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Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Dominic ‘Zakk’ Zaccagnini Named PD for WHAM, Rochester and WSYR, Syracuse. Radio programming pro Dominic “Zakk” Zaccagnini is named program director for “NewsRadio WHAM 1180,” classic rock WAIO-FM “Radio 95.1” in Rochester and news/talk WSYR, Syracuse, effective immediately. He will report to Tias Schuster, SVP of programming for iHeartMedia Upstate New York. Zaccagnini joins the iHeartMedia Rochester and Syracuse markets from Cumulus Media’s rock KSAN-FM, San Francisco where he was program director and afternoon drive host while also handling pregame host duties for the Kansas City Chiefs on KCFX-FM, Kansas City. Schuster says, “Zakk is a winner with deep programming knowledge coming from multiple formats and major markets. We look forward to his vision, energy, and leadership that he will bring to our stations.” Zakk comments, “It is a privilege for me to join so many talented professionals and become part of these amazing brands in this management role. I am grateful and very excited for this opportunity. Thanks to everyone at iHeartMedia for making it happen!”

 

Jeff Austin Adds ‘ESPN 1320’ Sacramento Brand Manager Duties. Programming pro Jeff Austin is named brand manager for Audacy’s KIFM-AM, Sacramento “ESPN 1320.” Austin continues his current role with the company as brand manager for sports talk outlets KFXX-AM “1080 The Fan” and KMTT-AM “910 ESPN” in Portland. He assumes the duties from Danny Freisinger, who was recently promoted to director of sports for Audacy’s 2400Sports podcast studio. Audacy Sacramento and San Francisco SVP and market manager Stacey Kauffman says, “We’re delighted to bring Jeff’s ability to mold local sports brands to our market and have his oversight at the helm of KIFM. His experience managing two favorites in Portland will serve him well as he expands his role with us, and we look forward to watching ‘ESPN 1320’ continue to build on its success.”

 

WBZ-FM, Boston’s Tony Massarotti Named Color Commentator for NESN’s Red Sox Coverage. Boston sports media personality Tony Massarotti is named the TV color commentator for NESN’s presentation of Boston Red Sox games this season. Massarotti co-hosts the afternoon drive show with Michael Felger on Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub.” Massarotti also hosts “The Baseball Hour with Tony Mazz” on “98.5 The Sports Hub” during the baseball season. He served as the Red Sox beat writer for the Boston Herald from 1994-2008. He’s also the co-author of Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits, with David Ortiz, and Knuckler: My Life with Baseball’s Most Confounding Pitch, written with Tim Wakefield. Massarotti says, “I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity, but it was obviously a unique circumstance that required the sacrifices and cooperation of many people. I can’t say enough about the support and open-mindedness of the people at Beasley Media Group, The Sports Hub, NESN and the Red Sox for their parts in making this work. In all my time reporting on and talking about baseball, I can’t ever remember being more excited about an approaching Boston baseball season than I am for this one.”

 

WSB, Atlanta Celebrates 100 Years of Service. Atlanta news/talk WSB-AM is celebrating its 100th anniversary serving the market today (3/15). Cox Media Group says its flagship brand, WSB Radio, broadcast across the airwaves for the first time on March 15, 1922 and was the first radio station in the Southeast. The station’s call stood for “Welcome South Brother.” CMG says the station was soon nicknamed The Voice of the South and today continues delivering the news, weather, sports and traffic that matter to listeners while giving back to the Atlanta community. The company adds, “WSB expanded in 2010 to a full-time simulcast on 95.5 FM, extending its footprint across the metro Atlanta area. With its expanded reach, WSB set its sights on innovating its content, digital platforms, programming, sales, production, promotions and engineering, all contributing to the brand’s ongoing success and longevity.” CMG Atlanta and Athens VP/GM Jaleigh Long states, “As we celebrate this milestone, we are honored to have such a talented and diverse team who have served WSB through the years to help us remain at the forefront of innovation that keeps us connected to our audience and local advertisers. 100 years of community service is in our DNA and if there’s anything we are proud of, it’s the station’s rich history of uplifting the surrounding community. WSB’s never-ending commitment to innovation and embracing change will propel the us into the next century and beyond.”

 

Media Execs Spencer Brown and Charles Steinhauer Form New Firm Gemini XIII. The new company, Gemini XIII, is described in a press release as “the podcasting and radio industries’ new home for premium audio content, production and marketing services.” The company is being founded by Cadence13 and Dial Global founder Spencer Brown (left) and former Westwood One COO Charles Steinhauer (right). At the same time, Gemini XIII announces it has acquired The Infinite Agency, a full-service digital advertising agency based in Dallas, as well as Phantom Producer, an audio imaging service from Australian audio producer Jeff Thomas that includes web and mobile app user interfaces. Jonathan Ogle is remaining in his president role with The Infinite Agency and Thomas will continue to lead Phantom Producer. Gemini XIII is based in New York, with offices in Dallas and Sydney, Australia. Gemini XIII CEO Spencer Brown says, “We are pleased to announce the launch of Gemini XIII with the acquisition of two of audio and advertising’s most innovative companies, The Infinite Agency, and Phantom Producer. These great companies are a formidable launching pad for what we expect to be Gemini XIII’s growing portfolio of audio’s most exciting brands. We welcome the talented professionals at these organizations to the Gemini XIII family and look forward to serving our partners and customers with the very best in content and services.” Company COO Charles Steinhauer adds, “These two companies represent a solid foundation of talented people from which Gemini XIII will continue to build. We are committed to bringing new resources and capabilities to audio and to offer new and creative ways to tell stories in audio. We are actively exploring opportunities to complement these organizations to once again build and grow a new breed of audio company.”

 

WWO Audio Active Group: Radio Helps Reach More Swing Voters. According to data from Nielsen VP of cross platform insights Tony Hereau, “the addition of AM/FM radio to a political media plan can generate an extraordinary amount of incremental voter reach.” Hereau recently presented the findings to the American Association of Political Consultants in a report called, “The 10% Solution: Optimizing the Political Media Plan with Radio to Reach Swing Voters.” Some of the key findings in his report include: 1) 45% of voters are zero/light TV viewers who are impossible to reach with TV ads: Nielsen finds there has been a sharp increase in voters who watch little or no TV; 2) The combination of connected TV and AM/FM radio can reach voters who are zero/light TV viewers: AM/FM radio reaches 82% of zero/light TV voters. Connected TV reaches 62% of zero/light TV voters. Combined, CTV and AM/FM radio can significantly supplement the political media plan; 3) Zero/light TV voters reached by AM/FM radio are younger, upscale, and more likely to have kids; 4) AM/FM radio is a rich source of swing voters: 40% to 50% of AM/FM radio programming format audiences are swing voters, according to Nielsen; and 5) AM/FM radio advertising was the untold secret ingredient to Glenn Youngkin’s Virginia gubernatorial victory. See more from this post here.

 

BIA: Local Audio Ad Spend Forecast for 2022 is $14.7 Billion. According to a new forecast from BIA Advisory Services, $14.7 billion will be spent in ad-supported local audio platforms including broadcast radio and digital audio. BIA says the local audio advertising marketplace is becoming more competitive with more streaming services and podcasts. While the shares of local radio OTA (Over-the-Air) advertising is eroding, radio digital is increasing, providing radio stations an avenue to still increase their sales. BIA’s local audio estimate breaks out advertising revenue forecast for 2022 from each of the following local ad-supported local audio platforms: Radio OTA: $12.7 billion – All revenues generated by local radio stations for sale of time to either national or local advertisers from their over-the-air broadcasts. Does not include any advertising sold by the national radio networks. Radio Digital: $1.7 billion – All revenues generated by local radio stations from national, regional and local advertisers targeting a local market from their online activities. Includes display and streaming advertising revenue other than Pandora. Pandora: $400 million – Audio and display advertising revenue generated by Pandora from national, regional and local advertisers targeting a local market.

 

TALKERS News Notes. New York City talk radio host Mark Simone tells TALKERS magazine that his 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program on iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR-AM “has set a new ratings record, getting the largest total audience (Persons 6+) of any radio station in New York, beating all of the 85 other stations – the only talk show to do that in this century.” Simone’s program garnered a 6.7 share for the two-hour period in Nielsen’s January 2022 PPM survey…..WABC, New York talk host Sid Rosenberg has a cool TV gig on the side. As reported by InsideRadio, Rosenberg plays Dave Busco, a soldier in a crime family, in the Amazon Prime series “Gravesend.”…..Salem Radio Network’s 24/7 national news service SRN News is providing live, comprehensive coverage of a rare “virtual” address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tomorrow (3/16). SRN live coverage begins at 9:00 am ET anchored by SRN News White House correspondent Greg Clugston, featuring remarks by Zelensky followed by recap and analysis of the Urkrainian leader’s address. Additionally, the network’s nationally syndicated “Mike Gallagher Show” on Wednesday will not only feature highlights of Zelensky’s remarks but a special “America Reacts” segment as listeners from coast-to-coast weigh in with their instant reaction to the latest development in the four-week Russia/Ukraine conflict…..Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is again presenting complete coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. Coverage will tip off with First Four action on Tuesday, March 15 and run through the NCAA Men’s Final Four on Saturday, April 2 and the National Championship Game on Monday, April 4 in both English and Spanish. Westwood One is also announcing the expansion of its coverage of NCAA Women’s Championship events. For the first time, both the Women’s Frozen Four and the Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship will be broadcast nationally on radio. Westwood One’s women’s coverage will also include the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament featuring every game from the Sweet Sixteen through the Final Four and National Championship Game, as well as every game of the Women’s College World Series…..Audacy’s Cadence13 podcast studio announces a partnership with creator-focused new media company Puck and the launch of the program “The Powers That Be Daily,” that brings listeners inside the four corners of power in America: Wall Street, Washington, Silicon Valley and Hollywood. Emmy Award-winning journalist Peter Hamby and Puck’s team of founding partners, including Julia Ioffe, Matt Belloni, Dylan Byers, Theodore Schleifer, Tina Nguyen, Eriq Gardner, Baratunde Thurston, and William D. Cohan, “pick up where the news ends to explore the story behind the stories driving the day’s headlines across Wall Street, Washington, Silicon Valley and Hollywood with a digestible and dishy 15-20 minute daily rundown featuring insider insights.”

 

Chicago Radio Legend Pervis Spann Dies at 89. WGN-TV reports that Chicago radio legend Pervis Spann has died of complications from Alzheimer’s. During his career in radio he served as a DJ and helped build WVON-AM where his daughter Melody Spann-Cooper currently serves as president and general manager.

 

Russia-Ukraine War, U.S.-China Relations, Gas Prices/Inflation, COVID-19/People’s Convoy, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, January 6, and Urban Violence Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/14). Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the U.S.’s role in sanctions and arming the Ukrainian military; the U.S.’s relations with China as Russia asks Xi Jinping for military aid; soaring gas prices and the still rising costs of retail consumer goods; the leveling of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the lockdowns in China, and the still-active People’s Convoy protesting mandates in Washington, DC; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ wife Gini’s admission to attending the rally prior to the raid on the Capitol on January 6, 2021; the capture of a man suspected of killing homeless people and the arrest of an NYC man who beat an elderly Asian woman were some of the top stories discussed on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

 

 

 

Talk Radio Revolution! Conservative News Talk Morning Radio Producer based in Richmond, VA. Emerging and exciting independent conservative talk-news radio stations/media network is seeking top-notch career-oriented executive for morning producer.

This position is full-time, based in Richmond, Virginia with unlimited growth potential.

The company’s morning show host is a nationally known figure who owns radio stations across the mid-Atlantic region. This is not a remote position, as the producer must work in the flagship studio in south Richmond, VA. The AM hours are 5:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The position requires solid radio production knowledge, creativity, perseverance and the ability to multi-task in the morning. The right candidate will produce the morning show, field phone calls from high-level political figures and live callers, manage the clock, run the ads and navigate through normal live radio issues.

The show host is usually remote traveling the nation. Once the show is completed, the successful candidate is responsible for all post-production as well as running the next show. The successful candidate must be very internet and social media savvy and enjoy a lightning fast-paced environment and work well in the sandbox with others.

This position offers incredible freedom of expression and you will not be micro-managed in a corporate-bean counter driven mentality. You must be able to work independently with little day to day direction. If you love radio but hate the direction our industry is headed with corporate empty suits telling you what to do every fifteen-minutes then we are the company for you!

We play :60-:75 seconds of classic rock music in the morning before each segment so you have to be selecting songs to connect with our audience. We are an independent network and growing. This is a conservative-talk enterprise with the leading America First hosts in the nation, so you should feel comfortable in that environment.

While our competitors are shrinking and laying staff off – we are buying and growing. Come join our talk radio revolution! We are an equal opportunity employer. Competitive salary. Please send a short cover letter and your resume to: ApplyJFMN@gmail.com – Include producer in the subject line. The base salary is $40-50K depending on experience. This is a self-relocation if you live outside of RVA.

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, March 14, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Monday Memo: Your Egg-Timer? “Baseball stations: Exhale!” As Spring Training is underway and with Opening Day now April 7, consultant Holland Cooke reckons that “we need this,” as we’re shocked by the Ukraine crisis and suffering inflation. And in this week’s column, HC shares a revered baseball announcer’s simple trick “that can help radio matter more as listeners cope.” Read it here.

 

Pending Business: Happy Mother’s Day. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa is predicting “one of the biggest Mother’s Day sales cycles on record.” He says that professional sellers are already prepping for it because they fully understand the importance of “planning, organization, focus and adjustment.” Read his column here.

 

Michael Harrison Interviews John DePetro from Poland Near Ukraine Border. As reported in TALKERS last week, WNRI, Woonsocket, Rhode Island talk show host John DePetro has taken his independent program live to Rzeszow, Poland – the closest city with an airport near the border with Ukraine. He landed there last Monday (3/7) and has been sending back live feeds since his arrival interviewing Ukrainian refugees pouring over the border by train, as well as local Polish citizens. DePetro has been using a combination of Q-Go Live and basic cell service as well as Facebook live stream to connect with his station and listeners. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison interviewed DePetro on Thursday (3/10) for “The Michael Harrison Wrap.” To listen to that dramatic conversation in its entirety, please click here.

‘myTalk 107.1’ in Minneapolis Raises $105k (and counting) for Ukraine Aid. Twin Cities talk outlet KTMY-FM “myTalk 107.1” is partnering with Minnesota-based Alight to raise money that will directly aid refugee care of displaced Ukrainians in Poland. The Hubbard Radio station says that Alight (formerly known as American Refugee Committee) has a team on the ground at the Ukraine border in Poland, assisting refugees with relief items and medical supplies for people fleeing Ukraine. They are providing baby food, diapers, sanitary items, blankets and phone chargers so people can stay connected with loved ones. Alight is offering safe transport for families once inside Poland and secure shelter in Poland. Plus, support for host communities who’ve been openly welcoming Ukrainians. So far, “myTalk 107.1” has raised $105,000 and will continue to solicit donations through this week. KTMY program director Amy Daniels says, “We’ve said it for years, ‘myTalk 107.1’ listeners, we call them ‘myTalkers,’ are the best listeners in the world. Our amazing airstaff has been telling Alight’s story with genuine caring and passion and our listeners have responded and given with full hearts.”

 

Former Atlanta Talk Host Kara Stockton Dies. WSB-TV.com is reporting that former “Talk 106.7” radio personality Kara Stockton died on Thursday evening at the age of 44. Stockton worked on air with Shannon Burke from 2016 to 2019 on the former Cumulus Media talk station (currently contemporary Christian WAKL-FM). After leaving Cumulus, Stockton worked producing the radio show “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” for Sirius XM. The WSB-TV story notes that “family members told the AJC that Stockton had recently had her gallbladder removed and was having liver problems. She also had recently recovered from COVID-19” but indicated in a recent Facebook post a month ago that she was in the hospital dealing with medical complications.

 

 Russia-Ukraine War, Gas Prices/Inflation, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Urban Violence, COVID-19, Actor William Hurt Dies, and Tom Brady Returns to the NFL Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the refugee crisis, and relations between Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping; soaring gas prices and the ongoing rise in consumer retail prices; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the increased rate of violent crime and homelessness in America’s urban centers; the tailing off of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and the relaxing of mask mandates; actor William Hurt dies at 71; and Tom Brady announces he’s returning to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Sales

Pending Business: Happy Mother’s Day

By Editor | by Editor

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Let me be the first to predict this year will be one of the biggest Mother’s Day sales cycles on record. Call me crazy, but everything on my broadcast sales radar is pointing in the right direction and the wind should be at your back. See if this fits your profile:

  • Inventory is tightening.
  • Mandatory mask mandates are declining at restaurants and retail.
  • Your 2022 sales are ahead of 2021.
  • Your on-air talent lineup is the best you’ve had in a while.
  • You are totally on board with digital and social media.
  • Mother’s Day packages are locked and loaded.
  • Prospects are prioritized.
  • Everyone loves and honors Mom.

Yes? No? Maybe?

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, March 11, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Dumb Russian,” looks back at this past week of 3/7 to 3/11. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Graham Mack, Podcast Radio UK, London; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Michael Olson, talk show host, “China Watch Radio,” KSCO, Santa Cruz; John DePetro, talk show host, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI; and Ronn Owens, talk show host (retired), KGO, San Francisco.  The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas;  WTPL, Manchester, NH; WEMJ, Laconia, NH; WTSN, Dover-Portsmouth, NH; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; theVirginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

 

Schartel: NAB’s First Amendment Defense a Farce. The owner of KCXL-AM, Liberty, Kansas says in an opinion piece published in TALKERS today (3/11) that the National Association of Broadcasters‘ claim of being a “fierce defender” of the First Amendment, is a “farce.” Pete Schartel’s station carries three hours of the brokered “Radio Sputnik” programming and after the NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt issued a press statement calling on “broadcasters to cease carrying any state-sponsored programming with ties to the Russian government or its agents,” Schartel and his wife began receiving harassing threats. Read his piece here.

 

WWO Audio Active Group Blog: Advertisers Speak Out at ANA Conference. At the annual Association of National Advertisers Media Conference held last week, some 300 media executives from America’s largest and most respected advertisers talked about what their research shows makes for effective marketing. Some of the noteworthy points include the following statement from Association of National Advertisers CEO Bob Liodice, who said, “Humanity needs to be at the center of everything we do [in media and marketing].” WWO adds, “Studies show ads that make you feel something generate stronger sales and profit than rational ads. People-centered media such as AM/FM radio generate double the attentiveness of music platforms without humans (Pandora/Spotify).” Also, Lou Paskalis, longtime client-side marketer and former SVP of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, explains that the news audience is exceptionally valuable, attentive, and deserving of greater investments from brands. Read more here.

 

A Rich Man’s True Jewels: Profile of WRVA, Richmond Talk Host Jeff Katz. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents today’s feature profile of WRVA, Richmond talk radio personality Jeff Katz. A former police officer who grew up in Philadelphia, Katz’s first break in radio was on the sales side and about that Katz says, “I’m pretty sure I was the worst radio salesperson in history. I had absolutely no idea what I was selling, or why I was selling it.” But Katz eventually got a weekend talk show on WFPG-AM, Atlantic City before moving on to such signals as WPOP, Hartford; KPIX-FM and KSFO in San Francisco; and WRKO, Boston. Read the whole story here.

 

TALKERS News Notes. The National Association of Broadcasters announces that the presentation of the 2022 NAB Marconi Radio Awards will take place during a special dinner program at NAB Show New York on October 19, 2022 at the Javits Center. NAB EVP of industry affairs April Carty-Sipp says, “NAB Show New York is the perfect venue for the Marconi Radio Awards with its prime location and ideal timing in the fall when the Marconis have traditionally been presented. We look forward to celebrating the best in radio in October.”…..FOX Sports Radio’s LaVar Arrington – co-host of the network’s weekday morning program “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with Brady Quinn and Jonas Knox,” and co-host of the nationally syndicated weekend program/podcast “Up On Game with TJ Houshmandzadeh and Plaxico Burress” – announces the addition of life coach, chef, NFL wife and entrepreneur Tommi Vincent to the Up On Game Presents podcast lineup. Arrington says, “I’m excited to welcome a dynamic personality like Tommi Vincent to Up on Game Presents. She has been a tremendous contributor to not only the sports community, but also the women’s community. I’m truly looking forward to hearing her show on our feed. Powerful, impactful, female voices are needed and essential to our industry, and I’m proud and honored to welcome Tommi Vincent to the Up On Game Presents family.”…..AdLarge announces today the addition of the “Collapse: Disaster in Surfside” podcast to the company’s ad sales network portfolio. Co-produced by Treefort Media and the Miami Herald, the 12-part investigative and narrative reporting series podcast delves into the devastating nightmare that took place just outside of Surfside, Florida a little after midnight on June 24, 2021, where a condominium complex suddenly collapsed to the ground killing 98 people in a matter of minutes.

 

Russia-Ukraine War Top News/Talk Story for Week of March 7-11. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the rest of the world’s reactions was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the diplomatic relations between the U.S., Russia, and China, followed by the state of the U.S. economy and the soaring price of gasoline at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during 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.

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, March 10, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Townsquare Media Reports 2021 Q4 Net Revenue Up 1.9%; Full Year Net Revenue Rises 12.6%. The 2021 fourth quarter and 2021 full year financial report from Townsquare Media reveals Q4 net revenue of $110.6 million, an increase of 1.9% over the same period in 2020. For the full year of 2021, net revenue was $418 million, up 12.6 % over the full year of 2020. Townsquare Media reports its financial information in three primary segments: 1) Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions, which includes the company’s subscription digital marketing solutions business called Townsquare Interactive. 2) Digital Advertising includes the digital advertising business sold as Townsquare Ignite, and 3) Broadcast Advertising includes the company’s local, regional, and national advertising products and solutions delivered via terrestrial radio broadcast, as well as other miscellaneous revenue that is associated with the broadcast advertising platform. Company CEO Bill Wilson says, “Beginning with our 2021 year-end reporting, we have re-segmented our business to provide greater visibility for our existing and prospective investors. Importantly, this re-segmentation will highlight the profit characteristics of our digital platform, which is essentially equal to those of our broadcast platform, each with profit margins of approximately 30%. Given this new and more detailed information, Townsquare should be viewed and valued as a Digital First Local Media Company, rather than being painted with a traditional broadcast radio brush. While we view local radio as an extremely valuable asset with significant and attractive cash flow properties, unparalleled consumer reach, and an important and trusted local connection to our audience, it is not our primary growth driver. Our growth engine is and will continue to be digital, which fueled our transformation into a Digital First Local Media Company. With nearly half of our total revenue and profit coming from digital today, we have a strong growth engine that will drive significant and consistent growth in the coming years. It is our hope and expectation that given this new more detailed information, Townsquare will be afforded a sum-of-the-parts valuation that gives credit to our digital assets, credit which to date we have not received.” For the full year of 2021, Townsquare reports net income of $18.8 million, compared to a net loss of $80.6 million reported for the full year 2020, which the company says was primarily driven by approximately $109.1 million of non-cash impairment charges, primarily related to its FCC licenses.

 

Saga Communications Q4 Net Revenue Flat; 2021 Full-Year Net Revenue Up 13.1%. The company reports 2021 fourth quarter net revenue of $29.2 million, basically flat compared to the $28.8 million reported for the fourth quarter of 2020. Net income for Q4 of 2021 was $3.7 million compared to $2.3 million reported for the same period in 2020. For the full year of 2021, Saga Communications reports net revenue increased 13.1% to $108.3 million compared to $95.8 million for the full year of 2020. The company reports net revenue for 2021 of $11.2 million compared to the net loss of $1.9 million reported for the full year of 2020. Saga says its balance sheet reflects $54.8 million in cash on hand as of December 31, 2021 and $56.2 million as of March 7, 2022.

 

KOA, Denver Morning Personality April Zesbaugh Announces Retirement. “Colorado’s Morning News” co-host April Zesbaugh announces that she’s retiring from iHeartMedia’s news/talk KOA, Denver in the coming months after a 30-year broadcast journalism career that includes 25 years with KOA. Zesbaugh has co-hosted “Colorado’s Morning News” since 1996 and is one of the longest running news personalities in Colorado. She comments, “Despite my 2:30 am wake-up call for the last 30 years, I feel very fortunate for every second in front of the KOA microphone. It’s time to hang-up my headphones to pursue more family time, play more tennis, travel in our RV and see what it feels like to sleep without an alarm clock.” Zesbaugh is the winner of one national and numerous regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for journalism excellence by the Radio Television Digital News Association, as well as countless awards for “Colorado’s Morning News” from the Colorado Broadcasters Association and the Associated Press. She has also been an influential member of the Denver community and has emceed numerous charity events, including those focused on mental health, Alzheimer’s disease, the challenges of single mothers and animal rescue. KOA program director Greg Foster says, “April is one of the most recognizable and popular voices in Colorado and has set a professional standard which has contributed to the success of KOA. While we will miss our friend and colleague, April has earned the opportunity to enjoy her retirement.” Zesbaugh adds, “I’m grateful to Jerry Bell, former news director of KOA, for hiring me – calling me during my honeymoon to offer me the job – and to the current news director, Kathy Walker, and the KOA news team who have been with me every step of the way in helping to make me a better broadcaster and journalist. I’m leaving our listeners in good hands with my co-host, Marty Lenz. He has great news chops and asks really smart questions.”

 

Chris Hansen is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Multi-platform reporter and predator-hunter Chris Hansen is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” For nearly four decades, Hansen has been on the front lines of crime, enterprise reporting, and breaking news all over the world. Most recently he was an executive producer and reporter for the “Onision: In Real Life” and “Unseamly…The Peter Nygard Investigation” series now on Discovery+ and the current top-rated podcast “Predators I Have Caught with Chris Hansen.” He has also been host and correspondent for the syndicated program “Crime Watch Daily” as well as “Killer Instinct on ID” and “Dateline NBC.” He created the groundbreaking investigations, “To Catch A Predator,” among others. These investigations are responsible for exposing some 400 men attempting to meet children online for sex. Hansen has been honored with 10 Emmys, five Edward R. Murrow awards as well as excellence in reporting by the Overseas Press Club. He also has a substantial digital presence including a YouTube channel, which has more than 375,000 subscribers and 25 million views. The deep-dive conversation between Harrison and Hansen covers two major areas – the rapid evolution of media (including the tenets of building a YouTube channel) to the scourge of crime on our city streets as well as the mean streets of cyberspace where sexual predators continue to prowl for children and young women. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

 

 

SRN’s Eric Metaxas Broadcasts from National Religious Broadcasters Conference. Pictured above (at right) is Salem Radio Network host Eric Metaxas broadcasting his program live from the National Religious Broadcasters conference from the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville. Pictured with Metaxas are U.S. Congressman Allen West (left) and Rick Green, founder of Patriot Academy (center). NRB 2022 continues through this weekend.

 

PodcastOne Joins Top 10 Podcast Publishers. According to data from podcast metric company Podtrac, PodcastOne is ranked #8 on the list of Top Podcast Publishers. Podtrac ranks top publishers based on unique audience counts. PodcastOne president Kit Gray says, “Being recognized by Podtrac with inclusion on the Top Publishers list is a testament to the hard work of the PodcastOne team both behind the mic and behind the scenes. Our hosts are delivering top-notch entertainment and providing content that is resonating with listeners as is evidenced by the growth in audience numbers across the board.” PodcastOne says its growth “comes on the heels of the successes and strengths of tentpole podcasts ‘Baby Mamas No Drama’, ‘Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe,’ ‘The Jordan Harbinger Show’, ‘LADYGANG’ and ‘The Adam Carolla Show,’ as well as acquisitions of top-performing programs such as ‘Coffee Convos,’ ‘True Crime All the Time Unsolved,’ and ‘This Is MONSTERS,’ which all saw significant audience growth since joining PodcastOne.”

 

JVC Broadcasting: ‘Radio is Working and Radio Works!’ Long Island-based JVC Broadcasting is sending a message to the industry – and beyond – that its recent hiring spree shows that the radio market is a good place for job seekers. JVC says that this January, it began a massive recruitment campaign using its local radio stations and social media platforms and the response was overwhelming. JVC announces that is has hired or internally promoted 16 media and entertainment professionals companywide. JVC president and CEO John Caracciolo states, “The current radio market is great for employment. There was a lot of trepidation for media companies in 2020 and 2021. People wanted to see how things would work out and if the radio business would bounce back, and it did stronger than ever. The most important and most rewarding investment an entrepreneur can make isn’t a new client or a cool piece of equipment, it’s your team of employees. I have built this business by surrounding myself with fantastic people who are visionaries and leaders. If all your employees become entrepreneurially minded or leaders in their own right, your organization will grow even faster. And the coolest thing about this entire recruitment campaign is we did all the outreach using only our local radio station assets! So yes, radio is working and radio works!”

 

Russia-Ukraine War, House Omnibus Bill, Gas Prices/Inflation, Biden Cryptocurrency Order, COVID-19, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, and MLB Season Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/9). Russia’s ongoing invasion of the Ukraine and the West’s reaction; the U.S. House passes an omnibus bill that would include $14 billion in Ukraine aid; the soaring price of gas at the pump and high consumer retail prices; President Joe Biden signs executive order to investigate risks and opportunities of cryptocurrency; the falling rate of COVID-19 cases and the rolling back of mask mandates; the battle for control of Congress in the November midterms and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; and the failing negotiations between MLB owners and players were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Ryan Kaufman Adds KVOR, Colorado Springs PD Duties. Radio programmer Ryan Kaufman is promoted to program director for Cumulus Media’s news/talk KVOR-AM, Colorado Springs. Kaufman has been serving the company as PD for sports talk KCSF-AM “Xtra Sports 1300” and will continue in that role. Kaufman takes over for Bobby Irwin who continues in his position as operations manager of the Cumulus Colorado Springs station group and PD for two music brands. Cumulus Colorado Springs market manager Scott Jones says, “This is a well-deserved opportunity for Ryan. He’s a rising star in our business and you won’t find anyone more dedicated to and passionate about his trade. Ryan’s instincts are spot on and when you combine that with his tremendous work ethic, you achieve great results. I’m excited for us, for Ryan, and especially, for our listeners.” Kaufman comments, “Taking over a heritage station like KVOR is an amazing opportunity. Whether it’s sports or news/talk, the most important thing is the ability to engage in a conversation with the listener, talking about the issues that matter to them and keeping them informed. KVOR has been leading that conversation in Southern Colorado for decades with thought-provoking hosts and unrivaled news coverage. I look forward to working alongside news director Jim Arthur to not just maintain that standard but exceed it.”

 

 

Michael Berry Hosts Sold-Out ‘Great Texas Barbeque, Beer & Bourbon Blowout.’ Last Friday (3/4), KTRH, Houston-based, syndicated talk radio host Michael Berry hosted the sold-out “Great Texas Barbeque, Beer & Bourbon Blowout” in Houston that featured Premiere Networks syndicated personalities Jesse Kelly and the team of Clay Travis & Buck Sexton. The event treated a packed crowd of more than 1,200 listeners and fans to live music from country music artist Tracy Byrd as well as a conversation between the hosts about their careers and current events, including the conflict in Ukraine and the impact on the U.S., the midterm elections, and more. Michael Berry says, “Jesse and I love our fellow Texans here in Houston. Our listeners were keen to meet Clay and Buck and welcome them – Texas style, to our home with good food, good drinks, good music, and a good time. Clay and Buck loved ‘em back, and it was a great event all around. Radio can be a one-way medium – we talk into a microphone and they listen. For them to meet us, and more importantly, for us to meet them, reminds us why we do what we do and for whom.” Pictured above are (from l-r): Kelly, Berry Travis, and Sexton.

 

iHeartMedia’s Seattle Sports Talk KJR Adds Full-Market FM Signal. Seattle sports talk outlet KJR-AM gets an FM simulcast as iHeartMedia Seattle moves the hip hop on KUBE-FM to KUBE-HD3 and rebrands the sports station as “Sports Radio 93.3 KJR FM, Seattle’s Sports Leader.” KJR-AM will continue to air the sports format. iHeartMedia Seattle market president Mark Glynn says, “By moving the legendary KJR brand to the FM band, we’re going to be able to grow the next generation of Seattle Sports fans. With the combination of ‘Sports Radio 93.3 KJR FM,’ ‘Sports Radio 950 KJR AM’ and the iHeartRadio app, we enhance our sports platform and become the #1 destination for sports and currently the only FM sports platform in Seattle.”

 

 

John DePetro Broadcasts Live from Eastern Poland. Pictured above is WNRI, Woonsocket, Rhode Island talk host John DePetro broadcasting his radio program live on the radio station and Facebook Live from Rzeszow, Poland. DePetro tells TALKERS, “Challenging broadcast to say the least but valuable first-hand account of situation in Eastern Europe.” DePetro notes that Rzeszow is the closest airport to the border of Ukraine and main hub for thousands of refugees. He says he’s secured a translator and security and plans to broadcast later in the week from the Ukraine border.

 

RAB Extends President and CEO Erica Farber. As part of the Radio Advertising Bureau’s spring board of directors meeting held March 2-3 in Orlando, the organization announces a few updates “intended to maintain its executive ranks and strategically position the organization for continued growth as it serves a diverse and evolving broadcast radio industry.” Among those are the contract extension for president and CEO Erica Farber keeping her in that position through April 2024. The RAB’s executive committee also has reinstated and activated several new committees, including committees focused on bylaws, nominating, finance, strategy, investment, events, network, multicultural, and the National Radio Talent System. The committees are overseen by the RAB board of directors with participation by RAB’s senior staff and are intended to help the organization manage its day-to-day business, while planning ahead for the future and benefit of the radio industry. Also, at the meeting, Carolyn Fisher, partner, Southeast & Midwest Region, StateNets, officially joins the board of directors replacing Dave Martin.

 

Russia-Ukraine War, Gas Prices/Inflation, January 6 Capitol Attack Conviction, COVID-19, House Omnibus Bill, Postal Service Reform Act, and Brittney Griner Case Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/8). Russia’s ongoing invasion of the Ukraine and the West’s reaction; the soaring price of gas at the pump and high consumer retail prices; the first person to stand trial for the January 6 attack on the Capitol is convicted; the falling rate of COVID-19 cases and the rolling back of mask mandates; the U.S. House prepares to vote on an omnibus bill that would include $14 billion in Ukraine aid; Congress passes bill to overhaul USPS finances; and WNBA star Brittney Griner is detained in Russia after hashish oil found in her luggage were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

 

 

 

FOX News Media Has News Reporter Opportunity. This is a Washington, DC-based, full-time position for an experienced reporter. You will cover a wide range of political, government, and Congressional stories for FOX News Audio (FOX News Headlines 24/7 and FOX News Terrestrial Radio). You possess strong journalism skills and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Most importantly, you have great editorial judgement and the ability to break important news stories. See more about this position and apply here.

 

FOX News Seeks Freelance Producer/Editor. This freelance producer/editor position is based in New York and requires you to supervise the staff for FOX News Media’s network radio news operations (terrestrial and FOX News Headlines 24/7 – Channel 115 on SiriusXM Radio). As the freelance producer/news editor you are the editorial leader, working with news anchors to craft the content and structure of a 24/7 news operation. This is fast-moving news environment! Your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom allows you to deliver top-quality segments/newscasts. You excel at multi-tasking and pay close attention to details. Your writing and editing skills are excellent and your editorial judgment is first-rate. See more about the job and apply here.

Features

A Rich Man’s True Jewels

By Editor | by Editor

By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor

 

RICHMOND, VA. — Whether fair or not, market size/overall reach has been elevated as being an individual broadcaster’s dominant barometer of success.

Countless news/talk shows are heard on terrestrial, satellite, and internet radio, as well as through podcasts and other new media streams, yet it would hardly be a stretch to venture that a wildly significant number of news/talk hosts are fervently vying to become the next Rush Limbaugh.

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Pines and DiMarco to Lead Good Karma Brands’ Los Angeles and New York Sports Talkers. Two radio executives are being named to market manager roles with Good Karma Brands’ newly acquired sports talk stations in Los Angeles and New York City. The company announces that GKB partner and SVP Sam Pines will serve as market manager for KSPN-AM “ESPN Los Angeles” and former ESPN Audio senior director of sales Vinny DiMarco will hold the same position for WEPN-AM “ESPN New York.” Good Karma Brands founder and CEO Craig Karmazin says, “I couldn’t be more excited to have both Sam and Vinny in their respective roles. Sam has distinguished himself as a leader both inside and outside the company and will bring creativity and take a relationship-focused and marketing savvy approach to ‘ESPN Los Angeles.’ Vinny’s background at ‘ESPN New York’ and his relationships within New York City and throughout both Good Karma and ESPN make him a well-liked and respected leader who will keep teammates, advertising partners and our fans at the forefront of all that we do and achieve.” Pines joined Good Karma Brands in 2000, and since 2006 has led ESPN Cleveland as a market manager and sales manager. DiMarco joins Good Karma Brands from ESPN, where he managed multi-market, multi-platform sales across ESPN radio affiliates, and oversaw emerging categories, including sports betting and cryptocurrency. He started his ESPN career at ESPN New York as general sales manager.

 

JVC Broadcasting Adds New Programming to ‘Florida Man Radio’ Stations. New talent join JVC Broadcasting’s “Florida Man Radio” network in Orlando (WDYZ-AM/W288CJ/WOTW-HD3) and Fort Walton Beach (WZLB-FM). “Florida Man Radio” adds Orlando radio veteran Lil’ Shawn as co-host and producer of late morning program “The Justin Clark Show.” Westwood One’s “The Dan Bongino Show” is added to the lineup in Orlando and Compass Media Networks’ “Markley, Van Camp, and Robbins” moves from evenings to middays in Fort Walton Beach. Lil’ Shawn served for 20 years with Cox Media Group at CHR WPYO, Orlando. JVC Florida director of programming Stevie Demann says, “As this unique radio station continues to grow exponentially, we will always look for exciting new ways to deliver Florida, America, and the world’s most ‘unfiltered and unafraid’ content. Lil’ Shawn brings a unique and relatable perspective on local and national events to ‘The Justin Clark Show,’ Dan Bongino’s connections and experience in the national political landscape gives our listeners exclusive access and opinions into politics and social conversation, and ‘The MVR Show’ in Fort Walton Beach is such a fun and informative show to listen to!” JVC president and CEO John Caracciolo adds, “The great talent and notoriety of our hosts has given our audiences true personality-driven talk radio. ‘Florida Man Radio’ continues to fulfill its promise of delivering humorous, topical, and compelling discussions on the radio that everyone can enjoy.”

 

Bonneville Rebrands KIRO-AM as ‘Seattle Sports.’ Sports talk outlet KIRO-AM, Seattle is leaving behind its “710 ESPN Seattle” moniker and is rebranding as “Seattle Sports.” Bonneville International says, “The flagship home of the Mariners and Seahawks will still feature the same great insider content and programming, now with a new name showcasing the commitment to the best in local Seattle Sports.” The station will continue to be the exclusive ESPN affiliate in the Seattle market and home to the Seattle Sports Radio Network. Bonneville Seattle SVP and market manager Cathy Cangiano says, “Our focus and investment has always been live and local. We are more than a radio station. We are ‘Seattle Sports,’ a content creator that distributes the best in Seattle sports across multiple platforms.”

 

Broadcasters Foundation of America Breakfast Set for April 27. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the date and place for its annual Breakfast at the NAB Show in Las Vegas will be April 27 at 7:00 am in the Brahms Room of the Encore Hotel. During the Breakfast, the Broadcasters Foundation will present the Leadership Awards to individuals in recognition of their career contributions to the broadcast industry and the community at large. This year, they will be: Byron Allen, founder, chairman, and CEO of Allen Media Group; Pierre Bouvard, chief insights officer, Cumulus Media; Ralph Oakley, retired, president and CEO, Quincy Media; Christine Travaglini, president, Katz Radio Group; and Dennis Wharton retired EVP, media relations, NAB. At the Breakfast, former NAB president and CEO Gordon Smith will receive the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award.

 

TALKERS News Notes. Music and talk show personality Zach Sang is launching a new, live streaming program on Amazon’s new Amp service. After his recent exit from Westwood One, Sang has partnered with OBB Media for a new show produced by its audio division OBB Sound in association with FanMade Inc. A press release says Sang is “taking an ambitious next step to create a more social music and talk show designed for Gen-Z.” He’ll also release a premium interview-of-record as a weekly podcast and full video on his YouTube channel.…..Radio syndicator Salem Radio Network becomes a client of Reatro Ventures and will use the company’s ARC software to research, analyze, sign and maintain affiliate deals across their lineup. ARC is a full-service media research platform providing detailed station and personnel information, revenue analysis, a full CRM, as well as Nielsen data for every radio broadcast signal across America…..iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and president, COO and CFO Rich Bressler will participate in a question-and-answer session during Deutsche Bank’s 30th Annual Media, Internet & Telecom Conference in Palm Beach, Florida on March 15 at 2:50 pm ET. A live webcast of the session will be available to the general public at the start of the session through a link on the Investors homepage of iHeartMedia’s website.

Russia-Ukraine War, Financial Markets/Gas Prices/Inflation, COVID-19/Florida Child Vax Policy, Anti-Lynching Act, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, and Brown Confirmation Process Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/7). The ongoing Russian attack on the Ukraine and the rest of the world’s response to it; financial markets roiled by the Ukraine war, the soaring price of gasoline at the pump and the continuing high retail prices for consumer goods; the falling rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the loosening of mask mandates, and Florida’s bucking the CDC to recommend children not get vaccinated; the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act makes lynching a federal hate crime; the battle for control of Congress in the November midterms and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; and the Republican strategy for the confirmation hearing of Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

 

 

 

FOX News Media Seeks Freelance Radio Anchor. This New York-based position with FOX News is as a freelance radio anchor to work on air for FOX News Radio Network/FOX News Headlines 24/7 Sirius XM Channel 115. In this role, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a day’s notice. See more about this position and apply here.

 

FOX News Audio Looking for Podcast Producer. This is also a New York-based position with FOX News Audio as a podcast producer to be part of the fast-paced and growing FOX News Podcast Network. This position’s responsibility will be to develop ideas, pitch stories, and work with FOX News Channel talent in crafting daily and weekly podcasts. They will direct bookings, edit shows for broadcast, and work with production teams to create high-quality products every day. In addition to their production duties, they will also lead creative on social media posts and website write-ups to promote the products. See more about this position and apply here.

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, March 7, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Monday Memo: The Lightning Round. Reader warning: “Grab the arm rest!” In this week’s column, Holland Cooke admits he is “validating the consultant stereotype” by sharing “9-ideas-in-8-minutes” for sales, programming and news. Read it here.

 

Pending Business: King Content. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa says the “sports world seems to be redefining how we view value and utilize king content” when we hear about Apple’s reported $2 billion bid for NFL games and media platforms. The NFL brand and its unique content can drive multiple platforms. What does this have to do with selling news/talk radio? Read about it here.

 

Cary Pahigian to Leave WBAL-AM and ’98 Rock’; Dan Joerres to Assume Radio Management. Broadcasting executive Cary L. Pahigian is leaving his role with Hearst Television Baltimore at the end of this month to explore several new professional opportunities. Pahigian has been president and general manager for the company’s two radio stations – news/talk WBAL-AM and rock WIYY-FM “98 Rock” – since 2014. Hearst will assign the radio station management duties to WBAL-TV general manager Dan Joerres. Hearst Television president Jordan Wertlieb says, “When Cary joined us eight years ago, he brought a wealth of experience at many of the nation’s most honored radio stations. His passionate advocacy for local broadcasting and his strong appreciation for broadcasters’ important community service role were hallmarks of his spectacular success in managing WBAL Radio and 98 ROCK to even greater heights. We wish him great success in his well-deserved next chapter.” Prior to joining Hearst Television, Pahigian was president and GM for Saga Communications’ nine-station Portland, Maine station group. He’s also served with WBZ-AM, Boston and WIP, Philadelphia. He comments, “I joined WBAL and 98 ROCK because of the exceptional leadership team and extraordinary culture at Hearst Television. And my longtime teammate and friend Dan Joerres epitomizes that level of managerial acumen. I know he will lead the outstanding teams throughout WBAL-TV, WBAL NewsRadio and 98 ROCK to even greater achievements.  While I plan more adventures for my ongoing career, I leave Hearst with my gratitude for their support and providing me the opportunity of a lifetime.”

 

KRMG-FM, Tulsa Names Jen Townley Co-Host of Morning Show. Television news pro Jen Townley is named the new co-host of the “KRMG Morning News with Dan Potter” on Cox Media Group’s news/talk KRMG-FM, Tulsa. Townley most recently served as a news producer for Cox Media Group’s KOKI-TV “FOX23.” KRMG director of branding & programming Levi May says, “We’re happy to be able to hire someone who is already a part of the Cox Media Group family. We already know Jen’s skill set is top-notch. Her impressive news background and engaging personality will add depth to our content that I cannot wait to get on-air.” Dan Potter comments, “I’m thrilled to be joined by an on-air partner with the energy, experience and personality Jen has. Her connections to newsmakers through her years of experience as a senior news producer coupled with her devotion to family life – not to mention her sense of humor – make JT the perfect choice to co-host the ‘KRMG Morning News’ with me.”

 

Mike Gallagher Covers ‘People’s Convoy.’ Pictured above is Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher in Hagerstown, Maryland as he covered the 1,000-vehicle “People’s Convoy” that converged on the Washington, DC beltway this weekend. Gallagher recorded one-on-one interviews with convoy participants that he’ll air on his program today (3/7). Gallagher says, “My show has always believed that the most important voice we present is our listeners. So, going one-on-one with the People’s Convoy is covering an important breaking news story the mainstream media is virtually ignoring.”

 

New Stephen K. Bannon Show Launches on John Fredericks Media Network. Today is the launch of a new talk radio program on the John Fredericks Media Network. “War Room: Battleground,” hosted by Stephen K. Bannon is his newest daily show and airs from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET that will focus on news, analysis, and the personalities of the 2022 midterm elections. The program is being aired on all eight of Fredericks’ owned and or operated radio stations, including WJFP-AM 740/W277DL/W237EH in Philadelphia, Delaware, and South Jersey “Liberty Radio”; WJFN-AM/FM in Central and Southeast Virginia; and WMLB-AM, Atlanta, and all corresponding streams. Fredericks says, “We are very excited to add Steve Bannon’s ‘War Room: Battleground’ to our radio network lineup. This is the most critical next nine months in the nation’s history, and all of our focus is on the upcoming primaries and nomination conventions. That’s why ‘War Room: Battleground’ is critical to giving our listeners and viewers critical insight into the various candidates and their policy positions.” Bannon comments, “The MAGA movement has a unique opportunity to destroy the Democratic Party as a functioning institution during the coming midterm election on 8 November. This is the moment to relentlessly focus on the America First agenda of President Trump. ‘War Room: Battleground’ will be that platform.”

 

Longtime WHAS-AM, Louisville Morning Host Wayne Perkey Dies at 84. The Courier-Journal reports that former longtime WHAS-AM, Louisville morning personality Wayne Perkey died yesterday (3/6) at age 84 after complications from COVID-19. His family tells the paper that Perkey was vaccinated and boosted so they were surprised when Perkey contracted the virus. Perkey acknowledged his supporters after revealing via Facebook that he’d been hospitalized, saying, “Thanks for all the good wishes. They are taking good care of me. I am so grateful for the good wishes and prayers. These are the times when we are so grateful for our friends and family.” Longtime WHAS colleague Terry Meiners is quoted in the paper saying, “He’s the voice of a generation. The thing I want people to know about Wayne is that his effervescent personality set the tone for the whole staff at the radio station. He was the positive ray of sunshine that everyone else sort of fell in line with.” Perkey joined WHAS in 1969 and worked there until his retirement in 1999. After leaving radio, he worked selling real estate.

 

TALKERS News Notes. The weekend program “Intelligence Matters” from CBS News Radio is setting its sights on the war in Ukraine. This past weekend, host Michael Morell hosted Mike Vickers – former Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence, Special Forces officer and CIA operations officer – as the two discussed whether and how Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine may have been a gross strategic miscalculation, how and when the West might have deterred his moves, and what future scenarios for the conflict exist…..Westwood One will present a broadcast slate of 23 NCAA Men’s Basketball games from Conference Championship Week as well as three broadcasts of Women’s Championship games. Westwood One’s postseason basketball coverage began last weekend and continues through Selection Sunday, with the broadcasts of the Ivy League, the SEC, and the American Athletic Championship games…..Cox Media Group Tulsa held its 3rd Annual Big Spring Clean – an annual initiative with the goal of diverting tons of items from the dump into area recycling programs. The CMG Tulsa cluster includes news/talk KRMG-FM. Market VP Cathy Gunther says, “Since the inception of this effort, CMG Tulsa and our partners have diverted more than 155 tons of trash from hitting landfills. The event is open to all Green Country residents, and we are really proud to offer this service to our community.”…..PodcastOne announces that the “Ladygang” podcast has lined up a roster of their famous friends to step up and fill in for podcast founder Becca Tobin while she’s on maternity leave. Guest hosts include Heather Dubrow, Danny Pellegrino, Jackie Schimmell, TINX, Jason Tartick, Garcelle Beauvais, Michael Yo and Josephine Skriver.

Russia-Ukraine War, COVID-19/People’s Convoy, Oil Prices/Inflation, Brown SCOTUS Confirmation Process, and Deadly Iowa Tornado Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The ongoing Russian attack on the Ukraine and the rest of the world’s response to it; the falling rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the loosening of mask mandates, and the convoy of trucks and vehicles protesting mandates around Washington, DC; the soaring price of gasoline at the pump and the continuing high retail prices for consumer goods; the Republican strategy for the confirmation hearing of Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson; and a tornado kills at least seven in Des Moines were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Advice

Monday Memo: The Lightning Round

By Editor | by Editor

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Grab the arm rest! Validating the consultant stereotype, here are 9-ideas-in-8-minutes…

  1. Effective commercial copy point: “It’s time to get together again.”

Seen those Applebee’s TV spots featuring the old “Cheers” theme? Instant feel-good.

Pandemic fatigue = cabin fever. So restaurants – and other retailers offering an experience – want to sound inviting.

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, March 4, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled,“Predators,” looks back at this past week of 2/28 to 3/4. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Ronn Owens, talk show host (retired), KGO, San Francisco; Chris Hansen, investigative reporter/commentator, “Predators I Have Caught with Chris Hansen”; Harry Hurley, talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City/FOX News Radio; and Richard Neer, talk show host, WFAN, New York.  The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas;  WTPL, Manchester, NH; WEMJ, Laconia, NH; WTSN, Dover-Portsmouth, NH; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

 

RT Shuts Down American Operations. The management of RT, the international Russian government-funded television network, informed its staff of American and Russian broadcasters that it is shutting down operations of its Washington, DC-based U.S. operations, RT America, effective immediately due to the condemnation it is receiving in the United States as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The news was broken at an all-hands-on-deck staff meeting held at the network’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Washington, DC on Thursday (3/3) at 12:00 pm. Noted media consultant and TALKERS contributing columnist Holland Cooke has been hosting a weekly show on RT America titled, “The Big Picture,” since 2017. He tells his story in a TALKERS exclusive feature. Please click here.

 

Salem Media Group Reports 2021 Q4 Revenue Up 7.2%. Reporting its financial data for the fourth quarter of 2021, Salem Media Group reveals total revenue for the period was $69.1 million, an increase of 7.2% over the same period in 2020. Breaking the quarterly results down by segment, the company reports net broadcast revenue of $51 million, an increase of 6.1%, year-over-year. Salem’s digital media revenue was $11.6 million, up 2.9%, and publishing revenue was $6.5 million, an increase of 27.1% over Q4 of 2020. For the full year of 2021, consolidated revenue was $258.2 million, up 9.3% over the full year of 2020. Full-year net broadcast revenue was $191.4 million, a year-over-year increase of 7.5%; digital media revenue was $42.2 million, an increase of 6.5% over 2020; and publishing revenue was $24.6 million, a year-over-year increase of 33.1%. For the full year of 2021, Salem reports net income of $41.5 million compared to the net loss of $54.1 million reported for the full year of 2020.

 

The John Fredericks Media Network Launches ‘Liberty Radio’ Simulcast Serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware Region. Talk media personality and media operator John Fredericks announces the John Fredericks Media Network’s acquisition of the former WVCH-AM, Chester – now WJFP-AM – and translator W277DL, Malvern (103.3) in Pennsylvania and his operation of translator W237EH, Pennsauken, New Jersey (95.3) to simulcast as “Liberty Radio.” The company says the new radio signal additions to the John Fredericks Media Network will give the it enormous reach into Philadelphia, all surrounding suburbs, half of Delaware – south to Dover, all of Wilmington and most of South Jersey. Fredericks owns or operates four radio stations in Central Virginia – WJFN-AM, Chester; WJFN-FM, Goochland; and translators at 92.7 FM and 107.7 FM – as the simulcast “Newstalk WJFN.” He also owns WMLB-AM, Atlanta. “The John Fredericks Radio Show” is carried on both networks. He also hosts the television show “Outside the Beltway with John Fredericks” on Real America’s Voice News.  Fredericks comments, “The acquisition of iconic radio station WVCH in greater Philadelphia and its accompanying FM translator is an essential component of our growth strategy. We want to provide our growing audience with hard-hitting news and incisive analysis to cut through the cancel culture and the woke fake news networks that dominate the airwaves today. Our proprietary network of show hosts is leading the radio industry, and our vision of all live weekday coverage and weekend live sports has resonated with both our listeners and advertisers.”

 

MIW’s ‘Mildred Carter Mentoring Program’ Accepting Applications. The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. charitable organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, announces the opening of the application window for its 2022 Mildred Carter Mentoring Program today (3/4) through March 21, 2022. Established in 2002, MIW’s the annual mentoring initiative connects mentees with accomplished women recognized as leaders, mentors, and game-changers within all aspects of radio broadcasting. Four candidates from the radio broadcasting industry within the sales, marketing, programming, and digital disciplines will be selected for the 2022 program. MIW Board president Ruth Presslaff commented on the announcement, “We’re extremely appreciative of our sponsors, Entravision and Beasley Media Group. We look forward to welcoming our newest group of mentees, especially as we consider the data presented in our recent MIW Gender Analysis Study. There’s work to be done and we’re eager to continue our mission of mentoring!” See more about this program and apply here.

 

TALKERS News Notes. A deal between United Stations Radio Networks, Audacy, and AccuWeather, is extended and expanded. The new pact provides for the continuation of AccuWeather’s services on existing Audacy affiliates, and adds 14 new Audacy stations to the list of AccuWeather outlets, including FM stations in New York City, Detroit, St. Louis, Las Vegas, Memphis, and Buffalo…..Chicago radio personality and South Side native William J. Kelly is co-hosting a charity benefit called “Chicago Stands with Ukraine” on Friday, March 11 to benefit Nevada-based Revived Soldiers Ukraine. Kelly says, “‘The William J. Kelly Irish Hour’ on WPNA is proud to support Revived Soldiers of Ukraine and the courageous work they do. We are joining together here in the Land of Lincoln and beyond to support the brave men and women in Ukraine who are fighting and sacrificing their lives for freedom.”….. The board of trustees for Boston public media producer GBH elects Stacy L. Cowan, Susan G. Fentin, Susan X. Luo, and Lynn Perry Wooten as trustees. President and CEO Jonathan Abbott states, “GBH is fortunate to have a strong, committed group of community and business leaders dedicated to helping the organization achieve its mission. As the landscape for media evolves, we continue to rely on their expertise and leadership.”

 

The Russia-Ukraine Crisis Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 28-March 4. Russia’s continuing invasion of the Ukraine and the rest of the world’s response to the crisis was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, followed by the state of the U.S. economy and the soaring price of consumer goods and gasoline at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio 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.

 

 

 

Bell Seeks Senior Manager, Affiliate Relations & Content. Canadian media giant Bell is looking for a senior manager, affiliate relations & content for its Orbyt Media. The company says, “We’re looking for innovative team players ready to take some of the most well-known entertainment brands in the country to the next level. Are you looking for a unique opportunity to play a critical role in content creation and syndication of programs and services across the broadcast industry? The Orbyt Media team is looking for someone who will foster and grow internal and external relationships and be bold in their idea generation and planning. Integrity and strong leadership are core attributes that are required in this role.” Find out more and apply here.

Features

Holland Cooke Exits RT America

By Editor | by Editor

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

BLOCK ISLAND, RI – How’s THAT for timing? On February 19, my bride and I jetted-off to sunny Nassau, to exhale. Airports were mobbed, with school vacation week and the Presidents’ Day holiday upon us. And unlike those sudden vacations that Fox News faux pas sometimes trigger, this getaway really was booked months in advance.

The night before, on what became my last TV show, I asked viewers “WHY DO American corporate mainstream media seem impatient for war in Ukraine?” Eager to own the story, ABC, CBS, NBC and cable news channels had been beating the drum for weeks, as President Biden told us with certainty invasion was imminent while President Putin amassed the biggest deployment since World War II. Merely “tense” when our trip began, the world was at war when we got home.

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, March 3, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

NAB Takes Stand on Russian-Sponsored Programming. As Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine continues, the National Association of Broadcasters issues a statement from NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. He says, “The National Association of Broadcasters is a fierce defender of the First Amendment and the critical importance of the ability to freely express views, both popular and unpopular. While the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, however, it does not prevent private actors from exercising sound, moral judgment. To that end, given the unprovoked aggression exhibited by Russia against the free and sovereign people of Ukraine, NAB calls on broadcasters to cease carrying any state-sponsored programming with ties to the Russian government or its agents. While we know that airings of such programs are extremely limited, we believe that our nation must stand fully united against misinformation and for freedom and democracy across the globe.”

 

FOX Audio Network and Spotify’s Megaphone Partner for Advertising & Distribution. A new partnership is announced between the new FOX Audio Network, which combines all of FOX’s news, sports, and entertainment podcasts into a scaled, diverse portfolio of original audio content, and Spotify’s Megaphone for advertising and distribution as the exclusive hosting platform for their growing slate. FOX Corp says, “The outsized reach of the FOX Audio Network’s 60-plus podcasts creates a unique opportunity for advertisers to access the broadest possible audience across all of the hottest FOX original audio content efficiently and effectively.” FOX News Media SVP, digital ad sales Dan Realson states, “The establishment of the FOX Audio Network provides unique opportunities for advertisers to reach a broad audience of our loyal podcast listeners across a diverse range of programming genres from our entire portfolio. Podcasts continue to be a popular and rapidly growing medium and we’re excited to collaborate with Spotify’s Megaphone to bring this opportunity directly to the advertising marketplace.” The press release goes on to say that FOX Audio Network advertising will be managed by the FOX ad sales team with additional inventory being sold through the Spotify Audience Network. Podcast publishing platform Megaphone will empower FOX Audio Network to monetize, measure, and grow FOX’s podcast content and audiences through best-in-class publishing and monetization tools.

 

Urban One 2021 Q4 Net Revenue Rises 15.3%. 2021 Fourth quarter financial data from Urban One, Inc. is being reported and the company says net revenue for the period was approximately $131.0 million, an increase of 15.3% from the same period in 2020. Broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $44.1 million, a decrease of 14.9% from the same period in 2020. For the full year of 2021, net revenue was $441.4 million, an increase of 17.3% over the full year of 2020. For 2021, Urban One posted consolidated net income of $40.7 million compared to the consolidated net loss of $6.5 million it reported for 2020. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III comments, “We had another very strong quarter, with revenue exceeding expectations, allowing us to significantly exceed our previous Adjusted EBITDA guidance for the year of $140-$145 million. There was some noise in the expenses, predominantly related to returning events, TV programming amortization and annual staff bonuses, all of which were anticipated and factored into our guidance. Demand for our audience remains extremely robust across the platform, and, excluding political, advertising revenues for the quarter were up double-digit percentages in all of our operating segments. Digital revenues were up 42.9%, and we exceeded $50 million in annual digital revenue for the first time. Cable TV revenues were up 43.6% helped by strong upfront demand and higher average unit rates across both TV One and Cleo. Looking back at pre-pandemic revenues, when we aggregate our radio broadcasting, syndication, events and digital operations, net revenues were up 25% compared to Q4 2019, and Adjusted EBITDA up 21%. We expect to continue to exceed pre-pandemic revenues and Adjusted EBITDA in 2022, and this is supported by first quarter 2022 core radio pacings up low double digits, and up mid-teens including digital revenues.”

 

100 Points! Impossible! Yesterday, March 2, marked the 60th anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point game against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962. The game has taken on a mythical quality, with the details seemingly lost in the mists of time. Talk radio host and voice artist Mark Wainwright discovered that the actual backstory of the game – and how the precious final minutes of the radio broadcast were discovered and preserved – is a long saga and even more remarkable than the myth and legend. It was once thought that all evidence of one of the greatest individual performances in the history of sport was lost forever, and it almost was…except for one Philadelphia radio station and two alert listeners. Read Mark Wainwright’s complete feature story here. Photo: Paul Vathis/Associated Press

 

TALKERS News Notes. A new iHeartRadio original podcast debuts as “The Important Things with Bobbi Brown and Anjali Kumar” joins the company’s podcast network. The new program asks the age-old question: how can you lead a life of fulfillment? The ongoing pandemic has required us all to reexamine what matters most and prioritize what brings us true contentment. Through candid conversations with friends, thought leaders, creators and entrepreneurs, beauty industry titan Bobbi Brown and best-selling author and attorney Anjali Kumar explore the strengths, skills, habits, and mindsets that have helped their guests live their most authentic and gratifying lives. The inaugural episode will feature renowned activist Gloria Steinem, followed by upcoming guests such as designer Jennifer Fisher, soccer legends Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris, philanthropist Christy Turlington Burns and “Jeopardy” champion Amy Schneider…..SiriusXM is recognizing Women’s History Month across SiriusXM, Pandora, and Stitcher with special themed programming and limited-engagement channels. SiriusXM will ensure “She’s Got the Mic” by raising the voices of both prolific and up-and-coming female artists in honor of Women’s History Month. Four limited-engagement music channels will launch in March, spanning genres and representing artists from across the decades, including channels curated and presented by Avril Lavigne and Maren Morris, as well as a full channel dedicated to the iconic Tina Turner. There will also be a channel devoted to the defining, female-led festival tour of the 90s, Lilith Fair…..The Freakonomics Radio network is expanding on its growth with the hiring of a new editorial director, Gabriel Roth, alongside consultant Jared Hohlt. Before joining the Freakonomics Radio team, Roth worked at Slate for seven years, where he oversaw podcasts and helped launch the groundbreaking series “Slow Burn,” along with many other shows. Roth says, “I’ve been a fan of the Freakonomics Radio team’s work for more than a decade, and I’m thrilled to get the chance to work on their terrific podcasts and help grow the network.” Hohlt, Slate’s former editor-in-chief, has also begun helping Freakonomics Radio as a part-time consultant. Roth will oversee all existing and future shows in the network, with a special concentration on the flagship show, and Hohlt is focusing especially on two new podcasts, one in the early stages and the other in piloting mode, while helping with the existing shows as well.

 

Russian Ukraine Invasion, COVID-19, January 6 Investigation, State of the Union, The Economy/Inflation, Midterm Elections/Trump & the GOP, and MLB Negotiations Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/2). Russia’s continuing invasion of the Ukraine and the West’s reaction; the White House issues its National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan as the next step in dealing with the pandemic; the January 6 House select committee alleges that former President Donald Trump and attorney John Eastman took part in a “criminal conspiracy” to overturn the 2020 election; reactions to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address; the turmoil in the world’s financial markets and the soaring prices of consumer goods and gasoline; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; and the stalled negotiations between the MLB’s owners and players that’s put the 2022 season in jeopardy were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

iHeartMedia Unveils New ‘Talkback’ Feature. The company has launched a new feature that allows listeners to engage with iHeartRadio personalities by recording themselves via the iHeartRadio mobile app and sending to the host or station. Dubbed “Talkback,” iHeartMedia says this “first-of-its-kind feature also makes it simple for listeners to pause their listening, join in the conversation or make a request using their voice, and then seamlessly unpause and return them back to the content they were listening to.” iHeartRadio chief product officer Chris Williams says, “We’re excited to give listeners a truly groundbreaking new way to engage with their favorite iHeartRadio hosts and personalities. Talkback is a direct line for our listeners to connect, join in the conversation and help shape what you hear across iHeart platforms like never before.” The company adds that soon Talkback will be expanded to include podcasts as well, giving podcast fans access to their favorite hosts, as well as the opportunity to influence future episodes.

 

Cumulus Promotes Keith Liesmann to RVP, Arkansas. In Arkansas, Cumulus Media promotes Keith Liesmann to the newly created position of regional vice president, in which he’ll oversee the company’s 16 stations in the state. Liesmann will continue to serve in his current role as market manager for the Cumulus Little Rock station group that includes news/talk KARN-FM. He’ll add responsibility for the oversight of Cumulus radio stations in Fayetteville and Fort Smith, Arkansas with the vice president/market manager of those markets reporting to him. Cumulus Media president of operations Bob Walker says, “Keith is a strategic and focused leader who has done a wonderful job in Little Rock, especially given the challenges all of us have had to overcome in the last two years. We are eager to see the positive impact all of our Arkansas stations will have working together under Keith’s leadership.”

 

Ostrowski Promoted to Executive Producer for White Sox Radio Network. Radio production pro Eric Ostrowski is promoted by Good Karma Brands and WVMP, Chicago “ESPN 1000” to the executive producer position for the White Sox Radio Network. Ostrowski has been with the station since 2014 and most recently was producer of the evening “Bleck & Abdalla” program starring Chris Bleck and Adam Abdalla. Ostrowski takes over the role from Ryan Maguire, who recently moved to Good Karma’s Milwaukee operations as director of content for WTMJ, WKTI-FM, and WGKB-AM/W269DL “The Truth.” Maguire says of Ostrowski, “I can’t think of a better person for this role because he understands every aspect of our broadcasts, is extremely organized and is very creative. His passion for White Sox baseball and positive energy were infectious during the 2021 season. Len Kasper, Darrin Jackson, Connor McKnight, our fans, partners and growing network of affiliates are in good hands.”

 

Triton Digital Releases January Streaming Rankers. The Streaming Metrics Monthly Rankers for January 2022 are released by Triton Digital. The rankers are computed based on Average Active Sesions (AAS), with Session Starts (SS), and Average Time Spent Listening (ATSL) also included. In the U.S., #1 publisher of streaming content (6am-12am, Mon-Sun) based on Average Active Sessions is iHeartMedia. Following in order are NPR Member Stations at #2, Audacy at #3, and Cumulus Streaming Network at #4. Other broadcasting companies ranking in the top 25 include Beasley Broadcasting Corporate at #7, Hubbard Broadcasting at #8, and Salem Communications at #11. See the complete report here.

 

ABC News Promotes Stacia Philips Deshishku to Executive Editor and SVP. Rising from her role as leading the ABC Audio division is Stacia Philips Deshishku, who is named executive editor and senior vice president for ABC News. In this new role, she’ll lead the editorial, strategic and creative cross-platform direction across the news division. She’ll also collaborate with the leaders of “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight with David Muir,” “The View,” “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” “20/20,” “Tamron Hall” and “Nightline,” as well as bookings and integrated content strategy. ABC News president Kim Godwin says, “Stacia steps into this role after leading our ABC Audio team for nearly three years as vice president and general manager. At Audio, Stacia’s leadership and journalistic skills helped re-brand ABC Radio to ABC Audio within six months of her appointment. She spearheaded new business opportunities, including growing its award-winning podcast library and designing a suite of digital audio, text and video businesses. During her tenure ABC Audio won a groundbreaking five Edward R. Murrow Awards in 2021, including Overall Excellence, Breaking News Coverage, Continuing Coverage, News Series, and Investigative Reporting.”

 

Multimedia Firm Rebrands as The Mediacasters LLC. Media firm The Femcasters, led by Corinna Bellizzi and Julie Lokun, rebrands as The Mediacasters, LLC. The company says its goal is to elevate the voices of an underserved entrepreneurial community by offering tools, guidance, mentorship, and resources to those that don’t have access due to financial limitations. Bellizzi and Lokun say they saw a need for small business support with the migration of dissatisfied employees resigning from their corporate jobs to the entrepreneurial space as an effect of the 2021 Great Resignation. Their strategic growth plan for their clients harnesses the intersection of publishing, podcasting, and presenting – the 3Ps – as a tactical approach to leveraging expertise and distinguishing small businesses from their competition. Lokun adds, “We saw a deficit in the skill set of entrepreneurs and creatives as they maneuvered their business growth plan. We know the power of leveraging your brand and expertise can be overwhelming, we also are certain that publishing, podcasting, and presenting on stages is critical to carving out your industry niche.”

 

Russia’s Ukraine Invasion, State of the Union, COVID-19, The Economy/Inflation, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, UN Climate Report, and MLB Lockout Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/1). Russia’s continued attacks on the Ukraine and the rest of the world’s response; Tuesday evening’s State of the Union address by President Joe Biden; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and the relaxing of mask mandates; financial markets activity and the high retail prices for consumer goods and gas; the battle for control of Congress in the November midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the dire warning on the effects of climate change from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; and Major League Baseball cancels Opening Day games as negotiations between owners and players stalls were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, March 2, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Radio One Swaps Frequencies in Charlotte; Sports Talk WFNZ Gets Full Market FM Signal. Charlotte sports talk WFNZ-AM is getting a full-market FM signal as Radio One swaps FM frequencies between WFNZ and hip hop/R&B “92.7 The Block.” WFNZ is now heard on WFNZ-FM at 92.7 (in addition to WFNZ-AM at 610) and “The Block” airs on FM translator W273DA at 102.5. Radio One Charlotte/Richmond regional VP Marsha Landess says, “Charlotte has continued to grow as a great sports city and Sports Radio WFNZ will continue to grow with it! Now on a more powerful FM signal, with continued live and local talent, we will be able to superserve more of our listeners and clients with broader market coverage on the FM dial.”

 

Audacy Unveils New Audacy Digital Audience Network. In an effort to present advertisers with a “high-performing audience solution,” Audacy launches the Audacy Digital Audience Network, “an addressable aggregate of over 60 million listeners that other audio platforms and streaming platforms do not reach.” Audacy says that each month, it connects with 200 million fans across its broadcast and digital assets. Over 60 million of these listeners can be found on ADAN across its streaming content, on the Audacy app and on its podcasts. Through this, ADAN can target precise audiences at scale and deliver high-performing digital audio media strategies for Audacy’s advertising partners.” The company says it “continues to provide exclusive content across news, sports, talk, music and podcasts that its listeners seek and trust as a daily habit. ADAN audiences skew more affluent, are more likely to be college educated and are more diverse – collectively bringing the highest value consumers to advertisers. ADAN provides an unduplicated reach to listeners that other audio platforms do not deliver.” Components of the Audience Network include over 230 of Audacy’s broadcast brands and thousands of podcasts. Exclusive stations, curated music stations from Audacy brands, talent and influencers and digital streams of MLB play-by-play broadcasts via flagship partnerships are also included in ADAN.

 

WWO Blog: AM/FM Radio, Print, and Podcast Ads Lead in Attentiveness. The Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group releases a new Media Attentiveness and Ad Skipping Report that incorporates several new studies that examine consumer attentiveness and concentration levels when using various media platforms, ad-skipping tendencies, and the reasons why listeners choose to use various audio platforms. Cumulus EVP of marketing and Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes says, “Our new Media Attentiveness and Ad Skipping Report demonstrates that AM/FM radio leads all media in advertising attentiveness with the lowest levels of ad skipping. Consumers also devote very high levels of concentration to podcasts since listeners actively seek them out to learn something new, which justifies premium CPMs for podcasts.” Some of the highlights of the report include: 1) Attention grows in importance among marketers and agencies: Nearly half of advertisers have discussed consumer attentiveness as a metric. Two out of three say it is important for measuring media investments; 2) Traditional media ads have greater engagement compared to digital ads: AM/FM radio, print, and podcast ads lead in attentiveness. Consumers skip social and digital ads the most; 3) Social media disconnect: Agencies/marketers overestimate consumer concentration of social media. Two consumer studies reveal social media has the lowest attentiveness of media platforms; 4) AM/FM radio CPMs should be a premium to Pandora and Spotify: Pandora/Spotify audio impressions are not the same as AM/FM radio impressions. The greater proportion of spoken word content on AM/FM radio generates much higher levels of concentration and attentiveness. The information and personalities of AM/FM radio satisfy consumer needs for information and connection. See the full blog post here.

 

KLIF-AM, Dallas Adds ‘Markley, van Camp & Robbins’ Show. The Compass Media Networks nationally syndicated news/talk program “Markley, van Camp and Robbins” is added to the program lineup at Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM, Dallas in the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm slot. KLIF-AM program director Bruce Collins says, “These guys were just what we were looking for to add to KLIF’s lineup, news and information and a whole lot of laughs and fun. They understand entertaining radio.” The program stars Jamie Markley, David van Camp, and Scott Robbins. Van Camp says, I’m excited and honored to be on the legendary KLIF. Having spent several years in the Metroplex, being on that station means a lot to me. Many thanks to Bruce Collins, who’s been a great partner and supporter of the show from the beginning.”

 

Todd Starnes Speaks at CPAC 2022. Nationally syndicated talk radio host and best-selling author Todd Starnes was a featured speaker at last weekend’s CPAC 2022 in Orlando. In addition to appearing on the conference’s agenda, Starnes broadcast his national radio show from the CPAC radio row during which he interviewed former President Donald Trump and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (pictured here with Starnes).

 

 

KYW, Philadelphia Honors 2022 GameChangers. Pictured above are the recipients of the 2022 GameChangers honors from Audacy’s all-news KYW, Philadelphia. The annual GameChangers recognize people making a difference in communities of color around the Philadelphia region. This year’s honorees were recognized at a ceremony at Audacy’s Philadelphia headquarters on February 27. KYW Newsradio community impact reporter Racquel Williams, who has been highlighting the GameChangers honorees throughout February, hosted the ceremony. The 2022 recipients were nominated by members of the audience and selected by a panel of previous honorees. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “KYW Newsradio shines light on the stories of people from all backgrounds doing amazing things in our communities who might not otherwise get the recognition they deserve. That’s part of our mission 365 days a year, and we’re proud to award these meaningful honors to these outstanding community leaders during Black History Month.”

 

Cumulus Media’s WJR, Detroit Helps Raise $1.74 million for Salvation Army. Detroit news/talk WJR-AM helped raise more than $1.74 million for The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit during a 27-hour radio fundraiser that took place on February 24 and 25. The Cumulus Media station presented the 35th Annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon as station personalities including Paul W. Smith (pictured here), Sean Baligian, Kevin Dietz, Lloyd Jackson, Chris Renwick, Mitch Albom, Ken Brown, Steve Courtney, Kevin O’Neill and Guy Gordon broadcast from The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Divisional Headquarters in Southfield, Michigan.

 

Norm Lewis to Perform at BFoA’s Golden Mike Award Dinner and Ceremony. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that this year’s entertainment for the Golden Mike Award Gala will be Broadway, film, and TV star Norm Lewis. Following a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the BFOA Golden Mike Award Dinner and Ceremony returns this year on Monday, March 14 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The annual event is the biggest fundraiser for the Broadcasters Foundation, whose sole mission is to provide financial aid to broadcasters in acute need from critical illness, accident, or serious misfortune. This year’s BFOA Golden Mike Award honoree will be Hilton Howell, Jr., chairman of the board and CEO of Gray Television and Atlantic American Corporation. The Lifetime Achievement Award honors a broadcaster who has made invaluable contributions to the television and radio industries. This year, it will be presented to renowned sportscaster Lesley Visser.

 

TALKERS News Notes. A new podcast starring Dennis Prager and Julie Hartman is joining the Salem Podcast Network. After reading Prager’s book, Still the Best Hope, Hartman – a senior at Harvard University – realized she actually held many conservative beliefs. She reached out to Prager, who was so impressed with her that he invited her on to his national talk show. Not long after, she sat in for him for all three hours of the show. Now, the two are launching a weekly podcast titled, “Dennis and Julie.” She says, “Finding Dennis’ work changed my life. I discovered the historic significance of the American value system and just how much our society today has come to be guided by the wrong principles. I hope that Dennis and I can make the world more understandable to our audience and impart to our listeners — especially those my age — how important it is to resist the far-left push that comes at them every day. I’m honored to work with Dennis and I’m grateful to Salem for trusting me with this opportunity.”…..CNN debuts three new podcasts. “Breaking News Alerts” – previously only available to smart speaker listeners – this audio version of CNN’s breaking news alerts offer podcast listeners a more contextualized understanding of breaking news. “Tug of War” takes listeners to the most volatile corners of the world to document some of the greatest power struggles of our time – a mission that now feels more relevant than ever – and offers historical, political, and social context for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “Diversifying” – hosted by Delyanne Barros – presents insightful discussions about how the financial system can work for us, instead of against us. It creates a space for people who have traditionally been left out of conversations around personal finance, and who are often faced with the challenge of balancing cultural expectations against their own financial needs…..ESPN Audio says that the 2021 Share of Ear from Edison Research finds that ESPN Audio accounts for over half of all sports listening, at 53%, marking a nine percentage point increase in the same category from 2020. ESPN Audio was also shown to account for 63% of the digital sports listening space and 47% of the terrestrial sports audio space, both up a significant 8% points from 2020, respectively…..SiriusXM announces that Hope Solo, the World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist goalkeeper, will launch a new and original SiriusXM podcast, “Hope Solo Speaks,” that debuts across all podcast platforms March 2. Solo will discuss a variety of topics on her mind, including her relentless fight for women’s rights and gender equality, motherhood and family, changing trends in sports and much more. Solo will be joined on episodes of the podcast by guests from various walks of life including world-class athletes, artists, and influencers for candid conversations on their experiences, passions and topics of the day.

 

Russia’s Attack on Ukraine, COVID-19, State of the Union, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, UN Climate Report, and Sacramento Murder-Suicide Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/28). Russia’s continued attacks on the Ukraine and the rest of the world’s response; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and relaxing mask mandates; tonight’s State of the Union address by President Joe Biden; the battle for control of Congress in the November midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the dire warning on the effects of climate change from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; and the murder of three children and their chaperone by the children’s father in a Sacramento church were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

January 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | by Editor

January 2022 PPM Data – Information for the January 2022 ratings period has been released for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s January 2022 sweep covered January 6 – February 2

Managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.9 – 7.6, +1.7, fifth to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #16 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 8.3 – 10.1, +1.8, second to first and KOPB’s internet stream 2.7 – 2.1, -.6, #13 to #19

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KOPB, first month, 8.3 – 10.1, +1.8

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk KOPB (+1.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW (-7.7)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 2.9 – 3.9, +1.0, #15 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WSOC-HD3 “Fox Sports Charlotte” .2 – .3, +.1, #20

Urban One-owned WLNK-HD3 .3, #20 (did not appear in “Holiday” 2021)

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.1 – 4.2, +1.1, #14 to #12

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC steady at .4, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: Davidson College classical WDAV, first month, 4.4 – 6.4, +2.0

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: classical WDAV (+2.0)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WKQC (-5.8)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.7 – 4.4, +.7, remains at #8

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 1.8 – 2.6, +.8, #16 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock KTKX, first month, 5.4 – 7.3, +1.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase:  CHR KXXM (+2.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KQXT (-8.9)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 6.7 – 7.1, +.4, stays at #3 and cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” 2.1 – 3.7, +1.6, #14 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” 1.1 – 1.3, +.2, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 4.0 – 5.0, +1.0, repeats in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, first month, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase:  country KNCI (+2.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KYMX (-8.3)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 4.4 – 5.0, +.6, eighth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 7.6 – 9.1, +1.5, fourth to second

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.2 – 3.1, +.9, #12 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, third month in succession, 15.5 – 10.1, -5.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase:  adult hits WRRK (+1.7)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease:  classic hits-oldies WWSW (-5.4)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.7 – 7.6, +1.9, sixth to second

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.3 – 6.5, +1.2, seventh to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.7 – 4.3, +.6, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KODJ, first month, 6.8 – 7.8, +1.0

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase:  news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (+1.9)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KSFI (-10.3)*

*Represents the largest “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.7 – 2.5, +.8, #18 to #14

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ, first month, 6.9 – 7.0, +.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian KSOS (+1.3)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KSNE (-7.8)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.8 – 6.2, +1.4, eighth to sixth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 1.5 – 1.9, +.4, repeats at #17

iHeartMedia’s WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #18 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) 1.7 – 2.0, +.3, #14 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections’ WMFE 1.7 – 2.5, +.8, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WXXL, first month, 7.1 – 8.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: news/talk WTKS (+1.4)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGF (-6.1)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Bengals) 10.0 – 11.5, +1.5, anchored in second-place and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.7 – 7.0, +2.3, sixth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio-owned WVXU 4.1 – 4.8, +.7, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR, first month, 9.5 – 13.4, +3.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+3.9)**

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease:  adult contemporary WRRM (-6.4)

**Represents the largest “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 4.4 – 4.7, +.3, repeats in seventh-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 5.6 – 5.4, -.2, flat at #6 and WKRK’s internet stream, steady at 1.1, #17 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Ideastream’s WCPN 3.0 – 4.1, +1.1, #12 to #11

Kent State University-owned WKSU 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WZAK, first month, 8.2 – 11.3, +3.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase:  urban AC WZAK (+3.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WDOK (-4.1)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 5.0 – 7.2, +2.2, fifth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 2.2 – 2.9, +.7, #17 to #12 and KCSP’s internet stream, 1.2, #19 (unlisted in “Holiday” 2021)

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri’s KCUR 4.8 – 6.0, +1.2, seventh to fifth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, fifth consecutive month, 8.5 – 7.6, -.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: news/talk KMBZ-FM (+2.2)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-3.7)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.0 – 8.5, +2.5, fifth to third

News: iHeartMedia’s WYTS “Columbus’ BIN 1230” .1 – .3, +.2, #20 to #19

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 8.2 – 9.5, +1.3, second to first and cluster-mate WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM” .7 – .6, -.1, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.6 – 7.7, +1.1, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: sports talk WBNS-FM, first month, 8.2 – 9.5, +1.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase:  news/talk WTVN (+2.5)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult hits WODC (-6.3)

Up next: January 2022 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, February 24, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

KOA’s Mid-Morning Host Ross Kaminsky is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of talk radio’s leading thinkers in the realm of economics and foreign policy, Ross Kaminsky – heard 9:00 am to 12:00 noon on iHeartMedia’s news/talk giant KOA, Denver – is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Kaminsky grew up as a Navy brat and has spent most of his adult life waving his hands and yelling on the market trading floors in Chicago after studying economics, foreign policy, and politics at Columbia University. In addition, he has been to over 60 countries which adds to his perspective on a wide range of talk topics. Harrison and Kaminsky discuss a variety of current topics including the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the pandemic, political correctness, education, the economy and the changing nature of communications media. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

 

Cumulus Media Q4 2021 Revenue Rises 2.6%. Reporting its financial data for the fourth quarter of 2021 and for the whole of 2021, Cumulus Media Inc says Q4 net revenue was $252.3 million, an increase of 2.6% over the same period in 2020. Net income for the quarter was $17.6 million compared to the net loss of $249,000 posted in Q4 of 2020. For Cumulus, digital revenue was the savior in the fourth quarter. The company reports broadcast radio spot revenue of $121.8 million, down 4.8% from Q4 of 2020, and network revenue of $71.3 million, a year-over-year decrease of 1.8%. However, digital revenue was $35 million, an increase of 47.3% compared to Q4 of 2020. Looking at the whole of 2021, net revenue was $916.4 million, up 12.3% over the whole of 2020. Broadcast radio spot revenue was up 6.1% over 2020 and network revenue was up 8.5%. Digital revenue for 2021 was $126.8 million, an increase of 47.6% over 2020. Cumulus reports net income of $17.3 million for 2021 compared to the net loss of $59.7 million it posted for 2020. Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “2021 was a year of tremendous progress and accomplishment for Cumulus. We not only achieved meaningful revenue growth in core radio, delivered substantial growth in digital, and greatly improved our operating leverage through material fixed cost reductions, but we also further and significantly de-levered our balance sheet, and executed many initiatives which bolstered our position as a true audio-first media company. As we carry this momentum into 2022, we continue to see significant upside with multiple pathways to enhance shareholder value.”

 

Round Two of January 2022 PPMs Released. The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s January 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s January 2022 sweep covered January 6 – February 2. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Washington, Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP jumps 1.6 shares to finish with an 8.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and rises to the #2 rank, while Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk WMAL-FM is flat with a 3.6 share and remains ranked #12. Bonneville’s KIRO-FM, Seattle adds three-tenths to finish with a 6.9 share and jumps to #1, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM dips three-tenths and falls to the #5 rank with a 5.2 share. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFYI shoots up 2.3 shares for a 5.7 share finish and the #3 rank as Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM is up a half share and climbs to the #13 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets (and yesterday’s round one) here.

 

 

Jim Bohannon Emcees Polar Plunge. Pictured above is Westwood One late night talk host Jim Bohannon serving as master of ceremonies for the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser for the Special Olympics in Westminster, South Carolina on Saturday, February 19. Bohannon said, “Air temperature? 44 degrees. Water temperature? We were afraid to check.”

 

TALKERS News Notes. As the conflict in the Ukraine escalates, ABC News Radio correspondent and anchor Aaron Katersky (pictured here in Lviv, Ukraine) continues to report from inside Ukraine where he’s been for the past week. Katersky also leads ABC News Radio’s live anchored coverage and is sharing his insights directly with affiliates through more than two dozen daily two-ways. Katersky’s experience as a war correspondent in network radio goes back to 2003 when he embedded with the Marines in Iraq…..At CBS News Radio, foreign correspondent Charlie D’Agata co-anchored from the Ukraine “The World News Roundup” with Steve Kathan in New York. CBS says that today’s broadcast was eerily reminiscent of the origin of “The World News Roundup” which debuted 84 years ago when Nazi Germany annexed Austria in March of 1938. The broadcast, which was hosted by Robert Trout, first gave the world the voices of Edward R. Murrow and William Shirer, pioneering a top-of-the-hour news format that linked foreign correspondents around the globe with an anchor in New York City, giving listeners first-hand reporting from CBS journalists who were, and continue to be, eyewitnesses to the most important events in world history…..The Talk Shows USA-syndicated radio program “The Money Pit Home Improvement Show” adds new affiliate stations as WSGW, Saginaw, Michigan; WORK, Canandaigua, New York; WTSN, Dover, New Hampshire; and WKYX, Paducah, Kentucky pick up the program for their lineups. Show host Tom Kraeutler says, “Across the country, home improvement projects have increased as more people work from home and stay at home. The continued growth of our affiliates shows that now more than ever, ‘The Money Pit’ is a great tool for advertisers to reach active, engaged homeowners.”

 

WRVA, Richmond Host Jeff Katz Helps Raise Funds for Virginia Charity. Talk radio host Jeff Katz – pictured here his with daughter Julia – just finished a 36-hour fundraising blitz for The Friendship Circle of Virginia that pairs typically developing teens with disabled children. Katz says, “It’s always believed that the special needs kiddos will get the most out of the friendship that develops but the typically developing teens are the ones who always rave about the experience. These friendships last for lifetimes!” Katz says the charity does one fundraiser per year and his team – “Julia’s Jewels” was the big “winner” this year, setting a fundraising record of $21,351 in 36 hours.

 

GBH President Jonathan Abbott to Step Down at Year’s End. Longtime GBH president and CEO Jonathan Abbott announces he’ll step down from that post he’s held with the public media organization for 15 years at the end of 2022. GBH says that during his tenure, Abbott “reimagined the ways that GBH, the largest producer for PBS, creates and distributes content locally and nationally across new platforms, offering greater access to its award-winning journalism, educational and cultural programs for millions of Americans. He invested in public media’s essential role as a community resource, expanding coverage of local issues with the re-launch of GBH 89.7 as an audience-focused NPR news service.” Under Abbott’s leadership GBH has grown to encompass 10 digital and broadcast media channels and he’s grown the organization’s endowment from $63 million to $523 million. He comments, “The mission to share knowledge, inspire learning and strengthen community is why I’ve devoted my career to expanding the reach and impact of public media. There is no more exciting place to do this work than GBH. It has been my great privilege to work with an extraordinary group of talented and dedicated colleagues, supporting the creation of compelling, world class content and trusted journalism that helps us understand the critical issues of our times. I am grateful to our community for its enduring support of GBH and public media.”

 

Russia Invades Ukraine, Financial Markets/Inflation, COVID-19, Midterm Elections/Trump & the GOP, Trump Org Investigation, and Winter Weather Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/23). The Russian military begins its move into separatist regions of the Ukraine as Vladimir Putin warns the U.S. not to interfere and former President Donald Trump praises Putin as a “genius”; the world’s financial markets reel on the news of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and soaring retail prices for consumer goods and gasoline; the falling rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and the truckers’ “People’s Convoy” headed for Washington, DC; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the grand jury investigation into the Trump Organization stalls as two NYC prosecutors quit; and the frigid and snowy weather affecting much of the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, February 17, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

WOR Morning Co-Host Michael Riedel is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The co-host (with Len Berman) of the WOR, New York morning show, Michael Riedel is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Their successful show, now in its fifth year, combines a left-right political element with sports and arts & entertainment. Riedel is a moderate conservative and Berman is a liberal. They regularly engage in friendly political debate and banter. In addition, both bring their background interests to the table. Berman is a former sports talk personality and Riedel is an established Broadway theater critic as well as a best-selling author. Harrison and Riedel engage in an interesting cell phone conversation examining New York City’s recovery from the economic and public safety issues imposed by the pandemic, plus the state of Broadway theater, cinema and presidential politics. To listen to the podcast in its full eclectic glory, please click here.

Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show to Commemorate Rush Limbaugh Today. On today’s edition of Premiere Networks’ “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” the hosts will honor the legacy of Rush Limbaugh on the one-year anniversary of his death. The hosts say they will “reflect on Limbaugh’s ‘way of life,’ as he often described it, and the inspiration and motivation he brought to millions of fans.” Travis and Sexton will “demonstrate how prescient ‘America’s Anchorman’ was and continues to be on the issues of the day, showcasing highlights and accurate predictions from his award-winning program.” The show will also feature notable on-air moments from Limbaugh’s 30-plus year career, listener memories, and special appearances by family, former staff and fellow broadcasters, including: Limbaugh’s wife Kathryn; long-time call screener and “official show observer” James Golden; frequent guest hosts Mark Steyn and Todd Herman; and national radio and TV personality Sean Hannity.

Superadio and Mean Ole Lion Media Partner for Podcast Division. Syndication and sales firm Superadio, LLC announces a partnership with podcast network Mean Ole Lion Media, in which Superadio will serve as the sales and marketing arm focusing on audience growth and monetization. Mean Ole Lion Media positions itself as a place “Where Content is King And Black and Brown Voices Truly Matter.” Superadio says it is launching its podcast division with over 14 Mean Ole Lion Media shows that speak directly to issues affecting Black America, including “Oh That’s Deep,” “Black Women Conversations,” “Business of the Beat,” “The Overlooked” and “Conversations with Dr. Ian Smith.” Mean Ole Lion Media founder Ken Johnson says, “This partnership is the result of mutual admiration and respect for Superadio. Their passion for content is completely in line with Mean Ole Lion Media. The company’s standing in urban radio and their existing content targeting African Americans is an excellent complement to our efforts in the podcast arena.”

Edison Research and Ad Results Media Present Super Listeners Study Results. Super listeners are defined by Edison Research as American adults who listen to five or more hours of podcasts weekly. In the third annual Super Listener Study from Edison and Ad Results Media, the data indicates that Super Listeners are spending an average of 11.2 hours listening to podcasts weekly, up from 10.5 hours last year and 9.8 hours the year before. Other findings include: 51% of podcast Super Listeners agree that they pay more attention to ads on podcasts than on other media, up from 48% last year; 53% of podcast Super Listeners agree that their opinion of a company is more positive when it is on a podcast they regularly listen to, up from 49% last year; 50% of podcast Super Listeners agree that advertising on a podcast is the best way for a brand to reach them, up from 49% last year. Also, the study finds that Super Listeners are continuing to notice an increase in the number of commercials and length of ad breaks in podcasts with 59% saying the total number of ads in the podcast they regularly listen to has increased, up from 56% last year. This year’s study saw an increase in the number of Super Listeners who believe it is important or very important to limit their exposure to advertising, up to 59% from 50% from last year. Edison Research SVP Tom Webster says, “It’s clear that podcasting’s most active consumers are both difficult to reach through traditional means of advertising, and also extremely receptive to the right message, in the right context, in their favorite podcasts. The podcast industry has an incredible opportunity to be a trusted means of access to an extremely valuable subset of consumers.” Find out more here.

iHeartMedia and Sounder Partner for Podcast Brand Safety Tools. A deal between iHeartMedia and audio intelligence platform Sounder is struck that allows iHeartMedia to “leverage Sounder’s Audio Data Cloud to provide both established and emerging podcast creators the best AI and Machine Learning tools to help them gain critical, real-time insights to accelerate growth and improve monetization.” iHeartMedia chief data officer Brian Kaminsky says, “As the leader in podcasting, the iHeartPodcast Network hosts the most diverse group of high-quality creators in the world and produces the most podcasts that generate over one million plus downloads. It’s critical that we learn from the challenges advertisers have had with video and social media to deliver safety tools and controls that allow brands to customize their campaigns and ensure that their ads will be delivered at scale in a brand safe environment. Our partnership with Sounder underscores our commitment to innovation in audio advertising and our goal of creating more meaningful connections between advertisers and listeners. In addition to simple brand safety, this partnership will also unlock brand suitability tools that will dynamically align brands with content and creator-sentiments that supports their goals and objectives.” In addition to this commercial partnership, iHeartMedia has also announced a strategic investment in Sounder, as lead investor in the company’s Series A round.

Alliance for Women in Media and Foundation Announce Board Members and Officers. The Alliance for Women in Media and the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation announce their 2022 boards of directors and officers. Heather Cohen, EVP, The Weiss Agency begins her second term as chair of the boards. iHeartMedia EVP Thea Mitchem joins the AWM board. Marie Tedesco, CFO, Beasley Media Group joins the AWM board, and Audacy SVP of digital audio content Tim Clarke joins the AWM Foundation board. The organizations also announce that McVay Media president Mike McVay, Radio Ink/RBR-TVBR publisher Deborah Parenti, and Katz Radio Group president Christine Travaglini continue their Foundation board terms.

TALKERS News Notes. The WAMU, Washington-produced and NPR-syndicated daily talk program “1A” will soon launch “1A Remaking America” – a “major, two-year reporting project covering the threats to America’s democracy.” The program is being funded by a grant totaling $750,000 from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and takes place in partnership with several public media stations across the country. The project “will focus coverage on the growing political divides throughout the country.” WAMU/DCist chief content officer Monna Kashfi says, “We are very excited to embark on a new reporting initiative with our partner stations, convening the difficult but crucial conversations about where we are headed as a nation after the unprecedented reality of the past two years. The support from CPB will make it possible for us to share stories and voices from across the country in new and meaningful ways, and we are grateful for their trust in our vision.”…..A number of Audacy’s Pennsylvania radio stations have been honored with Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters 2022 Excellence in Broadcasting Awards. A few of those include all-news KYW, Philadelphia winning Outstanding Use of Digital Media for its Hurricane Ida Continuing Coverage; news/talk KDKA-AM winning Outstanding Use of Digital Media for its High School Football Game of the Week Coverage; and news/talk WILK, Wilkes-Barre winning Outstanding Radio Public Affairs Program/Program Series for its Special Edition of May 22…..Contemporary Christian network WayFM names Robyn Sedgwick general manager for Colorado and Kansas and Mike Weston as station manager – Denver. Both begin their roles on March 1 and are filling roles that were occupied by longtime Way Media regional manager Zach Cochran, who departed in December to become CEO of The Family Radio Network in Wisconsin…..The nationally syndicated “Motley Fool Radio” program hosted by Chris Hill adds new affiliate WPMO, Pascagoula, Mississippi to its roster of stations.

Ukraine Tensions, Durham Probe, CNN Troubles, COVID-19, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Inflation, Prince Andrew Settlement, and Beijing Olympics Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/16). The threat of war over Russia’s military buildup at the Ukraine border; special counsel John Durham’s investigation into allegations of Hillary Clinton’s digital spying on Donald Trump; CNN announces that a third-party investigation found Jeff Zucker, Allison Gollust, and Chris Cuomo violated the company’s standards; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the planned relaxing of mask mandates in numerous states, and the truckers’ protests; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the worst inflation rate in the U.S. since the 1970s; Prince Andrew agrees to settle with accuser Virginia Guiffre; and the politics behind the Beijing Winter Olympics were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

 

 

WDEL, Wilmington Seeks Talk Host. The Forever Media news/talk station is seeking a talk host. The company says, “WDEL-AM/FM is looking for the next great talk show host. We’re not looking for typical red vs. blue talk. We want a big personality who is interesting, entertaining, can focus on local issues while explaining the world we live in – and have fun! Someone who takes the news seriously, but not themselves.” Send examples of your work to: careers@forevermediainc.com.

FOX News Media Seeks Freelance Producer/News Editor. This opportunity as a freelance producer/news editor with FOX News Media is based in New York. It includes supervising the staff for FOX’s network radio news operations (terrestrial and FOX News Headlines 24/7 – Channel 115 on SiriusXM Radio). As the freelance producer/news editor you are the editorial leader, working with news anchors to craft the content and structure of a 24/7 news operation. This is fast-moving news environment! Your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom allows you to deliver top-quality segments/newscasts. You excel at multi-tasking and pay close attention to details. Your writing and editing skills are excellent and your editorial judgment is first-rate. See more about the position and apply here.

Freelance Audio Network Operator and Podcast Production Operator Position Open. This FOX News Radio position is based in New York City. The company says: “FOX News is committed to delivering news as it happens. We love what we do and we’re looking for passionate, talented people to help us lead, grow and achieve our goals. Joining the number one cable news network in America is a singular opportunity to be part of a highly successful, dynamic team that has transformed the way people get their information.” This is an opportunity for a technically strong and motivated freelance audio network operator and podcast production operator. The successful candidate will provide technical oversight over all FOX News Radio platforms including FOX News Radio’s terrestrial operation, FOX News Talk, and FOX News Headlines 24/7. See more about the position and apply here.

Sales

Pending Business: A Customer-centric Pitch

By Editor | by Editor

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
Presisdent

 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Recently, I found myself in New York City for an extended period of time with no access to a gym. My only option was to walk, so I created a daily walking route: a two-mile hike through the streets of Manhattan. Walking always has been and with or without facemasks, walking still is very much a part of the lifestyle in Manhattan.

(more…)

Features

Reginald Fessenden: Father of Modern Radio

By Editor | by Editor

By Aaron Bennett
National Inventors Hall of Fame

 

NORTH CANTON, Oh. — Established in September 2011 by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), World Radio Day celebrates the profound influence of radio technology in spreading diverse, democratic discourse. Because of the medium’s relatively low cost and massive reach, it remains one of the most accessible forms of communication.

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, February 10, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

WRVA, Richmond Talk Mainstay Jeff Katz is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the elite local hosts in talk radio, Jeff Katz – heard 3:00-6:00 pm daily on WRVA, Richmond – is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Katz has been a radio talk show host since the early 1990s on major stations in Boston, Hartford, Charlotte, Philadelphia and currently in Richmond since 2013. He grew up in Philadelphia and was aiming for a career as an attorney until his father suffered a heart attack that set him on a different path so that he could help support his family. Katz graduated at the top of his police academy class and then served as a police officer in Philadelphia until he traded in his badge for a microphone and started his broadcasting odyssey. He’s a fan favorite in Richmond and his program has repeatedly been chosen as the best afternoon radio show by the readers of Richmond Magazine and STYLE Weekly. In 2020, the Richmond Times-Dispatch named Katz the “Best Afternoon Radio Show” in Central Virginia. Over the years, Jeff has volunteered thousands of hours to help members of the local community with a special focus on law enforcement officers and disabled children. He and his wife are parents of a disabled child and that experience has had a tremendous impact on their lives and on Katz’s work. Michael Harrison describes Katz as “one of talk radio’s true humanitarians and an inspirational role model for us all.” President Trump honored Katz by presenting him with the President’s Award for Volunteer Service. In addition, FBI Director Christopher Wray honored him as the recipient of The Director’s Community Leadership Award for 2019. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation in which Harrison and Katz discuss the state of the radio business, politics, parenting, law enforcement and the art of “keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

Ramsey Solutions Presents ‘Money & Marriage’ Livestream Event. Ahead of Valentine’s Day on Monday, Ramsey Solutions is presenting a livestream event called “Money & Marriage.” The press release says, “Marriage isn’t for the faint of heart. Whether it’s lack of communication, financial stress or a difference in parenting, marital strain is inevitable. But Ramsey Solutions wants to equip couples with the tools to build a stronger relationship.” The Friday 7:00 pm ET event will feature Rachel Cruze and mental health expert Dr. John Delony “for an evening of laughter and intentional conversation. Couples can enjoy this date night from home, all while covering topics ranging from fear avoidance to the importance of practicing connection.” Cruze says, “What you have to understand, first and foremost: it’s nearly impossible to win with money when you’re not on the same page as your spouse. Coming together practically and emotionally not only unifies you but gets you to your goals faster.” Tickets for the event can be had here.

Richardson and Gallant to Replace Charlie Pallilo at KFNC-FM, Houston. The Houston Chronicle’s Matt Young reports that Gow Media is naming Vanessa Richardson and Paul Gallant hosts of the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program on sports talk KFNC-FM. This comes a day after longtime market sports personality Charlie Pallilo announced he is no longer with the station. Richardson is a former KPRC-TV sports anchor and reporter and Gallant previously served as a host at iHeartMedia’s crosstown KILT-AM “SportsRadio 610.” Richardson will be the only woman working in sports radio in Houston. She says, “I’ve wanted to host a show for a long time and I’m SO excited to do that on ESPN radio in Houston.”

Tee Gentry and Beasley Announce Renewal Deal. Programming pro Tee Gentry and Beasley Media Group announce they have signed a multiyear renewal deal for Gentry to continue with the company. Gentry, who has been with the company for the past 26 years, currently serves as Beasley’s vice president of brand strategies and regional operations manager of its Augusta, Georgia and Fayetteville, North Carolina radio clusters. Beasley chief content officer Justin Chase says, “Tee is one of the most brilliant programmers that I’ve had the opportunity to work with. During his many years with the company in markets like Augusta, Fayetteville, and Tampa, he’s only had success. We’re lucky to lock Tee in for another multiyear deal!” Gentry says, “It’s an absolute privilege to work with [regional VP] Kent Dunn and the incredible people in Augusta and Fayetteville. They are what local radio is all about! I look forward to continuing to be a part of the Beasley Media Group family for years to come.”

Salem Radio Network’s Larry Elder Featured in Newsweek Feature Story. The February 18 issue of Newsweek features the cover story, “The Rise of Black Conservatives: Will the GOP’s Bet Pay Off?” that includes Salem Radio Network talk host Larry Elder, among other Black conservatives such as media figure Candace Owens, Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Sears, and Georgia U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker. Elder, who was the highest vote-getter in the recent recall election of California Governor Gavin Newsom, is quoted in the piece saying, “Donald Trump, to a greater degree than any Republican presidential candidate that I’ve seen, went to the inner city and tried to get Black votes. The message is this: Don’t act as if Black people cannot be convinced. They can be. Don’t condescend. Tell the truth. Talk about the issues, talk about how these issues benefit you.” Elder is also quoted saying the GOP needs to continue to work to attract Black voters. “Do I think that the Republican Party has done a poor job of marketing itself to Black voters? I do. They have written off Black people or they’ve assumed they’re going to vote for the Democratic Party.”

TALKERS News Notes. Sports talk legend Chris “Mad Dog” Russo – heard nationally on SiriusXM Radio – will again join ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim on the “First Take” program on Wednesday February 16. ESPN says Russo will then return for weekly appearances every Wednesday beginning March 2. In January, Russo and Smith debated Barry Bonds’ Hall of Fame campaign and the episode turned out to be the show’s most-watched episode ever. ESPN EVP and executive editor Norby Williamson says, “We couldn’t be more excited to add another marquee name in Chris “Mad Dog” Russo to our weekly rotating lineup and further build this momentum going forward, providing viewers with the best possible debates, topics and content.”…..Cumulus Media and DCP Entertainment announce that the new season of DCP’s podcast “democracy-ish” on the Cumulus Podcast Network will feature Wajahat “Waj” Ali  as the new co-host alongside veteran host Danielle Moodie. Cumulus says, “The podcast hosts aim to keep it real, blunt, and entertaining as they discuss how to achieve a multiracial democracy, cover all the ground left behind by mainstream media, and seek to make sense of the nonsense.”…..Award-winning reporter Nate Hegyi joins New Hampshire Public Radio as host and senior producer of “Outside/In,” the program that delves into the natural world and how we use it. Hegyi most recently worked as a reporter for the Mountain West News Bureau, a consortium of NPR member stations covering the region. NHPR president and CEO Jim Schachter says, “‘Outside/In’ is well on its way to becoming a leading national source of engaging, empowering environmental journalism. With Nate as host, the show can build a community of people across the United States and beyond who care deeply about the natural world and humankind’s responsibility for it.”…..WMFE and WMFV, the NPR affiliates serving the Orlando area and nine counties across Central Florida, name longtime public media journalist and consultant Judith Smelser president and general manager. Smelser has served as WMFE/WMFV’s interim president and general manager since September 2021 and has a long history with the station as an award-winning reporter from 2004-2007, and then news director until 2011, before she was recruited away by Colorado Public Radio in Denver.

COVID-19/Freedom Convoy, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Inflation, Cheney-Kinzinger Censure, Ukraine Tensions, Social Media & Cancel Culture, Beijing Olympics, and Super Bowl LVI Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/9). The rate of COVID-29 cases in the U.S., plans to pull back mask mandates in numerous states, and the Canadian truckers’ Freedom Convoy; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the U.S. is set to record the highest rate of inflation in 40 years; the GOP’s internal squabble over the RNC’s intent to censure Senators Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for criticizing Trump’s January 6 actions; the diplomatic tensions between Russia and the West over the Russian military presence at the Ukraine border; the politics of social media platform rules and Spotify’s tightrope walk over Joe Rogan’s popular podcast and its critics; the controversies at the Beijing Winter Olympics; and the buildup to Sunday’s Super Bowl LVI were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Advice

Monday Memo: But Wait, There’s More!

By Editor | by Editor

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — I worked with the late great Larry King four times, and I can sum-up how he got those he was interviewing to say something they didn’t say in other interviews along the PR tour by quoting his RT America show promo: “I never learned anything while I was talking.”

So thanks for compliments and to those who shared my column here last week: “Talk Radio 101: LISTEN.”

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, February 3, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

WTOP, Washington’s Joel Oxley Testifies on Journalism Competition and Preservation Act. At a Senate subcommittee hearing in Washington, DC on Wednesday (2/2), numerous media executives provided testimony as the subcommittee considers the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act that “creates a four-year safe harbor from antitrust laws for print, broadcast, or digital news companies to collectively negotiate with online content distributors (e.g., social media companies) regarding the terms on which the news companies’ content may be distributed by online content distributors.” Joel Oxley, general manager of Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM, Washington, DC testified on behalf of the National Association of Broadcasters. He said, “Quality journalism delivered through our uniquely free service has only been made possible over many decades through advertising revenues. As you all are aware, these revenues have experienced a free-fall in recent years, due almost exclusively to the rapid, often anticompetitive, expansion of the dominant online platforms who have upended the advertising marketplace. The market power of the tech platforms undermines the online advertising model for local broadcast journalism in two important ways. First, the tech platforms’ role as content gatekeepers stifles our ability to generate user traffic. Second, anticompetitive terms of service and a ‘take it or leave it’ approach leave local broadcasters with a below-market sliver of those advertising revenues derived through their products. For local broadcasters and our viewers and listeners who rely on quality journalism, this is a real catch-22: To attract online user traffic, we must be accessible through the major platforms, yet the terms of access dictated by the online platforms devalue our product. For example, not only is WTOP not being compensated by Facebook and Google for its content, WTOP is actually paying to make sure its content is being accessed on their platforms.” He added, “The dominant online platforms have flourished, siphoning off huge amounts of advertising revenues that are the lifeblood of free, local journalism. Consider the big storm that just blew through the Northeast over the weekend – a nor’easter and blizzard conditions. Tons of work at a lot of cost and time for local broadcasters to cover it for millions of people. But not for Facebook, Google and the like. They simply take our coverage and profit from it, and virtually nothing comes back to us. But without local news, my guess is a lot of people would have not evacuated places like Cape Cod last weekend, and lives would have been risked. We just can’t have that.” You can read his complete testimony here.

Erick Erickson Show Adds New Affiliates; Reports Ratings Growth. Nationally syndicated talk radio personality Erick Erickson announces the addition of two new affiliate stations as Audacy’s KXNT, Las Vegas and Willamette Broadcasting’s KYKN, Salem, Oregon add the show to their program schedules. The show says, “In every Nielsen PPM market carrying his show, either live or delayed, Erickson is generating higher ratings than the show he replaced, including Rush Limbaugh’s show in Atlanta, Georgia on Erickson’s flagship station, WSB Radio. Erickson is also seeing robust digital growth. From June to December 2021, Erickson’s live-streaming audience increased 339% and his podcast audience grew 188%.”

Terry Foxx Named to Programming Role at Public Outlet KUT, Austin. Radio programming pro Terry Foxx is joining public radio station KUT, Austin as director of programming and audience. The organization says Foxx will oversee KUT 90.5’s on-air programming and KUT and KUTX Studios’ podcast strategy. He will collaborate with the KUT newsroom and sister station KUTX 98.9, the Austin Music Experience, on developing audience-centered engagement strategies and expanding KUT’s reach. Foxx has most recently been serving as brand manager for Radio One’s sports talk WFNZ-AM, Charlotte and sister AC WLNK-FM. KUT and KUTX general manager Debbie Hiott comments, “Terry has deep knowledge and experience when it comes to identifying and expanding audiences. He grew up in Texas, has always had family in Austin, and understands how KUT can serve our community. With those things he will help us develop and provide programming that reaches into new areas important to Central Texas.” Foxx says, “KUT has a rich heritage and is part of the fabric of Central Texas. I look forward to joining the strong team at KUT and engaging new listeners in creative ways.”

BIN: Black Information Network Names Andrea Coleman News Director; Ramses Ja to Host New Daily Podcast. News pro Andrea Coleman is promoted from news anchor to news director for iHeartMedia’s BIN: Black Information Network. In this new role, Coleman will be responsible for leading day-to-day newsroom operations, reporter and anchor development, and coordinating live news and specialty programming. She’ll be based in Atlanta, reporting to Tanita Myers, VP/news operations for the Black Information Network. Coleman joined iHeartMedia as an anchor/reporter for the Black Information Network in the summer of 2020. She says, “I welcome the opportunity to serve as news director of the Black Information Network and to continue to be a part of the dynamic team of Black professionals who have made the Network a relevant, trusted source of news and information for our community. We look forward to keeping our listeners informed and educated on all matters important to the Black experience.” BIN: Black Information Network also announces that media personality Ramses Ja is joining the Network as the host of the new daily podcast, “Our Daily Story with Ramses Ja.” The program will feature Black journalists from across America telling the most meaningful stories of the day, from their perspective. The daily talk show-style podcast will premiere later this month, with new episodes launching every weekday morning. Ja says, “I’m excited to be partnering with BIN: Black Information Network. This partnership helps show the company’s commitment to helping create a more equitable experience for Black people in this country, and the other projects we have in the works are also sure to continue that trend.” BIN: Black Information Network president Tony Coles comments, “As BIN: Black Information Network continues to grow, I am thrilled to have Ramses Ja and Andrea Coleman as part of our team. They are incredibly talented, with proven track records, and dedication to delivering significant and trusted news coverage to the Black community. I know they will contribute to the network’s mission and ongoing success.”

Newsmax Claims Big Ratings for Trump Rally Coverage. Citing Nielsen data from last weekend, Newsmax says it was the big ratings winner with its exclusive cable coverage of former President Donald Trump’s rally in Texas. Newsmax reports “some 2.9 million cable viewers tuned in to watch the event live from Conroe — and 1.1 million of them were adults ages 35-64, the demographic craved by advertisers… though Newsmax is carried in 20 million fewer homes than FOX, total audience impressions for both networks during Trump’s speech was almost at parity, both drawing around 1.4 million viewers per minute, according to Nielsen.” Newsmax points to a piece in Business Insider that said, “Newsmax’s audience skyrockets during Trump rallies that other networks, including FOX News, ignore.’” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy comments, “We can’t speak to FOX News’ decisions, but we believe this rally was a significant news event that was worthy of coverage.”

TALKERS News Notes. Former WIBC, Indianapolis talk host Greg Garrison has filed papers to run for prosecutor of Hamilton County, Indiana. According to the Indianapolis Star, the 74-year-old Garrison will face off against three-term Republican prosecutor D. Lee Buckinham in the primary. Garrison, who also had a long career as a personal injury lawyer, retired from his radio program in 2017. He was part of the prosecution team that helped convict boxer Mike Tyson of rape charges in 1992…..Reporter Mara Hoplamazian is named New Hampshire Public Radio’s energy and environment reporter, a role in which they will anchor NHPR’s “By Degrees” climate reporting initiative. NHPR news director Dan Barrick says, “Awareness and dialogue are the best tools we have to fight climate change. The work of journalists such as Mara are crucial not simply to inform but to create awareness of what is at risk, and what we can do together.” Hoplamazian came to NHPR as the Barbara and Dick Couch Fellow. Before joining NHPR, Hoplamazian worked as an investigative reporting intern at The Sacramento Bee and a media intern at the Smithsonian Institution.

Trump & the GOP/Midterm Elections, January 6 Investigation, Ukraine Tensions, COVID-19, Spotify’s Joe Rogan Controversy, Whoopi Goldberg Suspension, Financial Markets/Economy, CNN’s Zucker Resigns, Beijing Olympics, Winter Weather, and Washington Football Team Reveals New Name Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/2). Former President Donald Trump’s influence within the GOP and November’s midterm elections; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack; diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the latter’s military build-up at the Ukraine border; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad and mask & vaccine mandates; the controversy over artists pulling their music from Spotify because of the conspiratorial tone of “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast; ABC is slammed for suspending Whoopi Goldberg over her holocaust comments; the world’s financial markets and concerns about the COVID-hampered U.S. economy; Jeff Zucker resigns from CNN after failing to acknowledge his romantic relationship with an employee; the political aspects of the Beijing Winter Olympics; severe winter weather affecting much of the U.S.; and reactions to the NFL’s Washington franchise revealing its new Commanders moniker were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By Editor | by Editor

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2021 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep covered December 9 (2021) – January 5 (2022)

Managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.3 – 3.9, -1.4, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 2.4 – 1.4, -1.0, #13 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 6.8 – 7.3, +.5, locked in third-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KKMJ, first month, 7.4 – 12.6, +5.2

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KKMJ (+5.2)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: CHR KHFI (-1.7)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.0 – 6.3, -.7, third to fourth

Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #12 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) steady at 2.5, #14 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.5 – 6.9, -1.6, fourteen consecutive months at #1 to #3

Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, first month, 8.1 – 10.4, +2.3

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+2.3)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUNC (-1.6)

Note: adult contemporary WMAG (1.6, #17, 6+, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.1 – 8.8, +.7, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts and Pacers) 4.2 – 4.0, -.2, flat at #7

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” steady at .9, unchanged at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 6.8 – 6.2, -.6, flat at #5

Number One 6+: Emmis adult contemporary WYXB, second successive month, 10.7 – 15.5 +4.8

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WYXB (+4.8)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): country WFMS and jazz-classical WICR (-.8)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.3 – 8.8, -1.5, back-to-back months at #1 to #4

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Green Bay Packers and Bucks) 7.1 – 6.7, -.4, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #16 to #15

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .7 – 1.3, +.6, #19 to #17

Audacy’s WSSP “1250 AM The Fan” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #17 to #18

iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920” .6 – .7, +.1, anchored at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.1 – 4.5, +.4, tenth to seventh

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT, first month, 8.0 – 9.8, +1.8

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase:; adult contemporary WLDB (+4.7)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WMYX (-1.9)*

*Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.3 – 6.1, +.8, eighth to third

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, repeats at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 5.2 – 4.7, -.5, ninth to eighth

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.8 – 4.9, -.9, fifth to seventh

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in a row, 8.6 – 15.1, +6.5

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WJXA (+6.5)**

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-1.6)

**Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.8 – 6.7, +.9, continues in fifth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” steady at 1.1, #15 to #14

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790” flat at .1, #24 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins) 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, seventh to eighth

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.6 – 3.2, -.4, repeats at #9

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #11 to #10

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, stays at #10

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, first month, 10.1 – 14.2, +4.1

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+4.1)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WSNE (-.8)

Note: news – talk WBZ (1.3, #14, 6+, December 2021, 6+); CHR WXKS-FM (1.0, #16); classic rock WZLX (.8, #18); and rhythmic CHR WJMN (.7, #20) are all unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.1 – 1.5, -.6, #14 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WWDE, first month, 8.5 – 12.6, +4.1, succeeds urban AC cluster-mate WVKL, which had been #1 the past 38 months

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+4.1)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WPTE (-1.2)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 8.7 – 7.0, -1.7, unchanged at #3

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” steady at .4, stays at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT  3.3 – 2.8, -.5, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ, second consecutive month, 10.8 – 15.9, +5.1

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+5.1)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): news/talk WOKV-FM and urban AC WSOL (-1.7)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #15 to #11

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #15 to #14

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” flat at 1.1, #22 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .4 – .8, +.4, #24 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN steady at 3.0, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 9.4 – 12.0, +2.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+2.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: urban AC WMBX (-1.2)

Note: Spanish contemporary WZTU (2.1, #12, 6+, December 2021, 6+); CHR WHYI (1.4, #17); classic rock WBGG (1.2, #20); and adult contemporary WMIA (1.2, #20) are all unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.1 – 4.0, -.1, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Curtis Media Group-owned WSJS & WPCM 600 AM & 920 AM” flat at .4, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, seventh to ninth

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, #13 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG, first month, 12.0 – 14.1, +2.1

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+2.1)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WQMG and country WTQR (-1.5)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.2 – 2.2, -1.0, #10 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy cluster-mates WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) steady at 4.4, continues in seventh-place; WMFS’ internet stream .5 – .3, -.2, repeats at #18; and WMC-AM “ESPN 790 AM” flat at .2, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRVR, first month, 9.7 – 14.0, +4.3

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+4.3)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: urban AC KJMS (-1.5)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” steady at 5.2, unchanged at #7

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” flat at .9, #15 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” unchanged at .9, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.1 – 6.9, -.2, third to fourth

New England Public Media’s WFCR steady at .4, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 22nd successive month, 14.9 – 18.6, +3.7

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+3.7)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: CHR WKSS (-1.5)

Note: Spanish tropical WRYM (1.5, #13, 6+, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

 

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.  

Ratings Takeaways

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | by Editor

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Data – Information for the December 2021 ratings period has been released for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep covered December 9 (2021) – January 5 (2022)

Managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.1 – 5.9, -1.2, fourth to fifth

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, flat at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.2 – 8.3, +1.1, third to second and KOPB’s internet stream 2.2 – 2.7, +.5, #17 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, second month in succession, 12.4 – 17.0, +4.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+4.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLTH (-1.9)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) 3.8 – 2.9, -.9, #11 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFNZ “Sports Radio The Fan” (Hornets) 1.1 – .8, -.3, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation-owned WFAE 4.3 – 3.1, -1.2, #9 to #14

South Carolina Educational Television Commission’s WNSC .5 – .4, -.1, anchored at #20

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, second month in a row, 8.8 – 10.2, +1.4

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult hits WLKO (+2.7)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: country WKKT (-2.8)*

*Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 4.2 – 3.7, -.5, repeats in eighth-place

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #14 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 3.1 – 3.3, +.2, #12 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, second straight month, 10.8 – 15.9, +5.1

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KQXT (+5.1)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: adult hits KJXK (-1.3)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 7.3 – 6.7, -.6, repeats in third-place and cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” 2.9 – 2.1, -.8, #12 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 4.5 – 4.0, -.5, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX, first month, 9.9 – 15.8, +5.9

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KYMX (+5.9)**

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic rock KSEG (-2.1)

**Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.7 – 4.4, +.7, ninth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 7.8 – 7.6, -.2, remains at #4

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, second month in succession, 11.1 – 15.5, +4.4

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase:  classic hits-oldies WWSW (+4.4)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: adult hits WRRK (-1.1)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 7.1 – 5.7, -1.4, second to sixth

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.0 – 5.3, -.7, fifth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 4.1 – 3.7, -.4, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, second consecutive month, 10.9 – 16.3, +5.4

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+5.4)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: CHR KZHT (-1.5)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #23 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, second month in a row, 13.1 – 14.7, +1.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+1.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KKLZ (-1.4)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.3 – 4.8, -.5, remains in eighth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, #16 to #17

iHeartMedia’s WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #19 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) 2.2 – 1.7, -.5, flat at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections’ WMFE unchanged at 1.7, #17 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, second month in succession, 12.0 – 12.8, +.8

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.5)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOCL (-1.2)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 10.2 – 10.0, -.2, locked at #2 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 5.2 – 4.7, -.5, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #17 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio-owned WVXU 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM, first month, 6.2 – 10.4, +4.2

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRRM (+4.2)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.5)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, ninth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.6 – 5.6, +1.0, eighth to sixth and WKRK’s internet stream 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, #14 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Ideastream’s WCPN 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, unchanged at #12

Kent State University-owned WKSU 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, #17 to #14

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WDOK second successive month, 10.4 – 12.4, +2.0

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase:  classic hits-oldies WMJI (+2.3)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: country WGAR (-1.4)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, sixth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri’s KCUR 6.1 – 4.8, -1.3, third to seventh

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, fourth consecutive month, 9.7 – 8.5, -1.2

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KCKC (+1.0)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KCUR (-1.3)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.5 – 6.0, -.5, fourth to fifth

News: iHeartMedia’s WYTS “Columbus’ BIN 1230” flat at .1, #19 to #20

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 10.3 – 8.2, -2.1, four straight months at #1 to #2 and cluster-mate WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM” .5 – .7, +.2, #18 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, repeats in fourth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WODC, first month, 6.5 – 10.1, +3.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult hits WODC (+3.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: sports talk WBNS-FM (-2.1)

 

Up next: “Holiday” 2021 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

 

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.  

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, January 27, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Newsweek Opinion Editor Josh Hammer is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The opinion editor of Newsweek, Josh Hammer, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Hammer is also a podcaster, constitutional lawyer, and rising young conservative thought-leader. Newsweek is planning the launch of his new podcast, “The Josh Hammer Show” in February. The one-hour podcast will conform to the format clock of a terrestrial radio show making it conveniently translatable as a syndicated product. Harrison describes Hammer as follows: “At 32 years of age, he has already made a huge splash within the print news community as an editor and political commentator reflective of a young conservative perspective. I suspect he will be doing the same in talk media via radio and podcasting.” Harrison continues, “With such an emphasis being placed on lowering the demos, talk media practitioners – especially conservatives – should hear what he has to say.” Hammer focuses on conservative intellectual trends, contemporary domestic and foreign policy debates, constitutional and legal issues, and the intersection of law, politics and culture. His pieces have appeared in a number of major publications including the Los Angeles Times, the New York Post and many others. Harrison and Hammer take a deep-dive into the future of print versus digital, the legal complications of updating Section 230 and holding Big Tech accountable for the control they have seized over the public square, as well as the schism between traditional conservative politics and a viable next-gen approach. They discuss the impact and future of Donald Trump within the GOP and Newsweek’s strategy to appeal to a readership that spans the political spectrum. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

Dan Bongino Booted from YouTube; Focuses His Content on Rumble. After violating the terms of his weeklong suspension from YouTube, Westwood One nationally syndicated talk host Dan Bongino has been permanently banned from the social media video channel. Bongino shared a video on his website in which he says that he was suspended for saying nothing different than what Dr. Tony Fauci told “60 Minutes” in a March 2020 interview in which he said there’s no need for people to be walking around wearing masks because it’s not providing the protection that people think it is. Bongino questions why he’s being banned but Fauci is not. Bongino’s violation of the suspension came after he tried to post a video explaining to his fans why he’s leaving YouTube and will put all of his content on Rumble. Bongino says he had 871,000 YouTube subscribers and says he has more than 2 million subscribers on the Rumble channel.

Former Florida Sports Talk Host ‘Big Joe’ Ellicott to Cooperate with Feds’ Investigation of Rep. Matt Gaetz. According to a report by CNN, Joseph “Big Joe” Ellicott has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and distribution of a controlled substance (Adderall) and has agreed to cooperate with the U.S. Justice Department’s investigation into allegations that U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) had sexual contact with a minor. Ellicott previously worked for Star Over Orlando at sports talk WRSO “CBS Sports Radio Orlando” on the “Bauman and Big Joe” program. CNN reports that Ellicott pleaded guilty to the charges that stemmed from “a bribery scheme between an unnamed contractor and an unnamed elected government official. Ellicott delivered $6,000 cash from the contractor to the government official in 2017.” Other media sources are concluding that the unnamed elected government official is his friend Joel Greenberg, a former confidant of Gaetz’s who is also cooperating with investigators in the Gaetz case.

Round Two of Holiday 2021 PPMs Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2021 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s Holiday 2021 sweep covered December 9 – January 5. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Although the Holiday PPM survey usually reveals listening patterns skewed by stations breaking format to air Christmas music, some spoken-word stations were able to avoid ratings declines. Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle was steady with a 6.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that kept it in the #2 rank. Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KOMO-AM/FM rose two-tenths for a 5.5 share finish and climbed to the #3 rank. Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis was up seven-tenths for a 5.2 share finish good for the #6 rank in the market. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KOA, Denver added nine-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.8 share and climbed to the #8 rank. You can see all of Mike Kinosian’s Ratings Takeways from this group of markets (as well as round one) here.

Religious Broadcasters Hope Media Group and WAY Media to Merge. Religious broadcasting companies Hope Media Group and WAY Media announce their intention to merge into one media organization. The formal merger is expected to close by later this year pending FCC approval. The new Christian media organization will be headquartered in Houston and will operate under the name Hope Media Group. Hope Media Group was founded 40 years ago with radio station KSBJ-FM, Houston. WAY Media was formed 35 years ago with WAYJ-FM, Fort Myers. The companies say this is a merger of equals and a cash-free transaction that received a unanimous vote from both boards of directors. Currently, Hope Media Group is a family of media brands that include Houston-focused KSBJ, the brand-new Spanish Christian “Vida Unida,” digital content outlets NGEN Radio (Christian hip-hop and pop), Hope On Demand and Amen: The Prayer App, plus a concert and event brand, Special Events. WAY Media owns and operates a national network of more than 20 “WayFM” stations in markets that include Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Portland, Nashville, and South Florida plus more than 30 translators from Florida to Washington State, in addition to digital content outlets.

TALKERS News Notes. Streaming audio service TuneIn announces a partnership with Estrella Media to bring its content to the TuneIn platform. In addition, TuneIn has partnered with Grupo Fórmula to bring its Spanish-language entertainment and news content to the platform. TuneIn CEO Richard Stern states, “Both Estrella Media and Grupo Fórmula are market leaders in Spanish-language entertainment and news radio content. We are extremely pleased to be expanding our Spanish-language offerings to a new generation of Latin radio fans and listeners around the world through the TuneIn platform. We’re also thrilled to help Estrella Media’s local stations increase monetization outside of their local markets as an added benefit of our partnership.”…..The Luminary original podcast, “The Roxane Gay Agenda,” launches with writer Dr. Roxane Gay as host and welcoming The New York Times writer Tressie McMillan Cottom and acclaimed author Terry McMillan as her first guests. The program is produced in partnership with iHeartMedia.

Stephen Breyer to Retire, Ukraine Tensions, COVID-19, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Financial Markets/Inflation/Crypto Plunge, Urban Violent Crime Spike, and the Beijing Olympics Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/26). News of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement and President Joe Biden’s possible nominations; the ongoing tensions between Vladimir Putin and the West over Russia’s military build-up at the Ukraine border; the Omicron variant infection rate and legal battles over mask & vaccine mandates; fight to control Congress in this November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the turbulent financial markets, the high retail and oil prices and the plummet in cryptocurrency value; the blowback against liberal law & order polices as violent crime in America’s major cities surges; and the Beijing Olympics were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | by Editor

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2021 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep covered December 9 (2021) – January 5 (2022)

Managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” (Washington Football Team) 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, #11 to #12

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 6.8 – 6.4, -.4, repeats in fourth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, steady at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 7.5 – 7.3, -.2, flat at #3

Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW .6 – 1.0, +.4, #21 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH, second month in succession, 11.3 – 13.2, +1.9

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WASH (+1.9)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: alternative WWDC (-1.0)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.1 – 3.4, -.7, eighth to ninth

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 6.9 – 6.5, -.4, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins) 8.5 – 8.3, -.2, #1 to #2

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #11 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 2.9 – 3.0, +.1, #15 to #12

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #11 to #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WMJX, first month, 7.9 – 13.2, +5.3

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WMJX (+5.3)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WWBX (-1.8)

MIAMI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WIOD “News Radio 610” 1.8 – 1.6, -.2, continues at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.6 – 2.6, -1.0, #9 to #14

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, third month in a row, 9.3 – 9.0, -.3

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WLYF (+.7)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WLRN (-1.0)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) flat at 6.6, repeats in second-place

News: Lotus Communications’ KOMO-AM & KOMO-FM “Seattle News, Weather, Sports” 5.3 – 5.5, +.2, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Seahawks) 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.4 – 4.4, -1.0, third to eighth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary KRWM, second month in a row, 7.9 – 9.6, +1.7

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KRWM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.0)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.8 – 2.5, -.3, #14 to #13

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 5.1 – 5.0, -.1, fifth to fourth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings) 5.5 – 4.5, -1.0, fourth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #17 to #15

Wayne State University’s WDET 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC, second month in succession, 16.8 – 18.8, +2.0

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WNIC (+2.0)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: country WYCD (-1.1)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 4.6 – 3.4, -1.2, fourth to eighth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals and Sun) 2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #12 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ 4.8 – 5.7, +.9, third to second

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, fifteenth consecutive month, 12.9 – 17.7, +4.8

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KESZ (+4.8)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): news/talk KFYI and classic rock KSLX (-1.2)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 4.5 – 5.2, +.7, ninth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.1 – 2.6, -.5, flat at #14

Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild) 7.2 – 6.4, -.8, third to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 7.8 – 7.5, -.3, repeats in second-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, second month in a row, 10.5 – 15.1, +4.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL (+4.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: adult hits KZJK (-1.1)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.4 – 2.6, -1.8, #7 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University-owned KPBS 5.3 – 6.8, +1.5, fourth to second

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KYXY, first month, 5.7 – 10.7, +5.0

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KYXY (+5.0)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: country KSON (-2.1)

Note: news/talk KFI “AM 640” (1.8, #18, 6+, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 3.4 – 2.9, -.5, repeats at #12

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” (Lightning) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #16 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida-owned WUSF 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, flat at #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, fourth month in a row, 8.5 – 10.6, +2.1

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: hot AC WMTX (+2.9)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): country WFUS and CHR WPOI (-1.2)

DENVER

News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KOA “News Radio 850” (Broncos) 2.9 – 3.8, +.9, #11 to #8; KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, unchanged at #17; and KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 2.1 – 1.4, -.7, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 3.1 – 2.4, -.7, #10 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 3.7, -.8, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, second month in succession, 7.7 – 14.0, +6.3

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KOSI (+6.3)*

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC KIMN (-1.9)

*Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 3.5 – 2.9, -.6, #10 to #12

Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Ravens) 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #16 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.5 – 3.8, -.7, fourth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation’s WYPR 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, seventh to tenth

American University-owned WAMU 3.2 – 2.2, -1.0, #12 to #14

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, second month in a row, 12.3 – 17.7, +5.4

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+5.4)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: jazz WEAA (-2.5)**

**Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

Note: alternative WWDC (1.3, #20, 6+, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 202

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: In the Audacy cluster, KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, #14 to #12; KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, #13 to #14; and KFTK’s internet stream .6 – .5, -.1, repeats at #20

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” 1.1 – .7, -.4, flat at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 5.3 – 4.4, -.9, eighth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KEZK, second consecutive month, 12.5 – 17.1, +4.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KEZK (+4.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLOU (-1.7)

 

Up next: “Holiday” 2021 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

 

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

 

Ratings Takeaways

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | by Editor

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2021 ratings period has been released for New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Philadelphia; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario; San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.

Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep covered December 9 (2021) – January 5 (2022)

Managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #15 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #16 to #18

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 3.8 – 4.4, +.6, eighth to fifth and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #17 to #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Giants and Nets) steady at 3.0, #13 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation‘s WNYC-FM 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, flat at #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, sixth straight month, 9.7 – 11.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.5)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: urban contemporary WWPR (-.9)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, seventh to eighth

News: Audacy-owned KNX-AM “1070 News Radio” 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, unchanged at #11

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC flat at 1.9, remains at #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, sixth successive month, 11.6 – 13.4, +1.8

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KOST (+1.8)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KRTH (-.5)

Note: All-news KNX-FM “News 97.1” (formerly CHR KNOU) finished the December 2021 survey period at #21 (1.4 – 1.8, +.4), but is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

 CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, eighth to seventh

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” (Bears) 5.7 – 5.6, -.1, second to third

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 5.1 – 4.8, -.3, third to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, third month in succession, 11.8 – 14.4, +2.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+2.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WTMX (-1.5)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” flat at 6.7, repeats in third-place

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers) 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, eighth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 8.6 – 7.9, -.7, #1 (12 straight weeks) to #2

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 7.9 – 11.1, +3.2

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (+3.2)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC KLLC (-1.1)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, remains at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 3.5 – 2.6, -.9, #11 to #16

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys) 2.2 – 2.4, +.2, #18 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.8 – 3.1, +.3, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE, second month in a row, 8.8 – 10.6, +1.8

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KDGE (+1.8)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: sports talk KTCK (-.9)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, repeats in seventh-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, ninth consecutive month, 10.8 – 12.8, +2.0

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+2.0)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: regional Mexican KLTN (-.9)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.6 – 5.8, -.8, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons and Hawks) 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #17 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, stays at #14

Number One 6+: Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH, first month, 7.2 – 8.8, +1.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: contemporary Christian WFSH (+1.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: news/talk WSB-AM & WSBB (-.8)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 1.0 – 1.2, +.2, #22 to #19

News: Audacy’s KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 4.6 – 4.7, +.1, repeats in sixth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Eagles) 4.6 – 3.7, -.9, sixth to eighth

Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.9 – 1.6, -.3, #15 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY’s WHYY 5.7 – 5.9, +.2, fifth to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WBEB, second month in succession, 10.1 – 14.4, +4.3

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WBEB (+4.3)*

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic rock WMGK (-1.8)**

*Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.9 – 3.0, +.1, #12 to #10

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, tenth to eighth and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, unchanged at #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Giants and Nets) 4.0 – 3.1, -.9, seventh to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM, first month, 7.2 – 9.8, +2.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: hot AC WALK-FM (+2.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: sports talk WFAN (-.9)

Note: Urban contemporary WWPR (1.9, #18, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, first month, 6.8 – 9.2, +2.4

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KOST (+2.4)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOLA (-1.4)

Note: News/talk KFI “AM 640” (2.5, #14, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, carries on at #16

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.6 – 5.4, -.2, repeats in fourth-place

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers) 2.0 – 2.4,+.4, #15 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 9.3 – 9.1, -.2, flat at #2

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM second month in succession, 9.7 – 12.1, +2.4

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies KBAY (+2.8)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): adult contemporary KISQ; regional Mexican KSOL; and regional Mexican KRZZ (-.9)

Note: Hot AC KIOI (2.4, #11, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, eighth to seventh

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #21 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Giants and Nets) 2.8 – 2.0, -.8, #13 to #16

Emmis’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” steady at 1.5, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WNYC-FM flat at 4.1, remains in tenth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, second month in a row, 8.3 – 9.2, +.9

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: Spanish tropical WSKQ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): classic rock WAXQ and sports talk WFAN (-.8)

Note: Rhythmic CHR WKTU (2.2, #14, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

 

Up next: “Holiday” 2021 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Opinions

Joe Madison Reflects on Voting Rights Hunger Strike

By Editor | by Editor

By Joe Madison
SiriusXM 
Talk Host

 

NEW YORK — I woke up this morning to the unfortunate news that the United States Senate had failed to protect the voting rights of all Americans. They had also failed to change the Senate filibuster rules.

And so I wake up at 1:00 in the morning and there’s the news. And I realized I had to decide. Do I continue the hunger strike, or do I end the hunger strike? And I made a note to myself that I will be ending the hunger strike. So let me say that. That’s the announcement. I am ending the hunger strike as of today.

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, January 20, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Jeff Rickard Exits WEEI-FM, Boston Brand Manager Role; Ken Laird Transitions to Operations Manager. The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn Tweeted the news that Jeff Rickard has exited his role as brand manager for sports talk WEEI-FM and the station is moving “The Greg Hill Show” producer Ken Laird to operations manager. Rickard joined the station in August of this year, replacing Joe Zarbano, who had left that role in January of 2021. Finn cites a memo from Audacy Boston market manager Mike Thomas, who writes, “I want to thank Jeff Rickard for his time here and all the work he put into this legacy brand since arriving last August. Jeff is returning to Indianapolis to be with his family and pursue other opportunities. We wish him nothing but the best and appreciate what he did as brand manager of WEEI. A new brand manager will be named in the future. In the meantime, we are excited to announce the promotion of Ken Laird to a new role at WEEI. Ken will be the day-to-day operations manager. He will be coming off producing ‘The Greg Hill Show,’ so he has time in his day to work closely with me and the entire content team on WEEI. One of his first projects will be to work with Greg, Chris and I, to name his replacement on the show.”

Jim Colony to Retire from Full-Time Role at Sports Talk KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh. Longtime KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh “93.7 The Fan” personality Jim Colony is retiring from his full-time role with the Audacy sports talk outlet. The station notes that Colony has been “a constant in Pittsburgh sports media since the early 1990s” and has “been a critical part of ‘The Fan’ since we started over 10 years ago.” Colony says, “I have been pretty lucky since I stumbled into radio nearly 43 years ago, like when ‘The Fan’ came along just months after I’d been let go across town. It really was ‘right place/right time’ and it’s lasted for 12 years – an eternity in this business. While it’s not the right time for me to retire altogether, now that Linda is retired it is time for me to step back a bit so we can spend more time together but not too much time (she’d get sick of me)!” Colony will continue to work a fill-in role for the station. Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “Jim Colony is one of the great characters in Pittsburgh radio who is beloved by so many listeners. We are so appreciative for all of the work and entertainment he has brought to so many over the years. While we are excited for Jim and Linda (we think) as Jim moves to this next phase of his life we are just as happy that Jim will remain a big part of ‘The Fan’ in a variety of different ways.”

Talking About Michael Jackson – Producer Lyle Gregory is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The man who served as the late talk radio legend Michael Jackson’s producer for 30 years, Lyle Gregory, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Lyle Gregory is the official spokesperson for the Jackson family. Michael Jackson passed away this past Sunday (1/16) at age 87. Harrison and Gregory pay tribute to the legacy of a man who was one of the founding fathers of modern talk radio in a deep-dive discussion that covers his life and times… and offers the listener insights into the magic of one of radio’s most-golden eras. Don’t miss this! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

Texas Sues Google Over Radio Talent Phone Endorsement Campaign. Texas attorney general Ken Paxton has filed a suit in Montgomery County, Texas against Google, alleging that the big tech firm struck a deal with iHeartMedia for some of its radio personalities in the Dallas and Houston markets to endorse its new Pixel 4 smartphones even though they were not on the market yet and the personalities had not actually used the devices. The complaint says Google sought out radio talent for the campaign in 2019 and that the endorsement of goods that they hadn’t used violates the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Consumer Protection Act. The suit goes on to say that even though iHeartMedia told Google that endorsement-without-use violates regulations, Google did not provide phones for the personalities. Specific personalities are not named in the suit but a sample of the ad copy is included. Here’s one script:

“The only thing I love more than taking the perfect photo? Taking the perfect photo at night. With Google Pixel 4 both are a cinch. It’s my favorite phone camera out there, especially in low light, thanks to Night Sight Mode. I’ve been taking studio-like photos of everything…my son’s football game… a meteor shower… a rare spotted owl that landed in my backyard. Pics or it didn’t happen, am I right? Pixel 4 is more than just great pics. It’s also great at helping me get stuff done, thanks to the new voice activated Google Assistant that can handle multiple tasks at once. I can read up on the latest health fads, ask for directions to the nearest goat yoga class (yes, that’s a thing), and text the location to mom hands-free.”

The complaint says any “customization” of the script had to be approved by Google’s ad buyer. Google has said it is reviewing the complaint but that it does not accurately represent what happened.

Mike Gallagher Broadcasts from SHOT Show. Pictured above is Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher preparing to go on the air from the exhibit floor at the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas where he is broadcasting this week. The Shooting/Hunting/Outdoor Trade Show is the largest professional event for the shooting industry…and Gallagher says he promises “high caliber” broadcasts on both radio and the new Salem News Channel.

TuneIn Offers New Program for Content Creators. Calling it a “new program that will provide emerging content creators, educational, and non-profit broadcasters in the United States with access to the same distribution tools as major broadcasters,” TuneIn unveils the TuneIn On Air program. TuneIn says the program “was created to empower emerging content creators by providing them seamless access to digital distribution capabilities. Immediately upon joining TuneIn On Air, broadcasters will expand their reach to TuneIn’s 30 million United States-based listeners. This new offering is aligned with TuneIn’s commitment to reinvent radio for a connected world by bringing radio distribution into the digital age and realizing its promise of an open platform for everyone.” The program costs $249 per quarter. TuneIn chief industry evangelist Andrew Bock says, “One of our aims with the launch of TuneIn On Air is to re-energize college radio stations and independent broadcasters around the US by providing them with a simple and easy-to-use way to dramatically increase their distribution through digital audio. College radio and independent broadcasters serve an important and irreplaceable role in their communities. Through the TuneIn On Air platform, we are giving these voices a clear path to expand and grow their audiences through digital distribution.”

TALKERS News Notes. On the heels of the recent retirement of partner Charlie Sislen, Research Director, Inc. announces staff changes and promotions. Kathryn Boxill creates and leads the new quality control team as the quality control team manager. She previously served as a senior sales research consultant. Nicole Somerville transitions to the production team manager position from her previous role as sales research consultant. Anne Doyle moves into the information systems administrator position from operations management. Nakia Smith and Hayden Waugh move from their sales research consultant positions to join the client service department as client service consultants.…..ABC Audio launches its new GMA channel on Apple Podcasts and announces three new podcast projects: a “Good Morning America” podcast, the second season of “Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson,” and new entertainment podcast “Close Up,” hosted by Kelley Carter. ABC Audio’s free GMA channel will house these new projects, as well as all of ABC News’ lifestyle, culture and entertainment on-demand audio content, including its popular “In Plain Sight: Lady Bird Johnson” podcast…..Audacy’s Cadence13 partners with @DeuxMoi – the pop culture and celebrity Instagram account hailed as “the new outlet of choice for the celebrity obsessed” by The New York Times – for “Deux U,” a weekly show featuring an extensive analysis of the most popular and controversial posts from the account…..iHeartRadio and Sports Illustrated Media unveil an original podcast series focused on iconic names in the sports industry called, “Sports Illustrated Weekly.” Hosted by SI senior writer John Gonzalez, the weekly series takes sports fanatics through untold moments, iconic interviews and the best stories in sports thus far.

Biden Press Conference, Voting Rights-Filibuster, COVID-19, January 6 Investigation, U.S.-Russia Tensions, Inflation/Supply Chain, Midterm Elections/Trump & the GOP, and Beijing Olympics Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/19). Reaction to President Joe Biden’s Wednesday press conference; Democrats fail to alter the filibuster and to take up voting rights legislation; the rate of COVID-19 cases, vaccine effectiveness, and schools’ policies; the Supreme Court nixes Donald Trump’s bid to keep records from January 6 Committee; the tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the Russian troops amassed at the Ukraine border; soaring retail and oil prices and the supply chain troubles; the battle for control of Congress in the November midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence within the GOP; and China warns athletes about political commentary while at the Beijing games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Features

L.A. Talk Radio Legend Michael Jackson Passes

By Editor | by Editor

By Lyle Gregory
Spokesperson/Producer

 

LOS ANGELES — Legendary KABC radio and Los Angeles talk radio personality Michael Jackson died today peacefully at his home in Los Angeles with his beloved children at his bedside, according to a family spokesperson.

One of the most treasured media personalities in Los Angeles, Jackson’s radio career spanned five decades. With his British accent, playful demeanor and keen intellect, Jackson was respected by his peers, politicians, and celebrities and admired by his vast radio audience.

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, January 13, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Today’s Homeowner Media Founder and Host Danny Lipford is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Home ownership issues, from the rising cost of housing to the maintenance and improvement required to protect and enhance one’s investment, are deeply tied into the national conversation about America’s economy. One of talk media’s leading experts on the myriad issues facing homeowners is Danny Lipford, founder/host of the notably successful “Today’s Homeowner” syndicated radio and TV programs. Lipford is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison methodically taps into Lipford’s educated perspective on current concerns about inflation, supply chain backups, and the labor force shortage in addition to the programming and advertising compatibility of the home improvement genre with the news/talk radio station format. Don’t miss this extremely informative conversation. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

Cumulus Media Signs VP of Programming Operations Doug Hamand to Long-Term Extension. Programming executive Doug Hamand and Cumulus Media sign a new, long-term agreement that will keep the vice president of programming operations with the company for the foreseeable future. Hamand joined the company in January of 2016 after having served with iHeartMedia in a number of executive programming positions for 21 years. Cumulus SVP, programming operations John Dimick says, “Doug is a fierce competitor and expects the best from our content teams. His expertise and experience with multiple formats have enabled Cumulus Media to maintain its leadership position. Doug has definitely earned this new deal and many thanks for the hard work, dedication and commitment to Cumulus Media.” Hamand says, “Working the last five years with this team of exceptionally talented format VP’s, alongside Brian Philips, John Dimick and Greg Frey has been rewarding! I am glad to have helped PDs and market managers in key Cumulus cities achieve success in ratings and revenue. I look forward to serving these markets and the industry for more years to come.”

Jon Hansen’s ‘Your Money Matters’ Added to WGN-AM Program Schedule. Local media figure Jon Hansen joins the daily program schedule at Nexstar Media’s WGN-AM, Chicago as host of “Your Money Matters” beginning February 7. The program – featuring topics including the basics of personal finance, investing and wealth management, financial security, financial literacy, and retirement planning will air from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Hansen says, “I’m looking forward to learning things along with the audience. Just like them, I’m someone looking for ways to save money, smart ways to spend money, and how to prepare my family for life’s surprises. I’m looking forward to engaging with experts who can help everyone – no matter their financial background. ‘Your Money Matters’ will be a show driven by the listeners’ questions with their needs and financial goals in mind – and I promise we’ll have a lot of fun along the way.” WGN VP/GM Mary Sandberg Boyle comments, “No one is more knowledgeable in hyper-local business and community news than Jon Hansen. He is the perfect host to navigate these challenging topics and make them relatable to our audience.” Hansen also hosts “Let’s Get Legal” on WGN Radio on Saturday afternoons.

Bill Michaels Clears Non-Compete; Show to Air on iHeartMedia’s WOKY-AM, Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Bill “The Big Unit” Michaels will return to the airwaves in Milwaukee after a false start five months ago. Michaels’ program had been airing on Audacy’s crosstown sports talk WSSP-AM prior to that station’s programming changes that saw the show dropped. iHeartMedia added “The Bill Michaels Show” to its sports talker WOKY-AM on August 30, but received a cease-and-desist from Audacy because Michaels had a non-compete in the Milwaukee market that kept him off the air there until now. Michaels’ show airs in the Madison market on Mid-West Family Communications’ WOZN-AM/FM. The 10:00 am to 2:00 pm show will begin on WOKY-AM “The Big 920” on Monday (1/17).

iHeartMedia Atlanta and John Hope Bryant to Launch ‘BUILDING the Good Life’ Podcast. The Atlanta operations of iHeartMedia are teaming up with entrepreneur, philanthropist and globally recognized financial literacy advocate John Hope Bryant to launch a new iHeartRadio Original podcast titled, “BUILDING the Good Life with John Hope Bryant.” iHeartMedia says the podcast showcases “Bryant’s gift for delivering inspiration through authentic and intimate conversations with some of the world’s most extraordinary people, culled from his unique orbit of leaders from business, entertainment, sports, media and government including Killer Mike, CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, PayPal CEO Dan Schulman and Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar.” Bryant says, “This show is all about the magic of aspiration, inspiration, growing and maximizing human potential – delivered through the reach of the largest podcaster in the country. I have been a builder since I began my entrepreneurial journey as a 10-year-old boy in Compton, California, later creating Operation HOPE in response to the Rodney King riots, which evolved into the building of over 40 for-profit and non-profit organizations. This drive to build began as I listened to stories from those around me growing up in South Central Los Angeles and began to recognize the importance of everyone’s story: that by listening we can hear, by hearing we can see, and by seeing we can reach our full potential.”

WABC, New York Owner John Catsimatidis Offers $10k Reward for Arrest and Conviction of Teen’s Killer. WABC-AM owner and Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the man who shot and killed 19-year-old Kristol Bayron Nieves during the robbery of an East Harlem Burger King restaurant last weekend. The perpetrator appears in surveillance video wearing dark clothes and a mask. He got away with about $100 dollars. Nieves had been working at the restaurant at 116th and Lexington Ave for about three weeks.

FOX News Channel Promotes Jeanine Pirro to Co-Host of ‘The Five.’ FOX News Channel personality Jeanine Pirro is promoted to full-time co-host of “The Five.” Pirro has been a substitute co-host of the show since 2020 in addition to her work with FNC as a legal analyst and host of the weekend program, “Justice with Judge Jeanine.” Pirro joins the program that features a rotating cast that includes: Harold Ford Jr., Geraldo Rivera, and Jessica Tarlov as the co-hosts for the liberal seat and conservatives Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino and Jesse Watters. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “‘The Five’ continues to be a beloved show by the American audience. Each of the co-hosts are accomplished and insightful talent with diverse opinions and terrific chemistry who will certainly help drive this ensemble program going forward.” Pirro will continue hosting “Castles USA” on FOX News Media’s streaming service FOX Nation, where she dives into the rich history of iconic castles around the country.

COVID-19, January 6 Investigation, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Voting Rights, Economy/Inflation, U.S.-Russia Relations, and Prince Andrew’s Legal Troubles Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/12). The high rate of COVID-19 cases across the U.S., the fate of the Omicron variant, and Dr. Anthony Fauci’s spat with Senators Rand Paul and Roger Marshall; House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy announces refusal to cooperate with House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol; speculation about which party will control Congress after the 2022 midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; President Joe Biden’s push for Congress to take up the Voting Rights Act; the state of the U.S. economy and the high rate of inflation; the U.S., NATO and Russia meet over the Russian troops amassed at the Ukraine border; and Prince Andrew faces a civil suit brought by Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.