Industry News

Life Coach Doug Fitzgerald to Host KLIN, Lincoln PM Show

NRG Media news/talk KLIN, Lincoln, Nebraska announces the addition of “Drive Time Nebraska” with host Doug Fitzgerald to the program schedule, airing from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily, effective Monday (4/8). This program replaces the program Dan Parsons hosted in the same slot for the past 10 months. Fitzgerald is an author, speaker, and CEO from Lincoln whose nationally syndicated weekend radioim show produced at KLIN is titled after is best-selling book, ONESHOT. ONELIFE. – The Ultimate Success Formula To Help You Win At Anything In Life (Morgan James Publishing, 2018). NRG general manager Ami Graham says, “Doug has been a friend of KLIN for years. During your drive home, Doug will tackle the issues that matter to our community through commentary, guests, and listener engagement. We are thrilled to have him on our airwaves every weekday.” Fitzgerald says, “I am excited and honored for the opportunity to serve Lincoln and Nebraska on such an iconic station as KLIN and during a time slot where great hosts have broadcast over the years. My vision is to address the cultural issues that impact our city and state through the lens of the values that make Nebraska ‘The Good Life.’ To me, ‘Drive Time Nebraska’ will be like taking a road trip with your family or good friends… having great conversations and fun, along with getting on each other’s nerves now and then. In the end, you still make it home together.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of April 1 – 5

The Israel-Hamas war and the deaths of seven aid workers combined as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the presidential race, followed by former President Donald Trump’s legal battles at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Chicago Public Media – operator of WBEZ-FM, Chicago – is phasing out its Vocalo radio station and is laying off 14 staffers. Chicago Public Media chief executive Matt Moog says, “These are painful decisions that affect our valued colleagues. Because they did not reach the scale needed to generate revenue to cover expenses, Vocalo and the podcast content development unit will be scaled back and folded into the newsroom.”

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One, the exclusive national audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, is presenting comprehensive live audio coverage of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four and national championship game live from Phoenix in both English and Spanish. The network will also broadcast the Women’s Final Four and national championship game live from Cleveland.

The Black Effect Podcast Network and comedian Lil Duval announce, “Conversations With Unc,” a limited series podcast that will feature casual and in-depth talks about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness from an Uncle’s perspective. Black Effect Podcast Network president of creative development and production Dollie S. Bishop says, “We all need moments of laughter, but we also crave spaces for growth and reflection. Our new podcast, ‘Conversations with Unc’ will blend humor with wisdom and offer unique stories and advice in ways that resonate beyond the punchline. We’re excited to collaborate with Lil Duval on this new series and even more excited to see how these conversations will uplift and encourage listeners.”

iHeartMedia and the National Basketball Association announce the addition of two shows to its multi-year podcast partnership, including the debut of “NBA DNA with Hannah Storm.” Additionally, Vince Carter brings “The VC Show with Vince Carter” to the NBA Podcast Network for its much-anticipated season two.

SiriusXM, the exclusive audio broadcaster of the Masters Tournament, announces its extensive broadcast plans for Masters week, April 6-14, with live coverage of all four days of tournament play, daily Masters-focused talk programming, specials and more. SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein says, “The Masters is always one of the most anticipated weeks on the sports calendar, and our team at SiriusXM prides themselves on bringing our listeners across the country closer to everything happening that week at Augusta National. We’ll cover the action on the course from the first tee shot on Thursday through the presentation of the Green Jacket on Sunday, and bring you news from Augusta National throughout the week, interviews with competitors and much more.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/3) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Israel’s killing of seven aid workers in its battle against Hamas and the Biden-Netanyahu tensions; the presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; Israel’s killing of Iranian generals and Iran’s promise of revenge; the blowback from President Joe Biden’s Trans Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday; Marjorie Taylor Greene’s campaign to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson; and the troubles facing Elon Musk’s Tesla were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Comrex to Introduce Two New Gagl Features at NAB 2024

Comrex is debuting Hotline, a major feature update to Gagl, as well as Gagl Solo, a new tier of its Gagl remote contribution service designed for one-to-one connections. Both are being introduced at NAB 2024. Gagl enables users to send and receive audio through common web browsers to a Comrex hardware IP audio codec such as an ACCESS or BRIC-Link. Gagl supports up to five remote participants in one session. Gagl Solo supports single guest connections and is perfect for users whoim don’t need to manage multiple participants such as a solo contributor or reporter in the field. Comrex says that Gagl is simple enough for anyone to use and doesn’t require any specialized hardware or software on the remote end for implementation. With a computer or smartphone plus a headset, high-quality audio can be transmitted bidirectionally with minimal latency providing a simple way to get anyone on the air. Hotline dramatically improves the quality of a standard cell phone call for on-air use. Gagl + Hotline provides a ten-digit telephone number with each Gagl + Hotline subscription. A guest or reporter can call the number using an AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon cell phone. The caller’s audio will be presented within the Gagl interface in HD Voice quality for clean, clear full fidelity for use on-air. Acquiring high-quality audio from remote locations is essential for creating compelling radio. Providing flexibility for guests who can’t come into the studio was a driving force behind Gagl’s creation. Gagl Solo, Gagl + Hotline, and Comrex’s suite of broadcast reliable products will be on display at the NAB Show in Vegas April 14-17. Be sure to visit Comrex at Booth C2234 in Central Hall.

Industry News

Nielsen Revises Radio Market Ranks

Based on U.S. population estimates from the 2020 census and updated and projected to January 1, 2024, by Claritas, Nielsen unveils its new market ranks effective with the Spring 2024 ratings. As shiftsim in population take place in the U.S. – with growth often seen in southern markets – the ratings giant adjusts its rankings. Among the notable changes are the Dallas-Fort Worth market leapfrogging San Francisco to the #4 market and San Francisco now at #5. Other markets moving up include Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood to #11 and San Diego to #18. See the complete ranking here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Austin, Texas’ KUTX Public Media names Wade Lee assistant general manager for strategy, engagement and development. In this newly created position, Lee will serve as a strategic advisor to the general manager and oversee the station’s membership, development, marketing and community engagement teams. He takes on many of Sylvia Carson’s responsibilities after her retirement in December.

SiriusXM’s “Busted Open” hosts Dave LaGreca, Mark Henry, Bully Ray and Tommy Dreamer are hosting a series of shows from Philadelphia from April 4 – 8, as the wrestling world comes to the City of Brotherly Love for one of WWE’s biggest annual events – WrestleMania. These special episodes of “Busted Open” will be open for the public to attend as the hosts preview the two-night WrestleMania event taking place at Lincoln Financial Field.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/2) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and Judge Aileen Cannon’s jury instructions controversy; the presidential race; Israel’s war against Hamas and the deaths of seven aid workers in Gaza; Israel’s killing of Iranian generals and Iran’s promise of revenge; President Joe Biden’s Trans Day of Visibility controversy; the Baltimore bridge destruction aftermath; the Florida six-week abortion ban; and author JK Rowling’s challenge to the Scottish Hate Crime Act were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/1) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and the RFK Jr. factor; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; President Joe Biden’s Trans Day of Visibility controversy; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Baltimore bridge destruction aftermath; Florida’s abortion ban ruling; author JK Rowling’s challenge to the Scottish Hate Crime Act; and the Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The presidential race; the Israel-Hamas war and the protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. migrant crisis; warnings of ISIS targeting U.S. and European targets; the economy and the Fed’s stance on interest rates; and the Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Techsurvey 2024: Listeners’ Views on AI in Radio

Jacobs Media’s Techsurvey 2024 surveyed more than 31,000 core radio listeners to gather their opinions about the use of AI by radio stations. President Fred Jacobs says, “Many radio companies have jumped on the AI bandwagon but with little guidance from their audience. This exclusive data from Techsurvey 2024 provides valuable feedback from partisans of 10 popular radio formats about their hopes and for now at least, fears of AI.” Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed were familiar with AI and of those, nearly one in ten (9%) uses its applications for personal, work, or school. Gen Z and Millennialim respondents are most likely to say they use it at least weekly. There’s a strong feeling the government will need to step in to provide legal guard rails for AI use. Three in four (75%) are looking for some form of regulation. In fact, more than a third (36%) believe AI will need to be highly regulated. That perception may be fueled by the upcoming elections this November. About half (51%) say they’re very concerned about how AI might affect this fall’s political races. Members of the Greatest Generation and Boomers are most fearful of how the technology might influence upcoming elections. When it comes to three applications for radio – AI hosts, AI-voiced commercials, and AI-voiced station IDs – the biggest pushback predictably is directed at the idea of radio using cloned voices to take the place of live talent. Three in four (75%) raise the red flag over this AI application. Concern lessens when it comes to AI voice technology being used to read commercials. Still, nearly four in ten (39%) say they have big issues with radio stations they listen to using AI in ads. Respondents are most open to the idea of AI voices being utilized on station identification. Overall, about one-third (34%) have no problem, but a similar sized group (30%) expresses major concerns with this use case for AI. Jacobs Media general manager Paul Jacobs remarks, “It is still early days for AI in radio, but broadcasters need to respect the many concerns voiced by core fans of the medium. Up to now, many decisions have been made in a vacuum. Now the audience has a voice. We’ll be tracking their perceptions in Techsurveys in the coming years as the technology matures. The format level data for AI should provide welcome feedback for radio managers trying to get a handle on AI.”

Industry News

Wayne Allyn Root Expands TV Presence

Nationally syndicated, Las Vegas-based talk radio host Wayne Allyn Root is now seen seven days aim week on Real America’s Voice TV network. Root, who hosts the weekend program “America’s Top Ten Countdown with Wayne Allyn Root,” is being added to the network’s weeknight schedule as his “The Root Reaction” airs weeknights from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET beginning April 1. Root says, “My new show will be an America First, MAGA, in-your-face, heart-pounding, pedal-to-the-metal, balls-to-the-walls, 180 MPH race through the biggest news stories of the day.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for March 25 – 29

The presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the various legal battles facing former President Donald Trump, followed by the deadly Baltimore ship-bridge collision at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/27) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of the deadly Baltimore bridge destruction; the presidential race and speculation about the RFK Jr factor; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Israel-Hamas war and the UN’s accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza; the U.S. migrant crisis; NBC’s hiring-then-firing of former RNC chair Ronna McDaniel; Trump’s fund-raising Bible sales; and former U.S. senator and VP nominee Joe Lieberman dies at 82 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Salem Media Group Releases 2023 Annual Report

Salem Media Group’s total net revenue for the full year of 2023 was $258.6 million, a decrease of 3.1% from the full year of 2022, according to its just-released annual report. The company saw operating expenses rise from 2022 to 2023 and took a considerable impairment charge on its long-term assets that factored heavily into it reporting a net loss of $43.3 million in 2023, compared to the net loss of $3.2 million it posted in 2022. Salem operated three business segments: broadcast, digital, and publishing.im The company states, “Net broadcast revenue decreased 3.7%, or $7.6 million, principally due to a $7.3 million decline in national and local spot advertising revenue. Spot advertising revenue has been declining in the industry due to reduced time spent listening, particularly on AM radio stations. Also, the political revenue decreased $3.6 million, or 61.5% to $2.3 million from $5.9 million. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in our broadcast digital revenue which increased $1.5 million or 4.1% due to increases from Salem Podcast Network, Salem News Channel and digital marketing services through Salem Surround. On a Same Station basis, net broadcast revenue decreased 4.0%, or $8.2 million, which reflects these items net of the impact of stations acquisitions and dispositions.” On the digital side, the company reports, “Net digital media revenue increased 0.7%, or $0.3 million. Net digital advertising revenue decreased due to Facebook algorithms that limit political content, the growing use of browsers that block third-party cookies limiting advertising, and the overall state of the economy that has weakened demand for advertising resulting in a lower number of advertisements and a reduction in rates.” Salem’s 2023 annual report can be found here.

Industry News

Bold Gold Media Group Unveils Bold Gold Studios

Bold Gold Media Group announces the grand opening of Bold Gold Studios – a brand-new, state-of-the-art audio and video podcast and recording studio located in the newly renovated historic Liberty Theater, on Main Street in Liberty, New York. The company says that in addition to providing interested podcasters and content creators a place to make their audio and video magic, this studio will also serveim as a satellite radio studio for Bold Gold Media’s four local broadcast radio stations, including news/talk WVOS-AM/W223DB “Catskills News Talk 92.5 & 94.9.”  Bold Gold Studios will be available for lease opportunities, and offers brand new professional audio and video recording gear, with experts available to assist in recording, producing, and even marketing branded multi-media podcast or A/V productions. The company will hold a grand opening celebration on April 19. Bold Gold New York general manager Dawn Ciorciari says, “We are grateful to Bruce Davidson at the Liberty Theater for partnering with Bold Gold Media to create and manage this state-of-the-art studio in his historic building.  This studio will extend Bold Gold Media’s reach in Sullivan and the Catskills and serve as a new professional space for audio and video content creators.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Beasley Media Group Boston announces their newly minted, multi-year partnership with the Boston Athletic Association, the non-profit that organizes the Boston Marathon. This year both sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” and WKLB “Country 102.5” will broadcast coverage of the race.

Audacy expands its relationship with Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions with the launch of “Million Dollar Advice,” a weekly work and career advice podcast under the Audacy Podcasts and Paper Kite Podcasts banners hosted by Kim Lessing and Kate Arend.

SiriusXM subscribers will have access to the full 2024 Major League Baseball with live play-by-play calls of every game, as well as 24/7 news, talk and expert analysis on the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Good Karma Brands’ talk WAUK-AM/W266DR “101.7 The Truth” announces the 3rd Annual Tory Lowe Community Clean Up taking place on April 13. Spearheaded by 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm host Tory Lowe, the event encourages volunteers to join the station in picking up litter in Milwaukee neighborhoods. Lowe says, “This is what it’s all about. Getting together as a community, unifying, and giving back. This is a great opportunity to get to know our neighbors and take pride in the city we call home. A cleaner community is a better community.”

Mundo Hispano Digital partners with iHeartMedia in a deal that includes MundoNow’s audio network Oyénos’ slate of podcasts being distributed widely by iHeartPodcasts. MundoNow president and CEO Rene Alegria says, “We’re thrilled to embark on this transformative partnership with iHeartPodcasts, solidifying our commitment to amplifying LatinX voices in the audio space. This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for Oyénos Audio, as we combine forces to deliver captivating content and innovative marketing strategies that resonate deeply with our community. In today’s ever-evolving media landscape, we continue to strive to deliver compelling, informative, and engaging content to a large and significantly still underserved audience – bilingual and bicultural Latinos.”

FOX Nation debuts a new special titled, “Prisoner of Putin,” on Thursday (3/28), one day before the one-year anniversary of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s arrest and detainment in Russia. The special will provide an in-depth look into Gershkovich’s life and his courage and resilience throughout the last year. Contributions will be made by FOX News Channel senior correspondent Steve Harrigan, who was formerly based in Moscow, Wall Street Journal colleagues Gordon Fairclough and Paul Beckett, as well as Jeremy Berke and Sam Silverman, close friends of Gershkovich.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump gets bond reduction from an Appeals Court; the aftermath of the deadly ISIS attack on Moscow; Israel rebuffs UN Security Council’s Gaza ceasefire vote; the presidential race; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Supreme Court to hear arguments on a Texas court’s suspension of the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill; the U.S. and U.K. sanctions against China over alleged Chinese government-backed cyberattacks; Florida bans social media for children under 14; and Sean “Diddy” Combs the subject of a Homeland Security investigation into human trafficking were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Gunhill Road Attacks Fraudsters with a Powerful New Rocker, “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone)”

im

Gunhill Road, the timeless band that has been creating multi-genre rock and pop music spanning more than five decades, has released a stunning new song and video titled, “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone).” The piece – which is a no-holds-barred attack on the rise of scams and fraud in our society – is an advance release from the band’s forthcoming fifth album. Gunhill Road has developed a unique niche in recent years attracting tens of thousands of internet followers powered, in large part, by the attention and airplay given it on talk radio. New songs by the group typically debut on hundreds of radio talk shows sparking conversation about today’s pressing topics of news and social concern. The compositions feature clever, candid lyrics delivered in a highly musical and original way. The band consists of co-founding member/pianist/vocalist Steve Goldrich, longtime guitarist/vocalist Paul Reisch, noted Broadway theater instrumentalist/guitarist/vocalist Brian Koonin, and TALKERS publisher/vocalist Michael Harrison. The provocative video for “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone)” was produced by Matthew B. Harrison. The song, a powerful rocker marked by driving guitars, riveting keyboards, an exuberant group chorus and a compelling lead vocal by Brian Koonin, expresses the frustration we all face in an increasingly dangerous environment marked by the rising corruption of identity theft, charity scams, grandparent scams, imposter scams, mail fraud, romance scams, lottery scams, crypto scams, blackmail, phishing, and disingenuous institutions. Click here scammersvideo.com to see the video.  To arrange an interview with Michael Harrison to discuss the scam crisis, please email info@talkers.com.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Will Video Save the Radio Star?

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWill video save the radio star? I hope so.

The tea leaves have become abundantly clear. Start understanding the impact of stand-alone video offered by your radio station or forever consider yourself outdated. Are you listening, all you great programming and production gurus out there in talk radio land. The up-and-coming generation is in line to take over and we had better start shifting the development wheels into hyper-gear today.

Everything new is new and everything old is suspect. Think about this:

1. How many times have you logged into Facetime or your favorite video platform purely for the sake of staying in touch? An entire generation is being raised on video calls and remote work. Can linear talk radio carve out a future in this video intense environment?

2. I can hear the old school managers barking, “There will always be in-car listening.” True, but commute times and days are changing regularly with remote work becoming the norm. In-car audio listening is changing before your very ears.

3. Have you digested the most recent research metrics? Sorry old schoolers, the days of 95% of homes listening to terrestrial radio are over. Ever watch the preschoolers ask Alexa or Google to read them a book?

4. Young parents under 40 are now limiting “screen time.” The key word is “limit.” Doesn’t that speak volumes?

How do we turn video integration into a sales winner for radio?

1. Stop denying the trend. Embrace the wave and ride it to profitability.

2. Focus on what sells. That “security camera” look in the on-air studio is embarrassing. Start having a real dialogue internally about what it takes to win dollars in this newly competitive world.

3. Reinvent yourself. Do not be slow to move forward. This video world moves at hyper speed and leaves laggards in the dust.

4. Not everyone will make the cut. Some of your talent will work better in the video world than others. Remember this is all relatively new to terrestrial radio. As your team navigates the way through these uncharted waters communication is critical.

The foundation is still solid. Many advertisers are comfortable with radio/audio that delivers the results they expect. Those advertisers are the rock-solid foundation every radio station needs. But eyes on the future are important as we all deal with single digit growth in competitive sales markets around the country.

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

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The ISIS attack on a Russian concert hall kills more than 130 and Vladimir Putin’s implicating Ukraine in the attack; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and today’s bond deadline; the presidential race; the legislation to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year and Republicans critical of House Speaker Mike Johnson; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Israel-Hamas war and the U.S. plan for hostage exchanges; the Supreme Court to hear arguments on a Texas court’s suspension of the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill; the violence and chaos in Haiti; and the Justice Department’s anti-trust case against Apple were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

The State of Journalism in 2024: Why Talk Media Needs Investigative Reporting Now More Than Ever

By Ted Bridis
University of Florida
Professor

imThe headlines haven’t been kind to journalism lately. That recent New York Times piece declaring its demise? It wasn’t exactly a morale booster. The Messenger, created to revitalize journalism in the digital age, shut down after just one year. Sports Illustrated was on the cutting block until Minute Media came onto the field with a Hail Mary to save the 70-year-old publication. The Wall Street Journal laid off a slew of talented reporters despite record profits. Yet, some of these decisions have nothing to do with the state of journalism but are based on balance sheets, declining advertising buys, and changing tastes in media consumption.

David S. Levine of the Times of Israel has written, “Journalism is dead. You are on your own.” But here’s the thing: I’m not buying it.

As a journalism professor at the University of Florida with more than 35 years in the industry, I’ve seen my fair share of ups and downs. Remember the rough economic patches of 2001 and 2008? The internet’s constant disruption? We’ve weathered those storms, and we’ll weather this one, too.

In fact, universities like mine are leading the charge in a new era of journalism. The investigative, political journalism and public policy reporting classes that I teach feed directly into something near and dear to me: credibly holding powerful institutions accountable. And we’re building partnerships to help sustain the industry.

Our Fresh Take Florida news service distributes significant reporting by our undergraduate journalism students to major news outlets across Florida. Newsrooms receive high-quality content for their readers, viewers, and listeners. Students earn real-world experience covering challenging subjects and gain exposure with editors and news directors who hire them when they graduate. Every semester, sadly, my classes of young reporters dwarf the size of many professional newsrooms in some of Florida’s biggest cities.

Talk media is especially vulnerable as our journalism industry works its way through these latest challenges. It relies on journalists to unearth those hard-hitting stories, identify credible sources, and separate fact from fiction.

Here’s the truth: Talk media can’t function without a healthy investigative journalism ecosystem. They need that next generation of journalists I’m training — reporters who are not just trustworthy and credible, but efficient and effective in getting the story out quickly. After all, in today’s fast-paced world, talk radio often relies on journalists for its content.

This is precisely why investigative journalism programs around the country and the Collier Prize for State Government Accountability are so crucial. The $25,000 Collier Prize, established at the University of Florida with a generous gift from Nathan Collier, a descendent of the family that founded the pioneering investigative journalism magazine Collier’s in the late 1880s, is one of the largest journalism awards in the country. It recognizes and celebrates the very kind of investigative reporting that underpins strong talk media.

We’re fostering a new breed of investigative journalists who can seamlessly serve the needs of both traditional and talk media. They understand the importance of speed and accuracy, the ability to distill complex issues into digestible segments, and the value of unearthing stories that spark conversation and hold power to account.

The future of journalism isn’t about flashy headlines or clickbait. It’s about dedicated professionals committed to truth, transparency, and giving a voice to the voiceless. It’s about investigative reporting that illuminates injustice and empowers citizens. And it’s about demonstrating to readers, viewers, and listeners that objective, hard-hitting journalism is worth paying for, after a generation where we gave it away free online.

Talk media is dependent to a degree on the success of the rest of the ecosystem, which is an important point. We highlight and identify credible sources who then become guests on programs that can go into a lot more depth than they can with a quote in a 1,000-word story. Talk radio very much has a stake in the success of journalism. They need this next generation of journalists to be better than ever — credible, trustworthy, and ethical but also efficient and effective — working expediently to get the story told because in a lot of cases talk radio is getting its content from journalists.

We are never not going to need journalists. That’s the silver lining — democracy needs journalists. It needs trustworthy, independent, independently minded journalists who seek the truth and report it. That sentiment is alive and well, and talk media needs this kind of journalism now more than ever.

Award-winning investigative journalist Ted Bridis led the Associated Press’ Pulitzer Prize-winning team before joining the University of Florida. He’s known for his expertise in source protection, FOIA law, and uncovering high-profile stories like the Clinton email server and Paul Manafort’s foreign lobbying. Previously, he analyzed national elections for the AP and covered technology, hackers, and national security.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of March 18 – 22

The presidential race and this week’s primary election races combined as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was former President Donald Trump’s legal battles including his need to raise funds for a bond in the E. Jean Carroll case, followed by the Trump legal team’s efforts to disqualify Fulton County DA Fani Willis at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imFebruary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 survey period (February 1 – February 28) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

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

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

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are January 2024 – February 2024 (6+). 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 5.7 – 5.1, #5 – #5

KJCE .1 – .3, #28 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KVET-AM .8 – .9, #22 – #21

KBPA-HD2  1.1 – .5, #19 – #24

KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 6.9 – 7.4, #3 – #2

KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 7.5 – 8.0, #4  – #3

WPTF 1.0 – .8, #18 – #19

News

WRAL-HD3 .3 – .3, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.4 – 2.2, #11 – #15 (Carolina Hurricanes)

WCMC-FM HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #25 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 9.0 – 8.5, #2 – #2

Note: Sports talk WCMC-FM’s -1.2 (3.4 – 2.2) represents Raleigh’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 5.1 – 4.9, #7 – #10

News

WOLT-HD2 .2 – .2, #25 – #25

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  3.7 – 3.0, #13 – #16

WNDE .5 – .5, #22 – #21

WXNT DNA – .2, DNA – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 4.6 – 4.6, #8 – #11

Sports talk WFNI (DNA – DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 11.5 – 9.0, sixth consecutive month at #1

WLIP .1 – .1, #26 – #27

WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 3.7 – 2.1, #11 – #15

WOKY .2 – .2, #23 – #20

WSSP .2 – .2, #23 – #20

WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.2 – 2.6, #14 – #13

WHAD 1.2 – 1.2, #16 – #17

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Notes: News/talk WISN’s -2.5 (11.5 – 9.0) represents Milwaukee’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

Sports talk outlets WOKY and WSSP are part of a seven-way tie at #20

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 5.4 – 5.7, #6 – #5

WLAC 2.1 – 2.1, #18 – #17

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 8.0 – 4.9, #2 – #9

WPRT 2.3 – 1.5, #17 – #19 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 4.9 – 4.9, #8 – #9

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .2, #23 – #24 

Note: Sports talk WGFX’s -3.1 (8.0 – 4.9) is the largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease by any station in the 48 PPM-markets.

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.9 – 6.8, #4 – #4

WHJJ  1.0 – 1.1, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WVEI 2.1 – 1.7, #9 – #11

WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.1 – 2.4, #9 – #8

WNPN 1.5 – 1.4, #12 – #12

WCAI .1 – .1, #18 – #18

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  2.3 – 2.0, #14 – #14

WGH-FM HD2  .2 – .2, #23 – #23

News

WNOH .3 – .3, #21 – #22

Sports Talk

WVSP 1.9 – 1.4, #15 – #16

WGH-AM .2 – .2, #23 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 8.0 – 8.9, #3 – #3

News

WJBT-HD2 .2 – DNA, #24 – DNA

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .4 – .2, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 1.6 – 2.2, #16 – #13   

Note: News/talk WOKV-FM’s +.9 (8.0 – 8.9) represents Jacksonville’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 3.0 – 2.3, #7 – #9

WZZR 1.3 – 1.4 #14 – #13

WJNO .9 – 1.1, #15 – #14

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .7 – .5, #16 – #16

WBZT .4 – .4, #18 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.8 – 2.1, #9 – #10

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 3.5 – 3.2 #9 – #10

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 5.3 – 4.7, #6 – #6

WUNC 2.8 – 2.6, #11 – #12

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 1.4 – 1.5, #11 – #10

KWAM .5 – .4, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 3.2 – 2.5, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #14 – #14 (Grizzlies)

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.9 – 1.7, #9 – #9

WKNO-HD2  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 6.6 – 5.7, #4 – #6

WDRC-AM 1.8 – 1.6, #14 – #14

WTIC-AM Stream .4 – .4, #18 – #18

WPOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 2.0 – 1.4, #13 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 4.1 – 5.1, #8 – #7

WFCR .6 – .4, #17 – #18 

Note: Public radio news/talk WNPN’s +1.0 (4.1 – 5.1) represents Hartford’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.

Contact Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/20) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and his bond problem; the economy, including the record high financial markets and the Fed keeps interest rates on hold; the Israel-Hamas war and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Egypt for ceasefire talks; the $1.2 trillion funding package to keep the federal government operating; the U.S. migrant crisis; California passes Proposition 1 to tackle homelessness; the U.S. conducts tests on hypersonic missiles; the clashes between violent gangs and civilians in Haiti were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Hillsdale College Student Wins Best Documentary from IBS

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Pictured above is Hillsdale College student Thérèse Boudreaux (’24) who won first place for Best Documentary at this year’s Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Awards presented at the organization’s conference hosted in New York City. Boudreaux’s entry was PFAS: Forever Chemicals,” and this award marks WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM’s eighth national first-place award from the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System. WRFH general manager Scot Bertram states, “Our students produce impressive content, and once again their hard work has been recognized. Our students have a passion for audio and storytelling. They’ve dedicated themselves to creating high-quality programming and that effort is reflected in their accomplishments.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/19) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and Tuesday’s primary elections; the legal back-and-forth over Texas’ migrant apprehension law; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and his efforts to post bond in the E. Jean Carroll judgement; Congressional leaders announce deal to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; federal law enforcement’s warning about cyberattacks on U.S. water systems; Alabama legislators pass anti-DEI policy; and the lawlessness in Haiti were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Mike Gallagher First in Line to Vote Today!

Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk host Mike Gallagher is pictured here after casting hisim votes in Florida’s primary elections today (3/19). Gallagher was first in line this morning and posted this picture on “X” (formerly Twitter) as he left the polling place, and it received more than 15,000 views in the first 30 minutes. Gallagher adds, “In Chicago, most voters will view it twice. Or more.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/18) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and today’s primary elections; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and bond problem; the U.S. migrant crisis and the Supreme Court’s blocking of Texas’ border policy allowing state officials to detain suspected illegals; the Fani Willis disqualification case; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; the Supreme Court hears arguments over government efforts to combat social media disinformation; the Don LemonElon Musk interview; and the lawlessness in Haiti were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The presidential race and Tuesday’s primary elections; the Russia-Ukraine war and Vladimir Putin wins Russia’s “election”; the Israel-Hamas war and U.S.-Israel relations; the U.S. migrant crisis; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Supreme Court to hear arguments on the government’s efforts to thwart social media disinformation; the anti-TikTok legislation; and the violence in Haiti were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Michael Harrison: The Future of Radio Depends Upon What Those of Us in the Business Make It

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TALKERS founder Michael Harrison appeared as a guest Wednesday on Frank Morano’s “The Other Side of Midnight” show (3/13) as part of his current “Scammers” interview tour promoting the new Gunhill Road “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone)” music video (www.scammersvideo.com). The conversation illuminated Harrison’s concerns about the rapid spread of scamming and fraud in the digital space but quickly expanded to a discussion about the pros and cons of AI and an existential look at the future of the radio platform itself.

Regarding the insidious growth of scams on the internet, Harrison said, “It is a major problem up there with terrorism, inflation, street crime, pandemics, uncontrolled immigration, and war… it’s corroding the quality of our lives, lowering the bar on integrity, and raising the level of disingenuousness that is becoming a ‘normal’ part of our culture.” Harrison attributes a major part of the problem to legislators being behind the curve on this, stating, “Historically, it takes time for legislation to catch up to changes in technology… now that technology is changing so rapidly it’s increasingly difficult for legislators to keep up with it. In many cases they don’t even have a clue as to how the internet operates.”

Regarding the issue of AI stealing jobs from broadcasters – particularly talent – going forward, Harrison was blunt: “Just like all technology, AI is a double-edged sword and can be dangerous.  But in the case of art, people have always accused new technologies in art as somehow being fake and ‘cheating’ but history has consistently shown that today’s technology is tomorrow’s art. Regarding the loss of jobs for radio talent, it all depends on what you bring to the table. If you are a basic announcer, meaning you read most of your content from a script or apply a very limited range of verbiage such as time, temperature, news and the simple intros and outros of songs – watch out, you will likely lose your job. But if you’re a talk show host, analyst, interviewer, or commentator – all you have to do is work a little harder… you have to be even more original. AI can only draw upon and synthesize what’s already out there. You’ll have to stay ahead of the AI learning curve. All AI can actually do is realistically recreate monologues and dialogue that are in the category of worn-out talking points. If that’s what you are currently doing on the air, you’ll be replaced by AI and no one will notice.”

Regarding the future of radio and its ongoing viability in the digital era, Harrison said that it depends on whether those of us in the industry actively create radio’s relevant future or abandon it out of fear or simple lack of ideas. Harrison warned, “The use of ‘audio’ as a description of this medium is short-sighted. Radio is an esthetic… complex and organic. All radio is audio but not all audio is radio. Putting up a sign on radio calling it audio would be like owning a restaurant and calling it ‘food’ or a specific brand car dealership and calling it ‘transportation.’” Listen to the interview here