Industry News

Audacy Elevates Jeff Miller in Cleveland

Audacy names Jeff Miller SVP, market manager and director of sales for the Cleveland operations that includes sports talk WKRK-FM “92.3 The Fan” and four music brands.  Audacy regional president Markim Hannon says, “Jeff has been one of our key sales management leaders for nearly three decades, leading robust sales teams and managing salespeople of all experience levels. He has also been an integral player in making ‘92.3 The Fan’ one of the market’s dominant revenue leaders while managing the relationship with our key partner, the Cleveland Browns. I know that Jeff will advance the legacy of Tom Herschel as Audacy Cleveland’s new leader, and I look forward to working with him to set the path forward.” Miller comments, “I am humbled, motivated and very excited to accept this fantastic opportunity to lead Audacy Cleveland. I look forward to working with our team and the entire organization to build on the success we experienced under Tom Herschel’s guidance.”

Industry News

Smith Rises to CFO at Cox Media Group

Cox Media Group promotes Brad Smith to chief financial officer. He has been serving as SVP of finance &im FP&A since 2020 and has been interim CFO for the past six months. CMG president and CEO Dan York states, “Brad brings a unique skillset and perspective to the role of CFO. He’s committed to maximizing company performance and efficiency and has been invaluable in helping CMG win in our local markets today while positioning us to continue to do so in the future. This is a well-earned promotion for Brad that also reflects the strength and depth of CMG’s talented team.”

Industry News

Molly Brown Joins ESPN Madison’s Afternoon Show

Good Karma Brands announces that guest and fill-in host Molly Brown joins the afternoon drive show on sports talk WTLX-FM, Madison, Wisconsin “ESPN Madison” alongside Jim Rutledge and Olympic goldim medalist Matt Hamilton for the new “Jim, Matt, and Molly Show,” effective July 15. Hamilton says, “We are so excited to welcome Molly to the show! Fans can continue to enjoy our sports comedy vibe, with Molly adding new perspectives and insights.” In addition to her on-air roles, Brown also serves as ESPN Madison’s marketing manager. She won a 2023 Wisconsin Broadcasters Award for “Best Original Digital Content” as the host of ESPN Madison’s “Lead Her Forward” special showcasing women’s athletics at UW-Madison.

Industry News

Round Two of June PPMs Released

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period covered May 23 through June 19. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM slips two-tenths to a 3.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #11 in the market, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM rises 1.3 shares to a 9.5 share and stays locked in the #2 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM adds four-tenths to finish with a 4.9 share that lifts it to the #5 rank, while sister conservative talk KTTH-AM adds a half share to finish with a 2.0 share good for the #22 rank, and Lotus Communications’ conservative talk KVI tacks on three-tenths for a 2.1 share good for the #21 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFYI inches up one-tenth for a 3.5 share but falls back to the #9 rank, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM is steady with a 2.3 share and rises to the #18 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Premiere Talk Hosts Originating from RNC Next Week

A number of Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk hosts will present their programs live from the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week. The “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” andim “The Jesse Kelly Show” will originate from Milwaukee’s convention center beginning on Monday (7/15). The “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” will broadcast from local affiliate “News/Talk 1130” WISN on Friday (7/19). Additionally, Sean Hannity will host “The Sean Hannity Show” along with his primetime FOX News Channel program “Hannity” live from Milwaukee. Ben Ferguson will also be on the ground in Milwaukee covering the convention for his various programs, including the nationally syndicated weekend program “The Ben Ferguson Show,” “The Ben Ferguson Podcast” and the “Verdict with Ted Cruz” podcast.

Industry News

“101.7 The Truth” to Hold “Walk Against Violence”

Good Karma Brands’ urban talk WGKB-AM/W269DL, Milwaukee “101.7 The Truth” is presenting the Toryim Lowe Walk Against Violence on July 20. Hosted by afternoon talk host Tory Lowe, the two-mile walk provides “an opportunity to come together and make a strong statement against violence, striving towards creating a safer and more harmonious community.” Lowe comments, “We cannot tolerate people who exemplify dangerous and unlawful behaviors that cause harm to innocent men, women, and children. The Walk Against Violence symbolizes strength and encouragement to those who are willing to act against the recklessness and negativity harming our communities.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/10) Top News/Talk Media Stories

More high-profile Democrats and donors call on Joe Biden to leave the race for president and today’s scheduled press conference; Donald Trump’s distancing himself from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025; NATO accuses China of aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine; AOC and other far-left Democrats file articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito; the Israel-Hamas war; the status of Rudy Giuliani’s bankruptcy case; the heatwave affecting the U.S. and the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl on the Houston area were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Joe Kelley Joins KRLD, Dallas; Mike Rogers Moves to Middays

Audacy announces lineup changes at all-news KRLD-AM, Dallas “NewsRadio 1080.” After serving for 19 years with Cox Media Group, most recently as host of the morning program on WDBO, Orlando, Joe Kelleyim is named the new host of “The KRLD Morning News.” Incumbent morning host Mike Rogers moves to the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart. Both moves take effect on July 22. Audacy news & talk format VP and KRLD brand manager Drew Anderssen imsays, “We’re proud to unveil the next phase of KRLD’s new-look lineup by adding Joe Kelley and moving local favorite Mike Rogers to middays. Mike has resonated with our listeners for over three decades, and we have no doubt he will continue to provide informative, relevant content to them in middays. We’re equally excited to welcome Joe Kelley, who, with his rich background in news and multi-platform content distribution, will bring a wealth of experience and passion to our morning news.” Kelley comments, “I am honored to join the esteemed KRLD brand and embrace the responsibility of upholding the legacy crafted by generations of broadcasters. Returning to Texas – a place that resonates with familiarity and warmth – fills me with great enthusiasm. I look forward to further elevating KRLD’s prominence in the North Texas community.”

Industry News

Donald Trump Addresses Joe Biden, His VP Candidate, and More on Brian Kilmeade Show

In his first major appearance on talk radio since the presidential debate on June 27, Donald Trump spoke with Brian Kilmeade on his nationally syndicated FOX News Radio program today (7/10). During the half-imhour appearance, Trump did not bring up the matter of Joe Biden’s health but stated that he didn’t care whether Biden stays in the race as the Democratic nominee or not, believing that he has the voter support to beat any Democrat because they all share the same “radical lunatic” policies. He also told Kilmeade that he plans to announce his vice-presidential candidate pick just before next week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. When asked if the pick would be influenced by whether or not Biden drops out of the race, Trump responded, “No” adding, VP Kamala Harris is “a disaster.” Kilmeade pressed the former president on a number of issues including NATO, immigration, and the economy. Trump stated that his good relationship with Putin is “a good thing” because it’ll keep us out of the growing danger of World War III and the only reason NATO members are now willing to pay their fair share of costs is because they feel threatened by the increased danger of war that has been heightened by the policies of Biden.  You can hear the interview here.

Industry News

“New Jersey 101.5” Revises Disclaimer on Bill Spadea Show

The New Jersey Globe reports that Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” is playing a revised disclaimer during morning host Bill Spadea’s program in light of his declared candidacy for governor of New Jersey in 2025. This comes after the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commissionim held a hearing to consider whether Spadea’s being on the air after declaring his candidacy constitutes an in-kind contribution to his campaign that violates the states campaign finance laws. While the ELEC ruled Spadea can remain on the air, it required that steps be taken to avoid violating the laws. The ELEC was concerned with the disclaimer that had been airing that mentioned Spadea’s name four times. The new disclaimer is as follows: “Townsquare Media, and New Jersey 101.5 do not support, endorse, advocate, encourage, fund, or appeal for the election or defeat of any candidates for public office. Townsquare Media, its affiliates, executives, officers, and employees, including New Jersey 101.5 did not request, suggest, invite or encourage any of its employees to seek public office.  Townsquare Media and New Jersey 101.5 have implemented parameters, restrictions and guidelines on the content of this broadcast to eliminate the broadcast of any content endorsing, supporting, encouraging, advocating, promoting, or appealing for the nomination, election or defeat of any candidates for public office.” See the story here.

Industry News

Round One of June PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 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 May 23 through June 19. Today, TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC is steady with a 3.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but slips to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR is also steady with a 1.5 share and falls back to the #20 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media’s news/talk WGN slides a half share to finish with a 2.5 share good for the #15 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM rises two-tenths to a 1.1 share that lifts it to the #25 rank. In Dallas, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP adds four-tenths for a 3.0 share and rises to the #12 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KRLD-AM is steady with a 1.5 share but slips to the #27 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/9) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Joe Biden’s determination to stay in the presidential race and Donald Trump’s prospective vice presidential candidates; the Israel-Hamas war; Biden promises air defenses for Ukraine at NATO summit; Democratic senators seek in investigation of Clarence Thomas; Russia’s Vladimir Putin and India’s Narendra Modi meet in Moscow; the trial of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez; the intense heatwave affecting the U.S. West; and the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Audacy Strikes Deal to Simulcast “Sports Daily” on Wichita TV Station

Audacy’s sports talk KFH-AM, Wichita enters into a deal with CBS television affiliate KWCH-TV, Wichita to simulcast video and audio of KFH’s morning show, “Sports Daily” starring co-hosts Jacob Albracht andim Tommy Castor, on KWCH’s streaming service, 12 News Connected, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. KFH operations and brand manager Tony Duesing comments, “We’re delighted to expand the reach of our wildly popular morning show, ‘Sports Daily,’ and introduce the program to a broader audience in video form. Co-hosts Jacob Albracht and Tommy Castor have a unique chemistry that resonates with Wichita’s biggest sports fans, and now viewers can enjoy their insights and banter on 12 News Connected every weekday morning.”

Industry News

WWO: YouTube’s Growth as Podcast Destination

This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog reports that data from Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights’ Podcast Download Spring 2024 report shows YouTube has pulled away from primary competitors Spotify and Apple Podcasts to become the most-used podcast platform in the U.S. For the study,im MARU/Matchbox was hired to conduct an in-depth study of 603 weekly podcast consumers from April 19-24 of this year. Takeaways include: 1) YouTube is used most among Podcast Newcomers, Podcast Pioneers, and heavy podcast consumers; 2) YouTube podcast audience profile: Male and younger than the Apple Podcasts audience; 3) As the world’s entertainment search engine, YouTube is the dominant podcast discovery platform where audiences are more likely to find podcasts; and 4) Those who discover a podcast on YouTube say they stick with the platform for video, comments, community, entertainment, recommendations, and platform features. This growth for YouTube comes at the expense of Apple Podcasts. In July of 2019, Apple Podcasts was the most-used platform for 29% of weekly podcast consumers with 15% for YouTube. Five years later the figures are nearly reversed with 31% of weekly podcast consumers preferring YouTube and just 12% reporting Apple Podcasts as their most-used platform. See the full blog here.

Industry News

Dan Mann Named Digital Sales Manager for Beasley NJ

Beasley Media Group announces that Dan Mann is promoted to digital sales manager at Beasley Mediaim Group’s New Jersey operations that includes sports talk WCTC-AM, New Brunswick “FOX Sports New Jersey” and six music brands. Mann most recently served as client services manager at the company’s Boston station group. Beasley SVP and regional market manager Dan Finn states, “We’re all very excited that Dan Mann will be returning to New Jersey full time and in a larger capacity as digital sales manager. Dan is a consummate professional and is the perfect person to take us to the next level.”

Industry News

BFoA: Supporting Our Own

im

One of the many video highlights from TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – “The Broadcasters Foundation of America: Supporting Our Own” – is now posted on the brand-new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. The presentation took place at the 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running national gathering held at Hofstra University on Long Island this past June 7. The event, which unfolded at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, was presented by TALKERS in association with the university’s multi-award winning WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. This session focused on the Broadcasters Foundation of America and the vital role it has played for decades as a financial safety net for professional radio and TV broadcasters who fall upon hard times due to illness, accidents, natural disasters, and other catastrophic setbacks. It features a stirring speech by BFoA chairman Scott Herman and a charitable presentation by WPG, Atlantic City morning legend Harry Hurley. This is extremely important viewing for every professional radio and TV broadcasterTo watch the video, please click here. 

Industry News

Craig Carton Among NYSBA’s Hall of Fame Class of 2024

The New York State Broadcasters Association announces the addition of six inductees into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. This year’s class includes Craig Carton, who currently hosts the morningim show on FOX Sports 1 and the weekend program “Hello, My Name is Craig,” on WFAN, New York. Carton began his radio career on WGR-AM, Buffalo and rose to fame nationally as co-host of the WFAN, New York morning show alongside Boomer Esiason. Also being inducted this year is John Murphy, radio host, TV sports director and longtime radio voice of Buffalo Bills play-by-play. The induction ceremony will take place at the NYSBA’s gala luncheon in the Rainbow Room, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

Industry News

FOX Nation Launches Weekly Series with Kellyanne Conway

FOX Nation announces the debut of the new weekly series, “Here’s the Deal with Kellyanne Conway,” on Thursday (7/11). New episodes will drop weekly through the November 5 presidential election. FOX Nation president Lauren Petterson says, “During an unprecedented election year, we are proud that Kellyanne’sim insights into the inner workings of political campaigns based on her unique experience will be available to FOX Nation subscribers.” Conway adds, “The American people are smart; they are also worried about the state of our nation and paying close attention to the issues, individuals and ideas that will govern our future. We will go beyond the news headlines and polling toplines to have a deeper conversation and equip the viewers with the compelling illustrative anecdotes and thoughtful analysis that they crave.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

FOX News Media is presenting live programming surrounding the 2024 Republican National Convention beginning Sunday, July 14 through Thursday, July 18. Originating from Milwaukee, the network’s convention coverage will be presented across all of FOX News Media’s platforms, including FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX News Audio, FOX News Digital and FOX Nation.

Virtual News Center adds Lake Cumberland Broadcasters, LLC’s WJRS, Jamestown, Kentucky to its roster of radio affiliates. Virtual News Center will provide daily local newscasts anchored by Jayme Monacelli.

TuneIn and the Big 12 Conference announce a partnership that includes the launch of a 24/7 Conference-branded audio station on TuneIn ahead of the Big 12’s college football season kickoff on August 29. Additionally, TuneIn Premium will offer fans in-game coverage.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/8) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Joe Biden’s determination to stay in the presidential race and Donald Trump’s prospective vice presidential candidates; Trump distances himself from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025; the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling; the intense heatwave affecting the U.S. West; and Hurricane Beryl hits Houston area leaving millions without power were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

The Case for AM Radio

One of the many video highlights from TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – “The Case for AM Radio” – is now posted on the brand-new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. The presentation took place at the 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running national gathering held at Hofstra University on Long Island this past June 7. The event, which took place at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, was presented by TALKERS in association with the university’s multi-award winning WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. The special address was delivered by Bill Brady, owner of news/talker KFNX-AM, Phoenix. Brady, a seasoned broadcaster, gave a thorough presentation in support of the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” that is currently working its way through Congress in addition to citing all the benefits of keeping AM radios in new automobile dashboards in spite of the intention of a number of car manufacturers to phase them out. The segment was introduced by Alex Fife, VP of Southwest operations, iHeartMedia Total Traffic & Weather Network.  To watch the video, please click here.

Industry News

WURD-AM, Philadelphia Parts with Host Over Biden Interview

WURD Radio LLC-owned urban talk station WURD-AM, Philadelphia cut ties with talk host Andrea Lawful-Sanders after she admitted to using questions provided by President Joe Biden’s team during her interview with the president. Though the move is being termed mutual, it’s clear that Lawful-Sanders was asked toim leave the station. WURD issued the following statement: “On July 3, the first post-debate interview with President Joe Biden was arranged and negotiated independently by WURD Radio host Andrea Lawful-Sanders without knowledge, consultation, or collaboration with WURD management. The interview featured pre-determined questions provided by the White House, which violates our practice of remaining an independent media outlet accountable to our listeners. As a result, Ms. Lawful-Sanders and WURD Radio have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately.” You can see the station’s complete statement on the matter here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: WHO ARE You Talking To?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imWe – inside-the-box – live and breathe radio. Listeners have their hands full just living and breathing. Their day is time crunched and financially challenging, and we want to be its soundtrack.

But listening is free, unlike umpteen other purchase decisions they agonize. So, what’s high stakes to us is low stakes to them. We only matter if we matter, and we’ve never had so much audio competition. Accordingly, this exercise, which has been helpful at stations I work with:

im

Describe the listener your station targets. Then ask other staffers.

— Is everyone profiling the same person?

— Does your programming content address their needs and wants?

— Is station imaging about the station? Or their needs and wants?

— Do commercials offer solutions? Are you missing categories?

Well worth the investment in conference room pizza.

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

Industry News

Edison: Podcasting Gaining on AM/FM’s Hold on Spoken Word Listening

The most recent edition of Edison Research’s Weekly Insights presents data that indicates podcasting is continuing to close in on AM/FM’s dominance of spoken word listening in the U.S. In 2017, 66% of spoken word audio was consumed via AM/FM radio and 13% via podcasting. Seven years later, AM/FM accounts forim 43% of spoken word listening, and podcasts 36%. Keep in mind that for Edison’s purposes spoken word content includes news, sports talk and play-by-play, audiobooks, talk shows, and “personalities.” Edison states, “Podcasting’s share of spoken word will almost surely surpass that of AM/FM within a few more years. There is one more thing to note – the advantage for AM/FM is coming entirely from those age 65 and older. Among those ages 13-64, podcasting has already passed AM/FM listening by, 41% to 39%. Meanwhile, among the oldest Americans age 65+, AM/FM radio continues to dominate, with a 66%-13% advantage. Curiously, that 66%-13% difference among the oldest Americans is the exact same difference we recorded for all Americans 13+ in 2017.”

Industry News

Salem Prepares for RNC Milwaukee Broadcasts

Salem Media Group is preparing for next week’s programming from Milwaukee – site of the 2024 Republican National Convention. This includes live broadcasts of Salem Radio Network’s “Mike Gallagher Show” from media row at Panther Arena, adjacent to the RNC venue at Fiserv Forum. Salem’s SRN News andim TOWNHALL News will provide top- and bottom-of-the-hour newscasts live from broadcast seats inside Fiserv Forum, as well as live feeds of acceptance speeches from Republican Presidential nominee Donald J. Trump (7/18) and his as-yet unannounced vice-presidential running mate (7/17). SRN VP news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “As the 2024 presidential campaign kicks into high gear, SRN and SNC will provide live coverage of the RNC that will be second to none. Along with Mike Gallagher, SRN News White House correspondent Greg Clugston and SRN News U.S. Senate correspondent Bob Agnew, we’ll have on-site perspective from our “America First” host, Dr. Sebastian Gorka, who served as a national security strategist in the first Trump administration.”

Industry News

Podtrac Releases Podcast Ranker for June

The latest U.S. podcast ranker from Podtrac (based on unique U.S. monthly audience for participating shows) is released for the month of June and the top five shows remain in the spots they occupied in May –im The New York Times’ “The Daily” at #1, NPR’s “NPR News Now” and “First Up” at #2 and #3, respectively, NBC News’ “Dateline NBC” at #4 and Wondery’s “Morbid” at #5. FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” rose one spot to the #6 rank, and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Shawn Ryan Show” moved up seven places to finish at the #13 spot. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Rumble content creators will host live programs on media row at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week. Rumble Chairman and CEO Chris Pavlovski says, “It’s the biggest stage in politics, and Rumble will be there to host the free exchange of information in the marketplace of ideas. More and more, people are turning to Rumble for their news and analysis, live, on the spot, from people involved in making the news. All voices are welcome, and no one has to fear being canceled for their point of view.”

The Society of Broadcast Engineers – the association for broadcast and multimedia technology professionals – completed a member recruitment drive that ran from March 1 to May 31 and the organization recruited 79 individual members and one sustaining member.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The aftermath of Joe Biden’s debate performance and calls for him to drop out; SCOTUS rulings; Donald Trump’s legal battles; Trump attempts to distance himself from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 plan; the Israel-Hamas war and protests in Tel Aviv calling for a cease-fire; the leftist New Popular Front prevents a National Rally takeover in France’s elections; Boeing pleads guilty to defrauding regulators; and the intense heatwave in the Western U.S. & Hurricane Beryl heads for Texas were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Peter Thiele Exits iHeartMedia Des Moines

Programming pro Peter Thiele exits his position as director of spoken word programming at iHeartMedia’sim Des Moines cluster that includes news/talk WHO and sports talk KXNO. Thiele joined the Des Moines operations in January of this year. He can be reached at 646-926-6581.

Industry News

FOX News Channel Marks Another Quarter at #1

FOX News Channel announces that it finished the second quarter of 2024 as cable’s most-watched network in total day and primetime for 90 consecutive quarters according to Nielsen Media Research. FNC says it is the only network to show growth across the board versus 2023 while CNN and MSNBC both shed doubleim-digits in the key 25-54 demo. For the second quarter in a row, CNN hit a 33-year low in total day, 18-49 and 25-54 demos, delivering its smallest younger audience since 1991. In total day, FNC delivered 1,304,000 viewers, 154,000 with 25-54 demo and 96,000 with 18-49 demo, securing a 176% advantage over CNN viewers and 61% over MSNBC. In primetime from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, FNC saw 2,037,000 viewers, 214,000 in the 25-54 demo, and 135,000 with 18-49 demo, a 230% lead over CNN and 77% over MSNBC. FNC continued to dominate the share of the cable news audience, capturing 50% of viewers across total day and 54% of prime viewers, the highest level of share for the network since 1Q’2023.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Edison Research announces that the Sports Audio Report: Female Fans with SiriusXM Media and Group M will be presented in a webinar on July 16 at 2:00 pm ET. Edison says the webinar will explore the unique audio listening habits of U.S. female sports fans and show how they interact with sports beyond the field. The webinar will be presented by Salma Aly, manager of Research at Edison Research and Sophie Anderson, associate director, podcast sales marketing at SiriusXM Media.

Salem Media Group closes on the sale of its Christian music stations in Nashville and Honolulu to Educational Media Foundation for $7 million. This transaction was previously announced on March 21, 2024.

PodcastOne announces the debut of its latest podcast, “Wholeheartedly with Kendall and Galey.” Hosted by fitness instructor and wellness influencer Kendall Toole and DIY home renovation expert and HBO MAX host Galey Alix, the podcast debuts on July 17 with weekly episodes dropping on Wednesdays. PodcastOne co-founder and president Kit Gray says, “Kendall and Galey have infectious energy and enthusiasm. Their passion for bettering the world around them is inspiring and PodcastOne is thrilled to give them a podcast platform to communicate with and grow their audiences. Their relatability strikes a chord with listeners and advertisers alike, and we’re excited to launch ‘Wholeheartedly.’”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/2) Top News/Talk Media Stories

SCOTUS presidential immunity ruling; Donald Trump NYC sentencing delayed; Joe Biden debate performance and calls for him to leave the race; the U.S. migrant crisis; the economy; France’s National Rally party win and Thursday’s UK elections; the new $2.3 billion Ukrainian military aid package; and Hurricane Beryl wreaks havoc in the Caribbean were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.