Industry News

KHTK, Sacramento Unveils New PM Drive Show

Bonneville sports talk outlet KHTK-AM, Sacramento “Sactown Sports 1140AM” launches a new afternoon drive show with Kevin “Whitey” Gleason moving from the midday show and being joined by market sports personality Kyle Draper for “The Drive Guys” airing from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Kevin Gleason recently re-joined “Sactown Sports” and previously was part of the station’s “Rise Guys”im morning show from 1999-2011. Kyle Draper is the Sacramento Kings pre- and post-game host on NBC Sports California and was previously an anchor/host at NBC Sports Boston. Bonneville Sacramento SVP and market manager Steve Cottingim says, “We are excited to continue to elevate the Sactown Sports brand with the addition of ‘The Drive Guys.’ Kevin has been a fabric in the Sacramento community for four decades now and pairing him with Kyle Draper who is a familiar voice to our listeners through the Sacramento Kings broadcast just highlights our commitment to Sacramento sports.”

Industry News

Salem to Sell Church Products Business for $30 Million

Salem Media Group announces that it has entered into an agreement with Gloo LLC to sell its Salem Church Products business for $30 million. Salem says that when the transaction closes, scheduled for November 1, the parties will also enter into a $10 million multi-year agreement for Salem to advertise the Gloo platform’s products and services across Salem’s radio and digital platform that serves the Christianim audience. Salem Church Products creates and distributes resources for churches and ministries in the areas of church media, worship, children’s ministry, preaching, teaching and employment through online resources including WorshipHouse Media, SermonSearch, ChurchStaffing, Children’s Ministry Deals and many others. Salem COO David Evans says, “We are proud of the Church Products business we have built over the years. What started with a single website – SermonSearch – has grown into a successful organization providing valuable resources and services to local churches and their pastors. Any time we look to sell a business, we look for organizations that share our passion and that can take that business to the next level. Gloo is just such an organization and we couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Industry News

WABC, New York Presents Hispanic Heritage Day

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Pictured above are the participants in the special roundtable podcast on 77WABC’s Hispanic Heritage Day, an all-day tribute to the Hispanic Community. From left to right are: Joseph Ayala, president of the NYPD Hispanic Society; Red Apple Media and 77WABC owner, John Catsimatidis; 77WABC on-air host and host of the roundtable, Dominic Carter; Steven Marquez, second VP FDNY Hispanic Society; Janet Paguero, Bronx deputy borough president; and Reverend Ruben Diaz, Sr.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/3) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is removed as Speaker of the House; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump and the gag orders imposed on him; the 2024 presidential race; the weapons charges against Hunter Biden; the U.S. migrant crisis; President Joe Biden’s push for more aid to Ukraine; and the U.S. economy and financial markets activity were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

imSeptember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 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 (New Jersey).

Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.

TALKERS magazine 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 August 2023 – September 2023 (6+).

Note: The NFL season began September 7 (flagships are bolded).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.4 – 1.2, -.2, #21 to #19

Red Apple Media‘s WABC-AM 3.1 — 3.4, +.3, #10 to #11

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.9 – 4.6, -.3, seventh to fifth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) steady at 2.5, #13 to #10

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, Giants) 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, #12 to #9

Good Karma Brands‘  WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) flat at 1.1 #23 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.1 – 3.6, +.5, tenth to eighth

WNYC-FM cluster-mate WNYC-AM 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #22 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, eleventh month in a row, 8.1 – 7.3, -.8

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WNYC-FM (+.5)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-.8)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” flat at 4.8, third to fourth

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 3.7, +.8, #12 to #8

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, repeats at #20

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, seventh month in succession, 6.4 – 6.1, -.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news KNX (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KLLI (-.7)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, #11 to #8

News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, stays at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 2.9 – 3.0, +.1, remains at #13  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, twelfth straight month, 7.7 – 6.8, -.9 and Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock WDRV, first month, 6.2 – 6.8, +.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: hot AC WTMX (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIT (-.9)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” steady at 2.0, #18 to #16

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” unchanged at 7.1, anchored in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants, 49ers) 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, eighth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED flat at 5.3, repeats in third-place  

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, sixth month in succession, 8.0 – 8.4, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: CHR KMVQ (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KSOL (-.7)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.4 – 4.7, +3, repeats in third-place

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers, Cowboys) 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #17 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KSPF, fourth month in a row, flat at 4.9, and Cumulus Media country KPLX, first month, 4.1 – 4.9, +.8

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KLTY (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KKDA-FM (-.7)

HOUSTON 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) flat at 3.7, repeats at #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, continues at #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA second month in a row, 7.5 – 7.9, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: alternative KTBZ (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLTN (-.6)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.6 – 7.3, +.7, locked in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) steady at 2.8, #15 to #14

Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.5 – 1.5, -1.0, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, ninth successive month, 9.2 – 7.9, -1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic rock WNNX (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WSRV (-1.3)*

*Represents the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Audacy’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” 1.2 – 1.5, +.3, #22 to #19

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 4.6 – 5.8, +1.2, ninth to fifth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies, Eagles) 5.5 – 5.8, +.3, fourth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, fifth straight month, 9.5 – 10.1, +.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news KYW (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits WBEN-FM (-1.1)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.8 – 3.9, +2.1, #18 to #8

News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.7 – 4.0, -.7, third to seventh

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #17 to #14

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, Giants) 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, eighth to tenth

Good Karma-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) steady at 1.7, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, seventh month in a row, 7.1 – 8.0, +.9

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WABC (+2.1)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news WINS and Spanish tropical WSKQ (-.7)

**Represents the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

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: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, .5 – .4, -.1, #18 to #19

Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC flat at .2, repeats at #20

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, sixth straight month, unchanged at 9.9

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KDAY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KSCA (-.4)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, #1 

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants, 49ers) 5.5 – 4.8, -.7, repeats in fourth-place

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.7 – 2.2, +.5, #19 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, third month in a row, 6.5 – 6.6, +.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: 1980s-based KOSF (+.9)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic rock KUFX (-1.0) 

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 5.5 – 5.2, -.3, third to fourth   

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #12 to #13

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.0 – 1.2, +.2, #19 to #17

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, Giants) 3.3 – 4.1, +.8, ninth to eighth

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) 1.0 – .9, -.1, remains at #19

WFAN’s internet stream 1.2 – .8, -.4, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, third straight month, 6.7 – 6.3, -.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WFAN (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-.8)

Up next: September 2023 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.

Industry News

CTBS Podcast Net Launches Karol Markowicz Show

Premiere Networks announces that the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network will debut “The Karol Markowicz Show” to its lineup of podcasts on October 9. Markowicz is a New York Post and FOX News columnist and is co-author of the best-selling book, Stolen Youth (DW Books, 2023). Premiereim says, “The new podcast expands on the topics that drive Markowicz’ most-popular columns, namely, the cultural and social issues that affect us all. From marriage and family, to career and relationships, Markowicz aims to find real answers to the deep questions that really matter, while taking listener questions and welcoming some of the biggest names in news, politics and entertainment for candid conversations.” Markowicz says, “I’m thrilled to join The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network on iHeartRadio. I’ve been approached, over the years, to do a podcast but it never felt like the right fit. Joining Clay and Buck is a dream. I’m such a big fan of both of these men and can’t wait to join the team.”

Industry News

Radio Hall of Fame Inducts 2023 Legends

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of 12 Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2023. The Legends inductees recognize the talents and efforts of on-airim personalities, programmers and operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away. The 2023 class includes: talk radio personality Bob Grant, Saga Communications chief Ed Christian, and talk personality Long John Nebel. Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Kraig T. Kitchin comments, “It’s heartfelt recognition to see these individuals and their career contributions to the radio industry recognized with this induction. They’ve made a forever impact on the audiences and businesses they interacted with and for that, we’re grateful.” See more about the Legends here.

Industry News

Talk Host Ian Freeman Sentenced After Bitcoin Money Laundering Conviction

Ian Freeman (below, left), the co-founder of the independent, nationally syndicated talk radio show “Free Talk Live,” was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted in federal court of laundering $10 million in what the feds called “romance scams and other internet fraud.” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young states, “The defendant’s criminal conduct devastated many vulnerable people. Dozens of victims were identified during the investigation. Many of them lost their life’s savings by way of Freeman’s bitcoin moneyim laundering scheme. The Court recognized that an important part of this sentence was for the defendant to provide restitution to the victims. In financial crimes cases such as this, providing restitution to victims is one of the highest priorities of the U.S. Department of Justice and this Office.” Free Talk Live co-founder Mark Edge (right) tells TALKERS magazine, “It was a sad day for ‘Free Talk Live’ yesterday. Ian, our co-founder, received eight years in prison, followed by two on probation and a $40,000 fine. Restitution and forfeiture are as yet to be determined but will likely be six figures. Ian maintains his innocence but was taken into custody following sentencing. We were prepared for this possibility, as much as we could be. ‘Free Talk Live’ will go on seven nights a week from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET.” See the U.S. Attorney’s Office press release here.

Industry News

Dallas Sports Radio Host and Producer Mark Friedman Dies

Longtime Dallas sports radio host and producer Mark “Friedo” Friedman has died after a years-long health battle. The Morning News piece notes that Friedman “spent over two decades working in Dallasim sports radio, starting at 570 KLIF in 1994 and eventually joining host Norm Hitzges in moving to 1310 The Ticket [KTCK-AM] in 2000.” Friedman’s brother Joel posted the news of his passing on Facebook, says, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of my brother’s passing. Many of you knew about his health battle over the past several years, and he had been doing remarkably well considering everything he had gone through.” Read the Dallas Morning News story here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/2) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Congressman Matt Gaetz’s efforts to strip Kevin McCarthy of his House Speaker position; the Trump Organization fraud trial; the 2024 presidential race; Hunter Biden to be arraigned on gun charges; the U.S. migrant crisis; President Joe Biden’s push for more aid to Ukraine; and a nine-year-old girl is found safe after being kidnapped for ransom at an upstate New York campground were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Still Learning

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

I think it was the great Michelangelo who said, “I’m still learning.” Three simple words that can make or break any of us in marketing.

I am still amazed at the success and customer loyalty at Trader Joe’s. Why is it that a homespun marketing approach develops loyalty, when I have found more competitive prices and sometimes higher quality foods elsewhere?

Yet there I was lost in the regular South Florida Sunday crowd, standing in line, basket-to-basket, ready to check out. I have never heard or seen an ad for Trader Joe’s, yet the store was packed. The scene at the 59th Street store in Manhattan was quite similar last year when I spent three months in the city, or the one in D.C. close to my daughter’s home, even the Trader Joe’s in Sandy Springs, Georgia near my other daughter’s home was slammed on a Sunday three years ago.

Too much information for a column on sales and marketing?  Believe it or not, I still can’t figure out how with no frequent buyer program, super discounts, or incentive marketing I became such a frequent shopper. I guess just like Michelangelo, I’m still learning.

Here is what I have learned from Trader Joe’s that connects the dots to our sales and marketing world.

— Keep it simple. Ever notice how the prices are clear, easy to read and seem to present a perceived value? How does your presentation packaging stand up? Does it take an IT expert to understand how to interpret your computer driven proposals?

— Everyone has something positive to say. I have never heard any of the folks at any of those locations say a negative word, even when parking was a game of musical cars. How about you? Are still blaming the boss for higher pricing or tighter credit?

— Variety is in the eye of the customer. Other stores with more square footage have greater variety. Sometimes you need it, most of the time you don’t. How many times have you thought to yourself, “There are just too many options in this pitch.”

— Got a complaint? We can fix that. Somebody please show us a local radio station training for excellent customer service. It just isn’t a long-term commitment. Maybe a perceived unnecessary expense in our business.

— Consistency. Like every successful enterprise that is public facing, consistency and dependability build trust and customer loyalty. How about us?

Sales and marketing are a dynamic process that is always adjusting to the competitive landscape and the needs of the customer. And that is why we should all follow Michelangelo’s lead and never stop learning.

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Names Terry Foxx Director of Talk for San Antonio and Austin

iHeartMedia appoints Terry Foxx to the position of director of talk programming for San Antonio and Austin. He was most recently director of programming and audience for the University of Texas’ public media outlet KUT-FM, Austin. iHeartMedia says, “As director of talk programming, Terry Foxx will beim responsible for redefining ‘News Radio 1200’ WOAI, ‘Ticket 760, and AM 1300 The Zone’s on-air experience by synergizing with local talent to deliver unparalleled talk, news, and sports broadcasts. As the flagship broadcast partner for the San Antonio Spurs, University of Texas and ‘The Joe Pags Show,’ among others, Terry will deepen these partnerships to offer exclusive content, ensuring the stations remain the region’s primary touchpoint for sports, news, and insightful commentary.” iHeartMedia San Antonio & Austin SVP of programming Jason McCollim says, “In Terry Foxx, we’ve found more than an expert, we’ve embraced a true team player who values respect as deeply as we do. His commitment to bettering our processes is evident, but it’s his unique blend of diplomacy, empathy, and patience in every interaction that truly sets him apart. With Terry, it’s not just about work, it’s about building lasting relationships.”

Industry News

Audacy Provides Update on Capital Structure

Audacy issues a statement regarding its ongoing discussions with lenders to refinance its debt and “optimize the Company’s balance sheet to position the Company for long-term growth, capitalizing on its scaled leadership position across the audio market.” Audacy is employing the 30-day grace period for the cash interest payment of approximately $18 million, due on September 30, 2023, to holders of itsim 6.75% senior secured second-lien Notes due March 31, 2029. The decision to use the grace period will not trigger an event of default under the indenture governing the Notes, and the Company retains the right to make the interest payment to the holders of the Notes through the end of the grace period. Audacy says it intends to utilize the 30-day grace period to continue its dialogue with lenders “regarding a potential plan to strengthen its capital structure to support Audacy’s strong operating business and position Audacy for long-term growth.” Audacy chairman, president and CEO David Field comments, “We continue to engage in discussions with our lenders as we execute on our overall growth strategy and remain focused on investing in our people, platform, content and technology capabilities to serve our listeners and customers. We continue to drive progress across our key performance metrics, meaningfully advance our ad tech and product roadmap and enter new partnerships to enhance content, distribution and monetization opportunities.”

Industry News

Nasdaq Begins Delisting Procedure for Urban One

On Friday (9/29) Urban One, Inc received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC notifying the company that Nasdaq has initiated a process that could result in the delisting of the company’s securities from Nasdaq as a result of the company not being in compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rule that requires listed companies timely file all required periodicim financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Urban One says it intends to timely request a hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel and that request will automatically stay any suspension or delisting action through October 20, 2023. The company will request that the stay be extended through the hearing and the expiration of any additional extension period granted by the Hearings Panel through March 26, 2023. There’s no assurance that the Hearings Panel will grant the additional extension or that Urban One will be able to regain compliance by the end of any additional extension period. The company is late with its quarterly financial reports for the first and second quarters of 2023. As previously reported, this comes as the result of the company dismissing its previous independent registered public accounting firm BDO USA, LLP and hiring Ernst & Young LLP.

Industry News

Urban One Files Preliminary Q1 2023 Financial Results with SEC

Relative to the preceding story, on Friday (9/29) Urban One filed an 8-K Form containing its preliminary financial results for the first quarter of 2023. The company reports consolidated revenue of $109.9 million, a decrease of 2% from the same period in 2022. Urban One breaks down its report into segments and states that its broadcast radio division brought in revenue of $35.2 million, an increase of 11.7% over the same period in 2022. For the first quarter of 2023, Urban One reports a net loss of $1.5 million compared to the net income of $16.5 million it reported in the first quarter of 2022.

Industry News

15th Annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Dinner & Silent Auction Succeeds in Spite of Weather in AC

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One of the most respected and impactful local talk radio-related charities in America – Townsquare Media-owned WPG, Atlantic City, NJ host Harry Hurley’s “Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner & Silent Auction” – took place Friday evening (9/29) at the Resorts Casino Hotel’s iconic Ocean Ballroom. This marks the 15th installment of one of the Garden State’s most important annual civic events. More than 263 paid guests attended including a who’s who of elected officials, business leaders and broadcast industry luminaries as well as various members of the community. FOX News Radio and FOX News Channel superstar Brian Kilmeade was this year’s guest of honor and keynote speaker. Kilmeade autographed copies of his soon-to-be released historical book, Teddy and Booker T.: How Two American Icons Blazed a Path for Racial Equality (Sentinel, 2023). Former State Senator Bill Gormley (R-NJ) received the event’s first-ever lifetime achievement award. Since its establishment, the Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation has raised more than $1.3 million to help non-profit public service organizations throughout New Jersey and beyond including the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Both houses of the legislature voted to officially make this past Friday “Harry Hurley Day” in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Adding a dramatic note to the event, Kilmeade’s appearance was jeopardized at the last minute by the terrible flooding that took place in New York City that day. Hurley tells TALKERS, “The effort that Brian made to be our guest of honor and keynote speaker in the face of severe weather obstacles was truly extraordinary.” Hurley wrote the details of this experience dealing with the official state of emergency declared in New York City due to a second strike by tropical storm Ophelia in his WPG blog that you can read here. Hurley says, “Brian has materially and directly helped me to raise more than $100,000 for the Harry Hurley in the Morning Charity.” 

Industry News

Rob Brown Moves to AM Drive at “The Fan Upstate” in Greenville

Audacy’s sports talk outlet “The Fan Upstate” (WORD-AM/WFBC-HD3/W249DL/W246CV), Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina announces that “The Rob Brown Show” moves from middays to morning drive with CBS Sports Radio’s “Reiter Than You” with Bill Reiter taking over the 10:00 am to 2:00 pmim slot. Audacy Greenville-Spartanburg SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi says, “‘The Rob Brown Show’ has been a winner in middays for ‘The Fan Upstate’ and will be even better in morning drive. Rob and Lonzo deliver an engaging, fast-paced sports talk show and are fresh off winning the best sports show in South Carolina for the second time. We’re equally as excited to debut Bill Reiter and his highly popular program to middays to carry listeners through their day. Upstate sports fans will love this new lineup and the quality sports radio content it will deliver.” This year, “The Rob Brown Show” won “Best Sports Show” at the annual State Television and Radio (STAR) Awards presented by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association.

Industry News

Amazon to Drop Sports Talk Programming

Amazon is dropping its 11-month-old sports talk programming on the Prime Video platform. Joe Lucia writes about the news (originally reported by The Athletic’s Richard Deitsch) at Awful Announcing. The programming streams from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Amazon was mum about the reason for shutting it down, but as Lucia notes in his piece, “there’s so much competition in the sports talk radio space.” Read his story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The late-hour deal in Congress to prevent a government shutdown; Congressman Matt Gaetz’s threat to try to remove Kevin McCarthy from his House Speaker position; the Trump Organization fraud trial in New York City; the 2024 presidential race; speculation about who California Governor Gavin Newsom will name to replace Dianne Feinstein in the U.S. Senate; the U.S. migrant crisis; and the U.S. Supreme Court returns from its summer breaks to take on cases including Second Amendment issues and more were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

15th Annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Dinner & Silent Auction Set for Tonight (9/29) in AC

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One of the most respected and impactful local talk radio-related charities in America – Townsquare Media-owned WPG, Atlantic City, NJ host Harry Hurley’s “Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner & Silent Auction” – is set for tonight (9/29) at the Resorts Casino Hotel in its iconic Ocean Ballroom. This marks the 15th installment of one of the Garden State’s most important annual civic events. More than 263 guests are expected to attend including a who’s who of elected officials, business leaders and broadcast industry luminaries as well as various members of the community. FOX News Radio and FOX News Channel superstar Brian Kilmeade will be this year’s guest of honor and keynote speaker. Kilmeade will be signing copies of his soon-to-be released historical book, Teddy and Booker T.: How Two American Icons Blazed a Path for Racial Equality (Sentinel, 2023). Former State Senator Bill Gormley (R-NJ) will receive the event’s first-ever lifetime achievement award. Since its establishment, the Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation has raised more than $1.3 million to help non-profit public service organizations throughout New Jersey and beyond including the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Both houses of the legislature have voted to officially make today “Harry Hurley Day” in Atlantic County, New Jersey.

Industry News

Cincinnati to Name Street After Talk Host Lincoln Ware

Longtime Cincinnati talk radio host Lincoln Ware is being honored with a street named after him in the Avondale neighborhood. Ware currently hosts the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm show on Urban One’s WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati. He’s been on the air in the market consistently for the past 50 years, going back to hisim first gig at age 22 in WCIN-AM. WLWT-TV reports that Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney will emcee the street-naming ceremony. She says, “Lincoln Ware is unbelievable. In my office in city hall, we keep the Lincoln Ware show on every day. Somebody’s assigned to listen, and they come back and say, ‘Here’s what they talked about today, listen to this.’ So, you know, we’re always well-informed.” The city says Ware is being honored due to his “lasting impact on the Cincinnati local media community and to health and wellness within the African American community with his Lincoln Ware Walking Club. His legacy, contributions, and dedication to the City of Cincinnati and its citizens will long be remembered.” See the WLWT-TV piece here.

Industry News

Cressy Walton Named VP of Sales at iHeartMedia Phoenix

iHeartMedia names Cressy Walton vice president of sales for the Phoenix Region, effective October 9. She most recently served with Alpha Media Portland as director of sales. The University of Arizonaim grad began her career in the Phoenix market. Phoenix region SVP of sales Nancie Sullivan comments, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Cressy join our team here in Phoenix. With her knowledge of the market and her extensive experience, she will be an integral part of the leadership team who will continue to strengthen our position in the market and in the Phoenix ad community.”

Industry News

Salem’s Tradup to Contribute to All Israel News

Salem Radio Network vice president of news & talk programming Tom Tradup is joining Near East Media’s All Israel News as a contributing editor. In this part-time role, Tradup will coach editors andim writers and will write weekly columns about Israel, the Arab/Muslim world, U.S. policy in the Middle East, as well as about the life of Christ followers in the region and the challenges facing the Church in the Middle East. He will continue his full-time position with Salem. Near East Media co-founder Joel C. Rosenberg says, “I could not be more thrilled that Tom Tradup has agreed to help All Israel News publish more great content and dramatically expand our traffic, reach, and influence.”

Industry Views

Matthew B. Harrison is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Two generations of the Harrison radio family meet on mic discussing the copyright implications of artificial intelligence as Matthew B. Harrison is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Matthew, the son of Michael, is VP/associate publisher of TALKERS in addition to being a media and intellectual property attorney, talent manager and audio/video producer.  His latest productions, “I Got a Line in New York City” (www.igotaline.com) and “My Friend is Going Away” (www.myfriendisgoingaway.com) are experimental exercises in the utilization of AI graphics in the music video genre. On this podcast, Harrison and Harrison bring into focus the somewhat murky application of copyright law in communications and the arts as we hurtle into the frontier age of artificial intelligence. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here

Industry News

“You Better You Bet” Adds Two Distribution Platforms

Audacy announces a series of content distribution partnerships to bolster the reach of BetQL Network’s sports betting show, “You Better You Bet,” hosted by Nick Kostos and Ken Barkley. The company partners with Stadium, an interactive sports network, to bring “You Better You Bet” to audiencesim nationwide via Stadium’s portfolio, WatchStadium.com/Live and Stadium affiliates YouTubeTV, The Roku Channel, FuboTV, Amazon, Samsung TV Plus, Tubi and more. Audacy also agrees to a deal with SiriusXM to air “You Better You Bet” on the satellite radio platform. BetQL Network VP Mitch Rosen says, “We’re thrilled to announce these strategic agreements with Stadium and SiriusXM, which will significantly expand the reach of ‘You Better You Bet,’ solidifying its position as the #1 sports betting podcast in the U.S.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of September 25 – 29

The likelihood of a government shutdown as GOP hardliners demand budget cuts was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the 2024 presidential race and Wednesday’s GOP debate, followed by the UAW strike and visits to Michigan by Donald Trump and Joe Biden at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media each week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

KBLA, Los Angeles to Present Specials Addressing “The Tape”

SmileyAudioMedia’s talk KBLA, Los Angeles is presenting two drive time special programs a year after “‘The Tape’ that rocked L.A. City Hall became public.” The station says the leaked recording of three Latino members of the Los Angeles City Council – then-council president Nury Martinez,im councilmember Kevin DeLeon and councilmember Gil Cedillo along with former labor leader Ron Herrera – reveals them uttering racist remarks, derogatory comments toward council colleagues, and disruptive, racially charged rhetoric about how the City Council could “skew” redistricting. The station says, “Now that a full year has passed, KBLA Talk 1580 will host two important conversations unpacking what transpired in the community since these divisive, hurtful comments were made and what the future holds for the City of Los Angeles.” Tavis Smiley will host a show featuring community voices on October 9 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Then on October 12 (from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm), the Institute for Nonviolence in Los Angeles will host “Days of Dialog: The Anatomy of Anti-Black Racism and Bigotry.”

Industry News

Meeting of the Heavies

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Nationally syndicated Westwood One host Dan Bongino (left) paid a visit to his South Florida affiliate WFTL, Fort Lauderdale where he was greeted by the station’s local star and fellow TALKERS Heavy Hundred member Joyce Kaufman (right). Kaufman’s popular daily show follows Bongino’s 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm slot on the big-signaled Hubbard Broadcasting-owned news/talk outlet.

Industry News

Sullivan Promoted to SVP of Sales for iHeartMedia Phoenix Region

iHeartMedia announces that sales pro Nancie Sullivan is promoted from VP of sales to SVP of salesim for the Phoenix Region that includes news/talk KFYI-AM and sports talk KGME, plus six music brands. iHeartMedia Phoenix region president Linda Little says, “I am thrilled to have Nancie step into this role and lead our Phoenix sales team to the next level. I know Nancie will bring her passion, creativity and leadership talents to help us further grow our business and partnerships.”

Industry News

Red Apple Audio Networks to Rep “Lou Dobbs Business Reports”

Red Apple Audio Networks signs a deal with Lou Dobbs to handle exclusive network syndication and advertising sales for the “Lou Dobbs Business Reports.” The two-minute reports are delivered twiceim daily, previewing the upcoming market open and the afternoon report as a market wrap-up. It currently airs on 77WABC in New York. Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis says, “Lou has a remarkable understanding of market trends and fluctuations. He has the rare ability to be able to cut through the data and present insightful analysis in a concise manner. He’s a terrific addition to our lineup of big-name personalities.”

Industry News

Officially Rebranded PodcastOne Begins Trading on Nasdaq

PodcastOne, which began trading on Nasdaq under its new name at the open of the market on Tuesday (9/26), officially changes its name from Courtside Group, Inc to PodcastOne, Inc. Parent company LiveOne owns approximately 81% of the new company, which recently converted theim remaining unsecured convertible notes in the aggregate principal amount of $5.8 million at $3 per share. Following this transaction, the company is now debt free. The Courtside Group name was of the parent company founded by the late Norm Pattiz, who was known for sitting courtside at Los Angeles Lakers games from many years. PodcastOne’s president and co-founder Kit Gray comments, “The corporate name change to PodcastOne, Inc provides a true characterization of our company as one of the 10 largest podcast publishers in the U.S., ranked ahead of media giants Paramount, CNN and FOX.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Unveils New Twin Cities Pro Basketball Deals

iHeartMedia Minneapolis announces new deals for streaming and radio partnerships with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. As part of this multi-faceted partnership, every Timberwolves game will be available on the newly created Minnesota Timberwolves channel onim the iHeartRadio app. This is the first team with an exclusive streaming channel on the iHeartRadio platform. In addition, sports talk KFXN-FM “KFAN 100.3” becomes the basketball organization’s new flagship radio station for select Timberwolves games and the majority of Lynx games. iHeartSports president Kevin LeGrett states, “We are excited about this partnership and honored to be the broadcast and streaming home of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx. We are thrilled to deliver innovative Timberwolves and Lynx coverage, programming and integrations to millions of their fans across the state and beyond!”