Industry News

The Ramey Show’s George Kamel Launches YouTube Channel

George Kamel, co-host of “The Ramsey Show” on the Ramsey Network, is launching a new YouTube channel designed to help “others win with money while exposing a system designed to keep Americans broke.”im The Ramsey Network says Kamel, who went from negative net worth to millionaire and has successfully navigated the money minefield, will “tackle the tough topic of money with humor and wit.” Kamel comments, “There’s so much anxiety and frustration around money. I’m so pumped about this channel because we’re going to show people personal finance doesn’t need to be complicated, and we’re going to have a lot of fun doing it.” New episodes will be posted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Industry News

Former Cuomo Aide to Host WABC Radio Show

Melissa DeRosa, who served as aide to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, is getting her own weekly radio show on WABC, New York. The New York Post reports that DeRosa, who has been serving as aim contributor to the Red Apple Media station, will host a Sunday talk show, although a firm start date has not been announced. Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis tells the Post, “She is one smart lady and she is one tough lady and you know how much I appreciate smart tough ladies.” DeRosa says her show will tackle “the major headlines driving national news and New York news. It will be a mix of insiders conversation but also I want it to have broader appeal to everyday New Yorkers.” Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Former L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva to Host Show on CRN

CRN Digital Talk Radio announces that former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva is hosting a new talk radio show titled, “The Resistance with Sheriff Alex Villanueva,” that will cover “a wide range of topicsim related to crime, law enforcement, public safety, homelessness and the failures of many of our elected officials.” The program debuts this evening (5/8) at 7:00 pm ET. CRN Digital Talk Radio CEO Michael Horn says, “We are thrilled to have Sheriff Villanueva join our lineup of hosts on CRN Digital Talk Radio. His experience and expertise in law enforcement and in public service make him a valuable addition in the talk media universe and we look forward to providing a platform for him to connect with the audience.”

Industry News

Today’s Radio Talk Show Hosts Face Unique Challenges

A special panel addressing the career management issues facing today’s talk radio talent has been set for TALKERS 2023 which will take place on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. It’s always been difficult to forge a successful on-air career in radio – but today, it is particularly intense. Talk show hosts in 2023 must deal with integrating their on-air responsibilities with the multi-platform nature of modern media, fragmented pop culture, stifling budget restrictions, and highly distracted or corporately paralyzed management. This all plays out against the backdrop of controversy, political correctness, a dizzyingly non-stop news cycle and incessant technological change. The session titled, “Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career,” will be introduced by Ryan McCormick, managing partner, Goldman McCormick, PR and a syndicated talk show host in his own right; moderated by Heavy Hundred mainstay and the “Dean of Philadelphia Talk Radio,” Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia; and include panelists (in alphabetical order): super-agent, Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss Agency; Heavy Hundred member Mandy Connell,  KOA, Denver; Heavy Hundred member Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond; Heavy Hundred member Frank Morano, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Network, and Heavy Hundred member Martha Zoller, WDUN, Gainesville, Georgia.   More than 60 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a power-packed day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. TALKERS 2023 is nearing an advance sellout. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

Ovies and Giglio Launch Podcast

The Charlotte Observer reports that former WCMC-FM, Raleigh sports talk hosts Joe Ovies and Joe Giglio are launching a podcast venture after being let go by WCMC owner Capitol Broadcasting last week. The duoim have started The OG Live Podcast Co to operate their business. They say the new podcast program, titled, “Ovies & Giglio,” will drop three times a week – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings – on a YouTube channel. Giglio tells the paper, “We’re going to try to do what we’ve been doing, only on our own. The outpouring from both listeners and from our sources — coaches, administrators, commissioners, (Canes owner) Tom Dundon — that part has been overwhelming and obviously super encouraging at a time when we obviously needed it. So that’s kinda why we thought we could do this. We hope we can make the most of the chance that we have.” Read the Observer story here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Salem Media Group Inc will report its first quarter 2023 financial results after the market closes on May 9. The company also plans to host a teleconference to discuss its results on May 9, 2023, at 5:00 pm ET.

CBS Radio is presenting a documentary program for broadcast over the Memorial Day weekend titled, “Who Killed George Polk?” that looks into the shocking murder of CBS news correspondent George Polk in 1947. The program is hosted by Steven Portnoy and executive produced by Craig Swagler. Seventy-five years ago this spring, Polk was executed and his body dumped into the Aegean Sea. Historians who have studied the case over the decades have suggested that the murder of the CBS newsman was actually a conspiracy that involved the US-backed Greek government. The theory of the case is that the CIA – aided by Polk’s fellow journalists — covered up the truth to protect American interests at the height of the Cold War. Redacted CIA documents — original copies of which cannot now be found — give rise to that suspicion.

WNYC Studios launches a new, 12-part season of “More Perfect,” the Supreme Court-focused podcast series that brings the highest court of the land down to earth. “More Perfect” debuted as the first spin-off of “Radiolab” in 2017.  In this new season, host Julia Longoria “revisits the human dramas at the Court that are driving change around core aspects of American life today — from our religious freedom to our artistic expression; from our reproductive choices to our voice in democracy.”

Industry News

The Late Jim Thompson to Receive TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” Award

The late Jim Thompson, who lost his valiant struggle against throat cancer last August at the age of 75, has been named this year’s recipient of the TALKER S magazine Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service by a Broadcaster – also referred to as the “Humanitarian of the Year” award. Thompson served successfully as the president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America between 2009im and 2022 guiding the charitable organization to more than quadruple the amount of financial aid it distributes to radio and TV professionals in acute need from $400,000 to nearly $2 million last year. “I am very proud to have known Jim for nearly 40 years as a colleague and a friend,” said Scott Herman, chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Jim believed deeply in helping others and his passion and enthusiasm for life always lit up a room. He always saw the positive in every person and every situation.” Prior to his service to the industry as president of the BFoA, Thompson had been president and CEO of Group W Radio, the second largest radio company in the country during his leadership, and along with Mike Craven was co-owner of Liberty Broadcasting, a 19-station radio group concentrated on the East Coast. He began his broadcasting career as an account executive at KYW-TV, Philadelphia in 1971, where he rose to vice president and general manager. An innovator and visionary, Thompson created the Radio-Mercury Awards to encourage and reward excellence in radio creative. He served on the boards of the Radio Advertising Bureau and the Advertising Council, was vice chairman of the Pennsylvania State Broadcasters Association and a member of numerous committees, including the NAB Radio Futures Committee.  A member of the U.S. Army, Thompson served in Vietnam. The presentation will be made by talk show host Harry Hurley of WPG, Atlantic City at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island.

The Humanitarian of the Year honor is one of four awards presented annually by TALKERS at its annual national conference.  The others set for this year include the Freedom of Speech award to Tavis Smiley of KBLA Talk 1580, Los Angeles; the Woman of the Year award to Martha Zoller of WDUN, Gainesville, GA; and the award for Lifetime Achievement to Kraig T. Kitchin of Sound Mind, LLC.  All three will be in attendance to make their acceptances. Jim Thompson’s award will be accepted by Broadcasters Foundation of America president Tim McCarthy.

TALKERS 2023 is nearing an advance sellout. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry Views

Radio Sales Pro Steve Lapa is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

One of the radio industry’s most respected experts on sales and marketing, consultant Steve Lapa, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Lapa is presidentim of South Florida-based Lapcom Communications Corporation – a consultation and marketing firm that specializes in helping radio stations and program providers stay afloat financially and actually thrive in these uncertain times of digital media disruption. imHis career goes back more than four decades during which he has served in various management capacities at some of the nation’s biggest radio and television operations in addition to working with major names in talent. Harrison and Lapa engage in a productive chat about the existential challenges facing radio as well as some of the age-old techniques of sales and marketing that withstand the test of time. Lapa, who will be moderating the sales panel at the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 conference on June 2, states, “We have to get radio out of the emergency room and into recovery.” Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

Benztown + McVay Media Produces Train Derailment Podcast Series

Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks announces the launch of “Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine,” a limited series documentary podcast by creators, journalists, and co-hosts Jarid Watson, Priscillaim Watson, and Josh Miely. Priscilla Watson says, “What listeners will find compelling is the astounding level of control the railroad industry has over the economy, while local and state governments have no legal power to protect their citizens. As residents of the surrounding East Palestine area, living just 15 miles away, and as career content creators and multi-media journalists, we uncovered shocking evidence of industry-wide negligence and learned that derailments happen more often than one might think.”

Industry News

Beasleys Honored by B+C Hall of Fame

Beasley Media Group late company founder George Beasley and his daughter, CEO Caroline Beasley, were among the inductees honored at the 2023 Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame Gala on Wednesday (5/3) in New York City. Caroline Beasley (pictured at right accepting the honors) says, “It is very humbling to be aim part of such an outstanding class of inductees. The only thing better would have been to have my late father, George, by my side, to accept this incredible honor together in person.” Other inductees included Deborah Roberts, ABC News national senior affairs correspondent, and contributing anchor of 20/20, and her husband Al Roker, weather and feature anchor and co-host of the third hour of NBC’s “Today Show,” Matt Bond, chairman, content distribution, NBCUniversal; Ray Cole, president and chief operating officer, Citadel Communications; Frank Comerford, CRO and president, local sales, NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships; Ray Hopkins, president, U.S. Networks Distribution, Paramount Global; Wonya Lucas, CEO, Hallmark Media; Soledad O’Brien, CEO of SO’B Productions and host/producer of “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien”; and Rachael Ray, TV food personality and host of “The Rachael Ray Show.” In addition, Jim Nantz of CBS Sports received the Lifetime Achievement Award and AMC’s “The Walking Dead” was named the Iconic Series for 2023. Late past president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, Jim Thompson, was posthumously honored with the Chairman’s Award for his career achievements and tireless dedication to helping broadcasters in need.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Nearing Early Sellout

With slightly less than a month to go, TALKERS 2023, the 26th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering, is nearing an early advance sellout. The one-day, power-packed conference will take place on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. It is presented by TALKERS magazine in association with Hofstra’s nationally acclaimed radio station, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “There is particularly strong interest in the event this year – perhaps because of the huge influence talk media – especially news/talk radio, cable news/talk TV, sports/talk radio and podcasting – are exacting on the national conversation. At the same time, all of these platforms are facing major existential issues ranging from challenges generating revenue, navigating controversy, and competing against technologically induced cultural sea-changes.” Casey adds, “The magnificent setting of Hofstra really works well for this conference. The state of the art theater is wonderfully spacious – which means a lot during what will hopefully be the tail end of COVID; the broadcasting facilities for those attendees who’ll be doing their shows live from the site are second-to-none; the breakfast, lunch and closing reception events take place outdoors under an open tent in a delightful and health-minded setting; the agenda features more than 60 outstanding speakers and directly addresses the key questions facing the industry. Knowledge and connections are power. TALKERS 2023 will provide the latest information and it is a fantastic networking opportunity.” Conference director Michael Harrison says, “This industry conference is steeped in history, tradition and dynamic purpose. Careers and lives change at the TALKERS conference!” Register now to avoid being shut out. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

Latino Media Network Names Sylvia Banderas Coffinet CEO

As reported by Sara Fischer for Axios, Latino Media Network – the Hispanic media company partially funded by philanthropist and activist George Soros – names Sylvia Banderas Coffinet chief operating officer. Banderas Coffinet most recently served as general manager at Vox Media. Latino Media Network’s acquisitionim of the conservative Radio Mambí network of Spanish-language news/talk stations from TelevisaUnivision aggravated some conservatives who petitioned the FCC to deny the license transfers. The petition was rejected. The Radio Mambí format goes back to Amancio Víctor Suárez’s launch of programming created by anti-communist Cuban exiles in the mid-1980s. The group of 18 radio stations will gradually be turned over to Latino Media Network throughout this year. Company co-founder Jess Morales Rocketto is quoted saying, “We’re not the first business owners with our own political leanings,” while adding that they are focused on commercial success and not “imposing a political agenda.” Read the Axios piece here.

Industry News

Museum of Broadcast Communications Launches Auction to Fund Move

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces its first-ever online auction and fundraiser commemorating the organization’s 40th anniversary. The museum’s current space is being sold to a developer, so it is seeking a new location and anticipates being able to re-open the museum within the next 18 to 24im months. This auction to raise funds includes fun experiences on which to bid, including: lunch with Emmy award-winning actor Henry Winkler; tickets to CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”; sit with sports radio host Jim Rome in-studio or on-site at NFL’s Radio Row the week leading up to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas; and more. MBC board chair David Plier says, “It’s an exciting time for the museum and our future. The enthusiasm and generosity we have received for this fundraising effort from the broadcast community and celebrities – not just in Chicago but nationwide – has been tremendous. This fundraiser is about creating access and memorable experiences – from being a producer for a day at a major network, touring a live working newsroom or even having your voicemail greeting personalized by TV and comedy great Bob Newhart – ‘Forty for 40’ is not to be missed.”

Industry News

Beasley Unveils Mental Health Awareness Month Initiative

Beasley Media Group announces its latest Community of Caring Initiative focused on National Mental Health Awareness Month. Beasley says the goal of the public service campaign, created with support from NCH Healthcare System, is to promote awareness and education about the misconceptions of this important topicim that impact so many people on a daily basis. In addition to featuring on-air and online content across the company’s 61 radio properties, the monthlong initiative will include outreach with local community experts and in-car dashboard messaging featuring QUU RDS technology. Beasley Media Group chief content officer Justin Chase says, “Beasley is proud to put a spotlight on the importance of mental health as part of our longstanding Community of Caring program. We want our listeners to know they are not alone; mental health issues are common and there’s no reason to be ashamed. The campaign will promote the skills and tools to help cope and professional support available for treatment.”

Industry News

WOR, New York News Director Joe Bartlett to Retire

Longtime WOR, New York news pro Joe Bartlett announces he will retire as a full-time member of the iHeartMedia news/talk station’s staff on May 31 after a 37-year career with the station. Bartlett – who’s been serving most recently as morning news anchor and news director for 710 WOR – says he planned to retire three years ago, but when the Covid-19 pandemic hit he decided to postpone it. In addition to his newsim anchoring and reporting work, Bartlett has also hosted talk shows on the station, including the long-running “WOR Saturday Morning Show.” He comments, “I loved my job and have been fortunate to have been part of this great station for all these years. I could have gone on much longer, but the time had come, where I just needed more free time. Sadly, this is not a job you can do only six months a year. I have been blessed to have had a caring radio ownership, extremely talented co-workers and a very loyal audience.” Bartlett and his wife have relocated to South Carolina where he looks forward to having more time for golf, seeing his grandchildren, and supporting the New York Giants. WOR program director Tom Cuddy says, “It’s rare in this business to encounter as versatile a radio personality as Joe: anchor, news director, and talk show host…not to mention an all-around nice guy. He will be missed not just by our listeners but by our staff.”

Industry News

NewsNation Announces Lee Harris’ New Role

Yesterday (5/1), TALKERS magazine reported that WINS, New York morning drive co-anchor Lee Harris is leaving his position with the Audacy all-news station at the end of this week to join Nexstar Media Group’s cable news and digital operation NewsNation. Today, Nexstar officially announces the news and expands on Harris’ new, New York-based role. NewsNation says he joins the network as director of integrated operations inim which he’ll be responsible for the development and distribution of NewsNation’s audio content. He’ll also assist in news writing and NewsNation specials. Nexstar president of networks Sean Compton states, “As we recently celebrated the milestone becoming 24-hour news network weekdays, we are continually looking for ways to grow the NewsNation brand across our linear and digital platforms. I am thrilled that Lee Harris is going to be leading these efforts as we further expand the network’s reach with viewers and listeners across the country.” Harris comments, “It took an incredible opportunity to convince me to leave 1010 WINS after nearly 30 years. But Sean Compton and [president of news programming] Michael Corn showed me that at NewsNation I will be helping to fundamentally change the way news is covered and presented in this country and this is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” Meet Lee Harris at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. 

Industry News

Ramsey Solutions to Present “America’s Labor Crisis” for Business Leaders

Ramsey Solutions says, “Inflation, fears of a recession, ongoing supply chain issues and a whole host of other economic obstacles have been plaguing small businesses for the past three years. One of the biggest pain points has been labor issues. Over 4 million people have left their jobs every month for six months in a row according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, raising the question: Is the ‘great resignation’ a short-termim trend or the new normal?” Ramsey Solutions’ EntreLeadership team is hosting a free livestream for small-business leaders and entrepreneurs on Thursday, May 4, at 8 pm ET titled, “America’s Labor Crisis Live: The Real Reason People Are Giving Up on Work.” It will feature Dave Ramsey, the CEO of Ramsey Solutions; Mike Rowe, the TV host of “Dirty Jobs” and founder of mikeroweWORKS.org; and five other thought leaders who will discuss the labor problems and map out solutions. Dave Ramsey says, “We have a labor crisis in America today, and it’s impacting small business like never before. There is such a shortage of motivated, quality team members that small businesses are struggling to get their work done. We need to have an open and honest discussion about all of this.” Attendees and livestream viewers will learn about: Current trends affecting the workplace; How to find and hire the right people; How to become a leader people want to work for; and How embracing discomfort leads to success in life and business. Register for the livestream here.

Industry News

Daily Soap Operas Being Set for Radio Syndication

A startup radio syndication firm SoapKast launched by Andrew Pemberton-Fowler has developed a soon-to-be-released daily, one-hour program titled, “The SoapKast Hour.”  Each installment of the show consists of two original radio soap operas, “Kingsport” and “Affairs of the Heart,” targeted for what is being described asim “modern audiences.” According to Pemberton-Fowler, “‘The SoapKast Hour’ targets women 24-59 who are looking for daily original, high-quality drama. ‘The SoapKast Hour’ will keep audiences coming back day after day to hear the unfolding drama of ‘Kingsport,’ a story about unhappy people searching for happiness, and ‘Affairs of the Heart,’ an uneasy tale about class, wealth, and money set in a small college town.” The show will be available to stations via barter with 10 local and eight national spots per episode. Interested stations can learn more by calling 323-316-0342 or email sales@soapkast.comListen to a demo here.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Publishes the State of Podcasting 2023

This report from iHeartMedia looks into determining where the audiences for podcasts are coming from. The company says of the State of Podcasting study: “Aside from reach, time spent listening to podcasts is up 2x in the past five years with the number of Black and Hispanic listeners jumping 30% in the past two years. Weim wanted to see where the listenership was coming from and based on the research it looks like Americans are making more time for podcasts mostly by reducing time spent with streaming video, streaming music and social media. Video podcasts have been a big discussion lately in the industry – whether its needed and cost effective, which is interesting because this new data sample showed that podcasts are pulling listener share primarily from YouTube’s audience – a reasonable motivation for their heightened focus on video podcasting to drive retention.” Interestingly, the study also concluded that the majority of radio listening happens out-of-home (68%), while the majority of podcast listening happens in the home (69%).

Industry News

2023 Marconi Nominations Open

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announces today that the 2023 Marconi Radio Award nomination window is now open through May 31. The Marconi Radio Awards recognize overall excellence and performance in radio. The winners of the 2023 Marconi Radio Awards will be announced during a special dinner program on October 25, 2023 at the Javits Center during the NAB Show New York.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Weekend 101

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imIt’s the most effective tactic in marketing: Free samples. And the attorneys, financial advisors, real estate agents, veterinarians, and other ask-the-expert hosts who broker time for weekend call-in shows can drum up lots of new business…IF they execute well.

It’s a big “if,” because they’re not career broadcasters. So, technique that’s second nature to us is news to them. And because, at too many stations, there’s little or no coaching. Here are some of the fundamentals I convey to weekenders at client stations, and brokering hosts elsewhere who aren’t getting aircheck support:

— Plan each show. Re-write any news-about-your-topic or other material you will read, rather than reading verbatim paragraph-length excerpts from newspaper clippings or other source material you found on the Internet or elsewhere. That stuff wasn’t written for the ear. Put it into your own words. Practice aloud, to yourself, before the show.

— Remember: YOU are the expert. It’s Greek to them. So, avoid lingo and acronyms. Instead of percentages (“36%”) use fractions (“just over a third”).

— Listen carefully to the caller’s question. Don’t interrupt unduly…but don’t let ‘em ramble either. Once they’ve asked a question or described their situation, recommend what they should do.  Listeners in similar situations will relate.

im

Do’s and Don’ts:

— DON’T squander time at the beginning of the show with long hellos, or small talk about the weather (which aired at the end of the newscast just before your show began), or other off-topic blah-blah-blah.

— DO introduce yourself, and succinctly explain how you can help the listener. I tell weekenders I coach to begin with their elevator speech: “I’m Chuck Thompson, from Chuck’s Auto Repair, and I’m here to help you get more miles out of the-car-you’ve-already-paid-for.” If your business has a slogan, that should also be the mantra for your radio show, to keep your on-air message consistent with your other marketing.

— DON’T wait! Give out the call-in number right-off-the-top, even if your first segment is an interview or you tee-up a topic by reading news/product reviews/etc. During that segment, your call screener can be lining-up callers.

— DO solicit calls overtly. And announce the phone number real slowly, like you’re reading the winning lottery number. Say “call me right now.” And at the end of each call (unless all the lines are lit), offer that “that opens up a line for you,” and re-announce the phone number.

— DO get to the phones ASAP, best caller first. Callers call when they hear other callers, so nothing explains that it’s a call-in advice show like you answering callers’ questions with helpful advice.

— DON’T assume that anyone but you hears your whole show. Listeners constantly tune-in. So DO re-set throughout the hour. Come out of each commercial break as though the show was just beginning. “Welcome back to ‘Larry Explains the Law.’ I’m attorney Larry Jamieson, answering your legal questions right now on WXXX. So, call me! [phone number, nice and slowly, twice].”

All of the above is host technique. And there’s another character, behind the scenes, whose method is critical to brokered hosts’ return on investment: the call screener. Share with yours my 6-minute video at SolidGoldWeekend.com, where I also explain how to warm-up slow phones.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author “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

Industry News

Ramona Holloway Transitions to Community Affairs Manager for Radio One Charlotte

Radio One announces that WLNK-FM, Charlotte personality Ramona Holloway is transitioning from her full-time on-air role to community affairs manager for the Charlotte cluster that includes news/talk WBT-AM/FM, sports talk WFNZ-FM and four music brands. In her new role, Holloway will “work with the Radio One Charlotteim stations and the local community and advocacy groups to grow and maintain positive relationships and provide community service throughout the Charlotte Metro.” Holloway has served with WLNK-FM for the past 22 years as co-host of “The Matt & Ramona Show” with partner Matt Harris. She comments, “I’ve been blessed to have lived my radio dreams. I’ve worked every format from country to gospel. I’ve been a news director and hosted a syndicated show with my brother from another mother, Matt Harris. It’s time to move into a new chapter, one that feeds my passion and gives me an opportunity to forge community partnerships that can make a positive contribution.  I’ll still stop by the ‘MIX 107.9’ studios on Tuesdays and Thursdays to have fun with my friends on the MIX morning show, but my goal is to expand Radio One’s philanthropic endeavors across all six stations in the cluster.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia NYC Launches New York is Back Initiative

iHeartMedia’s New York City operations is launching “New York is Back” – a new initiative dedicated to supporting locally owned businesses. iHeartMedia says, “According to Bloomberg, the surge in remote work is costing Manhattan $12 billion per year, and with the average NYC employee spending $4,661 less per year onim meals, shopping, and other entertainment needs, local shops, bodegas, restaurants, and more are still struggling. The launch of ‘New York is Back’ will encourage New Yorkers to shop with small businesses in and around the five boroughs to help rejuvenate the economy in the market.” In partnership with P.C. Richard & Son, Century Waste Services, Empire City Casino, Key Foods, New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud, NYC Department of Small Business Services, Premier Home Health Care Services, and MJ The Musical, “New York is Back” will include iHeartMedia New York on-air personalities voiced messages on Z100, 106.7 LITE FM, 103.5 KTU, Q104.3, Power 105.1, and 710 WOR as well as video content distributed on social media platforms.

Industry News

WRKO, Boston Adds “The Gambler with Adam Kaufman” to Lineup

iHeartMedia news/talk outlet WRKO, Boston adds the local sports betting program “The Gambler with Adam Kaufman” in the 10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight – Monday through Thursday – slot beginning this evening (5/1). Adam Kaufman – sports director at iHeartMedia Boston – hosts the show with contributions from Dan Watkinsim and Brian Antonelli. iHeartMedia Boston director of operations, news, talk and sports Bill Flaherty says, “Everyone I talk to is now betting on sports. With the interest at a fever pitch, I can’t think of a better time to launch this show.” Kaufman adds, “There’s no greater platform than live sports talk radio and, since January, there’s no greater obsession in and around Massachusetts than sports betting. I’ve been fortunate to spend many years of my career working in both areas and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have them intersect now. Boston is ready for a nightly gambling show. I’m honored to host it and can’t wait to sweat bets with listeners, industry experts, and our incredible team starting May 1.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

The 2023 Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 29 with tickets going on sale on June 1. This year, in the Legacy category, longtime WWTN-FM, Nashville personality Phil Valentine will be inducted posthumously, alongside E.G. Blackman (WLAC-AM, Nashville), Dick Ellis (WETS, Johnson City), and Sam Phillips (WREC, Memphis; WHER, Memphis).

Audacy’s all-news KYW, Philadelphia is hosting “Breakfast with the Candidates,” a 90-minute special program featuring five of the Democratic candidates for the city’s mayor, on May 4 at 8:00 am. Moderated by KYW Newsradio morning drive anchor Ian Bush, the event will also feature KYW Newsradio community impact reporter Racquel Williams, City Hall bureau chief Pat Loeb, and education reporter Mike DeNardo in asking the candidates questions about gun violence, schools, housing, leadership and more. KYW news director Kevin McCorry says, “The city is at a crossroads and with only days to go before the primary, no clear frontrunner has emerged. Philadelphians mulling their choice have one final broadcast forum to listen to as the candidates try to separate themselves from the pack, and we’re proud to offer the city this vital resource.”

Industry News

Jerry Springer Dies at 79

Jerry Springer, the controversial television and radio host whose eponymous TV program ran for 27 years starting in 1991, died on Thursday (4/27) at age 79 after a battle with cancer. Springer’s TV show was savaged by critics for its exploitation of the seamy side of American culture, but it was a ratings sensation in the daytime television battles. Springer’s personal background was interesting. A child of holocaust survivors who was bornim in London, Springer got a law degree from Northwestern University, served on the Cincinnati City Council before exiting in a prostitution scandal, returned to the Council a year later and eventually served as mayor of Cincinnati. He ran unsuccessfully for governor of Ohio as a Democrat. He moved into television news and won regional Emmy Awards before debuting his own soon-to-be-a-hit TV show that began as an issues-oriented program. Springer was part of the Air America liberal talk radio experiment during the early 2000s in which he hosted the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET show. In 2005, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian (who then was special features editor for Inside Radio) interviewed Springer. Read his interview here. Also, author, professor, and former radio producer Bernadette Duncan included Springer in a chapter of her book, Yappy Days: Behind the Scenes with Newsers, Schmoozers, Boozers and Losers (Talkers Books, 2016). Read that excerpt here.

Industry News

NASBA: AM Radio Vital Link for Millions

The National Association of State Broadcasters Associations reports the findings of a survey conducted during April that concludes that listeners of more than 4,000 U.S. radio stations “risk losing access to breaking news, weather alerts, farm reports, favorite music, and informative talk programs” as automakers consider removing AM radios from car dashboards. It goes on to say, “Even with ‘AM modernization’ efforts that have added FM translators for many AM stations, many stations do not have an FM counterpart and do not stream their community-focused signals over Internet connections.” NASBA president Dewey Bruce says, “Theim findings show what we expected – AM radio across America is a diverse mix of music and talk and a vital link for millions of listeners. The goal of our station survey was three-fold. First, we wanted to confirm AM radio’s diverse landscape of formats, languages, and ownership. Second, we wanted to quantify AM radio’s crucial part in the nation’s Emergency Alert System. And third, we wanted feedback that will guide our state association response going forward.” The NASBA survey also found that “more than half of AM stations do not currently have a standalone mobile app and 40% are not currently found on radio aggregators. For many AM operators working diligently to keep their over-the-air signal on the air, providing the local news, music, entertainment, and emergency information that their communities rely upon, the expense of streaming their station and paying additional royalties is simply not realistic. The most telling survey result is that 8 in 10 respondents listed their level of concern a 10 out of 10 when it comes to AM being eliminated in the car.”

Industry News

WDBO, Orlando Expands Joe Kelley Show

Cox Media Group’s news/talk WDBO-AM/W297BB, Orlando announces the expansion of “The Joe Kelley Show” to the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm hours, effective May 1. Station director of branding and programming Keith Memoly says, “As we embrace Joe Kelley and celebrate the expansion of his local radio show, we alsoim embrace the positive impact it will have on our community. With more time to share his insightful perspective and engaging personality, Joe will continue to uplift, connect, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive.” Kelley comments, “I’m really excited about the opportunity given to me by WDBO to help lead on-air discussions about such vital issues during such unstable times. Instead of talking points, I’ll just bring my natural curiosity about issues and life. Instead of screaming and yelling, I’ll engage our great listeners in compelling discussion about the day’s events. Instead of calling people names, I’ll welcome all opinions and ideas equally. Most importantly, I want ‘The Joe Kelley Show’ to be fun, interesting and easy-to-listen-to.”

Industry News

Sports Talk WCMC-FM, Raleigh Cancels “The OG with Ovies & Giglio”

Capitol Broadcasting abruptly drops “The OG with Ovies & Giglio” – starring Joe Ovies and Joe Giglio – from the program schedule on sports talk WCMC-FM, Raleigh “99.9 FM The Fan.” According to the News & Observer, Ovies tweeted after Wednesday’s program, “Today was the last edition of ‘The OG’ and the end ofim 13.5 years at The Fan. @giglio_OG and I did some really great stuff in just over 3 years of the show. Thanks for making us part of your routines.” The story quotes Capitol Broadcasting general manager Brian Grube saying a replacement show will have a single host format. The station added, “We’ve decided to move in a new direction in afternoons on ‘99.9 The Fan’ that focuses on the best way to deliver fast-moving, informative, engaging local sports content that leverages the full scope of CBC’s powerful radio, TV and digital platforms…. We’re truly grateful for Joe Ovies’ and Joe Giglio’s many contributions and wish them both the best moving forward.” Read the N&O story here.

Industry News

Kansas Law Allows Streaming of High School Post-Season Athletics

The Kansas legislature passes a bill allowing local broadcasters to video stream all post‐season high school events in the state, regardless of exclusive agreements entered into by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. The legislation came about as a result of frustrated broadcasters who were being banned from video streaming the most important games of the year. Unlike regular season, where high schools retain the rights to their activities, KSHSAA owns the rights to all post‐season games and state championships.im For the last several years, KSHSAA has opted into agreements with third parties that prevented local broadcasters from video-streaming games when the exclusive partner opted to do so. Kansas Association of Broadcasters president Allison Mazzei states, “I’m pleased that now, in post‐season, friends and families of student athletes will have access to free, quality coverage from the same broadcasters who cover their teams all season long. Local high school sports should be covered by local broadcasters. Our broadcasters depend on the revenue generated from high school sports coverage to stay on air and provide local news, weather, entertainment, and emergency alerts that communities depend on.” The KAB also notes students interested in pursuing careers in radio broadcast will also benefit from the legislation. Previously, if a local station was prohibited from video streaming a post‐season game, so were their student workers. Now, students will be able to cover all of their school’s activities regardless if it takes place in post season.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

The Seattle Seahawks announced today a multi-year extension with Bonneville Seattle Media Group to continue with “Seattle Sports 710 AM” and “KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM” as the official flagship radio broadcast partners of the Seahawks. Bonneville Seattle SVP and market manager Cathy Cangiano says, “For nearly 50 years, the Seahawks and KIRO have shared a unique partnership and today we are honored and excited to once again extend our commitment to broadcast the Seahawks throughout the Pacific Northwest. Working together for so many years makes collaboration and innovation a natural part of what we do together. That spirit is present in the broadcast booth, in our respective front offices and especially in our community, where we seek to entertain and serve the 12s. Once again, we look forward to broadcasting the excitement of Seahawks football.”

Kaleidoscope and iHeartPodcasts, in collaboration with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), announces the launch of a new eight-part series, “Silenced,” that re-examines the murders of radio broadcasters in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood in the early 1990s. The murders were never solved, leaving a wound in Little Haiti that is still open to this day. iHeartPodcasts president Will Pearson says, “We are proud to collaborate with Kaleidoscope on their impressive slate of scripted podcasts. Listeners everywhere have been drawn to these real-life stories of wild chocolate hunters, unsuspected astrologists and Russian cosmonauts, and we know ‘Silenced’ will do the same – hopefully leading to some answers as to who was behind these unsolved murders.”

Edison Research will present its annual “Moms and Media” study from The Research Moms in a webinar on Thursday, May 11 at 2:00 pm ET. Edison VP (and Research Mom) Melissa DeCesare will present the latest findings as well as emerging trends from the last few years. In addition to data from The Infinite Dial study from Edison Research, and sponsored by Amazon Music, Wondery, and ART19, this year’s research also incorporates results from a new, national online study.

NASCAR and SiriusXM announce a multi-year renewal of their broadcasting agreement. SiriusXM will continue to deliver 24/7 NASCAR content to its subscribers, including live broadcasts of every race, plus daily NASCAR talk and interviews with voices across the industry through its exclusive SiriusXM NASCAR Radio channel.

Features

Reflections on Jerry Springer

By Bernadette Duncan
Author/Professor/Former Radio Producer

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an excerpt from Bernadette Duncan’s classic talk radio book about her 26-year career as a major market and national radio producer, Yappy Days: Behind the Scenes with Newsers, Schmoozers, Boozers and Losers (Talkers Books, 2016).  It appears in the chapter titled, “Guests Who Are Not What They Seem.”)

imWhen television spiraled into a circus of chair-throwing, hair-pulling, fist-fighting, profanity-yelling, cross-dressing, sex-addicted guests, Jerry Springer was the ultimate ringleader.  “The Jerry Springer Show” was so over-the-top when it debuted in September 1991 that security guards stood by on set and the opening featured a parental warning that stated the content may be inappropriate for children. With segments like “Sex Between Family Members” or “Nudists Talk About Why They Expose All,” it gained a reputation for being the most sexually-explicit tabloid program.

So why not invite Springer on to dish about the show’s 10-year success?  If anyone had stories, Springer was loaded. Though maybe his material would be salty and I had to be prepared.  In other words, I needed to keep my finger near the “dump button” in case some raunchy words flew out of his mouth.

What I discovered was amazing. This guy, whose high-octane show could be jaw-droppingly raunchy and theatrical, was himself a charming and humble philosopher.  Get a load of this personal history… British-born, Springer broke into politics in 1971 as a city councilman and was forced to resign from office three years later after admitting to soliciting a prostitute. The following year, after owning up to his actions, he won back his seat by a landslide.  In 1977, he was elected Mayor of Cincinnati and he served one term.

Springer was riveting, confirming the possibility that the best guests are often talk show hosts themselves.  He could talk about anything and with heart. And without ever uttering a nasty word.  He spoke most touchingly about coming to America on The Queen Mary with his parents when he was five-years-old.  “In one generation,” he said, “we went from the Holocaust to this wonderful privileged life I have today.”

Who knew you could pluck a guest from the circus of tabloid television and discover the soul of a poet? Jerry Springer was multi-faceted and showed character.  The qualities that anchored him were, perhaps, the very characteristics that allowed him to oversee his wacky show.

Bernadette Duncan can be contacted via email at heybharrison@gmail.com.  Meet Bernadette Duncan at TALKERS 2023 on June 2 at Hofstra University.