Industry News

Biting Music Video “Idiots” Passes 100k Views on YouTube

Fueled by a tremendous amount of attention and airplay on news/talk radio, the song “Idiots” by the perennial pop music ensemble Gunhill Road, with a worldwide internet following for its provocative songs addressing societal issues, has cracked the 100k plateau in gathering views on YouTube and downloads on various other platforms.  Released in 2022, the song continues to be an extremely active item on both talk radio and the internet.  The catchy pop tune takes a powerful stand with a combination of humor and hard-hitting commentary about the dangers facing American democracy bedeviled by ever-lowering standards of education and intelligence.  “Idiots” can be heard and viewed by clicking here.

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New Gunhill Road song celebrating talk radio dropping soon.  The group is currently in the final stages of production with an anthem celebrating talk radio. Titled “Don’t Stop Talkin’” – the song is an uplifting and infectiously catchy tune about the vital role talk radio plays in serving the cause of American freedom of speech.  With lines that include “As long as you’ve got a voice, don’t ever stop!” and “As long as you’ve got the truth, don’t ever stop!” the original composition co-written by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian Koonin, and Michael Harrison encourages talk radio practitioners to keep up the good work and great service they provide the nation. The images accompanying the music include a dynamic montage of individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows.

Formed in New York back in the late-1960s, Gunhill Road music has received more than a quarter million downloads worldwide in recent years with such songs as “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots were Injured in the Production of this Song)” www.obsoleteslobs.com, “I Know You’re Real” www.IKnowYouAreReal.com, “Damn Scammers” www.ScammersVideo.com,  “I Got a Line in New York City” www.IGotaLine.com, and more.

For more information about Gunhill Road please visit www.GunhillRoadMusic.com.

 

Industry News

EDISON RESEARCH: Trump Reached More Listeners Than Harris in “Podcast Election”

Exposure in election

It seems in every election cycle a new communications vehicle emerges as a pathway to gaining voter engagement. Many media observers are deeming the 2024 presidential campaign as the “Podcast Election” as both candidates appeared on high-profile shows. Edison Podcast Metrics™, a respected service that measures all shows across all platforms, presents a strong indication of the reach achieved by each campaign from their appearances. Per Podchaser – from the time Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race in July until Election Day, she made an appearance on eight shows while former President (and now President-elect) Donald Trump appeared on 20. According to Edison’s report, “While we don’t have access to the number of listeners to the specific episodes on which they appeared, and surely these episodes garnered far higher listening than the average level, we do have the estimates for the average audiences for these shows. And clearly Mr. Trump spoke to a far greater number of listeners than Ms. Harris did. Combining the average reach of each show they appeared on and then de-duplicating the results to account for listeners to more than one, the podcasts Trump appeared on reach approximately 23.5 million Americans 18+ in an average week, while the podcasts Harris appeared on reach only 6.4 million Americans 18+ in an average week. Mr. Trump’s total is of course supercharged by his appearance on what is by far the largest podcast in America, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience.’  But it’s worth noting that even if one removes Rogan from Trump’s calculation, Mr. Trump’s other appearances still would have far outstripped Ms. Harris’s. The weekly reach of many of America’s biggest podcasts outstrips that of many cable tv networks and individual television shows. It is fair to expect that this rapidly growing channel will continue to be used in any national conversations or media strategies.”

Industry News

WRKO, Boston Raises More Than $67,000 for Disabled Veterans

iHeartMedia news/talk outlet WRKO, Boston raised more than $67,000 during the station’s ninth annual DAV Radiothon to benefit the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts. The radiothon took place on Friday (11/8) and featured talk hosts Jeff Kuhner, Chuck Zodda, Mike Armstrong, Grace Curleyim and Howie Carr encouraging listeners to donate and raise funds for the DAV of Massachusetts’ homeless shelter and transportation programs. iHeartMedia Boston director of operations, news, talk and sports Bill Flaherty says, “Once again, the WRKO listeners responded in support of our Veterans. Their generosity provides much needed services for those who sacrificed so much for our country.” Since 2016, the DAV Radiothon has raised over $1,125,000 to benefit veterans in the community.

Industry News

Major iHeartMedia Talk Radio Cost Cutting Personnel Changes Across the Nation

The West Coast’s highly popular talk radio “power couple,” Robin Bertolucci and her husband Don Martin have stepped away from their longtime positions with iHeartMedia Robin(11/8) – Bertolucci as program director of heritage giant KFI AM 640, Los Angeles and Martin as EVP of programming, iHeartMedia Sports (which includes FOX Sports Radio) and PD of sports talk AM 570 KLAC, Los Angeles.After nearly a quarter century of exemplary service in these positions,Don Martin the ambiguous terms cited for the couple’s simultaneous departure do not mask the general industry observation that they were direct victims of the national radio cutbacks being affected by iHeartMedia as severe cost-cutting measures.  Chris Berry, iHeartMedia EVP of news, will assume the role as interim program director of both KFI and KLAC.

 

In the New York City market, the morning team of generalist Michael Riedel and sports talker Len Berman has met a similar fate at the legendary AM 710 WOR.Len Berman Michael Riedel Included in the cut – their show’s producer Terry Trahim, after more than 20 years of service to the station.

 

Multi-talented Scott Sands, Scott SandsiHM SVP of programming for the Ohio-West Virginia area and PD /afternoon host of WSPD, Toledo has also been let go.

 

 

Joe Pags impacted. Joe Pags In San Antonio, although he remains one of the most successful syndicated hosts in American talk radio with a rapidly growing roster of more than 170 stations coast to coast, Compass Media Networks star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo‘s local highly-rated afternoon show of 19 years at his flagship WOAI (where he is a market legend) has been dropped from the lineup as a cost-cutting measure. Pags is one of talk radio’s most notable rising stars and will undoubtedly be okay – but his departure from WOAI is indicative of the wrecking ball nature of these types of budget-cutting measures.

 

There are more cutbacks being reported at iHM stations throughout the industry.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “It is a dark moment in talk radio when the cutback ax falls on such good people who have devoted so much precious time, talent, and loyalty to their company, this industry and our professional community.  I’m in no position to tell companies how to run their businesses and protect their embattled assets in times of financial distress… but on a human level – not to mention in recognition of the fragility of this historic cultural scene to which we all contribute and hold an emotional stake – it’s downright heartbreaking.”

To see a recent interview with Joe Pags conducted by Michael Harrison on the video podcast “Up Close Far Out,” please click here.

Industry Views

Election Takeaways for News/Talk Radio

MH UCFO studioThis presidential election cycle provided a number of insights, revelations, and takeaway lessons for news/talk radio.  And by using the term “news/talk radio” I mean all spoken word platforms on the AM/FM dial including commercial, public, educational, and ethnic outlets that provide news, politics, and commentary.  They are all RADIO.

1. ​Conservative talk radio is legitimate. Its detractors who claim its content and opinions only address a relatively small percentage of the American public and a dying demographic are obviously misreading the tea leaves.  Conservative talk radio is big, influential, and a long-time bellwether of American public opinion.  Conservative talk radio would do much better than it already does in terms of ratings and revenue if it were supported by its preponderance of financially crippled and intestinally paralyzed owners with the resources it needs to do what it does with maximum effectiveness.  The genre should stay the course, perhaps with renewed vigor and variety.

2. The potential for liberal talk radio has never been greater in the modern era.  Opinion radio works best when it is the resistance to “big” anything – big government, big media, big business, big religion, big tech, big pharma, and big BS. There are key differences between playing cultural offense and defense in this game.  The stage is now set for the first time since the blessed repeal of the Fairness Doctrine for a tremendous resistance and galvanizing on the left side of talk radio’s commercial offerings… now that the shoe is obviously on the other foot.  This should not be executed at the expense of conservative talk radio.  There are enough dead in the water music stations out there ready for new life.  And don’t tell me about Air America.  That’s ancient and inapplicable history.  I’m a broadcaster, not a politician. The true “battleground” of today’s dynamically polarized society should and can take place to a large and healthy extent on the AM and FM dial!  At present, YouTube is eating radio’s lunch with its energetic lineup of outstanding independent liberal talk talent (as well as conservative).

3. Public radio needs to come clean. Until public radio gets honest with itself as to what it actually represents on the true spectrum of public opinion, it will not realize growth, but rather a continuing background wallpaper role in American politics and cultural relevance. A new level of self-honesty will provide public radio with the boost it so desperately needs to move in a more pertinent direction.

4. Ethnic talk radio does not represent political monoliths. Time to wake up to that obvious fact and stop with the insulting blinders and stereotypes.

5. Joe Rogan. The radio industry should never have allowed Joe Rogan and those who will follow in his footsteps to be a non-AM/FM talk show host.   Talk radio and talk media are cousins and they currently are still genetically connected.  But they are also competitors and talk radio is fighting an uphill battle in that struggle.

Michael Harrison can be contacted at michael@talkers.com. 
 

Industry News

“Chachi Loves Everybody” Podcast Releases Two New Episodes Featuring 2024 Giants of Broadcasting Honorees, Al Roker of NBC’s “The Today Show” and Patsy Smullin, Owner and President of California Oregon Broadcasting

Benztown, a global leader specializing in radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting and jingles, announces the release today (11/7) of two new episodes of its series “Chachi Loves Everybody,” an original podcast hosted by its president Dave “Chachi” Denes. imThese episodes feature Chachi’s special guests Al Roker, longtime weatherman on NBC’s The Today Show and co-anchor of the iconic morning show’s third hour, and Patsy Smullin, owner/president of California Oregon Broadcasting, and host of the successful television interview series, Up Close and Personal.  Roker and Smullin will be among those honored next week as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City.  To listen to these new “Chachi Loves Everybody” podcast episodes, please click here. For more information about the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony, and for a full list of honorees, please click here.

Industry News

Talk Radio Shines with Election Night Coverage

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It was a late night of extra duty for radio talk show hosts as stations and networks across the nation garnered their human and technical resources to provide listeners with accurate news and insightful analysis of the unfolding drama of Election Night in America. In many cases, coverage was provided by panels of air staffers, contributors and special guests gathered in central studio locations and supplemented by remote audio and video call ins.  Some stations sent their talent to electoral hot spots for live remote reports. Local talk show hosts from the battleground states enjoyed extra exposure making multiple appearances as guests on other shows and platforms around the nation.  Syndication networks used the event effectively to showcase their talent lineups.  And the “special” nature of these programs created a wide variety of advertising package opportunities for radio sales departments locally and nationally. In the broader arena of talk media, a number of popular political YouTube channels from both the left and right also put their best efforts into covering the news and views of one of the most anticipated nights in U.S. election history.  As TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison put it, “Talk radio and its YouTube and podcasting cousins took a back seat to no one – specifically the major TV networks – in their determination to provide their loyal audiences totaling millions of the most politically active citizens with the news and views that make their collective platforms the most accurate bellwether of American public opinion in the media today.”    Pictured above: Election Night coverage live from the state-of-the-art WABC, New York audio/video “Studio 77.”  Shown (l-r) George Pataki, former New York State governor; Judge Richard Weinberg, co-host of “Let The Record Show;” Rita Cosby, host of “The Rita Cosby Show” and co-host of “Cats & Cosby;” John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC, host of “The Cats Roundtable,” and co-host of “Cats & Cosby;” Anthony Weiner, former U.S. Representative, host of “The Middle with Anthony Weiner,” and co-host of “The Left Versus The Right;” Paul Stone, CEO of Colonial Metals Group and economic contributor to WABC Radio; and David Patterson, former New York State governor and political contributor to WABC Radio.

Industry Views

News/Talk Radio Mainstay Lars Larson is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcasts

UCFO Michael Harrison - Lars Larson
Do people get the media and government they deserve? Is the mainstream press really “fake news” and unfair to the MAGA movement? What are the true threats to American democracy at play in this rapidly changing era?  Lars Larson is this week’s featured guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube video channel’s “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison” and the award-winning PodcastOne audio series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  Larson, ranked #14 on the 2024 TALKERS Heavy Hundred and approaching his 50th anniversary in broadcasting, hosts two syndicated versions of his long-running 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm (PT) show on flagship station, KXL, Portland, OR.  One is carried on approximately 26 Radio Northwest Network (RNW) stations in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.  The other is heard on more than 100 stations across the nation on the Compass Media Networks.  During his illustrious career, Larson has been the recipient of more than 70 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists, and the National Press Club, as well as two Emmys and a Peabody for his reporting and documentaries.  In a candid discussion that covers a variety of contemporary hot button issues, Larson provides the conservative media perspective on the controversial Trump Rally at Madison Square Garden along with his take on mainstream news coverage, in general, of the 2024 presidential race.  The conversation also taps into burgeoning Middle East tensions, social media, artificial intelligence, the state of journalism, the First Amendment, privacy rights, the power of TV to distort reality, plus the tenets of Marxism, Naziism, socialism, and capitalism, as well as the unique political makeup of the Portland area.  Don’t miss this!

To view the video in its entirety, please click here.

To listen to the audio version in its entirety, please click here. MHInterview.com

Industry News

Thanks for the Ride!

Gallagher

Combining the fact that the presidential election is just five days away with today (10/31) being Halloween and “garbage” having become a talking point for both sides  … ever the showman, Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher displays the Halloween costume he donned for today’s national broadcast – keying off former President Donald Trump’s appearance last night in Wisconsin in a garbage truck.  Of Trump, Gallagher declares:  “There’s never been a more compelling political figure in the history of our country. Every American – and certainly talk show host – owes Donald Trump a debt of gratitude for the ride we’re on.”

Industry Views

MONDAY MEMO: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imPossibly not — beginning Sunday — unless you live in Hawaii and Arizona (except the Navajo Nation) or American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Everywhere else, clocks will change when we “fall-back” on November 3.

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Industry Views

MONDAY MEMO: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imPossibly not — beginning Sunday — unless you live in Hawaii and Arizona (except the Navajo Nation) or American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Everywhere else, clocks will change when we “fallback” on November 3.

It’s uncanny how just that one-hour shift impacts listeners’ lives. So, it’s a BIG topic of conversation. Plan now to empathize with the emotional and practical adjustments they’re confronting, including…

 

Increased Morning Light:

• Positive: With the clock set back, it becomes lighter earlier in the morning, which can help people wake up more easily and feel more alert, especially for those who need to start their day early.
• Negative: For people who start their day later, they may not notice much of a change, but the adjustment period can still be disruptive.

 

Shorter Evenings:

• Positive: The extra hour of light in the morning might be useful for early morning commuters, outdoor activities, or children heading to school.
• Negative: On the downside, the sun sets earlier in the evening, meaning it gets dark sooner. This can affect evening activities and make commutes home feel less pleasant or even more dangerous due to reduced visibility.

 

Disruption to Sleep Patterns:

• Positive: The “fall back” of the clock gives people an extra hour of sleep, which many enjoy.
• Negative: Some people experience disrupted sleep patterns and may feel temporarily groggy as their bodies adjust to the new time.

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Health and Mood:

• Positive: For some, the extra morning light can improve mood and reduce symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Negative: The early evening darkness can lead to feelings of fatigue, a drop in energy levels, or contribute to “winter blues” or SAD. especially as daylight becomes limited.

Impact on Productivity:

• Positive: People may feel more productive in the morning due to earlier sunlight.
• Negative: However, the earlier sunset could reduce motivation to engage in activities after work or school, potentially leading to a decrease in evening productivity.

Safety Considerations:

• Positive: More daylight in the morning can make commuting safer for drivers and pedestrians during rush hour.
• Negative: With darker evenings, there’s an increased risk of accidents, especially for people who are walking or biking.

Energy Consumption:

• Positive: Energy usage patterns may shift because of less artificial light being used in the morning.
• Negative: However, people tend to use more lighting and heating in the evenings, which may counterbalance the potential energy savings.

Impact on Schedules:

• Positive: Some people enjoy having the extra hour in their day when DST ends.
• Negative: For parents and workers, adjusting children’s or personal routines to the earlier darkness can be challenging.

What’s a radio station to do?

• Bump with or play songs related to time (Cyndi Lauper “Time After Time,’ Cher‘s “If I Could Turn Back Time”).

• Explain the history of DST.

• Ask listeners’ opinions on DST. Do they love it or hate it? You’ll hear both.

• “How will you spend your extra hour?”

• Give away nostalgic items (like retro vinyl records or vintage tech).

• Sleep tips from health professionals and mental health experts.

• Advertisers offer “10% off for the extra hour! Sale only valid from midnight to 1:00 am.”

• Coffee or breakfast gift card giveaways.

• Pertinent commercial copy hooks, i.e., “It’s time for a new ___!”

And please note: It’s “Daylight Saving Time,” not “Daylight Savings Time.”

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

 

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

POWERFUL STORY!  The New York Times: Her Job Was Talking on the Radio. Then Suddenly, Words Wouldn’t ComeAlison StweartOne day last winter, Alison Stewart, the host of “All of It” on public station WNYC, New York was alarmed to find herself speaking gibberish. Stewart’s health crisis began on February 22, a day jump-started by a 6:00 am workout with her personal trainer. She was pushing herself to get back in shape after having donated a kidney to her sister six months earlier. The workout was routine, though she barely spoke, which was unlike her.  As the morning progressed, she began to feel confusion; she couldn’t engage in a lucid conversation or write a coherent text message. She headed into SoHo, to WNYC Studios, where she hosts the daily interview show “All of It,” and settled into her office to practice reading an introduction to a segment, but her phrasing hit roadblocks instead of flowing smoothly. Baffled, she sought out Kate Hinds, the show’s director. Hinds was taken aback. “She looked very upset, her skin a little gray,” she recalled. “The disintegration was so stark and alarming. I was terrified.” She urged her to see a doctor. Stewart’s doctor listened to her garbled words over the phone and told her to go straight to the emergency room. There, she was able to execute commands like touching her nose and walking backward and forward, signaling that she probably had not suffered a stroke, but a CT scan revealed a mass on her brain. Stewart, 58, was soon talking gibberish, a dreadful and mystifying development for a woman who made her living by talking. Her decline was so rapid that her colleagues wondered whether she would ever be on the radio again.  “I knew she was trapped in there,” said Tracy Christian, one of several friends who had rushed to her side.  Don’t miss a powerful, detailed story by reporter Julie Besonen about Alison Stewart’s remarkable surgery (while awake) under the direction of leading-edge neurosurgeon, Dr. Randy D’Amico, at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan and her ongoing challenging recovery in yesterday’s edition of The New York TimesClick here.

 

Dr Daliah WachsMusic Group Gunhill Road Putting Final Touches on Talk Radio Anthem. Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has attracted hundreds of thousands of worldwide followers with its growing repertoire of issue-oriented songs and music videos, is currently in post-production with an anthem celebrating talk radio. Titled “Don’t Stop Talkin’” – the song is an uplifting and infectiously catchy tune about the vital role talk radio plays in serving the cause of American freedom of speech.  With lines that include “As long as you’ve got a voice, don’t ever stop!” and “As long as you’ve got the truth, don’t ever stop!” the original composition co-written by band members Steve GoldrichPaul ReischBrian Koonin, and Michael Harrison encourages talk radio practitioners to keep up the good work and great service they provide the nation.TALKERS Heavy Hundred syndicated host Dr. Daliah Wachs pictured above bopping to the music in a scene from the forthcoming video “Don’t Stop Talkin'” by Gunhill Road.

Gunhill Road
The images accompanying the music blend into a dynamic montage of individual radio talk hosts from different sectors of the industry in the process of doing their shows (and then some). The group invited talk show hosts from around the country – local and syndicated – to contribute video clips of themselves in action on the mic. And according to sources in the band, the number of contributions “more than met our expectations.” Gunhill Road video producer (and TALKERS VP/associate publisher) Matthew B. Harrison states, “The members of Gunhill Road are so grateful for the attention and airplay they have received over the years from talk radio that they want to give something special back to the industry and its medium.” The new song and video are expected to drop shortly after Election Day with a premiere on YouTube.  For more information about Gunhill Road please visit www.GunhillRoadMusic.com.

Industry Views

What is the Meaning of Freedom of Speech?

Industry News

New Ramsey Solutions Research Shows Nearly 80% of U.S. Adults Say They’re Worried About The Economy

Two weeks before Americans head to the polls to elect a new president, 78% of adults say they’re worried about the economy according to Ramsey Solutions’ new State of Personal Finance report for the third quarter of 2024. Ramsey SolutionsThe research notes millennials (ages 27-42) are the most concerned at 83%.  The survey finds people are feeling the effects of the higher costs of goods and services, and they remain concerned about inflation. In addition, 37% said their finances are in worse shape than four years ago. Thirty-four percent said their finances are about the same, while only 29% said they’re better off than they were four years ago. The research indicates more than half (52%) of Americans believe the U.S. presidency has a major impact on their personal finances. “We encourage every American to go out and vote,” said Dave Ramsey, personal finance expert and host of “The Ramsey Show.But remember, what goes on in your house is a whole lot more important than who’s in the White House. The research shows that less than half of Americans believe a written household budget is the way to win with money. That has to change, or nothing will.”

Other key findings include:

• 1 in 3 Americans can’t afford Christmas and plan to use credit cards to make up for the shortfall.

• Nearly half of Americans (49%) report some difficulty paying bills, with Gen Z struggling the most (69%).

• 34% said they have at least $10,000 in consumer debt.

• Only 1 in 10 U.S. adults are investing 15% or more of their income.

To see the full results of Ramsey Solutions’ State of Personal Finance report, please click here.

The State of Personal Finance is a quarterly research study conducted by Ramsey Solutions with 1,006 U.S. adults to gain an understanding of opinions and attitudes toward money in America. The nationally representative sample was fielded September 12-16, 2024, using a third-party research panel.

 

 

Industry Views

MONDAY MEMO: Bleep?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

F bomb

Industry News

2024 Presidential Race Taking on Historic Role as Nation’s First “Podcast Election”

Tyrus and Trump

Industry News

September 2024 U.S. Podcast Ranker Released from Triton Digital Plus New Political Podcast Data

TritonTriton Digital has just released its U.S. Podcast Ranker for September 2024. The ranker is measured by Triton’s Podcast Metrics measurement service and includes a reporting period of September 2, 2024 – September 29, 2024.

Highlights this month include:

• iHeart Audience Network was the #1 Top Sales Networks Report, SiriusXM Podcast Network came in at #2, followed by NPR at #3.

• Top podcasts based on downloads included “NPR News Now” (NPR) at #1, “Up First” (NPR) at #2, and “Crime Junkie” (audiochuck) climbing to #3.

• Top podcasts for listeners were “NPR News Now” (NPR) at #1, “Crime Junkie” (audiochuck) at #2, and “Up First” (NPR) at #3.

• Top podcast debuts included “NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal (iHeart Audience Network), “Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)” (SiriusXM Podcast Network), and “All In With Chris Hayes” (NBCUniversal News Group).

Additionally, Triton Digital collaborated with Signal Hill Insights to uncover political podcast downloads and audience trends as the U.S. presidential election approaches:

• Political podcasts have seen a 28% increase in year-over-year downloads with incremental increases over the last six months.

• Twice as many downloads come from Democrat-leaning podcasts as Republican-leaning ones. Although Democrat-leaning podcasts still make up the majority of the political podcast market, they saw their listenership decline from 58% to 56% year-over-year while Republican podcasts rose from 23% to 28% of total political podcast downloads.

• The demographic profile of political podcast listeners reveals an older, highly educated, and affluent audience compared to the U.S. general 18+ population: 59.7% are college graduates, 31.9% report a household income exceeding $100,000, and nearly half (47.2%) are 55 years or older.

• While still affluent and educated compared to the U.S. Population, Republican-leaning podcast listener profiles under-index compared to Democrat and Independent-leaning podcasts on these attributes. Additionally, they boast the highest proportion (89.9%) of White/Caucasian listeners among the three political leanings. Democrat-leaning podcasts have attracted the highest proportion (17.4%) of Black/African American listeners.

• Independent-leaning podcasts claim the highest proportion (16.2%) of Hispanic listeners and are 68.2% college-educated, and 62.4% male.

Please click HERE and for more details.

Industry News

FOX News to Launch Hour-long Spanish-Language News Program

FOX News Media announces the October 15 launch of a new daily, one-hour Spanish-language program titled, “FOX Noticias,” focusing on issues impacting the Hispanic community. The program will be anchored by “FOX & Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy and airs weekdays at 4:00 pm ET on Spanish-imlanguage sports network FOX Deportes. It will also be available in podcast form via FOX News Audio. Ahead of the debut, FOX News Digital will launch a Spanish-language version of the FOXNews.com website beginning today which will be machine translated. Campos-Duffy comments, “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to host ‘FOX Noticias.’ As the fastest-growing electorate, accounting for nearly 20% of the population, the Hispanic American community is thriving, and I am proud to bring a new show that breaks down the news of the day with a focus on the kitchen table issues that matter most to our community.”

Industry News

Michael Harrison to Keynote and Be Honored Tonight at Hurley Charity Dinner in AC

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TALKERS founder Michael Harrison has been named keynote speaker and guest of honor at this evening’s 16th Annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation Dinner Gala and Silent Auction. The event, organized annually by WPG, Atlantic City morning host and noted radio industryim philanthropist Harry Hurley, has raised more than $1.4 million for worthy causes across New Jersey and beyond. It has become one of the most important annual civic events in the Garden State drawing 270+ guests including government officials, media representatives and community-minded business leaders. The gala will be at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. Harrison says, “This is a huge honor and I’m looking forward to addressing this distinguished event with observations about the media’s position at the crossroads between politics, journalism and changing social norms.” Hurley tells TALKERS, “Our special event will be taking place four weeks before one of the most consequential national elections in American history… arguably, the most important election since the Civil War era. It deserves to have a keynote speaker as even-handed and eloquent as Michael Harrison.”

Industry News

Rob Finnerty to Lead Newsmax’s Prime Time Lineup

Newsmax names veteran news anchor and broadcaster Rob Finnerty host of “Finnerty,” leading the cableim news network’s primetime lineup at 8:00 pm ET, debuting on October 8. For the past four years, Finnerty has been co-host of Newsmax’s “Wake-Up America” morning program with Sharla McBride. Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy says, “Rob has demonstrated success in our morning show and connects with our audience in a powerful way, and we believe he will continue that success in primetime.” Finnerty comments, “For far too long cable news has been a monolith – with very few options available to the American people, but Newsmax is proof that the model is changing, and I feel incredibly honored to be a part of that change. Ever since I got here, Newsmax has kept growing and growing, which is amazing for this industry. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am so grateful to Newsmax and its team led by CEO Chris Ruddy.” Pictured here is Rob Finnerty as a special guest speaker at TALKERS 2024. 

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Cumulus Media Announces Two New Podcasts from the Rich Eisen Podcast Network. Actor O’Sheaim Jackson, Jr. is hosting the new weekly podcast “No-Contest Wrestling” with co-host TJ Jefferson the show combines Jackson’s and Jefferson’s unique takes on sports entertainment by interviewing the biggest stars, going behind the scenes with untold stories from the world of wrestling. The second show is “The Jim Jackson Show,” hosted by two-time All-American and 14-year NBA veteran Jim Jackson. In this show, Jackson covers basketball from the college game to the highest levels of the NBA. Eisen says, “I’ve been in a constant search for new, fresh, thought-provoking, and entertaining voices to add to our growing podcast business, and I’m thrilled to add both O’Shea Jackson, Jr. and Jim Jackson to the roster.”

VSiN Partners with Interstate 15 Agency. VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, announces a strategic partnership with sports and entertainment marketing agency Interstate 15. Following the network being acquired in 2021, VSiN was bought back by Musburger Media and says it is now “poised to further enhance its brand and broaden its reach.” VSiN president and chief business officer Brian Musburger says, “We’re excited to leverage this partnership to enhance VSiN’s brand and further accelerate our growth. With Jason Gastwirth’s vast understanding of entertainment strategy and his relationships in Las Vegas, Jamie Fritz’s connections to sports legends and Greg Cannon’s track record creating, launching and building brands, Interstate 15’s proven expertise will help VSiN tap into the cache and star power that make Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world.”

WGRT, Port Huron, Michigan Signs with Virtual News Center. Port Huron Family Radio, Inc. station will use daily newscasts anchored by JP bZett. Station GM Marty Dorn says, “We are thrilled to partner with Virtual News Center to bring timely and reliable news updates to our radio station listeners.”

Industry News

Pop Music Band Invites Radio Talk Show Hosts to Appear in Music Video

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TALKERS News Notes

Steve Jones and Mike McVay Guest on New Episodes of Benztown Podcast. Steve Jones Mike McVayBenztown, a global leader in radio imaging, voiceovers, programming, podcasting, and jingles, has released two new episodes of “Chachi Loves Everybody,” an original podcast series hosted by its president Dave “Chachi” Denes. The episodes feature Chachi’s special guests Steve Jones, president and CEO, Skyview Networks, and Mike McVay, president, McVay Media Consulting.  Jones and McVay will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City.  To listen to the new “Chachi Loves Everybody” podcast episodes, please click here.

 

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TALKERS News Notes

Salem Radio Network and the Salem News Channel Will Simulcast CBS News VP Debate.   Beginning at 9:00 pm ET on Tuesday (10/1), Salem will simulcast the 90-minute debate between U.S. Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz that will be moderated by “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan, host of “Face the Nation.”  Immediately prior to the simulcast, SRN and SNC will broadcast a two-hour Salem “Pre-Debate Special” beginning at 7:00 pm ET. Salem’s Larry Elder will host the program and will be joined by SRN’s Mike Gallagher, Dr. Sebastion Gorka, Dennis Prager, and Tony Perkins. Phil Boyce, SVP for Spoken Word at Salem Media Group, tells TALKERS, “Who better to host our Pre-Debate coverage than Larry Elder who ran for Governor of California and then for President. He’s been in that chair before, so he knows what to say. Stations who sign up for coverage are in for a treat!” Interested stations in the East Coast and Central regions can contact Jim Bligh at  jbligh@srnradio.com or 212-419-4663.  On the West Coast or in the Midwest region (North Dakota to Texas) contact Kelli DeShan at  kdeshan@srnradio.com or 972-707-6882.

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WABC Owner John Catsimatidis is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Video

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Monday Memo: Plan Now… or Ghost

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

im

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Radio Hosts Invited to Appear in Forthcoming Gunhill Road Music Video Celebrating Talk Radio

Gunhill Road Needs You!

Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has attracted hundreds of thousands of worldwide followers with its growing repertoire of issue-oriented songs and music videos, is currently in production with an anthem celebrating talk radio. Titled “Don’t Stop Talkin’” – the song is an uplifting and infectiously catchy tune about the vital role talk radio plays in serving the cause of American freedom of speech.  With lines that include “As long as you’ve got a voice, don’t ever stop!” and “As long as you’ve got the truth, don’t ever stop!” the original composition co-written by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian Koonan, and Michael Harrison encourages talk radio practitioners to keep up the good work and great service they provide the nation.Gunhill Road Logo The images accompanying the music will be a dynamic montage of individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows.  The group invites talk show hosts from around the country – local and syndicated – to contribute video clips of themselves in action on the mic. The clips need not be longer than one minute and show the face of the host on air in the studio (even if it is a home studio) and, if possible, show the station or program logo in the frame.  Obviously, the group cannot guarantee inclusion in the final product, but every effort will be made to do so. Gunhill Road video producer (and TALKERS VP/associate publisher) Matthew B. Harrison states, “The members of Gunhill Road are so grateful for the attention and airplay they have received over the past five years from talk radio that they want to give something special back to the industry and its medium.”  Interested hosts should send their video clips to info@talkers.com along with permission to use them in the video.  The deadline for clips to be considered is October 11, 2024.  For more information about Gunhill Road please visit www.GunhillRoadMusic.com.

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AUDACY STUDY: Local Radio is the Most Trusted News Source

Local news radio is the most trusted news source, besting TV and social media, according to a new study conducted by Audacy in partnership with Alter Agents – a marketing research firm.  The study – “Local News Radio: Credible, Engaging & Mobilizing” – explores news radio’s powerful connection with news enthusiasts who consider news radio to be a vital part of their day and demonstrates how unbiased journalism and trusted relationships create a safe haven for audiences and brands. The study surveyed 2,542 listeners from seven markets with Audacy news stations, including Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco. “In an age of information overload, Americans seek credible news sources they can rely upon. Enter local news radio,” said Paul Suchman, chief marketing officer, Audacy. “Local news radio serves as a trusted voice, delivered by brands that are deeply connected to the communities they serve. These environments create exceptional opportunities for advertisers to reach engaged audiences with significant buying power. And the premium content local news stations deliver is unparalleled in its relevance, timeliness, and humanity.”  The study indicates that at all moments throughout the day, millions of listeners turn to their trusted local news radio stations for the latest updates, insights and stories that shape their community and the world. These listeners are deeply engaged with their cities, constantly seeking information and turn to trusted news sources to stay informed. 85% of listeners find local radio news credible – more than any other medium. The study further insinuates this credibility pays immense dividends for advertisers, as 92% of listeners pay attention to advertisements they hear on local radio, with almost 80% of these listeners finding ads on news stations both trustworthy and informative.  To view the “The Power of Local News Radio” please click here.

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Nikki Haley to Host New Radio Show on SiriusXM.

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TALKERS News Notes

Industry Views

STERLING STATES: Get Rush Right!

Walter M. Sterling
By Walter M Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
“Sterling on Sunday”
Talk Media Network

BLIND QUOTE TEST: Who said, “We don’t have to worry about oil spills, the ocean is a big place. What do we care about dolphins? I don’t see dolphins building super-highways at the bottom of the ocean.” That’s Rush Limbaugh at one of his more compelling moments.

Mr. Limbaugh and I shared a mentor: Ed McLaughlin.  When Rush launched, he did an interview with this publication where he stated that his mission was to INFORM-INFORM-INFORM. I was with Ed Mclaughlin when the article was published and Ed became distracted and slightly annoyed,

“I’m going to have to talk to Rush when he gets off the air. That’s not his mission. His mission is to ENTERTAIN-ENTERTAIN-ENTERTAIN,” said Mr. McLaughlin. Rush followed the guidance from McLaughlin, who was the founding GM of KGO San Francisco and president of the ABC Radio Networks.

The reason Rush was a success was not that he attacked Democrats, it was because he was entertaining.  Tragically, it appears that most of his copycats only steal Rush’s stage rather than his performance.

Rush’s show was heavily prepped to generate an entertaining package. Yes, he’d attack Democrats – and he initially attacked Donald Trump. But the show was everything else, and everything else won the ratings.

EVERYTHING ELSE:

• Every single day Rush brought BRAND NEW proof for his argument on any subject. He delivered revealing stories, anecdotes, jokes, observations. All shows were fresh and UNPREDICTABLE. While his conclusions on a given topic may have repeated day after day, his evidence was always new and often surprising.

• He liked cats. He talked a lot about his cats.

• Radio wrestling. If a caller presented hard, cold facts that refuted one of Rush’s arguments, facts that busted Rush, Rush would say, “So what of it sir? I’m right.” He never, ever changed his opinion and that is a show.

• He liked football, he talked a lot about football.

• TV shows, Florida, hating New York City, his weight and dumb fails of the characters of our country were often the majority content of a three-hour show.

• A lactating mom caller pleased him when she said it was her responsibility to find a place to express her milk during the workday – not her employer’s. At first Rush didn’t understand, then he realized, with her help that a nursing mom either shares her milk with the baby or she must “save” it. Bonus track, she was a Native American who adored Rush. But you didn’t expect any of that!

He was very savvy about who he became. He rarely did TV interviews because his audience was bigger than any cable channel he might bless. Why should he promote those channels?

Rush had been a top 40 jock. A Top 40 background matched KGO general manager Mickey Luckoff’s criteria for hiring hosts: “The main hosts must have top 40 experience because I can teach them ‘talk,’ but I can’t teach them how to do RADIO.” Howard Stern said on air, “My job is to get to the next thing.” Top 40 is all about the next thing.

His arguments against the Democrats were a stage for presenting daily surprises. If you want Rush’s ratings, SURPRISE!

Walter M Sterling’s nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at waltermsterling@gmail.com.

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EDISON RESEARCH: “Share of Ear” Q2 Audio Ad-Supported Data Available

For the last 10 years, Edison Research’s quarterly “Share of Ear” study has been an authoritative examination of time spent with audio in America. The Cumulus Media / Westwood One analysis of the just-released Q2 2024 data   focuses on “what advertisers care about” – ad-supported audio.  Here are some of the findings as presented in a special report by Pierre Bouvard, chief insights officer of the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group®:

• Since consumer interest in Pandora Radio hit an all-time high in 2008, its audience and profile have significantly collapsed, according to Google Search trends.

• A brand-new Advertiser Perceptions study conducted in August 2024 reveals marketers and media agencies need to “take the me out of media” as they wildly overestimate Spotify and Pandora audiences and dramatically understate AM/FM radio’s shares.

• AM/FM radio represents the dominant ad-supported audio platform with a 69% overall share and a massive 86% in-car share.

• Podcast audiences soar. At a 19% share of ad-supported audio, podcasts now represent one out of every five minutes of U.S. ad-supported audio.

• Among registered voters, AM/FM radio leads in ad-supported audience share (69%), followed by podcasts (19%).

Edison surveys 4,000 Americans annually to measure daily reach and time spent with all forms of audio. For more details, click here for the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® analysis of the just released Q2 2024 data.