Industry News

WPEN, Philadelphia AM Host John Kincade Announces Cancer Diagnosis

On Friday (5/12), WPEN, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” morning host John Kincade told his listeners he’s been diagnosed with colon cancer. He posted the following statement on the station’s website: “Unfortunately, my relatives have a PHD in dealing with cancer as it has ravaged the Kincade family over the years. It’s one of the reasons that I am so proud to partner with the AACR, the American Association of Cancer Research, since the start of ‘The John Kincade Show.’ Earlier in my career, my 20-year association helping to raise moneyim for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was also an important endeavor. I knew personally how cancer affects the lives of the patient and their families. It has been a passion and I’ve been blessed with many years of good health. I didn’t expect in 2023 that we would be having this conversation. After feeling lethargic, exhausted and experiencing some strange weight gain I had blamed it on a recent change of medication. Instead my blood work showed tremendous blood loss and levels of iron and hemoglobin that were dangerously low. We still believed that it would reveal an ulcer or a stomach tear that was being irritated by the new medication causing the bleed. We scheduled a short hospital stay to have all my tests in one day. It’s 76ers playoffs and I needed to get back to work quickly! The colonoscopy revealed the cancer and a subsequent CT Scan has given us some optimism that this cancer journey will end successfully. I have a great support system within the walls of Beasley Broadcasting from the Executive Suite to the interns. I feel blessed that everyone has already rallied behind me at ‘The Fanatic’ to make sure I succeed in this battle. My sponsors have always shown me such loyalty and support. I’m going to do my best to continue to deliver for them. I work with an excellent team on ‘The John Kincade Show’ and I’ve asked them to do everything possible to keep things as normal as possible. With our crew, normal is of course up to interpretation.”

Industry News

Cumulus Announces Modified Dutch Auction to Purchase Class A Common Stock

Cumulus Media Inc reveals in a filing with the Securities Exchange Commission that it is commencing a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer to purchase up to $10 million of shares of its Class A common stock, or such lesser number of shares of its Class A common stock as are properly tendered and not properly withdrawn, at a price not greater than $3.25 and not less than $2.85 per share of Class A common stock, to the tendering shareholder in cash, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest (the “Offer”). Theim Offer will expire at Midnight, New York City time, at the end of the day, on June 9, 2023 (the “Expiration Date”), unless extended or earlier terminated by Cumulus. The “modified Dutch auction” allows shareholders to select the price, within a price range specified by Cumulus, and the number of shares they are willing to sell at that price (or, should a higher price be determined as the “purchase price,” such higher price). The Offer is being made under Cumulus’s previously announced $50 million share repurchase program. The purchase price will be the lowest price per share (in increments of $0.05) of not greater than $3.25 and not less than $2.85 per share, at which shares have been properly tendered and not properly withdrawn, that will enable Cumulus to purchase the maximum number of shares having an aggregate purchase price not exceeding $10 million (or, if the Offer is not fully subscribed, all shares properly tendered and not properly withdrawn). Promptly after the Expiration Date, Cumulus will, on the terms and subject to the conditions described in the offer to purchase, determine the single per-share purchase price that Cumulus will pay, subject to proration and conditional tender provisions, for shares properly tendered at or below the purchase price in the Offer and not properly withdrawn, and accepted for payment, taking into account the number of shares tendered pursuant to the Offer and the prices specified, or deemed specified, by the tendering shareholders.

Industry News

WRVA’s Jeff Katz is Grand Marshall for VA Parade

im

WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (pictured above at right) served as Grand Marshal of the Bon Air Victorian Day Parade in Old Bon Air, Virginia on Saturday (5/13). Katz made history as he became the only person to serve as the parade’s Grand Marshal more than once. Katz agreed to return as the Grand Marshal on one condition – he would share the parade duties with his friend Emily Morrissey (above left) – a 24-year-old with a variety of special needs and disabilities who makes beautiful bracelets which raise money for Special Olympics of Virginia via her website www.emilysbracelets.com.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The migrant surge at the U.S.-Mexico border and the expiration of Title 42; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the negotiations between congressional leaders and the White House over the debt ceiling; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces potential runoff after Turkey’s election; the aftermath of the Jordan Neely chokehold death; the Russia-Ukraine war; and North Carolina abortion battle were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Missouri Man Charged with Threats Against KMBZ’s Dana Wright

According to the Kansas City Star, 49-year-old John D. Gribble of Independence, Missouri has been charged with making a felony criminal threat against KMBZ-FM, Kansas City talk host Dana Wright. In March, Gribble allegedly texted the station in which he “called Wright a sexual profanity and a ‘stupid libtard’ who ‘needs to beim publicly killed. Someday I’ll find that stupid bitch and fix that problem. Scott is the only voice of reason on that show.” The message references Wright’s co-host Scott Parks. Wright posted the text so her listeners could see it and wrote, “This particular threat is not the first— BY FAR — we have received, and I know that it will not be the last. I am sharing this — because I am done being quiet about it.” Wright tells the Star, “What concerns me about cases like this is the level of violence we are seeing against people in all different forms of media. And a lot of those people who lash out blame their rage on things like alcohol and other problems they might be having in their lives or some warped sense that the political landscape is responsible for every problem they’ve ever had.” Read the Star story here.

Industry News

Fred Toucher Returns to “98.5 The Sports Hub”

WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” morning drive personality Fred Toucher returned to the program on Thursday after a medical leave of absence to deal with a throat problem that was affecting his voice. Co-hostim Rich Shertenleib had taken a sick day, so the two haven’t worked together since Toucher accused his co-workers of not reaching out to him while he dealt with what was thought to be a cancer scare. He was ultimately diagnosed with leukoplakia, something that can be caused by smoking. Toucher told his listeners, “I have two pieces of advice: Do not smoke and get a second opinion. They thought that I had cancer. If you saw pictures of the original thing they took of my throat, there was a big lump on my vocal cord, like a big lump. I wasn’t supposed to talk for two weeks. And now it just turns out to be Leukoplakia.”

Industry News

Phil Paleologos to Retire from WBSM, New Bedford

Longtime New Bedford, Massachusetts morning personality Phil Paleologos is retiring from his role as morning drive host at Townsquare Media’s news/talk WBSM-AM. Station director of content Michael Rockim says in a memo to staffers, “Phil has been in broadcasting for more than 50 years, most of those years on morning radio, and many years feeding the people of New Bedford next to his bride, Celeste, at their Shawmut Diner. As much as Phil has to offer our community, at some point a man deserves to sleep in without worrying about pancakes or interviews. That time has come for Phil. The Morning Mayor has decided to make this Friday [5/12] his last day on the WBSM morning show… Thankfully, Phil’s WBSM story doesn’t end on Friday. He has agreed to ‘Phil’ in during vacations, and I’m trying to talk him into taking on a regular weekend shift. All in time.”

Industry News

CONFERENCE CLOSER: John Catsimatidis to Tackle AM Car Radio Issue

WABC, New York/Red Apple Media CEO, John Catsimatidis is set to deliver the closing keynote address at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. The speech, titled, “AM Radio and the Automobile Industry,” will be the highlight of the event’s closing reception and tackle the existential issue facingim the industry as a number of car manufacturers unveiled controversial intentions to eliminate AM radios from the dashboard of electric and even gas vehicles going forward. In making the announcement about this additional agenda element, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “The automobile issue is rocking the industry and John Catsimatidis has been stepping up to the plate in defense of both radio and good sense. He brings his formidable influence into the arena and we are delighted that he will be delivering a major address to that effect on June 2 at the conference. He has become a radio hero, and this will be another key moment in his growing legacy… and hopefully in prolonging the valuable life of both the AM and FM bands.”

Historic conference nearing sellout

The 26th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important gathering set for Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island is nearing an advance sellout. Conference organizers estimate it will reach that point at any time within the next two weeks. Thus 5:00 pm ET on Tuesday, May 23 has been set as the absolute cutoff point – although it could reach the limit any time before that. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “Industry professionals who have attended the TALKERS conference in the past enjoy it and find it to be a valuable experience for a number of reasons beyond the remarkable quality of the speakers and pertinence of the agenda. They appreciate the intimacy of the environment and outstanding ‘who’s who’ in talk media makeup of their fellow attendees. We work very diligently to keep this event within those parameters. Thus, it is only open to people who work within or are associated in some way with the media industry – there is no online open registration – and it all happens within one power-packed day with absolutely no down time.” More than 60 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a power-packed day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. All in a beautiful indoor/outdoor state-of-the-art environment conducive to one-on-one conversations. The time to register is now. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

Edison Research: Moms Flocking to TikTok

Edison Research releases its latest Moms and Media 2023 report and concludes that American moms “are spending more time on the Internet, increasingly embracing digital devices, and using TikTok more.” The report states that U.S. moms self-reported using the Internet 15 minutes more per day than they did in 2022, for aim total of four hours and 15 minutes per day. Ninety percent of moms access the internet from their mobile phones. It also says that TikTok is used by 50% of U.S. moms, up from 42% in 2022, while Facebook is used by 83% of U.S. moms, down from 88% in 2022. Edison Research VP Melissa DeCesare says, “U.S. moms are heavily engaged with social media and online audio, and their time on the Internet continues to increase with the ease of mobile phone access. They are busy with children and are taking advantage of the convenience offered by wireless headphones and smart watches.” Download the report here.

Industry News

WOSH, Oshkosh Wins Honor from WBA

Cumulus Media’s news/talk WOSH-AM/W230DB, Oshkosh, Wisconsin was honored by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association with first place for Best Continuing Coverage for 2022 in the Medium Market Radioim – News & Talk category, for its coverage of Old Glory Honor Flight #59. “WOSH Morning News” host Phil Cianciola traveled with nearly 100 U.S. military veterans (including one WWII vet) to the D.C. memorials and submitted 19 featurettes aired throughout the one-day broadcast event on WOSH. WOSH also claimed second place honors in the Best On-Scene Reporting category for Phil Cianciola’s first-hand coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Ian from Sanibel Island, Florida. The honors were bestowed at the 2023 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards Gala on May 6.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Expands Branded Podcast Studio

iHeartMedia announces that it is launching Ruby, the first dedicated team of its kind from a major media company committed entirely to the production, sales and marketing of branded podcasts. The company says it has “built one of the fastest-growing slate of branded podcasts globally with 30 original series from major brands such as T-Mobile, IBM, Intuit QuickBooks and Mattress Firm,” and that the “launch of Rubyim represents an expanded commitment to one of iHeartMedia’s most premium products allowing advertisers to engage audiences with creative, longform native content.” iHeartMedia goes on to say, “Ruby’s branded podcasts allow advertisers and their brand partners to spend upwards of 30-45 minutes with their target audience in a unique environment, with opportunities for storytelling that are not possible anywhere else in their media mix including social video. With distribution across the iHeartRadio app and all other major platforms, native podcasts from Ruby connect brands to audiences by translating brand messaging, products and services into original and engaging stories that audiences love.” See more about Ruby here.

Industry News

“The Bettor Angle” Joins BetQL Network

Audacy announces the launch of “The Bettor Angle,” a new show that “takes fans of BetQL Network behind the numbers and uncovers the stories that shape the games.” The program is hosted by Kate Constable andim Camron Smith and airs Saturdays from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET via the Audacy app and Twitch beginning May 13. BetQL Network brand manager Andrew Williams says, “‘The Bettor Angle’ is the latest example of the BetQL Network’s dedication to delivering top-quality Wagertainment to our listeners and viewers, seven days a week. Kate and Camron will take listeners behind the numbers and uncover the stories that shape the games. From injury reports to coaching strategies, they’ll help listeners understand the factors that can make or break their bets.”

Industry News

Facebook Postings: Rock Radio Legend Mary Turner Has Died

At the time of this publication’s posting of the story, reactions from a number of her radio colleagues on Facebook indicate that just a half-year after the death of her husband, Westwood One and PodcastOne founder Norm Pattiz, legendary radio personality and dedicated substance abuse counselor Mary Turner has died. Turner was one of the top personalities at the iconic album rock powerhouse KMET, Los Angeles, where she served on-air between 1972 and 1982. She later achieved national radio prominence hosting theim Westwood One syndicated series “Off The Record With Mary Turner” in which she presented interviews with and personality profiles of some of the biggest musical stars of the day. Turner and Pattiz were married in the early 80s and the two shared what friends described as a happy relationship until his death this past December at 79 due to throat cancer. Turner had her own health issue battling substance abuse in the early 90s, which she bravely overcame. She became a UCLA-certified drug and alcohol counselor and received a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She went on to be appointed chairwoman of the Betty Ford Center at Eisenhower Hospital in Rancho Mirage. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who worked with Turner at both KMET and Westwood One says, “Mary Turner was one of the main pillars upon which the great KMET was built.  Nicknamed ‘The Burner,’ she was a pioneer in album rock radio and an iconic role model for women in the industry.  She was solid on the air – providing music fans a panoramic window into the culture.  She related to artists with an authenticity that engendered trust and they really opened up to her.”  As of press time, further details on this story are not available.

Industry News

NBA & MBA Launch The High School Radio Project

The Nebraska Broadcasters Association and the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association have partnered to create The High School Radio Project (HSRP). The two broadcasters associations say, “Theim HSRP brings real-world radio skills to high school media students in each state, allowing students to curate and schedule music, record radio breaks, produce news and sports stories, interviews, and PSAs, all aired on a streaming radio station heard around the world, 24-hours a day on HighSchoolRadioProject.org, Live365, and Amazon Alexa.” They have recruited industry vendors to assist the students in their radio projects, allowing them to “closely mimic an actual radio station, developing critical communication skills and giving a head start to those who wish to further their radio journey by bolstering college applications and adding valuable skills to their work resumé.”

Industry News

WPHT Hosts On-Air Philadelphia Democratic Party Mayoral Debate

WPHT noon to 3:00 pm midday host Dom Giordano continues to live up to his well-deserved reputation as the “Dean of Philadelphia Talk Radio” moderating an exclusive on-air debate between the candidates running for mayor in the City of Brotherly Love (5/8). He also furthered his emerging reputation as a diplomatic bridge-builder considering the history of Philadelphia Democrats traditionally avoiding appearing as guests or speakers on conservative news/talk radio. Pictured (l-r) are State Rep. Amen Brown; former City Councilperson Cherelle Parker; and former City Councilperson Allan Domb. Giordano tells TALKERS, “I designed the debate to match the natural flow of talk radio versus buzzing the candidates in and out in restrictive 60-second blocks.”  Giordano will be displaying his skills as a facilitator at the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 conference set for Hofstra University on June 2 as moderator of the panel, “Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career.”

Industry News

DraftKings Launches Channel on Samsung TV Plus

DraftKings strikes a deal with Samsung TV Plus to put the DraftKings Network channel on the service. DraftKings VP of content Stacie McCollum says, “In bringing together some of the most authentic sports andim entertainment voices under one umbrella, DraftKings Network is the destination for ‘In on the Action’ sports fans and content they love. We look forward to reaching fans with our deep roster of independent, credible and relatable voices that resonate with sports fans and the sports betting community.” At launch, the DraftKings Network programming lineup will feature original shows anchored by “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz,” Jared Carrabis, “Golic and Smetty with Mike Golic Sr and Jessica Smetana, and more.

Industry News

Howie Carr “Doing Better” After Fainting

Boston-based, syndicated talk radio host Howie Carr required medical attention after fainting during his daily, afternoon drive talk radio program. According to Patch.com, Carr had said at the beginning of his show thatim he’d undergone a medical procedure earlier in the day and was not feeling well. Carr’s family tweeted, “Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for Howie. During his show today, he fainted. He is getting care now and doing better.” Carr’s flagship station is iHeartMedia’s WRKO, Boston and he’s heard throughout the Northeast via The Howie Carr Radio Network. Read the Patch.com account here.

Industry News

Jayne Miller to Host Weekend Show on WBAL-AM

Baltimore investigative reporter Jayne Miller – who retired from WBAL-TV, Baltimore last year after 40 years – is hosting a talk show on Hearst Television’s WBAL “NewsRadio 1090 AM and 101.5 FM.” The Saturday 11:00im am to 1:00 pm program will “take a closer look at a variety of issues important to the greater Baltimore area, leaning on her extensive network to bring Saturday listeners interviews with key newsmakers.” WBAL director of programming Jeff Wade states, “Jayne brings a wealth of knowledge to the microphone built on decades of experience asking the tough questions and holding those in power accountable. I’m excited for her to bring that same tenacity, inquisitive nature and passion to WBAL’s Saturday lineup.”

Industry News

West Virginia’s Bob Huggins Utters Gay Slur During WLW Show

College hoops coach Bob Huggins issued an apology after using the word “fa**ots” during his appearance on the Bill Cunningham show on iHeartMedia’s WLW, Cincinnati yesterday (5/8). CBS Newsim reports that Huggins’ employer – West Virginia University – says it is taking the situation “under review and will be addressed by the University and its athletics department.” Cunningham and Huggins were talking about Huggins’ former crosstown rival, Xavier University, from his time as head coach of University of Cincinnati, when Huggins referenced incidents of Xavier students throwing rubber penises on the basketball court “and then say they didn’t do it.” He added, “…what it was, was all those fa**ots, those Catholic fa**ots, I think.” Read the CBS story here.

Industry News

Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Forced to Change Award Winners

After handing out honors at its annual awards gala over the weekend, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association is forced to take back three awards and give them to the rightful recipients. Two of the awards were in television categories but the third affected news/talk radio outlets. Seehafer Broadcasting’sim talk/AC/sports station WOMT-AM/W300EE, Manitowoc was named News Operation of the Year winner in Medium Market News and Talk Radio. Midwest Communications’ news/talk WTAQ, Green Bay was erroneously named the winner on Saturday night. The WBA says the stations have been informed and awards will be produced and delivered to the stations. WBA president Michelle Vetterkind says, “We are very sorry for the error. The points awarded for social/digital media categories were not attributed to the News Operation of the Year award calculation. In previous years, points for those categories did not go toward News Operation of the Year. That rule change was made for the 2022 contest but wasn’t incorporated into the tabulation process.”

Industry News

FNC Dedicates London Bureau to Slain Photojournalist

FOX News Channel dedicates its London bureau to its beloved cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski (pictured), who was killed last year after his vehicle was struck by incoming fire while news gathering in a village outside Kyiv, Ukraine. The attack critically injured FNC’s State Department correspondent Benjamin Hall and killedim Ukrainian journalist Oleksandra Kuvshynova. Zakrzewski covered nearly every international story for the network during his almost 20-year tenure and was based in London. In 2021, Zakrzewski notably played a key role in rescuing Afghan freelance associates and their families from the country following the withdrawal of U.S. forces there. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “Pierre was renowned throughout the media industry for his passionate storytelling and remarkable skill, and he was an all-around exceptional colleague. While we are still devastated by his loss, we are extremely proud to honor his legacy by dedicating and naming our London bureau after him.”

Industry News

Panel Discussion to Tackle the Talk Media Industry’s Key Concerns

One of the most popular sessions at the annual TALKERS Conference is “The Big Picture” panel and this year’s planned installment of the discussion promises to continue in that tradition of perspective and pertinence.  The panel will be introduced by TALKERS associate publisher/media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison, Esq. and moderated by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison.  Panelists include (in alphabetical order): Arthur Aidala, Esq. founding partner, Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, PC/host, AM 970 The Answer, New York; Dr. Asa Andrew, CEO/host, The Doctor Asa NetworkLee Habeeb, host/producer, Our American StoriesLee Harris, director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation; and Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC/chairman, Radio Hall of Fame.  One more panelist has yet to be named.  The issues that the session will cover include: the existential cultural, technological and financial issues facing radio and talk media; the medium’s role in the national political conversation and culture wars; the impact of artificial intelligence on intellectual property and creative originality; the evolution of ethics, justice and journalism in American society; and an examination of potential topics and concerns that will keep the medium vibrant as we move deeper into the 21st century. “It’s all about perspective,” says panel moderator Michael Harrison. “If we are to survive as an industry as well as a community, we have to step back and look at the big picture within which we operate… and it is getting bigger and bigger with each passing moment. We must avoid becoming smaller and smaller.”  More than 60 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a power-packed day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. TALKERS 2023 is nearing an advance sellout. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here

Industry News

Tucker Carlson Wants Out of His Non-Compete

According to a story by Nicolas Reimann at Forbes, former FOX News Channel star Tucker Carlson, through his attorney Bryan Freedman, is working to get out of his contract with FOX News that could keep him offim competing news outlets through 2025. Carlson and FOX parted ways several weeks ago but Carlson’s contract with the media firm could keep him from working from another media outlet while FOX continues to pay him $20 million per year. Reimann’s piece indicates that Carlson is fielding offers from numerous conservative news/talk outlets including Newsmax, Rumble, One America News, and The Daily Wire. Freedman told Axios, “The idea that anyone is going to silence Tucker and prevent him from speaking to his audience is beyond preposterous.” Read the Forbes story here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Twitter Technique

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imTik-Tok is hot (largely among users too young to be heavy AM/FM listeners) and it’s in-the-news (about its possible ban). And, yes, Facebook remains T-Rex in the social media jungle. But people on Twitter seem to live there.

— Twitter is a useful right-now prompt, because Tweets stack-up, so there’s less value alerting Followers to what’s up much later today or tomorrow.

— Like any contact, there’s a quality/quantity trade-off. You will get a feel for how-much-is-too-much when you see your Followers number drop. So, think before you Tweet. You’ll never get un-Followed for something you didn’t Tweet.

— Best of all, like other social media, Twitter is…social. Conversations begin and spread. And any of your Followers can re-Tweet your message to all their Followers, and any of them could re-Tweet it too. Going-viral like that is powerful peer-to-peer endorsement, particularly if you’re a podcaster, because subscriptions are the ballgame.

im

REAL opportune: links and attachments.

— AM/FM transmitters are audio-only and only in real-time. But you can Tweet-out a photo or video or a link to online content. Research demonstrates that third-party content you share gets re-Tweeted more than content about yourself.

— Possibly the most-useful Tweets about your radio work are “snack-size” single-topic aircheck clips. Especially opportune: guest interview excerpts that enable listeners. “Car Coach Lauren Fix has three tips BEFORE your summer road trip.” Why expose that useful programming content only to those who happened to be listening live?

— Tweeting in that fashion not only conforms to listeners’ on-demand media preference, it puts your audio back in the pocket, where radio used to be.

Twitter does double-duty BEFORE your show.

— Note how SiriusXM/CNN host Michael Smerconish tees-up topics with quick videos and polls. People like being-asked. A real estate agent whose weekend show I coach uses Twitter “to ask an opinion on a light fixture, a paint color, an appliance.” She notes that “on HGTV’s website, they have a section called ‘Rate My Remodel.’ Regular folks send in pictures of a recent remodel that they did, and others comment. People love this stuff.” So, start a conversation that takes wings. When you read posted comments on-air, you sound accessible and popular.

— And Twitter’s characters-limit is a useful discipline. You’re pre-scripting your concise, inviting show open.

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

Industry Views

Pending Business: Father’s Day

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imYou have still have six weeks to make Father’s Day your sales success. Stop taking for granted, this always undersold 100-plus-years-old celebration.

Father’s Day is a $20 billion business that rarely dominates a radio sales meeting. Did you have a full sales meeting devoted to selling into the Father’s Day gift giving cycle?

Your most valuable sales asset, your on-air personalities, can be helpful in brainstorming, collaborating, even creating unique sales opportunities. They know their audience.

The National Retail Foundation projects only an $80 difference in the average gift spends between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Still the typical radio ad sales team rarely takes the time necessary when it comes to brainstorming this annual opportunity. Unlike Mother’s Day where “natural” categories like flowers, candy, dinner, spa days, even jewelry make the annual target list, what does your target list look like for Father’s Day? How creative is your Father’s Day planning… especially since neckties are still out?

Could it be because Father’s Day was hatched in Spokane, Washington as a complement to its senior partner, Mother’s Day?

It really doesn’t matter. These takeaways may help guide your thinking as you approach any holiday marketing. Let’s start with a Father’s Day profile that should broaden your thinking:

— Forget the old school. Consider this: 81% of gift givers are looking for “unique” or “experience” oriented gifts. A true opportunity to open your prospecting targets. Would Dad enjoy a weekend staycation?

— Like it or not online shopping is becoming the norm, yet when it comes to Father’s Day, nearly 50% are still shopping at retail locations. Another reason to freshen up that prospecting list.

— Despite inflation, 76% of Americans will celebrate Father’s Day.

— The average spend is projected at $171. Not exactly Christmas numbers, but welcome income to any retailer.

Sellers and managers often overlook obvious income opportunities that could come easily. Chances are your local talent have a connection to Father’s Day that could make a difference on a sales call. Don’t overlook the opportunities right in front of you as you approach the next sales call.

Happy Father’s Day!

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. Steve Lapa will be moderating the “Generating Revenue” panel at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University.

Industry News

The Ramey Show’s George Kamel Launches YouTube Channel

George Kamel, co-host of “The Ramsey Show” on the Ramsey Network, is launching a new YouTube channel designed to help “others win with money while exposing a system designed to keep Americans broke.”im The Ramsey Network says Kamel, who went from negative net worth to millionaire and has successfully navigated the money minefield, will “tackle the tough topic of money with humor and wit.” Kamel comments, “There’s so much anxiety and frustration around money. I’m so pumped about this channel because we’re going to show people personal finance doesn’t need to be complicated, and we’re going to have a lot of fun doing it.” New episodes will be posted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Industry News

Former Cuomo Aide to Host WABC Radio Show

Melissa DeRosa, who served as aide to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, is getting her own weekly radio show on WABC, New York. The New York Post reports that DeRosa, who has been serving as aim contributor to the Red Apple Media station, will host a Sunday talk show, although a firm start date has not been announced. Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis tells the Post, “She is one smart lady and she is one tough lady and you know how much I appreciate smart tough ladies.” DeRosa says her show will tackle “the major headlines driving national news and New York news. It will be a mix of insiders conversation but also I want it to have broader appeal to everyday New Yorkers.” Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Former L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva to Host Show on CRN

CRN Digital Talk Radio announces that former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva is hosting a new talk radio show titled, “The Resistance with Sheriff Alex Villanueva,” that will cover “a wide range of topicsim related to crime, law enforcement, public safety, homelessness and the failures of many of our elected officials.” The program debuts this evening (5/8) at 7:00 pm ET. CRN Digital Talk Radio CEO Michael Horn says, “We are thrilled to have Sheriff Villanueva join our lineup of hosts on CRN Digital Talk Radio. His experience and expertise in law enforcement and in public service make him a valuable addition in the talk media universe and we look forward to providing a platform for him to connect with the audience.”

Industry News

AFSP Honors Audacy with Public Education Lifesaver Award

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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention recognized Audacy’s “I’m Listening” program and the company’s continued support of mental health with a Public Education Lifesaver Award during the organization’s annual AFSP Gala in New York City. The event honors those that have gone above and beyond in drawing attention to the cause of suicide prevention, elevating public discourse around mental health and suicide, and successfully creating actual change within our society to end this leading cause of death.  Pictured above are Audacy COO Susan Larkin (right) and actor, author, and mental health advocate Ashley Judd (left), who received the Survivor of Suicide Loss Lifesaver Award in honor of her work following her mother Naomi Judd’s suicide.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

At least nine people are killed in a shooting at a Texas outlet mall and seven others are killed by a vehicle hitting people outside a migrant shelter; the global COVID health emergency is declared over and Dr. Rochelle Walensky exits the CDC; the battle in Washington over the debt ceiling; investors remain nervous about regional banks after the failure of three; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the controversy over Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ accepting gifts from a prominent Republican donor; King Charles III is coronated; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine; experts’ concerns about generative Artificial Intelligence; and the large number of race horse deaths leading up to the Kentucky Derby were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Today’s Radio Talk Show Hosts Face Unique Challenges

A special panel addressing the career management issues facing today’s talk radio talent has been set for TALKERS 2023 which will take place on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. It’s always been difficult to forge a successful on-air career in radio – but today, it is particularly intense. Talk show hosts in 2023 must deal with integrating their on-air responsibilities with the multi-platform nature of modern media, fragmented pop culture, stifling budget restrictions, and highly distracted or corporately paralyzed management. This all plays out against the backdrop of controversy, political correctness, a dizzyingly non-stop news cycle and incessant technological change. The session titled, “Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career,” will be introduced by Ryan McCormick, managing partner, Goldman McCormick, PR and a syndicated talk show host in his own right; moderated by Heavy Hundred mainstay and the “Dean of Philadelphia Talk Radio,” Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia; and include panelists (in alphabetical order): super-agent, Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss Agency; Heavy Hundred member Mandy Connell,  KOA, Denver; Heavy Hundred member Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond; Heavy Hundred member Frank Morano, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Network, and Heavy Hundred member Martha Zoller, WDUN, Gainesville, Georgia.   More than 60 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a power-packed day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. TALKERS 2023 is nearing an advance sellout. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Rosen and Porth at “The Score”

Audacy announces leadership promotions at sports talk WSCR-AM, Chicago “670 The Score” as station programmer Mitch Rosen is upped to vice president and brand manager. Rosen will continue in his role asim vice president of BetQL Network. Audacy Chicago VP of programming and operations Greg Solk says, “Mitch Rosen is ‘The Score’ and has led his team for nearly two imdecades of unprecedented success. He has a keen eye for talent and has the deepest relationships in Chicago sports media. We are all excited about the future of ‘The Score’ with Mitch leading the way.” At the same time, the company promotes assistant brand manager Ryan Porth to program manager, reporting to Rosen. In this role, Porth will assume day-to-day responsibilities of the station’s programming. Rosen comments, “Ryan Porth came into “The Score Clubhouse” in January of 2022 and has fit in like a veteran. We are excited about his next step in helping to guide the future of Chicago’s sports powerhouse.”