Industry News

Paul Blake to Lead Beasley Philadelphia

Beasley Media Group promotes Paul Blake to cluster manager for its Philadelphia stations. He most recently served as vice president/director of sales and has been with the cluster for the past 22 years. In his new role,im he will report directly to president Bruce Beasley and will be responsible for overseeing WMMR-FM, WMGK-FM, WXTU-FM, BEN FM, 97.5 The Fanatic, WWDB 860 and Camden’s WTMR 800. He states, “I am deeply honored and thrilled to take on the role of cluster manager for Beasley Media Philadelphia. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Beasley family for their unwavering trust and confidence in me. It is an incredible privilege to lead one of America’s premier groups of radio stations and digital content creators, and I look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and innovation in the media industry.”

Industry News

Aitken Named Cumulus Media Chief HR Officer

Cumulus Media promotes Kriston Aitken to chief human resources officer, effective July 1, 2024. She’ll be responsible for human resources strategy and operations, talent management, compensation and benefits, and supporting the advancement of the company culture. She succeeds Todd McCarty, who is retiring afterim nearly nine years with the company. Aitken joined Cumulus Media in 2016 and has been SVP of human resources for the past two years. Cumulus CEO Mary G. Berner says, “For the past nearly eight years, Kriston has been a stand-out HR executive, and I’m delighted that she is fully ready and able to step into this important role. Given our significant focus on culture and the fact that 94% of our surveyed employees express pride in working at Cumulus, it’s crucial to have a leader genuinely invested in cultivating our culture. Kriston’s commitment to this aspect and her proven operational skills give me full confidence that she will continue to enhance the legacy that Todd leaves behind.”

Industry News

Ongoing Coverage of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond

The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national event took place this past Friday (6/7) at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was an advance sellout. The power-packed, one-day agenda featured a roster of more than 60 speakers from all ends of the talk radio and related talk media industries including talent, station owners, CEOs, programmers, technical experts, journalists, syndicators, and a wide variety of visionaries. The annual talk media industry tradition was presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Key discussions included “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World,” “The Case for AM Radio,” “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era,” “The State of Sports Talk Radio,” “The Brave New World of Technological and Generational Change,” “Programming News/Talk Radio,” “Perspectives on Hosting Television Talk,” “Philanthropy and Community Service,” “The Art of Story Telling,” “Talk Radio Programming Opportunities Beyond Politics,” “Meeting the Challenges of Being a Talk Talent,” “The Big Picture of Radio’s Role in a Rapidly Changing World,” and “The State of the First Amendment” among others. As the volumes of data generated by this gathering are sorted out, TALKERS will provide in-depth, detailed coverage of the conference in the days and weeks ahead including posting videos of its key segments.  See a selection of photos from TALKERS 2024 Radio and Beyond below.

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KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM, Seattle afternoon talk show host John Curley was the 2024 recipient of the TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year award (the Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Community Service). He is pictured delivering his acceptance speech discussing the importance of using your platform for good causes.

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Michael Harrison (l) interviewed Fred Toucher (r), morning show co-host of WBZ-FM 98.5 The Sports Hub, Boston in a fireside chat titled, “The State of Sports Talk Radio.”  The discussion included comparisons between sports talk and news/talk radio, the benefit of sports talk hosts operating in on-air teams, the relationship sports talk hosts have with home teams and their ardent fans, dealing with harsh criticism on social media, the impact of gambling on sports talk radio, the challenges hosts are facing in covering women’s basketball and more.

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One of the many highlights of the conference was a blessedly civil “Great Debate” between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann (c) representing the left and Salem Radio Networks host Mike Gallagher (r) representing the right.  The session was moderated by Lee Harris (standing l), director of integrated operations, NewsNation/WGN Chicago.

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The panel session titled, “Behind the Mic,” delved into the issues and challenges faced today by talk radio talent. Participants included (l-r) Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond; Frank Morano, WABC, New York/Red Apple Media; Martha Zoller, WDUN, Athens, GA; Moderator Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, Compass Media Networks; Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia; Howie Carr, Howie Carr Radio Network; and Chris Krok, WBAP, Dallas.

Industry Views

The Evolution of Radio Station Stickers in the 21st Century

By Andy Gladding, EdD, CBT

Chief Engineer
Salem Media of New York
WRHU Radio, Hofstra University

imThe best thing about attending media conferences like TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond, which occurred last week on June 7, is the opportunity to hear diverse viewpoints from industry experts. Gatherings like these also provide the opportunity for attendees like me to “chew” on some of the great ideas presented by the expert panelists and think about solutions to some of the challenges raised during the discussions.

One of the many contemporary issues facing radio brought up during TALKERS 2024 was the evolution and need for vinyl bumper stickers in today’s branding environment. Bumper stickers have been a central component of radio station marketing over several decades, as they provide a low-cost visual aid for stations to get their logo and frequency out to the public, using a “listener-driven” mobile platform. However, as cars increase in price, value, and longevity, station owners are questioning the willingness of car owners to plaster their high-cost investment with third-party advertising. Therefore, the value of continuing to create and distribute vinyl stickers for radio stations has been called into question.

While cars may no longer be an attractive moving billboard destination for station listeners, a whole new field of organic advertising space has emerged, especially on the surface of laptop computers, tablets, and other mobile devices. Many consumers use the uniform blank space of their laptops and cellphones as a place for vinyl stickers. The idea behind this concept is that vinyl stickers allow the device owner to personalize their equipment for identity branding and theft protection. It is much easier to identify a personal device at a place like a coffee shop or airplane security line if you’ve placed a personalized vinyl sticker on it. Many Millennials and Gen-Z’ers are more willing to use the back of their electronic devices as a showcase for vinyl sticker advertising, as it helps attract attention to the user while in a public setting and lets others know “what they are about” with just a quick glance. Electronic devices are on display everywhere and are often carried around with the user in backpacks. When presented with a vinyl sticker, the recipient is usually willing to place the sticker on the device, simply because trying to store it elsewhere will usually result in the destruction of the vinyl sticker.

With this in mind, radio station marketing folks may want to rethink the footprint and layout of their vinyl stickers, choosing to migrate the wider “car bumper” format to a smaller, more concise mini-billboard that could live, display, and survive more effectively on the back of an electronic device.

Solutions like these can only happen when the listener is presented with a challenge by top industry minds. This TALKERS 2024 attendee is grateful for the chance to help provide a solution to a practical problem, made possible by the collaborative environment fostered by an in-person gathering.

Andy Gladding is the chief engineer for Salem Media of New York and WRHU, Hofstra University. He can be emailed at biggladman@aol.com

Industry News

Josh Klingler to Exit KCSP, Kansas City Morning Show

Longtime Kansas City sports talk radio personality Josh Klingler is leaving his daily role on sports talk KCSP-AM’s “Fescoe In The Morning” program with Bob Fescoe. The Kansas City Star reports Klinglerim made the announcement yesterday (6/11) on the program. He said, “I am retiring from daily radio. I’ve been doing this for 30-something years all told six and seven days a week and kind of decided, probably after the football season if I’m being honest… My get-into-work time has been gradually getting later and later and later. And it’s just because getting up sucks. And there’s no other show I would want to do. There’s no other thing I would want to do in media. And just decided for me that this was like the perfect time to walk away.” Klingler says he’s not retiring fully. He’ll still do Chiefs radio broadcasts and some freelance TV. Read the Kansas City Star report here.

Industry News

Salem Partners with HC2 Broadcasting for TV Distribution

Salem Media Group enters into a partnership HC2 Broadcasting to distribute the Salem News Channel to 55 television markets via digital, over-the-air signals. Salem News Channel VP and general manager Cary Pahigian says, “We welcome our new partnership with HC2 Broadcasting. This is another significant step inim the rapid growth and distribution of the Salem News Channel, and in HC2 Broadcasting’s expansion.” HC2 operates stations in markets including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Houston, San Francisco, Phoenix and more. HC2 Broadcasting president and CEO Les Levi comments, “We are excited about our partnership with Salem Media Group and delighted to be launching the Salem News Channel on our TV broadcast platform. The channel will be available for the first time to broadcast television viewers, who should enjoy the network’s rich and informative news content.”

Ratings Takeaways

May 2024 PPM Ratings – Part Two

imMay 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 ratings period (April 25 – May 22) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included in our Ratings Takeaways.

MLB spoken-word flagships are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are April 2024 – May 2024 (6+). 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 4.6 – 3.8, #6 – #11

WFED .1 – .1, #30 – #31 (Nationals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 7.8 – 8.2, #2 – #2

Business News WDCH .5 – .6, #23 – #24

WUST .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA

Business News WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.5 – 2.0, #17 – #16 (Nationals)

WJFK-FM Stream .8 – .9, #20 – #19 (Nationals)

WTEM .2 – .5, #25 – #26

WTEM Stream .2 – .4, #25 – #28

WSBN .1 – .1, #30 – #31

WTSD DNA – .1, DNA – #31

WJFK-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Nationals)

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 11.3 – 10.7, 31st month in succession at #1 

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 3.3 – 2.9, #12 – #13

WXKS-AM .4 – .6, #24 – #24

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.9 – 4.5, #7 – #7

Business news WRCA .2 – .2, #26 – #26

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 10.1 – 11.0, fifth straight month at #1

WEEI-FM 3.9 – 4.0, #10 – #8 (Red Sox)

WEEI-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)

WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 5.8 – 5.4, #3 – #4

WGBH 4.3 – 3.8, #8 – #9 

Note: Sports talk WBZ-FM’s +.9 (10.1 – 11.0) represents Boston’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024increase.

WBZ-FM is the flagship of the NBA’s Celtics, now playing in the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, whose flagship is rock KEGL.

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.3 – 1.4, #23 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 1.0 – .9 #25 – #25

WINZ .3 – .5, #31 – #30 (Marlins)

WQAM Stream .2 – .2, #34 – #33

WMEN .3 – .1, #31 – #36

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 5.3 – 4.3, #5 – #6

WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #36    

Notes: Public radio news/talk WLRN’s -1.0 (5.3 – 4.3) represents Miami’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

Sports talk WQAM is the flagship of the NHL’s Florida Panthers, now playing in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers, whose flagship is Edmonton (Alberta, Canada) news/talk CHED.

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 3.8 – 4.5, #10 – #6

KVI 1.3 – 1.8, #24  – #21

KTTH 1.4 – 1.5, #22 – #23

KPTR .1 – .1, #30 – #29

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.4 – 2.4, #18 – #17

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KIRO-AM 3.8 – 3.3, #10 – #14 (Mariners)

KJR-FM 1.6 – 1.8, #21 – #21

KJR-AM .5 – .7, #26 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 7.3 – 7.3, #3 – #2

KSWS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 1.7 – 1.7, #17 – #17

WFDF .4 – .3, #25 – #25

WJR Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WWJ 4.6 – 4.4, #10 – #11

WWJ Stream .6 – .4, #23 – #24

WDFN .1 – .1, #27 – #29

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 9.2 – 8.2, #1 – #2 (Tigers)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.5 – 1.6, #18 – #18 (Tigers)

WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #26 – #26 (Tigers)

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Tigers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.9 – 1.9, #16 – #16

WUOM 1.3 – 1.5, #19 – #19 

Note: Sports talk WXYT-FM’s -1.0 (9.2 – 8.2) represents Detroit’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024decrease.

PHOENIX

News/Talk

KFYI 2.9 – 3.4, #10 – #8

KTAR-FM 2.7 – 2.3, #12 – #19

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 2.9 – 3.4, #10 – #8 (Arizona Diamondbacks)

KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #33 – #33 (Arizona Diamondbacks)

KDUS .1 – .1, #33 – #33

KGME DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Diamondbacks)

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 2.6 – 2.6, #15 – #14

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.4 – 4.6, #10 – #9 (Minnesota Twins)

KTMY 2.3 – 2.7, #15 – #14

KTLK-AM 2.1 – 1.9, #16 – #17

WCCO Stream .6 – .5, #26 – #25 (Minnesota Twins)

News

KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #30 – #30

Sports Talk

KFXN 8.0 – 8.4, #2 – #2

KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #30 – #30

KQQL-HD3 .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 6.4 – 6.0, #6 – #6

KNOW Stream .8 – .9, #22 – #23

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk

KOGO 4.3 – 3.9, #8 – #9

KLSD .5 – .4, #24 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 4.0 – 4.3, #10 – #7 (Padres)

KGB-AM .5 – .4, #24 – #23

KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Padres)

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 6.6 – 6.6, #2 – #2

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 5.1 – 5.3, #5 – #6

WFLA 3.8 – 3.4, #12 – #13

News

Business news WHNZ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WDAE 2.3 – 2.2, #16 – #16 (Rays)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 2.0 – 2.1, #18 – #18

WMNF-HD3 Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31

WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 3.0 – 2.6, #15 – #17 (Colorado Rockies)

KDFD 1.3 – 1.3, #21 – #22

KHOW 1.2 – 1.2, #22 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

KKSE-FM 3.0 – 3.4, #15 – #12

KKFN 3.4 – 2.8, #13 – #13

KAMP .1 – .1, #33 – #35

KEPN .1 – .1, #33 – #35

KKSE-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 2.9 – 2.7, #17 – #16

KUNC 1.1 – 1.2, #23 – #23

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 3.3 – 3.6, #10 – #11 (Orioles)

WCBM 1.4 – 1.8, #15 – #14

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.4 – 1.2,  #15 – #17

Business News WDCH  .5 – .6,  #21 – #20

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 2.9 – 3.6, #12 – #11

WJZ-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #28

WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 3.3 – 5.2, #10 – #6

WYPR HD2 Stream .2 – DNA, #26 – DNA 

Note: Public radio news/talk WYPR’s +1.9 (3.3 – 5.2) is tied for Baltimore’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 increase.

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 4.5 – 4.7, #10 – #10 (Cardinals)

KFTK 1.5 – 1.7, #17 – #17

KTLK-FM 1.3 – 1.3, #18 – #18

KMOX Stream .9 – .6, #19 – #20 (Cardinals)

KFTK Stream .2 – .1, #27 – #28

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .2 – .1, #27 – #28

Sports Talk

WXOS 3.8 – 3.1, #12 – #14

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 5.8 – 5.0, #6 – #9 

Up next: May 2024 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Ongoing Coverage of TALKERS 2024 Radio and Beyond

The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national event took place this past Friday (6/7) at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – like its colorful predecessors – was an advance sellout. The power-packed, one-day agenda featured a roster of more than 60 speakers from all ends of the talk radio and related talk media industries including talent, station owners, CEOs, programmers, technical experts, journalists, syndicators, and a wide variety of visionaries. The annual talk media industry tradition was presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Key discussions included “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World,” “The Case for AM Radio,” “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era,” “The State of Sports Talk Radio,” “The Brave New World of Technological and Generational Change,” “Programming News/Talk Radio,” “Perspectives on Hosting Television Talk,” “Philanthropy and Community Service,” “The Art of Story Telling,” “Talk Radio Programming Opportunities Beyond Politics,” “Meeting the Challenges of Being a Talk Talent,” “The Big Picture of Radio’s Role in a Rapidly Changing World,” and “The State of the First Amendment” among others. As the volumes of data generated by this gathering are sorted out, TALKERS will provide in-depth, detailed coverage of the conference in the days and weeks ahead including posting videos of its key segments.  See a selection of photos from TALKERS 2024 Radio and Beyond below.

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Glenn Beck of Premiere Networks delivering TALKERS 2024 keynote address.  He spoke about the importance of developing storytelling skills as well as maintaining authenticity.  “Mean what you say and say what you mean.”

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Howie Carr (l) of the Howie Carr Radio Network being presented the TALKERS 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award celebrating his long career as a New England talk radio staple as well as his enormous accomplishments fighting crime and corruption as an investigative journalist. Mark Goldman of Goldman McCormick PR (r) made the presentation.

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WOLB, Baltimore veteran talk show host Larry Young paid tribute to the late SiriusXM Satellite Radio icon Joe Madison in a double ceremony honoring the memory of Joe and the outstanding career of his widow/executive producer Sharon “Sherry” Madison who was the 2024 recipient of the TALKERS Woman of the Year award.  Also speaking (but not pictured) at the presentation were Dave Gorab, VP/GM of talk programming at SiriusXM and last year’s recipient Martha Zoller of WDUN, Athens, GA who accepted on behalf of Mrs. Madison who was unable to attend.

We will post more photos from TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond tomorrow.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imMay 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 ratings period (April 25 – May 22) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.

MLB spoken-word flagships are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are April 2024 – May 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.2 – 3.3, #11 – #10

WOR 1.4 – 1.5, #20 – #19

WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23

WKXW Stream .3 – .2, #37 – #39

WLIR DNA – .1, DNA – #45

News

WINS-FM 4.7 – 4.3, #5 – #5

WCBS-AM 1.8 – 1.5, #19 – #19 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #34 – #34

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .3, #34 – #37

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #39 – #39 (Mets) 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.3 – 2.4, #13 -#13 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream 1.1 – .8, #22 -#26 (Yankees) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.0 – 3.3, #8 – #10

WNYC-AM .6 – .9, #27 – #24 

Note: Public radio news/talk WNYC-FM’s -.7 (4.0 – 3.3) represents New York’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease. 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 4.6 – 4.0, #3 – #7

KRLA .9 – .8, #32 – #33

KEIB .6 – .6, #34 – #34

News

KNX-FM 3.4 – 3.3, #10 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .2 – .2, #38 – #38

Sports Talk

KLAC 1.6 – 1.5, #27 – #26 (Dodgers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.1 – 1.8, #19 – #22

Notes: News/talk KFI’s -.6 (4.6 – 4.0) represents Los Angeles’ largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

Flagships of the Angels are sports talk KLAA (DNA) and sports talk KSPN (DNA).

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.8 – 3.0, #9 – #12

WLS-AM .9 – .9, #27 – #26

WVON .2 – .2, #39 – #36

WLS-AM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #41

WLIP .3 – DNA, #35 – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.2 – 5.2, #4  – #4

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .2 – .1, #39 – #41

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.3 – 3.2, #10 – #10 (Cubs)

WSCR Stream .3 – .2, #35 – #36 (Cubs)

WSHE-HD2 .1 – DNA, #45 – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.0 – 1.6, #18 – #21  

Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #38 

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.2 – 5.7, #3 – #3

KNEW .3 – .2, #30 – #32 (Oakland A’s)  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.9 – 4.2, #6 – #6 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.9 – 1.7, #19 – #20

KNBR Stream .5 – .4, #28 – #28 (Giants)

KGO Stream .1 – .2, #37 – #32  

KGO .1 – .1, #37 – #38  

KTCT .1 – .1, #37 – #38  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.1 – 5.9, #1 – #2

KALW .2 – .3, #32 – #31

Note: Public radio news/talk KQED’s -1.2 (7.1 – 5.9) represents San Francisco’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.2 – 2.6, #11 – #15

KSKY .6 – .6, #34 – #34

KLIF-AM .3 – .4, #36 – #36

KFXR-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #43

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.4 – 1.5, #28 – #26

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News KKGM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KTCK 3.7 – 5.3, #10 – #1

KRLD-FM 2.3 – 2.5, #20 – #19 (Texas Rangers)

KRLD-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.2, #31 – #28 (Texas Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 3.1 – 2.9, #12 – #12

Note: Sports/talk KTCK’s +1.6 (3.7 – 5.3) represents Dallas’ largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 increase.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 2.8 – 3.3, #17 – #13  (Astros)

KPRC .4 – .3, #27 – #30 

News

KXYZ .1 – DNA #34 – DNA

Sports Talk

KILT-AM .9 – 1.1, #25 – #24

KBME 1.1 – 1.0, #23 – #26  (Astros)

KILT-AM Stream .4 – .6, #27 – #27

KFNC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.5 – 3.4, #18 – #12

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.1– 7.1, #2 – #2

WFOM .2 – .3, #32 – #30

WGKA .2 – .3, #32 – #30

WAOK Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #33

WAOK .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WCNN 3.8 – 4.1, #10 – #8 (Braves)

WZGC 3.8 – 3.7, #10 – #11

WZGC Stream .5 – .6, #29 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.4 – 4.0, #13 – #9

WRAS  .6 – .5, #25 – #27

WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.3 – 2.1, #15 – #18

WKXW 1.1 – 1.1, #23 – #24

WPHT Stream .7 – .7, #26 – #25

WURD .4 – .3, #27 – #28

WURD Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31

WKXW Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31

WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #31 

News

KYW & WPHI 5.5 – 5.1, #6 – #6

KYW & WPHI Stream .3 – .5, #28 – #27

WTEL .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA

Sports Talk

WIP 6.7 – 7.4, #4 – #4 (Phillies)

WIP Stream 2.8 – 3.0, #13 – #10 (Phillies)

WPEN-FM 1.3 – 1.5, #22 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 2.9, #9 – #12 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.6 – 1.7, #18 – #18

WOR 1.1 – 1.2, #19 – #19

WLIR .2 – .2, #28 – #27

News

WINS-FM 5.2 – 5.2, #2 – #3

WCBS-AM 2.2 – 1.8, #15 – #16 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .6, #24 – #23

WCBS-AM Stream .5 – .4, #24 – #24 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .5 – .4, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.6 – 2.9, #11 – #10 (Yankees)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .1, #28 – #31 

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA

Sports Talk

KPWK .3 – .4, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .4 #19 – #21

KPCC .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.9 – 2.0, #16 – #17

KSFO Stream DNA – .3, DNA – #27  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 3.9 – 3.5, #7 – #8

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #28 – #29

KNEW .2 – .2, #28 – #29 (Oakland A’s)  

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.2 – 3.5, #9 – #8 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.8 – 1.3, #19 – #22

KGO Stream .4 – .8, #27 – #26  

KNBR Stream .9 – .3, #26 – #27 (Giants)

KGO .2 – .2, #28 – #29  

KTCT .2 – DNA, #28 – DNA   

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION (New Jersey) 

News/Talk

WKXW 7.3 – 7.0, #1 – #2

WOR 3.1 – 3.3, #10 – #9

WKXW Stream .7 – .8, #21 – #19     

News

WINS-FM 2.0 – 2.2, #13 – #12

WCBS-AM .9 – .8, #19 – #19 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .4, #24 – #24

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .3, #25 – #25 (Mets)

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 3.9 – 2.9, #8 – #10 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees) 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Note: Sports talk WFAN’s -1.0 (3.9 – 2.9) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

Up next: May 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond Achieves Goals and Exceeds Expectations

WABC/Red Apple Media co-owners, John Catsimatidis (l) and his wife Margo Catsimatidis (r) are pictured with TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (c) at “TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond.” This photo was taken immediately following the presentation of the 2024 Gene Burns Memorial First Amendment Award to John Catsimatidis and his acceptance address. The long-running annual honor is commonly referred to as the TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award. 

The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national event took place this past Friday (6/7) at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – like its colorful predecessors – was an advance sellout. The power-packed, one-day agenda featured a roster of more than 60 speakers from all ends of the talk radio and related talk media industries including talent, station owners, CEOs, programmers, technical experts, journalists, syndicators, and a wide variety of visionaries. The annual talk media industry tradition was presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Key discussions included “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World,” “The Case for AM Radio,” “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era,” “The State of Sports Talk Radio,” “The Brave New World of Technological and Generational Change,” “Programming News/Talk Radio,” “Perspectives on Hosting Television Talk,” “Philanthropy and Community Service,” “The Art of Story Telling,” “Talk Radio Programming Opportunities Beyond Politics,” “Meeting the Challenges of Being a Talk Talent,” “The Big Picture of Radio’s Role in a Rapidly Changing World,” and “The State of the First Amendment” among others. As the volumes of data generated by this gathering are sorted out, TALKERS will provide in-depth, detailed coverage of the conference in the days and weeks ahead. Check out the official Program Guide here

Industry News

Ray Stevens Back on Mornings at WLS-AM, Chicago; Steve Cochran Exits

Cumulus Media made sweeping changes to news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago on Friday as it dropped the Steve Cochran morning drive show, “The Closing Bell” and “PM Chicago” and brings Ramblin’ Ray Stevens back to host the new morning show. The station also moves Westwood One’s Michael Knowles and Matt Walsh into the PM drive hours where “The Closing Bell” and “PM Chicago” had aired. The morning drive changeim also affects air personalities Andrea Darlas and Jane Clauss, but it appears Darlas will continue with the station for weekends and her podcast. WLS-AM program director Stephanie Tichenor says, “Ray has been part of the fabric of ‘The Big 89’ for years. We’re thrilled to have him back in morning drive on 890 WLS-AM.” Stevens comments, “I am beyond ecstatic to be back doing mornings at WLS and 890 in my hometown. Special thanks to Marv Nyren and Stephanie Tichenor for having faith and believing in me. Also special thanks to KCMO’s Donna Baker and Pete Mundo who’ve let me work middays at the radio station for the better part of the year. I can’t wait to get to work and be on the air at the legendary 890 WLS-AM talking NASCAR, politics, football, and everything that makes us the greatest city in the world!”

Industry News

Kylie Moore Promoted to PM Drive Co-Host at “New Jersey 101.5”

Townsquare Media promotes PM drive producer and fill-in host Kylie Moore to co-host of the afternoon show alongside Jeff Deminski. This move comes shortly after the company cut Deminski’s longtime partnerim Bill Doyle from the co-host role. The new “Deminski & Moore” show airs from 2:00pm to 7:00 pm. Deminski states, “The stupid robots in grocery aisles, your phone that fell in a toilet, the governor’s hairstylist somehow avoiding charges, the fact that Kylie still doesn’t understand how to eat M&Ms, the neurosis we all have and never dare talk about. Kylie is fun, smart, and unique. I love the wide range of topics we’ll be able to cover.” Moore says, “I’m excited to partner with Jeff Deminski. He’s one of the hardest-working and most genuine people I know, and you can hear his passion through the airwaves. He can make me laugh, think critically, and argue with him all before we hit our first traffic break!”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Behold the Radio Unicorn!

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imGot young local radio news talent? CONGRATULATIONS, for five reasons:

1. They’re young, which our 100-year-old medium NEEDS.
2. Streaming and satellite competitors don’t do local.
3. Radio is still #1 in-car. And in-home again, via smart speakers.
4. As listeners wonder “What NEXT?” news has their back.
5. Talent is acquired. Hire attitude, train skills.

Just DOING local news makes you special, especially if your AM/FM competitors don’t. Six tips for taking it to the next level, and making your station more habit forming:

— Make this hour’s newscast sound different than last hour’s. A particularly clever turn-of-phrase can come back to haunt you the second time a listener hears that version. The little voice in their head says, “I already heard that.”
— Lead with the latest. Avoid telling the story in chronological order. Is there some detail that can top this hour’s version? “A third shift of state troopers has joined the search for little Sarah Johnson…”
— Write as though you were telling the listener face-to-face. The police posted: “Anyone who has seen a car matching that description is asked to contact the police.” Rewrite to say, “If you see that car, call the police.”

im

— Less is more. Long sentences can make it difficult for the listener to follow the story and understand the information. Emulate your network’s writing style. Write for the ear. Avoid using too many adjectives and adverbs.
— But don’t leave out verbs! “The woman’s husband arrested the wounded man taken to the hospital.” Huh?
— Highly recommended: “Writing Broadcast News Shorter, Sharper, Stronger” by Mervin Block (expensive on Amazon, FREE on Google Books).

Time Spent Listening is still the ballgame. Specifically, we want to add occasions of tune-in, which is easier than extending duration-per-occasion. Translation: There is very little we can do to keep someone in a parked car with the key on Accessories.

So be known for knowing. Benefit-laden imaging will earn you the information reputation that keeps listeners coming back again and again, “for a quick update.” And user-friendly copy points will be more effective than the boastful station-centric way many news promos sound.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry Views

Sabo Sez: Do Your Show

By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Partners
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
Host
WPHT, Philadelphia – daily
Talk Media Network – Sundays

imWhen recently starting nightly on WPHT, Philadelphia, I asked program director Greg Stocker if there was anything else management needed from me. Greg said, “Do your show.”

Since that luncheon meeting his words have sifted through my fevered brain and I realized that at this moment in time, his words were profound: Do your show. 

What he did not say:

Meet with sales.

Meet with HR.

Be sure to hit the live reads on time.

Don’t annoy (fill in the blank).

Get all the spots in.

Make sure the studio is clean when you’re done.

David Field listens so be careful.

Meet with sales.

I do my show and nothing else and I’m very happy.  The endless whine coming from our colleagues can be traced to ignoring the prime directive:  Do your show.

 Talk radio is magic, it’s free-form radio. Your music station brethren envy your freedom. They have to call for permission to change the order of pre-programmed songs! You don’t have to do anything which means you can do what you want… which means you can do something great.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. HITVIEWS clients included Pepsi, FOX TV, Timberland, Microsoft, and CBS Television. He can be reached at sabowalter@gmail.com. His nightly show “Walter Sterling at Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, now in its 10th year of success.

Industry News

“OK Now You Know” Podcast Launches on June 10

Monday (6/10) is the launch of the new show, “OK Now You Know,” hosted by six-time New York Timesim bestselling author Joe Garner. The podcast is being co-executive produced by Paul Bahr of Peachtree Sound and Ron Hartenbaum of WYD Media. Garner says, “In each episode, we explore the hidden aspects of everyday life. From why popcorn pops to the science behind your favorite songs. ‘OK Now You Know’ offers a fresh look at the world around us.” Hartenbaum adds, “We’re not just sharing information; we’re inspiring curiosity. ‘OK Now You Know’ makes every day a chance to learn something new.”

Industry News

Podcast Radio Partners with Local Radio Networks

Podcast Radio, in collaboration with Krantz Media Group, signs a deal with Local Radio Networks that will make Podcast Radio’s spoken-word format available through the LRN delivery platform, allowing it to be ingested directly into each affiliate’s automation system. KMG CEO Gary Krantz states, “We are excited to expand Podcast Radio’s presence into Local Radio Network’s ecosystem. Together, we’re creating a new way for listeners to discover and enjoy the best in podcast content through the familiar and trusted medium of radio.”

Industry News

WTEM, Washington to Broadcast the WNBA’s Mystics Games

The WNBA’s Washington Mystics and Audacy sports talk WTEM-AM Washington, DC announce a partnership to broadcast Mystics games live on “The Team 980” throughout the 2024 WNBA season.im The broadcasts will feature a simulcast live audio feed from Monumental Sports Network’s television broadcast and fans will be able to hear all 25 of the Mystics’ remaining regular season games available on the network this season. While most radio broadcasts will air on The Team 980, select games will air on “106.7 The Fan” (WJFK-FM) and The Bet Washington (WJFK-AM), and all games will be streamed locally on the Audacy app.

Industry News

WIP, Philadelphia to Broadcast from London This Weekend

“SportsRadio 94WIP” in Philadelphia – the flagship station of the Philadelphia Phillies – is broadcastingim from London tomorrow and Sunday (6/8-9) as the Phillies take on the New York Mets in the MLB’s London Series. to broadcast Major League Baseball’s London Series as the Phillies take on the New York Mets June 8 and 9. To celebrate the weekend, “The WIP Morning Show” broadcast live from Passyunk Avenue, London’s Philadelphia-themed bar, this morning (6/7) and will do the same on Monday (6/10).

Industry News

TALKERS Conference is an Advance Sellout

The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national event is set for Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University, just outside of New York City on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – like its colorful predecessors – is an advance sellout.  The power-packed, one-day agenda is spectacular! Check out the official Program Guide hereTALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Because the entire agenda of this year’s event will take place on the state-of-the-art television soundstage at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and a special staging area for individual interviews will be set up on an adjacent TV soundstage, the opportunity to create an in-depth video time capsule of this remarkably transitional moment in talk media history will be unprecedented.” Harrison adds, “The number of heavyweight players from all ends of the business gathered in one place for one day on a television soundstage will be of tremendous historical significance. We will grab the opportunity to save everything we can for posterity. This conference will be more than just another industry ‘convention.’ It will be a ‘symposium’ reflecting and preserving a remarkably colorful and historic era in American media and culture. Broadcasters and students of communications all over the world for years to come will bear witness to this ‘happening.’” The storied talk media industry tradition will again be presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and the school’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. For last minute information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

Industry News

Suzyn Waldman to Be Honored at Gracies Luncheon

When the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) presents the 49th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 18, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, pioneering Yankees sports announcer Suzyn Waldman will be honored with the Gracies Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of herim extraordinary contributions to sports broadcasting for over four decades, notably as one of the first women to cover Major League Baseball. Serving as host for the event will be ABC News senior national affairs correspondent and “20/20” co-anchor Deborah Roberts. AWMF president Becky Brooks comments, “We are honored to have Deborah Roberts, an exemplary journalist and storyteller, host this year’s Gracies Luncheon. Her illustrious career and dedication to impactful reporting epitomize the values we celebrate at the Gracie Awards. Additionally, we are honored to recognize Suzyn Waldman’s pioneering contributions to the industry with the Gracies Lifetime Achievement Award. This event promises to be a memorable celebration of talent and achievement in media.”

Industry News

Jeff Angelo Named New Morning Host at WHO, Des Moines

At iHeartMedia’s news/talk WHO, Des Moines, Jeff Angelo moves from his most recent late morningim daypart to morning drive, taking over for Maxwell Schaeffer and Amy Sweet, who exited the station earlier this year. He posts a message to Facebook saying, in part, “Iowans are all about connecting with each other and WHO Radio has always been at the heart of that. We’ll have conversations about the most important topics of the day, and we’ll share a few laughs along the way.”

Industry News

Wayne Allyn Root Inspires and Co-Writes New Pro-Trump Song

Las Vegas-based TV and radio host Wayne Allyn Root tells TALKERS that his latest project is a song co-written by country music artist Natasha Owens and her songwriting partner Ian Eskelin. Root says, “I am honored to have inspired and co-written this song and video about President Donald J. Trumpim titled, ‘The Chosen One.’ This song was inspired by the media firestorm across the globe in July 2019 when I said on my Newsmax TV show Trump was ‘like the King of the Jews and the Chosen One.’” Root debuted the song on his Real America’s Voice TV show, “The Root Reaction” and on his Talk Media Network nationally syndicated radio show. Root adds, “In light of this unprecedented persecution, indictments and now unjust conviction of President Trump, this is the perfect song and video, at the perfect time, and the perfect place, to lift the spirits of President Trump and the MAGA world, and to show the world President Trump is on a mission from God to make America great again.” Listen to the song here.

Industry News

TuneIn Brings Audio to Discord

TuneIn and Discord announce an agreement that will have the former bring music, podcasts, news, and live radio to the Discord platform. The new ‘TuneIn Radio & Podcasts’ Activity will make it easy to shareim listening experiences with friends on Discord with a huge assortment of free audio to add to hangouts or play in the background. TuneIn CEO Rich Stern says, “We’re thrilled to bring TuneIn to the millions of people who use Discord daily to connect and build friendships through audio. This launch underscores our commitment to provide listeners with access to high-quality audio content wherever they are. To be the first audio partner of this kind on the platform is a testament to our continued investment in innovation to power listening experiences everywhere.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/5) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race; President Joe Biden announces new restriction of asylum at U.S.-Mexico border; the Hunter Biden felony gun charge trial; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Israel-Hamas war and the state of Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition; Attorney General Merrick Garland’s testimony before the House Judiciary Committee; Prime Minister Narendra Modi wins reelection in India though his party loses seats in parliament; the Russia-Ukraine war; and the deadly Southwest heatwave were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Release Spring 2024 Podcast Report

Cumulus Media in partnership with Signal Hill Insights release the Podcast Download – Spring 2024 Report that evaluates the latest podcast audience trends. They say that a key finding uncovered in the this report is that podcast consumption is undercounted due to co-listening that is occurring with friends, family, and children. Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group VP, advertiser measurement & insights Lauren Vetrano states, “Since the dawn of podcast advertising, selling estimates based onim downloads, listens, or views never contemplated a device utilized by multiple people. What we have uncovered is that there is actually a fair amount of co-listening to podcasts that takes place. Whether it be with kids, friends, or family, the podcast industry is leaving ears on the table. There is a richer consumption story to be told as it is not just one person per download. For agencies and media planners, being able to examine co-listening by genre or podcast can offer invaluable insights into reaching the true audience.” Other notable findings include: 1) Marketers targeting people with a side hustle will find a rich concentration among men, heavy, and 18-34 podcast consumers; 2) Podcast pioneers and women like to go back to listen to back episodes and episodes they missed; 3) YouTube has been the most utilized podcast listening platform in the U.S. over the past year and a half: 31% say it is the platform they use the most, followed by Spotify (21%) and Apple (12%); and 4) As the world’s entertainment search engine, YouTube is the dominant podcast discovery platform where audiences are more likely to find podcasts. Find out more and download the report here.

Industry News

Eric Bolling Exits Newsmax

Newsmax journalist and show host Eric Bolling announce that Bolling is leaving the network. In a joint statement, they say, “After working together for three years to produce, present, and break news for the Americanim people, it’s time for Eric to embark on new endeavors. Eric and Newsmax are grateful for their time together and proud of the work they have produced.” Bolling’s program The Balance aired at 8:00 pm ET. Newsmax has replaced his show with its Prime News show with a rotating cast of hosts for the interim until a permanent replacement is named.

Industry News

WTOP Honored with Chesapeake AP Broadcasters Awards

Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP, Washington, DC took home seven first place Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association Awards last weekend, including Outstanding Website forim WTOP.com, Outstanding Newscast and the Best in Show Award for all radio for Outstanding News Operation. WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler comments, “In addition to the breaking news, traffic and weather WTOP offers, we have also made a concerted effort to offer a balanced news diet to our consumers across platforms. There are great ‘good news’ stories happening across the DC region every day. It is a great honor to see some of them honored in this way.”

Industry News

Salem Divorces Itself from 2000 Mules

On Friday (5/31), Salem Media Group released a statement regarding the 2022 film 2000 Mules (and its companion book) published by former subsidiary Regnery Publishing that purported to examine allegations of voter fraud related to the 2020 presidential election. Salem states, “In publishing the filmim and the book, we relied on representations made to us by [producer] Dinesh D’Souza and True the Vote, Inc that the individuals depicted in the videos provided to us by TTV, including Mr. Andrews, illegally deposited ballots. We have learned that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has cleared Mr. Andrews of illegal voting activity in connection with the event depicted in 2000 Mules. It was never our intent that the publication of the 2000 Mules film and book would harm Mr. Andrews. We apologize for the hurt the inclusion of Mr. Andrews’ image in the movie, book, and promotional materials have caused Mr. Andrews and his family. We have removed the film from Salem’s platforms, and there will be no future distribution of the film or the book by Salem.” The statement refers to Georgia resident Mark Andrews, who is suing D’Souza, Salem, and two people involved with True the Vote for defamation. That case is still in the courts, according to a report in The New York Times.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Upsell

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imAlmost everything I know about pricing strategy I learned from domestic airlines. Guess what? Airlines are at it again and I hope you are watching and learning.

As a young national sales manager, then general manager, based in South Florida in the 80s, I became a student of some of the best competitive marketing strategies ever created. Anyone would be hard pressed to remember all the domestic airline brands that serviced South Florida back then. Off the top of my head, here are the nine I remember: Eastern, Delta, Continental, American, United, US Air, Pan Am, TWA, and for a short time, Florida Airlines. Depending on the routes and time of year, the competition was crazy. Once the fourth quarter holiday season began in these pre-computerized days, last-minute changes kept me at my desk way too long, showing up late for several holiday dinners. Pricing, heavy ups, and copy changes came down with minimal lead time and a mandate of no make goods. Computers were first working their way into radio stations. Inkjet printers were in development and mobile phones were still in the lab at Motorola.

Armed with a desktop calculator, pencil, and yellow pad, I worked feverishly to keep up with the airline marketing tsunami that hit the Miami market leading up to Christmas travel. Our traffic department was the only part of our radio station that worked with computers. Nevertheless, stress and anxiety ruled until all orders were correctly inputted and confirmed. Once the smoke cleared, I decided to learn from our clients, the original pricing disruptors: the airlines of the early 80s.

After visiting with marketing directors, I learned how market demand and inventory were calculated and balanced to determine pricing. Later, I studied how Southwest successfully pre-sold into markets they were about to service. The successful airlines taught me how to improve the execution of “grid card rate management.” How to fine-tune and balance anticipated sell-out levels and integrate seasonality. Later, the art of successful pre-selling became an important part of our mission.

Fast-forward to today’s airline marketing and pricing. It’s all about the upsell. Consider all the options you have once you book that economy ticket. From early boarding, extra legroom, baggage fees, refundable vs. non-refundable tickets, travel insurance, to double the points, etc.

Airline income and profits are still on the post-pandemic upswing. Domestic travelers are out in force, many travelers comfortably participating in the upsell. The strategy is working.

Few if any radio-audio sellers are skilled in upselling. Most managers are not skilled in the upsell strategy and rarely have the time to learn. The concept may feel a little awkward at first, but once you understand how to work with the spectrum of assets your platforms can offer, the upsell strategy can help increase your sales as you help your clients!

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

9th Music Industry Reunion: “The Best One Yet!”

im

The 9th annual Music Industry Reunion held in Los Angeles on May 22 brought together more than 120 of radio and record industry artists, managers, producers, lawyers, legends and pros to the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, California. Former AllAccess publisher Joel Denver called it “The best one yet.” Legendary radio personality, actor and stand-up comedian Frazer Smith hosted the In Memoriam celebration of colleagues Dusty Street, Geno Michellini, and Jim Ladd that ended with a toast to their memory. Event organizers Jon Scott and Kenny Ryback welcomed folks who traveled from as far away as New York and Florida. Guest included: Val Garay, Michael Lloyd, Rick Frio, David Forman, J.B.Brenner, Mike Bone, Diane Bennett, Mike Gormley, David Helfant, Jean Johnson, Toby Mamis, Tommy Nast, Marsha Costa, Roy Trakin, and Steve Resnik.

Industry News

Edison: Reaching Potential Voters with Audio Ads

According to data from Edison Research’s ongoing Share of Ear study, reaching potential voters with campaign ads should include spending on audio because “fully 84% of the voting-age public is reached by ad-supported audio daily.” Where to spend depends on which potential voters campaigns are trying toim reach. “Republicans listen to more AM/FM radio than other groups, with an index of 109 (or 9% more listening than average). The ad-supported spoken-word channels on SiriusXM are a particularly efficient place to find Republicans, with an index of 146. Meanwhile, podcasts stand out as the more efficient platform for reaching Democrats, indexing at 121. And what about those elusive Independents, who often tip an election? Both streaming music, and in particular music videos on YouTube, over-deliver for these potential voters, with indexes of 103 and 123 respectively.” Edison adds, “Regardless of the party that buyers are trying to reach with political ads, audio stands out as a superior pathway to reaching voters. Audio provides enormous audiences and often a far less cluttered political environment than other ad channels.”

Industry News

WTOP Grabs Six Regional Murrow Awards

Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington has been honored with six Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). The WTOP newsroom was recognized as a whole in the Continuing Coverage category for coverage of the Crisis in the Middleim East, the Newscast category for its July 2023 coverage of the Commanders sale and the Overall Excellence category. The WTOP digital team was recognized overall in the Digital category for WTOP.com. Individual awards went to WTOP reporter Matt Kaufax in the Feature Reporting category for his piece on Martin’s Tavern turning 90 and to WTOP associate producer Veronica Canales in the Excellence in Writing Category for her piece on the Dr. Seuss Experience. WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler comments, “Our team’s mission every day is to deliver the latest news to the DC region and help the people who live in our communities. It is a huge honor to be recognized for that work with six regional Murrow awards.” See all of the Regional Murrow Award winners here.