Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend
As reported above, the blockbuster news story about President Joe Biden’s announcement yesterday (7/21) to not seek reelection took over news/talk media platforms across the board prompting many radio stations to preempt regularly-scheduled weekend programs in favor of either live and local coverage and/or tapping into expanded news network reporting. Stations find that listeners are interested in hearing what their favorite local hosts have to say about such stories of great magnitude as well as having the opportunity to call in and vent. Kyle Bailey, PD of News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN, Roseburg, OR tells TALKERS, “We aired about 2.5 hours of coverage from FOX News Radio with whom we are affiliated yesterday (7/21). I got a text alert while I was in the building. Interesting to hear about history taking place. I wonder how many news/talk radio stations missed this special coverage opportunity altogether because the staff wasn’t paying attention from home, or no one was scheduled to check on things? If we want to remain relevant, the industry needs to be more proactive.” Other top stories of discussion over the weekend include a continuing analysis of the former President Donald Trump assassination attempt, the aftermath of the RNC, the GOP nomination of U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance for VP, the migrant crisis and inflation according to the ongoing research of TALKERS magazine.
Produced by “The Moth,” Tampa Bay public radio broadcaster WUSF will bring a live storytelling event to the Tampa Theater on October 10. The show will feature a diverse lineup of guests telling personal stories of adventure, struggle, redemption, and creativity. Guests tell their stories without notes in the long tradition of a community gathering around the fire to share their experiences and their culture. University of South Florida-owned WUSF general manager JoAnn Urofsky tells TALKERS, “Events such as this are a key part of our mission to connect residents of Florida with news, information and entertainment that’s meaningful to their lives. These events are also wonderfully fun and a great place for our community to gather and enjoy a great show.” Each show starts with a theme, and the storytellers explore it, often in unexpected ways. Novelist George Dawes Green founded “The Moth” in 1997. The native Georgian wanted to recreate in New York City the feeling of sultry summer evenings when moths were attracted to the light on the porch where he and his friends would gather to tell spellbinding tales. Each story is true and every voice is authentic. “The Moth” has hosted these events in other cities including New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, and Denver.
following the retirement of Andy Lohman. Williams is serving as market manager for the company’s Fairbanks, Alaska operations. iHeartMedia division president Dan Lankford says, “I have had the privilege of working with Kim over the past four years while she served as market president for Fairbanks. I’m excited to see Kim’s passion and experience expand to all of the iHeartMedia stations across the entire Alaska and Hawaii area.”
Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey on September 12th featuring Donald Trump Jr., EVP of the Trump Organization. The event will be moderated by WPHT talk host Dom Giordano and the station says the conversation will cover the presidential race, the state of our union and his worldview as a conservative firebrand.
township of Lower Merion with regard to its former headquarters in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. The original amount to be paid by Audacy was $1.4 million however that figure was later deemed incorrect and now the company agrees to pay the township $2 million. Audacy is still awaiting final approval from the FCC to be able to operate its radio stations as the new Audacy.
Now and Up First in the #1 and #2 spots, respectively, and NBCUniversal News Group’s Dateline NBC at #3. Movement of note for news/talk radio-related podcasts includes Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” rising one place to #6; iHeart Audience Network’s “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton” show moves three spots to #23; and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” advances 13 places to the #26 rank. 
audio content in the last week; 37% of female sports audio listeners spent 5+ hours listening to sports audio in the last week; 2) Female sports audio listeners are more likely than male sports listeners to listen to sports audio with others: 80% of female sports audio listeners ever listen to sports audio with other people compared to 73% of male sports audio listeners; 3) Female sports audio listeners are turning to podcasts to seek new perspectives: 59% of female sports audio listeners and 67% of female sports podcast listeners say yes that they consume sports audio to hear unique perspectives on sports topics not covered in other media; and 4) There is an opportunity with female sports audio listeners as they lack a wide variety of content: 35% of female sports audio listeners agree that there aren’t enough sports audio programs that give different perspectives; 34% agree that there aren’t enough audio programs that cover the sports they like/follow.
ideal medium platforms for retailers and e-commerce brands: Heavy audio listeners are more likely to shop online. Heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners also spend more online than TV viewers. AM/FM radio listeners and heavy podcast listeners over-index on Amazon Prime membership and purchase intent; 2) AM/FM radio makes your TV better – “20 gets you 50”: Nielsen Media Impact optimizations reveal shifting more media weight to AM/FM radio generates significantly more reach, especially among younger demographics 18-49. AM/FM radio does an extraordinary job increasing campaign reach among light TV viewers, who are far less likely to see retailer TV ads. The rule of thumb is “20 gets you 50”: a 20% shift of a TV media budget to AM/FM Radio generates a 50% increase in reach; and 3) Audio holiday AM/FM radio campaigns work: Consumers exposed to an Amazon holiday AM/FM radio campaign have higher brand equity (awareness, ad recall, prior purchase and purchase intent). Nielsen sales effect studies reveal AM/FM radio campaigns for retailers generate significant return on advertising spend: $15 dollars of incremental sales for every dollar of AM/FM radio advertising. 
Next month, as the school year begins in so many places, the listeners that local retailers want as customers transition back to their “normal” routines. Their tempo changes and builds to a holiday season climax. And we – and our advertisers – want to be their soundtrack.
The fourth of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey period covered May 23 through June 19. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Urban One’s Indianapolis news/talk WIBC-FM adds six-tenths to finish the survey with a 7.5 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #4 in the market. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee rises four-tenths for a 12.5 share finish and racks up its 10thconsecutive month at #1. (Good Karma Brands’ crosstown competitor WTMJ ceased subscribing to the ratings several months ago.) Cox Media Group’s Jacksonville news/talk WOKV-FM added seven-tenths to finish with a 9.4 share that lifts it to the #2 rank. 
iHeartMedia’s news/talk WFLF, Orlando, airing from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. iHeartMedia Orlando SVP of programming Ken Holiday states, “We are thrilled to welcome Jesse Kelly to WFLA Orlando! Starting Monday, July 15, Jesse will bring his unfiltered and unapologetic insights to our listeners. From history to politics to pizza, Jesse’s show has it all in a no-nonsense kind of way. Whether you’re a veteran like Jesse or just a good ol’ fashioned red-blooded American, the show has something for everyone.”
June 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 survey period (May 23 – June 19) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
radio and television in St. Louis – will join news/talk KTRS, St. Louis to co-host the midday show with incumbent Wendy Wiese. Cusumano was most recently with sports talk KFNS, St. Louis until owner Dave Zobrist pulled the plug on local sports hosts and installed FOX Sports Radio. Zobrist is putting KFNS up for sale. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Cusumano is taking over the co-hosting duties from Jennifer Blome after her recent retirement.
added to the program schedule at Nexstar Media’s WGN, Chicago beginning Monday (7/15). WGN Radio VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle says, “‘The Other Side of Midnight with Frank Morano’ is engaging, creative, and lively – a trifecta not often found in late night radio shows.” 
His expertise, passion, and approach align perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional audio content and services.” In his new role, Jones will oversee all aspects of USRN’s operations, including programming, services, affiliate relations, and affiliate sales. He will continue to work closely with the talented team at USRN and parent company Gemini XIII to develop innovative strategies that enhance the network’s offerings and drive value for its affiliates and partners.
Hannon says, “Jeff has been one of our key sales management leaders for nearly three decades, leading robust sales teams and managing salespeople of all experience levels. He has also been an integral player in making ‘92.3 The Fan’ one of the market’s dominant revenue leaders while managing the relationship with our key partner, the Cleveland Browns. I know that Jeff will advance the legacy of Tom Herschel as Audacy Cleveland’s new leader, and I look forward to working with him to set the path forward.” Miller comments, “I am humbled, motivated and very excited to accept this fantastic opportunity to lead Audacy Cleveland. I look forward to working with our team and the entire organization to build on the success we experienced under Tom Herschel’s guidance.”
FP&A since 2020 and has been interim CFO for the past six months. CMG president and CEO Dan York states, “Brad brings a unique skillset and perspective to the role of CFO. He’s committed to maximizing company performance and efficiency and has been invaluable in helping CMG win in our local markets today while positioning us to continue to do so in the future. This is a well-earned promotion for Brad that also reflects the strength and depth of CMG’s talented team.”