Industry News

Randi P’Pool Joins MIW Board of Directors

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), announces that it is elevating Randi P’Pool to its board of directors. P’Pool previously served three years as a volunteer on the MIW PR committee. She takes over for longtime board member and former national spokeswoman, Denyse Mesnik, who rises to the MIW advisory council. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “We are so lucky to have someone of Randi’s caliber join our board. Randi has worked diligently on the PR committee and has earned this board seat. Knowing Randi, I suspect we’ll get a lot done and have a whole lot of fun doing it! That said, I will miss working side-by-side with my dear friend and now advisory council member Denyse Mesnik. She has given immeasurably to this organization and can’t be thanked enough.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (1/17) Hottest News/Talk Media Stories

The cache of government documents in the possession of President Joe Biden and special counsel Robert Hur’s investigation into the matter; the federal debt limit will be reached on tomorrow and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen cautions “extraordinary measures” will be needed to pay the nation’s bills if congress doesn’t act; the House GOP prepares to begin impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for failing to secure the U.S.-Mexico border; the military assistance the U.S. is providing to Ukraine as Russia continues its attacks on the country; the World Economic Forum taking place in Davos, Switzerland; Elon Musk’s fraud trial for 2018 tweets about taking Tesla private; China’s population decline and its slowed economic growth; and the aftermath of the storms that have been battering California for the past month were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Dr. Murray Sabrin Guests on Harrison Podcast

One of the most prolific talk radio interviewees of the past three decades, Murray Sabrin, Ph.D. is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Sabrin is professor emeritus of finance at Ramapo College of New Jersey.  Sabrin, who made New Jersey political history in 1997 for his groundbreaking third-party gubernatorial candidacy as the Libertarian Party nominee, is widely recognized as one of America’s leading voices on libertarian ideology. Harrison and Sabrin take a deep-dive into the ongoing problems of our times – inflation, health care, endless wars, excessive taxation, illegal immigration, and the alleged erosion of civil liberties under the crushing overreach of big government. Harrison, a First Amendment advocate who maintains a neutral partisan philosophy, says, “Libertarianism is an ideology with which I do not necessarily fully agree in terms of practical application – but one that I support as a guideline to keeping the unwieldy task of running 21st century America within the compass direction and spirit intended by the Founding Fathers.” Harrison wrote the foreword in Sabrin’s latest Amazon paperback best-seller, From Immigrant to Public Intellectual: An American Story (Talkers Books, 2022). The book follows Sabrin’s rise as an immigrant child with humble beginnings to forge a stellar career as an educator, author, history-making third party political candidate and media influencer. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Chris Stigall’s Daily Podcast Joins the Salem Podcast Network

The daily podcast hosted by Chris Stigall officially joins the Salem Podcast Network. Stigall hosts the “Philadelphia’s Morning Answer” program on Salem Media Group’s WNTP, Philadelphia “AM 990, The Answer” and hosts the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon talk program on Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM, Kansas City. He says, “I want to thank the Salem Podcast Network for bringing our podcast into their family of great shows. As a radio guy my entire career, I wasn’t sure how the podcast version would be received when we launched. Our advertising partners who invested in the show early as well as the smartest audience in the digital space have helped our young podcast crest four million downloads, and we’re just getting started!” Salem SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce adds, “Chris Stigall is a special host who has developed a unique relationship with a very loyal audience. We saw this when we brought him over to ‘AM 990 The Answer’ a few years ago, and we know he will have the same reaction from audiences nationwide with his podcast.”

Industry News

Kevin McCullough to Debut “That Kevin Show”

WNYM-AM, New York evening host Kevin McCullough re-brands his Saturday evening “Radio Night LIVE” program as “THAT KEVIN SHOW.” McCullough says the new show is airing on Salem Media Group’s WNYM “AM 970 The Answer” and is available via Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, GCN, BizTV, BizTalkRadio, CRN Digital, and USA Radio. McCullough says, “Through much of the fall of 2022, we did a significant deep dive into not just how much content we were making every week but how it could be more impactful, and after lots of creative brainstorming, hard work and a significant investment in resources and time, the Saturday night program will show just the beginning of the efforts and results… I am also intensely grateful for Jerry Crowley, Phil Boyce, and Cary Pahigian, for challenging me consistently to continue to improve, grow, and reach!”

Industry News

Good Egg Promotion

Consultant Holland Cooke cites a very clever radio promotion that ties into inflation and the rising cost of eggs. The wholesale price of a dozen eggs has more than quadrupled as the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that avian influenza has killed nearly 40 million chickens, some 5% of the U.S. flock.  Cooke says, “Applause to WKXY, Cleveland MS owner Larry Fuss, whose station is giving away…EGGS! Text-to-win.”  Cooke adds, “HOW cool was this idea? WCBS, New York reported it in morning drive. Tip: Rip-off this bit ASAP! #MakeRadioFUNagain.”

Industry Views

Local News Matters Most

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Why? Done right, it makes you special. Because new-tech audio competitors don’t do local news, and with most broadcast radio hours now robotic.

“Why waste your time with AM/FM radio?”

Responding to that recent SiriusXM Marketing campaign, NAB president & CEO Curtis LeGeyt:

  • “Unlike our competitors, listeners do not need to fork over a monthly subscription fee, purchase a program or afford an expensive mobile data plan.”
  • “During times of emergency, Americans are not told to turn to SiriusXM for lifeline information. They are not going to get emergency alerts, hear up-to-the-minute reporting or find out where to get help on Pandora or Spotify. No other audio medium can replicate our service when lives are in danger.”
  • “Broadcast radio also provides an engine for economic activity. When local businesses want to get the word out about their goods and services, local radio stations provide an affordable way for them to advertise and reach the consumers who live in their area.”

These are not “normal” times

  • When Trump was on the front burner, his controversies alone changed daypart-to-daypart, even hour-to-hour. The talk part of the news/talk format remains largely static, no minds change. But our news content is dynamic.
  • In a monsoon in Las Vegas (NOT a misprint) someone drowned; and video of rain cascading through the ceiling onto blackjack tables at Planet Hollywood went-viral. We prayed as Kentucky drowned and Buffalo got snowed-under. After tumbleweeds piled-up around her Colorado home blocking windows and doors, Marlies Gross told AccuWeather: “We have so many fires here, and we have a drought and those tumbleweeds, they would just go up and explode into flames all over, and we probably would go with it.”
  • After 2+ years of arguing about vaccines, Polio is back and COVID is back again’ and RSV isn’t just a kid thing. Increasingly noticeable in my travels: Without being required to, people are re-masking.

It’s easier to add Occasions than Duration-per

Translation: There’s little we can do to keep someone sitting in a parked car with the key on Accessories. And AM/FM has never had more competition. So, to keep ‘em coming back, keep telling them something they can’t hear elsewhere, and make it sound different than last hour.

And TELL THEM that’s what you do:

  • “Are you on-the-road? Stay up-to-speed with us!”
  • “What happened since breakfast? We’ll tell you before dinner.”
  • “Stay close to the news.”

Be known for knowing. And tell them when and how you’ll tell them, on various devices.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books; and “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke 

Industry Views

Pending Business: Package for Profit

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

Is it just me, or has packaging become a lost art?

What was once a go-to revenue builder, has become a function of muscle memory and is presented with the enthusiasm of watching paint dry. Am I getting at least a “maybe?” If so, and you feel like the packaging treadmill is going to wearing you down, let’s regroup. For the manager and ultimately the seller, every package must answer four basic questions:

  • That is the (revenue) goal?
  • What is the timeline?
  • What is the unique factor?
  • If it fails to sell, do we drop it or revise?

Now let’s review the 10 basic packages:

  • New Business. You should have a simple new business package available each quarter that can either be sold as is or serve as a start point.
  • Event Tie-In. Like the title says, this package will help your advertiser benefit from an event your station is tied into or sponsoring.
  • New On-Air Talent. This is where you show the value-based opportunity to work with a new talent in your lineup.
  • Special Programming. Every radio format will run a special program of some kind during the year. From election coverage and exclusive interviews to countdowns, just package and sell.
  • Slow Season. Is there a special package offered on a limited basis to help power through when business hits a red light?
  • Sports. Needs no definition, just a little updated creative thinking.
  • Calendar Holidays. This is the gift that never stops giving. Mother’s Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, come every year. What’s new in your package?
  • Base Programming. News, Traffic, Weather, if your radio station offers the basic service elements, talk to your programming people for new packaging ideas.
  • Emergency Programming. With direct coordination of programming, emergency programming offering special weather, disaster or other community-oriented programming can always open a new door. Remember this type of programming is always a spotlight for radio’s immediacy.
  • Bundling your digital and social media assets can help move the needle with local advertisers. I’m not advocating a giveaway, just suggesting competitive thinking in the fast moving, high growth digital advertising universe.

Back to where we started. This is the simple takeaway: Packaging is the art and science of selling with a value component that easily answers the question, “Why buy now?”

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com

Industry News

Industry Mourns the Passing of WRHU GM Bruce Avery

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.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

— The Akron Beacon Journal reports that former WNIR-FM, Akron evening talk host Jim Isabella is running for mayor of Akron. Isabella exited the Media-Com news/talk station last year. Isabella is running as a Republican and it’s been 40 years since the city’s been led by a GOP mayor.

— The National Association of Broadcasters is celebrating its 100th year as an advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. The 2023 NAB Show Centennial Celebration is scheduled to take place April 15 – 19 in Las Vegas and will commemorate 100 years since the first NAB Show in 1923. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “This year marks our century-long legacy of advocating on behalf of America’s broadcasters and driving global innovation and industry growth through NAB Show. We invite the entire NAB community, including broadcasters and content professionals from around the world, to join us for the Centennial Celebration as we honor our rich history, recognize our unparalleled impact and celebrate our next 100 years.”

Audacy, via its partnership with BetMGM and the BetQL Network, will broadcast live from the newly opened BetMGM Sportsbook located next door to State Farm Stadium during the week of February 6-10 leading up to the NFL’s Super Bowl XLVII.

— Tomorrow (1/17), Podbean hosts the free webinar “Creating a Podcast Network For Your Niche with The Pharmacy Podcast Network” with guest Todd Eury, CEO of The Pharmacy Podcast Network. The program will discuss how The Pharmacy Podcast Network started, best practices and tips for starting your own podcast network, how to build audience trust and hone in on your podcast niche.

Industry News

Changes at WEEI, Boston

Audacy brings Boston sports radio personality Adam Jones aboard to co-host the afternoon drive program on WEEI-FM. The new show is called “Jones & Mego” featuring Jones, Meghan Ottolini, and Christian Arcand and debuts on January 30. Jones was most recently evening host at Beasley Media Group’s crosstown WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub.” Audacy Boston SVP and market manager Mike Thomas says, “This is the third run for Adam and I working together. He’s talented, opinionated, informed and funny. Miss a day and miss a lot. Afternoons on WEEI will be can’t-miss entertainment.” At the same time, Thomas announces that Ken Laird is being promoted from operations manager for the station to brand manager. He says, “Ken has stepped up and really proven himself as a leader this past year, and I’m very happy to elevate him in this new role. I know the best is yet to come.” Laird comments, “Working at WEEI, an iconic and influential brand, has been an honor dating back to my start here in 2002. To take on a brand manager role some 20 years later is both incredibly humbling and exciting. I can’t thank Mark Hannon and Mike Thomas enough for the guidance and opportunity they’ve given me. The sports radio ratings share in Boston is proof that the nation’s most passionate fans live here, and I’m ready for the challenge to work with this great staff to deliver the daily entertainment those fans crave.”

Industry News

Hersholt Retires from KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle; Calvert to AM Drive

Today (1/13) is the last day on the air for KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle morning drive news anchor Gregg Hersholt.  He’s retiring from Lotus Communications’ “Northwest Newsradio” after five decades on the air in Seattle. Hersholt says, “Thank you to those who have listened along the way and the many great people I have worked for. I feel truly blessed.” KNWN program director Rick Van Cise says, “Gregg gave every story he covered the importance it Hairstyle - Facedeserved. While his are big shoes to fill, we are pleased to announce the appointment of ‘Northwest Newsradio’ reporter Brian Calvert to the morning co-anchor post with Manda Factor. Brian’s engaging personality, news credibility and unique storytelling make him a great fit.” Calvert comments, “It’s been a thrill to be a part of one of the best morning teams ever in radio as a reporter, and now an honor to co-host the broadcast.”

Industry News

Al Morganti to Ink Deal to Remain with WIP, Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Business Journal’s Jeff Blumenthal reports that WIP, Philadelphia morning drive personality Al Morganti will remain with the Audacy sports talk station for the next five years to host a hockey podcast and host weekend programs. The 69-year-old Morganti is a long-time co-host of Angelo Cataldi’s morning drive show and with Cataldi retiring from the station after the Philadelphia Eagles’ season ends, it was unclear what role Morganti would play with the station. In his piece, Blumenthal notes that when Audacy revealed that Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie would be the new morning drive show, it stated Morganti would continue to work for the station in some capacity. Morganti will host the hockey podcast twice per week during the season and once per week during the off-season. As for hosting weekend shows, there’s no indication he’ll have a regularly scheduled show, but will fill in when needed. Morganti also works for NBC Sports Philadelphia as a pre-and post-game analyst.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Three to Executive Positions

iHeartMedia announces three executive promotions. Amy Leimbach rises from her SVP of sales position in the Phoenix market to region SVP of sales for the newly created Greater Texas Region. Steve Earnhart is upped from his area president for the Southwest Region to region SVP for the newly created Greater Arizona Region. And Breeanna Malik rises from region SVP of sales for the Greater Texas Region to executive vice president of unified partnerships. Division president Scott Hopeck says, “It’s rewarding when you can promote from within your organization. The strong track records of these leaders combined with their response to ongoing coaching and development have made these promotions easy decisions. I’m excited to see how Amy and Steve transform our organization with their creativity and their commitment to client success.” President of unified partnerships Michael Preacher says, “We’re extremely excited to welcome Breeanna to executive leadership on our team. Given her history of high performance, Breeanna’s creativity, attention to detail and collaborative skills are a perfect fit in our partnerships division.”

Industry News

Salem Ups Andy Massingill to Senior Director of Digital Sales

Salem Media Group announces that Andy Massingill is promoted to the position of senior director of digital sales. Salem Surround vice president and general manager Jon Latzer says, “Over the past three years, Andy has led his team to unprecedented revenue heights. His leadership across the Western Region played a significant factor in Salem’s overall revenue growth. In addition to Andy’s leadership for the Western Region, Andy will work closely with Chris Gould, SVP national programming and ministry relations and all our national ministry partners to better leverage our digital assets, generating more time with our quality audience while delivering outstanding results.” Massingill comments, “The last three years have been an incredible journey with Salem and the Western Region. I’m proud of our work, the work we will continue to do, and the relationships established across the board. I am very excited to work with Chris and our national ministry partners who are at the core fabric of what Salem stands for.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

— Talk radio pro Gary R’Nel is named Saturday afternoon host (3:00 pm – 5:00 pm) on Audacy’s news/talk WPHT, Philadelphia. R’nel tells TALKERS, “I think it’s imperative that talk radio present shows that are entertaining and informative. Connecting with the listener one-on-one in some capacities has become a lost art. Those who do engage are among the most successful.”

Edison Research is presenting its first webinar of the year, “Media Habits of Gen Z,” next Wednesday (1/18) at 1:00 pm ET. Edison says, “This custom study, examining media habits of Gen Z through survey research and qualitative interviews, was originally commissioned by the PRPD and presented at their annual conference recently. The findings are now being made available in a webinar. Discover how Gen Z see themselves, how they consume media, and how they share with their peers.” The webinar is being presented by Edison Research VP Megan Lazovick and senior director of research Gabriel Soto. Register here.

Omaha Productions and ESPN announce the launch of a new podcast called “Lead By Example” hosted by Golden State Warriors president of basketball operations and general manager Bob Myers. The podcast features Myers speaking with leaders in various walks of life – from sports and entrepreneurship to politics and entertainment – to share in their experiences and the lessons they’ve learned on their journey. The first guest is Warriors star Stephen Curry and drops on Tuesday (1/17).

Industry News

Cumulus and Westwood One Unveil “Rich Valdés America at Night”

The late-night talk radio program formerly hosted by the late Jim Bohannon is renamed after the host who took over broadcasting during the daypart after Bohannon died in November. Cumulus says conservative commentator Rich Valdés assumed the radio time period from broadcasting legend Jim Bohannon last year and now launches his own distinct programming. “Rich Valdés America at Night” airs each weeknight from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am ET. “The Best of Rich Valdés America at Night,” a compilation of the week’s finest moments, airs each Saturday from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am ET. The Cumulus Podcast Network introduces the new podcast “Rich Valdés America at Night,” which provides on-demand access to Valdés daily content following the live over-the-air show. Valdés’ current podcast, “This is America with Rich Valdés,” moves to the Cumulus Podcast Network and will publish each Friday. Cumulus says, “In this podcast, Valdés breaks down American politics, taking his listeners on a journey through poverty, prosperity, and politics with humor, analysis, and a dash of sofrito.”

Industry News

Comrex Now Shipping BRIC-Link III

The BRIC-Link III IP audio codec that Comrex unveiled at NAB 2022 is now shipping. Comrex says that this latest model “features a new, more powerful processor for improved reliability in addition to enhanced front panel indicators, including four buttons which will trigger contact closures by default and are configurable for auto-connections to other Comrex IP audio codecs.” Comrex adds that the new BRIC-Link III includes CrossLock VPN technology, its proprietary suite of reliability tools which offers an expanded array of techniques including improved congestion detection, redundant transmission, forward error correction, and deadline-sensitive retransmission. Plus, with the ability to use multiple IP networks for increased bandwidth in addition to the intelligent monitoring and dynamic adjustment of data packets, CrossLock optimizes audio for transmission over the public Internet and provides peace of mind to broadcast engineers. BRIC-Link IP audio codecs are commonly used in home studios, as STLs, for voice-over delivery, for sportscasting, and for many other situations that require point-to-point connections. With additional operation modes like HTTP and IP Multicast, BRIC-Link III can also function as a streaming server or send audio to multiple locations (depending on network bandwidth), making it an incredibly versatile hardware codec with an entry-level price point. BRIC-Link III is compatible with all other Comrex IP audio codecs, including the ACCESS codec line as well as older BRIC-Link models. It also includes EBU 3326/SIP mode for interoperability with third-party manufacturer codecs. BRIC-Link III works with Comrex Gagl, a new service now available for remote contribution. Gagl turns any Comrex IP audio codec into a hub for up to five participants. Learn more by visiting Comrex.com.

Industry News

Salem Media Group and Triton Digital Expand Relationship

Triton Digital and Salem Media Group extended their relationship that’s been in place since 2012. In addition to using Triton’s Omny Studio podcast management platform, its programmatic supply-side platform and TAP (Triton Advertising Platform), Salem Media Group will turn to Podcast Metrics Demos+ to provide enhanced metrics, including person-level demographic, sociographic, media behavior, and purchase intent data to further inform podcast audience development and advertising decisions. Salem CEO David Santrella says, “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Triton Digital, which has helped drive a significant increase in digital revenue while delivering our engaging content to our growing audience. We’re looking forward to this next chapter together, gaining increased visibility and a more comprehensive understanding of the behaviors and demographics of our audiences.”

Industry News

Radio Programmer Jeremiah Crowe Joins Blue Wire Podcasts

Longtime radio programmer Jeremiah Crowe joins Blue Wire as director of operations. Crowe has served with ESPN Radio, Audacy, Cumulus, and his own company Green Roll Media. In his new role at Blue Wire, Crowe will play an integral role in the company’s in-person studio partnership with Wynn Resorts. Crowe will manage production, sales, promotions, events & marketing related to the Blue Wire Studios. This move reunites Crowe and Blue Wire founder Kevin Jones, who worked with Crowe at sports talk outlet KNBR, San Francisco. Jones says, “Jeremiah is a problem solver, a connector and an experienced executive playing a big role growing Blue Wire. Throughout his career he’s worked well with talent and can be a major contributor on the business side for us. We’re thrilled to add Jeremiah to our team.”

Industry News

Tom Barnard and Hubbard Partner for Streaming Show and Podcast

According to a report from Bring Me The News, former KQRS-FM, Minneapolis morning personality and legendary Twin Cities radio host Tom Barnard is entering into a deal with Hubbard Broadcasting to host a daily morning program streaming on audio and video from 7:00 am to 10:00 am CT and available as a podcast that the company will produce, distribute and sell. Bring Me The News says, “Barnard will be joined by a co-host, producer, and a number of other guests and contributors. Barnard left KQRS on Dec. 23 after 37 years hosting 92 KQ’s Morning Show, which for a period in the ‘90s was the highest rated morning radio show in the entire country. As he prepared to leave the station, Barnard claimed in an interview with the Star Tribune he had been forced out the door at KQ by parent company Cumulus Media, which had described Barnard’s departure as a ‘retirement.’” Barnard’s new show is expected to debut sometime next month. On Monday of this week, KQRS launched its new morning show hosted by radio personality and former Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman.

Industry News

KSCO and KOMY, Santa Cruz Transmitters Damaged by Storm

Zwerling Broadcast System’s news/talk KSCO, Santa Cruz and sister KOMY sustained damage to their transmitter facilities on January 5. In the video above, narrated by KSCO/KOMY owner/GM Michael Zwerling, you can see the damage to the radio stations’ tower structures. Both stations are on the air while the damaged portions of the transmitter facilities are being repaired.

Industry News

Townsquare Media Shuts Down Sports Talk WYOS, Binghamton

Townsquare Media turned off the transmitter for WYOS-AM, Binghamton on December 28, apparently ending the station’s carriage of the sports talk format branded as “CBS Sports 1360.”According to a report by WITV-TV, Townsquare Binghamton general manager Mary Beth Walsh says “the CBS Sports Radio format was not supported by local advertising.” Townsquare submitted a special temporary authority filing with the FCC to be off air indicating an auxiliary transmitter failure. It says the company is working to return the signal to the air and will notify the FCC when it’s able to do so.

Industry News

Community Communications Unveils New Content Leadership Team

The operator of public radio outlets WMFE, Orlando and WMFV, Cedar Creek, Florida announces its newOrlando - WMFE-FM content leadership team that includes current news director LaToya Dennis and three staffers in newly created positions. The new director of community collaboration is Rebecca Fernandez; the director of audio content is Brad Waldo; and the digital director is Ryan Ellison. WMFE president and general manager Judith Smelser says, “These four leaders are experts in their distinct but overlapping fields, and I’m eager to see what they can accomplish for WMFE’s current and future audiences by working collaboratively as a team of co-equals. Our community expects and deserves high-quality, independent journalism that reflects and serves our diverse population, and WMFE is committed to providing that public service.”

Industry News

News Notes

  • Audacy’s Cadence13 podcast studio and Tenderfoot TV announce the expansion of their relationship through 2024, with an agreement that includes the renewal of hit series “Up and Vanished,” “To Live and Die in LA,” “Culpable” and “Radio Rental”; a new slate of weekly podcast series; ongoing series development; and a first-look opportunity at new limited series. Cadence 13 chief content officer Chris Corcoran says, “Tenderfoot TV is at the top of its game and we’re thrilled to expand our relationship with them and continue to create innovative, thought provoking and compelling content.”
  • Virtual News Center adds Radio Cleveland, Inc’s WMJW, WAID, WKDJ, and WCLD in Cleveland, Mississippi to is roster of affiliate stations. Virtual News Center is providing local newscasts anchored by JP bZet.
  • The Knoxville News Sentinel reports that sports talk WNML, Knoxville personality John Hyams is retiring from the station after 25 years on air. He currently co-hosts the “SportsTalk” show with John Wilkerson. Hyams began a journalism career in the 1960s and transitioned to sports radio in 1998. He worked for many years at the News Sentinel. He says, “Not everyone can say they have loved their job spanning seven decades. I can. But now it’s time to say good-bye… But I’m ready for the daily grind to end. I’m ready to pass the torch. As the great John Ward once said when he retired: ‘It’s time.’”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: RECEPTIONISTS AND GROUND INTELLIGENCE – Be nice to the human at the front desk (if there is still one).

By Walter Sabo
Producer/Host
Sterling on Sunday
Media Consultant

When thinking about the changes in the radio industry I’ve seen during my career, I’m dragged to memories of the lobby of WXLO-FM in New York (WOR’s FM sister).  The station was on the second floor of 1440 Broadway. WOR-AM was on the 24th and 23rd floors.  In technical terms, the place was a dump. Dirty linoleum. Ancient office furniture.  The original ceiling was spray painted black to hide the fact that it was not an acoustic drop down ceiling. Not one window in the place. BUT the signal was the best on the FM band. WXLO was the first station to hire me almost out of college. I needed a summer job between my junior and senior year but WXLO did not have summer jobs.  The general manager, Arthur Adler offered me a full time job which I accepted immediately.

For my on-boarding process Arthur walked me to the fluorescent sales area and pointed to an empty cubicle.  Then, he vanished. Next his secretary escorted me to the personnel department many flights up.  I was seated next to an official person who was gathering many forms for me to fill out. These forms included the all-important TUITION REIMBURSEMENT form which compelled RKO General (the station’s then-owner) to pay for my last semester in college. (I attended Rutgers at night and had the credits transferred to my diploma school, Syracuse University.) On the official person’s desk sat a three-ring binder wide opened to the KHJ (Los Angeles) TALENT page.  Wide open. Staring at me, beckoning, teasing me to look. What could I do? Robert W Morgan, morning man, HIGH five figures a year.  The Real Don Steele, PM drive mid-five figures. Every other jock was paid AFTRA scale.  It was a crash course in radio economics and I wasn’t even a legal adult.  But I digress. Now for the point.

A few days later the front door on the second floor was banging. The receptionist, a kind, timid person, hit the intercom key and asked who was knocking?  Even back then, at 40th and Broadway visitors were a high security issue. That door was locked for about a million good reasons. Who was at the door?  A “menacing” man in a fancy suit and perfect hair said his name, but the receptionist did not recognize him or his name. He repeated,  “I’m THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY.”  That’s what he said.  But he wasn’t. He was the vice president.  I learned a lot then too.

A receptionist is not just the gatekeeper to the business. He/she could be the gatekeeper to your career, or fortune. That is, of course, if the establishment you are visiting still has a receptionist.  My brother, the smart one, is a financial big shot. Highly respected, oddly humble. Companies come to him for funding. Executives seeking financial backing sit with his receptionist for an unusually long time. When the visitors are invited from the lobby to the conference room, they are ALL invited into the conference room – including the receptionist. The meeting starts with my brother asking the “receptionist” for her impressions of the guests.  Then it is revealed that the receptionist is actually a high ranking, decision-making executive.

The second floor receptionist at WXLO let her feelings about the boisterous vice president be known and said VP was not titled for long. Dumb companies have eliminated receptionists and instead greet visitors with touch tone wall phones and posted extensions directories.  The loss of ground intelligence is significant – especially if the station is located in a high-priced downtown office building designed to impress.

Plus a lot of executives waste time running to the door to get food orders. False economy.

Walter Sabo is a long-time radio industry consultant and thought leader.  He hosts and produces a network radio show titled “Sterling on Sunday” 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET.  www.waltersterlingshow.com.   walter@sabomedia.com

Industry News

Audacy Names Craig Schwalb Brand Manager/News Director for WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago

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Jay C. Lowe Named Area President for iHeartMedia Tulsa and Oklahoma City

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iHeartMedia division president Tony Coles says, “JC is an impactful leader who has a strong track record of building and developing great teams, serving the community and delivering results. We look forward to growing our brands in Tulsa and Oklahoma City under JC’s leadership.” Lowe was most recently VP and general manager for WEAR-TV, Pensacola and WPMI-TV, Mobile. He states, “It is an honor to be named area president and I look forward to working alongside division president Tony Coles and the talented leadership team at iHeartMedia. I’m excited to lead the team, leverage new and existing resources to sustain iHeartMedia Oklahoma’s momentum and create new opportunities for growth across the Tulsa and Oklahoma City markets.”

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“Mike Crispi Unafraid” Joins Salem Podcast Network

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