The presidential race; the U.S. migrant crisis; financial markets activity and predictions for a recession; Israel faces threats from Iran and Hezbollah; the U.K. anti-immigrant riots; the Paris Olympics; Ukraine enters Russian territory; ISIS threats cancel Vienna Taylor Swift shows; and the flooding from Tropical Storm Debby were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Townsquare Media reports its financial operations for the second quarter of 2024 and reveals net revenue of $118.2 million, a decline of 2.5% from the same period in 2023. The company also reports a net loss of $48.9 million in Q2, compared to the net loss of $2.7 million that it reported in the second quarter of 2023. Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson states, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s momentum is building as demonstrated by another quarter of sequential net revenue improvement, primarily due to our local focus
and our unique and differentiated digital platform… In the second quarter, the Company reported a net loss of $48.9 million, in large part due to non-cash impairment charges. Our Q2 performance was driven by stabilizing and/or improving trends across segments: Townsquare Interactive returned to sequential revenue growth in each month of the quarter, as a result of positive subscriber trends that have improved dramatically compared to previous quarters; Digital Advertising net revenue growth continued at +1% year-over-year; and Broadcast Advertising net revenue was approximately flat as compared to the prior year, an improvement from first quarter declines. In total, Digital represented 52% of Townsquare’s net revenue in the first six months of the year. Additionally, we continue to generate strong cash flow, granting us the ability to invest in our digital growth engine while preserving financial flexibility, as evidenced by our ongoing debt and share buybacks in the open market… Most importantly, due to our current cash position and our strong cash generation, we retain financial flexibility moving forward and we are confident in our ability to build shareholder value for our investors through long-term net revenue and cash flow growth, net leverage reduction, future dividend payments, and potential future share repurchases.”
Salem Media Group reports net revenue of $60.6 million during the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of 
7.8%. The company says net broadcast revenue was $47.1 million (-5.1%), while net digital media revenue was $11.9 million (+9.9%), and net publishing revenue was $1.56 million (-70.3%). It should be noted that Salem sold Regnery Publishing in December of 2023. The company reports net income of $2.3 million during the quarter, compared to that net loss of $7.1 million it reported in Q2 of 2023.
Beasley Media Group announces new RVP roles for managers overseeing multiple markets across the country. The company says that under the new leadership structure, cluster and market managers will report directly to the regional vice president responsible for overseeing their market. Ron deCastro will be
responsible for overseeing the Fort Myers and Tampa, Florida markets. In addition to serving as Ft. Myers market manager, AJ Lurie will now oversee sales across the state. Mac Edwards will oversee the Charlotte and Fayetteville markets. Kent Dunn will continue to lead the Augusta market. Mary Menna will lead the company’s Boston, Philadelphia, and New Jersey markets. Kevin Rich, who currently serves as Beasley Media Group vice president of operations, will now also be responsible for overseeing the company’s Las Vegas and Detroit-based operations. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “These changes reflect the company’s continuous commitment to streamline our sales efforts and drive revenue in an efficient manner across multiple platforms throughout the company.”
The Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation and the Churchill Society of Pennsylvania are presenting the
Foundation’s 9th Annual Event & Dinner at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre on September 20 in the Keystone Grand Ballroom. The theme of the event is “The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution” and will feature keynote speaker Jack Warren, author of Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution (Lyons Press, 2023). Each year the Foundation presents its Atlas Award for Citizenship and this year’s honoree is Northeastern Pennsylvania businessman Christopher Hackett. Find out more about the event and how to attend at: info@BoldGold.org.
There’s no movement among the top five podcasts from June to July on Podtrac’s Top U.S. Podcasts ranker.
The New York Times’ “The Daily” remains #1, followed by NPR’s “NPR News Now” at #2 and “Up First” at #3, with NBC News’ “Dateline NBC” at #4. Dan Bongino’s “The Dan Bongino Show” leaps four spots to the #5 rank and the DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” jumps two spots to the #6 rank, while FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” falls two places to #8. See the full ranker here.
Red Apple Audio Networks is now syndicating of WABC, New York political reporter and program host Dominic Carter. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis states, “Dominic’s two shows are the most recent top-quality programming options that we’re offering radio stations through the Red Apple Audio Networks. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist, which gives a sharp perspective to his analysis and commentary. Dominic is one common sense individual.”
FOX News Media promotes Trey Yingst to chief foreign correspondent. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott states, “During major breaking news in every corner of the world, Trey has been the eyes and ears on the ground for our viewers since 2018. Trey’s indefatigable work ethic and dedication in multiple war zones has made him an incredible asset to FOX News and we are extremely proud of his first-class journalism.”
The presidential race and Kamala Harris’ choice of Tim Walz as vice presidential candidate; U.S. Rep. Cori Bush loses Missouri Democratic primary; the world’s financial markets activity and questions about a U.S. recession; Israel’s war against Hamas and the terrorist organization’s naming Yahya Sinwar its new political leader; Pakistani Asif Merchant is charged with plotting to assassinate American politicians; X files anti-trust suit against Global Alliance for Responsible Media; the Paris Olympics; Tropical Storm Debby drenches the East Coast; and the California wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
July 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk
WMAL 3.6 – 3.6, #11 – #11
WFED .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Nationals)
News
WTOP & WTLP 9.5 – 10.7, #2 – #1
Business News WDCH .6 – .8, #23 – #20
Business News WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WMZQ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WUST DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJFK-FM 1.4 – 1.7, #17 – #17 (Nationals)
WJFK-FM Stream .6 – .7, #23 – #22 (Nationals)
WTEM .2 – .4, #27 – #26
WTEM Stream .2 – .1, #28 – #30
WSBN .1 – .1, #30 – #30
WTSD DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WJFK-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Nationals)
Public Radio News/Talk
WAMU 11.3 – 10.4, after 32 months in succession at #1, slips to #2
Notes: Not only is WTOP & WTLP’s +1.2 (9.5 – 10.7) Washington, DC’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, the all-news outlet advances to #1, thus ending public radio news/talk WAMU’s consecutive string of consecutive months on top at 32.
BOSTON
News/Talk
WRKO 2.9 – 3.3, #13 – #10
WXKS-AM .6 – .8, #23 – #23
News
News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.7 – 4.7, #7 – #6
Business news WRCA .1 – .2, #28 – #25
Black Information Network WJMN-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 9.9 – 7.7, seventh straight month at #1
WEEI-FM 3.5 – 4.1, #10 – #8 (Red Sox)
WVEI-AM DNA – .2, DNA – #25
WEEI-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)
WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)
Public Radio News/Talk
WBUR 5.4 – 5.1, #5 – #5
WGBH 3.1 – 3.1, #11 – #13
Notes: Whereas sports talk/Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM’s +.6 (3.5 – 4.1) is Boston’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, similarly-formatted WBZ-FM’s -2.2 (9.9 – 7.7) represents the most significant (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease by any station in the 24 PPM-markets analyzed thus far. Nonetheless, WBZ-FM is #1 for the seventh month in a row.
MIAMI
News/Talk
WIOD 1.9 – 1.9, #21 – #21
WFTL DNA – .1, DNA – #37
News
WXBN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WQAM Stream .4 – 1.3, #32 – #23
WQAM 1.1 – 1.0 #23 – #24
WINZ .5 – .5, #31 – #30 (Marlins)
WMEN .1 – .1, #38 – #37
WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 4.3 – 4.5, #7 – #7
WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #37
WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #37
SEATTLE
News/Talk
KTTH 2.0– 2.7, #22 – #16
KVI 2.1 – 2.5, #21 – #20
KPTR .1 – .1, #29 – #29
KIRO-FM 4.9 – DNA, #5 – DNA
News
KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.5 – 3.6, #18 – #10
KHHO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KIRO-AM 3.9 – 3.7, #10 – #9 (Mariners)
KJR-FM 1.6 – 1.7, #23 – #22
KJR-AM .6 – .3, #26 – #26
Public Radio News/Talk
KUOW 6.6 – 7.7, #2 – #1
KSWS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Notes: The +1.1 by public radio news/talk KUOW (6.6 – 7.7) and all-news KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM (2.5 – 3.6) is Seattle’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
News/talk KIRO-FM was ranked fifth in June 2024 (4.9, 6+), but is unlisted in July 2024.
DETROIT
News/Talk
WJR 1.9 – 2.6, #16 – #16
WFDF .5 – .5, #22 – #22
WJR Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WWJ 4.7 – 5.0, #9 – #9
WWJ Stream .3 – .4, #24 – #24
WDFN Black Information Network .1 – .1, #26 – #27
Sports Talk
WXYT-FM 7.5 – 7.8, #2 – #2 (Tigers)
WXYT-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.1, #20 – #20 (Tigers)
WXYT-AM .1 – .1, #26 – #27 (Tigers)
WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Tigers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WDET 1.8 – 2.1, #17 – #17
WUOM 1.4 – 1.5, #18 – #19
Note: News/talk WJR’s +.7 (1.9 – 2.6) is Detroit’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
PHOENIX
News/Talk
KFYI 3.5 – 3.8, #9 – #6
KTAR-FM 2.3 – 3.1, #18 – #11
News
None
Sports Talk
KMVP-FM 2.6 – 3.1, #14 – #11 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
KTAR-AM .2 – .1, #31 – #33 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
KDUS .1 – DNA, #33 – DNA
KGME DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Diamondbacks)
KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KJZZ 2.5 – 2.5, #15 – #15
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk
WCCO 4.5 – 4.8, #9 – #9 (Minnesota Twins)
KTLK-AM 2.2 – 2.3, #14 – #14
KTMY 2.2 – 1.7, #14 – #17
WCCO Stream .5 – .5, #24 – #24 (Minnesota Twins)
News
KQQL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KFXN 6.7 – 6.7, #3 – #4
KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #30 – #29
KQQL-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KNOW 6.0 – 6.7, #8 – #4
KNOW Stream .6 – .6, #23 – #23
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk
KOGO 3.5 – 3.8, #11 – #10
KLSD .5 – .4, #23 – #23
News
KSSX-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KWFN 4.6 – 4.2, #7 – #7 (Padres)
KGB-AM .4 – .3, #24 – #24
KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Padres)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPBS 7.4 – 7.2, #1 – #2
TAMPA
News/Talk
WFLA 3.5 – 3.7, #11 – #11
WHPT 3.6 – 3.0, #9 – #14
News
Business news WHNZ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WBTP-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WDAE 1.6 – 1.5, #18 – #20 (Rays)
Public Radio News/Talk
WUSF 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #17
WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WMNF-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
DENVER
News/Talk
KOA 2.6 – 2.4, #14 – #14 (Colorado Rockies)
KDFD 1.2 – 1.4, #22 – #20
KHOW 1.3 – 1.1, #21 – #23
News
None
Sports Talk
KKFN 1.8 – 1.9, #18 – #17
KKSE-FM 1.1 – .8, #23 – #26
KAMP .1 – .1, #32 – #33
KEPN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KKSE-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCFR 3.0 – 2.9, #13 – #13
KUNC 1.0 – .7, #26 – #29
KRCC .1 – .1, #32 – #33
BALTIMORE
News/Talk
WBAL 3.0 – 2.9, #12 – #12 (Orioles)
WCBM 2.0 – 2.4, #14 – #14
News
WTOP & WTLP 1.0 – 1.2, #17 – #17
Business News WDCH .5 – .5, #22 – #22
WQLL Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJZ-FM 3.3 – 3.3, #11 – #10
WJZ-AM .1 – DNA, #26 – DNA
WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WYPR 3.6 – 4.6, #10 – #8
WYPR HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk
KMOX 4.2 – 4.6, #11 – #10 (Cardinals)
KTLK-FM 1.7 – 1.8, #16 – #15
KFTK 1.6 – 1.6, #17 – #16
KMOX Stream 1.0 – 1.1, #19 – #19 (Cardinals)
KFTK Stream .1 – .2, #29 – #25
News
KATZ-FM HD2 Black Information Network .1 – .1, #29 – #27
Sports Talk
WXOS 3.0 – 2.7, #14 – #13
Public Radio News/Talk
KWMU 4.9 – 5.1, #9 – #9
Up next: July 2024 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
The 16th annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Dinner and Silent Auction is set for Friday, October 4, 2024, at Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City. Held in the venue’s iconic Ocean Ballroom, the high-profile civic event is a major fund-raising function of one of New Jersey’s most important and enduring charitable initiatives and one of the leading radio industry-powered philanthropic endeavors in America. The non-profit Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation was launched 18 years ago by legendary morning talk show host Harry Hurley of Townsquare Media-owned WPG, Atlantic City and has since raised more than $1.5 million resulting in hundreds of grants donated to worthy organizations and causes throughout the Garden State and beyond. The charity also sponsors an annual Hurley in the Morning Golf Open. TALKERS founder and noted radio pioneer Michael Harrison has been selected to serve as the dinner’s 2024 guest of honor and keynote speaker. Organizers of this year’s gathering are looking forward to raising $100,000 with more than 250 attendees from government, civics, business and the local communities expected to attend what is traditionally a sold-out event. For information on purchasing tables and individual tickets, email HarryHurley@aol.com.
Hubbard Radio appoints John Goforth vice president/general manager of podcasts. Goforth most recently served as chief revenue officer for Magellan AI, where he led sales strategy and business development. His industry experience includes leadership roles at HowStuffWorks, iHeartPodcasts, Midroll Media, and CBS
Radio. The company says that in his new role, Goforth will collaborate closely with local Hubbard Radio markets to enhance sales strategies for existing podcasts. And as part of the Hubbard Radio corporate team, he will create new podcast initiatives and strategic partnerships, to build an even more robust podcast network. Hubbard EVP and chief financial officer Dave Bestler says, “We fully understand and embrace the evolution in our business from radio to audio. We are creating must-hear content in all eight of our Hubbard Radio markets, and listeners are increasingly accessing our content on-demand. John will help expand our podcast offerings, while growing revenue with the podcasts we already have.” Goforth comments, “I couldn’t be more excited to join the amazing team at Hubbard and help grow their already impressive portfolio. It’s thrilling to be at the intersection of local and national in the podcast space. As we’ve seen in other channels, cracking the code on local is the key to explosive growth.”
Salem Media Group announces that Larry Elder is rejoining the Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel and Salem Podcast Network. Elder will return to hosting the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET program that he anchored before exiting the company in April of 2022. He bumps Brandon Tatum from his position as the
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm host. Tatum filled in for Elder during his run for governor of California in 2021 and subsequently assumed the role full time. Elder joined the 2024 Republican presidential primary race but dropped out last fall and threw his support behind Donald Trump. Since then, he’s been hosting his podcast, “Larry Elder – We’ve Got a Country to Save.” He’ll continue the podcast with Salem handling sales and marketing for the it. Salem SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce says, “Larry is one of a rare breed who actually grew in popularity and influence AFTER he departed the radio. Now we get to hear his sage words of wisdom daily on radio stations across the country, on Salem News Channel, and the Salem Podcast Network.”
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 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). The survey period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC rises a half share to finish with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and climbs to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR tacks on two-tenths for a 1.7 share finish good for the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share keeping it locked in the #7 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM rises two-tenths to a 3.3 share, lifting it to the #10 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN is flat with a 2.5 share but rises two places to the #13 rank, while Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.2 share, staying in the #25 spot, and Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips two-tenths to a 5.2 share good for the #5 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
Audacy’s KRLD-AM, Dallas adds FOX News Radio’s “The Will Cain Show” to its program lineup, airing from
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. KRLD brand manager Drew Anderssen says, “Will’s unique perspective on today’s top headlines will be a welcomed addition to our revamped lineup on KRLD. We’re excited to expand his reach and introduce his wildly popular program to KRLD listeners in Dallas and nationwide via the Audacy app.”
Good Karma Brands’ urban talk WGKB-AM/W269DL, Milwaukee “101.7 The Truth” is presenting the second “Truth Family Fest,” August 17 at Riverside University High School. The 10:00 am to 2:00 pm event will allow
fans to engage with “Truth” hosts, enjoy delicious food, take in local entertainment. “Truth” hosts Tory Lowe and Melanie Ricks will broadcast live from 11 am to 1:00 pm. Station general manager Cherie Harris says, “We are thrilled to bring back Truth Family Fest for the second year in a row! This event is a celebration of family, community, and partnership. Truth Family Fest will provide valuable resources on healthcare, recreation, and back-to-school support, all aimed at making the transition to the upcoming school year smoother.”
iHeartPodcasts joins forces with Thoroughbred Studios to develop a new podcast slate that will delve into some of the biggest stories on what really happened in this American century. As part of the deal, the companies will co-produce a minimum of four podcasts over the next two years. The first show will debut early 2025 and will recount the often-overlooked gritty realities of the renowned astronauts that made it to the moon.
National multimedia sports platform OutKick announces that “The Ricky Cobb Show” will debut on August 12, airing live for 90-minutes beginning at 11:00 am ET. OutKick SVP and managing editor Gary Schreier says, “We’re excited to introduce Ricky Cobb to the OutKick audience as he steps out from behind @Super70sSports and unleashes his engaging personality as a true original.”
Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc will report its 2024 second quarter financial results before the market opens on August 12. The company will host a conference call and webcast at 11:00 am ET that morning to review the results.
The presidential race; the global stock sell-off and predictions of a recession; a judge rules Google is a monopoly; former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis flips in Arizona election subversion case; the Israel-Hamas war and Iran’s threat to strike Israel; the Paris Olympics; Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas accused of not disclosing more Harlan Crow-funded travels; Tropical Storm Debby hits Florida; and the California and Colorado wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Bonneville’s Salt Lake City news/talk KNRS-AM/FM “Talk Radio 105.9 KNRS” transitions the afternoon drive program to “The Rod and Greg Show,” starring incumbent talk host Rod Arquette and Greg Hughes, effective today (8/5). The station says, “On August 5th, a new era of talk radio begins in Utah as Arquette’s Wingman Wednesday co-host, ‘Citizen’ Greg Hughes, joins him for the inaugural flight of the ‘Rod and Greg Show.’” Hughes is a former Utah state lawmaker, Speaker of the Utah House and one time candidate for
governor who’s been a frequent contributor, guest host, and weekly co-host on the Rod Arquette show since 2018. Arquette says, “Greg has been a passionate contributor of political commentary in Utah on TV and radio dating back to 2012. His extensive experience and background in public service and public policy allows him to pull back the curtain on what’s really happening in Utah and national politics. Our goal is to bring common sense and fair mindedness to the issues that are impacting Utah families in an entertaining and informative way.” Hughes states, “I am beyond grateful and excited to join 105.9 KNRS and the iHeartRadio family. I am especially excited, to partner with Rod every day to inform and entertain the greatest listening audience in Utah. We are living in uncertain, but historic times. There is a real need for thought leaders today who can reach out and dialogue with public servants, business, and community leaders but most importantly, with everyday Utahns. ‘The Rod and Greg Show’ will be the place where that happens… and then some. I’m ready to go!”
Beasley Media Group names David Snyder head of digital content marketing. For the past 14 years, Snyder has been CEO at content marketing platform Copy Press that served clients including Uber, AirBnB, Indeed,
and Macy’s. In this newly created corporate position, Snyder will be responsible for overseeing digital marketing and building revenue opportunities on behalf of the company with an emphasis on newsletters, SEO, websites and affiliate marketing as well as leading the developers working across the organization. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “We could not be more thrilled to welcome Dave into the Beasley family. His marketing expertise is exactly what we need as we continue to build new revenue streams on behalf of the company.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
If you’re hosting a weekend ask-the-expert show to attract new clients and customers, DON’T say goodbye at the end of your show.
Instead, tell ‘em: “THAT’S IT FOR TODAY’S RADIO SHOW. IF YOU MISSED ANY OF IT, YOU CAN LISTEN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE OR DOWNLOAD IT FROM [describe how to find on-demand page on station web site; and/or “ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM”]. AND WE’RE ALWAYS AVAILABLE AT [your business’ web site address]. AND WE’LL TAKE YOUR CALL ANYTIME, AT OUR [store, office, etc.], [phone number, nice-and-slow]. OR EMAIL ME AT [address, something memorable, i.e., AskAndy@yourURL.com].
And ICYMI, there’s more guidance from a previous TALKERS issue here.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Newsmax Inc. announces it is hosting an online Special Investor Webinar conversation with CEO Christopher Ruddy tomorrow at 12:00 noon ET. The company is currently holding a private placement offering ahead of its planned Public Offering and expected Listing and “this online event will provide accredited investors with insight into the Company’s vision, strategy and growth prospects.” (Accredited
investors are defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Rule 501(a) as individuals with a net worth greater than $1 million – excluding their primary residence – or incomes in excess of $200,000 in the last two years with the expectation of the same in the current year – or $300,000 with a spouse.) Last month, Newsmax announced that it would seek to become a public company later in 2024 or in early 2025 with a listing on the NYSE or Nasdaq. In preparation for this contemplated public offering, Newsmax has launched a private placement offering seeking to raise up to $225 million. Ruddy states, “We are excited to connect with the tens of thousands of investors nationwide who have already shown interest in investing in Newsmax. There is much to be enthusiastic about Newsmax, including significant growth in our audience, a surge in interest in conservative media and our expanding portfolio of platforms and distribution. Now more than ever — especially in this election year of 2024 — America needs Newsmax. We look forward to sharing more details with everyone who tunes in to the webinar.” Find information about the webinar here.
VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, announces the appointment of media industry executive Steve Cohen as the network’s EVP, talent and programming. Cohen served for 20 years as the SVP of sports programming at SiriusXM. This comes on the heels of Musberger Media recently buying back VSiN from Draft Kings.
Both Townsquare Media and iHeartMedia will release 2024 second quarter operating results this week. Townsquare will do so on Wednesday (8/7) and iHeartMedia will so the same on Thursday (8/8).
The presidential race; Japan’s stock crash and global investors’ reactions to the U.S. economy; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Olympics and gender controversies; Israel’s war on Hamas and Iran’s vow to avenge the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh; Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin undoes 9/11 plea deal; anti-immigrant violence in England; the California & Colorado wildfires; and Hurricane Debbie approaches Florida were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Cumulus Media reports its operating results for the second quarter of this year and reveals net revenue of $204.8 million, a decrease of 2.5% that is in line with the company’s pacing guidance. Cumulus’ total broadcast radio revenue was $136.1 million, a decline of 7.3%, with spot revenue down 4.9% and network revenue down 13.6%. On the positive side digital revenue was $39.5 million, up 5.0%. Cumulus Media
president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “In the context of a challenging advertising environment, second quarter total revenue finished in line with our pacing guidance, down 2.5% year-over-year. However, our unrelenting focus on areas of the business that are in our control helped us to mitigate the impact of soft demand while also driving tangible progress in key priority areas. During the quarter, we grew our digital marketing services business by 24%, reduced fixed costs by $4 million, and continued to strengthen our balance sheet through the successful completion of our exchange offer, ABL upsizing, and the buyback of a portion of our remaining 2026 maturity debt. Looking ahead, while the advertising outlook remains uncertain, our advertisers continue to be focused on when – not if – they’re going to return to more typical spending levels. Fortunately, thanks to our success at extending our debt maturities, we have time on our side and the flexibility to pursue multiple paths to create shareholder value.”
Philadelphia sports media pro Mike Missanelli is returning to Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The
Fanatic” to host the midday show, effective August 12. “97.5 The Fanatic” program director Scott Masteller says, “I am excited to welcome Mike back to the Fanatic. I know that both previous and new listeners will be anxious to hear his insight and perspective on Philadelphia Sports.” The company also announces that Bill Colarulo, a recent addition to the station, will join Mike Missanelli as part of the show’s new on-air lineup.
The NAB announces the finalists for the 2024 Marconi Awards, the winners of which will be named at the
NAB Show New York on October 9. News/talk stations WLS-AM, Chicago and WLW-AM, Cincinnati are finalists for Legendary Station of the Year. WWTN-FM, Nashville talk host Dan Mandis is a finalist for Large Market Personality of the Year. KIDO-AM, Boise host Kevin Miller is a finalist for Medium Market Personality of the Year. The finalists for News/Talk Station of the Year are: WSB-AM, Atlanta; KRMG-FM, Tulsa; WLW-AM, Cincinnati; KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh; and WIBC-FM, Indianapolis. See the complete list of finalists here.
Historian, author, and investigative journalist Mark Shaw joins TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison in a revealing discussion about the preponderance of conspiracy theories and flimsy sourcing currently flooding the nation’s talk and print media under the guise of researched reporting. Shaw, the author of dozens of critically acclaimed books including the 2016 best seller, The Reporter Who Knew Too Much, is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel video series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison” (see it here) as well as the award winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview” (listen here). Harrison and Shaw examine the important role responsible journalism and critical thinking play in maintaining a healthy, functioning democracy. Have we entered a “post-truth” era? Harrison says, “There’s a growing tendency in the rapidly unfolding digital age for the media, the politicians, and the intellectually dishonest from all strata of society to seek victory at the expense of truth.” Don’t miss this provocative thought-starter!
SiriusXM announces that Megyn Kelly will host a series of one-hour specials that will air on SiriusXM’s Triumph Channel 111. “Get Closer with Megyn Kelly” will run on Fridays throughout August with video available on the SiriusXM app with topics including marriage, aging, parenting, and sex.
The Talk Media Network syndicated Dr. Daliah Wachs show is now airing on KBJA, Salt Lake City in the 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm slot.
Saga Communications’ Spencer Radio Group is seeking a full-time weather director and news reporter for the cluster including news/talk KICD-AM/W237DD and music brands “BIG Country 107.7,” “MORE 104.9,” and “PURE Oldies 98.3/98.5.” The company says, “We’re looking for someone with the ability, talent and
passion to continue SRG’s long tradition into the future. The person for this position will need to live in Spencer, Iowa (or surrounding area). We need someone who understands small-market, local radio and is willing to be involved in the community. Knowledge of radio automation software, adobe audition, word press, and general computer experience is preferred. We value creativity and the desire to win! Duties for this position include (but not limited to): 1) Gathering, writing and reading local news stories; 2) Covering some meetings/events; 3) Conducting on-air interviews; 4) Anchoring LIVE, local, severe weather coverage; 5) Compiling/recording local weather data for National Weather Service; 6) Read LIVE market updates on air; 7) Posting local content on our websites/social media platforms. Send your resume and demo to operations manager Kevin Tlam at ktlam@spencerradiogroup.com. No phone calls. No voice-track inquiries. EOE.
The 2024 presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the economy and inflation, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
Bob Cooney exits Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” where he’d been hosting the midday show. Crossing Broad’s Kevin Kinkead reports that market sports talk pro
Mike Missanelli is a possible replacement. He writes, “Jonny Marks reported last week that the Mike/Fanatic reunion looks to be in place ahead of football season. My understanding is that 97.5 is also high on Bill Colarulo and Amy Fadool as new pieces. Colarulo hosts weekends and has filled in on P.M. drive while Fadool had been co-hosting alongside Cooney.” For his part, Cooney posted the following to Facebook: “Wanted to say thanks to all who listened over the years during my time at The Fanatic. Loved the conversations and getting to know a lot of you. They told me today they are moving in a different direction.”
iHeartMedia announces that it will launch a new sports talk station on Monday (8/5) in the Raleigh market on
the HD2 channel of talk WTKK-FM. It will be branded “FOX Sports 106.1 FM HD2” and feature the full lineup of the FOX Sports Radio network. iHeartMedia Multi-Platform Group – Raleigh president Michael Burger says, “Raleigh/Durham has long been a market that has celebrated the best in athletics. Partnering with FOX Sports Radio is an incredible opportunity to share the news and stories that shape the sports world daily. This partnership will also bring unique sponsorships and marketing engagement for existing and new clients. We are incredibly excited to add FOX Sports Radio to our already strong lineup.”