Industry News

FOX Sports Radio Adds Three Personalities to Weekends

FOX Sports Radio announces the addition of three new sports media personalities to its weekend programming. FOX Sports NFL Analyst Carmen Vitali joins FOX sports reporter Alex Curry to co-host “FOX Sports Saturday with Alex Curry & Carmen Vitali” on Saturdays (4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET). Ten-yearim NBA veteran and current Houston Rockets color commentator Ryan Hollins will join Mike Harmon hosting the Sunday 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET program, and 8-year NFL veteran and All-Pro safety Kerry Rhodes parnters with Dan Beyer hosting the Sunday 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm program. iHeartMedia EVP of sports programming Don Martin and FOX Sports Radio SVP Scott Shapiro comment, “Sports fans know that they can come to us live 24/7 for strong opinions, predictions and instant reaction to all of the drama taking place in the world of sports. We are fired up that our lineup of personalities continues to get stronger and stronger.  FOX Sports Radio is here to provide entertainment and companionships to sports fans all day, every day.”

Ratings Takeaways

April 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imApril 2024 PPM Data – Information for the April 2024 ratings period (March 28 – April 24) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

MLB; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

For context, MLB’s 2024 season officially started March 20 when the Dodgers and Padres played two games in South Korea; the other 28 teams played their first game March 28.

NBA and NHL playoffs began April 20.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are March 2024 – April 2024 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 6.5 – 6.4, #2 – #2

KEX 1.8 – 1.6, #20 – #20

KUFO .8 – .7, #23 – #23

KPAM .2 – .3, #32 – #30

News

None

Sports Talk

KXTG 1.5 – 1.5, #21 – #21

KFXX 1.5 – 1.4, #21 – #22

KPOJ .5 – .6, #26 – #27 (Trailblazers)

KMTT .2 – .2, #32 – #34

KFXX Stream  .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 5.8 – 5.1, #3 – #4

KOPB Stream  .7 – .7, #25 – #23

Note: Public radio news/talk KOPB’s -.7 (5.8 – 5.1) is Portland’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM/FM 4.0– 4.2, #8 – #8

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 3.9 – 3.3, #9 – #13 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 4.4 – 4.4, #6 – #6

WNSC .8 – .8, #20 – #20

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Note: Sports talk WFNZ’s -.6 (3.9 – 3.3) is tied for Charlotte’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 2.6– 2.8, #14 – #12 (Spurs)

KTSA 1.9 – 2.1, #17 – #17

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM .8 – 1.2, #24 – #24

KTKR .5 – .6, #29 – #29

KZDC .4 – .5, #32 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.7 – 2.2, #13 – #15 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk

KFBK-AM 6.5 – 6.2 #4 – #3

KSTE-AM 2.5 – 1.9, #16 – #19

KSAC-AM .8 – .8, #23 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.7 – 1.8, #18 – #20 (Kings)

KIFM .9 – 1.0, #21 – #22

KIFM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.8 – 2.8, #13 – #14

KQEI .3 – .3, #22 – #28

KQED .1 – .1, #29 – #30

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 3.8 – 4.3, #10 – #9

KDKA-AM Stream  .2 – .2, #25 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM (Pirates) 8.4 – 8.0, #2 – #2

KDKA-FM Stream (Pirates).4 – .4, #21 – #20

WBGG .1 – DNA, #26 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 5.2 – 5.4, #8 – #7

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM/FM 6.7 – 8.1, #2 – #2

KNRS-AM/FM 2.6 – 2.6, #17 – #15

KKAT DNA – .1, DNA – #29

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL .9 – 1.0, #23 – #23

KZNS-AM .3 – .6, #26 – #24 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM .5 – .4, #24 – #26 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Utah Jazz)

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 3.4 – 3.2, #13 – #14

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .1 – .3, #27 – #27

KUMT .1 – .3, #27 – #27    

Note: News/talk KSL’s +1.4 (6.7 – 8.1) represents Salt Lake City’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase. 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 1.1– 1.6, #26 – #23

KXNT .5 – .2, #30 – #34

KMZQ .1 – .1, #37 – #35

KXNT Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KKGK .6 – .6, #28 – #28 (Golden Knights)

KWWN . 4 – .6, #32 – #28

KENO .1 – .1, #37 – #35

KRLV .2 – .1, #33 – #35

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.7 – 1.9, #22 – #20

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 5.9 – 6.5, #5 – #4

WDBO 3.5 – 3.9, #12 – #10

WFLF .7 – .6, #19 – #19

WFYY .7 – .5, #19 – #21

WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .8 – .9, #18 – #17 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFV DNA – 1.9, DNA – #15

WMFE 1.7 – DNA, #15 – DNA

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 11.3 – 13.3, #1 #1 (Reds)

WKRC 6.0 – 6.0, #5 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.0 – .7, #19 – #19

WSAI .6 – .7, #21 – #19

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.2 – 3.3, #10 – #10   

Note: News/talk WLW’s +2.0 (11.3 – 13.3) represents a tie for the largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 5.4 – 7.4, #9 – #4 (Guardians, Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 .1 – .1, #23 – #23

Sports Talk

WKRK 4.3 – 4.2, #10 – #10

WKRK Stream .4 – .6, #21 – #20

WARF .2 – .1, #22 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 7.2 – 6.5, #5 – #7

WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: News/talk WTAM’s +2.0 (5.4 – 7.4) represents a tie for the largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.3 – 5.6, #4 – #4

KCMO-AM 2.0 – 1.5, #16 – #18

KMBZ-AM 1.4 – 1.3, #18 – #19

KMBZ-FM Stream 1.0 – .9, #22 – #22

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 1.8 – 3.4, #17 – #10 (Royals)

KCSP Stream  .1 – .6, #29 – #26 (Royals)

KWOD .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 2.9 – 2.2, #12 – #15

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Notes: While sports/talk KCSP’s +1.6 (1.8 – 3.4) represents Kansas City’s greatest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase, public radio news talk KCUR is -.7 (2.9 – 2.2) and in a three-way tie for the market’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 5.2 – 5.2, #8 – #7    

News

WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 8.6 – 7.6, #2 – #2 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-AM .4 – .6, #20 #20 (Blue Jackets)

WMNI .3 – .1, #22 – #22

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 5.9 – 6.1, #6 – #5

Up next: April 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

FSR’s Doug Gottlieb to Coach UW-Green Bay Men’s Hoops

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay athletic director Josh Moon announces that FOX Sports Radioim personality Doug Gottlieb is the new head coach of the school’s men’s basketball team. In what is a first, Gottlieb will continue to host his daily, two-hour radio show for FSR while undertaking his new role with UW-GB Phoenix. Gottlieb was a standout point guard at Oklahoma State from 1997 – 2000. He’s coached AAU teams and coached at the Maccabiah Games in Israel. During time in the media, he’s been a studio and in-game commentator for college hoops over the years while serving with ESPN, CBS Sports and Fox Sports. Read the CBS Sports coverage of this here.

Industry News

Edison Research Releases Top 50 Podcasts for Q1 2024

Edison Research’s ranking of the Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. for the first quarter of 2024 (derived from data collected continuously during the first quarter of 2024, interviewing 5,300 weekly podcastim consumers ages 13 and older in the U.S.) and the top three remain unchanged with “The Joe Rogan Experience” at #1, “Crime Junkie” at #2, and “The Daily” at #3. The Taylor Swift effect helped propel “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce” to the #4 position. Other podcasts of interest to the news/talk media industry include “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #13, “The Ramsey Show” at #16, “The Tucker Carlson Podcast” debuts at #24, and “The Dan Bongino Show” is at #27.

Industry News

Dave Ramsey Releases 20th Anniversary Edition of Bestseller

Money expert, author and talk host Dave Ramsey is celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of the most popular personal finance books with a newly expanded and updated edition of The Total Moneyim Makeover. The book is named one of BookAuthority’s 20 Best Personal Finance Books of All Time and has spent more than 1,000 weeks on bestseller lists. To date, over 9 million copies have been sold worldwide, and every year, more than 400,000 readers buy the book. Dave Ramsey says, “The plan is still simple, and millions of people have done it. You can solve your biggest problem with the least-complicated finance book out there. It’s the stories of everyday people in TMMO that makes it so powerful and inspiring. They’re the real heroes. Their stories of real life-change are all the proof you need that this stuff really works.” The new edition offers Ramsey’s principles, along with updated statistics and examples. It now includes advice on topics like: Mortgages and car loans; buy now, pay later loans; saving and investing for retirement; and paying for college while avoiding mountains of debt.

Industry News

Newsmax Launches “The Leventhal Report”

Newsmax premiered journalist Rick Leventhal’s new hour-long news and interview program Newsmax2 last night (5/13) at 7:00 pm ET. “The Leventhal Report” streams nightly on Newsmax2. The company says, “Leventhal, known for his dynamic reporting style and in-depth coverage of breaking news stories,im will cover the latest on significant events from around the nation and the world.” Levanthal adds, “‘The Leventhal Report’ will bring the top stories to the growing Newsmax2 audience with an in-depth analysis of the ‘why’ and what it means to them and our nation. I am looking forward to bringing my global experience in covering the news that matters most to Newsmax2’s lineup of hard-hitting journalism.” Newsmax2 is the network’s free streaming channel available on the Newsmax App and FAST channel platforms found on most major OTT systems including Roku, Samsung, Amazon Fire, Pluto, Vizio, LG, Tivo, Plex and Xumo. Newsmax2 also airs on 20 television broadcast stations through digital channels.

Industry News

EXCLUSIVE: Michael Harrison Talks to John Catsimatidis about WABC, New York Cancelling Rudy Giuliani’s Talk Show

Red Apple Media Group chief John Catsimatidis suspended Rudy Giuliani from his daily 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm talk show that’s been airing on WABC for several years. The New York Times, quotes Catsimatidis saying, “We’re not going to talk about fallacies of the November 2020 election. We warned him once. We warned him twice. And I get a text from him last night, and I get a text from him this morning that he refuses not to talk about it. So, he left me no option. I suspended him.” But there were more concerns on Catsimatidis’ part. Giuliani was found liable forim defaming two Georgia election workers, and they were accusing him of make new false accusations against them. The Times reports that in a memo from Catsimatidis to Giuliani he told Giuliani that they’ve been monitoring his show for comments about the election and that “radio operators had ‘worked diligently’ to excise content that might run afoul of defamation laws.” He also wrote, “You are once again stating that there was fraud. You may not do so on our airwaves.” Clearly, Catsimatidis was concerned about being involved in actionable language on Giuliani’s part. Giuliani spoke publicly over the weekend about being terminated and said he’s been imtalking about the 2020 election for three years and was never made aware that election talk was off limits. In The New York Times story Giuliani states that WABC’s policies on this topic are “a clear violation of free speech” to which TALKERS founder Michael Harrison comments, “As a lawyer, former attorneyim general and former mayor, Giuliani should know better than to muddy the waters about ‘free speech’ by citing it and distorting it for his own defense in this manner. The letter of the law regarding the First Amendment protects the rights and responsibilities of Catsimatidis as the licensee and platform owner in this situation. And as far as the spirit of the law as indicated by the general term ‘free speech’ is concerned, the understanding between these two men as to what Giuliani can discuss on WABC is completely subjective and ultimately based on what the licensee determines at any given moment to be in the best interest of the platform, its listeners and most importantly, the truth.” Listen to Michael Harrison and John Catsimatidis discussing the situation this morning by clicking here.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Who Cares?

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imDoes anyone care anymore?

The latest Pew Research study, “Americans’ Changing Relationship with Local News,” confirmed a personal experience last week. More on that later.

If you believe the survey, almost 80% of us say we no longer follow local news very closely. It doesn’t matter if you live in a top 10 all-news radio market, or a city with a heritage news/talk/information station. The survey says we just lost interest and stopped consuming local news.

Wait, what happened? Real estate taxes in many communities are through the roof. The cost of insurance, health care and basic groceries are the highest in years. Some hospitals in local communities are rumored to be discussing charging in advance for certain procedures. How about your local mall; is it still safe during weekdays? Is your local school system better or worse post covid? And those local roads; are they still in great shape? All of this in addition to the college campus in your community that may be unraveling or not. Did 80% of us really stop following and talking about local news? Perhaps it is just easier and less expensive for on-air talent, producers, and programmers to focus on Trump trials and Gaza. Do we serve the audience what we think they want and forget local?

My first-hand “we don’t care to cover local news” experience was a frightening eye opener. As I was traveling South along Florida’s I-95, a truck hauling propane gas caught fire as it was parked on the right shoulder of the Interstate. The tanks started exploding and a roaring fire emitting huge dark plumes of smoke stopped traffic for miles. Our car was second in line in the standstill, not more than 250 feet away from the fire. We could feel the explosions from the propane as local police motioned us to back up. We were speechless in our car watching this horrific scene. My fiancé searched her mobile phone for any breaking news report. Nothing. I kept looking to the sky for local news chopper, or a local news team, cruiser, or SUV with reporters to cover this from the ground. Nothing. Would a local news/talk radio station take a caller with an eye-witness account? Nobody broke in with a report.

Thankfully, local police, Florida State troopers, firefighters and Special Ops all arrived on the scene in minutes. Still no local news team. First responders did an amazing job getting this dangerous propane fire under control. After a 30-minute delay, we were finally directed past the burned out remains of the truck. As I scanned the rear-view mirror, the radio, the sky above me and the opposite side of I-95, there was still no local news reporting.

No wonder 80% of us stopped following local news very closely, nobody cares to report the story.

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 Views

Monday Memo: A.I. Cannot Do This Commercial

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imActor Hugh Grant’s Tweet called it “The destruction of the human experience. Courtesy of Silicon Valley.” He was reacting to Apple’s TV commercial depicting a hydraulic press crushing a piano, a record player, paint, books, cameras, and other creative tools Artificial Intelligence emulates, via the new iPad Pro.

With many now fearful that technology will obsolete their jobs, Apple yanked the spot: “We missed the mark with this video and we’re sorry.”

Following my recent column cautioning how ChatGPT-generated ads can be cliché-riddled, several TALKERS readers have sent me even more of the cringe-worthy catch-phrases (“And much more!”) that reduce too many ads to blah-blah-blah.

Various vendors are offering – and, increasingly, stations are using – Artificial Intelligence apps to script, and even voice, commercials. It’s a time-saver alright, but is the output compelling?

In some cases, there’s a fill-in-the-blanks form. Other apps crawl the prospect’s website for copy points. When I’m given demonstrations, I suggest a business I’m familiar with. And I’ve yet to hear a script that captures what makes the business special.

im

For one such demo,’ I chose a restaurant we frequent often, here on Block Island. The copy generated was painfully generic. So – to make the point – I went old-school, using the method that has consistently produced results for client stations and in my freelance work.

My video describing the process “Radio Advertising, In Their Own Words” includes several examples… and here’s another.

The AI robot cannot possibly feel-the-feel anyone who has dined there knows… and can’t spot this opportunity: The chef himself is a story, as entertained customers discover: http://getonthenet.com/TheBarn-BrianHebert-1.mp3

And here’s The Free Prize Inside: People tell advertisers who appear in their spots, “I heard you on the radio!”

More work than simply plugging-into an AI app? You bet. The interview from which I excerpted the sound bites you’ll hear took all of five minutes, and I voiced and assembled the spot in under half an hour.

Everything we do is storytelling.

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

Industry News

Glenn Beck to Air on iHeartMedia’s KFXR-AM, Dallas

Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk host Glenn Beck is now heard in the Dallas-Fort Worth market as iHeartMedia adds his show to the program lineup on the recently re-launched KFXR-AM “Talkim Radio 1190 AM.” Beck’s program will air from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. He says, “I’m excited to partner with iHeartRadio on the relaunch of KFXR. With Dallas-Fort Worth being our home market and the home of my American history museum, I can’t wait to exploit the many opportunities that will grow our relationship with the listeners in Texas and KFXR.” Glenn Beck will be appearing as keynote speaker at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond at Hofstra University on Friday, June 7. Click here for conference information.

Industry News

Good Karma’s “101.7 The Truth” Debuts New Midday Show

Good Karma Brands announces that WGKB-AM/W269DL, Milwaukee “101.7 The Truth” is launching a new midday show (12:00 noon to 1:00 pm) on May 20 called, “Jammin with Juice,” co-hosted by Ben Hooks and Carrie Mahone. The program currently airing in that slot – “Nothin’ But The Truth” withim Melanie Ricks – transitions to a digital-only format this summer. Station director of content Kyle Wallace says, “We are excited for Mel and the new opportunities a digital show presents itself, particularly as fans explore new ways to consume our content. Carrie and Ben are part of the up-and-coming generation of young broadcasters, and since both teammates joined the ‘Truth’ team at its inception, their passion and grasp on the Milwaukee community will translate through the airwaves.” GKB says, “Jammin with Juice promises to be a dynamic addition to the lineup, offering a fresh perspective on pop culture, trending topics, and lifestyle through the lens of two local millennials. Hosted by Ben ‘Jammin’ and Carrie ‘Noni Juice,’ the show promises to dissect trending topics, share candid opinions, and deliver plenty of laughter as they explore and entertain.”

Industry News

Salem Media Group Sells Camarillo HQ

Salem Media Group sells its principal office in Camarillo, California to Eclipse RE Holdings, LLC for $5.5 million. (The deal closed on May 1.) The company will leaseback the building for five years.

Industry News

Steve Holm Promoted to Regional VP/Market Manager in Michigan

Cumulus Media promotes Steve Holm to regional vice president/market manager for the Grand Rapids-Muskegon, Michigan market. He previously served as general sales manager for Cumulus Dallas’ sports talk KTCK-AM/FM and news/talk outlets WBAP-AM/FM and KLIF-AM. The native Michigander startedim his radio career in 2010 in Battle Creek, for WBCK-FM and WBXX-FM, former Cumulus stations now owned by Townsquare Media. Cumulus president of operations Bob Walker comments, “Steve has proven himself to be an accomplished leader in the Dallas market the past 10 years and we are thrilled to have him moving back home to Michigan, an area of the country that is important to Steve and his family. We are excited for him to get started and eager to see the impact he will have.” Holm says, “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to come back home. The Grand Rapids and Muskegon teams are a tightly knit group and are determined and ready to win. I’m excited to be joining them and look forward to the challenges and growth ahead.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

Pro-Palestinian protests, college commencements and Israel’s war with Hamas; former President Donald Trump’s “hush money” trial; the presidential race; WABC suspends Rudy Giuliani from his daily talk show; Canadian wildfires bring smoke to northcentral U.S.; Vladimir Putin replaces defense minister, and Russia’s latest military push into Ukraine; and Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) goes on trial for corruption this week were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Alpha Media Cuts Staff and Local Programming in Missouri

It’s difficult to get a handle on exactly how many people were let go by Alpha Media, but two central Missouri television stations are reporting that the entire on-air and programming staff at four stations inim Moberly, Missouri – including news/talk KWIX – have been let go and all programming is now syndicated. The same is being reported about the company’s stations in the Farmington/Festus, Missouri market that includes news/talk KJFF. KOMU-TV reports that Moberly market manager Bob Dakin would not comment on how many employees were let go but confirmed that all local programming – including news and sports – is being replaced by national content.

Industry News

Neuhoff Media Closes on Sale of Illinois Stations

Neuhoff Media closes on the sale of three stations and an FM translator in Danville, Illinois; four stationsim and a translator in Decatur, Illinois; and an FM station in Monticello, Illinois to Champaign Multimedia Group, LLC, an Illinois-based company headed by Larry Perrotto. The transaction also included two websites – vermilioncountyfirst.com and nowdecatur.com.

Industry News

FOX News Audio to Launch Business Rundown Podcast

FOX News Audio is debuting “The FOX Business Rundown Podcast” on May 20. The program will beim hosted by FOX Business Network anchors and correspondents including Taylor Riggs, Kelly O’Grady and Lydia Hu. The company says the launch of the podcast follows the success of “The FOX News Rundown Podcast,” which saw over 35 million downloads in 2023, with over five million unique listeners according to Megaphone. “The FOX News Rundown Podcast” is also a syndicated morning show on over 100 FOX News Radio affiliate stations nationwide.

Industry News

iHeartMedia First Quarter Revenue Dips 1.5%

iHeartMedia reports that its revenue for the first quarter of 2024 was $799 million, a decline of 1.5% from the same period in 2023, and in line with the company’s guidance. The company posts a net loss of $18.1 million, a dramatic reduction from the $222 million loss it reported in Q1 of 2023. The company’s Broadcast Radio segment revenue was $359.3 million, a decline of 6.2% from Q1 2023 and networksim revenue was $102 million, down 5.5% from the same period a year ago. The company’s Digital Audio Group revenue was $239 million, up 7% over Q1 2023. Breaking that segment down, Digital (excluding Podcast) revenue was $148.3 million (up 1.2%), and Podcast revenue was $90.6 million (up 18%). iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman says, “We’re pleased to report our first quarter of year-over-year Adjusted EBITDA growth in five quarters, driven by the substantial sequential year-over-year improvement in the performance of all our segments: the Multiplatform Group, the Digital Audio Group, and the Audio and Media Services Group – with the Digital Audio Group hitting its best Q1 EBITDA margin ever. Additionally, our Q1 results were in line with our previously provided Adjusted EBITDA and Revenue guidance ranges. Although the marketplace continues to be dynamic, we continue to see meaningful opportunities for growth in our businesses and we remain confident in 2024 as a recovery year.”

Industry News

Talk Host Pat Egan Exits WPEN-FM, Philadelphia

Sports talk host Pat Egan is another victim of budget cuts at Beasley Media Group sports talker WPENim-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic.” Egan posted confirmation of his exit on X, saying, “So last night I got laid off from the Fanatic. I figured it was coming when I heard there were cuts, & the writing was on the wall when I got moved to nights.” As Crossing Broad notes, “Egan was one of the longest-tenured employees remaining at the station. He began as an intern in 2011 and then became a street teamer and producer.” Read the Crossing Broad story here.

Industry News

Howard Eskin Receives Honorary Doctorate

im

Pictured above is Philadelphia sports media personality and longtime “SportsRadio 94 WIP” sportscaster Howard Eskin(right) receiving an honorary doctorate from Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Delaware from school president Dr. Colleen Perry Keith (left). Eskin delivered the school’s commencement address at its graduation ceremony on May 3.

Industry News

Veteran Music Industry and Rock Radio Figures Set to Gather in LA for Ninth Annual Reunion

im

In what has become somewhat of an informal annual tradition, on May 22, 2024, music industry and rock radio veterans from across the nation will come together at the Ninth Annual Music Industry Reunion. The event will take place at the legendary live music venue, the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, California (just outside of LA). Doors open at 6:30 pm. A special component of this year’s event will be celebrating the lives of three recently departed legendary radio DJs: Jim Ladd (KMET, KLOS, SiriusXM, KLSX, KNAC); Geno Michellini (KLOS, KOME, KMEL, KFI, KLSX); and Dusty Street (KROQ, KSAN, KLOS, SiriusXM, KMPX). All were pioneers in the days of free form rock radio, breaking barriers and leading the way for generations to come. The special tribute will be hosted by Frazer Smith, legendary radio personality, actor and stand-up comedian. Smith’s unique on-air style at KROQ, KLOS, KMET, KLSX, and KRTH annoyed most parents and broke ground for countless zany or morning zoo radio programs, before he went on to movies (The Fisher King, Electric Dreams), TV (Dr. Ken, Quantum Leap), and stand-up comedy performances. According to organizers Jon Scott and Kenny Ryback, “The Music Industry Reunion prides itself on bringing together the best of the music business from around the world for this special evening of music, laughter and memories. Past reunions in New York and Los Angeles have reunited over 500 industry influencers, legends and icons as well as the brightest radio, music, management, publicity and marketing professionals in the business.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison adds, “So many folks currently in talk radio have roots in the fabulous ‘radio & records’ scene of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. This cool event is a positive and emotional coming together of old friends, enemies, colleagues and competitors. Very special!” New this year, attendees can enjoy light hors d’oeuvres as well as chips and salsa, along with $5 tequila shots. Additionally, the Sagebrush Cantina’s full menu will be available to purchase. Advance tickets are $30 (+ 3.85 Eventbrite service processing fee) and are available here. Find more information about the event here.

Industry News

John Curley to Receive 2024 Humanitarian of the Year Award

The TALKERS editorial board has announced the selection of colorful radio talk show host John Curley of KIRO “Newsradio 97.3 FM,” Seattle as the 2024 recipient of the publication’s Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service. Curley will be presented the honor at the forthcoming TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond conference on Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University on Long Island, NY. Curley has co-hosted 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm afternoon drive on the Bonneville-owned news/talker for the past several years after serving in various time slots during the past decade, includingim mornings and late nights at the heritage station. Prior to that he served for 15 years as the local host of the evening magazine program on Seattle’s KING5 NBC. During his career on KIRO, Curley has spearheaded a number of extremely creative and high-profile charitable promotions in addition to operating an independent business as a fund-raising auctioneer for charitable causes and organizations across the nation.  He raises an average of $80 million per year with this endeavor. In making the announcement, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison stated, “John Curley is a true on- and off-air original… iconoclastic, candid, and smart. His charity work as a radio personality over the years has been creative, entertaining, and effective.  However, it is his remarkable skill and productivity as an auctioneer for non-profits around America that is absolutely stunning. When John gets on that stage, he raises auctioneering to a heart pounding art form and drags every ounce of generosity out of his spellbound audiences. His patter is song and his moves are dance.” To see John Curley in action click here. Curley will be one of 60 industry leaders speaking at TALKERS 2024: Radio and BeyondFor more information about the conference click here. (EDITOR’S NOTE: There were several personnel changes at KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM this week including in the afternoon drive co-host position. See story below for more details.)

Industry News

Bonneville Cuts Staffers at KIRO-FM and KTTH in Seattle

According to a report from FOX 13 Seattle, Bonneville has dismissed “at least seven” people from its operations in the market. The company let news/talk KIRO-FM afternoon drive co-host Shari Elliker go,im as well as conservative talk KTTH-AM morning drive host Bryan Suits. The report indicates that evening host Jake Skorheim moves to PM drive to co-host the 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm “John & Jake” show with John Curley. The evening daypart will be filled by CBS Audio’s “John Batchelor Show.” Taking over the KTTH-AM morning drive daypart from Suits is the syndicated “Armstrong & Getty” show.  See the FOX 13 report here.

Industry News

ESPN Radio Debuts “Hammer & Emmett” Weekend Show

Good Karma Brands and sports talk WKNR-AM “ESPN Cleveland” announce the debut of “Hammer & Emmett,” a new Saturday morning show that will air nationally on the ESPN Radio network featuring Cleveland personalities Aaron Goldhammer and Emmett Golden. The program launches Saturdayim (5/11) airing from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm ET. Good Karma Brands founder Craig Karmazin comments, “We are so proud of the work Aaron and Emmett have put in to earn the opportunity for a new national show. Fans are familiar with their voices locally in Cleveland and nationally with their fill-in hosting work. They are a great representation of Good Karma Brands and Cleveland, and their contributions will continue to put the city on the national stage.” The program will also air on “ESPN Cleveland,” ESPNCleveland.com, TheLandOnDemand.com, and the ESPN and The Land on Demand apps.

Industry News

NBCUniversal and iHeartMedia Partner for Paris Olympics Audio

NBCUniversal chooses iHeartMedia as its exclusive audio partner for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. As part of the agreement, iHeartRadio will provide 24/7 play-by-play audio channels of select coverage of the Games in addition to creating an original Olympic iHeartPodcast hosted by Bowen Yang and Mattim Rogers and producing Olympic-specific episodes from some of iHeart’s existing podcasts. NBCU’s coverage on iHeartRadio’s channels is expected to include Team USA men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as swimming, gymnastics, track & field, and more. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo comments, “We are thrilled to partner with NBCU on coverage of the Paris Olympics this summer and heighten the excitement around this year’s games. As the leading sports audio destination, it’s an honor to be able to provide our platform and our massive reach to bring further awareness and up-to-the minute coverage of NBCU’s broadcast of this year’s Olympics.”

Industry News

WPHT, Philadelphia Adds “Walter Sterling at Night”

Audacy news/talk WPHT, Philadelphia is adding a new live and local evening program to its program schedule starring Walter Sterling. “Walter Sterling at Night” will air weeknights from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight beginning May 13. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff states,im “Walter has demonstrated the importance of the late-night talk radio with his Sunday night nationally syndicated program and has welcomed his listeners, who he refers to as ‘friends on the radio,’ to unpack their day-to-day lives. He’s made strides at ‘Talk Radio 1210 WPHT’ for a decade, and we’re ecstatic to finally bring his entertaining brand to the Delaware Valley five nights a week.” Sterling, who as Walter Sabo operates the Sabo Media Partners consultancy, comments, “Late-night radio is golden media time for a live program. It’s a one-on-one stage for lighter conversations, serving as morning drive for late-shift doctors, nurses, bus drivers, hotel managers, security staff and more. Thank you, David Yadgaroff, Greg Stocker, Jeff Sottolano and the incredible programming and engineering teams at Audacy. Over the years, I’ve made strong connections with Talk Radio 1210 WPHT listeners and look forward to building them as I join weeknights!”

Industry News

Audacy Files Opposition to MRC’s Petition to Deny with the FCC

Late last month the conservative media watchdog group Media Research Center filed a Petition to Deny with the FCC regarding Audacy’s seeking a waiver of foreign ownership disclosure obligations in order to emerge from Chapter 11 reorganization. Last week, Audacy filed its opposition to the Petition to Deny with the FCC. In it Audacy argues that first, the petition is procedurally defective, but goes on to argue that even if it is considered an informal objection, it is defective because “the Commission hasim determined that granting a limited waiver deferring its foreign ownership review to facilitate a licensee’s prompt emergence from bankruptcy is consistent with the Communications Act.” Further, Audacy says, “According to the MRC, Audacy is attempting to employ an ‘entirely new’ and ‘vague and undefined’ special warrant process’ to delay the Commission review of Audacy’s proposed foreign ownership until ‘sometime down the road’ when the company ‘may choose’ to file a petition for declaratory ruling seeking such review. This specious claim not only mischaracterizes the company’s waiver request detailed in the Application, but completely ignores longstanding precedent establishing the Commission-approved special warrant process used in a number of prior transactions to allow licensees to emerge from bankruptcy promptly, while affording the Commission sufficient opportunity to review foreign ownership issues post-emergence.” Separately, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel responded to Congressman Nicolas Langworthy (R-NY) and Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX), who both wrote to her implying that the Commission is not going through “its normal, statutorily required process” and voiced concern over Soros Fund Management’s acquisition of Audacy debt. Langworthy wrote that Audacy being “owned by a deeply partisan individual [George Soros], could have a fundamental impact on the nature of local radio and potentially silence political viewpoints.” Rosenworcel’s response indicates she believes the Commission is handling the matter appropriately, saying, “The Bureau staff will review the record and decide if the transfer is in the public interest pursuant to Section 310(d) of the Communications Act.”

Industry News

Hannity’s “Outlaws and Lawmen: The West” Series Debuts Tomorrow

FOX Nation debuts a new historical drama series titled, “Outlaws and Lawmen: The West,” FOX News Channel’s Sean Hannity tomorrow (5/8), announced. Over the course of four episodes which will drop weekly on Wednesday nights, Hannity will delve into true stories of legendary Wild West outlaws andim lawmen, exploring law versus crime and hero versus villain, ultimately revealing the rugged path that led to the rise of modern law enforcement. FOX Nation president Lauren Petterson says, “Viewers will feel as if they’ve teleported back to the Wild West as Sean Hannity masterfully bridges the past and the present, highlighting this fascinating era of time.” Hannity will use the true stories of the outlaws and lawmen of America’s past to track the evolution of law enforcement from the Wild West to today. From Butch Cassidy to Bass Reeves to Billy the Kid, Hannity details the men of both honor and infamy, bringing life to the myths, legends, and truths of the time. Hannity comments, “As our viewers know, I am a strong supporter of our men and women in law enforcement and I look forward to spotlighting a period of time that is pivotal in their origin.”

Industry News

KXNT, Las Vega to Host Live Mayoral Debate

Audacy news/talk KXNT-AM, Las Vegas “News Talk Radio 840 AM” is hosting a live mayoral debate featuring the top polling candidates ahead of the Las Vegas general election at the Plaza Hotel & Casinoim showroom on Thursday (5/9) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Talk show host Alan Stock and afternoon host Sam Mirejovsky will moderate the event that will be free to the public. KXNT brand manager Mark Bonilla states, “As the premier talk radio station in Las Vegas, ‘News Talk Radio 840 AM’ is dedicated to providing a platform for informed discussion and debate by offering voters the opportunity to hear directly from the leading candidates about their visions for the future of the city.”

Industry News

Audacy Releases Guide to Busting Media Myths

Audacy’s new Marketer’s Guide to Audio says it will “bust the biggest myths in media and promote theim Audio advantage.” The guide provides data to counter prevailing myths that marketers often believe. Some examples include: 1) the notion that “apps have all the audience” is not true as “ad-supported platforms are key to marketer’s winning and Audacy’s 200 million+ is miles above Spotify (48.6M) and Pandora (41.2M)”; 2) “young people don’t listen to audio” isn’t true as 96% of Gen Z listen to audio daily – with 44% being daily radio users; and 3) “I can’t measure audio” is also false because marketers can “track, measure and analyze results for both broadcast and digital campaigns.” See more about the guide here.

Industry Views

Pending Business: The 40% Factor

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imThere is something about 40.

40% of Q1 2023 podcast advertisers did not return for Q1 2024, according to Magellan AI.

40% of small businesses failed within the first three years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

40% of all workers were prepared to quit their jobs two years ago, according to a McKinsey Study. 43% of email professional recipients open email on a mobile device, according to Statista.

44% of sellers quit the pursuit after the second call according to Scripted. Really? Almost half of the sellers reading this column give up after the second call? That statistic must be wrong.

Consider your typical sales day – prioritized, focused, clear goals established, with all seasonal and timely deadlines plugged in and ready for execution. Successful sellers put as much time and focus into planning and organization as they do into the sales process. So, why quit the process after the second attempt? There are only three reasons any experienced sellers would give up after the second attempt.

1. Poor targeting.

2. Unrealistic expectations.

3. A negative business condition requires a new approach.

Reason #3 is the answer to why I listed the 40% factor. Professional sellers and managers sometimes lose touch with the realities of local business conditions. Attrition has always been the enemy of local sales, yet managers and sellers rarely plan for it. Budgeting and analysis are easy paper exercises. Old fashioned ear-to-the-ground market “research” is equally important. Those who learn to balance the formal and the informal find themselves winning the battle of the 40% factor.

As we approach the second half of the year, with elections, seasonal sports, and major holidays ahead of us, time to sharpen our pencils and tweak the projections for the remainder of the year. And always remember your pencil should have an eraser.

Happy Selling!

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 Views

Monday Memo: Cliché Alert!

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imRatings – and advertisers’ results – reward what listeners remember, what sticks-out, not clichés that blend-in. So, avoid blah-blah-blah such as…

“on tap for…”

Instead of “…and more sunshine on tap for Sunday,” say “…and more sunshine Sunday!” 

“The best _____ around” or “the best _____ in town.”

Commercial copy Styrofoam. “The best wings?” Say WHY, in a way that makes the listener salivate.

“conveniently located”

Zzzz… 

“weaponized”

The word itself has been weaponized. It’s talking-about-talking.

“spot-on”

Translation: What you expressed affirms my predisposition. Talk radio is more interesting, and habit-forming, when sparks fly. So, pique curiosity. Have your screener move callers who disagree to the head of the line.

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“Too clever by half.”

Measured how? Not self-explanatory, this is distracting. And it always sounds condescending. 

“all-important”

As in “let’s check that all-important forecast,” often heard when weather is severe or changing quickly. Rookie stuff. If it’s important, get right to it.

“In this day and age…”

‘Makes you sound like an immigrant from the 20th Century, speaking with an accent. 

“THAT’S the $64,000 question.”

From a TV show in the 1950s, when $64K was big money. 

“shuttered.”

If something closed, say “closed.”  Listeners don’t say “shuttered” in conversation…which is where we want to end up.

“unmitigated gall”

“in any way, shape, or form”

And on THAT note…kidding…

“Period, full-stop.”

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at 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.