TALKERS Top News/Talk Stories and People of 2023
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Industry News
Top News/Talk Media Stories for December 18-22
The Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling keeping former President Donald Trump off that state’s primary ballot was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was 2024 presidential race, followed by President Joe Biden’s low approval ratings 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 magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
Industry News
Broadcasters Encouraged to Participate in United Nations World Radio Day 2024 on February 13
American radio broadcasters are invited and encouraged by UNESCO to participate in the forthcoming celebration of the UN “World Radio Day (WRD) 2024” which, among a number of facets, provides the industry with the opportunity to create connections with colleagues around the globe to generate international interviews and co-productions. TALKERS readers can register their shows, stations and networks as being available for these connections and discover potential partners in the process by clicking here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/2024/register?hub=66636 WRD 2024 will take place on February 13.
According to TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, who is serving as this year’s executive advisor to UNESCO for World Radio Day 2024, “The time to get your platform listed on the international map of shows, stations and networks is now, while it is relatively early. American radio professionals, as well as campus station staffers, can schedule interviews/conversations – either live or prerecorded – with their broadcast colleagues worldwide to compare and contrast the history and role of radio in their respective countries on or leading up to February 13. These shows can be simulcast on both stations or simply be one personality interviewing another. Simply register as being open to joint initiatives for the 2024 celebration, and fill out the form that will pop up if you, your station or network would be interested in partnering with others in this exciting process. Check regularly to see fellow broadcasters or partners who will keep registering between now and February 13.”
In an era marked by the dizzying speed of technological innovation and the rapid obsolescence of one shiny new platform after another, radio is beginning its second century of service as one of the most dependable and widely utilized forms of media in the world. The theme of 2024’s installment of WRD is Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining and Educating. Harrison says, “Radio, as a technology, science, means of communications and system of programming audio elements, has roots all the way back to the 1800s… so it can be safely said that the medium is already well into its second hundred years of existence with its footprint spanning three centuries. WRD 2024 shines a broad floodlight on radio’s remarkable past, relevant present and promise of a dynamic future.”
Harrison continues, “The opportunity provided by the 100-year-plus milestone of radio begs to be trumpeted at full volume. The century is an occasion to proudly celebrate the medium’s extensive virtues and ongoing potency. It comes at an opportune time, as radio – though statistically popular and enormously trusted by the public – faces increased challenges to audience and revenue numbers from digital platforms, pervasive social media, generational divides, the headwinds of censorship and, for some media, stifling consolidation-induced debt as well as economic hardships exacerbated by a soft advertising market. UNESCO is inviting the worldwide radio industry in all its many forms – commercial, public, non-profit – to join in this global celebration of the medium at this special and pivotal juncture in its century-spanning journey.”
WRD 2024 60-second vignettes
In addition, broadcasters are invited to tap into preproduced “World Radio Day Minutes” – a series of 20 one-minute vignettes about radio’s past, present and future being made available license-free. Platforms can run these commercial free as a promotion for radio or attach them for sponsorships by local advertisers. The produced versions in English feature the voices of Michael Harrison and noted commentator Victoria Jones (of DC Radio Company). Unvoiced scripts are available for broadcasters who choose to produce their own versions of these vignettes. To hear and download these 20 one-minute produced programs and scripts please click here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/audios2024
13 ideas to celebrate WRD 2024
Radio broadcasters are also being provided with 13 useful ideas to help them promote WRD 2024 that include ways to create sponsorship and promotional partnerships with their local communities. These can be accessed by clicking here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/13ideas
For more information regarding World Radio Day 2024 please click here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio
Industry News
SiriusXM’s Joe Madison on Leave to Battle Cancer
Talk show host Joe Madison is on leave from his daily, morning drive show heard on SiriusXM’s Urban View to focus on his health. Madison says in a statement, “As many listeners are aware, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. I’ve spoken candidly about my diagnosis to encourage more men to prioritize their health and talk with their healthcare providers about testing and treatments. As
Dick Gregory once told me, ‘Don’t let fear get in the way.’ Thanks to early detection and proton treatment, my cancer went into remission for a long time. Unfortunately, earlier this year the cancer resurfaced. With the unwavering support of my wife Sherry, my family, and the incredible team at SiriusXM, I was able to continue our daily broadcasts. However, upon preparing to return from the Thanksgiving hiatus my health took an adverse turn, making it challenging to host a four-hour live show every day. Currently, I am taking time to focus on my well-being. During this time, SiriusXM will continue to air ‘Madison Classics’ at our regularly scheduled time. I am sincerely grateful for your outpouring of well wishes and support. Sherry and I are spending the holidays with our children and grandchildren. We ask for privacy during this period and extend our warmest wishes to you all for a blessed holiday season.”
Industry News
Beasley Expands FOX Sports in New Jersey
Beasley Media Group launches “FOX Sports Radio Jersey Shore” on 100.5 FM in addition to WJRZ-
HD3 at 100.1 FM and WRAT-HD3 at 95.9 FM in the Monmouth-Ocean New Jersey market. Beasley Media Group News Jersey SVP and regional market manager Daniel A. Finn comments, “We currently broadcast FOX Sports Radio in Middlesex-Somerset-Union on 93.5 FM/1450 AM (WCTC) and expanding the brand down the Jersey Shore is very exciting.”
Industry News
Triton Digital Releases November Podcast Ranker
The most significant movement at the top of Triton Digital’s U.S. Podcast Ranker for November 2023 (10/30-12/3) is the temporary absence of NPR programs due to a planned data collection migration. As a
result, NBCUniversal News Group’s “Dateline NBC” is ranked #1, audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” remains at #2, Wondery’s “Morbid” is #3, and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” is steady at #4. Other talk radio-related programs of note include Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” steady at #12 and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Mark Levin Show” down three spots from the October ranker at #16. Triton Digital’s ranker is based on average weekly downloads and ranks participating networks.
Industry News
TALKERS News Notes
PodcastOne acquires the exclusive distribution and sales rights to the award-winning podcast, “Was I In A Cult?” from hosts Liz Iacuzzi and Tyler Measom. PodcastOne co-founder and president Kit Gray says, “The cultural impact that this podcast had and the watercooler talk left a lasting impression in the world of podcasting, and we cannot wait to bring new episodes to listeners and to advertisers in 2024.”
Cumulus Media announces that the podcasts from real estate investment focused BiggerPockets join the Cumulus Podcast Network. BiggerPockets says it helps those interested in finding financial freedom through real estate investing by providing useful tools, education, and support with their network of six podcasts that garner more than four million downloads each month.
Industry News
Yesterday’s (12/20) Top News/Talk Media Stories
The Colorado Supreme Court rules former President Donald Trump is ineligible to serve as president; the 2024 presidential race and President Joe Biden’s low polling numbers; Trump’s and Rudy Giuliani’s legal battles; Trump’s rhetoric on illegal immigration and the negotiations in Congress for immigration reform and aid to Ukraine and Israel; Americans’ concerns about the economy & the Dow’s big selloff; international pressure on Israel to slow its Gaza operations; abortion legal battles; and the ongoing shortage of medications in the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Industry News
Lisa Polizzi Named WBEN-AM, Buffalo Brand Manager
Audacy names Lisa Polizzi brand manager for news/talk WBEN-AM, Buffalo. In this role, Polizzi will oversee the station’s content strategy, talent, operations, and branding. She was a longtime news
director at WIVB-TV, Buffalo and served as a weekend anchor at WBEN-AM in 2002 and at sister WGR-AM in 1999. Audacy Buffalo SVP and market manager Tim Wenger states, “Lisa’s extraordinary background in leading award-winning content generation in local television news will be invaluable for WBEN as it continues to evolve as the radio station that’s always there when the community needs it the most. I look forward to Lisa taking an already stellar brand to new heights.”
Industry News
CBS Sports Radio Announces 2024 Lineup
Audacy unveils the new weekday lineup for the CBS Sports Radio network that takes effect January 2, 2024. CBS Sports personality Zach Gelb moves to the afternoon drive daypart (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm), and JR Sportbrief transitions from late nights to the 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm show. At the same time, CBS elevates
Bart Winkler to late-night host (10:00 pm to 2:00 am). “Maggie & Perloff” with Maggie Gray and Andrew Perloff continue in morning drive and Amy Lawrence remains in overnights. Audacy sports format VP and CBS Sports Radio brand manager Spike Eskin comments, “This new lineup reinforces the network’s commitment to delivering around-the-clock sports coverage, connecting fans nationwide with expert analysis, compelling interviews, and premier sports commentary. We look forward to kicking off the new year with this improved weekday programming slate.”
Industry News
New York AG Sues SiriusXM for “Burdensome Cancellation Process”
New York Attorney General Letitia James announces her office is filing a suit against SiriusXM for “trapping consumers in subscriptions and maintaining deliberately long and burdensome cancellation processes.” A press release states, “The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that SiriusXM forces its subscribers to call or chat online with an agent to cancel a subscription, then deliberately draws out those interactions as part of its strategy to prevent subscribers from canceling. The OAG also found
that the company trains its agents to not take ‘no’ for an answer when customers try to cancel, making it extremely difficult and frustrating for consumers to end their subscriptions. Through this lawsuit, Attorney General James seeks restitution, penalties, and disgorgement from SiriusXM for violating New York’s business laws.” James adds, “Having to endure a lengthy and frustrating process to cancel a subscription is a stressful burden no one looks forward to, and when companies make it hard to cancel subscriptions, it’s illegal. Consumers should be able to cancel a subscription they no longer use or need without any issues, and companies have a legal duty to make their cancellation process easy. New Yorkers can trust that when companies like SiriusXM try to take advantage of them and violate the law, my office will step in to stop them.”
Industry News
Remembering Jim Ladd
As TALKERS magazine reported yesterday, rock radio personality Jim Ladd died over the weekend at age 75 after suffering a heart attack. In remembering Ladd and his contributions to the radio industry, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a profile piece on Ladd that he wrote years ago while serving as special features editor for Inside Radio. Read the entire piece here.
Industry News
TALKERS News Notes
Florence, Alabama news/talk/sports WBCF-AM notifies the FCC that it will cease broadcast operations effective December 31, 2023 and will go silent. The station, owned by Benji Carle, simulcasts on translator W246BS at 97.1 FM, also licensed to Florence.
Radio programmer Michael Czarnecki leaves his position with Binnie Media as vice president of programming for that company’s Maine radio stations and “The Pulse of New Hampshire” network of talk stations to join Saga Communications as PD for WMLL, Manchester, New Hampshire “96.5 Live Free Country.”
The OutKick digital sports media platform says it saw strong growth month over month in November 2023 with over 6.4 million total multiplatform unique visitors (up 6% versus the prior month), 24 million total multiplatform views, (up 2% versus the prior month), and 23 million total multiplatform minutes (up 1% flat versus the prior month), according to data from Comscore. On Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, OutKick saw over 1.3 million total social actions in November 2023, up 48% versus the prior month and up 93% versus November 2022.
Josh Krulewitz is named ESPN SVP, communications and assumes leadership of ESPN’s communications department effective December 31. Krulewitz takes over for Chris LaPlaca who is retiring at the end of the year after more than 43 years at ESPN.
VSiN adds two new affiliate stations to its roster as WKCT-AM and WDNS-AM in Bowling Green, Kentucky and WTKG-AM, Grand Rapids, Michigan are now airing content from the network.
Industry News
Yesterday’s (12/19) Top News/Talk Media Stories
The Colorado Supreme Court rules former President Donald Trump is ineligible to serve as president; the 2024 presidential race and President Joe Biden’s low polling numbers; Trump’s rhetoric on illegal immigration and the negotiations in the Senate to address immigration and national security along with aid for Ukraine and Israel; the pressure on Israel to temper its Gaza operations; the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea; abortion legal battles; the report card on the 118th Congress as the “most unproductive” in recent history; and the proposed sale of US Steel to a Japanese firm were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Industry News
Legendary Radio Personality Jim Ladd Dies at 75
Rock radio personality Jim Ladd died on Saturday (12/16) at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. Ladd, who was a prominent figure in rock radio in the 1970s and 1980s hosting shows at KLOS-FM and KMET-FM in Los Angeles, had been hosting a regular show on SiriusXM’s Deep Tracks channel for the past 11 years. Ladd was a pioneer in talk on FM with his nationally syndicated “Innerview” program consisting of hour-long conversations with rock artists about their music and more. Read his LA Times obituary here.
Industry News
FOX News Digital Leads November in Multiplatform Views and Minutes
FOX News Digital reports that it finishes November continuing its streak as the top news brand in multiplatform views and minutes, according to data from Comscore. FOX News Digital closes out
November reaching 2.9 billion total multiplatform minutes, compared to CNN.com’s 1.9 billion and NYTimes.com’s 1.5 billion. FOX News Digital achieved 1.7 billion total multiplatform views, compared to NYTimes.com’s 1.4 billion and CNN.com’s 1.3 billion. Looking at multiplatform unique visitors, CNN.com was #1 with 116.3 million, compared to FOX News Digital’s 88.6 million and NYTimes.com’s 70.5 million.
Industry News
Yesterday’s (12/18) Top News/Talk Media Stories
The pressure on Israel to temper its attacks in Gaza; the 2024 presidential race; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows loses bid to move Georgia case to federal court; the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea; the U.S. migrant crisis and the negotiations over immigration legislation in exchange for Ukraine aid; Georgia election workers sue Rudy Giuliani again; the Hunter Biden tax evasion case; the Florida GOP-Moms for Liberty scandal; and a Japanese company is set to buy US Steel were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Industry Views
Pending Business: Ad Count
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
How many times will we research the same subject and come to the same conclusion?
This time it is the podcast. How many ads will the average listener consider “appropriate” in a 60-minute episode?
If you read the recent research from Cumulus/Signal Hill, you know the answer. For the rest of you, survey says under four minutes per 60-minute episode. The same survey says the magic number for a 30-minute episode is under three.
How ironic is that? The typical talk radio hour runs more ads in one break than an entire 60-minute episode of a podcast. Could it be because we have been integrating radio commercials into hour-long broadcast content for over 100 years? Have we conditioned news/talk listeners to accept more commercials per hour? Our TV friends have been at for over 80 years with an even bigger hourly spot load. Anyone ever see audience research that says add more commercials?
Seriously, unless you pay for the ad-free experience of Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora, etc., like most consumers of media, you are comfortable with the ad-supported media model.
So, how has the podcast world been so successful with a model that would leave most traditional radio and TV owners, execs, and sellers dumbfounded.
Here is some insight from my experience.
1) CPM is higher in podcast. The hard facts are when you work with higher CPM you can adjust the commercial load. Demand for digital/social media and podcasts with marketable scale is greater than terrestrial radio. The demand curve for podcast advertising is greater than terrestrial radio. Time to wake up, shake up and shout out loud about our 100-year-old sleepy giant!
2) Survey said 62% of podcast listeners prefer the host read. Talk radio sellers should improve this pitch every day. Today, podcast sellers are simply better at it. Podcast sellers get the intimate relationship between host and listener better than most radio sellers get host and audience. Podcast hosts seem more one-on-one savvy. What will Joe Rogan’s next guest say? What will we hear when your talk talent interviews their next guest?
3) Quality. When your local production director is overloaded and needs to get commercials completed on the air yesterday, what wins: quantity or quality? Be honest here. Where is the next audio creative genius like Dick Orkin or Chuck Blore? Do you know those names?
4) Can you really compare ad load levels between the 60- or 30-minute podcast episode to the average three-hour daily talk radio show?
Traditional molds need to be revisited regularly. My experience with YouTube is showing me even newer models for monetization, different from audio podcasts. Does your 2024 planner have any room for innovation?
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
Audacy and CBS Strike News Stream Deal
Audacy and CBS Stations announce a content distribution in which audio simulcasts of the news streams from 14 CBS-owned television stations in markets including Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Sacramento and
San Francisco will now be available on the Audacy app. CBS Stations says that CBS Local’s video streaming services are No. 1 overall in markets where they go head-to-head with other network competitors, according to data from Comscore. Audacy SVP digital audio content Tim Clarke comments, “We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with CBS Stations, expanding our commitment to delivering high-quality, locally relevant content to our listeners. This collaboration will give our listeners unparalleled access to timely and trusted news from major cities nationwide.”
Industry News
Cox Media Group Promotes Two Executives
Cox Media Group announces the promotion of two senior leaders who “support the company’s commitment to local journalism and service to the communities they serve.” Misti Turnbull is elevated to vice president of news and Jordan Cipala is named vice president of strategy & operations. Turnbull
most recently served as executive director of news with a focus on broadcast, digital content, and streaming content. CMG EVP of content, product, innovation, and research Marian Pittman says, “Misti understands CMG’s pursuit of journalism excellence. Her knowledge of multi-platform content strategies and 
audience insights makes us better every day. She exemplifies the power of dedication and what it takes to be the best.” In his new role as VP of strategy & operations, Jordan Cipala will be responsible for evaluating business development opportunities, bolstering CMG’s market-intelligence capabilities, managing M&A and integration efforts, and supporting more streamlined collaboration and execution across CMG’s business units. CMG president and CEO Dan York comments, “Jordan has been an indispensable member of the CMG team in leading our annual strategic planning process, supporting our Board interactions, and operationalizing our M&A efforts. We’re thrilled to promote from within and reward his invaluable expertise and dedication to CMG’s future and continued evolution.”
Industry News
Binnie Media Promotes Sales Executives
Binnie Media announces that Eliza Tremblay is been promoted from general manager of the Seacoast
cluster of radio stations to the director of sales operations for the state of Maine. At the same time, Bronwyn Lapointe is promoted from managing outdoor properties to director of sales operations for the state of New Hampshire. Binnie 
Media EVP Faith Francis says, “Both Eliza and Bronwyn have been crucial to our success in key areas of the business, and this will give them the ability to affect change on a broader scale. We have created a great work culture here at Binnie Media, allowing people to have flexibility with accountability, and as we all know, women can multi-task!” The company says that late last year Cindi Skillin was promoted to vice president of finance, making Binnie Media’s executive team a dynamic, and diverse group. Binnie president and CEO Massimo Rosati adds, “We love this business, value our people, and always try to promote from within.”
Industry News
TALKERS News Notes
Audacy Buffalo raises $117,000 for the SPCA Serving Erie County during its SPCA Radiothon, held on December 13 and hosted by news/talk WBEN-AM and country WLKK-FM. Audacy Buffalo SVP and market manager Tim Wenger says, “We’re thrilled to have been able to spearhead the radiothon effort for the SPCA in 2023 and excited we exceeded the goal and expectations for the event. The money raised is a testament to our listeners’ commitment to community and will go a long way toward helping the SPCA meet a growing need.”
ARC Software, Inc announces that RADIO.CLOUD enters into an agreement establishing ARC as its primary affiliate research and maintenance platform. RADIO.CLOUD account director Andrew Scaglione says, “Switching to ARC is a no brainer. Speaking from experience using both ARC and other systems in the past, it’s hands down the best CRM for the radio industry with reliable contact information and a seamless digital contract process. It’s going to play a key role in our future growth across the North American radio landscape.”
SiriusXM announces it is presenting 46 games this college football postseason. SiriusXM will carry live play-by-play of every Division I FBS bowl game – including the College Football Playoff Semifinals and National Championship – as well as the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship game and other postseason All-Star games. SiriusXM will carry Westwood One’s broadcast of the FCS Football Championship on January 7.
Industry News
Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of December 11-15
The Israel-Hamas War was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was anti-Semitism tied with the college deans blowback, followed by the 2024 presidential race 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 magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
Industry News
WJR, Detroit Cuts Sean Baligian Loose
Detroit sports talk personality Sean Baligian exits Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR where he’d been co-hosting the nightly “Sportswrap” show with Lomas Brown. The Detroit News’ Tony Paul reports that
Baligian is the victim of budget cuts at the station. Baligian has worked at several Motor City sports talk stations during his career and has been with WJR for the past seven years in various capacities. Baligian, who says he might be done with radio, tells the News that getting let go is hard to put into words. “The worst part is what it does to your family. I think they’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop, and that sucks. You feel like a failure… I know the life that I chose. And I mean it when I say I’m not bitter. This is the road I decided to go down.” Meanwhile, Lomas Brown is hosting the “Sportswrap” program solo.
Industry News
Executive Promotions at FOX News Media
FOX News Media promotes three senior executives on its digital leadership team. Jason Klarman is named chief digital and marketing officer and continues to report to CEO Suzanne Scott. Porter Berry is promoted to president, FOX News Digital and editor-in-chief, dually reporting to Klarman and FNM
president & executive editor Jay Wallace on editorial. Lauren Petterson assumes Klarman’s former role as president of FOX Nation while also continuing as president of talent development and will relinquish her role as president of FOX Business Network. She reports dually to Scott on talent development and Klarman on FOX Nation. Jay Wallace assumes oversight of FBN and continues reporting to Scott. Additionally, Megan Albano is named EVP of morning programming & program development and Gavin Hadden is named SVP of FOX Nation. Suzanne Scott says, “As we move our thriving business forward, we are reimagining the roles of some of our most talented executives to solidify our incredibly successful digital platforms for further growth and expansion. Jason, Lauren, Porter, Megan, and Gavin are each uniquely suited for these positions, and I am confident they will grow each of their respective areas of FOX News Media to new heights.”
Industry News
Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories
The House formally votes on a Joe Biden impeachment inquiry; the Israel-Hamas war and the growing rift between Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s tactics; the 2024 presidential race; the defamation case against Rudy Giuliani; the Fed’s anticipation of interest rate cuts in 2024; Hunter Biden to defy House Oversight Committee’s subpoena; SCOTUS to hear challenge of federal obstruction charges related to January 6; and the Trump Organization civil fraud trial were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Industry News
Townsquare Promotes Sam Gagliardi to VP of Content for New Jersey Markets
Townsquare Media officially announces the promotion of Sam Gagliardi to vice president of content for the Monmouth-Ocean and Trenton-Princeton markets. In this new role, Gagliardi has oversight of all brands in the two markets, including news/talk WKXW-FM “New Jersey 101.5” and five music brands.
Gagliardi, who goes by Sam Elliot on the air, most recently served as the director of content for Townsquare’s Monmouth-Ocean market. Gagliardi says, “I sincerely thank the leadership at Townsquare – Bill Wilson, Erik Hellum, Jared Willig, and Brian Lang — for this incredible opportunity. Collaborating with the skilled professionals at the iconic brands of ‘New Jersey 101.5’ and PST presents an amazing opportunity. I am excited about working with such a highly talented group and look forward to engaging in collaborative efforts with the fantastic on-air and online creators at the Jersey Shore.”
Industry News
Urban One Gets Time from Nasdaq to File Late Financial Report
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Urban One reports that it has received an extension from the Hearings Panel of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC giving the company until January
16, 2024 to file its Form 10-Q quarterly report for the period ending September 30, 2023. As result of that filing being late, Nasdaq has begun the process of delisting Urban One stock. However, the extension gives Urban One extra time to file the report. The company says it expects to be able to file the Q3 2023 Form 10-Q on or before December 31. As TALKERS has previously reported, the late filings were the result of Urban One dismissing its previous independent registered public accounting firm BDO USA, LLP and hiring Ernst & Young LLP.
Industry News
Denver Sports Talk Scene Examined
There are two interesting pieces published recently that look at the sports talk radio scene in Denver – one an interview with market sports talk personality Darren “Dmac” McKee by Doug Ottewill in Mile
High Sports, the other a piece by Michael Roberts in alt-weekly Westword that analyzes the state of Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan.” McKee (along with several others) was let go by “The 
Fan” in September after the station was beat in the ratings by Stan Kroenke’s crosstown KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio.” “The Fan” PD Raj Sharan was ousted shortly thereafter, and former ESPN Radio programmer Amanda Brown was recently brought aboard as PD to right the ship. Roberts’ piece chronicles the rise of “The Fan” – as well as its recent struggles. Ironically, shortly after being let go, McKee found work at his former competitor and now co-hosts the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show at “Altitude Sports Radio” with former “Fan” host Tyler Polumbus and Scott Hastings. Read the Westwood “Dmac” interview here. See the Mile High Sports piece here.
Industry News
WABC, New York’s Frank Morano Interviews George Santos
In what is believed to be his only talk radio interview to date since being removed from Congress, former
Republican New York 3rd Congressional District representative George Santos appeared on Frank Morano’s “The Other Side of Midnight” program on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York. Santos tells Morano that he’s writing a book that will detail everything that’s happened to him during his time in Congress. Morano tells TALKERS Santos “went off on his colleagues, says he’s making a ton of money on Cameo and will one day return to Congress.” Listen to the interview here.
Industry News
TALKERS News Notes
The Weather Channel Radio Network and Skyview Networks announce the renewal and expansion of their audio network partnership. Starting January 1, 2024, The Weather Channel Radio Network will expand its existing sales partnership Skyview Networks to include short-form terrestrial radio inventory and podcasting inventory.
SiriusXM signs multiple active NFL players to host a new, entirely player-helmed show on its SiriusXM NFL Radio channel. Miami Dolphins running back Alec Ingold, Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Allen Robinson and veteran tight end Colin Thompson serve as rotating hosts of “The Players’ Point,” which airs Tuesdays from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET. The program teams two of the players up each week to host their own show, conduct interviews and drive the weekly conversation from an active player’s perspective. Robinson, Ingold and Thompson are former participants in the NFL’s Broadcasting and Media Workshop, a program created by the league and run with the help of several veteran media executives and broadcasters, including those from SiriusXM, to help players develop careers in media.
KUT and KUTX Public Media deputy general manager Sylvia Ponce-Carson announces she’ll retire on December 31 after 22 years of service to the station and more than three decades in public media. The organization says, “When she arrived in January 2002, KUT was a hybrid news and music station, carrying a mix of NPR, BBC and other programs, as well as locally hosted music. She strengthened the station’s revenue model – both underwriting and membership, helping the station grow at a rate beyond similar-sized operations.”
Industry News
Yesterday’s (12/12) Top News/Talk Media Stories
The Israel-Hamas war and the UN’s vote for a Gaza ceasefire; anti-Semitism and college deans under fire; the 2024 presidential race and the Ron DeSantis CNN town hall; U.S. House to formalize the Joe Biden impeachment inquiry; the negotiations in Washington for stricter border policies in exchange for Ukraine aid and Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to DC; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; and the COP28 summit calls for moving away from fossil fuels were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.