Report: Smart Speaker Ownership Stabilizes
This week’s blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group focuses on podcast consumer and smart speaker trends and is based on data from Edison Research’s “Share of Ear” Report from Q4 2022. Among the report’s eight key findings are: 1) Smart speaker ownership has stalled with the last growth spurt occurring Christmas 2020. From 2017 to 2019, smart speaker ownership soared from 7% to 33%. The pandemic froze purchases until Christmas 2020 when ownership jumped to 40% in Q1 2021. Since then,
ownership has stalled with no post-Christmas “pop” in 2021 or 2022; 2) Smart speaker ownership rates are in the mid-40s for 13-54s but only 26% for those over the age of 55; 3) As smart speaker ownership flattens, the share of AM/FM radio streaming on smart speakers also stabilizes.The proportion of total U.S. AM/FM radio streaming occurring via the smart speaker has stabilized as device ownership growth has stalled. According to Triton Digital, since 2021, AM/FM radio streaming via smart speaker has stabilized, growing slightly from 23% to 26%; 4) Smart speakers are vital to U.S. AM/FM radio as they are now more likely to be the only “radio device” in the home. Edison’s 2022 Infinite Dial study revealed that 40% of smart speaker owners do not have a radio in their home, up from 28% in 2018; and 5) Aggressive promotion pays off as AM/FM radio is number one for smart speaker ad-supported audio shares. AM/FM radio stations are consistently number one in ad-supported audio shares on smart speaker devices. No wonder, as streaming now represents 20% of all time spent to AM/FM radio. See the complete blog post here.
In addition to her work with ESPN, Arnolt has been a host for WWE and is currently a reporter for UFC events. Outkick founder Clay Travis says, “Charly is an outstanding talent and will be a great asset for OutKick. It doesn’t surprise me she wanted to leave ESPN given their woke approach to sports and this is a great opportunity for her to join a platform that’s growing fast where she can speak her mind.” Arnolt says, “I’m extremely excited to join OutKick and work alongside Clay and a great stable of talent. The outspoken nature of the platform and its ability to create engaging content is what really piqued my interest. I have a lot of opinions that I haven’t been able to express, and I can’t wait get started.”
The first thing we heard was an earful from NAB president & CEO Curtis LeGeyt regarding automakers dropping AM receivers from new cars: “This is an issue we consider to be absolutely existential.”
Broadcasting in Hudson Valley, New York and as national sales manager for Pamal’s stations in Albany, Glenn Falls and Rutland, Vermont. 
with brands that synchronize with their audio rituals, by +12%, compared to +3% for non-aligned ads. A ranking of typical listening rituals featured in a previous Audacy study, “Audio Rituals,” was topped by running general errands (85%) and doing home maintenance (84%). Consumer engagement levels, though, were most heightened during “me-time” moments (73%), putting my child to bed (70%) and exercising outdoors (68%). Audacy’s “Audio Rituals” study also determined that 74% of listeners incorporated audio into their daily rituals and 40% planned their day/activities around audio content. Audacy head of research and insights Idil Cakim says, “Audio advertisers can amplify the effectiveness of their buys through ritual moments. Study participants agreed that the stronger the match between advertisement and content, the better the outcome for key performance indicators like brand favorability and purchase intent.” Seventy-eight percent of participants agreed that strong content/ad matches mattered in brand favorability and 80% for purchase intent. 
vignettes that are offered to radio stations on a no-cost basis at this time. Emerson says, “‘The Making of America’ is original content programming from people who love America FOR people who love America. Paramount to us is the unwavering, steadfast support for America’s fundamentals such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These are just some of the many principles that we as a people cherish as Americans.” In addition to work directing, writing and producing for film and television, Emerson was host of the “Face to Face” radio news program distributed by CBS. 
says, “During his tenure, Mike spearheaded our company’s foray into the rapidly growing sports betting space, including his work establishing record-breaking, multi-year partnerships with FanDuel and BetMGM, acquiring BetQL and the launch of the BetQL Network. Mike approached me in February about redefining his role within 
Audacy, where he could continue contributing but free up some bandwidth to pursue other professional interests.” Regarding Murphy, Field says, “Tim has been with Audacy for 15 years, playing a critical leadership role. Early in his tenure, he was the visionary behind WEEI.com, a landmark radio digital platform that blazed a new trail of innovation for its time… Tim has led corporate business development and provided outstanding leadership with key strategic, entrepreneurial, and industry partners and customers. Tim helped lead a number of important company business initiatives and technological, digital, and enterprise enhancements, including spearheading Audacy’s expansion into the podcasting space – developing strategy, and driving the acquisitions of Cadence13, Pineapple Street, and Podcorn. He has also played an important leadership role in working in collaboration with NAB and others on industry issues.”
“They have the time and tools to listen, they like spoken word contest,” and Edison Research president Larry Rosin reminds us, they’re big-money consumers.
“soon.” Elder challenged Gavin Newsom for governor of California in the 2021 recall election. Elder was the top Republican vote getter in that failed bid to unseat Newsom. Tradup says that Elder has visited Iowa and that his political action committee, Elder For America, is bringing in donations. Federal Elections Commission data indicates that the PAC raised nearly $1.7 million in 2022. Elder currently hosts a video talk program for The Epoch Times.
special show. Salem Tampa general manager Barb Yoder says, “When I read that Jack Harris regretted not having the opportunity to say goodbye to his fans at the end of his most recent morning show, it really touched my heart. I’ve been in broadcasting for many years as well and though he’s been on a competing radio station, I’ve always admired and respected him and the way he connects with the Tampa Bay community. So, to honor Jack we were going to devote one of our morning shows on ‘The Answer’ Tampa and Sarasota for a Jack Harris Tribute.” Salem is hosting another recently let go Tampa host as former “Q105” personality Mason Dixon will appear on its “Faith Talk” stations on “The Bill Bunkley Show” today (4/14) from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
NPR has responded to the new label saying it is “inaccurate and misleading, given that NPR is a private, nonprofit company with editorial independence. It receives less than 1 percent of its $300 million annual budget from the federally funded Corporation for Public Broadcasting.” NPR CEO John Lansing is quoted saying the company is “protecting its credibility and its ability to produce journalism without a shadow of negativity. The downside, whatever the downside, doesn’t change that fact. I would never have our content go anywhere that would risk our credibility.” 
billion and overall revenues increased $20.4 billion YoY. Q1 saw the highest growth of 21.1% followed by Q2 at 11.8%, resulting in ad revenues for the first half of the year surpassing $100 billion for the first time. Revenues slowed in Q3 (8.4%) and Q4 (4.4%).” IAB CEO David Cohen comments, “After unprecedented growth in 2021, we expected more moderation in 2022. Economic uncertainty, geo-political unrest, a shifting regulatory environment and addressability changes have all contributed to revenue growing at a slower pace. Looking ahead, there is definitely still growth to be had, but it will be harder to achieve and likely less than we have become accustomed to.” 
platforms since 2021. Outkick founder Clay Travis says, “Dan has been instrumental in the success of OutKick and I’m thrilled to have him on board. Every day his high energy, humor, and bold opinions drive fans to the platform and create awareness of the great content produced by OutKick.” Dakich comments, “I’ve had so much fun hosting my show with OutKick and am excited to keep it rolling. The team is tremendous and allows me to not only speak my mind but shed light on the most compelling sports news of the day. I can’t thank OutKick enough for giving me this platform.”
episode features Chachi’s recent chat from Benztown’s Los Angeles studios with Michael Harrison, founder and publisher, TALKERS. In the second new episode, Chachi talks to Wayne Johnson, founder and owner of Rockaway Records in Los Angeles.
Today’s Benztown press release states: Before founding TALKERS, radio innovator and thought-leader Michael Harrison worked at legendary radio stations from coast-to-coast, including WNEW-FM in New York, KMET in Los Angeles, KRPI in San Diego, WTIC in Hartford, CT, and WCBS-FM in New York. He also founded the AOR format, hosted several syndicated shows, and was the first managing editor for Radio & Records. Harrison has been a columnist for Billboard, a radio station owner, and member of the band Gunhill Road.
government and federal government contracting community.” Joel Oxley is vice president and general manager at WTOP News and Federal News Network. He says, “Each time I have brought new opportunities to Jeffrey he has used his creativity and collaborative approach to create success for our audience, our advertisers and our team. His expertise specifically in identifying trends our organization can leverage to better deliver on our mission will take a higher profile. Leading to even greater overall success. Jeffrey’s vision for the future will align directly with our goal of being the go-to source of federal news for employees and contractors and bringing new products and opportunities to market.” Wolinsky has served at Hubbard DC for the past 20 years.
network’s “Saturday Report” from early 2020 to 2022. He has also served as co-host of the network’s flagship “Wake Up America Weekend” for the past 15 months. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “Carl served his country for many years as a decorated Navy SEAL, and with his ‘Carl Higbie Frontline’ will continue to push for the issues and values that he and Americans care about.”
down for next Wednesday, so I have the distinction of being honored. In all seriousness, I’m a big supporter of this organization and quite humbled that they picked me to be honored, so I’m hoping not to be too disappointing in terms of getting people to come and/or volunteer.” Morano is host of “The Other Side of Midnight” on the Red Apple Media talk station.
Theory vs. practice is always a fun exercise. What happens when someone is bold enough to step out and break the mold to achieve their goals? Do you stop and learn, or do you simply stay in your comfort zone and take a pass?
National TV advertising sells things, local radio advertising sells services. And in 
compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rule, the Company’s common stock will be subject to delisting. Under the Nasdaq rules, the company has 60 calendar days to file the 2022 Form 10-K or to submit to Nasdaq a plan to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rule. If Nasdaq accepts the company’s plan, then Nasdaq may grant the Company up to 180 days from the prescribed due date for filing the 2022 Form 10-K to regain compliance. If Nasdaq does not accept the company’s plan, then Urban One will have the opportunity to appeal that decision to a Nasdaq Hearings Panel. The company says it is working diligently and expects to file its 2022 Form 10-K within the 60-day period. Previously, Urban One notified the SEC that it had identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting and as a result, expected some of its internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls would be ineffective as of December 31, 2022. The Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2022 will describe these material weaknesses, and the company is implementing plans to remediate them.”
order): Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss Agency; Steve Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media; Ron Hartenbaum, managing partner, WYD Media; Chris Oliviero, market president, Audacy New York; David Pakman, talk show host/commentator, The David Pakman Show; and Larry Young, talk show host, The Larry Young Podcast.
Grey DeLisle as Louisa Adams. The podcast tells the story of how John Quincy Adams went from a failed one-term president to an extraordinary ex-president. Additional voice talent includes filmmaker Ken Burns, CNN anchor John King, radio and CNN host Michael Smerconish, musician Scott Avett, and others. Crawford – who recently got his Master of Arts in History – says, “John Quincy Adams is THE most important historical figure that no one knows about. He is the bridge between Washington and Lincoln. The man who stood in the gap and kept the promise of American democracy alive when the Slavocracy sought to undermine it. I have dreamed about making a series about John Quincy Adams for years and am so grateful to iHeartPodcasts, Curiosity, and School of Humans for helping bring America’s sixth president to life.”
price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). The notice indicated that it is a result of the closing bid price of the company’s common stock having been at least $1.00 per share for a minimum required number of consecutive business days. Separately, today (4/7) is the date that LiveOne has set for spinning out PodcastOne as its own publicly traded company.
content through financial resources, direct or indirect political pressures, and/or control over production and distribution.” Twitter owner Elon Musk replied to NPR’s protestations with two words – “Seems accurate.” NPR president and CEO John Lansing said the company was disturbed to see the “state-affiliated Media” tag slapped on its tweets and calls it “unacceptable for Twitter to label us this way.” 
dysfunctional families in America and how they are tearing our country apart.” SXM Media, the combined advertising sales group from SiriusXM Holdings Inc., has exclusive global ad sales rights for “Dr. Laura’s Deep Dive.” Dr. Laura says, “I’m excited to go deep into topics that are so important to the everyday life of my listeners. Focusing on one topic per episode gives me time and space to analyze the challenges, demonstrate real world examples, and share solutions on how to navigate out of the muck and mud of bad decisions and wrong-headed analysis and achieve a fulfilling life.” Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s “Dr. Laura Program” is in its 13th year on the SiriusXM platform. 
working with clients in the Atlanta, Athens and Jacksonville markets. CMG VP of national sales Jodi Rainey comments, “We are thrilled to have Andrea join our team. Her expertise and leadership will be instrumental in driving growth and innovation across our national sales efforts.” Clay says. “I am honored to join the team at CMG and look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success. I am excited to work with CMG’s talented national sales team and partner to deliver results for our clients.” 
with Community Broadcasters in Florence, South Carolina as marketing and promotions director. He’s also served in a similar capacity with Cumulus Media, CBS Radio, and Flinn Broadcasting. Lyons says, “I am excited to join the SummitMedia Omaha team. I have heard great things about the company for years and I look forward to the opportunities these stations present. I’m energized by the great team here and ready to have some fun!”
A shocking number of highly qualified broadcasters have lost their jobs. The venture capitalists that financed the big radio companies are the people who should be fired, but that’s the next column. Let’s get you a job.
planners). Suchman writes that this argument “is among the ultimate tussles between media planners and publishers. While some may lean more heavily toward video, we at Audacy respectfully disagree.” He makes a five-point argument in audio’s favor saying it wins in reach, time spent using, is more immersive, activates all senses, and drives recall.