Job Opportunity

Plum Programming Job Open at WHO, Des Moines

Who

iHeartMedia is offering an exciting opportunity for the role of director of spoken word specifically for WHO Radio in Des Moines, Iowa. This position is critical in overseeing all spoken word content, driving the creative vision, and ensuring that the programming captivates and engages listeners. The director will manage on-air talent, curate compelling content, and maintain the high standards that WHO Radio is known for. If you’re passionate about radio, have a knack for leadership, and possess experience in content creation and management, this is a chance to make a significant impact at one of the most respected stations in the industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of spoken word at WHO Radio!  For more info and to apply please click here.

 

 

Industry News

Cumulus Media Reports Operating Results for the Third Quarter 2024

Cumulus Media LogoCumulus Media Inc. today (11/4) announced operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. Mary G. Berner, president and CEO of Cumulus Media, said, “During the third quarter, we delivered revenue and EBITDA in-line with pacing commentary and analyst estimates. Given the market challenges, we maintained our focus on what we can control. Specifically, we continued investing to drive growth in our digital businesses, including in digital marketing services which increased revenue nearly 40% in the quarter; capitalizing on areas of improvement in national and political ad spending; maximizing operating cash flow; and improving operating leverage through ongoing expense reductions.” Berner continued, “Looking forward, the advertising environment remains uncertain. Nonetheless, Cumulus has a valuable set of assets with which to navigate that uncertainty including: profitable and fast-growing digital businesses; a vast national platform that can reach audiences whenever and wherever they choose to listen; extensive feet-on-the-street local sales capabilities which allow us to walk product through the door; premium programming with particular strength in sports and news/talk; an extensive untapped audio library; and a leadership team with a strong track record of expense management and disciplined stewardship of capital. As we continue to execute against our priorities, we see many paths for leveraging these assets to maximize the value they produce for our shareholders.”

Q3 Key Highlights:

Posted total net revenue of $203.6 million, a decline of 1.8% year-over-year

Generated digital revenue of $40.0 million, up 7.5% year-over-year

     • Grew digital marketing services by 38% driven by an increase in new customers, improved customer retention and higher average order size

     •  Increased number of radio-only customers who also bought digital marketing services by 32% year-over-year

     •  Increased digital revenue to 20% of total company revenue

  Recorded net loss of $10.3 million compared to net income of $2.7 million in Q3 2023 and Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $24.1 million compared to $26.9 million in Q3 2023

  Generated $3.9 million of cash from operations 1

  Reported total debt of $673.0 million, total debt at maturity of $642.1 million, and net debt less total unamortized discount of $590.0 million at September 30, 2024, including total debt due in 2026 of $23.9 million.

For further information and the full report, please contact: Cumulus Media Inc. Investor Relations Department IR@cumulus.com 404-260-6600.

 

Industry Views

News/Talk Radio Mainstay Lars Larson is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcasts

UCFO Michael Harrison - Lars Larson
Do people get the media and government they deserve? Is the mainstream press really “fake news” and unfair to the MAGA movement? What are the true threats to American democracy at play in this rapidly changing era?  Lars Larson is this week’s featured guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube video channel’s “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison” and the award-winning PodcastOne audio series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  Larson, ranked #14 on the 2024 TALKERS Heavy Hundred and approaching his 50th anniversary in broadcasting, hosts two syndicated versions of his long-running 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm (PT) show on flagship station, KXL, Portland, OR.  One is carried on approximately 26 Radio Northwest Network (RNW) stations in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.  The other is heard on more than 100 stations across the nation on the Compass Media Networks.  During his illustrious career, Larson has been the recipient of more than 70 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists, and the National Press Club, as well as two Emmys and a Peabody for his reporting and documentaries.  In a candid discussion that covers a variety of contemporary hot button issues, Larson provides the conservative media perspective on the controversial Trump Rally at Madison Square Garden along with his take on mainstream news coverage, in general, of the 2024 presidential race.  The conversation also taps into burgeoning Middle East tensions, social media, artificial intelligence, the state of journalism, the First Amendment, privacy rights, the power of TV to distort reality, plus the tenets of Marxism, Naziism, socialism, and capitalism, as well as the unique political makeup of the Portland area.  Don’t miss this!

To view the video in its entirety, please click here.

To listen to the audio version in its entirety, please click here. MHInterview.com

Industry News

Thanks for the Ride!

Gallagher

Combining the fact that the presidential election is just five days away with today (10/31) being Halloween and “garbage” having become a talking point for both sides  … ever the showman, Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher displays the Halloween costume he donned for today’s national broadcast – keying off former President Donald Trump’s appearance last night in Wisconsin in a garbage truck.  Of Trump, Gallagher declares:  “There’s never been a more compelling political figure in the history of our country. Every American – and certainly talk show host – owes Donald Trump a debt of gratitude for the ride we’re on.”

Industry News

Nielsen Publishes “The Record” – Q3 U.S. Audio Listening Trends

Nielsen Graphic
Click to see a larger version of this chart.

Yesterday (10/30) Nielsen published The Record: Q3 U.S. Audio Listening Trends. The Record is a quarterly report card on how U.S. consumers spend their audio listening time, fueled by data from Nielsen and Edison Research.

Here are some highlights from the Q3 report:

Audio accounts for nearly 20% of daily time; in Q3 2024 that translated to 3 hours and 57 minutes of daily listening across both ad-supported and ad-free platforms like radio, podcasts, streaming music services and satellite radio.

From July to September 2024, listeners spent 67% of their daily time with ad-supported audio with radio, 18% with podcasts, 11% with streaming audio services and 3% with satellite radio.

Among 18-34 year-olds, radio now accounts for the majority of daily time spent with ad-supported audio, growing to 51% in Q3 vs. 48% in Q2.

Listening share for podcasts among 18-34 audiences decreased for the second consecutive quarter to 31%, down from 35% in Q2 and 37% in Q1.

To see the full report, please click here.  The Record: Q3 U.S. Audio Listening Trends

 



Industry Views

TALKERS Legal Series on Fair Use (Part 6): The Law in Modern and Complex Situations

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

Matthew B. Harrison, Esq.This sixth installment in our ongoing series on fair use focuses on the application of the law in modern and complex scenarios.

Using audio or video clips created by others often involves complex copyright considerations, especially as fair use law doesn’t automatically protect unauthorized use of media content. Cases of podcasting and talk show infringement have shown that even short clips can trigger copyright issues if they’re used in a way that substitutes the original work or diminishes its market value. It certainly can trigger flags when scanned by an algorithm.

Creators often and mistakenly believe they can legally use short clips if they’re under a specific length (often thought to be 30 seconds), but in reality, no such rule exists. Even brief clips can infringe if they are used without transforming the content or if they impact the original work’s market potential. In this vein, legal experts recommend that podcasters and media creators obtain clear permissions or licenses when using audio clips from other shows or content sources. This is especially pertinent in podcasting, where fair use is limited and can quickly lead to legal complications without the proper usage guidelines or transformative context, such as commentary or criticism.

For example, in Napster-related cases, where the focus was initially on music, courts have generally ruled against using protected content, focusing on whether the use directly impacts the market or presents a substitute for the original work. Similarly, podcasters have faced claims when broadcasting segments of popular music or clips without the required permissions, even when they used only a few seconds. To mitigate risks, media creators should consider alternatives like royalty-free audio sources or secure direct permission from copyright owners, particularly when using media that does not contribute new, critical commentary to avoid copyright liability.

Several recent copyright infringement cases have involved YouTubers and podcasters. Some cases focus on using music without obtaining necessary licenses. For example, podcasters must often secure more than just a basic ASCAP or BMI license to use music tracks, as these don’t cover all usage rights. Failing to do so has led to infringement claims against podcasters who assume that crediting a musician or using only a few seconds of a track falls under fair use, which is not always the case. Many amateur podcasters and content creators mistakenly think brief use is permissible, overlooking the need for comprehensive music licensing to avoid legal issues.

Another example is the widely reported allegations of copyright infringement in the true crime podcast sphere. Shows like “Crime Junkie” faced accusations of copying research verbatim from other sources without proper credit, highlighting the broader issue of plagiarism and copyright misuse in podcasting. Many true crime podcasts rely heavily on sources without clear attribution, leading to disputes and potential litigation due to copyright and ethical concerns. The decentralized nature of podcasting platforms makes enforcement challenging, though the legal stakes continue to rise with the medium’s growth.

These cases underscore the importance of understanding and securing permissions in podcasting and online media, especially as the medium becomes more professionalized and competitive.

Media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison is VP/associate publisher, TALKERS; Senior Partner, Harrison Media Law; and executive producer, Goodphone Communications.  He is available for private consultation and media industry contract representation. He can be reached by phone at 724-484-3529 or email at matthew@harrisonmedialaw.com

 

 

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/30) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race remained dominant on top of the stories list yesterday (10/30) as Election Day rapidly approaches.  Conversation included a continuing rehashing of last Sunday’s controversial MAGA rally at MSG with a huge focus on the comments/fallout from the Puerto Rican community and President Joe Biden‘s controversial remark about former President Donald Trump‘s supporters being “garbage.”  VP Kamala Harris‘s speech in DC, continued to be among the most-talked-about election stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/30).  Other top issues of discussion included the economy, media bias, rising tensions in the Middle East and Central Europe, the migrant crisis, and the World Series according to ongoing TALKERS research.

 

Industry News

I Am Leaving My Daily Radio Show While On Top to Transition to Podcasts

By Mark Belling
Talk Show Host, WISN-AM, Milwaukee

Industry Views

MH: Rogan-Trump Podcast Marks New Media Evolutionary Tipping Point

imMedia analyst, broadcaster, and trade journal publisher Michael Harrison appeared on the popular Jeff Katz afternoon drive show on WRVA, Richmond yesterday (10/29) to discuss comments he made earlier in TALKERS about the historic significance of former President Donald Trump‘s recent three-hour guest spot on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast. To listen to the fascinating discussion, please click here.   

Industry News

Audacy Taps Ray Borelli as SVP Research/Insight

Audacy has named Ray Borelli senior vice president of research and insights, effective immediately. Ray Borelli IDAs the Company continues its re-imagination, Borelli will lead Audacy’s audio research and insights practice, closely supporting its forward growth agenda and client enablement strategies. He will report to Paul Suchman, chief marketing officer, and work closely with Audacy’s leadership team across revenue, digital and programming. Suchman tells TALKERS, “Ray’s research experience across channels and media, coupled with his unique ability to turn data into powerful narratives, will make him an excellent addition to the team as we execute our forward strategy,” adding, “With tenure spanning some of the most influential media companies, his expertise in driving meaningful outcomes for clients will be a strong asset as Audacy continues to elevate our value to the advertising community.”  “I am thrilled to be joining Audacy at such an exciting time for the audio industry,” said Borelli. “Audacy’s portfolio of brands and research platform is best in class, and I look forward to working closely with our team and advertising partners to help fuel exponential growth for the business.”  Borelli previously served as VP of ad sales research at Warner Bros. Discovery, directing the go-to-market sales narrative for WBD’s portfolio. He also previously served as SVP for CNBC, leading the company’s research and scheduling teams and helping build the brand’s market-leading digital business. His research and leadership experience was also built on tenures at the National Basketball Association and FOX Sports.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Remote News Service Continues Growth – Pacific Northwest.  Remote News Service (RNS), a live and localized news network providing hyper targeted, and custom news/traffic remotely, announces the addition of three new stations to its client list. Lotus Communications Seattle joins Remote News Service adding Northwest News Radio KNWN 1000/97.7, HANK 101.5, and Talk Radio 570 KVI. Frank Lenzi, news director for KNWN said “We are excited about our new partnership with Remote News Service. Their traffic anchors provide our listeners with the top-notch, real-time traffic information for which they have come to rely on us for generations.”  Remote News Service owner Lesley Lotto said “We are thrilled to welcome Lotus Communications, which has such a great reputation in the industry, to the RNS family. This year has been one of tremendous growth and these stations magnify the quality of client stations and markets we’ve been able to attract. It’s all about the exceptional performance of our team.”  For more information, visit remotenewsservice.com.

Jim BlighProving There’s More to Life in America this Week than Just Presidential Politics. Pictured above is Salem Radio Networks (SRN) East Coast affiliate relations manager Jim Bligh – a frequent “player” in NYC-based skits on “Saturday Night Live in addition to appearing in theatrical feature films – joined NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” on Tuesday 10/29). Fallon and Grammy-winning guest Olivia Rodrigo played “What’s Behind Me?”…a charade style game with Fallon describing action happening as her back was turned. Blight – far right – acted out a scene of Three Mobsters doing Yoga at a Barnes & Noble. See Bligh’s skit by clicking here.

 

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/29) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race, including a continuing rehashing of Sunday’s controversial MAGA rally at MSG with a huge focus on the comments/fallout from the Puerto Rican community, former President Donald Trump‘s recent appearance with Joe Rogan, and scrutiny over VP Kamala Harris‘s speech in DC, was among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/29).  Other issues of discussion included the economy, media bias, rising tensions in the Middle East and Central Europe, and, of course, the migrant crisis according to ongoing TALKERS research.

Industry News

Cumulus Media and TuneIn Expand Content Partnership Agreement

imCumulus Media, which describes itself as a top “audio-first” media company, and TuneIn, self-proclaimed world’s leader in “live audio,” today (10/29) announced that they have renewed and expanded their existing content partnership. Under the terms of the deal, TuneIn will continue to make Cumulus Media’s local sports, news, talk and entertainment programming available to its 75 million monthly global listeners. The extended agreement also includes a new, non-exclusive sales and supply partnership to optimize digital audio advertising monetization for Cumulus’ diverse radio stations. Cumulus owns and operates 400 radio stations across 84 markets with an extensive collection of nationally syndicated sports, news, talk and entertainment programming.Cumulus Media Logo As part of the agreement, audio streams of Cumulus stations and podcasts, which includes popular stations like WBAP, Dallas; WLS, Chicago; and KNBR, San Francisco will remain available 24/7 through TuneIn.  “TuneIn naturally aligns with our strategy to expand our digital footprint and extend the reach of our diverse programming to a global audience,” said Brian Philips, chief content officer of Cumulus Media, telling TALKERS, “TuneIn offers significant global reach that makes it possible for listeners to easily discover our extensive collection of radio stations and podcasts almost anywhere through the TuneIn platform and 200+ connected devices.” “We are excited to continue to expand our long-standing partnership with Cumulus to extend the reach of their comprehensive content offerings,” said Rich Stern, CEO of TuneIn. “This partnership allows us to bring high-quality content to our listeners while also helping Cumulus monetize its digital audio advertising inventory effectively. It’s a win-win for both companies and our audiences.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/28) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race, including rehashing Sunday’s controversial MAGA rally at MSG with a huge focus on the comments/fallout about Puerto Rico and Latinos made by wannabe comedian Tony Hinchcliffe and former President Donald Trump’s “Enemy Within” theme, was among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/28).  Other issues of discussion included the economy, media bias, rising tensions in the Middle East and Central Europe, and, of course, the migrant crisis.

Industry Views

TALKERS Legal Series on Fair Use (Part 5): The Balance Between “Exposure” and “Value” in Copyright Law

Industry News

MH: Trump on Rogan Podcast Illustrates Talk Media Realignment

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “Although it has been many years in the making, this past Friday’s (10/25) three-hour appearance by former President Donald Trump on the ‘Joe Rogan Experience’ podcast will take its place in communications history as the singular event that clearly symbolized, beyond a shadow of doubt, the realignment of platform influence in the hierarchy of the talk media universe.” Rogan and TrumpAt the Monday morning (10/28) TALKERS editorial meeting, Harrison said, “The hoopla over this podcast appearance and its enormous profile within election news coverage clearly indicates we have arrived at a point where the terms ‘mainstream,’ ‘legacy,’ ‘alternative,’ ‘grassroots,’ and the like have to be reevaluated in conveying impact and importance – both individually, and certainly collectively – in the marketplace of ideas and the industries that serve it.”  Harrison added, “This is especially true of Rogan’s individual impact as indicated by 1) the deference he was paid by a former president and major party candidate in showing up three-hours late for a live rally attended by thousands in which he actually implied that this podcast interview was a priority and more important to ‘winning’ than arriving on time for the event; 2) the tsunami of news coverage this podcast generated; 3) the passive aggressive irreverence granted a somewhat oblivious Trump by Rogan both during and following the interview; and 4) the sheer enormity of Rogan’s raw numbers on Spotify and YouTube, unfettered by FCC regulation.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Len Berman ID

WOR, New York Morning Co-host Len Berman to Anchor Station’s First-Time Ever Live Coverage of New York City Marathon (11/3). iHeartMedia New York announced today (10/28) that Emmy award-winning New York City sports anchor Len Berman, currently heard from 6:00 am – 10:00 am weekdays on 710 WOR’s “Len Berman and Michael Riedel in the Morning,” will anchor 710 WOR’s live coverage of the 53rd TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday November 3.  This first-ever radio broadcast of the iconic New York City event will be heard from 8:00 am – 12:00 noon on 710 WOR-AM, Q104.3HD2, on the free iHeartRadio app, smart devices and at 710wor.com. “When iHeartMedia New York partnered with the New York Road Runners (NYRR) to produce this inaugural radio broadcast of the marathon, it was a no-brainer to put Len at the helm of the broadcast,” said Tom Cuddy, program director for 710 WOR.  “His association with New York sports, during his more than 50-year television career, and his ‘second life’ as co-host of the WOR morning show since 2015, ensure that Len will make this a can’t-miss broadcast.”  “I’m honored to be hosting WOR’s maiden voyage with the TCS New York City Marathon,” said Berman. “I’ve hosted TV coverage of the event many times and it’s consistently one of the best days of the year in the city. We look forward to conveying that same message to our listeners.”

 

WGN, Chicago Renews Contract with Host Lou Manfredini. WGN Radio today (10/28) announced a contract extension with host Lou Manfredini, the station’s do-it-yourself expert and mainstay for nearly 30 years. His call-in radio show “HouseSmarts Radio with Lou Manfredini” airs Saturdays, 6:00 am to 10:00 am, and delivers an entertaining mix of practical and useful home improvement advice. Lou Manfredini “I have been blessed to call WGN Radio home for the past three decades,” Manfredini tells TALKERS. “But in the end, it’s all about our listeners. I’m excited to continue to help them better understand how their homes work, show them they can have fun, and, of course, remind them to never hold a nail for someone else.”  The Chicagoland native will be celebrating his 30th anniversary on WGN Radio in 2025. Mr. Manfredini first appeared on the station as a guest on the Bob Collins Show in 1995 following a letter writing campaign to pitch a call-in home improvement show on WGN.  “We are delighted that Lou will be with us for his 30th year and beyond,” said WGN Radio VP/GM Mary Sandberg Boyle. “In the nearly 30 years since first appearing on WGN Radio, Lou’s presence across the media world has evolved considerably. Yet, what truly sets him apart is his natural gift of connecting to and interacting with our listeners in the special way that only radio does. Making those listener ‘connections’ has historically been – and will continue to be – the very fabric of WGN 720.”  Manfredini can also be heard on weekday segments with John Williams (Mondays), Lisa Dent (Thursdays) and Bob Sirott (Fridays). Lou Manfredini is also a weekly contributor to WGN-TV’s Morning News.

 

Liberty News Radio and The Big Mig Rumble Channel to Present Election RoundTable 2024. Nationwide Broadcast Liberty News Radio and the Big Mig Show on Rumble are presenting what they describe will be a “captivating” live event, “Election RoundTable 2024,” to be held on November 5, 2024, between 7:00 pm – 12:00 midnight ET. Hosted by Sam Bushman, James Edwards, Dr. Scott Bradley, and Lance Migliaccio, the forum will feature a panel of notable experts including Sheri Richard Mack, Alex Newman, George Balloutine, Lew Moore, Lowell Nelson, Dave Krieger, Peter Scoop Stanton, and others. Highlights will include in-depth analysis of election dynamics, key issues, and candidate strategies. The forum is set to be a key resource for political enthusiasts and voters across the nation, providing a comprehensive look at the elements shaping the future of our Constitutional Republic. Liberty News RadioIt will be carried by LibertyNewsRadio.com or video stream at TheBigMigShow on Rumble. For additional information or press inquiries, please contact Sam Bushman at 801-756-9133 or LibertyRoundTable@gmail.com.

Industry Views

MONDAY MEMO: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imPossibly not — beginning Sunday — unless you live in Hawaii and Arizona (except the Navajo Nation) or American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Everywhere else, clocks will change when we “fall-back” on November 3.

im

Industry Views

TALKERS Legal Series on Fair Use (Part 4): The Amount and Substantiality Factor

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

Matthew B. Harrison, Esq.The “Amount and Substantiality” factor in fair use assesses both the quantity and quality of copyrighted material used – how much is included and whether it contains the most significant, or “heart,” of the original work. Courts often find smaller, less central portions more defensible under fair use, but this varies by context. Using a memorable chorus or key line can weigh against fair use, even if only a small amount is used. For media creators, especially in radio and related forms of broadcasting, fair use is more likely to apply when portions are brief, non-central, and contribute transformative commentary or critique. This is the fourth installment of a multi-part TALKERS Legal Series on Fair Use for the Media Creator. The first installment is here. The second installment is here. The third installment is here.  To read this fourth installment, please click here.

Media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison is VP/associate publisher, TALKERS; Senior Partner, Harrison Media Law; and executive producer, Goodphone Communications.  He is available for private consultation and media industry contract representation. He can be reached by phone at 724-484-3529 or email at matthew@harrisonmedialaw.com

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories this Past Weekend (10/26-27)

The presidential race dominated the weekend talk media discussions (10/26-27), highlighted by former President Donald Trump’s controversial Sunday rally at Madison Square Garden and his appearance on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast. This was followed by fear of escalating violence in Central Europe and the Middle East. Other topics in the mix were the economy, the migrant crisis, abortion, Elon Musk’s election money activity and the MLB World Series according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

POWERFUL STORY!  The New York Times: Her Job Was Talking on the Radio. Then Suddenly, Words Wouldn’t ComeAlison StweartOne day last winter, Alison Stewart, the host of “All of It” on public station WNYC, New York was alarmed to find herself speaking gibberish. Stewart’s health crisis began on February 22, a day jump-started by a 6:00 am workout with her personal trainer. She was pushing herself to get back in shape after having donated a kidney to her sister six months earlier. The workout was routine, though she barely spoke, which was unlike her.  As the morning progressed, she began to feel confusion; she couldn’t engage in a lucid conversation or write a coherent text message. She headed into SoHo, to WNYC Studios, where she hosts the daily interview show “All of It,” and settled into her office to practice reading an introduction to a segment, but her phrasing hit roadblocks instead of flowing smoothly. Baffled, she sought out Kate Hinds, the show’s director. Hinds was taken aback. “She looked very upset, her skin a little gray,” she recalled. “The disintegration was so stark and alarming. I was terrified.” She urged her to see a doctor. Stewart’s doctor listened to her garbled words over the phone and told her to go straight to the emergency room. There, she was able to execute commands like touching her nose and walking backward and forward, signaling that she probably had not suffered a stroke, but a CT scan revealed a mass on her brain. Stewart, 58, was soon talking gibberish, a dreadful and mystifying development for a woman who made her living by talking. Her decline was so rapid that her colleagues wondered whether she would ever be on the radio again.  “I knew she was trapped in there,” said Tracy Christian, one of several friends who had rushed to her side.  Don’t miss a powerful, detailed story by reporter Julie Besonen about Alison Stewart’s remarkable surgery (while awake) under the direction of leading-edge neurosurgeon, Dr. Randy D’Amico, at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan and her ongoing challenging recovery in yesterday’s edition of The New York TimesClick here.

 

Dr Daliah WachsMusic Group Gunhill Road Putting Final Touches on Talk Radio Anthem. Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has attracted hundreds of thousands of worldwide followers with its growing repertoire of issue-oriented songs and music videos, is currently in post-production with an anthem celebrating talk radio. Titled “Don’t Stop Talkin’” – the song is an uplifting and infectiously catchy tune about the vital role talk radio plays in serving the cause of American freedom of speech.  With lines that include “As long as you’ve got a voice, don’t ever stop!” and “As long as you’ve got the truth, don’t ever stop!” the original composition co-written by band members Steve GoldrichPaul ReischBrian Koonin, and Michael Harrison encourages talk radio practitioners to keep up the good work and great service they provide the nation.TALKERS Heavy Hundred syndicated host Dr. Daliah Wachs pictured above bopping to the music in a scene from the forthcoming video “Don’t Stop Talkin'” by Gunhill Road.

Gunhill Road
The images accompanying the music blend into a dynamic montage of individual radio talk hosts from different sectors of the industry in the process of doing their shows (and then some). The group invited talk show hosts from around the country – local and syndicated – to contribute video clips of themselves in action on the mic. And according to sources in the band, the number of contributions “more than met our expectations.” Gunhill Road video producer (and TALKERS VP/associate publisher) Matthew B. Harrison states, “The members of Gunhill Road are so grateful for the attention and airplay they have received over the years from talk radio that they want to give something special back to the industry and its medium.” The new song and video are expected to drop shortly after Election Day with a premiere on YouTube.  For more information about Gunhill Road please visit www.GunhillRoadMusic.com.

Job Opportunity

Salem Seeks GSM for New York City

Salem Media Group is seeking a seasoned general sales manager to lead its radio and digital sales team in New York City.Salem This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional to drive success in the country’s number one media market. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the NYC media landscape and strong market relationships to drive business growth.  Apply online at https://careers-salemmedia.icims.com/jobs/3336/general-sales-manager/job, or reach out directly to Jerry Crowley jcrowley@nycradio.com or Laura Sheaffer laura@nycradio.com

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories this Past Week (10/21-25)

It was a heck of a power-packed week (10/21-25) as Election Day draws nearer. The presidential race highlighted by VP Kamala Harris’s appearance on CNN and former President Donald Trump’s various campaign stops/rallies were key items of conversation. Following that, the top stories were: John F. Kelly Trump Fascist Statements; Trump Legal Issues; Escalation Fears in Middle East Violence; Russia-Ukraine War with Potential North Korean Troop Involvement; the Economy including Inflation and Tariffs; Elon Musk Money to Voters Giveaway Flap; Big Tech; Abortion Rights; Health Care; Climate Change; Race Relations; McDonalds E. coli Outbreak; Menendez Murder Case; Disney Price Hike; and the World Series Begins. To see the complete chart of the most talked about stories and people, please click here.

Industry News

Salem Rides Wave of Election Drama with Live BattlegroundTour.com

Knowing full well that this presidential election cycle is serving up an unprecedented level of high drama, Salem Radio Network has been taking it to the peeps.
Salem
Salem Radio Network’s nationally syndicated talk host Hugh Hewitt (above, right) cracks up at remarks by SRN colleague Mike Gallagher (above, left) addressing VIPs just before walking onstage at Salem’s BattlegroundTour.com in Columbus, Ohio Tuesday evening (10/22).  The event – which drew 1,000 listeners – is designed to tap into and generate excitement over Election Day on November 5th.  Gallagher and Hewitt will be joined by SRN host Larry Elder and Salem/Philadelphia morning host Chris Stigall on tonight (10/24) at The Fuge in Philadelphia for the next stop on their BattlegroundTour.com initiative. (Salem photo by Vince Tornero.)

Industry News

Beasley Appoints Lauren Burrows Coleman as CFO Replacing Retirement-bound Marie Tedesco

Industry Views

TALKERS Legal Series on Fair Use (Part 3): The Nature of the Copyrighted Work