The Oklahoman reports that former Oklahoma City talk radio host Carole Arnold died last Friday at age 85 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Arnold worked for then-Clear Channel Communications for about 20 years, including eight as a host at news/talk KTOK. She left KTOK in 1996 and later worked at KNOR, Norman and KOMA, Oklahoma City (now KOKC). Read the full obit here.
Former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial begins in New York; Iran’s attack on Israel and the Israel-Hamas war; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s attempt to provide U.S. aid to Israel and Ukraine; SCOTUS to hear January 6 obstruction charges case; the presidential race; U.S. migrant crisis; SCOTUS gender-affirming care ruling; and the selloff in stocks on the world’s financial markets were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
March 2024 PPM Data – Information for the March 2024 ratings period (February 29 – March 27) 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).
The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.
NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are February 2024 – March 2024 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk
WABC 3.8 – 4.0, #11 – #9
WOR 1.6 – 1.6, #20 – #20
WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23
WKXW Stream .3 – .3, #35 – #34
News
WINS-FM 4.5 – 4.6, #7 – #5
WCBS-AM 1.7 – 2.0, #19 – #14
WINS-FM Stream .4 – .4, #33 – #32
Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #33 – #32
WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #46 – #45
Sports Talk
WFAN FM & AM 2.0 – 1.9, #15 -#15 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WFAN FM & AM Stream .8 – .6, #25 -#26 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WNYC-FM 4.7 – 4.0, #4 – #9
WNYC-AM 1.1 – 1.0, #22 – #23
Notes: News WCBS-AM’s +.3 (1.7 – 2.0) represents a tie for New York’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase.
Conversely, public radio news/talk WNYC-FM’s -.7 (4.7 – 4.0) represents the market’s largest (6+)February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk
KFI 5.4 – 5.5, #3 – #3
KEIB .7 – .7, #32 – #33 (Clippers)
KRLA .6 – .7, #34 – #33
News
KNX-FM 3.3 – 3.0, #10 – #10
KNX-FM Stream .3 – .2, #37 – #39
Sports Talk
KLAC .7 – .8, #32 – #32 (Clippers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPCC 2.4 – 2.2, #15 – #17
Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.
CHICAGO
News/Talk
WGN 3.5 – 3.2, #8 – #9 (Blackhawks)
WLS-AM 2.0 – 1.4, #18 – #25
WVON .1 – .2, #40 – #38
WLIP .4 – .1, #34 – #40
WLS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #40 – #40
News
WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.4, #3 – #4
WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .3 – .1, #35 – #40
Sports Talk
WSCR 3.1 – 2.9, #10 – #11 (Bulls)
WSCR Stream .3 – .4, #35 – #31 (Bulls)
WSHE-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #40
WMVP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WBEZ 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #18
Note: News/talk WLS-AM’s -.6 (2.0 – 1.4) represents Chicago’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk
KSFO 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22
KSFO Stream .3 – .1, #32 – #34
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.7 – 6.5, #3 – #3
KNEW .4 – .3, #28 – #30
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #34 – #34
KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KNBR 3.2 – 3.0, #9 – #10
KGMZ 2.1 – 2.0, #16 – #18 (Golden State Warriors)
KNBR Stream DNA – .4, DNA – #28
KGO .1 – .1, #34 – #34
KTCT .1 – .1, #34 – #34
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)
KGO Stream .1 – DNA, #34 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KQED 7.6 – 7.2, #2 – #2
KALW .4 – .2, #28 – #33
DALLAS
News/Talk
WBAP 3.3 – 3.6, #12 – #10
KEGL 1.3 – 1.3, #29 – #28 (Mavericks)
KSKY .8 – .7, #33 – #33
KLIF-AM .3 – .4, #38 – #35
KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.3, #27 – #28
News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News KKGM .1 – DNA, #42 – DNA
Sports Talk
KTCK 4.9 – 3.6, after back-to-back months at #1, falls to #10 (Stars)
KRLD-FM 2.3 – 1.7, #19 – #24
KRLD-FM Stream 1.0 – 1.1, #30 – #31
Public Radio News/Talk
KERA 4.0 – 4.2, #8 – #5
Note: Sports talk KTCK’s -1.3 (4.9 – 3.6) represents a tie for the most significant (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease by any station in these twelve PPM-markets.
HOUSTON
News/Talk
KTRH 3.4 – 3.2, #14 – #13 (Rockets)
KPRC .4 – .3, #28 – #28
News
KXYZ .1 – .1 #33 – #32
Sports Talk
KILT-AM .7 – .8, #25 – #26
KBME .5 – .5, #27 – #27 (Rockets)
KFNC .1 – .2, #33- #30
KILT-AM Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #32
Public Radio News/Talk
KUHF 2.8 – 2.9, #17 – #17
ATLANTA
News/Talk
WSB-AM & WSBB 7.3– 7.7, #3 – #2
WFOM .5 – .5, #26 – #26
WGKA .3 – .3, #30 – #30
WAOK .1 – .1, #34 – #34
WAOK Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBIN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WZGC 3.6 – 3.8, #11 – #9 (Hawks)
WCNN 2.1 – 2.5, #17 – #17
WZGC Stream .5 – .4, #26 – #28 (Hawks)
Public Radio News/Talk
WABE 3.6 – 3.7, #11 – #10
WRAS .5 – .5, #26 – #26
WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk
WPHT 2.0 – 2.3, #15 – #15
WKXW 1.1 – 1.1, #24 – #24
WURD .4 – .6, #27 – #26
WPHT Stream .8 – .5, #26 – #27
WURD Stream .2 – .2, #29 – #29
WKXW Stream .1 – .1, #32 – #31
WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #31
News
KYW & WPHI 6.0 – 5.8, #5 – #4
KYW & WPHI Stream .3 – .2, #28 – #29
WTEL DNA – .1, DNA – #31
Sports Talk
WIP 5.7 – 5.5, #6 – #6
WIP Stream 2.0 – 3.2, #15 – #12
WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.2, #22 – #23 (76ers, Flyers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WHYY 3.3 – 3.1, #12 – #13
Note: Sports talk WIP’s internet stream registers Philadelphia’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase (2.0 – 3.2, +1.2).
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)
News/Talk
WABC 1.8 – 1.5, #17 – #18
WOR 1.2 – 1.0, #19 – #21
WLIR .2 – .2, #27 – #27
News
WINS-FM 5.1 – 4.9, #3 – #5
WCBS-AM 1.7 – 1.8, #18 – #17
WINS-FM Stream .7 – .6, #23 – #24
Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #26 – #26
WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #27
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.7 – 2.4, #12 – #12 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #27
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk
None
News
KFOO DNA – .1, DNA – #25
Sports Talk
KPWK .5 – .2, #19 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
KVCR .5 – .3 #19 – #19
KPCC DNA – .1, DNA – #25
SAN JOSE
News/Talk
KSFO 2.1 – 1.8, #15 – #19
KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #30 – #27
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.4 – 4.7, #4 – #5
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .3 – .2, #26 – #27
KNEW .3 – .2, #26 – #27
Sports Talk
KNBR 3.6 – 2.8, #7 – #10
KGMZ 2.0 – 2.0, #19 – #18 (Golden State Warriors)
KNBR Stream DNA – .5, DNA – #26
KGO .2 – .2, #30 – #27
KGO Stream .3 – .2, #26 – #27
KTCT .3 – .2, #26 – #27
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.
MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION (New Jersey)
News/Talk
WKXW 7.2 – 7.5, #2 – #1
WOR 3.6 – 3.6, #9 – #9
WKXW Stream 1.1 – .7, #18 – #19
News
WINS-FM 2.4 – 2.4, #11 – #11
WCBS-AM .8 – .8, #19 – #18
WINS-FM Stream .5 – .3, #23 – #22
WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.9, #10 – #10 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Up next: March 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
The new brand manager for Audacy’s sports talk WFAN, New York is Ryan Hurley, who comes from a two-decade stint with crosstown competitor “ESPN New York” (WEPN-FM). Hurley takes over programming WFAN and the Infinity Sports Network (formerly CBS Sports Radio) from Spike Eskin,
who is returning to Philadelphia as a host at the company’s “SportsRadio 94WIP.” Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero says, “Ryan knows radio, sports and New York, making him a triple threat to take the reins of WFAN, which continues to be the city’s most influential and dominant sports platform. In addition, with Infinity Sports Network, Ryan will have a major impact on the sports conversation nationwide. All of us at Audacy are excited to welcome him to the team.” Hurley, who joined ESPN New York as an intern in 2004 after graduating from Hofstra University and worked his way up to PD in 2017, says, “I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to join this legendary station. The term ‘dream job’ can get thrown around a lot, but as someone who grew up listening to ‘The Fan’ religiously, that is exactly what this is. There is an incredible team here led by Chris Oliviero, and I look forward to this journey ahead with them.” Additionally, David Mayurnik has been named assistant brand manager of WFAN and Infinity Sports Network and will report to Hurley.
Cumulus Media’s subsidiary, Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc., has further extended the Expiration
Time in its previously announced Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation, in which it is offering to exchange any and all of its outstanding 6.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2026 for new 8.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2029, to April 16, 2024 at 5:00 pm New York City time. As of Friday (4/12), approximately $15 million aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes had been validly tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation and not withdrawn.
Key Networks names Ron Russo as president of sales. Russo most recently served in the same capacity for Westwood One. Key Networks CEO Rob Koblasz says, “Ron Russo is highly respected in
the radio industry and across the agency community, having run sales for the second largest radio network in the country. This is a significant addition to our executive leadership team and brings deep experience, tenure, and valuable industry and agency relationships to our bench at Key Networks. We thank outgoing president of sales Jason Wilberding for his contributions and wish him well in the real estate endeavors he is leaving to pursue.”
Iran’s missile and drone strike against Israel; the hush money case against former President Donald Trump begins this week in NYC; the presidential race, including President Joe Biden’s ballot issues in Ohio and Alabama; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s push for aid to Israel and Ukraine; Marjorie Taylor Greene’s efforts to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson; the U.S. migrant crisis; the stabbing in Sydney, Australia that left seven dead were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Audacy’s Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, Philadelphia launched the first in a series of live presentations titled, “Politics and Pints,” hosted by its legendary midday (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm) personality Dom Giordano. It took place at the Zlock Performing Arts Center at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, PA last evening (4/12) between 7:00 pm and 8:15 pm. The event featured U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) as its inaugural guest, pictured above (r) in conversation with Giordano (l). A cash bar for soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails available for purchase was set up in the lobby of the Center. Tickets for the successful presentation were $50.00+fees and included a signed copy of Senator Paul’s book: Deception: The Great COVID Cover-Up.
Pictured above at the Salem Media Group studios in Washington, DC are (from l-r): Family Research Council president (and program host) Tony Perkins, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and Salem Radio Network v.p./news and talk programming (and program executive producer) Tom Tradup. Early this morning, they taped the first edition of the new, hour-long weekly news program, “This Week on the Hill,” that premieres this weekend on the Salem Radio Network with additional releases on the Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network and on TOWNHALL.com. Topics covered this weekend include Johnson’s invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress, Marjorie Taylor Greene’s “motion to vacate” the Speaker’s position, the battle over reauthorization of the FISA program, and the latest controversy over abortion laws in America. Tradup states, “We are so proud to have Speaker Johnson as the centerpiece of our ‘This Week’ program. He brings a depth of experience that delves beyond the surface skirmishes in Congress and really gives our audience eye-level insight that only a man two-heartbeats from the presidency can offer.”
The presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was abortion, including the Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling outlawing most abortions and former President Donald Trump saying he would not sign a federal law outlawing abortion. And at #3 this week was the state of the U.S. economy. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
Cumulus Media’s subsidiary Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc further extends the expiration time in its previously announced Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation in which it offers to exchange any and all of its outstanding 6.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2026 (the “Old Notes”) for new 8.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2029 (“New Notes”). The new expiration time is 5:00 pm New York City time on April 12, 2024. As of April 9, approximately $15 million aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes had been validly tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation and not withdrawn.
The presidential race; inflation ticks up, the stocks selloff and the Fed’s stance on interest rates; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Arizona abortion law; President Joe Biden’s Pacific leaders summit; the Israel-Hamas war and U.S.-Israel relations; the GOP battle over FISA reform; the White House plan to close “gun show loopholes”; and the severe weather affecting the Southeastern U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Two organizations – End Citizens United and the Campaign Legal Center – have filed a formal campaign finance complaint with the Federal Elections Commission alleging that U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) may have improperly directed iHeartMedia to contribute $630,000 to the Truth and Courage PAC, whose
purpose is to ensure Cruz’s reelection. The amount donated would exceed the $5,000 ceiling on solicitation of funds for a super PAC. The Texas Tribune reports that the terms of iHeartMedia’s payments are unclear because the company’s agreement with Cruz for distributing his podcast is not public, hence the complaint seeking an investigation. However, the complaint asserts “the payments were improperly reported as ‘other receipts’ rather than campaign contributions. ‘Other receipts’ is generally reserved for interest or income on assets already owned by a PAC.” The complaint continues, “By soliciting or directing $630,850.08 of iHeartMedia’s corporate funds to or on behalf of TCP in connection with his 2024 election, Cruz appears to have brazenly violated these federal campaign finance laws.” See the Texas Tribune story here.
The Arizona Supreme Court abortion ruling; the presidential race; the Israel-Hamas war and U.S. Israel relations; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; President Joe Biden’s student debt reduction plan; James and Jennifer Cumbley are sentenced to 10-15 years in prison; the Russia-Ukraine war; Ashley Biden diary thief sentenced; and the U.S. Senate’s impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is moved to next week were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog looks at a Nielsen analysis of the reach of media plans – specifically those that are rooted heavily in Linear TV with the addition of CTV (connected TV) and digital in the mix. No matter how much CTV and digital spend was added in place of dollars taken from Linear TV, reach did not increase. The blog post says, “Regardless of the size of your
media budget, adding AM/FM radio to a digital/TV plan sharply builds reach. Via Nielsen Commspoint, the media allocation planning tool, a wide range of monthly digital/TV media plans were examined. Very small, light, medium, and heavy campaigns were examined. The lightest digital/TV campaign reached 10% of the market. The heaviest reached 60%. Then a 20% allocation of AM/FM radio was introduced. The results were stunning. Across the seven monthly campaigns, from the lightest to the heaviest, the addition of AM/FM radio generated significant lifts in reach. Shifting 20% of the lightest TV/digital campaign to AM/FM radio caused reach to double. Introducing the 20% allocation of AM/FM radio to medium-sized campaigns causes reach to soar by 36% to 55%. Even the heaviest TV and digital campaign saw reach grow 20% with the addition of AM/FM radio to the plan.” Read the full blog post here.
Writer, columnist, radio talk show host and podcaster David Gornoski recently made his debut in the professional wrestling industry at the WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr’s iconic conservatory. Gornoski, known to his listeners for his iconoclastic approach to current political, social, and pop cultural issues as well as being a student of media theory, tells TALKERS that the field of professional wrestling resonates with
the “show biz” side of his outgoing personality and large physical stature. Booked in a “Battle Royal” elimination match, “Handsome” David Gornoski snatched victory in the bout. Afterwards, Gornoski proceeded to announce his intentions to be a wrestling manager looking for the right client and serenaded the crowd with a rendition of Britney Spears’ “Oops I Did It Again.” Gornoski started his broadcasting career at iHeartRadio’s WFLA, Orlando and later, WHBO, Tampa before moving to podcasting. While he covers current events and culture, Gornoski has recently interviewed wrestling icons like Glenn “Kane” Jacobs, Mayor of Knox County, TN and fitness guru Diamond Dallas Page. Gornoski says he hopes to bridge the gap between the media world and the world of wrestling in a completely new way. He points to successful radio host and physician Doctor Asa (Asa Andrew, M.D.) whom he met at the TALKERS 2023 conference and is working with TNA Wrestling promotions as both a wrestler and ringside physician on Impact Wrestling as being a significant inspiration in his choice of this new path. Watch a video of Gornoski’s performance here.
Townsquare Media announces that it has bought and retired 3 million options held by certain members of the management team and board of directors for a net purchase price of $3.62 per option. The purchase price reflects the spread between the closing price on April 3, 2024, of $12.36 and the option strike price of $8.74. The options, all of which were set to expire in July 2024, were granted to members of management and the board at the company’s initial public offering in July 2014. This transaction
follows last week’s repurchase of 1.5 million shares from MSG at $9.76 per share, the June 2023 repurchase of 1.5 million shares from MSG at $9.70 per share, and the March 2021 repurchase of 12.6 million shares and warrants from Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. at $6.40 per share. Like last week’s 1.5 million share repurchase from MSG, the purchase price of $10.8 million will be funded entirely with cash on hand. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson comments, “We are very pleased to share that we were able to buy the IPO options at a net purchase price of $3.62 per option, eliminating the overhang and the shareholder dilution that would have occurred had these in-the-money options been exercised in the open market before they expired this July. The members of management and the board that were involved in this transaction have been with Townsquare for over a decade, demonstrating that our longterm incentive plan was, and continues to be, effective in retaining top talent. In total, our management team owns approximately 11% of shares outstanding today and are well aligned with the company’s investors to build shareholder value.”
Former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the presidential race; Trump’s abortion views divide MAGA; Monday’s solar eclipse; President Joe Biden’s student debt reduction plan; the Israel-Hamas war and U.S.-Israel relations; the Fed’s Janet Yellen visits China; the mercurial valuation of Truth Social; the U.S. Senate’s impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas; and the NCAA Men’s and Women’s basketball championships were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Stations and hosts around the nation report to TALKERS that they are getting mileage and traction out of today’s rare eclipse of the sun that is presenting the exciting phenomenon of totality in many parts of the country and near-totality in others. The story covers a range of angles from how to avoid the dangers of viewing the event without appropriate eye protection, to the tourism and travel implications, to the scientific basis of the event, and to myths and legends attached to it from a historical perspective. A number of hosts say the eclipse provides a welcome opportunity to provide a brief and fascinating natural topical alternative that is neither political nor a disaster. Some radio stations are providing listeners with safety-approved disposable glasses imprinted with their logos. Pictured above are almost exact similar takes on two topical themes depicted by world-renowned American ex-pat artist/musician and TALKERS contributor Bobbie Winston (a.k.a. La Femme Bobbie) based in Copacabana, Brazil for the past 35 years. The first is her 2020 piece titled “The New Normal” depicting life during the pandemic. The new one, “Total Eclipse,” just released is her impression of today’s cosmic event. Check her out here.
Podtrac releases its Podcast Industry Ranking for March 2024 (based on U.S. unique monthly audience
for participating podcasts) and, while not a lot changes from last month, NPR’s “NPR News Now” took over the #1 spot from The New York Times’ “The Daily,” which falls to #2. Cumulus Podcasts Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” rises one spot to #10, and FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” climbs two places to #12. See the complete chart here.
Benztown and P1 Media Group are hosting a free webinar for radio professionals around the globe on Thursday (4/11) titled, “Up Close and Personal with Scott Shannon: Radio G.O.A.T.” The 40-minute webinar will be hosted by Benztown CEO Andreas Sannemann and P1Media Group partner Ken Benson. Shannon will address issues including what skill sets are essential for radio and television talent compared to those needed for podcast hosts and new media personalities, and much more. Register for the webinar here.
Auddia Inc. receives a U.S. Patent for the core AI technology it is using in its flagship faidr app to deliver ad-free AM/FM radio stations to paid subscribers. Auddia CEO Michael Lawless says, “As the technology landscape continues to accelerate, we continue to evaluate new technologies to determine how we can use them to introduce unique capabilities and experiences for creators and consumers within the audio space. We look forward to continued validation from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as we continue to innovate and invent.”
Today’s total eclipse of the sun; the Israel-Hamas war and Benjamin Netanyahu’s response to Joe Biden’s threat; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s fight for aid for Ukraine; the presidential race; Biden’s student loan debt relief plan; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Vatican issues doctrine critical of gender-affirming surgery and surrogacy; and the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four and Championship games were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Salem Media Group is launching “This Week On The Hill,” a new radio and television program set to debut on April 13 on the Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network, and Townhall.com. The show will be hosted by Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, and will feature House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as a frequent guest on the program. This weekly, one-hour radio/TV show will address issues facing Congress, the United States, and the world. Speaker
Johnson says, “I look forward to being a frequent guest on Tony’s show. This opportunity to speak directly to the American people about the most important developments in politics, policy, and culture will be important as we chart the path forward for Congress in these historic times.” Salem SVP Phil Boyce comments, “Salem is honored to kick off this important program with Speaker Johnson as guest host, who has worked tirelessly for conservative values since he took over the Speaker’s position. Tony Perkins, a nationally recognized expert in public policy, will be an excellent co-host, as the show deals with the important topics facing the House and the Speaker’s initiatives in getting his agenda passed.” Perkins adds, “I look forward to kicking off this new program with candid conversations with the House Speaker that will take listeners beyond the headlines and soundbites and inform them about what is really happening in our country and what citizens can do to influence the direction of our nation.” The show will be carried by Salem-owned news/talk stations nationwide, as well as affiliates of the Salem Radio Network. It will also air on the Salem News Channel weekends at 10:00 am ET, and 8:00 pm ET on Saturday and Sunday, as well as on demand on Salem Podcast Network, at Townhall.com, and on SNC.TV. SRN VP of news and talk Tom Tradup will serve as executive producer. Radio stations interested in the show can contact their SRN affiliate representative.
NRG Media news/talk KLIN, Lincoln, Nebraska announces the addition of “Drive Time Nebraska” with host Doug Fitzgerald to the program schedule, airing from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily, effective Monday (4/8). This program replaces the program Dan Parsons hosted in the same slot for the past 10 months. Fitzgerald is an author, speaker, and CEO from Lincoln whose nationally syndicated weekend radio
show produced at KLIN is titled after is best-selling book, ONESHOT. ONELIFE. – The Ultimate Success Formula To Help You Win At Anything In Life (Morgan James Publishing, 2018). NRG general manager Ami Graham says, “Doug has been a friend of KLIN for years. During your drive home, Doug will tackle the issues that matter to our community through commentary, guests, and listener engagement. We are thrilled to have him on our airwaves every weekday.” Fitzgerald says, “I am excited and honored for the opportunity to serve Lincoln and Nebraska on such an iconic station as KLIN and during a time slot where great hosts have broadcast over the years. My vision is to address the cultural issues that impact our city and state through the lens of the values that make Nebraska ‘The Good Life.’ To me, ‘Drive Time Nebraska’ will be like taking a road trip with your family or good friends… having great conversations and fun, along with getting on each other’s nerves now and then. In the end, you still make it home together.”
FOX News Media and personality Greg Gutfeld agree to a multi-year contract extension in which Gutfeld will continue as host of FOX News Channel’s “Gutfeld!” program and as co-host of “The Five.” He’ll also host and produce FOX Nation programming from time to time. FOX News Media CEO
Suzanne Scott comments, “Greg is a true original whose trademark political and cultural commentary, humor and gifted writing has deeply connected and grown with our audience for more than 17 years. Upon launching ‘Gutfeld!’ three years ago, he rapidly disrupted the status quo to become the most-watched host in the genre with more viewers tuning in to his show than any other late-night program on television. We are proud to be the home of Greg, his unparalleled analysis and late-night’s highest-rated program for many years to come.” Gutfeld states, “Since joining the network in 2007, FOX News has given me the freedom to be unabashedly myself and, in turn, deliver a distinct experience for our audience. There aren’t many platforms that allow this type of creative independence and I’m proud to be a part of Suzanne’s team.”
Sharon “Sherry” Madison has been selected 2024 “Woman of the Year” by the TALKERS editorial board. She will be presented the Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievements in Talk Media by a Woman during TALKERS 2024 on Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University on Long Island. Mrs. Madison served as executive producer for her late husband Joe Madison’s long-running morning drive program on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Urban View channel since its debut on the platform in 2008. Prior to that she worked closely with her husband – a Radio Hall of Fame inductee – on his talk shows heard on a number of stations including WOL and WWRC in Washington, DC. The Madisons were married for more than 45 years. Joe Madison succumbed after a bravely fought battle with cancer earlier this year. The “Woman of the Year” award will be presented by legendary radio talk show host Larry Young of WOLB, Baltimore during a TALKERS tribute to Joe Madison at the conference. Upon announcing the choice, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “This is a classic case of a great woman behind a great man. This brilliant, distinguished woman has served with skill and steadiness creating a landmark program of utmost importance as one of the truly outstanding producers to ever work in talk radio. In 2024, no one deserves it more.”
The Israel-Hamas war and the deaths of seven aid workers combined as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the presidential race, followed by former President Donald Trump’s legal battles at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
In a filing yesterday (4/3) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Cumulus Media announces that its subsidiary, Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc, has further extended the expiration time in its
previously announced Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation in which Cumulus offered to exchange any and all of its outstanding 6.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2026 (the “Old Notes”) for new 8.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2029 (“New Notes”) to be issued by Cumulus. The company has further extended the expiration time from 5:00 pm, New York City time, on April 2, 2024, to 5:00 pm, New York City time, on April 9, 2024.
Chicago Public Media – operator of WBEZ-FM, Chicago – is phasing out its Vocalo radio station and is laying off 14 staffers. Chicago Public Media chief executive Matt Moog says, “These are painful decisions that affect our valued colleagues. Because they did not reach the scale needed to generate revenue to cover expenses, Vocalo and the podcast content development unit will be scaled back and folded into the newsroom.”
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One, the exclusive national audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, is presenting comprehensive live audio coverage of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four and national championship game live from Phoenix in both English and Spanish. The network will also broadcast the Women’s Final Four and national championship game live from Cleveland.
The Black Effect Podcast Network and comedian Lil Duval announce, “Conversations With Unc,” a limited series podcast that will feature casual and in-depth talks about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness from an Uncle’s perspective. Black Effect Podcast Network president of creative development and production Dollie S. Bishop says, “We all need moments of laughter, but we also crave spaces for growth and reflection. Our new podcast, ‘Conversations with Unc’ will blend humor with wisdom and offer unique stories and advice in ways that resonate beyond the punchline. We’re excited to collaborate with Lil Duval on this new series and even more excited to see how these conversations will uplift and encourage listeners.”
iHeartMedia and the National Basketball Association announce the addition of two shows to its multi-year podcast partnership, including the debut of “NBA DNA with Hannah Storm.” Additionally, Vince Carter brings “The VC Show with Vince Carter” to the NBA Podcast Network for its much-anticipated season two.
SiriusXM, the exclusive audio broadcaster of the Masters Tournament, announces its extensive broadcast plans for Masters week, April 6-14, with live coverage of all four days of tournament play, daily Masters-focused talk programming, specials and more. SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein says, “The Masters is always one of the most anticipated weeks on the sports calendar, and our team at SiriusXM prides themselves on bringing our listeners across the country closer to everything happening that week at Augusta National. We’ll cover the action on the course from the first tee shot on Thursday through the presentation of the Green Jacket on Sunday, and bring you news from Augusta National throughout the week, interviews with competitors and much more.”
Israel’s killing of seven aid workers in its battle against Hamas and the Biden-Netanyahu tensions; the presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; Israel’s killing of Iranian generals and Iran’s promise of revenge; the blowback from President Joe Biden’s Trans Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday; Marjorie Taylor Greene’s campaign to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson; and the troubles facing Elon Musk’s Tesla were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Based on U.S. population estimates from the 2020 census and updated and projected to January 1, 2024, by Claritas, Nielsen unveils its new market ranks effective with the Spring 2024 ratings. As shifts
in population take place in the U.S. – with growth often seen in southern markets – the ratings giant adjusts its rankings. Among the notable changes are the Dallas-Fort Worth market leapfrogging San Francisco to the #4 market and San Francisco now at #5. Other markets moving up include Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood to #11 and San Diego to #18. See the complete ranking here.
FOX News Channel announces that it finished the first quarter of 2024 as cable’s most-watched network in total day and primetime, dominating primetime viewers in cable news for 89 consecutive
quarters, according to Nielsen Media Research. FNC adds that its primetime lineup sweept cable news every hour. “The Ingraham Angle” (7:00 pm ET) finished the quarter averaging 2.2 million viewers and 222,000 in the 25-54 demo. “Jesse Watters Primetime” (8:00 pm ET) delivered 2.8 million viewers and 284,000 in the 25-54 demo. “Hannity” (9:00 pm ET) remained dominant, nabbing 2.4 million viewers and 266,000 in the 25-54 demo, easily winning the timeslot and topping CNN and MSNBC in both categories. And “FOX News @ Night” (10:00 pm ET) delivered 1.2 million viewers and 187,000 in 25-54 demo.