Industry News

Murphy Named to Executive Post at Crossover Media Group

Media sales executive John Murphy is named vice president of strategic partnerships for Crossover Media Group. The move marks a reunion for Murphy with members of the Crossover Media Group team, with whom he’s worked as both a partner and a client. Most recently, Murphy served as senior vice president of content monetization at Veritone. In his new imgrole with Crossover, Murphy will work to secure new content as well as to expand the company’s client portfolio. Crossover managing member Sue Freund says, “We’ve known and worked with John for many years; his excellent relationships throughout the content and advertising communities make him a tremendous addition to our team in building strategic partnerships with clients, agencies, and content providers as we continue to grow. He has a proven track record of building high-performing sales organizations, monetizing premium content, and delivering performance-driven advertising solutions for brands, agencies and media partners.” Murphy comments, “I’m excited to be joining Crossover Media Group. The team has built a strong reputation for delivering results-driven solutions for both creators and advertisers, and I look forward to contributing to that momentum. There’s a clear opportunity to unlock new growth across partnerships, and I’m eager to help scale the business while driving meaningful value for clients.”

Industry News

Seaboard to Distribute “Killer Carl” Show

Seaboard Networks announces it is completing a deal to distribute the syndicated political interview talk show, “The Killer Carl Program.” Theimg show is hosted by Carl “Killer Carl” Brown and has been on the air for almost a decade and is part of the John Frederick Radio Network. Seaboard marketing solutions consultant Bob Stei says, “We welcome all shows that affiliates will desire. Carl seems to put his own views and thoughts first, and they are not based on just ideology. That is refreshing.” The program currently airs on stations throughout America including WJFM, Richmond; WJFV, Norfolk; WBRG, Lynchburg; and WLMB, Atlanta.

Industry News

KNBR Renews Flagship Radio Deal with 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers and Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR, San Francisco “The Sports Leader” extend their deal in which KNBR AM/FM serves as the 49ers’ flagship station. Broadcasters Greg Papa and Timimg Ryan will continue calling live 49ers games, as well as pre-and post-game shows. Cumulus regional VP Larry Blumhagen comments, “We at KNBR are tremendously excited to continue this valued partnership with the Niners. We have a wonderful relationship with the organization and its people, and they are truly a partner to us in connecting their fans with all the gameday action they love and demand. We look forward to continuing to provide 49ers fans with outstanding game day coverage on all KNBR platforms from AM/FM to streaming.”

Industry News

Cumulus Speeding Toward Chapter 11 Exit

Yesterday (4/13) in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston the Modified Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Cumulus Media Inc. and Its Debtor Affiliates was filed. While the proposed order has yet to be approved by the judge, it is expected to be approved soon and clears theimg way for the reorganization to move to the next step – approval from the Federal Communications Commission. When fully consummated, the plan will have eliminated $592 million of debt for Cumulus and puts control of the company into the hands of secured creditors. A new board of directors will be elected and although current executive management may remain in their positions, it is entirely up to the new board of directors to determine the company’s officers.

Industry News

WWO: Marketers Underestimate Value of Creative

Today’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group reviews the annual study it commissions from Advertiser Perceptions in which it surveys brands and media agencies on the sales contribution of five advertising effectiveness factors: brand, creative, reach, recency, and targeting. As in the past marketers and media agencies massivelyimg understate the immense sales effect power of creative. Some 122 marketers placed creative as the third most important contributor toward driving sales behind targeting and brand. But the reality based on analysis of 450 ad campaigns indicates creative is far and away the most important driver of sales. Both marketers and agencies place the greatest importance on targeting. Experts caution that too narrow targeting is ineffective. See the full blog post here.

Industry News

WJR’s Jamie Edmonds to Take Leave to Battle Breast Cancer

WJR, Detroit morning drive co-host Jamie Edmonds announces to listeners that she will be taking a leave of absence after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Cumulus Media notes on the WJR website that Edmonds shared the news during the program yesterday, “explaining that her absence from some recent shows had been related to her health and imgtreatment schedule. Edmonds, 42, said the diagnosis came unexpectedly about two months ago and described it on the air as a ‘total gut punch.’ A mother of a young daughter, she acknowledged the fear that followed the discovery but said she is confident in her care team and treatment plan at Henry Ford Health. Edmonds told listeners she has already begun chemotherapy and believes she will get through the process.” Edmonds says her oncologist emphasized the importance of consistent sleep and recovery during chemotherapy. She made clear that the change is temporary and that she plans to remain connected to WJR and its audience as she is able while focusing on her health.