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Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, January 20, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Jeff Rickard Exits WEEI-FM, Boston Brand Manager Role; Ken Laird Transitions to Operations Manager. The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn Tweeted the news that Jeff Rickard has exited his role as brand manager for sports talk WEEI-FM and the station is moving “The Greg Hill Show” producer Ken Laird to operations manager. Rickard joined the station in August of this year, replacing Joe Zarbano, who had left that role in January of 2021. Finn cites a memo from Audacy Boston market manager Mike Thomas, who writes, “I want to thank Jeff Rickard for his time here and all the work he put into this legacy brand since arriving last August. Jeff is returning to Indianapolis to be with his family and pursue other opportunities. We wish him nothing but the best and appreciate what he did as brand manager of WEEI. A new brand manager will be named in the future. In the meantime, we are excited to announce the promotion of Ken Laird to a new role at WEEI. Ken will be the day-to-day operations manager. He will be coming off producing ‘The Greg Hill Show,’ so he has time in his day to work closely with me and the entire content team on WEEI. One of his first projects will be to work with Greg, Chris and I, to name his replacement on the show.”

Jim Colony to Retire from Full-Time Role at Sports Talk KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh. Longtime KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh “93.7 The Fan” personality Jim Colony is retiring from his full-time role with the Audacy sports talk outlet. The station notes that Colony has been “a constant in Pittsburgh sports media since the early 1990s” and has “been a critical part of ‘The Fan’ since we started over 10 years ago.” Colony says, “I have been pretty lucky since I stumbled into radio nearly 43 years ago, like when ‘The Fan’ came along just months after I’d been let go across town. It really was ‘right place/right time’ and it’s lasted for 12 years – an eternity in this business. While it’s not the right time for me to retire altogether, now that Linda is retired it is time for me to step back a bit so we can spend more time together but not too much time (she’d get sick of me)!” Colony will continue to work a fill-in role for the station. Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “Jim Colony is one of the great characters in Pittsburgh radio who is beloved by so many listeners. We are so appreciative for all of the work and entertainment he has brought to so many over the years. While we are excited for Jim and Linda (we think) as Jim moves to this next phase of his life we are just as happy that Jim will remain a big part of ‘The Fan’ in a variety of different ways.”

Talking About Michael Jackson – Producer Lyle Gregory is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The man who served as the late talk radio legend Michael Jackson’s producer for 30 years, Lyle Gregory, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Lyle Gregory is the official spokesperson for the Jackson family. Michael Jackson passed away this past Sunday (1/16) at age 87. Harrison and Gregory pay tribute to the legacy of a man who was one of the founding fathers of modern talk radio in a deep-dive discussion that covers his life and times… and offers the listener insights into the magic of one of radio’s most-golden eras. Don’t miss this! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

Texas Sues Google Over Radio Talent Phone Endorsement Campaign. Texas attorney general Ken Paxton has filed a suit in Montgomery County, Texas against Google, alleging that the big tech firm struck a deal with iHeartMedia for some of its radio personalities in the Dallas and Houston markets to endorse its new Pixel 4 smartphones even though they were not on the market yet and the personalities had not actually used the devices. The complaint says Google sought out radio talent for the campaign in 2019 and that the endorsement of goods that they hadn’t used violates the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Consumer Protection Act. The suit goes on to say that even though iHeartMedia told Google that endorsement-without-use violates regulations, Google did not provide phones for the personalities. Specific personalities are not named in the suit but a sample of the ad copy is included. Here’s one script:

“The only thing I love more than taking the perfect photo? Taking the perfect photo at night. With Google Pixel 4 both are a cinch. It’s my favorite phone camera out there, especially in low light, thanks to Night Sight Mode. I’ve been taking studio-like photos of everything…my son’s football game… a meteor shower… a rare spotted owl that landed in my backyard. Pics or it didn’t happen, am I right? Pixel 4 is more than just great pics. It’s also great at helping me get stuff done, thanks to the new voice activated Google Assistant that can handle multiple tasks at once. I can read up on the latest health fads, ask for directions to the nearest goat yoga class (yes, that’s a thing), and text the location to mom hands-free.”

The complaint says any “customization” of the script had to be approved by Google’s ad buyer. Google has said it is reviewing the complaint but that it does not accurately represent what happened.

Mike Gallagher Broadcasts from SHOT Show. Pictured above is Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher preparing to go on the air from the exhibit floor at the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas where he is broadcasting this week. The Shooting/Hunting/Outdoor Trade Show is the largest professional event for the shooting industry…and Gallagher says he promises “high caliber” broadcasts on both radio and the new Salem News Channel.

TuneIn Offers New Program for Content Creators. Calling it a “new program that will provide emerging content creators, educational, and non-profit broadcasters in the United States with access to the same distribution tools as major broadcasters,” TuneIn unveils the TuneIn On Air program. TuneIn says the program “was created to empower emerging content creators by providing them seamless access to digital distribution capabilities. Immediately upon joining TuneIn On Air, broadcasters will expand their reach to TuneIn’s 30 million United States-based listeners. This new offering is aligned with TuneIn’s commitment to reinvent radio for a connected world by bringing radio distribution into the digital age and realizing its promise of an open platform for everyone.” The program costs $249 per quarter. TuneIn chief industry evangelist Andrew Bock says, “One of our aims with the launch of TuneIn On Air is to re-energize college radio stations and independent broadcasters around the US by providing them with a simple and easy-to-use way to dramatically increase their distribution through digital audio. College radio and independent broadcasters serve an important and irreplaceable role in their communities. Through the TuneIn On Air platform, we are giving these voices a clear path to expand and grow their audiences through digital distribution.”

TALKERS News Notes. On the heels of the recent retirement of partner Charlie Sislen, Research Director, Inc. announces staff changes and promotions. Kathryn Boxill creates and leads the new quality control team as the quality control team manager. She previously served as a senior sales research consultant. Nicole Somerville transitions to the production team manager position from her previous role as sales research consultant. Anne Doyle moves into the information systems administrator position from operations management. Nakia Smith and Hayden Waugh move from their sales research consultant positions to join the client service department as client service consultants.…..ABC Audio launches its new GMA channel on Apple Podcasts and announces three new podcast projects: a “Good Morning America” podcast, the second season of “Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson,” and new entertainment podcast “Close Up,” hosted by Kelley Carter. ABC Audio’s free GMA channel will house these new projects, as well as all of ABC News’ lifestyle, culture and entertainment on-demand audio content, including its popular “In Plain Sight: Lady Bird Johnson” podcast…..Audacy’s Cadence13 partners with @DeuxMoi – the pop culture and celebrity Instagram account hailed as “the new outlet of choice for the celebrity obsessed” by The New York Times – for “Deux U,” a weekly show featuring an extensive analysis of the most popular and controversial posts from the account…..iHeartRadio and Sports Illustrated Media unveil an original podcast series focused on iconic names in the sports industry called, “Sports Illustrated Weekly.” Hosted by SI senior writer John Gonzalez, the weekly series takes sports fanatics through untold moments, iconic interviews and the best stories in sports thus far.

Biden Press Conference, Voting Rights-Filibuster, COVID-19, January 6 Investigation, U.S.-Russia Tensions, Inflation/Supply Chain, Midterm Elections/Trump & the GOP, and Beijing Olympics Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/19). Reaction to President Joe Biden’s Wednesday press conference; Democrats fail to alter the filibuster and to take up voting rights legislation; the rate of COVID-19 cases, vaccine effectiveness, and schools’ policies; the Supreme Court nixes Donald Trump’s bid to keep records from January 6 Committee; the tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the Russian troops amassed at the Ukraine border; soaring retail and oil prices and the supply chain troubles; the battle for control of Congress in the November midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence within the GOP; and China warns athletes about political commentary while at the Beijing games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Features

L.A. Talk Radio Legend Michael Jackson Passes

By Editor | by Editor

By Lyle Gregory
Spokesperson/Producer

 

LOS ANGELES — Legendary KABC radio and Los Angeles talk radio personality Michael Jackson died today peacefully at his home in Los Angeles with his beloved children at his bedside, according to a family spokesperson.

One of the most treasured media personalities in Los Angeles, Jackson’s radio career spanned five decades. With his British accent, playful demeanor and keen intellect, Jackson was respected by his peers, politicians, and celebrities and admired by his vast radio audience.

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Attorney Arthur Aidala to Host Nightly Show on Salem’s ‘AM 970 The Answer.’ New York news/talk WNYM “AM 970 The Answer” adds Big Apple attorney Arthur Aidala to the daily lineup with 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm “Aidala Power Hour: Making The Case For The City He Loves” program. Salem Media Group New York operations manager Matthew Sambolin says, “Arthur Aidala puts on a show in the courtroom, and now he gets to do it in front of the biggest judge of all – the New York City Tri-State region. Can’t wait to hear what he brings to afternoon drive, with no objections!” Aidala is the managing partner of the Law Offices of Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, P.C. and the former senior DA of Kings County, New York. He currently represents such high-profile clients as Alan Dershowitz, former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and Harvey Weinstein. He has been a recurrent guest on ‘The Joe Piscopo Show’ and ‘Radio Night Live’ with Kevin McCullough, as well as a legal commentator for 12 years on FOX News Channel. Aidala says, “I am honored and excited to join the talk radio team lineup at ‘AM 970 The Answer.’ With the ‘Power Hour’, we will be sitting down with the key New Yorkers to get to the heart of what makes this city tick.”

Vining Named PD at Cumulus Media’s ‘Talk 99.5’ in Birmingham. Talk radio pro Valerie Vining is named program director for Cumulus Media’s news/talk WZRR-FM, Birmingham “Talk 99.5.” Vining has been serving as morning drive co-host of the “Dixon & Vining” program (with Richard Dixon), a role in which she will continue. Prior to that, she spent more than 13 years as news director for Cumulus Birmingham. Vining says, “I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to take on the role of program director for WZRR ‘Talk 99.5’ Birmingham. My radio career, which spans over 30 years, has prepared me for this moment and challenge and I look forward to taking my team to the next level. Thank you to James Robinson and Ryan Haney for believing in me and my abilities. I’m so proud to work for Cumulus Media.”

Ramsey Solutions Hosts Free ‘Building Wealth’ Livestream. This Thursday (1/13), nationally syndicated radio star Dave Ramsey will host a free livestream at 8:00 pm ET titled, “Building Wealth in 2022.” Joining Ramsey will be New York Times bestselling author Rachel Cruze and host of “The Fine Print” podcast, George Kamel. According to Ramsey Solutions’ State of Personal Finance study, more than half of Americans (56%) feel behind on investing. And 42% aren’t saving for retirement at all. Dave Ramsey says, “There are a lot of investing trends right now claiming they’re the best way to get rich. But I’ve done stupid with a lot of zeros at the end, and I’ve coached people who hit bottom from bad investments. From my 30 years on the radio, I’ve seen over and over that real millionaires follow a proven plan for their money, not a get-rich-quick scheme. This free event will show you it’s possible for you too. Now is the time to prepare for your future.”

On-Air Changes at iHeartMedia’s ‘XTRA 1360’ San Diego. Drive time changes take place at iHeartMedia’s sports talk KLSD-AM, San Diego “XTRA 1360.” New to morning drive is “The Hartman and Rich O Show” with Steve Hartman and Rich Ohrnberger and in afternoon drive, the “Jon and Jim” show with Jon Schaeffer and Jim Russell debuts. Hartman and Ohrnberger currently work together on FOX Sports Radio and have successfully hosted together on XTRA 1360’s “Loose Cannons” show. Schaeffer and Russell also host “The Wrap-Up Show” following San Diego Padres games. “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd continues to air weekdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, followed by “The Darren Smith Show” from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. iHeartMedia San Diego market president Melissa Forrest says, “This exciting new lineup caters to the desires of sports fans in San Diego. In addition to providing the very best sports talk, we’ll also continue to provide our listeners with unparalleled access to the NFL, the Padres, San Diego State University athletics, and all San Diego sports news.”

BIN: Black Information Network Wins Innovation Award. The Black American-targeted radio format from iHeartMedia – BIN: Black Information Network – wins the 2022 BIG Innovation Award in the media category from the Business Intelligence Group. BIN: Black Information Network was launched in June of 2020 as a 24/7 comprehensive national audio news network dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news with a Black voice and perspective. It is focused on service to the Black community and providing an information window for those outside the community to help foster communication, accountability and a deeper understanding. It is heard over the air in 32 markets and is distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app. Business Intelligence Group COO Maria Jiminez says, “Innovation is driving growth in the global economy. We are thrilled to be honoring Black Information Network as they are one of the organizations leading this charge and helping humanity progress.” BIN president Tony Coles comments, “Innovation has been one of BIN’s core values since our inception. It drives us to keep growing and creating spaces for the Black community to hear and contribute to the news that matters most to them. It’s an honor to be recognized with an incredible lineup of organizations and individuals who share the value of innovation and prove it in their work every day.”

AdLarge and G Networks Announces Sales Partnership. The two firms announce that they have entered into an ad sales partnership that will create “a new dynamic and impressive ad sales powerhouse in network audio.” In addition to continuing to represent content producers, AdLarge will oversee the management, sales, and fulfillment of the network audio ad sales inventory for both companies. G Networks will continue to offer and affiliate their premium programming and services through their existing affiliations team to radio stations across the U.S. G Networks president Warren Friedland states, “We’re excited to partner with AdLarge. AdLarge has a reputation for delivering innovative campaigns to help brands reach their media goals. AdLarge’s ad sales efforts coupled with our own extremely targeted networks will lead to a better return on investment for advertisers, brands, and agencies.” AdLarge co-CEO Gary Schonfeld adds, “This unique partnership will enhance our already robust ad sales networks, as well as generate greater critical mass and increased coverage of major markets. This is a win-win for the advertisers and the network audio community. The partnership with G Networks will greatly benefit the audio campaigns of our advertisers and agency partners.”

TALKERS News Notes. Personality Jesse Watters is named host of FOX News Channel’s 7:00 pm ET hour. The new program, “Jesse Watters Primetime” will launch on January 24. Watters will continue his current role as a co-host on “The Five.” FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “Jesse’s versatility and hosting acumen has grown exponentially over the last five years, and he has developed a deep connection to the audience through two hit shows, ‘The Five’ and ‘Watters’ World.’ We look forward to watching him expand his connection even further through this new solo weeknight hour.”…..Cumulus Media and DCP Entertainment unveil the second season lineup for DCP’s award-winning podcast, “Say Their Name,” on the Cumulus Podcast Network. The series focuses on the stories of Black individuals who were assaulted and killed by police and in ‘Stand Your Ground’ states, with an emphasis on the women who often get overlooked. The first episode in the series marks the one-year anniversary of the attack on the United States Capitol with a look back at Miriam Carey, who was killed in 2013 by law enforcement.

Broadcasters Foundation to Honor Lesley Visser with Lifetime Achievement Award. Sports media legend Lesley Visser is being honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America with its Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented during the Golden Mike Award gala and fundraiser, being held on March 14, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Visser is the only sportscaster – male or female – to have worked on network broadcasts of the Final Four, the Super Bowl, the World Series, the NBA Finals, the Triple Crown, the Olympics, the U.S. Open, and the World Figure Skating Championship. BFoA Foundation chairman Scott Herman says, “Lesley has an extraordinary number of ‘firsts’ in her accomplished and impressive career. We’re very proud to recognize her many accomplishments, not only as a pioneering female sportscaster, but as a prominent leader in sports broadcasting, overall.” Visser says, “I am enormously honored to be recognized by the Broadcasters Foundation of America, which is vital to our colleagues who find themselves in need of help during times of unimaginable hardship. It’s essential that we acknowledge and support such a charitable endeavor.”

COVID-19, Voting Rights, January 6, Midterm Elections, Economy/Supply Chain, U.S.-Russia Relations, and Bob Saget Passing Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/10). The soaring rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the Omicron variant, vaccine mandates, and school policies; President Joe Biden’s pressure to change filibuster rules for voting rights legislation; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack; the November midterm elections and Joe Biden’s low approval ratings; the state of the U.S. economy and the ongoing supply chain woes; the U.S. and Russia negotiate over Ukraine; and TV icon Bob Saget dies unexpectedly at 65 were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, January 6, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

FCC Releases 2021 Year-End Station Totals: AM Declines by 42 Stations. At the end of December, the FCC issued its annual station totals report and the number of commercial AM radio stations in the U.S. declined by 42. Interestingly, the country also lost 23 commercial FM signals but gained nine educational FMs. However, the number of FM translators and boosters rose by 446 while Low Power FMs declined by 67. The FCC notes that the number of AM signals in the United States was at its peak in the 1990s at around 5,000. As for FM translators and boosters, there were about 6,100 such signals 10 years ago and that number is now 8,866. The category of FM educational will continue to grow soon and the FCC recently opened a window for new non-commercial educational FM construction permits and received almost 1,300 applications.

KWAM, Memphis Names Kevin Davis General Manager. Radio programming and management pro Kevin Davis returns to the Memphis market as the new general manager of Starnes Media Group’s news/talk KWAM-AM “The Mighty 990.” Davis was most recently serving as afternoon host and production director at Radio Training Network’s Christian contemporary WAFJ-FM, Augusta, Georgia. Starnes Media Group says, “Kevin brings more than 36 years of broadcast experience to KWAM. His experience includes a wide variety of radio formats – AC, CHR, Christian, classic rock, classic hits, country and news/talk radio. This isn’t the first time for Kevin in Memphis. For four-and-a-half years, Kevin was at crosstown classic hits WOWW, Memphis “Guess FM” and country WEBL “95.3 The Rebel” as operations manager/program director until departing for WAFJ, Augusta in April 2020. Kevin is eager to serve the community, grow the brand and expand KWAM’s footprint in the Mid-South region.”

CES 2022: Gadgets, Still! “They REALLY don’t want us calling this ‘The Consumer Electronics Show.’” Holland Cooke explains that “harkens back to VCRs and other things-in-boxes, as so much of the now technology on display here is software that enables experiences.” But HC reports that “acres and acres of inventions do transform Las Vegas into nerd heaven this week.” Read more here.

Former KABC, Los Angeles Host Bill Pearl Dies at 71. Former KABC, Los Angeles broadcaster, attorney, and Long Beach investigative website host Bill Pearl died on January 4 at age 71 due to complications from cancer. Consultant Valerie Geller tipped TALKERS magazine to Pearl’s passing. She says most Southern California listeners remember hearing him on KABC with co-host Bill Press on their popular point/counterpoint-style show. Pearl leaves behind his wife – former KOA, Denver and KFWB, Los Angeles radio reporter Sharon Katchen Pearl and children David, Max, and Chaya Pearl. Pictured here during the mid-1990s are (from l-r): Geller, Sharon Katchen Pearl, and Bill Pearl.

iHeartMedia Station Groups Announce Community Partners for 2022. The station groups in Indianapolis, Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky announce they have arranged community partnerships with eight local non-profit organizations in each of those regions that address needs there. iHeartMedia says each non-profit community partner will be promoted during a three-month marketing campaign based on their specific needs, including seeking volunteers, raising awareness and promoting events. The Local Advisory Boards in each market, comprised of numerous community leaders, selected the recipients through an extensive application process. The community partners vary in each market. In Indianapolis, the partners include: AccessAbility, Cancer Support, and Kids’ Voice of Indiana. In Louisville, the partners include: CASA of The River Region, Center for Women & Families, and Family & Children’s Place. In Lexington, the partners include: Alpha Beta Lambda Chapter of Lexington, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Lexington, and Central Music Academy.

TALKERS News Notes. Production pro MJ Bloch is named East Coast director of commercial production for Benztown and its client Yamanair Creative. Bloch joins Benztown from iHeartMedia, where she was creative services director for the New Orleans and Baton Rouge clusters for the past nine years. She also previously served in iHeartMedia’s national production department…..Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s media company, and Spotify announce the new podcast, “The Big Hit Show,” a series of audio documentaries hosted by Alex Pappademas that focus on the pieces of popular culture that have defined and changed our culture. Pappademas says, “The shows and films and albums we explore have all been chosen not just because they’re massive pieces of popular culture. We’ve picked them because each has had a profound butterfly effect on our culture. Whether we’re tracing how an author’s vivid dream about a sparkly vampire led to an entirely new fan culture or how a megastar reckoning with success, expectation and survivor’s guilt crafted a masterpiece that became the soundtrack to the biggest protest movement in a generation, listeners will know from chapter to chapter they’re getting a high stakes narrative that explains how our culture has been influenced and shaped by these creations.”

January 6 Capitol Attack Anniversary, COVID-19, Midterm Elections, Border Crisis-Human Trafficking, and NYC DA’s Jail Policy Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/5). The anniversary of the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol building and the House Select Committee’s investigation; the soaring rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad and the battles over school attendance and mandates; the November midterm elections and speculation about the Democrats’ ability to keep control of Congress; the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border and criticism of President Joe Biden’s border policy as the administration marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month; and New York City DA Alvin Bragg announces plan to reduce incarceration for certain violent crimes were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Expert Guests

By Editor | by Editor

How Libertarianism Can Save America. Dr. Murray Sabrin Explains Libertarianism and How It Relates to Today’s Hottest Issues.  One of the nation’s most respected authorities on libertarianism, retired professor of finance, prolific author, and former Libertarian nominee for Governor of New Jersey, Dr. Sabrin pulls no punches on inflation, the Russia-Ukraine war, immigration, the polarization of America, supply chain breakdowns, COVID-19 and a whole lot more. To book a guest appearance, contact Victoria Jones at the DC Radio Company. 917-865-3991. victoria@dcradiocompany.com.

Michael Harrison “Idiots” Tour Off and Running. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison has appeared as a guest on a number of major local and national radio talk shows covering several hundred stations across the nation during the past three weeks discussing the musical track “Idiots” on which he appears as lead vocalist with the iconic classic rock band, GUNHILL ROAD. “Idiots” is a catchy song with an ear-worm hook and provocative lyrics taking aim at what Harrison describes as the “growing wave of idiocy that’s spreading across America and threatening the nation’s democracy.” Harrison wrote the song in collaboration with his bandmates – Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch and Brian Koonin. Since its release in late August, the song’s music video (www.idiotsvideo.com) has racked up thousands of views on YouTube and gotten airplay on dozens of talk shows and radio station websites. “Ironically, the song is becoming somewhat of a talk radio hit,” says Harrison. “The music stations haven’t a clue what to do with it because it doesn’t fit conveniently into their cookie cutter categories. Today’s music radio doesn’t have the flexibility to include those ‘odd’ and ‘offbeat’ songs that would occasionally come down the pike and become hits in pop’s golden era. However, talk radio programmers get it.” One of the song’s qualities that adds to its talk show appeal and support from both liberals and conservatives is its non-partisanship. Harrison calls it an “equal opportunity offender.” Harrison plans to continue the Talk Radio Idiots Tour through the fall. Shows and hosts interested in booking him as a guest can do so by emailing info@talkers.com or calling Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. Click here to see the video.

Jack Marshall – ProEthics, Ltd. Innovator in ethics training and consulting in law, accounting, business; national, state, local and foreign governments; non-profits and associations. President of ProEthics, an ethics and compliance firm dedicated to helping organizations and professions build ethical cultures; also Adjunct Professor of Legal Ethics at American University in Washington, D.C. A Harvard and Georgetown-educated attorney, his ethics commentary has appeared in O and The Hardball Times Annual, and heard on NPR’s “Tell Me More!” He writes about the ethics issues of current events on his website, The Ethics Scoreboard. He is also the co-editor, with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Ed Larson, of The Essential Words and Writings of Clarence Darrow, published by Modern Library. Contact guest directly in Alexandria, VA.  Main phone: 703-548-5229. jamproethics@verizon.net. More info: https://www.expertclick.com/ex/Ethics

Liza Amlani – Retail Strategy Expert.  Liza Amlani is a retail industry veteran and the go-to expert in retail merchandising, product creation, and accelerating speed to market. In a career spanning 20+ years, Liza has worked with familiar brands including Holt Renfrew, Ralph Lauren Europe and Canada, Club Monaco, Nike, Walmart. Liza founded Retail Strategy Group in 2020 – a consulting practice helping companies in the retail space dramatically improve profitability and increase organizational effectiveness. Liza’s opinion is sought after and is held in high regard; Liza is a regular contributor to RetailWire, Bloomberg, Forbes, and Footwear News & Sourcing Journal. She also brings a wealth of global insight to her work given the number of stamps in her passport and countries in which she has resided – Liza has moved over 27 times in her life. Media Contact: Raj Dhiman in London, ON, Canada.  Contact phone: 416-627-3008. raj@retailstrategygroup.com. More info: https://www.expertclick.com/ex/Retail-Strategy-Expert

Lifesaving Resources to Conduct 2023 Ice Rescue Instructor Academy. Gerald M. Dworkin – Consultant, Aquatics Safety and Water Rescue.  The 2023 International Ice Rescue Instructor Academy is scheduled for February 16-19 in Portland, Maine. This intensive four-day luxury boot-camp style Academy is designed to train First Responders as Ice Rescue Instructors who, upon completion of the Academy, will be authorized to conduct Ice Rescue Awareness, Operations and Technician level courses to members of their own department.  Tuition includes all books and materials, single-occupancy hotel lodging, all meals, and four days of intensive and comprehensive training consisting of 12+ classroom hours and 20+ on/through-the-ice practical sessions, including a Night Ops session.  Lifesaving Resources has been conducting similar Academies since 1990 and has trained and authorized over 500 instructors from throughout the United States and Canada. Lifesaving Resources’ training programs meet/exceed NFPA 1670 & NFPA 1006 Standards for Technical Rescue.  Contact guest directly at Lifesaving Resources, LLC. Direct phone: 207-967-8614. gerald@lifesaving.com.  More info: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=277434.

About TALKERS

By Editor | by Editor

TALKERS magazine is the leading trade publication serving the talk media industry in America. It was dubbed “The Bible of Talk Radio” by Business Week Magazine.  As technology and media trends have evolved over the years, the publication expanded to serve the forms of talk media beyond just talk radio — which includes talk distributed digitally, satellite radio, as well as talk programming on television.

TALKERS magazine was launched as a print publication during the Summer of 1990 by Michael Harrison, a radio broadcasting innovator and trade journalist who has been at the center of many of the exciting pop radio revolutions of the past 50-plus years, both on air and behind the scenes.

TALKERS magazine is now published in digital-only formats and features news stories, photos and videos relevant to the non-stop happenings in talk media with a focus on top hosts and stations, developments at the networks, interviews with movers and shakers, the opinions of industry participants and leaders, and fast-breaking developments in technology.

TALKERS magazine also conducts ongoing research of the topics and opinions discussed and expressed on hundreds of talk stations and programs across America and compiles them into surveys and graphs which have become the standard of the industry.

In addition to talk broadcasters using TALKERS magazine research as a guideline to see where they fit into the industry’s scheme of things, the consumer press also regularly turns to the publication to capture the mood of the public as it is expressed in talk media in addition to learning about what’s happening in the business.  Hardly a week goes by in which TALKERS magazine is not cited in a major publication or TV broadcast dealing with news stories, public opinion or talk radio specifically.

According to TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison, “Talk media is collectively the most accurate bellwether of American public opinion in the mass media today.”

Since 1990, the growth of TALKERS magazine has been parallel to that of the talk radio industry – which includes the sub-formats news/talk, talk, sports talk, all-news, non-commercial talk, and more – with many observers crediting the publication with not just chronicling the talk radio phenomenon, but playing a significant role in supporting and fueling the medium’s spectacular rise to prominence. Talk radio is the most-listened to radio genre today and certainly the most important.

TALKERS magazine has an international readership that includes the key participants at most talk radio stations and networks in the United States and Canada (plus the U.K, Ireland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong), including the most important talk show hosts on air, online, on satellite and in podcasting.

TALKERS magazine readers also include the top executives of TV networks, management at the largest entertainment companies, editors of major publications, members of congress, governors of states, and even the President of the United States.  And, the hardcore fans of talk radio — its most dedicated listeners — are consumers of the content on Talkers.com and its affiliated products.

TALKERS magazine advertisers include radio program suppliers, broadcast equipment manufacturers and distributors, book publishers, record companies, political action committees and more.

Because of the phenomenal growth of talk media, its impact on society, and the colorful nature of both its personalities and its listeners, TALKERS magazine emerged in the 1990s as one of the most important trade journals in American industry and on the contemporary cultural scene. Now, with the industry headed boldly into the 21st century, and with the exponential growth of the many spoken-word formats and delivery systems, TALKERS magazine’s potential for expansion is unlimited.

TALKERS magazine’s writers include some of the most respected media professionals in the country and it has published exclusive interviews with some of the nation’s most important newsmakers.  These include Presidents of the United States, key broadcasting executives, business and government leaders, as well as show business figures.

TALKERS magazine has expanded into an array of media beyond its writings. It has organized and presented the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention – now in its 23rd consecutive year in addition to countless individual forums, seminars and radio rows around the country on subjects that include politics, foreign policy, domestic violence, health care and economics.

TALKERS magazine and the talk media are very much a part of each other and on the move toward playing an even larger and increasingly more important role in 21st century America!

 

Industry News

Broadcasters Press Congress to Pass AM Radio Bill

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Yesterday (7/14), broadcasters from 31 states, along with representatives from AARP, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and local emergency managers were on Capitol Hill pushing Congress to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. According to the National Association of Broadcasters, the legislation, which would ensure AM radio remains available in new vehicles, has united an extraordinary coalition of support, including an overwhelming number of bipartisan cosponsors in Congress, imgthe endorsement of President Donald J. Trump and backing from first responders, emergency managers, public safety organizations and community leaders nationwide. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “The time for Congress to act is now. Hundreds of broadcasters from across the country alongside nearly one million AM radio listeners have reached out to their members of Congress to support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and protect this essential public safety resource. We are grateful to our congressional champions who have led this bipartisan effort every step of the way. Congress has everything it needs to act. It is time to finish the job and send this bill to the president’s desk.”

Industry News

Cumulus’ Chapter 11 Reorganization Triggers Stay in Complaint Against Nielsen

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

United States District Judge Jeannette Vargas recognizes the automatic stay that kicks in due to U.S. Bankruptcy laws in Cumulus Media’s anti-trust suit against Nielsen as the result of the former’s entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The parties are ordered to submit a joint letter regarding the status of the bankruptcy proceedings by June 9, 2026.

Industry News

Judge Issues Scheduling Order in Cumulus-Nielsen Suit

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

United States District Court Judge Jeannette Vargas issued a scheduling order last week in the case of Cumulus v Nielsen, in which the former accuses the latter of monopolistic practices. Here’s what lies ahead: The judge sets March 4 as the date for Cumulus to file itsimg response to Nielsen’s Counterclaims, including any motion to dismiss the Counterclaims and March 16 for Nielsen to notify the Court whether it intends to file an amended pleading.  If Nielsen doesn’t amend its Counterclaims, then April 3 is the deadline for Nielsen to file its opposition to Cumulus’s imgmotion to dismiss the Counterclaims, if any, and April 17 for Cumulus to file a reply, if any. Then, if Nielsen amends its Counterclaims, April 24 is the date for Cumulus to file its response to Nielsen’s amended Counterclaims, including any motion to dismiss the amended Counterclaims. May 15 is the deadline for Nielsen to file its opposition to Cumulus’s motion to dismiss the amended Counterclaims, if any, and May 28 is the deadline for Cumulus to file a reply, if any.

Industry News

Today is World Radio Day

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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In an era marked by the dizzying speed of technological innovation and the rapid obsolescence of one shiny new platform after another, the iconic platform of radio is beginning its second century of service as one of the most dependable and widely utilized forms of media in the world. Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO Member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as animg International Day of the United Nations, February 13 became World Radio Day (WRD). Each year WRD focuses on a specific theme involving radio that is timely, and important. This year the theme is “Radio and Climate Change.” UNESCO points out: Radio contributes to the achievement of its international objectives by supporting populations through climate disasters such as tropical storms and floods. It helps with the dissemination of fact-based information, listeners’ voices, and dedicated radio shows.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who served as executive advisor to UNESCO for last year’s installment of WRD (which celebrated the milestone of radio’s 100-year anniversary), states, “World Radio Day gives broadcasters the opportunity to blow their own horns about the enduring value of this mighty platform. It’s a good thing for the industry, its sponsors and, most importantly, its loyal listeners. Let’s all sing the praises of radio today and every day.” To all radio professionals and volunteers, everywhere in the world, UNESCO salutes your daily work and your commitment to our future.

Industry News

McClure Segues To VP Of iHM’s Unified Partnerships CA

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Sara McClure Effective immediately, nine-year iHeartMedia Sacramento market president Sara McClure transfers within the company to become VP of its Unified Partnerships For California division. Replacing McClure as Sacramento market president is Steve Darnell (see story above). iHeartMedia Unified Partnerships president Michael Preacher states, “I am extremely excited to have Sara join our division. She will be broadening her responsibilities and offering her incredible expertise to leading agency partners throughout California.” McClure looks forward to, as she notes, “advancing my career by joining the Unified Partnership division. This incredible team has unlimited possibilities and I’m excited to bring my scope of marketing and big-idea thinking to our partners.” The Chico State University (California) alum has nearly 30 years of experience as a media executive, including director of sales for Entercom Sacramento, as well as positions at CBS Radio and Sinclair Broadcasting. She will report to United Partnerships EVP Breeanna Malik. Unified Partnerships provides advanced media resources for its ad agency partners.

Industry News

Stefan Jones Promoted to President of USRN

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Gemini XIII announces that Stefan Jones is promoted to president of United Stations Radio Networks. Gemini XIII CEO Spencer Brown states, “We are incredibly excited to elevate Stefan Jones to this position.im His expertise, passion, and approach align perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional audio content and services.” In his new role, Jones will oversee all aspects of USRN’s operations, including programming, services, affiliate relations, and affiliate sales. He will continue to work closely with the talented team at USRN and parent company Gemini XIII to develop innovative strategies that enhance the network’s offerings and drive value for its affiliates and partners.

Industry News

UNESCO Takes Strong Position on the Continuing Need to Protect AM Radio in Cars (and All Terrestrial Radio)

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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In conjunction with today’s celebration of World Radio Day 2024 (WRD 2024), the United Nations educational, scientific and cultural agency UNESCO has issued a powerful statement supporting the necessity of AM radios remaining in automobiles and the importance of all “terrestrial” radio for the maintenance of freedom and peace throughout the world. The following position titled “Radio, the Trusted Guide in a Changing World” has been posted on UNESCO’s WRD 2024 web page:

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” World Radio Day 2024 marks 100 years of radio, a period in which it has become the medium that is arguably closest to human hearts and minds, providing news, entertainment and education in all corners of the world. It satisfies our need to be informed both for day to-day decision-making and in times of emergency and crisis. Over the past century, radio has proved itself as a crucial medium in maintaining freedom of opinion and expression, often being the only one still up and running in times of crisis. Studies have repeatedly shown that radio has the greatest trust, with most citizens rating it above television, the internet, social networks or the written press. Radio is a triumph of accessibility, immediacy and intimacy, and there’s a strong public-interest case for protecting it and our access to it. We believe that remaining easily accessible to all people, in all places, regardless of how they receive radio means using terrestrial broadcast networks (both analogue and digital) – still relied upon by the majority of listeners globally – and fostering online access to radio that is just as democratic and open. Cars are a particular concern, consistently among the most popular locations for radio listening. Whether it is terrestrial broadcast or internet, radio in cars should not just be easy to find, it must be impossible to miss. Information is a public good and a shared resource for all of humanity. Radio has its place in the digital transformation of the information ecosystem, complementing the internet and digital platforms. The evolution of communication technologies should advance people’s right to receive information and ideas through any media – instead of regressing it. We call upon governments, regulatory bodies, the technology and automotive industries, and all members of the global radio community to put safeguards in place to ensure that radio continues to thrive; to protect the free and unfettered access radio provides to a plurality of opinions and to trusted information; to allow radio to continue to help communities and all minority language speakers to receive information and participate in democratic processes; and to ensure radio remains available to all people regardless of their financial means or personal circumstances. 

TALKERS founder, Michael Harrison, who has served as executive advisor to UNESCO on WRD 2024 and fully supports its stated position on preserving radio, states, “Working with UNESCO in this capacity has sharpened my global perspective on the AM car radio issue in as much as the argument in America focuses primarily on the use of radio for emergencies – a limited and short-sighted proposition to whichim the automobile industry has intelligently responded. The issue however is much larger. As UNESCO’s chief of section for media development and society, Mirta Lourenco puts it, ‘The free flow and easily accessible information provided by terrestrial radio supports the spirit of the First Amendment via the concept of media pluralism and more. This expands to a valid concern about privacy rights – which is equally important to freedom and democracy. With GPS and internet platforms simultaneously in our cars, we are turning the enormous power to invade the privacy of individuals over to a mere handful of Big Tech giants. They know what and who we listen to, including where, when and how we travel.’” Harrison adds, “Finally, I am compelled as a lifelong radio broadcaster and publisher of a major trade journal to protect the viability of radio stations as a going concern and the well-being of their owners, employees, and listeners.”

Industry News

NYC Radio Legend Richard Neer is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Long-running sports talk radio WFAN, New York personality Richard Neer is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Inspired by the approach of the United Nations’ World Radio Day 2024 on February 13, Harrison and Neer – whose careers and friendship date back to 1967 at WLIR-FM, Long Island which they launched as an historic progressive rocker – engage in an analytical conversation about the evolving role of the medium as it continues into its second century of service as a provider of information, education and entertainment. Eclipsed only by WABC’s “Cousin” Bruce Morrow, Neer is arguably the second-longest continuously running radio personality in the New York radio market, which he entered with Harrison at legendary music station WNEW-FM in 1971. A prolific author, he penned the landmark FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (Villard 2001) as well as the successful ongoing Riley King murder mystery series. Harrison states, “I always enjoy having Richard on the podcast – we have shared so much history together. He has valuable insights into the past, present and future of radio – as well as music, sports and popular culture –bringing his experience as a top personality and program director in multiple formats to the table.” Listen to the podcast here. 

Industry News

Michael Harrison to Guest on Tomorrow’s Launch of Comrex Series, “Tech Talk Live!”

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

As reported earlier in TALKERS, Comrex is launching a new, live web series called “Tech Talk Live!” featuring Chris Crump, senior director of sales & marketing, as the host. The inaugural episode of “Tech Talk Live!” will be tomorrow, Friday, January 19 at 11:00 am ET. Andy Mikutta, sales director fromim Yellowtec, will be discussing new developments and TALKERS founder Michael Harrison will be chatting about the forthcoming United Nations’ World Radio Day 2024 set for February13. “Tech Talk Live!” can be streamed on YouTube Live, LinkedIn Live, StreamYard or the Comrex Facebook page. Harrison states, “I am delighted to participate in this important new program. Comrex is one of the driving forces supporting the amazing technological advancements of audio broadcasting and has been a tremendous friend of the radio industry for more than half a century. I am deeply honored to have served as executive advisor to UNESCO in helping design and organize this installment of World Radio Day and am grateful for the opportunity to talk about this year’s celebration and its theme, Radio: A Century Informing, Educating and Entertaining. A simple way to view “Tech Talk Live!” is via the Comrex YouTube channel here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) announces a new partnership with the International Coaching Federation Foundation (ICF) that will provide AWM members with the unique opportunity to access professional coaching at an exclusive discounted rate. Participants in the AWM Coaching program can anticipate a series of six to 10 coaching sessions with their individual ICF Coach, ensuring a productive and tailored coaching experience. The schedule and goals for these coaching sessions will be established between the coach and participant. Learn more about the program here.

Gemini XIII’s United Stations Radio Networks announces a new partnership with Yea Networks to represent the advertising sales for “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show.” Gemini XIII CEO Spencer Brown states, “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show is one of the most popular and successful morning shows in the country, and we are confident that sponsorships, cross-platform opportunities and activations for brands will once again be a part of the media mix for clients looking to activate with female demos in a meaningful way.”

FOX News Audio expands its partnership with Audacy to include FOX Weather, FOX News Media’s free, ad-supported streaming television (“FAST”) weather service. This deal expands FOX News Audio’s existing relationship with Audacy, which also distributes FOX News Podcasts and the FOX News Talk audio streams.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Red Apple Audio Networks says it’s now affiliated with 214 stations since its launch 18 months ago and its programming is heard in 15 of the top 25 DMAs, including its flagship 77 WABC, New York.

Dick Broadcasting transitions WRNS-AM, Greenville, North Carolina to a sports betting format using content from VSiN, The Sports Betting Network. The station is being rebranded “Bet on the Bull 960 AM.”

OutKick will host a one-hour special titled, “OutKick on Fox,” that will air Sunday (8/27) at 10:00 pm ET on FOX News Channel. OutKick founder Clay Travis and hosts Tomi Lahren and Charly Arnolt will “provide their unfiltered opinions on sports, culture, and the topics Americans are talking about right now.” Special guests will include Riley Gaines, host of the “Gaines for Girls” podcast on OutKick, OutKick.com columnist Mary Katherine Ham, and former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom.

Zimmer Midwest Communications announces listeners to its Springfield, Missouri stations – including news/talk KWTO, raised a record $38,770 during the 12-hour Honor Flight of the Ozarks Radiothon on August 18. Money raised from the radiothon goes directly to send local veterans to Washington, DC on honor flight missions to visit the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps Memorials, and many others.

The Premiere Networks syndicated “Dan Patrick Show” is broadcasting live from Ireland for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic featuring the University of Notre Dame vs. the United States Naval Academy game at Aviva Stadium on Saturday (8/26). “The Dan Patrick Show” will originate from 9 College Green in the Temple Bar district of Dublin tomorrow through Friday. The Dan Patrick crew will also be joined by actor Will Ferrell.

Industry News

New Radio Feature “The Good News with Dr. Benjamin Chavis” Debuts

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc announces the launch of “THE GOOD NEWS with Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr” This 60-second daily radio commentary is the first offering from the new USBC Radio Network. It is being distributed in collaboration with KMG Networks, aim division of Krantz Media Group and the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. A press release states, “‘THE GOOD NEWS’ will ignite a transformative spark, propelling the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc into an unprecedented realm of influence. The highly anticipated USBC Radio Network, launching in August, will seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive USBC Media Network. This united effort, in partnership with KMG Networks-will empower and extend our collective reach, ushering in a future filled with boundless possibilities for all.”

Industry News

Katz Named Honorary Captain for Police Charity Hockey Squad

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (above, left) has been “drafted” by the Prince George Patriots! Katz, a former police officer, was named Honorary Captain of the team of Central Virginia law enforcement officers who play charity hockey games throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Katz, who himself used to play defense, said, “I’m honored to help! While I’m not sure if I will lace up a pair of skates or put on the foil, I will definitely be cheering for my favorite cops on skates!” The Patriots face off against the United States Secret Service team in Richmond on June 3 for a benefit to fight colorectal cancer.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Salem Media Group announces that it will present virtually at the Singular Research Spring Select Webinar on May 24 at 4:45 ET. The presentation will be available on the investor relations portion of the company’s website prior to the company’s presentation.

Audacy Philadelphia celebrated Operation Legacy, a home rehabilitation project in partnership with Travis Manion Foundation, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at local veteran Kris Giuranna’s home on May 19. The stations – including news/talk WPHT, all-news KYW, and sports talk WIP-FM – teamed up to provide United States Marine Corps veteran a home fit for a hero and honor his contributions to the country. Audacy Philly SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “It is so rewarding to watch this project come to life. Audacy Philly, along with our partners Travis Manion Foundation, Window Nation, Impriano Roofing and Main Line Pro Painting, are thrilled to honor Kris and his service to our country by providing him with the needed renovations for his new home.”

The Newsmax syndicated radio program “The Rob Carson Show” adds new affiliate station news/talk WGMD-FM, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware to its roster of affiliates. Resort Broadcasting also operates news/talk WUSX-FM, Seaford Delaware and simulcasts most of the programming on the two stations. Rob Carson’s show airs on WGMD’s 92.7 FM frequency.

Industry News

Industry Mourns the Passing of WRHU GM Bruce Avery

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The vast Hofstra University community, its Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and the greater national radio broadcasting industry mourn the passing of longtime WRHU Radio general manager Bruce Avery.  Avery passed away peacefully at home Saturday evening (1/14) after losing a five-year battle against an aggressive form of prostate cancer.  He had held the position at the Long Island, NY facility – until his recent retirement in 2022 – since 1994.  During that 28-year period, he successfully mentored countless students of radio broadcasting and played a major role in building the multi-Marconi Award-winning WRHU-FM/WRHU.org into a powerhouse among America’s campus radio stations. In 2021, WRHU was the recipient of the prestigious “World Radio Day Award” from the Academy of Radio Arts and Sciences of America in conjunction with the United Nations‘ UNESCO General Conference.  Recent recipients of this high honor include WTOP, Washington, DC; 1010 WINS, New York; and KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh. WRHU is the only campus radio station to receive this award. Hofstra University president Susan Posner states, “Bruce was an incredible friend and mentor who had a major hand in turning WRHU into the multi-Marconi award winning station that it is today. We will truly miss Bruce and cherish everything he gave to WRHU. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”  Lawrence Herbert School of Communication dean Mark Lukasiewicz adds, “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Bruce’s widow Veronica, his children, and his extended family. We were fortunate to be able to celebrate Bruce’s career with him only a few months ago at his retirement luncheon, where former students and colleagues shared stories and fond memories of his decades of service at WRHU. At that event, we announced the establishment of an endowed scholarship in Bruce’s name, recognition of the deep impact he made on generations of students.”  For the past two decades, Avery also served as an extremely popular meteorologist on News12 Long Island which posted a heartfelt video tribute to his legacy that you can see here. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Features

Barry’s Bibi Stands Tall

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor

 

NEW YORK — With apologies to Abraham Lincoln for taking modification liberties with a highly exemplary quote attributable to our esteemed 16th president, but a person never stands so tall as when they stoop to help someone in need.

Over the past several decades, one particular eclectic woman has provided comfort by physically reaching down to offer uplifting comfort, while at other times, providing entertainment while delicately perched… on stilts.

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, October 17, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Monday Memo: Podcasting? Think How-Long, Not How-Many. “When I say, ‘Seinfeld quote,’ you think ‘Do the opposite,’” consultant Holland Cooke reckons. In this week’s column, HC borrows another Jerry-ism to warn against “an all-too-common mistake” he hears podcasters make. Read it here.

 

Pending Business: How Do You Handle Mistakes? Radio sales pro Steve Lapa asks that question after his recent experience with a local company that handled a problem the right way. When the inevitable mistake happens at your station or network, are you “all hands on deck” or do you back away from the issue? He offers a four-point prescription for overcoming this adversity. Read it here.

 

KNX, Los Angeles Unveils ‘LA’s Morning News.’ Today (10/17), is the debut of the new “LA’s Morning News” program in Audacy’s all-news KNX-AM/FM, Los Angeles. The company calls it “the next generation of the iconic brand’s all-news morning show about the stories that matter to millions of Southern Californians.” Longtime KNX News anchor and podcaster Mike Simpson moves to the morning drive daypart as host alongside co-host Vicky Moore and veteran traffic reporter and news personality Jennifer York. The moves follow the retirement of legendary morning news anchor Dick Helton after a 53-year career with 24 years of it spent at KNX. Audacy regional president Jeff Federman says, “Mike, Vicky, and Jen are the perfect team to build upon the legacy of integrity, credibility, and humanity in our great shared experience – the morning commute in LA. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to Dick, as his decades of service to our communities are unrivaled.” Mike Simpson states, “There’s something very special about waking up a region as large and dynamic as this one. It’s about getting people out the door and keeping them company on their commute with what they need to know. I’m beyond thrilled to start working with Vicky, Jen and the entire team. Here’s to multiple alarm clocks!” Simpson most recently co-anchored the afternoon drive news and “KNX In Depth,” and created the hit podcast “I’ve Got Questions with Mike Simpson.” Vicky Moore has hosted mornings on KNX since 2004, and Jennifer York has been guiding KNX listeners through their commutes for more than a decade following a long stint as an airborne television traffic reporter in Los Angeles.

SummitMedia Gives Todd Johnson Oversight of Richmond Market. Wichita market president Todd Johnson adds market president duties for SummitMedia, LLC’s Richmond, Virginia station group that includes sports talk WURV-AM “ESPN Richmond” and four music brands. Johnson continues to serve in the president role for the Wichita market. SummitMedia chairman Carl Parmer comments, “Todd has done an outstanding job developing our Wichita cluster and I am confident he will bring the same passion, dedication and leadership to Richmond.” Johnson adds, “I’m honored to assume this new role for SummitMedia and expand my role in the company. I look forward to working with a new team of broadcast and digital experts, while enhancing the products and services we deliver to our clients.”

TALKERS News Notes. Joining the sale department at Skyview Networks are audio sales professionals Leslie Sturm and Jeana Meade. Sturm joins as vice president, network sales. She comes to Skyview with an extensive background at the agency and advertising sales levels. Meade, a 12-year broadcast audio veteran, is now Skyview’s newest network audio manager. Skyview president of network partnerships and chief revenue officer Jeanne-Marie Condo says, “Leslie and Jeana’s tremendous experience and stellar industry knowledge will be a driving force for sales on both coasts. Each of them has hit the ground running, fitting in perfectly with our current culture while bringing their unique skills forward, and we are thrilled to have them on board to help lift our initiatives to new levels.”…..DailyWire+ Podcast Network names audio industry pro Scot Herd SVP of ad revenue. Herd most recently served as VP of network sales for iHeartMedia. In this position, Herd will oversee the company’s team of in-house ad sales reps selling podcasts including: “Candace Owens,” “The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast,” “Morning Wire,” and the YouTube exclusive show, “The Comments Section with Brett Cooper.” DailyWire+ continues its sales partnership with Westwood One, which continues selling the network’s flagship podcast, “The Ben Shapiro Show.” Herd says, “I’m thrilled to take over this new role at DailyWire+ and to capitalize on our tremendous growth. We are committed to our partners and will go above and beyond to optimize all our advertising campaigns. This sales team is second to none and I am privileged to be in this position. 2023 here we come!”…..Podcast discovery platform Podcast Radio Network, official podcasting content partner of NAB Show New York 2022, announces that it is kicking off Podcast Futures New York, a special event for audio and podcasting professionals held in conjunction with NAB Show New York, on Wednesday (10/19) from 10:00 am-5:00 pm at the Javits Center.

TALKERS PERSONALITY PROFILE: The Late Barry Farber’s Daughter Bibi’s Musical Journey. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian follows the fascinating story of Bibi Farber, the NYC-born daughter of the late talk radio legend Barry Farber on her musical odyssey that took her from the U.S. to Sweden (where she spent her teen years and was part of that country’s emerging alt-rock scene) and back again. Bibi Farber and her two-years younger sister Celia grew up in the Big Apple. Their parents had long been separated and in 1976 the two young girls (13 and 11 at the time) relocated to Orebro, Sweden with their mother, Ulla. “I didn’t want to go, but it wasn’t up to me,” emphasizes Bibi, who would wind up living in Sweden for six years – Celia for eight; both finished high school there. “I went to the United Nations School and loved it. Even though my father saw less of us, he loved that we were living in Sweden. He thought it was a much safer place than New York, which in the mid-1970s, was no place for two teenage girls to live. Sweden was a great place, although we did split with American culture.”  Albeit that Bibi didn’t start playing music until becoming a high school student in Sweden, she loved rock music and was self-taught. “I didn’t have any formal music training but was able to play in punk bands,” she points out. “I was a classic rock kid from New York, so I was into artists such as Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Elton John, the Who and the Stones. When I got to Sweden, those artists weren’t big there. They didn’t have any commercial radio as we do in America.” Over the years, Bibi has written and recorded a number of tracks – some that have found their way into major commercials – and has carved out a niche performing for people in hospitals, nursing homes, and similar locations between her home in the Hudson Valley and Brooklyn, New York. She has also mastered the art of stilt-walking and has, upon occasion, incorporated it into her unique performances. To read the entire story, please click here.

Russia-Ukraine War, Midterms, Trump Legal Issues, Xi Jinping, January 6 Hearing, Inflation/Financial Markets, and Ye-Parler Deal Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Russia’s use of Iran-made drones to bomb civilian targets in Ukraine; the Herschel Walker–Raphael Warnock debate and the build-up to the November midterm elections; the numerous legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; Chinese President Xi Jinping begins third term, speaks at Communist Party’s 20th Congress; the final January 6 hearing and the committee’s recommendation to subpoena Donald Trump; the high rate of inflation and the mercurial financial markets; and Ye’s deal to acquire conservative media platform Parler were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Sales vs Customer Service. Longtime radio sales professional Kathy Carr, president of the Howie Carr Radio Network, writes today in an exclusive piece for TALKERS magazine that in radio’s halcyon days of the 1990s, a salesperson could make a good living filling agency avails. “Those were the days of sitting in front of that huge desktop computer and typing out a schedule in Tapscan to make the cost per point. But was that really sales or was it mere customer service?” Carr says real salespeople will always be able to find a job and reveals five questions she asks a prospective seller to determine if they are really a salesperson. Read it here.

Salem Media Group To Boost Power. In a promotion that takes effect at the beginning of next year, Salem Media Group senior vice president Allen Power will be elevated to president/broadcast media. Chief executive officer David Santrella comments, “Allen Power and I have worked and collaborated closely for 18 of my 21 years with Salem. His keen operational experience, combined with his strong hand of leadership, provides a perfect combination to build a better future for the broadcast division.” Power notes, “My years with Salem have been the most rewarding of my career. Our dual focus on doing well – while doing good – provides a culture unique in media. I’m grateful for the leadership of our founders, Edward Atsinger and Stuart Epperson, and to Dave Santrella for the opportunity to play this role as our company continues to grow as a multimedia platform.” In other SMG news, senior vice president of operations Linnae Young is upped to executive vice president of operations & revenue development. “Linnae has been my go-to person every time we’ve had an opportunity to sell multiple marketing elements from several divisions to new clients,” Santrela states. “Her work in our industry on Salem’s behalf with many clients made this an easy decision for me. Linnae brings out the very best from those she works with; I look forward to seeing her touch across the entire division.” Meanwhile, Salem’s Chicago general manager/regional vice president Jeff Reisman is upped to senior vice president/operations, where he will oversee the company’s stations in eastern markets. According to Santrella, “Allen [Power] and I have worked closely with Jeff for many years. His track record in Chicago speaks for itself. He was the first building block to what is now our digital marketing agency, Salem Surround. These three promotions [of Power, Young, and Reisman] are all from within our Salem team, which is further proof that Salem appreciates/believes in our employees and rewards hard work and success.”

Remembering Lowry Mays. The founder and chief executive officer of what is now iHeartRadio, Lowry Mays, died yesterday (Monday, 9/12) at the age of 87. Mays co-founded San Antonio Broadcasting Company with Red McCombs 50 years ago (1972). They purchased their first radio station, San Antonio’s KEEZ-FM; three years later (1975), they bought a second San Antonio outlet (currently iHeartMedia news/talk) WOAI. The company became Clear Channel Communications then iHeartRadio. Born in Harris County Texas on July 24, 1935, Mays graduated with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M University in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon his discharge, Mays earned an MBA from Harvard University and became an investment banker. Mays continued his affiliation with Texas A&M by serving two non-consecutive terms (1985 -1991 and 2001- 2007) on the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, including as chair from 2003 – 2005. In 2002, the school renamed its business school after Mays. Texas A&M University System chancellor John Sharp comments, “A really big tree fell in the Aggie forest. We will never forget what he did for Aggieland.” Texas A&M’s school of business was endowed by Mays in 1996 with a $15 million gift and was renamed the Lowry Mays College & Graduate School of Business. The university renamed the school once more in 2002 to Mays Business School. In 2017, the Mays Family Foundation gifted an additional $25 million, the largest single commitment in the business school’s history. Both gifts were part of an overall lifetime giving of $47 million. A 1999 Texas Business Hall of Fame inductee, Mays served as chair of the United Way of San Antonio and was a member of the associates board at Harvard Business School. In 2003, Mays testified before the Senate that the deregulation of the telecommunications industry had not hurt the public. In an interview that same year with Fortune Magazine, however, he remarked, “We’re not in the business of providing news and information. We’re not in the business of providing well-researched music. We’re simply in the business of selling our customers products.” Mays was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2004, but suffered a stroke the following year. He stepped down as Clear Channel’s chief executive officer and was succeeded by his son, Mark.

Bloomberg Media Chief Mayers Is Retiring. Having joined the company in 2001 as Bloomberg Radio’s station manager, Bloomberg Media global head of radio and television Al Mayers is retiring from the company. Announcing the news in a staff memo, Bloomberg Media chief executive officer M. Scott Havens and Bloomberg editor-in-chief John Micklethwait write, “Al has been a tireless leader at Bloomberg for over two decades, first in radio and now in his wider broadcast role. During COVID, it often seemed as if Al was single-handedly keeping us on the air. His retirement is a prompt for us to redesign the editorial side of Bloomberg Media – both in line with that philosophy and the broader changes in journalism and the media world. The lines between audio, video, print and live events have become ever harder to distinguish, especially as our audience decides when they want to watch, read or listen to our content. We need a unified approach not just to fit this world, but also to reflect the fact that Bloomberg Media is now an integrated global business, which surged almost 50% last year and has just realized another 24% increase in the first six months of 2022. So after Al leaves this month, David Merritt will become head of a new position, Bloomberg Media Editorial. [He] will oversee the editorial side of all of our media platforms – the website, all our audio and video, including BTV, radio, Quicktake, podcasts, events and our magazines. We are forever grateful for what Al has done for this company and wish him all the best in his next chapter on Cape Cod.” Mayers previously was general manager of Bloomberg Radio, overseeing the station’s programming, syndication and business operations. Michael Bloomberg named Mayers chief of Bloomberg’s global TV division in 2015.

Omnipresent air talent/media executive Nick Cannon will host next month’s (10/19) Marconi Radio Awards dinner during the NAB Show in New York. The ceremony returns in-person after a (COVID-caused) two-year hiatus. NAB executive vice president/industry affairs April Carty-Sipp comments, “NAB is excited to be joined by the talented Nick Cannon to honor the on-air voices and local stations that have shined brightest over the past year. We look forward to welcoming the broadcast community to this crowd-pleasing and lively celebration of the best in radio.” Ryan Seacrest will be presented with the NAB “Distinguished Service Award”; Paul and Fred Jacobs will receive the “National Radio Award.” Established in 1989 and named after inventor/Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards are given to radio stations and outstanding on-air personalities to recognize excellence in radio. Nominees for “News/Talk Station of the Year” include: KNX, Los Angeles; KRMG, Tulsa; KTMY, Minneapolis; WKXW, Trenton (New Jersey); and WLW, Cincinnati. “Sports (Talk) Station of the Year” nominees include: KNBR, San Francisco; WBZ-FM, Boston; WIP, Philadelphia; WMFS, Memphis; and WXYT-FM, Detroit. Finalists for this year’s awards in all categories can be found here.

TALKERS News Notes. “Game Time With Boomer Esiason,” the syndicated TV interview show done by Audacy New York sports talk WFAN’s morning co-host, now has a podcast version. Introduced via Audacy’s 2400 Sports podcast studio, the standalone product will feature material not included in the broadcast version. Esiason remarks, “I’m really excited about the opportunity to expand our in-depth conversations with some of the biggest stars in sports through the launch of this new podcast. This show will enable us to dig deeper into what makes these icons tick and will deliver can’t-miss content for listeners across the country.” … Co-host of the podcast “For Colored Nerds,” Brittany Luse, succeeds Sam Sanders as host of NPR’s “It’s Been A Minute.” Vice president of programming & new content development Yolanda Sangweni notes, “Brittany is one of the most exciting and essential voices in pop culture podcasting. She brings deep curiosity, empathy, and joy to the mic and to her storytelling. We are beyond thrilled to be re-imagining ‘It’s Been A Minute’ with Brittany at the helm.” Luse states, “I’ve spent the entirety of my eight-year hosting career helping audiences to connect the dots between culture and current events. I look forward to continuing and expanding that work at my new home.” Formerly host of podcasts “The Nod” and “Sampler,” Luse will begin her new duties next month (10/7). … Following four months of being interim local host for New Hampshire Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” Julia Furukawa has the job permanently. New Hampshire Public Radio president/chief executive officer Jim Schachter notes, “In Julia, we have a serious journalist in the ‘All Things Considered’ anchor chair. [She] connects with listeners across a broad, diverse spectrum; loves exploring New Hampshire; and understands that reporting the news is both a joy and a responsibility. Everyone at our studios knows she’s fun to be around, and now ‘ATC’ users can hear that.” Furukawa adds, “I came to NHPR [two years ago] thinking I’d mostly be behind the scenes, not behind the microphone. The team here has given me the chance to grow into a role I’ve always dreamt of being in; I couldn’t be more grateful and excited for what’s to come.” … Best known for her many reports from the front lines of world events, NPR international correspondent Anne Garrels has died at the age of 71. When Garrels arrived at NPR in 1988, she already had ten years of experience in television news at ABC, where she was bureau chief in both Moscow and Central America. Her NPR backdrops included the Soviet Union, Tiananmen Square, Bosnia, Chechnya, the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan. … VSiN launches three-hour (7:00 pm – 10:00 pm) weeknight sports betting content on iHeartMedia Providence news/talk WHJJ “News Radio 920.” In addition, Brent Musburger’s “Action Updates” will air twice a day. Meanwhile in Kansas City, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” is airing short-form VSiN-produced betting features throughout the weekend. VSiN’s betting analysts will breakdown betting lines for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, the AFC West and other big games on that week’s slate. Elsewhere, Salem Media Group Honolulu sports talk KGU & K236CR “Hawaii Sports Radio Network AM 760 & 95.1 FM” airs VSiN’s “Final Countdown with Stormy Buonantony & Matt Brown” at 11:00 am. … For the second year in a row – and fifth time overall – Syndicated Solutions’ “RMWorldTravel with Robert & Mary Carey and Rudy Maxa” earns the SATW Foundation’s Lowell Thomas Award in the “Travel Audio – Radio” category. The hosts comment, “Week after week, [our team] helps us create the most diverse and engaging network radio program. Collectively, we love the world of travel and all that it encompasses; we’re truly thankful to the wonderful sponsors who are aligned with us. We look forward to continuing to keep engaging, enticing, entertaining and empowering travelers to go explore the world. When that happens, it has such a positive impact on travelers, the travel industry and our society in general. The powerful megaphone we have to successfully impact travel is a blessing that we don’t take for granted.” The program is heard on 495 affiliates.

Nine To Be Inducted Into The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association HOF. Among those to be honored are Eric Jackson from Boston public radio news/talk WGBH; former Boston Red Sox television play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough, most recently doing a select number of games on the Red Sox Radio Network; and one-time Boston Celtics Broadcasting president Gerald Walsh, who helped create Boston sports talk (and Red Sox radio flagship) WEEI. Massachusetts Broadcasters Association chair/Beasley Media Group Boston vice president and market manager Mary Menna remarks, “The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association is thrilled to be able to gather in person to celebrate these individuals’ lifelong achievements and contributions to our broadcasting community and to welcome them into the Hall of Fame.” Other inductees include Mike Baxendale and John O’Brien (“Bax & O’Brien”), who partnered together for over twenty years in Springfield on WAQY “Rock 102”; Laura Carlo, who did mornings for more than 25 years on Boston classical WCRB; Nancy Quill, a 38-year veteran on Boston adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7”; WCVB-TV, Boston journalist Jorge Quiroga; and broadcast executive Paul Kelley, the recipient of the 2022 “Pioneer Award.” Hall of Fame committee chair Peter Brown explains that award is given “to an individual who has distinguished himself/herself over decades for lasting contributions made to the broadcast industry and through a leadership role in his or her particular craft. The award was established to recognize individuals who do not appear on-air, but their role helped influence and inspire the Massachusetts broadcast community to reach a pinnacle of excellence.” The Hall of Fame ceremony will be held next Thursday (9/22) at the Boston Marriott Quincy Hotel.

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Kim Shepard Joins All-News KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle. Radio news pro Kim Shepard joins Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle as afternoon drive co-anchor alongside Rick Van Cise. Shepard has served with public radio news/talk KUOW-FM, Seattle as a senior producer and announcer as well as with iHeartMedia as a news anchor. Van Cise, who also serves as the station’s program director, says, “Kim brings a wealth of radio experience that makes her a perfect fit for our KNWN NewsRadio family.” Shepard states, “I feel so fortunate that my career has led me to the PNW and even more fortunate that I will get to spend my next chapter at KNWN. As I get to know Rick and the whole talented team, it’s become clear that our goals and passions align in the best possible way: leading the future of radio with timely information from trusted voices. I’m grateful to join the chorus.”

Cumulus Media and TuneIn Expand Content Partnership. The expansion of the content deal between Cumulus Media streaming audio service TuneIn includes the addition of 325 podcasts from the Cumulus Podcast Network to the TuneIn platform. In addition to the podcasts, TuneIn will continue to make Cumulus Media’s local sports, news, talk and entertainment programming across 405 owned-and-operated radio stations in 86 U.S. markets available to TuneIn listeners. Cumulus Media chief content officer Brian Philips states, “This is an ideal time to expand our relationship with TuneIn. Listeners win as we offer more ways for them to discover Cumulus’ premium audio content, custom-delivered on their terms and timelines. This partnership advances our audio-first content strategy, as we deliver our best shows and podcasts to TuneIn’s 75 million active monthly users.” TuneIn CEO Richard Stern adds, “TuneIn aims to be anywhere listening is occurring. In announcing this expanded partnership with Cumulus Media, TuneIn listeners not only have access to Cumulus’ 405 local stations in markets across the U.S., but also 325 of Cumulus Podcast Network’s most popular podcasts. This partnership with the premier audio-first media company is a milestone for TuneIn and we are looking forward to building this relationship and giving our listeners the best listening experience.”

‘Seattle Sports’ Adds ‘KJ Wright Show’ for Wednesday Mornings. Sports talk outlet KIRO-AM, Seattle “Seattle Sports” announces “The KJ Wright Show” becomes part of the morning drive “Brock & Salk” show each Wednesday from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. The former Seattle Seahawks pro bowler brings an insider’s perspective to the show’s coverage of the Seahawks and the NFL. Station PD Kyle Brown comments, “The addition of KJ Wright solidifies ‘Seattle Sports’ as the premier outlet for Seahawks coverage in Seattle. Having spent 11 years in the NFL, and 10 playing under Pete Carroll, KJ will share a perspective on the game that’s unmatched in the PNW. We’re ecstatic to have him join the Seattle Sports team.”

Townsquare Media Launches Washington State News Network. This new venture from Townsquare Media Inc. will provide radio stations with “the only source of local, regional, and statewide news that is available to broadcasters and listeners in the State of Washington.” The Washington State News Network offers short-form news reports broadcast on select Townsquare Washington radio stations, including KONA-AM 610 (Tri-Cities), KFLD-AM 870 (Tri-Cities), KIT-AM 1280 (Yakima), and KPQ-AM 560 (Wenatchee), as well as third party affiliates throughout Washington State. These news reports come in the form of eight 90-second reports per day, Monday – Friday. Kevin O’Rorke is vice president of news & ag networks for Townsquare’s Western region and he says, “We are thrilled to bring quality local, regional and statewide news to the many communities in Washington State that are starving for more local information in their communities. Many broadcasters were forced to cut news staff and content during the pandemic, and we couldn’t be more excited to fill that void for both broadcasters in need of the service and listeners wanting the latest breaking news.”

Sid Rosenberg’s Second Book – Sid-izens United – Hits Shelves. WABC, New York morning drive co-host Sid Rosenberg’s second book is published. Sid-izens United: Salacious Spiels, Stories, Suggestions, and Solutions to Withstand a Woke World (Post Hill Press, 2022) is described by the publisher as follows: “The legendary radio personality and equal-opportunity offender delivers authentic and unapologetic takes on the state of everything—from politics to sports, and pop culture to fitness—all with his inimitable style and humor. Phonies and frauds, beware. Whether you’re an athlete, entertainer, or politician—Sid Rosenberg leaves nobody unscathed. Sid helps navigate the tough topics of today, clearly laying out his thoughts and opinions in the one-of-a-kind style and charm that has made him one of the top radio and TV talents in the country. He also provides a ‘call-to-action’ to the reader with his Sid-izen Solutions at the end of each hot-topic chapter.”

Judge Grants Trump Special Master, Trump Rally, Russia-North Korea Weapons Deal, Saskatchewan Stabbings, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, and Truss Replaces Johnson Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. A federal judge grants former President Donald Trump a Special Master for the probe of the Mar-a-Lago documents; Trump holds Pennsylvania rally after President Joe Biden’s address in Philadelphia; Russia enters in to a weapons deal with North Korea as its invasion of Ukraine continues; the deadly stabbing spree by two brothers in Saskatchewan that’s taken the lives of 10 and wounded 18; the November midterm elections and speculation about the nominees in the 2024 presidential race; and Liz Truss assumes the prime minister role in Great Britain were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.