & vaccine mandates; fight to control Congress in this November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the turbulent financial markets, the high retail and oil prices and the plummet in cryptocurrency value; the blowback against liberal law & order polices as violent crime in America’s major cities surges; and the Beijing Olympics were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
“Holiday” 2021 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2021 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep covered December 9 (2021) – January 5 (2022)
Managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” (Washington Football Team) 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, #11 to #12
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 6.8 – 6.4, -.4, repeats in fourth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, steady at #16
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 7.5 – 7.3, -.2, flat at #3
Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW .6 – 1.0, +.4, #21 to #19
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH, second month in succession, 11.3 – 13.2, +1.9
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WASH (+1.9)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: alternative WWDC (-1.0)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.1 – 3.4, -.7, eighth to ninth
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 6.9 – 6.5, -.4, fourth to third
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins) 8.5 – 8.3, -.2, #1 to #2
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #11 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 2.9 – 3.0, +.1, #15 to #12
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #11 to #13
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WMJX, first month, 7.9 – 13.2, +5.3
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WMJX (+5.3)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WWBX (-1.8)
MIAMI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WIOD “News Radio 610” 1.8 – 1.6, -.2, continues at #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.6 – 2.6, -1.0, #9 to #14
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, third month in a row, 9.3 – 9.0, -.3
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WLYF (+.7)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WLRN (-1.0)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) flat at 6.6, repeats in second-place
News: Lotus Communications’ KOMO-AM & KOMO-FM “Seattle News, Weather, Sports” 5.3 – 5.5, +.2, fourth to third
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Seahawks) 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.4 – 4.4, -1.0, third to eighth
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary KRWM, second month in a row, 7.9 – 9.6, +1.7
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KRWM (+1.7)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.0)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.8 – 2.5, -.3, #14 to #13
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 5.1 – 5.0, -.1, fifth to fourth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings) 5.5 – 4.5, -1.0, fourth to sixth
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #17 to #15
Wayne State University’s WDET 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #19 to #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC, second month in succession, 16.8 – 18.8, +2.0
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WNIC (+2.0)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: country WYCD (-1.1)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 4.6 – 3.4, -1.2, fourth to eighth
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals and Sun) 2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #12 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ 4.8 – 5.7, +.9, third to second
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, fifteenth consecutive month, 12.9 – 17.7, +4.8
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KESZ (+4.8)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): news/talk KFYI and classic rock KSLX (-1.2)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 4.5 – 5.2, +.7, ninth to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.1 – 2.6, -.5, flat at #14
Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #17 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild) 7.2 – 6.4, -.8, third to fourth
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 7.8 – 7.5, -.3, repeats in second-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, second month in a row, 10.5 – 15.1, +4.6
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL (+4.6)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: adult hits KZJK (-1.1)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.4 – 2.6, -1.8, #7 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University-owned KPBS 5.3 – 6.8, +1.5, fourth to second
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KYXY, first month, 5.7 – 10.7, +5.0
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KYXY (+5.0)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: country KSON (-2.1)
Note: news/talk KFI “AM 640” (1.8, #18, 6+, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 3.4 – 2.9, -.5, repeats at #12
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” (Lightning) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #16 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida-owned WUSF 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, flat at #18
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, fourth month in a row, 8.5 – 10.6, +2.1
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: hot AC WMTX (+2.9)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): country WFUS and CHR WPOI (-1.2)
DENVER
News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KOA “News Radio 850” (Broncos) 2.9 – 3.8, +.9, #11 to #8; KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, unchanged at #17; and KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 2.1 – 1.4, -.7, #19 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 3.1 – 2.4, -.7, #10 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 3.7, -.8, seventh to ninth
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, second month in succession, 7.7 – 14.0, +6.3
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KOSI (+6.3)*
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC KIMN (-1.9)
*Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 3.5 – 2.9, -.6, #10 to #12
Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Ravens) 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #16 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.5 – 3.8, -.7, fourth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation’s WYPR 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, seventh to tenth
American University-owned WAMU 3.2 – 2.2, -1.0, #12 to #14
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, second month in a row, 12.3 – 17.7, +5.4
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+5.4)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: jazz WEAA (-2.5)**
**Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
Note: alternative WWDC (1.3, #20, 6+, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 202
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: In the Audacy cluster, KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, #14 to #12; KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, #13 to #14; and KFTK’s internet stream .6 – .5, -.1, repeats at #20
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” 1.1 – .7, -.4, flat at #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 5.3 – 4.4, -.9, eighth to ninth
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #17 to #16
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KEZK, second consecutive month, 12.5 – 17.1, +4.6
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KEZK (+4.6)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLOU (-1.7)
Up next: “Holiday” 2021 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
Darren Moore Named Vice President/General Manager for Cox Media Group Ohio. Television sales executive Darren Moore is named vice president and general manager for Cox Media Group Ohio that includes heritage news/talk WHIO-AM/FM, two music
formatted stations and WHIO-TV. Moore will oversee all operations at the outlets including news, programming, sales, digital, engineering, production and community affairs. Moore joined CMG 26 years ago as an intern for WPXI-TV, Pittsburgh. He served with WAXN-TV, Charlotte before returning 
to CMG Pittsburgh where he served in various sales management roles. CMG EVP of Television Paul Curran says, “Darren’s passion for people, the broadcasting industry and CMG is infectious and inspiring. His strong track record of forging internal and external relationships will make a positive impact on our Dayton operations and in the Dayton community. I look forward to watching him excel in this new role as our approach to broadcasting in Dayton continues to evolve.” Moore comments, “I am honored to join the outstanding broadcasters at CMG Ohio, home to some of the most iconic TV and radio brands in the entire industry. I can’t wait to start working with the Dayton team, further enhancing our award-winning brands, serving our customers and viewers, and partnering with the local Miami Valley community.”
Steve Moore Promoted to OM for Audacy St. Louis. Programming pro Steve Moore is promoted to operations manager for Audacy St. Louis. In this role, Moore will oversee the markets’ six brands, including heritage news/talk KMOX-AM and news/talk KFTK-
FM and its four music formatted sister stations. Audacy St. Louis VP and market manager Becky Domyan says, “I am beyond delighted to have Steve ascend into this new role. He has been so instrumental in building operational alignment, collaboration, and synergy across our St. Louis footprint. I am looking forward to Steve helping us continue to grow our incredible brands.” Moore comments, “I couldn’t be more excited for this new opportunity. I appreciate the trust that Becky Domyan and Audacy have shown me and I’m looking forward to working more closely with Derrick, Leo and the talented broadcasters on these incredible music stations.”
FOXNews.com Tops in Multiplatform Minutes in 2021. According to data from Comscore, FOX News Media’s FOXNews.com finished 2021 as “the top-performing news brand in the competitive set, delivering 38 billion total multiplatform minutes… FOXNews.com also toppled nearly every news organization in the competitive set,
outpacing NYTimes.com and WashingtonPost.com in all categories for the entire year.” In its head-to-head battle with CNN.com, FOXNews.com had 37.8 billion multiplatform total minutes compared to CNN.com’s 35.5 billion. CNN.com topped FOXNews.com in the multiplatform total views metric (20.3 billion versus 18.4 billion) and in the average monthly multiplatform unique visitors metric (139 million versus 86 million). FOX News says 2021 marked its highest non-election year on record in social engagement. The digital network hit a new high in Instagram interactions, reaching over 286 million, its best year to date. 2021 also was a record year for the highest amount of video views ever for FOX News, driving nearly 4 billion video views across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. The network saw increases of nearly 10% in YouTube Video Views versus the prior year, driving slightly over 3 billion views.
Round One of Holiday PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2021 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s Holiday 2021 sweep covered December 9 – January 5. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Nielsen’s annual Holiday PPM survey is traditionally not good to spoken word radio stations as so much listening is attributed to music outlets playing Christmas music. Bucking the trend, both of Audacy’s New York all-news stations were up compared to the December survey. WINS added six-tenths to finish with a 4.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and rose to the #5 rank while WCBS-AM added four-tenths for a 2.6 share finish good for the #13 rank. In Dallas, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP-AM tacked on two-tenths for a 3.0 share but remained in the #14 rank. Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta dipped eight-tenths to a 5.8 share and sliding to the #5 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
Wendy Bell Gets Weekend Show on Newsmax. Longtime Pittsburgh television and radio personality Wendy Bell is joining Newsmax for a weekend program titled “Wendy Bell Common Sense.” The program will debut this Saturday (1/29) at 4:30 pm ET and
“will examine the news of the day with a lively approach to national issues.” (It will air again on Sundays at 3:30 PM ET.) Bell says, “People are hungry for common sense in this country, and that’s what this new program is about. Telling the truth, having great conversations, talking about what really matters. It’s going to be outstanding.” Bell also hosts a syndicated talk radio program that airs live from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET. Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy comments, “Wendy Bell has had a remarkable career as a television journalist and radio host, and throughout it all has been an advocate of common sense and American values. We are glad to have her on the Newsmax team.”
Salem Media Group Names Ron DeSantis ‘Culture Warrior of the Year.’ Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is named “2021 Salem Culture Warrior of the Year” by Salem
Media Group. The honor is the result of voting by Salem listeners and DeSantis received 52% of the vote among the six finalists. Salem listeners were given the chance to nominate anyone who fits the category. Salem SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce says, “Governor DeSantis is well deserving of this honor, and it proves how strong he is not only in Florida, but also across the country. Last year this award was given to Candace Owens, so both honorees are well deserving of the respect and admiration of the Salem audience across the country.”
MIW Offers ‘Understanding Broadcast Law’ Program. The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio organization – dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting – announces a new career enhancing program titled, “Understanding Broadcast Law,” sponsored by Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth Law, PLC. The “Understanding Broadcast Law” program is built to clarify the numerous legal
issues inherent to the radio business. In addition to underwriting the program, which runs throughout 2022, Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth partners Frank Montero and Kathleen Victory and their team will host a series of free and on-demand videos dedicated to answering questions and providing practical and applicable information as it pertains to radio law. From EEO to FCC license renewals and contracts, to conversations with corporate lawyers, each unique and informative video will be easily accessible on a variety of platforms. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “Knowledge is power, and the opportunity to empower more women by demystifying legal issues is huge. We are beyond grateful for Fletcher, Heald and Hildreth’s sponsorship of this important series. Frank and his team are providing an invaluable opportunity to the MIW community and the industry.” To ensure that these instructive videos focus on areas of highest need and priority, MIW is asking for feedback from interested participants. They have created a survey that you can take here.
WhyHunger ‘Hungerthon’ Raises $920,000 from Holiday Campaign. The 36th annual Hungerthon campaign raised more than $920,000 “to support true solutions to hunger and build social justice for all.” The organization WhyHunger partnered with Audacy New York, iHeartMedia New York and SiriusXM to engage listeners and raise funds. Celebrity supporters like vitafusion Gummy Vitamins ambassador Tiffany
Haddish, Yoko Ono Lennon and Bruce Springsteen lent their voices to the issue. The radio partners hosted live broadcasts featuring exclusive interviews on topics such as hunger and health, the root causes of hunger, women in food justice and COVID-19’s impact on hunger, while raising funds through auction items, donation drives and social media engagement. The Audacy New York stations – including sports talk WFAN, all-newsers WINS and WCBS-AM – hosted a radiothon on November 23 raising more than $400,000. Items donated for auction included a Bruce Springsteen autographed guitar, a Bob Weir autographed guitar, a chance to sit in on WFAN’s “Boomer & Gio” show, and more.
Broadcasters Foundation of America Receives Top Score from Charity Navigator. The Broadcasters Foundation of America proudly announces it has achieved a rating of 100 from Charity Navigator, the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator. The evaluation process takes place over a seven-year period and uses
Charity Navigator’s Encompass Rating System. The Broadcasters Foundation received a score of 100 in finance & accountability, reflecting its solid financial health (stability, efficiency, and sustainability) and commitment to governance practices and policies. In addition, the Broadcasters Foundation also received full credit at 72% for its Program Expense Ratio, which measures the percent of total expenses spent on the programs and services it exists to deliver. BFoA co-president Jim Thompson says, “We are very proud to receive this high level of accreditation from Charity Navigator. We have worked diligently to maximize our budget to provide the aid that so many in our industry desperately need. Life-altering illness or accident can devastate a family’s financial situation, and the Broadcasters Foundation is committed to easing that strain for our colleagues who qualify.” For more information, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org.
Ukraine Tensions, COVID-19, Financial Markets/Inflation/Crypto Plunge, Urban Violent Crime Spike, Midterms/Trump & GOP, Boris Johnson Troubles, the Beijing Olympics, and Baseball Hall of Fame Snubs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/25). The global tensions over Russia’s military build-up at the Ukraine border; COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad plus legal battles over mask & vaccine mandates; the skittish world financial markets, high retail and oil prices & the plunge in cryptocurrency; the spike in violent crime in America’s large cities; the battle for control of Congress in the November midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the ropes for violating his own COVID regulations; the drama surrounding the Beijing Olympics; and the Baseball Hall of Fame doesn’t admit Roger Clemens or Barry Bonds on their final ballots were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
“Holiday” 2021 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2021 ratings period has been released for New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Philadelphia; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario; San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.
Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep covered December 9 (2021) – January 5 (2022)
Managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #15 to #16
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #16 to #18
News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 3.8 – 4.4, +.6, eighth to fifth and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #17 to #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Giants and Nets) steady at 3.0, #13 to #10
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation‘s WNYC-FM 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, flat at #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, sixth straight month, 9.7 – 11.2, +1.5
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.5)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: urban contemporary WWPR (-.9)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, seventh to eighth
News: Audacy-owned KNX-AM “1070 News Radio” 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, unchanged at #11
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC flat at 1.9, remains at #19
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, sixth successive month, 11.6 – 13.4, +1.8
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KOST (+1.8)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KRTH (-.5)
Note: All-news KNX-FM “News 97.1” (formerly CHR KNOU) finished the December 2021 survey period at #21 (1.4 – 1.8, +.4), but is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, eighth to seventh
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” (Bears) 5.7 – 5.6, -.1, second to third
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 5.1 – 4.8, -.3, third to fourth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, third month in succession, 11.8 – 14.4, +2.6
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+2.6)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WTMX (-1.5)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” flat at 6.7, repeats in third-place
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers) 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, eighth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 8.6 – 7.9, -.7, #1 (12 straight weeks) to #2
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 7.9 – 11.1, +3.2
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (+3.2)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC KLLC (-1.1)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, remains at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 3.5 – 2.6, -.9, #11 to #16
Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys) 2.2 – 2.4, +.2, #18 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.8 – 3.1, +.3, #14 to #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE, second month in a row, 8.8 – 10.6, +1.8
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KDGE (+1.8)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: sports talk KTCK (-.9)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, repeats in seventh-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #19 to #20
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, ninth consecutive month, 10.8 – 12.8, +2.0
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+2.0)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: regional Mexican KLTN (-.9)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.6 – 5.8, -.8, fourth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons and Hawks) 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #17 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, stays at #14
Number One 6+: Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH, first month, 7.2 – 8.8, +1.6
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: contemporary Christian WFSH (+1.6)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: news/talk WSB-AM & WSBB (-.8)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 1.0 – 1.2, +.2, #22 to #19
News: Audacy’s KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 4.6 – 4.7, +.1, repeats in sixth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Eagles) 4.6 – 3.7, -.9, sixth to eighth
Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.9 – 1.6, -.3, #15 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY’s WHYY 5.7 – 5.9, +.2, fifth to fourth
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WBEB, second month in succession, 10.1 – 14.4, +4.3
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WBEB (+4.3)*
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic rock WMGK (-1.8)**
*Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
**Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.9 – 3.0, +.1, #12 to #10
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, tenth to eighth and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, unchanged at #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Giants and Nets) 4.0 – 3.1, -.9, seventh to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM, first month, 7.2 – 9.8, +2.6
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: hot AC WALK-FM (+2.6)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: sports talk WFAN (-.9)
Note: Urban contemporary WWPR (1.9, #18, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, first month, 6.8 – 9.2, +2.4
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KOST (+2.4)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOLA (-1.4)
Note: News/talk KFI “AM 640” (2.5, #14, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, carries on at #16
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.6 – 5.4, -.2, repeats in fourth-place
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers) 2.0 – 2.4,+.4, #15 to #11
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 9.3 – 9.1, -.2, flat at #2
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM second month in succession, 9.7 – 12.1, +2.4
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies KBAY (+2.8)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): adult contemporary KISQ; regional Mexican KSOL; and regional Mexican KRZZ (-.9)
Note: Hot AC KIOI (2.4, #11, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, eighth to seventh
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #21 to #19
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Giants and Nets) 2.8 – 2.0, -.8, #13 to #16
Emmis’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” steady at 1.5, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WNYC-FM flat at 4.1, remains in tenth-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, second month in a row, 8.3 – 9.2, +.9
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: Spanish tropical WSKQ (+1.4)
Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): classic rock WAXQ and sports talk WFAN (-.8)
Note: Rhythmic CHR WKTU (2.2, #14, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.
Up next: “Holiday” 2021 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
Dennis Green Promoted to COO for Sun & Fun Media and Key Networks. Chief revenue officer Dennis Green is promoted to chief operating officer for Sun & Fun Media and affiliated radio syndication company Key Networks. He’ll continue to report to founder and CEO Rob Koblasz. Green joined Sun & Fun Media as CRO in May 2018
after serving for 22 years with Westwood One and added CRO responsibilities for Key Networks upon the network’s launch in March 2019. In his new role, Green will oversee operations for Sun & Fun Media’s products and services for barter to radio and for Key Networks’ portfolio of nationally syndicated programming and services. Koblasz says, “Dennis is 
one of the hardest working people in radio, and we are very pleased to reward his efforts with this much-deserved promotion to the chief operating officer of both Sun & Fun Media and Key Networks. As chief revenue officer since 2018, Dennis has been central to the continued growth of Sun & Fun Media and the successful launch and growth of Key Networks. His leadership and deep experience in network radio are tremendous assets for us.” Green comments, “I’m delighted to assume the role of COO for Sun & Fun Media and Key Networks. I’ve been fortunate in my career to work with amazing talent and provide programming and services for stations. Rob Koblasz gave me an opportunity to build upon the success at Sun & Fun and to start Key Networks, which is fast developing into a ‘key’ player in network radio. Thank you to the best-in-class staff we have assembled to help lead the charge to provide best-in-class products and services to affiliates around the country. The best is yet to come!”
Beasley Media Group Names Pat Eastburn VP of Digital Sales. Digital media sales pro Pat Eastburn joins Beasley Media Group as vice president of digital sales. Eastburn was most recently vice president and general manager at Flypaper Digital
Marketing, the internal digital agency of WEHCO Media. In his new role, Eastburn will report to Beasley chief digital officer Todd Handy and focus on leveraging his experience across the entire digital sales team as well as be focused on new products, services and key verticals. Handy says, “Pat was the consensus choice as the top candidate for this role given his extensive background in leading digital agency sales teams and disrupting traditional media channels.” Eastburn comments, “I’m very excited to join Beasley Media Group. It’s so well-respected and I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the entire team. I believe that digital marketing has significant potential as an industry relative to current and future opportunity. Combine that opportunity with top level talent and the sky is the limit.”
Banyan Software Acquires Mr. Master Inc. Today Banyan Software, Inc. Enterprise software firm Banyan Software acquires compliance and content distribution software Mr. Master Inc. Banyan, self-described as a firm that “focuses on a buy and hold for life strategy for growing software companies that serve specialized markets,” says the Mr. Master acquisition joins its growing portfolio of media companies which includes
vCreative and Counterpoint Software. Banyan says it employs a decentralized management philosophy, allowing Mr. Master to operate independently and continue the successful practices that led to its acquisition interest. Banyan CEO David Berkal says, “The Mr. Master team has deep, network radio software expertise and has spent over two decades developing market leading products that serve the unique needs of its long-standing customers. We are excited to welcome Mr. Master into the Banyan family of companies and look forward to supporting the company’s future growth in the coming years.” Mr. Master president and founder Stu Jacobs comments, “We have a great team and product that radio has embraced as its go-to traffic and production workflow solution and partnering with Banyan marks an exciting new chapter in our journey. I am thrilled to stay on as CEO and work alongside Banyan as we continue to build on the foundation of client-centered innovation and services that has made Mr. Master so exceptional. Equally important is the opportunity to leverage additional resources, fueling our continued growth.”
Neal Boortz to Do Commentaries for ‘Xtra 106.3,’ Atlanta. Retired talk radio legend Neal Boortz will start doing daily commentaries for Dickey Broadcasting’s WFOM-AM/W292EV, Atlanta “Xtra 106.3/1230,” effective January 31. The Atlanta Journal
Constitution’s Rodney Ho reports that Boortz will provide daily, two-minute commentaries. Station owner David Dickey tells the AJC, “I told Neal I figured he didn’t want to do a long-form show and we couldn’t afford that anyway. Our goal is to give him a forum for a station that is growing quickly and to fill a niche. He’ll be a great addition to our brand.” In a statement, Boortz says, “The opportunity to be stridently un-WOKE and to stir things up during a crucial election year just couldn’t be passed up. Let’s have some fun.” One fallout from the new deal is that Cox Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM is not allowing Boortz’s voice on endorsement spots he’s been cutting for a number of clients that air on the station.
Alan Peterson Sets March Retirement Date. Writer, air personality and veteran radio/podcast production pro “The Other” Alan Peterson announces he’s retiring from
his position with Radio America and the business, effective March 11. Peterson has served with Radio America for the past 18 years engineering or producing weekend programs including, “The Pet Show with Warren Eckstein,” “Intelligent Medicine with Dr. Ronald Hoffman,” “Liberty Nation,” “Tech It Out,” and “Eat Drink Smoke,” among many others. Peterson is the co-creator of the comedy jingle collection, “Dork-a-Pellas,” now produced and distributed by Dan O’Day’s L.A. Air Force. From 1989 to 2004 he wrote for Radio World and served as technical editor. He hosted radio shows in Syracuse; Springfield, MA; Danbury, CT; and Washington DC.
TALKERS News Notes. Imaging, voiceover, and jingle firm Benztown is partnering with P1 Media Group to present a free webinar for radio professionals called, “Stop Using Best Practices and Try Something New.” This 18th in the “Global Radio Ideas” webinar series is being hosted by Benztown CEO Andreas Sannemann and P1 Media Group partner Ken Benson and will feature Alpha Media EVP of content Phil Becker who will share his insights into what stations should be doing in 2022 to drive the growth of their brands. The webinar takes place on Thursday (1/27) at 1:00 pm ET. You can register for the webinar here…..PodcastOne teams with MotorTrend Group to produce and distribute “The InEVitable,” the limited-run podcast and vodcast series hosted by Ed Loh, MotorTrend head of editorial, and MotorTrend editor and automotive personality Jonny Lieberman. On the program, Loh and Lieberman will provide lively in-depth discussion on the greatest challenges and changes coming for the future of transportation. In the premiere episode, Reggie Watts, actor, comedian and band leader for “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” sits down with Loh and Lieberman for an engrossing conversation about how Watts thinks about artificial intelligence and consciousness, and what that might mean for the automotive world. As an owner of both gas-powered and electric-powered vehicles, Watts also talks about the dichotomy of owning both plus his love of Porsche cars…..SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio is broadcasting live from this year’s PGA Show today through Friday (1/25-28). SiriusXM hosts including Robert Gamez, Carl Paulson, Brian Katrek, Jason Sobel and Taylor Zarzour will broadcast on location from PGA Show Demo & Fitting Day at the Orange County National Golf Center, as well as the 2022 PGA Show at the Orange County Convention Center.
Ukraine Tensions, Financial Markets/Inflation, Biden-Doocy Incident, COVID-19, Urban Crime & Violence, and Boris Johnson Troubles Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/24). Concerns about Russia’s military build-up at the Ukraine border; the week-long selloff on the world’s financial markets that’s worrying investors and record-high retail and oil prices; President Joe Biden curses at FOX News reporter Peter Doocy after being asked a question about inflation affecting the midterm elections; the high rate of COVID infections in the U.S. and abroad and the legal challenges to vaccine and mask mandates; the spike in urban crime and violence; and U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s sinking popularity after being photographed violating COVID protocols were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Monday Memo: Improving Results from Endorsement Spots. “Radio – stations and personalities – can make big money with the personal pitch that cuts through listeners’ mental clutter. BUT…” in this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke warns against common technique faux pas. Read it here.
Pending Business: Comfortably Numb. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa says that radio sales proposals missing the answer to the “Why Buy?” question are missing the chance to tell your station’s unique story. If your station has personalities that connect with listeners and get thousands of them to act when it comes to charity giving and live appearances, sellers should tell those stories. “Move on from empty ‘reach’ numbers. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Tik-Tok and geo-targeted others will win the numbers game. But when it comes to showing results, radio is still a primary medium.” Read more here.
Starnes Media Group Partners with Hibbard Group for Affiliate Relations. The Starnes Media Group announces that it is engaging The Hibbard Group as its agency of record for affiliate relations and acquisition for “The Todd Starnes Show” and “The
Todd Starnes Commentary.” Todd Starnes’ daily talk radio program airs live from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET and Starnes Media produces three separate 90-second daily commentaries by Todd Starnes that are heard on more than 650 stations nationwide. The Hibbard Group president Jack Hibbard says, “I am excited to be working with Todd Starnes. Todd’s high standard of journalistic integrity is rare these days. We believe that, combined with his unique style of communication, he has created a show that any radio station would be proud to air.” Starnes says the partnership is “an important step for us. We believe they have the experience to assist us in growing our affiliate base and serving our stations well.”
Radio One Partners with Charlotte FC for Radio Broadcasts. As part of a partnership between Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC and Radio One, sports talk WFNZ-
AM/W273DA, Charlotte will serve as the club’s flagship radio station. Radio One says it will broadcast most matches on WFNZ, while the remaining matches will be carried on sister news/talk station WBT-AM/FM. Radio One regional vice president Marsha Landess says, “Our team at Radio One Charlotte is thrilled to bring the passion of Charlotte FC to “Sports Radio” WFNZ. With the growing excitement of professional soccer that’s evident in Charlotte, we look forward to a long successful partnership and are glad that we are a part of this historic time in Charlotte sports.”
COVID-19, Ukraine Tensions, Biden Approval Ratings/Midterm Elections, Inflation & Supply Chain, Boris Johnson Troubles, Beijing Olympics, and NFL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The COVID mandates protest in Washington, DC and the rate of Omicron cases in the U.S. and abroad; the tensions over Russia’s military build-up at the Ukraine border; President Joe Biden’s low approval ratings and the battle for control of Congress in the midterm elections; high retail and oil prices and the ongoing supply chain woes; UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s political troubles; the politics and health policies at the Beijing Winter Olympics; and the NFL Playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — The news/talk stations I work with make big money doing what talk radio does best: cutting through mental clutter, with live endorsement spots delivered by familiar local on-air personalities.
OOPS. Do your endorsement spots say “I haven’t sold you yet?”
Often, these are long-standing advertiser relationships. Two cautions:
