TALKERS News Notes
Andrea Mitchell to Receive Prestigious Award. Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) has announced that Andrea Mitchell, NBC News chief foreign affairs correspondent and chief Washington correspondent, will be honored with the prestigious Gracies Icon Award at the 2024 Gracies Leadership Awards. The awards luncheon will take place on Tuesday, November 19, at Tribeca 360° in New York City. The 2024 Gracies Leadership Awards will also celebrate previously announced honorees, including Sylvia Bugg, Sonia Coleman, Jennifer Leimgruber, Deborah Parenti, Jen Sargent, and Holly Tang. In addition, Sylvia Strobel will be recognized with the Legacy Leadership Award for her significant contributions to the industry and the Alliance for Women in Media. For tickets and more information about the Gracies Leadership Awards, please visit their website.
Radio One Charlotte Hosts “Help One Another” Radiothon. 
Radio One Charlotte, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, is presenting an all-day radiothon today (10/17) to support those affected by Hurricane Helene. This event is taking place from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm across Radio One Charlotte stations: WOSF, WFNZ, WLNK, WPZS, WOSF-HD2 and heritage news/talk WBT. Marsha Landess, Radio One Charlotte regional VP, tells TALKERS, “We are focusing the power of our six radio stations to help raise funds for the relief efforts for our neighbors in the western part of our state. We know their lives have been turned upside down, and we want to do our part to assist them in rebuilding and recovering. Our goal is to raise a substantial amount to help them begin to put their lives back together. Every dollar counts, whether large or small.” Kay Carter, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, adds, “Everyone at Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina is so grateful to Radio One for all their efforts to assist us as we work to help the many victims of Hurricane Helene. The needs are great, and we want to thank all the radio stations and their listeners for considering a donation to the Radiothon. We promise to use the donations wisely to provide food and other supplies throughout the affected areas.”
Cox Media Group Provides Nearly $1 Million Plus Critical Support For Hurricane Relief Including Meals, Water, Money and Other Assistance. 
Even as its stations were airing hundreds of hours of continuous live news and storm coverage during hurricanes Helene and Milton, Cox Media Group (CMG) was raising nearly $1 million and providing food, water and necessities for impacted people and communities. That includes taking mobile charging stations into communities for people to charge their phones and other devices. Hurricane relief efforts took place across CMG’s southeast TV and Radio stations. “These efforts by our CMG family highlight the indispensable role of our stations – and our entire broadcasting industry – as we work together to make a powerful and positive impact on the communities we live in and serve,” said Dan York, CMG’s president/CEO. “As importantly, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support from our local partners and audiences. The response of our viewers and listeners has been nothing short of remarkable.” CMG radio stations include news/talker WDBO 107.3 / AM 580 in Orlando.
Clay Travis Broadcasts from News Radio 570 WWNC, Asheville, NC to Support Hurricane Relief. 
Premiere Networks personality Clay Travis co-hosted “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” live from affiliate News Radio 570 WWNC in Asheville, NC (10/11). Travis toured the area via helicopter to witness the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene in an effort to continue raising awareness, funds and volunteers for hurricane relief that will be needed for months to come. During the visit, WWNC morning host/news director Mark Starling joined the broadcast for a powerful conversation about the devastation the community has experienced. He detailed how the station covered Hurricane Helene, providing vital information to the Asheville community including coordinating rescue efforts and reuniting families. Starling, who stayed at the station for 14 days straight during the hurricane, said: “…when TV couldn’t do it, the newspaper couldn’t do it, there was nothing online, the only thing left was AM/FM radio. All seven stations stayed on the air simulcasted… we were wall-to-wall…what we wanted to do here at the radio station, at iHeart Asheville, was we wanted to show the community that we can get through this. And we’ve been kind of repeating this line: ‘community is the answer to this crisis.’ …what we have seen is the absolute best in humanity in an absolute horrific, horrific time.” Listen to their full conversation HERE.
Benztown Offers Stations Free Election Day AudioPack in Run-Up to the 2024 Elections. Benztown, a global leader in radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingles is offering a free Election AudioPack with world-class FX and audio about issues of listener interest and major election discussion topics. The Benztown Election AudioPack also presents daily breaking news updates and other audio from Benztown’s news/talk libraries that can enhance a radio station’s election coverage. Check out the Election Day drones, sweepers, liners, listener audio, and more. You can download yours for free now through Tuesday, November 5, 2024 by clicking here. For more info, contact Masa Patterson, VP, sales/perations, Benztown, at: mp@benztown.com or at (818) 842-4600.
Starnes Media Group is hosting a live, six-hour Election Night special for radio stations across the nation.
In this clip, he discusses the “next big topics” that will be discussed in talk radio and its associated forms of spoken word media. One of the many highlights of Harrison’s 48-minute keynote address was his observation that one of the next big things on the talk media menu is invariably something that is unknown or unexpected that comes out of the blue and literally changes the conversation. He pointed out that the U.S. Rep. Gary Condit (D-CA)/intern Chandra Levy murder mystery scandal was the biggest talk media story for weeks during the middle of 2001 – until the events of 9/11 completely wiped it off the talk shows in one fell swoop. Beyond that, Harrison discusses the growing national conversation role of such topics as societal anxiety, clean water, time management, privacy and technology’s assault on our humanity. To watch the brief clip on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel, please 
“The CloakRoom with Former Senator Doug Jones” will air live tomorrow from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm ET on channel 127. According to company sources, with just a few weeks remaining before the November 5 elections, Senator Jones will engage with Progress listeners, taking calls to discuss the pressing news stories of the day. He’ll also leverage his personal political experience to analyze the key senatorial races, as well as the presidential election. In addition, the former senator will be joined by Julie Chavez Rodriguez, VP Kamala Harris’s campaign manager, as well as a surprise guest. “The stakes in this election could not be any higher,” Jones tells TALKERS. “I can’t think of a better way to talk directly with voters nationwide and have real conversations about the issues at the top of their minds as we head into Election Day. As a regular guest on SiriusXM’s Progress channel, I know they have a passionate audience with a lot of important, fresh subjects to discuss, so this should be a lot of fun.” The show will have its first run live during the usual time slot of “The Dean Obeidallah Show.” 
The special will also replay multiple times throughout the week and will be available anytime on demand on the SiriusXM app. Progress is SiriusXM’s channel dedicated to amplifying progressive viewpoints. The channel features a wide range of voices including Zerlina Maxwell, Stephanie Miller, Thom Hartmann, Michelangelo Signorile, Dean Obeidallah, John Fugelsang, and more. Photo by Joy Asico-Smith / AP for SiriusXM.
The 22nd annual Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon benefitting McLeod Children’s Hospital was recently held in Florence, SC. During the Radiothon, Community Broadcasters’ stations WWKT 99.3 The Cat, (news/talker) WFRK Live 95.3, WPDT Almighty 105.1 and WSIM 93.7 Frank FM hosted live broadcasts from McLeod Children’s Hospital. Pictured above: former SC Lt. Gov. Ken Ard and station VP operations Dave Baker (r) during broadcast on news/talk Live 95. “As always, at Community Broadcasters, we are always doing our best to live up to our name, and stand for the communities that we broadcast in,” company VP Wayne Mulling tells TALKERS. “And we are proud of what we have been able to do in hosting the Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon each year to raise funds for McLeod Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network. We are humbled by the amount of people that have been helped directly through the years by these organizations, and glad to play a small part in keeping this active and ongoing to continue to help others every year. We invite you to be a part as well.” DJs and talk show hosts asked listeners for donations in support of the programs and technology that McLeod offers to families in the Pee Dee. Listeners also had the opportunity to hear real stories from those who have benefited directly from the McLeod Children’s Hospital, in addition to interviews with doctors, nurses and employees who all share the same passion. “What an exciting Radiothon we had this year raising more than $127,000 for the McLeod Children’s Hospital!” says Davis Sawyer, Children’s Hospital fund manager. “The hard work and dedication from all involved truly make a difference in the lives of the children treated in McLeod Children’s Hospital. I value the partnership and friendship we have with Community Broadcasters and look forward to growing this partnership as we continue to impact the children we serve.” There was also a live auction throughout the week, with some bids surpassing $500. Auction items were donated from collegiate and professional sports teams, nationally known musicians and local businesses. At the conclusion of the Radiothon, this year’s donations equaled $127,098. All donations will remain here in the Florence area to help fund life-saving McLeod programs, and purchase new technology to better serve the Pee Dee families. To learn more about the annual Radiothon, check out this year’s sponsors, or make a donation, visit 
Keenan coached big time teams in the Soviet Union, Russia, Canada, China, the U.S. and more for over five decades! What does it take to be a leader in the competitive and often cutthroat world of major league professional sports? How have the generations of young athletes changed over this stretch of time? What is the state of sportsmanship in today’s culture? What is it like dealing with the media from a professional sports perspective? How is sports culture different around the world? How is gambling impacting sports? Is hockey enjoying healthy growth as both a sport and a business? These questions and more are tackled in an informative and universally interesting conversation between Harrison and Keenan. Keenan, considered one of hockey’s most controversial and intriguing figures, has just released an autobiography titled Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench (Randon House Canada, 2024).
“The Doug Gottlieb Show” will debut on Northeast Wisconsin airwaves, alongside the return of “The Mike Heller Show” to WSCO, while “The Show” continues with host Eric Balkman. Starting October 28, “The Doug Gottlieb Show,” a FOX Sports Radio nationally syndicated program, will air weekdays from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. “Our show is so excited to expand our footprint in Wisconsin!” said Doug Gottlieb. “Everywhere I go, people ask where they can hear us…now the answer is WSCO! Let’s go!” Woodward Community Media’s talk brand manager, B.J. DeGroot, shared, “With Doug now serving as head coach for UW-Green Bay Men’s Basketball and continuing his national show, it was essential to bring his voice to sports fans in Northeast Wisconsin.” Additionally, WSCO will welcome back the statewide syndicated “Mike Heller Show,” which will air weekdays from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm. Heller, a local favorite and graduate of Appleton East High School and UW-Oshkosh, previously hosted the show on WSCO from 2016 to 2019. “The Show with Leo and Balky’ will now be rebranded as “The Show with Balky” following John Leopold’s decision to step back to focus on his sales executive role. Balky will continue as the solo host from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon. DeGroot added, “We are thrilled to enhance our local and regional sports coverage by bringing Doug’s show to our audience and welcoming Mike back to Northeast Wisconsin.”
Bortnick is a successful industry veteran who most recently served as regional vice president of sales at iHeart Media in Washington, DC. Elizabeth Hamma, market president tells TALKERS, “We are fortunate to welcome Danny Bortnick as director of sales for Hubbard South Florida. With his extensive and successful track record of driving revenue growth as well as fostering strong client relationships, we are confident Danny will make a big impact on our team and our advertising partners.” Bortnick states, “I couldn’t be more excited to be joining Hubbard South Florida. I’m humbled to be representing such powerful brands, as well 2060 Digital. Looking forward to helping the Hubbard South Florida team reach new levels of success.”
In his new role, according to the company, Bortnick will oversee sales operations for Hubbard’s South Florida stations, as well as 2060 Digital, focusing on driving revenue growth, building strong relationships with advertisers, and creating innovative solutions to meet client needs.
The station will continue to be heard on 1250 AM. Concurrent with the FM relaunch, the station will introduce two new local weekday shows. “The Pack-A-Day Radio Show” will air weekdays from 8:00 am to 9:00 am CT. Hosted by Green Bay Packers insider Andy Herman, the show will serve as a destination for all things green and gold. Herman currently hosts the “Pack-A-Day Podcast” and “Packer Report.” The station will also launch “The Mason Crosby Show,” starring 17-year NFL kicker, Super Bowl champion and Packers all-time leading scorer Mason Crosby, weekdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am CT. The show will also feature Mitch “Thunder” Nelles as co-host and veteran producer Tommy Wortz. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring The Fan back to FM and expand the reach of the best sports talk in Milwaukee,” said Jason Bjorson, SVP/market manager, Audacy Madison and Milwaukee. “Milwaukee has long been a premier market for football coverage, and through the addition of ‘The Pack-A-Day Radio Show’ and ‘The Mason Crosby Show,’ coupled with our existing must-listen programming, we’re elevating the listening experience and keeping fans connected to their favorite teams.” The station’s weekday lineup rounds out with “The Jim Rome Show” from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm CT and “Wisconsin Sports Daily” with station APD Steve “Sparky” Fifer from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm CT.
Paired association learning is the primary strategy our brain uses to remember facts: Oh, What a Feeling, Toyota. For several years, our business has worked hard to “save” the AM band by demonstrating how useful radio is in times of Emergency: Floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes. Think AM and think local disaster!
According to a report in The Forum, Fieldstone Group, which owns Fargo heritage radio station “The Flag” at AM 1100 / FM 92.3, is planning to purchase WDAY Radio from Forum Communications, owner of WDAY-TV and The Forum. In November 2020, Fargo-based Fieldstone Group began managing WDAY. If the sale is approved by the FCC, Fieldstone will own the 102-year-old AM radio station, its online properties, social media accounts, and transmitter/tower site. Terms of the sale were not immediately disclosed by the buyer or the seller. “We are thrilled to see this day arrive,” said Steve Hallstrom, president and managing partner of Fieldstone Group. “We thank the Marcil family and the leaders and staff of Forum Communications for a great partnership these last four years. WDAY Radio has always had a tradition of serving the community with great news, weather, ag, and sports and we’ve enjoyed the journey of growing those elements with the help of our friends and partners at Forum Communications.” Hallstrom said it’s been important to have WDAY Radio “serve the community with quality local programming from sunrise to sunset, which is becoming a rarity in our business. I also want to thank our listeners for their loyalty and the many local businesses and organizations that have trusted us with their advertising and marketing dollars.” Fieldstone Group also owns KTGO “The Flag” in Tioga, N.D, at AM 1090 and FM 92.7, three stations in Grand Rapids, Minn: KOZY 1320 AM / 93.1 FM, KMFY 96.9 FM and KBAJ 105.5 FM; and The McKenzie County Farmer newspaper based in Watford City, N.D. “WDAY Radio is North Dakota’s longest-serving broadcast operation,” said Scott Hennen, VP/partner of Fieldstone Group and general manager of WDAY Radio from 2001-2009. “It is an honor to take ownership of this iconic community source of information.”
TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison addressed a packed house of New Jersey political, civic, and business leaders at last Friday’s Hurley in the Morning Foundation Charity Dinner in Atlantic City (10/4) discussing the biological and sociological impact of modern era communications technology. In this clip, he discusses the potential influence of AI on the talk show host job market. One of the many highlights of Harrison’s 48-minute keynote address was his observation that it is very possible for robots powered by artificial intelligence to be able to hold multi-faceted on-air conversations with each other or with guests or callers by tapping into their ability to instantaneously access every talking point already out there in cyberspace – left, right, or center – and to present them with an endless array of voices and attitudes. To protect their jobs and future against this formidable competitor, Harrison advises talk show hosts to significantly “up their game” and operate with more originality outside the realm of hackneyed talking points. To see a brief clip of Harrison’s comments please 
“My family, Red Apple Media, and WABC Radio have supported numerous causes and organizations,” stated Catsimatidis. 
“At this time of great need for colleagues catastrophically impacted by these storms, I will match the next $25,000 in donations to help them get back on their feet. I applaud all those who have already donated any amount because every dollar helps.” “We are grateful to John and Red Apple Media for their generous patronage of our charitable mission,” said Tim McCarthy, president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. “It is with the support of industry leaders like John that the Foundation can provide assistance to those in our industry who need it most, including in times of emergency. I ask every broadcaster to consider giving an individual or corporation donation so that we can continue our charitable mission for broadcasters in need.” Additionally, WABC is running PSAs to appeal to listeners for donations. In addition, the station has produced a version of the PSA that can be tagged by a radio station with their own call letters. Interested stations should contact WABC. To make a donation to the Broadcasters Foundation of America Hurricanes Helene and Milton Emergency Fund, please click 
language sports network FOX Deportes. It will also be available in podcast form via FOX News Audio. Ahead of the debut, FOX News Digital will launch a Spanish-language version of the FOXNews.com website beginning today which will be machine translated. Campos-Duffy comments, “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to host ‘FOX Noticias.’ As the fastest-growing electorate, accounting for nearly 20% of the population, the Hispanic American community is thriving, and I am proud to bring a new show that breaks down the news of the day with a focus on the kitchen table issues that matter most to our community.”
of 11.000% Superpriority Senior Secured Notes due 2028. Holders of approximately $194.7 million of Existing Notes participated in the Exchange Offer, exchanging their Existing Notes into 9.200% Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2028 at an exchange ratio of 95.0%; a pro rata share of 179,384 shares of Class A Common Stock of the company and a consent fee of $5.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes tendered. Additionally, as part of the Tender Offer, the company purchased $68.0 million of aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes at a purchase price of 62.5% plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company also issued $30.9 million of New Notes in the New Notes Offer.