Industry News

Audacy to Launch New Sports Talk Outlet in Kansas City

Audacy will flip alternative rock KRBZ-FM, Kansas City to sports talk as “96.5 The Fan” and is changing the call letters to KFNZ-FM. Audacy says, “The market-leading sports talent, commentary, analysis and play-by-play coverage previously heard on ‘610 Sports Radio’ (KCSP-AM) will now be heard on 96.5 The Fan – marking Kansas City’s first full-time FM Sports station. This FM sports destination will be the new flagshipim radio station of the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and broadcast all pre-, regular and post-season games. Chiefs games will be simulcast on 106.5 The Wolf “WDAF-FM” for the 2024 season.” The station will also serve as the play-by-play home of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas State University and University of Missouri men’s basketball and football. The station’s weekday programming and play-by-play content will also be heard on KFNZ-AM “The Fan AM 610,” formerly known as KCSP-AM. Audacy Kansas City SVP and market manager Roxanne Marati comments, “Kansas City has the most passionate sports fans in the country, and they deserve a one-stop destination for premium sports content year-round. This is an exciting time for KC sports, and our exclusive partnership with the World Champion Chiefs, local content and engaging personalities with unrivaled sports knowledge will fuel fandom, bring listeners closer to the action and keep them connected to their favorite teams.”

Industry News

Reggie Adetula Joins KILT-AM, Houston in Middays

Audacy names Reginald “Reggie” Adetula midday co-host of the “In The Loop” midday show alongside coim-host John Lopez and producer Edward “Figgy Fig” Gilliard on KILT-AM “SportsRadio 610,” beginning August 19. KILT brand manager Parker Hillis comments, “We’re thrilled to have Reggie join ‘In The Loop’ as the newest host. He’s a natural talent whose on-air enthusiasm and innate ability to connect with an audience will make him the perfect fit here in Houston.” Adetula is a native Houstonian who returns home after nine years as the evening host and producer on Audacy’s KRLD-FM, Dallas “105.3 The Fan.”

Industry News

Beasley Celebrates 15th Anniversary of “98.5 The Sports” Hub in Boston

Beasley Media Group is celebrating the 15th anniversary of sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub,” next week.  The station launched on August 13, 2009 with replays of the New England Patriots 2001,im 2003 and 2004 Super Bowl winning radio broadcasts, followed by the inaugural “Felger & Mazz” show. Throughout its 15-year history, the station has received numerous industry accolades, including the National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award for “Sports Station of the Year” in 2011, 2014, 2019 and 2023. Station program director Rick Radzik says, “For me, being with the station since day one, I have always felt proud and privileged to be a part of the ‘Sports Hub’ team these past 15 years. We look forward to celebrating the milestone all next week on air and online with many stories and recollections from our on-air talent.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of August 5 – 9

The presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the global financial markets activity, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis and the U.K. anti-immigrant riots at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: The Myth About Wall Street

By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Action Partners
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
Daily host, WPHT Philadelphia
Weekly host, Talk Media Network

imWall Street investors do not put up money for traditional radio and television stations.

That myth has been a burden within our culture for about 10 years and it just is not true. From a 1980s fast-buck perspective, traditional media does not offer the no-effort returns it once did. But major investors continue to seek opportunities from radio and TV acquisitions. Notably, today the money is much “smarter” than that found in the 1980s.

(Side note, the 1980s rush to radio put the business in the hellish financing we live with today. The new money won’t do that.)

Marc Rowan is the CEO of Apollo Advisors which bought Cox TV and radio. Apollo was first money in Sirius radio. Their escrow check closed the deal for Howard Stern and changed the radio industry. Marc explained to me that Apollo is not an investor, they are “owners.” Apollo has a long game plan as savvy operators with decent, moral standards. Marc actually likes, consumes and celebrates media. Apollo is not a chop shop. They build businesses.

George Soros is about to close on Audacy. Mr. Soros is a brilliant business builder. Like Apollo, he is an owner/operator. Soros represents smart money going into the proven medium of radio.

John Malone, builder of the cable industry, saved Sirius within days of bankruptcy. The company was about to miss payroll, Malone pulled it out the fire and through Liberty holdings he continues to control 83% of SiriusXM. Over the years he has grown, not diminished Liberty’s stake in the satellite company.

Rowan, Soros, and Malone have one thing in common: They are not jokers. They each have robust histories of sober, sane investments which has made them billionaires. While you and I shop the price of milk, the new owners of proven media are model guides for future Wall Streeters.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com

Industry News

Compass Media Networks Announces New Associates

Compass Media Networks brings three new staffers aboard, including news pro Chad Robison, who is named a news anchor for “Your Money Now.” In this role, Robison will anchor the “Your Money Now” twiceim-hourly money news reports Monday through Friday in middays and PM drive. Robison most recently served as evening news anchor at Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton New Jersey 101.5.” Compass Media Networks also names Joe Mackay director of audio sales. The 25-year radio sales pro, based in Chicago, will manage advertising sales relationships throughout the West Coast and Midwest. Also joining the company as manager of sales planning is Laura Schaeffer. The 10-year radio industry pro will help manage customer relationships and assist sales executives and management with sales proposals and inventory management. She is based in New York.

Industry News

Round Three of July PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey is released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The survey period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM adds half a share to finish with a 5.5 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) lifting it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX jumps four-tenths to a 2.2 share good for the #17 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI rises 1.1 shares for a 4.2 share finish and the #11 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA dips two-tenths to a 1.2 share but rises one spot to the #21 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM tacks on one-tenth to finish with a 6.2 share but slides back on spot to the #3 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM rises a full share for a 4.1 share finish and climbs one spot to the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

FOX News Channel’s “Gutfeld!” – hosted by Greg Gutfeld – will broadcast live at 11:00 pm ET each night following the network’s coverage of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. From August 19 through 22, the program (which is usually taped earlier in the day) will be joined live by a studio audience in New York City for the first time ever.

Audacy’s sports talk WEEI-AM/FM, Boston and the New England Patriots announce a multi-year extension to their broadcast partnership that includes the continuation of exclusive “Patriots Monday” and “Patriots Friday” programming, featuring head coach Jerod Mayo and Patriots players. This year marks the 30th season of the partnership between WEEI and the Patriots, which began in 1995.

The latest episode of Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes’ podcast “Chachi Loves Everybody” features a conversation with National Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.

Industry News

Beasley Media Group Announces New Regional Vice President Roles

Beasley Media Group announces new RVP roles for managers overseeing multiple markets across the country. The company says that under the new leadership structure, cluster and market managers will report directly to the regional vice president responsible for overseeing their market. Ron deCastro will beim responsible for overseeing the Fort Myers and Tampa, Florida markets. In addition to serving as Ft. Myers market manager, AJ Lurie will now oversee sales across the state. Mac Edwards will oversee the Charlotte and Fayetteville markets. Kent Dunn will continue to lead the Augusta market. Mary Menna will lead the company’s Boston, Philadelphia, and New Jersey markets. Kevin Rich, who currently serves as Beasley Media Group vice president of operations, will now also be responsible for overseeing the company’s Las Vegas and Detroit-based operations. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “These changes reflect the company’s continuous commitment to streamline our sales efforts and drive revenue in an efficient manner across multiple platforms throughout the company.”

Industry News

Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation Hosts 9th Annual Event & Dinner

The Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation and the Churchill Society of Pennsylvania are presenting theim Foundation’s 9th Annual Event & Dinner at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre on September 20 in the Keystone Grand Ballroom. The theme of the event is “The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution” and will feature keynote speaker Jack Warren, author of Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution (Lyons Press, 2023). Each year the Foundation presents its Atlas Award for Citizenship and this year’s honoree is Northeastern Pennsylvania businessman Christopher Hackett. Find out more about the event and how to attend at: info@BoldGold.org.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Red Apple Audio Networks is now syndicating of WABC, New York political reporter and program host Dominic Carter. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis states, “Dominic’s two shows are the most recent top-quality programming options that we’re offering radio stations through the Red Apple Audio Networks. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist, which gives a sharp perspective to his analysis and commentary. Dominic is one common sense individual.”

FOX News Media promotes Trey Yingst to chief foreign correspondent. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott states, “During major breaking news in every corner of the world, Trey has been the eyes and ears on the ground for our viewers since 2018. Trey’s indefatigable work ethic and dedication in multiple war zones has made him an incredible asset to FOX News and we are extremely proud of his first-class journalism.”

Industry News

16th Annual Hurley Charity Dinner Set for AC October 4

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The 16th annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Dinner and Silent Auction is set for Friday, October 4, 2024, at Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City. Held in the venue’s iconic Ocean Ballroom, the high-profile civic event is a major fund-raising function of one of New Jersey’s most important and enduring charitable initiatives and one of the leading radio industry-powered philanthropic endeavors in America. The non-profit Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation was launched 18 years ago by legendary morning talk show host Harry Hurley of Townsquare Media-owned WPG, Atlantic City and has since raised more than $1.5 million resulting in hundreds of grants donated to worthy organizations and causes throughout the Garden State and beyond. The charity also sponsors an annual Hurley in the Morning Golf Open. TALKERS founder and noted radio pioneer Michael Harrison has been selected to serve as the dinner’s 2024 guest of honor and keynote speaker. Organizers of this year’s gathering are looking forward to raising $100,000 with more than 250 attendees from government, civics, business and the local communities expected to attend what is traditionally a sold-out event. For information on purchasing tables and individual tickets, email HarryHurley@aol.com.

Industry News

Hubbard Radio Names John Goforth VP/GM of Podcasts

Hubbard Radio appoints John Goforth vice president/general manager of podcasts. Goforth most recently served as chief revenue officer for Magellan AI, where he led sales strategy and business development. His industry experience includes leadership roles at HowStuffWorks, iHeartPodcasts, Midroll Media, and CBSim Radio. The company says that in his new role, Goforth will collaborate closely with local Hubbard Radio markets to enhance sales strategies for existing podcasts. And as part of the Hubbard Radio corporate team, he will create new podcast initiatives and strategic partnerships, to build an even more robust podcast network. Hubbard EVP and chief financial officer Dave Bestler says, “We fully understand and embrace the evolution in our business from radio to audio. We are creating must-hear content in all eight of our Hubbard Radio markets, and listeners are increasingly accessing our content on-demand. John will help expand our podcast offerings, while growing revenue with the podcasts we already have.” Goforth comments, “I couldn’t be more excited to join the amazing team at Hubbard and help grow their already impressive portfolio. It’s thrilling to be at the intersection of local and national in the podcast space. As we’ve seen in other channels, cracking the code on local is the key to explosive growth.”

Industry News

Larry Elder Returns to Salem Media Group

Salem Media Group announces that Larry Elder is rejoining the Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel and Salem Podcast Network. Elder will return to hosting the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET program that he anchored before exiting the company in April of 2022. He bumps Brandon Tatum from his position as theim 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm host. Tatum filled in for Elder during his run for governor of California in 2021 and subsequently assumed the role full time. Elder joined the 2024 Republican presidential primary race but dropped out last fall and threw his support behind Donald Trump. Since then, he’s been hosting his podcast, “Larry Elder – We’ve Got a Country to Save.” He’ll continue the podcast with Salem handling sales and marketing for the it. Salem SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce says, “Larry is one of a rare breed who actually grew in popularity and influence AFTER he departed the radio. Now we get to hear his sage words of wisdom daily on radio stations across the country, on Salem News Channel, and the Salem Podcast Network.”

Industry News

KRLD, Dallas Adds FOX News Radio’s Will Cain

Audacy’s KRLD-AM, Dallas adds FOX News Radio’s “The Will Cain Show” to its program lineup, airing fromim 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. KRLD brand manager Drew Anderssen says, “Will’s unique perspective on today’s top headlines will be a welcomed addition to our revamped lineup on KRLD. We’re excited to expand his reach and introduce his wildly popular program to KRLD listeners in Dallas and nationwide via the Audacy app.”

Industry News

GKB’s “101.7 The Truth” Presents Family Fest

Good Karma Brands’ urban talk WGKB-AM/W269DL, Milwaukee “101.7 The Truth” is presenting the second “Truth Family Fest,” August 17 at Riverside University High School. The 10:00 am to 2:00 pm event will allowim fans to engage with “Truth” hosts, enjoy delicious food, take in local entertainment. “Truth” hosts Tory Lowe and Melanie Ricks will broadcast live from 11 am to 1:00 pm. Station general manager Cherie Harris says, “We are thrilled to bring back Truth Family Fest for the second year in a row! This event is a celebration of family, community, and partnership. Truth Family Fest will provide valuable resources on healthcare, recreation, and back-to-school support, all aimed at making the transition to the upcoming school year smoother.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartPodcasts joins forces with Thoroughbred Studios to develop a new podcast slate that will delve into some of the biggest stories on what really happened in this American century. As part of the deal, the companies will co-produce a minimum of four podcasts over the next two years. The first show will debut early 2025 and will recount the often-overlooked gritty realities of the renowned astronauts that made it to the moon.

National multimedia sports platform OutKick announces that “The Ricky Cobb Show” will debut on August 12, airing live for 90-minutes beginning at 11:00 am ET. OutKick SVP and managing editor Gary Schreier says, “We’re excited to introduce Ricky Cobb to the OutKick audience as he steps out from behind @Super70sSports and unleashes his engaging personality as a true original.”

Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc will report its 2024 second quarter financial results before the market opens on August 12. The company will host a conference call and webcast at 11:00 am ET that morning to review the results.

Industry News

KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City Debuts New Afternoon Drive Program

Bonneville’s Salt Lake City news/talk KNRS-AM/FM “Talk Radio 105.9 KNRS” transitions the afternoon drive program to “The Rod and Greg Show,” starring incumbent talk host Rod Arquette and Greg Hughes, effective today (8/5). The station says, “On August 5th, a new era of talk radio begins in Utah as Arquette’s Wingman Wednesday co-host, ‘Citizen’ Greg Hughes, joins him for the inaugural flight of the ‘Rod and Greg Show.’” Hughes is a former Utah state lawmaker, Speaker of the Utah House and one time candidate forim governor who’s been a frequent contributor, guest host, and weekly co-host on the Rod Arquette show since 2018. Arquette says, “Greg has been a passionate contributor of political commentary in Utah on TV and radio dating back to 2012. His extensive experience and background in public service and public policy allows him to pull back the curtain on what’s really happening in Utah and national politics. Our goal is to bring common sense and fair mindedness to the issues that are impacting Utah families in an entertaining and informative way.” Hughes states, “I am beyond grateful and excited to join 105.9 KNRS and the iHeartRadio family. I am especially excited, to partner with Rod every day to inform and entertain the greatest listening audience in Utah. We are living in uncertain, but historic times. There is a real need for thought leaders today who can reach out and dialogue with public servants, business, and community leaders but most importantly, with everyday Utahns. ‘The Rod and Greg Show’ will be the place where that happens… and then some. I’m ready to go!”

Industry News

Beasley Names Snyder Head of Digital Content Marketing

Beasley Media Group names David Snyder head of digital content marketing. For the past 14 years, Snyder has been CEO at content marketing platform Copy Press that served clients including Uber, AirBnB, Indeed,im and Macy’s. In this newly created corporate position, Snyder will be responsible for overseeing digital marketing and building revenue opportunities on behalf of the company with an emphasis on newsletters, SEO, websites and affiliate marketing as well as leading the developers working across the organization. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “We could not be more thrilled to welcome Dave into the Beasley family. His marketing expertise is exactly what we need as we continue to build new revenue streams on behalf of the company.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Don’t Say Goodbye

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

If you’re hosting a weekend ask-the-expert show to attract new clients and customers, DON’T say goodbye at the end of your show.

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Instead, tell ‘em: “THAT’S IT FOR TODAY’S RADIO SHOW. IF YOU MISSED ANY OF IT, YOU CAN LISTEN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE OR DOWNLOAD IT FROM [describe how to find on-demand page on station web site; and/or “ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM”]. AND WE’RE ALWAYS AVAILABLE AT [your business’ web site address]. AND WE’LL TAKE YOUR CALL ANYTIME, AT OUR [store, office, etc.], [phone number, nice-and-slow]. OR EMAIL ME AT [address, something memorable, i.e., AskAndy@yourURL.com].

And ICYMI, there’s more guidance from a previous TALKERS issue here.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Newsmax to Present Webinar on Planned Public Offering

Newsmax Inc. announces it is hosting an online Special Investor Webinar conversation with CEO Christopher Ruddy tomorrow at 12:00 noon ET. The company is currently holding a private placement offering ahead of its planned Public Offering and expected Listing and “this online event will provide accredited investors with insight into the Company’s vision, strategy and growth prospects.” (Accreditedim investors are defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Rule 501(a) as individuals with a net worth greater than $1 million – excluding their primary residence – or incomes in excess of $200,000 in the last two years with the expectation of the same in the current year – or $300,000 with a spouse.) Last month, Newsmax announced that it would seek to become a public company later in 2024 or in early 2025 with a listing on the NYSE or Nasdaq. In preparation for this contemplated public offering, Newsmax has launched a private placement offering seeking to raise up to $225 million. Ruddy states, “We are excited to connect with the tens of thousands of investors nationwide who have already shown interest in investing in Newsmax. There is much to be enthusiastic about Newsmax, including significant growth in our audience, a surge in interest in conservative media and our expanding portfolio of platforms and distribution. Now more than ever — especially in this election year of 2024 — America needs Newsmax. We look forward to sharing more details with everyone who tunes in to the webinar.” Find information about the webinar here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, announces the appointment of media industry executive Steve Cohen as the network’s EVP, talent and programming. Cohen served for 20 years as the SVP of sports programming at SiriusXM. This comes on the heels of Musberger Media recently buying back VSiN from Draft Kings.

Both Townsquare Media and iHeartMedia will release 2024 second quarter operating results this week. Townsquare will do so on Wednesday (8/7) and iHeartMedia will so the same on Thursday (8/8).

Industry News

Mike Missanelli Back on “97.5 The Fanatic”

Philadelphia sports media pro Mike Missanelli is returning to Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 Theim Fanatic” to host the midday show, effective August 12. “97.5 The Fanatic” program director Scott Masteller says, “I am excited to welcome Mike back to the Fanatic. I know that both previous and new listeners will be anxious to hear his insight and perspective on Philadelphia Sports.” The company also announces that Bill Colarulo, a recent addition to the station, will join Mike Missanelli as part of the show’s new on-air lineup.

Industry Views

The Fine Line Between Serious Investigative Journalism and Flimsy Conspiracy Theory Mongering

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Historian, author, and investigative journalist Mark Shaw joins TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison in a revealing discussion about the preponderance of conspiracy theories and flimsy sourcing currently flooding the nation’s talk and print media under the guise of researched reporting. Shaw, the author of dozens of critically acclaimed books including the 2016 best seller, The Reporter Who Knew Too Much, is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel video series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison” (see it here) as well as the award winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview” (listen here). Harrison and Shaw examine the important role responsible journalism and critical thinking play in maintaining a healthy, functioning democracy. Have we entered a “post-truth” era? Harrison says, “There’s a growing tendency in the rapidly unfolding digital age for the media, the politicians, and the intellectually dishonest from all strata of society to seek victory at the expense of truth.” Don’t miss this provocative thought-starter!

Job Opportunity

Saga Seeks Weather Director/News Reporter in Spencer, Iowa

Saga Communications’ Spencer Radio Group is seeking a full-time weather director and news reporter for the cluster including news/talk KICD-AM/W237DD and music brands “BIG Country 107.7,” “MORE 104.9,” and “PURE Oldies 98.3/98.5.” The company says, “We’re looking for someone with the ability, talent andim passion to continue SRG’s long tradition into the future. The person for this position will need to live in Spencer, Iowa (or surrounding area). We need someone who understands small-market, local radio and is willing to be involved in the community. Knowledge of radio automation software, adobe audition, word press, and general computer experience is preferred.  We value creativity and the desire to win!  Duties for this position include (but not limited to): 1) Gathering, writing and reading local news stories; 2) Covering some meetings/events; 3) Conducting on-air interviews; 4) Anchoring LIVE, local, severe weather coverage; 5) Compiling/recording local weather data for National Weather Service; 6) Read LIVE market updates on air; 7) Posting local content on our websites/social media platforms. Send your resume and demo to operations manager Kevin Tlam at ktlam@spencerradiogroup.com. No phone calls. No voice-track inquiries. EOE.

Industry News

Bob Cooney Exits “97.5 The Fanatic”

Bob Cooney exits Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” where he’d been hosting the midday show. Crossing Broad’s Kevin Kinkead reports that market sports talk proim Mike Missanelli is a possible replacement. He writes, “Jonny Marks reported last week that the Mike/Fanatic reunion looks to be in place ahead of football season. My understanding is that 97.5 is also high on Bill Colarulo and Amy Fadool as new pieces. Colarulo hosts weekends and has filled in on P.M. drive while Fadool had been co-hosting alongside Cooney.” For his part, Cooney posted the following to Facebook: “Wanted to say thanks to all who listened over the years during my time at The Fanatic. Loved the conversations and getting to know a lot of you. They told me today they are moving in a different direction.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia to Launch Raleigh Sports Talker

iHeartMedia announces that it will launch a new sports talk station on Monday (8/5) in the Raleigh market onim the HD2 channel of talk WTKK-FM. It will be branded “FOX Sports 106.1 FM HD2” and feature the full lineup of the FOX Sports Radio network. iHeartMedia Multi-Platform Group – Raleigh president Michael Burger says, “Raleigh/Durham has long been a market that has celebrated the best in athletics. Partnering with FOX Sports Radio is an incredible opportunity to share the news and stories that shape the sports world daily. This partnership will also bring unique sponsorships and marketing engagement for existing and new clients. We are incredibly excited to add FOX Sports Radio to our already strong lineup.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Hunt for Humility

By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Action Partners
A.K.A Walter M Sterling
Nightly host, WPHT, Philadelphia
Weekend host, Talk Media Network

imHumility means to be teachable. It’s the most important trait of great leaders and managers. For years I looked forward to focus groups to reveal the top-of-mind awareness of media among listeners. These groups always reminded us of a listener’s life priorities which never included radio listening! They taught us the correct secular language to use in promos and slogans, and what they remembered versus what we wanted them to remember.

Today’s hack for focus groups is Google Search Trends. When starting “Sterling on Sunday” 10 years ago, I was kidded by some lame program directors about the inclusion of John Weatherbe weather forecasts in a national show. Since John passed away, the weather is provided by meteorologist Dr. Dave Eiser. Dr. Dave has had a solid career on TV in Chicago and Phoenix. He gives national forecasts with a curious emphasis on cities where we have large affiliates!

Dr. Dave provides a real service on Sunday nights when not one AM station (other than all-news stations) deliver the most important information: Weather.

Google Trends is a humility machine. It shows real-time facts about what a potential listener cares so much about that they enter it in a Google search – right now! What are you talking about today? How does it compare with weather? Here are results from moments ago:

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The results can be filtered for specific cities, time periods, categories of interest. Try it. Seek humility!

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

WJR, Detroit Launches “School Talks” Weekend Program

Cumulus Media’s Detroit news/talk outlet WJR AM 760 will debut a new weekend program on Sunday, August 25 at 3:00 pm titled, “School Talks,” hosted by longtime respected educator Dr. Robert Livernois.im The station says, “After a distinguished 36-year career in public education that included serving as a classroom teacher, school principal, and most recently, Superintendent of Warren Consolidated Schools, Dr. Livernois brings to WJR AM 760 and its listeners a wealth of experience and perspective on teaching and learning, technology, social-emotional learning, school safety, social media, and many other areas of interest to both parents and educators alike.” Dr. Livernois continues to serve as an adjunct faculty member of the College of Education at Wayne State University. WJR program director Ann Thomas comments, “Education is the key to a great future for our children and WJR is proud to partner with Michigan’s top educators to help them tell their stories about the great work they do in our communities.”

Industry News

Edison Research: Digital Continues Eating into AM/FM Listening

Edison Research – celebrating 10 years of its Share of Ear audio survey – is making a topline finding from its subscriber-only dataset available to the public. The company says the data indicates some substantial shifts in the amount of time U.S. listeners age 13+ spend with various types of audio in an average day. “Ten years ago, the average American age 13+ spent just over half of their total daily audio time with AM/FM radio,im including radio over-the-air and radio streams. The next highest portion, 18%, was spent with owned music such as CDs and downloaded audio files, and 11% of their daily audio time went to streaming. Today, we see the increase in listening from linear sources to more on-demand audio sources such as YouTube for music or music videos (not the YouTube Music streaming service), and podcasts. Americans age 13+ now spend an average of 18% of their audio day listening to streaming music from sources such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, and Spotify, 14% listening to YouTube for music, and 10% listening to podcasts. AM/FM radio still takes the largest portion of the audio day on a 13+ basis with 36%, driven heavily by in-car listening.” Edison director of research Laura Ivey adds, “A decade ago Share of Ear was created to answer the question, ‘What do Americans listen to?’ Today we can understand the listening patterns of Americans and see how audio sources have emerged to vie for our daily listening time. There are surely audio developments that we can’t even imagine that will impact our daily audio time over the next 10 years.” See more about Share of Ear here.

Industry News

WWJ, Detroit Announces News Staff Additions

Audacy’s all-news WWJ, Detroit brings Tim Pamplin aboard as a news reporter and promotes Darrylinim Horne to a full-time reporter position. Pamplin has spent the past 30-plus years with WDIV-TV as a photojournalist and reporter. Horne has been a part-time producer and imreporter at WWJ since 2021. Previously, she was a weekday reporter and weekend fill-in producer at WLNS-TV. Audacy Detroit market manager Debbie Kenyon states, “We couldn’t be more excited for Tim to join our news team. We plan to leverage his renowned breaking news reports to provide our listeners with quality coverage of each day’s top stories. We’re also looking forward to supporting Darrylin in this new role as she applies her skillful storytelling in everything from feature stories to contributions on our digital platforms.”

Industry News

Beasley’s “97.5 The Fanatic” Extends Ricky Bottalico

Beasley Media Group and air personality Ricky Bottalico agree to a multiyear contract extension in which he’ll continue serving as co-host of “The Best Show Ever with Tyrone Johnson.” Bottalico – a former MLBim relief pitcher – joined the afternoon drive show in August of 2022. Beasley Philadelphia cluster manager Paul Blake comments, “Ricky was a fierce competitor on the mound during his 12-year career in Major League Baseball. His grit, toughness, and strong work ethic make him an ideal co-host for our afternoon show on ‘The Fanatic.’ We’re thrilled to announce his renewal.” Bottalico says, “I am happy to be back with Tyrone and ‘The Best Show Ever.’ I will continue to work hard to bring my best every day. As a group, we are striving to be better every chance we get!”