According to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, overnight personality Sal Licata will move to the midday
daypart and join current co-host Brandon Tierney as Tierney’s longtime partner Tiki Barber moves to afternoon drive alongside Evan Roberts. Barber’s new role comes as Craig Carton leaves Audacy’s sports talk WFAN, New York to focus on his morning show at FS1. Read the Post story here.
Former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Juneteenth holiday; the 2024 presidential race; the search for the missing Titanic submersible; China’s Cuba ambitions and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s meetings with Xi Jinping; the Rusian-Ukraine war; and the heatwave hitting Texas and Louisiana were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
One of the many highlights of the TALKERS 2023 conference held at Hofstra University on Long Island on June 2 was a fireside chat conducted between Michael Harrison and Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw. The video of that informative conversation is posted here today (6/19). Jeff Warshaw describes himself as a “lifelong broadcaster.” He built his first station while still a student at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1993, he founded Connoisseur Communications Partners
LP, a 39-station group which he later sold to Cumulus Broadcasting in 2000 for $258 million. At this time, he pioneered notable progress in integrating legacy media with emerging digital technology. In 2004, he formed Connoisseur Media which now operates 13 radio station brands and digital assets in five markets. Highly respected and celebrated industry-wide for his outspoken candor and bullish approach to radio station ownership, Jeff Warshaw serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Broadcasters, the executive committee of the Radio Advertising Bureau, and is chairman of the Nielsen Audio advisory council. Harrison describes Warshaw as “one of the most knowledgeable, emerging forces to be reckoned with among radio industry leaders and a potential leader in the next wave of radio station consolidation.” The two discuss the intersection between ratings, revenue, and corporate culture. Not to be missed. See the video here.
According to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, former New York Giants running back, and current midday personality Tiki Barber will assume the afternoon drive co-host role at Audacy’s WFAN, New York
alongside Evan Roberts. This news comes several days after Craig Carton announced that he will leave WFAN on June 30 after agreeing to focus on his FS1 morning program. Barber has been co-hosting the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm show on WFAN with Brandon Tierney. Read the Post story here.
iHeartMedia Los Angeles announces it is naming Ann Ingold producer for news/talk KFI-AM 640’s morning shows, “The Bill Handel Show” and “Wake Up Call.” KFI program director Robin Bertolucci says, “Ann’s had
an illustrious career in LA radio, from LOVELINE’s inception on KROQ through the show’s network syndication and MTV. We’re thrilled to have Ann joining our iHeart LA team.” Ingold was most recently serving as producer on ITV’s weekly live Facebook Watch program and consulted Los Angeles radio shows for Audacy and Meruelo Media. She comments, “I want to thank Robin and everyone at KFI for being so welcoming.”
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
It’s that time of year. College graduates are pushing out resumes. Are you open for entry level sellers? Any turnover on your sales team this year?
In April, we reviewed new data impacting today’s college graduate entry-level sellers. 97% are open to jobs unrelated to their new degrees. 56% of Americans, as in their parents, do not believe a college degree is worth it anymore.
There’s more. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, a survey by college healthcare provider Timelycare, shows 53% of (2023) graduates want a full work-from-the-office environment, while only 21% are good with total remote. Are we saying entry-level sellers WANT to work from the office? These young people want the commute, politics, and distractions of the office workplace environment. Are you kidding me? The good old days?
The survey results do make some sense when you stop to realize most of the new grads spent a good part of their COVID-impacted college lives logging into classes, missing several semesters of lecture hall instruction and dorm life.
Now comes the closer: these isolation years caused these new grads a lack of “soft skills” or what we used to call social skills. Recruiters, colleges and universities are now coaching these new grads in everything from “How to Start a Conversation,” to proper in-office dress, to eating at the same pace as your business lunchmate.
Not kidding here, all you 50- and 60-something sellers and managers. This round of recruiting entry-level sellers is totally about “How To…” and you may want to consider video and an eBook once hired.
Let’s face it, with AI coming fast, the future is here and like everything else in sales, there is no clear “How To…” handbook. But recruit we must as nothing happens without a seller. Loyalty is quickly fading as new, younger sellers want a different experience.
Let’s prepare a starter list for recruiting entry-level sellers in today’s world. Here are 10 suggested questions and concepts to cover the basics:
— Why do you want to join our sales team?
— What do you think is the most important quality a seller must have?
— How would you define a sale?
— When was the last time you experienced rejection? What did you do?
— Give me an example of a recent success in a competitive situation.
— If you could do anything professionally, what would it be?
— I am going to hand you my pen. Sell it to me.
— What is the difference between a Winner and a Champion?
— What do you think the most important thing an advertiser wants to hear from a seller?
— Tell me what specifically brings you to sell for _______?
I’m sure you have your own recruitment strategy/profile. Is it current? For the seller, that younger team member may be different from what you expect. The best seller I coached was an Art History major.
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.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Has this happened to you? Moments after you have met someone, you forget his or her name? OOPS.
How to avoid this faux pas? Even a robot knows! I asked ChatGPT:
— Pay attention: When you are introduced to someone, make a conscious effort to pay attention to their name. Focus on the pronunciation and any unique aspects of their name.
— Repeat the name: After hearing the person’s name, repeat it back to them. This not only helps you reinforce the name in your memory but also confirms that you heard it correctly.
— Use association techniques: Associate the person’s name with something familiar or memorable. It could be a visual image, a rhyme, or a word that sounds similar. For example, if you meet someone named Mark, imagine them leaving a mark on something or wearing a specific item that reminds you of their name.
— Create mental connections: Connect the person’s name with something you already know or someone you know who has the same name. This association can help trigger your memory when you see the person again.
— Use name repetition: In the course of the conversation, try to use the person’s name naturally in your interactions. This repetition can reinforce the memory of their name in your mind.
— Visualize the name: Visualize the person’s name written out in your mind or imagine it spelled out in a particular font or color. This mental image can help solidify the memory.
— Practice active listening: Engage in active listening by asking questions and using the person’s name in conversation. Actively engaging with the person helps create stronger connections in your memory.
— Review and reinforce: After the initial introduction, take a moment to review the person’s name in your mind. If possible, use it when saying goodbye or when addressing them in subsequent interactions. The more you reinforce the name, the better chance you have of remembering it.
Excerpted from the E-book “Even a Robot Knows How to Sell Radio Advertising,” a free download at http://getonthenet.com/EvenARobotKnowsRadioSales.pdf
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features “Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;“and Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
Townsquare Media reports to investors that it has repurchased, and subsequently retired, 1.5 million shares of Class C common stock held by MSG National Properties, LLC, for $9.70 per share. The purchase price reflects an 8.5% discount from the closing price of the Class A common stock on June 15, 2023. Following this transaction, MSG will own 1,708,139 shares of Common Stock in the Company (comprising 583,139 shares of
Class A Common Stock and 1,125,000 shares of Class C Common Stock). The purchase price of $14.6 million was funded with cash on hand. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson states, “We could not be more pleased to share that given our strong cash position, we were able to repurchase approximately 8.5% of our total shares outstanding (and nearly half of MSG’s ownership in Townsquare), capturing a positive return for our shareholders. Due to our strong cash flow generation, we have demonstrated Townsquare’s ability to support a high-yield dividend and repurchase debt and equity, while also simultaneously investing in the future of our digital growth engine. This repurchase is immediately accretive to shareholders and we thank our board of directors for their vote of confidence in our medium and long-term business plan to grow revenue and profits.”
Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s visit to China to attempt to smooth U.S.-China relations; today’s Juneteenth Holiday; the uneasy truce between House hardliners and Speaker Kevin McCarthy over spending cuts; the heatwave hitting the U.S. South; and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research fromTALKERS magazine.
Yesterday (6/15), the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand broke the news that WFAN, New York afternoon drive personality Craig Carton will leave his role with the station at the end of the month to focus full time on his show on cable’s FS1 network. During Thursday’s program, he delivered an emotional farewell to the station, his co-host Evan Roberts, and to Audacy New York senior vice president Chris Oliviero – the man who
brought Carton back to WFAN after he served a year in prison for fraud. He said, “I had a saint in my corner. A gentleman by the name of Chris Oliviero. He has maintained his support of me as a friend and a brother through all the ups and downs of my radio career. When I got myself in trouble, he came and visited me. He told me if I ever got my life back in order and figured out why I made the bad decisions I made, he would be there for me. No guarantees of a job, but that he would never stop being my friend. Having a guy like that as your friend, I’m the luckiest guy in the world. Not only is he my friend, but he paved the way for me to come back to WFAN.” The WFAN website says Carton will continue to do his weekend gambling addiction program, “Hello, My Name is Craig” show that airs on WFAN on Saturday mornings. He added, “WFAN has meant the world to me. If WFAN didn’t give me the opportunity to come back and restart a career, no joke, I’m unemployable… so, walking away from WFAN is not easy. WFAN is my home.”
Cumulus Media announces that KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth “The Ticket” late morning personality Norm Hitzges will retire from the station on June 23 after 48 years in sports media and 23 years with “The Ticket.” Cumulus Media Dallas/Houston regional VP Dan Bennett says, “From the minute Norm hit the airwaves 36
years ago on KLIF and then ‘The Ticket’ you could tell he was a special communicator. He truly is one of Dallas radio’s great storytellers and he kept it going with Susquehanna and then Cumulus all these years. Not many have that kind of staying power. We wish him every happiness in his well-deserved retirement.” Hitzges states, “I’m so proud to be a part of what ‘The Ticket’ has built – a ratings dominator in a fantastic sports city. I shall so miss the daily ‘rush’ of being on the air. But after 48 consecutive years on the air in Dallas doing sports talk, it’s time to move on to the next phase of my life, whatever that may be.”
Edison Research and SXM Media release the Gen Z Podcast Listener Report. The report notes that Gen Z (ages 13-24) has an estimated online population of 24 million Americans. Some of the takeaways from this report include: 1) Podcast listening has grown among those age 13-24: In 2018, 30% of those age 13-24 had listened to a podcast in the last month. Today, 47% of those age 13-24 have listened to a podcast in the last month (24 million Americans), a 57% increase; 2) Gen Z got an early start with podcasts: 16% of Gen Z
monthly podcast listeners started listening as a child, 57% started listening as a teenager and 25% started listening as an adult. This means 73% of Gen Z monthly podcast listeners began listening before the age of 18; 3) Those who began listening earlier in life, listen longer: Gen Z monthly podcast listeners who started listening as a child consume 10.6 hours of podcasts per week; those who started as a teenager consume 7.5 hours per week, and those who started as an adult consume 6.6 hours of podcasts per week. The average for all Gen Z monthly podcast listeners is 7.7 hours per week; and 4) Gen Z act as a result of podcast ads: 82% of Gen Z monthly podcast listeners have taken any action as a result of hearing a podcast advertisement; 70% have either purchased or wanted to purchase the product or service they heard advertised, 61% have visited a company or product website, 44% have used a promo code or discount code mentioned in the podcast, and 42% have recommended a product to a friend or family member. See the study here.
The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA falls three-tenths and finishes the survey with a 3.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that leaves it ranked #12, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI also dips three-tenths to wrap with a 3.1 share good for the #14 rank in the market. iHeartMedia’s talk WTKS-FM, Orlando declines six-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and the #10 rank, while Cox Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WDBO adds two-tenths to finish with a 3.7 share that leaves it locked in the #11 position. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
Triton Digital releases its May 2023 U.S. Podcast Report that ranks podcasts listened to in America based on weekly average downloads and NPR’s “NPR News Now” is again the #1 podcast on the ranker. At #2 is
audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie,” followed by Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Ben Shapiro Show,” which rises from #4 to #3. Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” was steady at #7, while the company’s “The Matt Walsh Show” climbed two spots to #19. The Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” fell two spots to #21. See the complete ranker here.
May 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.3 – 5.8, +.5, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.5 – 5.8, -1.7, locked in third-place
KOPB’s internet stream 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #19 to #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, third straight month, 10.4 – 9.0, -1.4
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: triple A KINK (+1.1)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KOPB (-1.7)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.2 – 4.7, -.5, fifth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” flat at 2.0, anchored at #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.7 – 4.6, +.9, tenth to eighth
South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .7 – .5, -.2, remains at #20
Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, first month, 6.0 – 6.9, +.9
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WPEG (+1.2)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban AC WBAV (-2.1)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, #10 to #12
iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, #12 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, fifth consecutive month, 8.3 – 7.6, -.7
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.6)*
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country (-.8)
*Represents a (three-way) tie for the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.4 – 9.9, +.5, #1
KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, repeats in ninth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, flat at #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, unchanged at #12
Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, fifth month in succession, 9.4 – 9.9, +.5, #1
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KBEB (+1.5)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country KNCI (-1.5)
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, repeats at #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.1 – 7.3, +.2, locked in fourth-place
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, ninth to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, sixth month in a row, 10.1 – 11.5, +1.4
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.4)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: alternative WXDX (-1.4)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.0 – 5.7, +.7, sixth to third
Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.5 – 4.9, -1.6, second to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.0 – 2.6, -.4, #14 to #17
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, seventh straight month, 11.9 – 11.3, -.6
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock KAAZ (+.9)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk KSL (-1.6)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #20 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, eighth successive month, 11.2 – 7.5, -3.7
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KWNR and classic rock KXPT (+1.1)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSNE (-3.7)**
**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from all 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far
ORLANDO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.1 – 4.5, -.6, eighth to tenth
Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, locked at #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” flat at .7, continues at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #14 to #15
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, second month in a row, 9.4 – 9.5, +.1
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock WOMX (+1.6)*
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-.7)
*Represents a (three-way) tie for the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 11.6 – 12.0, +.4, #1
cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.5 – 4.2, +.7, ninth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU flat at 4.9, repeats in sixth-place
Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 16th consecutive month, 11.6 – 12.0, +.4
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: news/talk WKRC and classic country WNKR (+.7)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: rock WEBN and classical WGUC (-1.2)
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 6.6 – 5.9, -.7, sixth to eighth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, #10 to #11
WKRK’s internet stream 1.1 – .6, -.5, #16 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 6.0 – 6.5, +.5, ninth to sixth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, seventh month in a row, steady at 10.0
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock WNCX’s internet stream (+.6)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTAM (-.7)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.6 – 4.8, +.2, ninth to fifth
KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, #20 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #13 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.6 – 3.8, -.8, ninth to tenth
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 8.4 – 10.0, +1.6
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (+1.6)*
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-1.6)
*Represents a (three-way) tie for the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.4 – 7.1, +.7, third to second
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.3 – 5.8, +.5, fourth to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.9 – 4.3, -.6, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, seventh straight month, 9.2 – 10.2, +1.0
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WCOL and classic rock WLVQ (+1.0)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNND (-.8)
Up next: May 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, Georgia mid-morning talk show host Martha Zoller was the 2023 recipient of the TALKERS Woman of the Year award. The award, that has continuously been presented since 2001, is officially titled The Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Woman in Talk Radio. Zoller was presented the honor at TALKERS 2023 on June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. In making the presentation, TALKERS broadcast operations director David Bernstein stated, “Martha’s developed a national reputation in the talk media industry as a reliable go-to observer of the dynamics of Georgia politics from an even-handed, conservative perspective.
Over the years, she’s pivoted at different times between being a local and regional radio talk show host, a student, a political operative, a congressional candidate and a businesswoman… as well as a wife, mother, and grandmother. After graduating in 1979 from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, she worked in the corporate world in addition to raising a family. She says, ‘I know there is no glass ceiling and women can have it all, just not at the same time.’ A lifelong learner, she completed her M.A. in Political Science in 2021 at the University of Georgia’s School of Politics and International Affairs. Among her political experiences, she served as the state director of field offices for Governor Brian Kemp. From 2014 until 2018, she worked for U.S. Senator David Perdue in senior staff positions. She began her talk radio career in 1994 after having been a regular caller to WDUN. In addition to being a perennial member of the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred,” she has been named to James magazine’s list of Most Influential Georgians and Georgia Trend magazine named her as one of Georgia’s most influential members of the media. She also currently serves as the 9th District Representative on the Georgia State Board of Education. See a portion of Martha Zoller’ acceptance speech at TALKERS 2023 here. (EDITOR’S NOTE: TALKERS regrets that the opening portion of Martha Zoller’s speech was lost due to a technical mishap.)
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of the 24 Radio Hall of Fame 2023 nominees chosen by the Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee, with input from the radio industry and listeners. Voting – by more than 800 industry members – for inductees begins tomorrow (6/16) and runs through June 30. The top six vote recipients will gain induction as part of the 2023 Radio Hall of Fame Induction class. The two additional inductees that will make up the eight-person induction class will be selected by the
Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee. The nominees are: Bert Weiss, Bob Rivers, Charles Laquidara, Dyana Williams, Gerry House, Jaime Jarrin, John & Ken, John DeBella, Johnny Magic, Kevin Matthews, Kid Leo (Lawrence Travagliante), Larry Elder, Laurie DeYoung, Lee Harris, Rev. Louise Williams, Bishop, Mark Simone, Mary McCoy, Matt Siegel, Mojo in the Morning, Monica May, Nina Totenberg, Pat St. John, Shadoe Stevens, and Shelley “The Playboy” Stewart. 2023 Radio Hall of Fame inductees will be announced Monday, July 24, and honored in-person at the 2023 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, November 2, at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel in New York City. Radio Hall of Fame co-chairman Kraig Kitchin states, “Congratulations to each of this year’s’ nominees on this recognition. Behind this slate of nominees, the nominating committee reviewed more than 2,500 incoming suggestions from industry members and listeners before determining this group of talented individuals. Each nominee is deserving of induction, and I look forward to the results of the forthcoming confidential voting results.”
CRN Digital Talk Radio’s food, wine, travel and lifestyle daily broadcast “What’s Cookin’” – hosted by CRN founder and president Michael Horn and actor-writer-director Swayde McCoy – was honored with a top award
from the 2023 TASTE AWARDS. “What’s Cookin’” won its award for Best Food or Drink Radio Broadcast in a ceremony that took place in Beverly Hills. Horn says, “We are thrilled to have been selected as the TASTE AWARD winner in the all-important Best Food or Drink Radio Broadcast. It’s quite an honor to be recognized by those who voted for “What’s Cookin’ Today” and it’s quite an honor to bring the show daily to our incredible national listening audience.”
iHeartMedia Miami announces a new, multi-year deal for Spanish hits WZTU “TÚ 94.9 FM” to serve as the Spanish language flagship radio station for the Miami Dolphins. The station plans to expand affiliate stations in
Florida, nationally, and internationally to make Dolphins games accessible to Latino fans in new markets. The Dolphins’ gameday broadcasts will feature the familiar voices of Roly Martin and Eduardo Martell, who have called Dolphins games a tandem since 2018.
Renowned radio industry executive Kraig T. Kitchin was the 2023 recipient of the newly renamed Jim Bohannon Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement. Kitchin was presented the honor at TALKERS 2023 on June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. In making the presentation, TALKERS broadcast operations director David Bernstein stated, “Although still a relatively young man, Kraig Kitchin’s illustrious career goes back decades and his positive contributions to the radio business – including the spoken word formats and some of its greatest talents including the late Rush Limbaugh – have been
indelible and immeasurable.” Since 2008, Kitchin has been president of the talent management firm, Sound Mind LLC, with a focused effort toward managing the businesses of high-profile radio and podcast personalities as well as production companies. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Oxford Road, a media placement agency specializing in audio advertising, with a focus on podcasts and audio integrations. The nine-year-old agency is a leader in the audio space on behalf of more than 50 clients. Kitchin also serves as chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame to which he was appointed in 2014. Since assuming the role, he has reinstituted national public voting for two of the six categories of induction and has doubled the voting participant panel. Under his leadership, more than 75 radio icons have been inducted. Prior to launching his own firm, Kitchin was one of the founders of Premiere Radio Networks, Inc., in 1987. The company grew to be the number one radio network in the country syndicating 90 radio programs and services to more than 4,600 radio affiliates, reaching 190 million listeners weekly. He started as executive vice president of sales and by 1998 at the age of 37, he assumed the role of president/COO, one of the youngest in the country to run a $300 multi-million-plus radio company. During his 10-year tenure at Premiere, Kitchin directed and oversaw all talk and music programming and services featuring a wide array of the nation’s most popular personalities. In addition, he supervised Premiere Radio’s other properties: Mediabase 24/7, the industry’s leading music monitoring service, MJI Programming, and FOX Sports Radio. Kitchin started his career in station management at WFMK-FM in Lansing, MI, and KTYD-FM in Santa Barbara, CA before serving as sales manager of the Katz Radio Group Network in Los Angeles. See Kraig T. Kitchin’s acceptance speech at TALKERS 2023 here.
Today and tomorrow (6/13-14), broadcasters from around the country are in Washington, DC for a conference hosted by the National Association of Broadcasters and the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations that will focus on broadcasters’ response to certain automakers removing AM radio from their newer model vehicles and a regulatory proceeding examining carriage of broadcast television programming on
streaming platforms. Attendees will discuss the latest radio and automotive trends and how AM operators can prepare their stations for the future. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) will also offer insight into recently introduced legislation aimed at preserving AM radio in automobiles and representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will discuss AM radio’s critical role in the National Public Warning System. Following the conference, attendees will travel to Capitol Hill to speak with lawmakers about the importance of in-vehicle AM radio, especially during times of emergency and they will encourage congressional passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
Beasley Media Group’s Boston sports talker WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” reveals three changes to its program lineup. The company says longtime staffer Joe Murray takes over the night hosting duties, which will include anchoring the stations coverage of Bruins and Celtics broadcasts. Beasley says Murray has spent more than a decade contributing to each daypart at the station. In addition to serving as a regular on-air fill in-host,
he’s also co-hosted “The Over/Under Show,” the station’s dedicated gambling show and podcast that launched four years ago. He also currently co-hosts the New England Patriots post-game show following the game broadcasts on The Sports Hub Patriots Radio Network. Leroy Irvin expands his role on the station as he’ll continue to serve as 
a regular weekend co-host and will add on-air duties for New England Patriots broadcasts on the station, co-hosting the postgame show after each game. Irvin also serves as part of the “Get Up Crew” on Beasley’s sister urban contemporary WBQT-FM “HOT 96.9.” Finally, Cerrone Battle, formerly of the “Play Action Sports Podcast” and “That 617 Life” on NBCSB, joins the staff in which he’ll contribute to the station’s nighttime and weekend programming. Station program director Rick Radzik comments, “Joe, Leroy and Cerrone all grew up in Boston and, like our listeners, have an engrained passion for sports. It’s nice to see Joe’s many years of dedication pay off, have Leroy’s role at the station elevated, and hear Cerrone once again in his hometown. I’m happy for all three of them!”
This Thursday (6/15), Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” presents a town hall-style discussion titled, “Victim-Proofing Your Life.” The station says this presentation “will help New Jersey residents protect themselves from a tidal wave of scams, auto and home thefts, mass shootings, and identity theft that
has reached epidemic levels.” Station senior political director Eric Scott will lead the discussion with safety and security experts to help listeners identify and safeguard themselves from these threats. He says, “From home break-ins, catalytic converter thefts and internet scams, there is no shortage of ways that bad actors try and take advantage of you. This program will help New Jersey residents protect themselves from bad actors who are operating throughout New Jersey.”
May 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).
Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” steady at 3.7, #10 to #11
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, continues at #18
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.5 – 4.3, -.2, repeats in seventh-place
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, stays at #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, stagnant at #12
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM unchanged at 3.8, ninth to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, seventh month in a row, 7.6 – 8.4, +.8
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WSKQ (-.5)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” flat at 4.3, fourth to fifth
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, repeats at #11
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, #16 to #18
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, third month in succession, 5.7 – 5.9, +.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: hot AC KBIG (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KRRL (-.7)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, tenth to ninth
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, fourth to third
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 3.1 – 2.9, -.2, #12 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, repeats at #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, eighth straight month, 6.8 – 7.3, +.5
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.5)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: triple A WXRT and regional Mexican WOJO (-.5)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.3 – 6.4, -.9, first to second
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 to #9
Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 3.3 – 2.6, -.7, #9 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 5.2 – 4.5, -.7, fourth to fifth
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, second month in succession, 7.3 – 9.0, +1.7
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (+1.7)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-1.0)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, #13 to #11
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, remains at #20
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 5.6 – 6.6, +1.0, #1
Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 3.0 – 2.3, -.7, #14 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, #19 to #20
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, fifth straight month, 5.6 – 6.6, +1.0
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: sports talk KTCK (+1.0)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KDGE (-.9)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, tenth to ninth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #15 to #17
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 27th consecutive month, 8.9 – 9.2, +.3
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits KKHH (+.9)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: alternative KTBZ (-1.1)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, locked in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #18 to #17
Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.4 – 2.9, -.5, #11 to #14
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, fifth successive month, 8.9 – 8.7, -.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WAMJ (+.7)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WABE and hot AC WSTR (-.5)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.5 – 5.1, -.4, repeats in seventh-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 5.9 – 4.9, -1.0, sixth to eighth
WIP’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #21 to #16
Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, continues at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.9 – 4.4, -.5, flat at #9
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, first month, 7.5 – 8.5, +1.0
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WXTU (+1.7)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOGL (-1.1)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.8 – 3.2, +1.4, #19 to #10
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.2 – 1.6, -.6, #15 to #20
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, seventh to ninth
WCBS-AM cluster-mate WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, repeats in tenth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, fifth to seventh
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, third month in a row, 7.0 – 6.4, -.6
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult standards WHLI (+1.9)*
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic rock WBAB; hot AC WALK-FM; sports talk WFAN; news/talk WOR; and the internet stream of CHR WBLI (-.6)
*Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, unchanged at .3, stationary at #19
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, second straight month, 5.7 – 7.2, +1.5
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.5)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSGN (-1.2)
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.7 – 1.5, -.2, stays at #20
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.2 – 6.5, +.3, first to third
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, sixth to seventh
Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #18 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 5.4 – 6.6, +1.2 and classic rock cluster-mate KUFX, first month, 5.7 – 6.6, +.9
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: hot AC KIOI (+1.3)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-1.7)**
**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 7.1 – 6.4, -.7, first to fourth
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, repeats at #20
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #13 to #16
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.7 – 1.2, -.5, #16 to #18
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, flat at #9
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #18 to #19
WFAN’s internet stream .8 – 1.0, +.2, #23 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, first month, 6.8 – 7.7, +.9
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.5)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WKXW (-.7)
Up next: May 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
One of the talk media industry’s most impactful movers and shakers, Christopher Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax Media spoke at TALKERS 2023 on June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. Ruddy engaged in one of the conference’s two “fireside chats” hosted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison. According to Harrison, “There isn’t a day that Chris Ruddy isn’t in or behind
the media news. The growth of Newsmax on the television, radio, print and digital fronts has been nothing short of phenomenal. He is extraordinarily connected and his influence on this business as well as the national conversation is on a non-stop upward trajectory. I was
delighted to have him as a guest in this setting and at this time.” In a fast-paced session sponsored by Collette guided travel tour specialists, Ruddy and Harrison engaged in a candid conversation about positioning, programming and navigating the infrastructure of modern media including print, digital and radio as well as cable news/talk television. See the exclusive video of the session here.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
How about a collective “thank you” to the 45th president of the United States for keeping your talk radio programming relevant, timely, unpredictable and most of all engaging?
The interpretation, speculation and compilation of facts, opinions and reporting will be non-stop until this chapter of the news cycle meets the next chapter. This is a never-ending saga that keeps the dial locked into your talk radio frequency. This is the content that keeps the electronic water cooler crowded with listeners who can’t get enough.
Whatever comes next in this chapter of history unfolding in front of our collective ears and eyes is the oxygen that keeps the talk radio world alive and well every day. By the way, the 45th president of the United States just may have pulled your typically soft talk radio summer sales out of the basement and pushed you into an express elevator to the penthouse.
Are you still feeling the drumbeat of the naysayers predicting how talk radio will age out? Or better yet, run its course? My prediction is talk radio is about enter a phase previously unmatched in American broadcast history. Seriously. When was the last time a former president of the United States owned the headlines and collective headspace of talk radio hosts and listeners worldwide for so many years? Never.
Let’s get ready to refresh our summer vacation schedules, seasonal sales packages, rates, and most of all strategies. Start here:
— Sell the concept. Leave the opinions and banter about indictments, politics and the law to your on-air talent. Focus instead on the unique value of the engaged audience.
— Experts are important. Chances are your talk radio hosts will be smart enough to break down the issues and lean on experts to help the audience understand the ramifications. Credibility and consistency can make your coverage stand apart. Show your advertiser what makes your coverage different and better.
— Talk radio goes where TV and video can’t – the car, the beach, even the backyard. Sell the need to know on the go.
— Unfolding the unpredictable. Your listeners want the “inside scoop” on what the next chapter of this saga looks like. Your on-air talent look for every opportunity to give their listeners a peek behind the opinion curtain. The seller’s job is to bring the value of that connection to life on every sales call.
Talk radio is alive and well every day. It’s up to you to show your advertisers the value of instant access to a trusted voice.
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.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Mark Twain reckoned that “the difference between the almost right word and the right word is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”
Examples, from dueling commercials in a hyper-competitive, hyper-growth industry:
“Draft Kings has so many ways to bet on baseball you’re going to feel like a winner all summer.”
“Every at-bat is a chance to win big on FanDuel.”
Craft copy for local retailers THAT well-written, and they will get results and you will get renewed.
Station promo copy this enabling and user-friendly will earn you tune-in and clicks: “The Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, all day tomorrow, anywhere you are, on the platforms of CNBC.”
The American Association of Retired Persons still advocates for them, but it no longer restricts membership to seniors. Otherwise, its base would, literally, die-off (radio take note). So…
“The younger you are, the more you need AARP.”
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features “Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;“and Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
Pictured above are staffers from Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York at the recent Catholic Charities of NY 14thAnnual Gala at the American Museum of Natural History. At the event Cardinal Dolan gave a shout-out to WABC for the work it’s doing.From left to right, top row are: New York news anchor and WABC personality Ernie Anastos, WABC host Rita Cosby, WABC host Frank Morano, WABC host Dominic Carter, and Marilyn Carter. Left to right, bottom row: Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis, Margo Catsimatidis, Red Apple general counsel Emily Pankow, and WABC president Chad Lopez.
The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association inducted the Class of 2023 into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame at a ceremony attended by almost 300 broadcasters, friends, and fans last Thursday (6/8). The six inductees are: retired long-time former sports anchor Mike Lynch from Boston’s WCVB-TV; the late and beloved videographer Therman Toon from Boston’s Channel 7; the late WBZ-TV, Boston, reporter, the gifted storyteller Bill Shields; from WBZ NewsRadio 1030, Boston, the heralded news reporter and “poet laureate” Carl Stevens; Spanish-language radio station entrepreneur Patrick Costa; and Lesley University communications professor and former rock and roll DJ Donna L. Halper. Halper also received the Hall of Fame Pioneer Award, given, as HOF committee chair Peter Brown explained, “to individuals who have distinguished themselves over decades for lasting contributions made to the broadcast industry and through a leadership role in their particular craft.”
By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling on Sunday
Last week I had the privilege of moderating a panel at the TALKERS conference. Confession: I listen to speech patterns and tones more than words.
The prestigious panel featured Dan Mandis, program director and host, WTN-FM, Nashville; Ross Kaminsky, host KOA, Denver; Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group/ops VP, New York region/WMCA/AM 970; Josh Leng, CEO, Talk Media Network; and Matt Meany, program director, WABC, New York/Red Apple Media.
Yes, their collective knowledge and experience is unbeatable. They answered questions of great interest: How does iHeart measure social media accomplishments? Should one be fired for social media or podcast content or just for their air work? Establishing a syndication base, how does that happen? Where are the women – kudos to Salem’s Phil Boyce for celebrating their women hosts. What do programmers really look for in hosts? All valuable answers. See the video of this session here.
Their words aren’t the “win.” The win is the fact that each of these pros has passion, passion and more passion. Their knowledge results in caring, heartfelt, supportive shares. They care about the future; they care about their craft. Programmers have to be optimistic about radio’s positive impact in order for them to do their jobs. Their descriptive tones make radio appealing.
The panel represents radio’s caretakers, gardeners, guides. The executives on the stage reveal qualities and qualifications that become overwhelmingly apparent in their demeanor and speech patterns. That’s what I hear.
Radio does not have to compete or fret over AI. AI coders have to fret over their inevitable failure to capture or even coldly mimic the depth of emotion and confidence expressed by Matt, Josh, Phil, Ross and Dan. Good luck with that algorithm …losers.
Walter Sabo was the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of NBC. The youngest VP in the history of ABC. He was a consultant to RKO General longer than Bill Drake. Walter was the in-house consultant to Sirius for eight years. He has never written a resume. Contact him at walter@sabomedia.com. or mobile 646-678-1110. Hear Walter Sterling at www.waltersterlingshow.com.
Talk host Mark Walters, who produces and hosts Second Amendment-themed radio programs via his CCW Broadcast Media company, is suing OpenAI in a Georgia Superior Court claiming that OpenAI’s ChatGPT created a false case alleging that Walters embezzled funds from the
Second Amendment Foundation. The complaint states that journalist Fred Riehl was researching the case of The Second Amendment Foundation v. Robert Ferguson and asked ChatGPT to provide a summary of that complaint and received one that stated the suit’s plaintiff is Second Amendment Foundation founder Alan Gottlieb who accuses Walters as treasurer and chief financial officer of embezzling funds. Walters says, and Gottlieb confirms, that he didn’t serve in either position and didn’t steal anything. In the AI world, false text from services like ChatGPT are called “hallucinations.” As with any defamation case, Walters will have to prove he’s suffered damages, but this case will be interesting to watch as it appears to be the first such legal case involving the work of AI. Read the New York Post’s story here.
Alpha Media’s sports talk KTFM-FM, San Antonio shifts the afternoon drive program “The Blitz with Jason Minnix and Joe Reinagel” from the 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm slot to an earlier 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm airing and gives show producer James Pledger his own one-hour show titled, “Extra
Innings with Pledger,” airing from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Pledger says, “I’m excited for the opportunity. This has legitimately been a dream to have a weekday show.” Pledger will continue to produce the “The Blitz” as well as host “The Saturday Morning Hangover” program. He adds, “I’ve worked for this for so long. I have long wanted to be in both worlds because of the creativity that I use when producing, how it differs from creating a show. I love flexing both of those creative muscles.” Read the KENS-TV report here.