Industry News

WPHT, Philadelphia Raises $109k for Veterans Charity

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Pictured above is the staff of Audacy’s news/talk WPHT, Philadelphia at the seventh annual “Talk Radio 1210 WPHT Radiothon” last Friday (3/22) that raised more than $109,000 for the Travis Manion Foundation which supports “programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation and the community at large.” Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “Our WPHT listeners and advertisers are extremely passionate and generous, and we are so grateful for their contributions. Audacy Philadelphia is a strong supporter of the Travis Manion Foundation and the great work they do for veterans in our local community.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Good Karma Brands’ talk WAUK-AM/W266DR “101.7 The Truth” announces the 3rd Annual Tory Lowe Community Clean Up taking place on April 13. Spearheaded by 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm host Tory Lowe, the event encourages volunteers to join the station in picking up litter in Milwaukee neighborhoods. Lowe says, “This is what it’s all about. Getting together as a community, unifying, and giving back. This is a great opportunity to get to know our neighbors and take pride in the city we call home. A cleaner community is a better community.”

Mundo Hispano Digital partners with iHeartMedia in a deal that includes MundoNow’s audio network Oyénos’ slate of podcasts being distributed widely by iHeartPodcasts. MundoNow president and CEO Rene Alegria says, “We’re thrilled to embark on this transformative partnership with iHeartPodcasts, solidifying our commitment to amplifying LatinX voices in the audio space. This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for Oyénos Audio, as we combine forces to deliver captivating content and innovative marketing strategies that resonate deeply with our community. In today’s ever-evolving media landscape, we continue to strive to deliver compelling, informative, and engaging content to a large and significantly still underserved audience – bilingual and bicultural Latinos.”

FOX Nation debuts a new special titled, “Prisoner of Putin,” on Thursday (3/28), one day before the one-year anniversary of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s arrest and detainment in Russia. The special will provide an in-depth look into Gershkovich’s life and his courage and resilience throughout the last year. Contributions will be made by FOX News Channel senior correspondent Steve Harrigan, who was formerly based in Moscow, Wall Street Journal colleagues Gordon Fairclough and Paul Beckett, as well as Jeremy Berke and Sam Silverman, close friends of Gershkovich.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump gets bond reduction from an Appeals Court; the aftermath of the deadly ISIS attack on Moscow; Israel rebuffs UN Security Council’s Gaza ceasefire vote; the presidential race; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Supreme Court to hear arguments on a Texas court’s suspension of the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill; the U.S. and U.K. sanctions against China over alleged Chinese government-backed cyberattacks; Florida bans social media for children under 14; and Sean “Diddy” Combs the subject of a Homeland Security investigation into human trafficking were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Gunhill Road Attacks Fraudsters with a Powerful New Rocker, “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone)”

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Gunhill Road, the timeless band that has been creating multi-genre rock and pop music spanning more than five decades, has released a stunning new song and video titled, “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone).” The piece – which is a no-holds-barred attack on the rise of scams and fraud in our society – is an advance release from the band’s forthcoming fifth album. Gunhill Road has developed a unique niche in recent years attracting tens of thousands of internet followers powered, in large part, by the attention and airplay given it on talk radio. New songs by the group typically debut on hundreds of radio talk shows sparking conversation about today’s pressing topics of news and social concern. The compositions feature clever, candid lyrics delivered in a highly musical and original way. The band consists of co-founding member/pianist/vocalist Steve Goldrich, longtime guitarist/vocalist Paul Reisch, noted Broadway theater instrumentalist/guitarist/vocalist Brian Koonin, and TALKERS publisher/vocalist Michael Harrison. The provocative video for “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone)” was produced by Matthew B. Harrison. The song, a powerful rocker marked by driving guitars, riveting keyboards, an exuberant group chorus and a compelling lead vocal by Brian Koonin, expresses the frustration we all face in an increasingly dangerous environment marked by the rising corruption of identity theft, charity scams, grandparent scams, imposter scams, mail fraud, romance scams, lottery scams, crypto scams, blackmail, phishing, and disingenuous institutions. Click here scammersvideo.com to see the video.  To arrange an interview with Michael Harrison to discuss the scam crisis, please email info@talkers.com.

Industry News

Audacy Files Final 2023 Fiscal Report with SEC

Audacy filed its 10-K annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday (3/22) as it prepares to emerge from Chapter 11 reorganization. The company is waiting on FCC approval. Inim reporting is operating results for 2023 it reveals net revenue of $1.16 billion, a decrease of 6.75% from the full year 2022. The company was hampered by an impairment loss of $1.3 billion in 2023, compared to the impairment loss of $180 million reported in 2022. That and other factors led to total operating expense soaring to $2.5 billion, compared to the total operating expense of $1.32 billion in 2022. The company posted a net loss of $1.13 billion in 2023, compared to the net loss of $140 million reported for 2022.

Industry News

New York Festivals Radio Awards Announces 2024 Shortlist

The New York Festivals 2024 Radio Awards announces this year’s Storytellers Gala Shortlist. NYFestivals says, “Mesmerizing audio entries created by storytellers from around the world were judged online by NYF’s Radio Awards Grand Jury to determine the 2024 Radio Awards Shortlist. Shortlisted entries include audiobooks, podcasts, dramas, documentaries, breaking news coverage, entertainment, and music specials from radio stations, networks, prominent production companies and independentim producers.” All Entries in the 2024 competition were screened online by NYF’s Radio Awards international Grand Jury of 200-plus producers, directors, writers, and other creative media professionals from around the globe and judged on the following set of criteria: production values, creativity, content presentation, direction, writing, achievement of purpose and audience suitability. Award-winning entries will be announced during the New York Festivals 2024 Storytellers Gala virtual event on April 16 at 6:00 pm ET. The virtual event will include featured global audio and video highlights, award winners’ acceptance speeches from around the world, and up-close and personal spotlights featuring some of radio and television’s most respected storytellers. All winners will be showcased on the Radio Awards winners gallery. See the shortlist here.

Industry News

Kilmeade Visits Affiliate WCHV, Charlottesville

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Pictured above are FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio talk personality Brian Kilmeade (left) and WCHV, Charlottesville PD and morning host Joe Thomas (right) during Kilmeade’s visit to his affiliate station. Kilmeade participated in a meet-and-greet with listeners and helped collect enough money and food donations to feed 4,300 Central Virginians with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank! In the photo above, Thomas is showing Kilmeade his old staff jacket from his time working at WRCN-FM on Long Island when it was a rock station. Kilmeade’s radio show is carried on the JVC Media station and Kilmeade often uses the WRCN studios for his program.

Industry News

Audacy Names Tatjana Deegan VP of Sales in Austin

Audacy announces the appointment of Tatjana Deegan as VP of sales for the Austin, Texas cluster that includes news/talk KJCE-AM and three music brands. Audacy regional president Doug Abernethy says,im “It’s much better working with Tatjana than against her. She is a powerhouse seller and a dependable colleague. Audacy’s Austin sales team is set to have a successful future with her influence.” Deegan comments, “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the incredibly talented sales team at Audacy in Austin under the leadership of Doug. For the second time in my career, I am eager to learn from him and cannot wait to bring everything I’ve got to the table!”

Industry News

“New Jersey 101.5” to Present Youth Sports Town Hall

This Thursday (3/28) at 7:00 pm, Townsquare Media’s news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” is presenting a town hall titled, “Don’t be a Bad Sport,” that looks at problems facing youth sports, including parents behaving badly on the sidelines and kids feeling pressured to play through injuries.im Station senior political director Eric Scott will moderate the town hall and he says, “Participating in youth sports can benefit our kids in so many ways. Unfortunately, the actions of just a few parents can spoil the experience for everyone.” The program’s on-air panel will feature Dr. Jason Krystofiak, division chief of sports medicine at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center; Colleen Maguire, executive director of New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association; Dr. Mike Gross, a clinical and sport psychologist and head of sport psychology at Princeton University; and Robert Everett, a former president of Berkeley Little League.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

The internet TV talk show “Jim Peters At Night” is preparing to broadcast its 100th episode live this evening (3/25). The program is broadcast live via video Mondays through Thursdays at 11:00 pm ET on six popular online platforms. The featured guest for the 100th installment will be Dr. Murray Sabrin, professor emeritus of economics and finance at Ramapo College in New Jersey.

Audio sales firm AdLarge welcomes “Stupid Things for Love” to its podcast lineup. The company says, “Through candid discussions, host Scott Campbell, an internationally acclaimed tattoo artist, creates a deeply empathetic and secure environment for guests, inviting them to share their vulnerabilities and intimate narratives, regardless of their level of fame or recognition. From personal struggles to triumphant moments, ‘Stupid Things for Love’ offers an unassuming platform for real people to connect and relate.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The ISIS attack on a Russian concert hall kills more than 130 and Vladimir Putin’s implicating Ukraine in the attack; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and today’s bond deadline; the presidential race; the legislation to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year and Republicans critical of House Speaker Mike Johnson; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Israel-Hamas war and the U.S. plan for hostage exchanges; the Supreme Court to hear arguments on a Texas court’s suspension of the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill; the violence and chaos in Haiti; and the Justice Department’s anti-trust case against Apple were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

The State of Journalism in 2024: Why Talk Media Needs Investigative Reporting Now More Than Ever

By Ted Bridis
University of Florida
Professor

imThe headlines haven’t been kind to journalism lately. That recent New York Times piece declaring its demise? It wasn’t exactly a morale booster. The Messenger, created to revitalize journalism in the digital age, shut down after just one year. Sports Illustrated was on the cutting block until Minute Media came onto the field with a Hail Mary to save the 70-year-old publication. The Wall Street Journal laid off a slew of talented reporters despite record profits. Yet, some of these decisions have nothing to do with the state of journalism but are based on balance sheets, declining advertising buys, and changing tastes in media consumption.

David S. Levine of the Times of Israel has written, “Journalism is dead. You are on your own.” But here’s the thing: I’m not buying it.

As a journalism professor at the University of Florida with more than 35 years in the industry, I’ve seen my fair share of ups and downs. Remember the rough economic patches of 2001 and 2008? The internet’s constant disruption? We’ve weathered those storms, and we’ll weather this one, too.

In fact, universities like mine are leading the charge in a new era of journalism. The investigative, political journalism and public policy reporting classes that I teach feed directly into something near and dear to me: credibly holding powerful institutions accountable. And we’re building partnerships to help sustain the industry.

Our Fresh Take Florida news service distributes significant reporting by our undergraduate journalism students to major news outlets across Florida. Newsrooms receive high-quality content for their readers, viewers, and listeners. Students earn real-world experience covering challenging subjects and gain exposure with editors and news directors who hire them when they graduate. Every semester, sadly, my classes of young reporters dwarf the size of many professional newsrooms in some of Florida’s biggest cities.

Talk media is especially vulnerable as our journalism industry works its way through these latest challenges. It relies on journalists to unearth those hard-hitting stories, identify credible sources, and separate fact from fiction.

Here’s the truth: Talk media can’t function without a healthy investigative journalism ecosystem. They need that next generation of journalists I’m training — reporters who are not just trustworthy and credible, but efficient and effective in getting the story out quickly. After all, in today’s fast-paced world, talk radio often relies on journalists for its content.

This is precisely why investigative journalism programs around the country and the Collier Prize for State Government Accountability are so crucial. The $25,000 Collier Prize, established at the University of Florida with a generous gift from Nathan Collier, a descendent of the family that founded the pioneering investigative journalism magazine Collier’s in the late 1880s, is one of the largest journalism awards in the country. It recognizes and celebrates the very kind of investigative reporting that underpins strong talk media.

We’re fostering a new breed of investigative journalists who can seamlessly serve the needs of both traditional and talk media. They understand the importance of speed and accuracy, the ability to distill complex issues into digestible segments, and the value of unearthing stories that spark conversation and hold power to account.

The future of journalism isn’t about flashy headlines or clickbait. It’s about dedicated professionals committed to truth, transparency, and giving a voice to the voiceless. It’s about investigative reporting that illuminates injustice and empowers citizens. And it’s about demonstrating to readers, viewers, and listeners that objective, hard-hitting journalism is worth paying for, after a generation where we gave it away free online.

Talk media is dependent to a degree on the success of the rest of the ecosystem, which is an important point. We highlight and identify credible sources who then become guests on programs that can go into a lot more depth than they can with a quote in a 1,000-word story. Talk radio very much has a stake in the success of journalism. They need this next generation of journalists to be better than ever — credible, trustworthy, and ethical but also efficient and effective — working expediently to get the story told because in a lot of cases talk radio is getting its content from journalists.

We are never not going to need journalists. That’s the silver lining — democracy needs journalists. It needs trustworthy, independent, independently minded journalists who seek the truth and report it. That sentiment is alive and well, and talk media needs this kind of journalism now more than ever.

Award-winning investigative journalist Ted Bridis led the Associated Press’ Pulitzer Prize-winning team before joining the University of Florida. He’s known for his expertise in source protection, FOIA law, and uncovering high-profile stories like the Clinton email server and Paul Manafort’s foreign lobbying. Previously, he analyzed national elections for the AP and covered technology, hackers, and national security.

Industry News

Talk Hosts Kilmeade and Katz Catch Up in Richmond

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Pictured above are FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio talk personality Brian Kilmeade (left) with WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (right) at the historic McLean’s Restaurant in downtown Richmond. Kilmeade – whose show recently joined the lineup at WRVA – was in town broadcasting live and Katz joined Kilmeade to offer insight on the issues of the day.

Industry News

Fulscado Named SVP of Sales for iHeartMedia Philadelphia

Anthony Fuscaldo is named SVP of sales for iHeartMedia’s Philadelphia station group that includes sports betting outlet WDAS-AM “FOX Sports The Gambler” and five music brands. Fulscado, who wasim most recently serving as division sales manager for Carvertise, previously held SVP, GSM, and national sales director roles with the cluster. Philadelphia markets group president Jeff Moore says, “We are fortunate to welcome Anthony Fuscaldo back to iHeartMedia Philadelphia as senior vice president of sales. With his proven track record of driving revenue growth, attracting top talent and fostering strong client relationships, we are confident he will lead our sales team to new heights of success. Welcome home, Anthony!”

Industry News

Audacy Reorganizes Podcast Units

According to a piece in The Hollywood Reporter, Audacy is consolidating its podcast segment by doing away with the Cadence13 and 2400Sports brands for the production units and will rebrand them asim Audacy Podcasts. The story notes that there are no staff reductions as a result of this. The goal of the change is to “streamline the brands for advertisers and to put a further emphasis on the Audacy brand.” The story also says that “Pineapple Street Studios, which primarily works with third-party partners such as HBO, Netflix and Spotify, will retain its branding as it moves under the Audacy Podcasts umbrella.” See the Hollywood Reporter story here.

Industry News

Salem to Sell Stations in Nashville and Hawaii

Salem Media Group, operating in selective divestiture mode, announces it is selling contemporary Christian KAIM-FM, Honolulu and WFFI-FM, Kingston Springs/WFFH-FM, Smyrna/WBOZ-FM, Woodbury in the Nashville market to Educational Media Foundation for $7 million. Salem notes that itsim Nashville-based Today’s Christian Music network (TCM) is not affected by these transactions. Salem Media Group CEO David Santrella comments, “Salem remains steadfast in our commitment to paying down debt and reducing our overall leverage. The sale of these radio stations helps achieve those goals. At the same time, we are focused on the stations staying in mission format. We are happy to be working with our good friends at EMF to continue impacting lives through music. We are grateful for our staff at these stations that have worked tirelessly over the years. With this change, Mike Blakemore, Salem’s VP of CCM programming, will provide focus and leadership to programming TCM, which remains an important part of Salem’s content offerings.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

STC Media, LLC’s “Sports Talk Chicago” adds new affiliate WROK-AM, Rockford, Illinois, bringing the Jon Zaghloul-hosted show’s roster to nine stations. Zaghloul says, “I couldn’t be more excited to bring ‘Sports Talk Chicago’ to Rockford. I want to thank Townsquare Media, and, specifically, Chuck Armstrong and Johnny Vincent, for helping to make this new partnership happen. We are thrilled to bring our patented blend of opinionated, unfiltered sports talk to such a great city. And we continue to thank our affiliates and supporters for helping us to expand across the region!”

Multimedia sports platform OutKick announces that it finished February 2024 with 24 million total multiplatform views – up 4% versus February 2023 – and delivered 22 million total multiplatform minutes and 20.2 million total digital multiplatform unique visitors, according to data from Comscore. Outkick SVP and managing editor Gary Schreier says, “OutKick continues its great start to 2024 with growth across the platform and remains the destination for all the news where sports and culture intersect.”

The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation will present its third annual Insight Award to Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, author, and philanthropist Soledad O’Brien during the NAB Show Welcome on April 15. The Insight Award recognizes an individual or organization for an outstanding artistic or journalistic work or body of work that enhances the public’s understanding of the role, operation, history or impact of media in our society. Previous recipients include LeVar Burton and “60 Minutes.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of March 18 – 22

The presidential race and this week’s primary election races combined as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was former President Donald Trump’s legal battles including his need to raise funds for a bond in the E. Jean Carroll case, followed by the Trump legal team’s efforts to disqualify Fulton County DA Fani Willis 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.

Industry News

Audacy Introduces AI to Assist in Dynamic Ad Insertion

Audacy announces that it is introducing dynamic AI and machine learning that “infuses contextual advertising solutions into its Ad Tech stack to help brands more precisely target podcast consumers.” The company says, “The solution unlocks Audacy’s ability to accurately transcribe podcast episodes and categorize millions of hours of content with contextual, targetable tags, including ‘business and finance,’im ‘entertainment,’ ‘sports,’ ‘travel’ etc., in accordance with Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) standards. With this capability, Audacy will dynamically insert ads into podcasts more precisely than ever.” Audacy chief revenue officer Brian Benedik adds, “The promise of Audacy’s cross-platform audio campaigns to deliver unprecedented reach coupled with powerful precision targeting becomes even more pronounced with the integration of contextual podcast advertising into our Ad Tech stack. Our clients are realizing better returns on their advertising investments and better outcomes for their business when they leverage our holistic audio strategies, which is why Audacy boasts one of the highest renewal rates in audio and digital media.”

Industry News

Phil Hendrie Documentary Now Streaming

A new video documentary of radio maverick Phil Hendrie is currently streaming on Amazon Prime andim other platforms. Titled, Hendrie, and produced by Freestyle Digital Media and directed by Patrick Reynolds, the film features people like Hendrie’s one-time program director David Hall as well as comedians and Hollywood figures talking about the unique radio program Hendrie launched in 1990 in which he held kooky conversations with offbeat characters – all played by Hendrie himself – in real time. Hendrie tells KCAL-TV, “It was completely original… and it satirized something that I thought needed satirizing – talk radio.” See the trailer here.

Industry News

Edison Research: Which Podcasts Women Listen To

Based on data from Edison Research’s Q4 2023 Share of Ear study, the podcast most listened to by women (13+) is audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie,” hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat. Edison notes, “Podcasts with women hosts take five of the top 10 spots, including “Crime Junkie,” “The Daily”im with Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise (#4), “Call Her Daddy” with Alex Cooper (#5), “Morbid” with Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley (#7), and “My Favorite Murder” with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark (#8). And Dateline NBC’s (#3) 20-year veteran Andrea Canning is part of the team of correspondents on the true crime pod.” However, women to listen to male-hosted shows as the study reveals “The Joe Rogan Experience” was #2 on the most recent chart. “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce” was #6 on the chart and was lifted to this “new height” by the obvious Taylor Swift connection.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/20) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and his bond problem; the economy, including the record high financial markets and the Fed keeps interest rates on hold; the Israel-Hamas war and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Egypt for ceasefire talks; the $1.2 trillion funding package to keep the federal government operating; the U.S. migrant crisis; California passes Proposition 1 to tackle homelessness; the U.S. conducts tests on hypersonic missiles; the clashes between violent gangs and civilians in Haiti were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Marc Ryan Joins “97.1 The Ticket” in Detroit

Sports media personality Marc Ryan moves from Audacy’s Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina sports talker WYRD-AM/W249DL/W246CV “The Fan Upstate” where he hosted “Offsides with Marcim Ryan,” to the company’s sports talk WXYT-FM, Detroit “97.1 The Ticket.” In Detroit, Ryan will serve as network pregame, postgame and weekday fill-in host, beginning April 1. Ryan comments, “I’ve carried around a post-it note for 14 years with three sports stations written on it, including ‘97.1 The Ticket.’ My longterm goal was to get a full-time job at one of them. I am so excited to join one of the best media teams in the country as I unlock this long-awaited achievement.”

Industry News

Audacy Names Hartman to Lead Memphis Stations

Sales and management pro Nichole Hartman is named market manager for Audacy’s Memphis station group that includes sports talk WMFS-AM/FM, sports betting WMC-AM “The Bet 790,” and two musicim outlets. Hartman currently serves in the same role for the company’s Chattanooga stations, a position she will continue to hold. In Memphis, Hartman succeeds Dan Barron, who was recently named SVP and market manager in New Orleans. Audacy regional president Claudia Menegus comments, “Memphis and Chattanooga are lucky to have Nichole’s leadership as a vital building block to local market success. She continues on a path of consistent career growth and will elevate our Memphis market by delivering exceptional performance for our team, partners, and audiences.”

Industry News

WLS-AM, Chicago’s Steve Cochran Lands Sosa Interview

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WLS-AM, Chicago morning drive host Steve Cochran (left) interviewed former Chicago Cubs star Sammy Sosa (center) on March 15 as the controversial former ballplayer returned to the Windy City. Sosa left Chicago and the Cubs after the 2004 season and, in 2009, it was revealed that Sosa was among MLB players found to have tested positive for PEDs in 2003 in baseball’s steroids scandal. Last Friday, fans were treated to Sosa’s first interview with Chicago media in many years. WLS allowed local TV cameras into Cumulus Chicago studios to capture Sosa’s return to Chicago media. Also pictured here is Cochran’s co-host Andrea Darlas (right). See the interview here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

The NAB launches the 2024 Election Toolkit – an online resource that provides local television and radio broadcasters with tips and resources to combat misinformation, drive get-out-the-vote efforts and cover local, state and federal elections. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “Research suggests only about a third of Americans believe the upcoming 2024 election will be both honest and open, and nearly two-thirds believe that disinformation will influence the outcome. Broadcasters’ trusted local journalism combats the overwhelming tide of misinformation and disinformation online, making our role in providing accurate information this election season more important than ever.” Check it out here.

Former President Donald Trump sat down for a wide-ranging interview with WABC, New York’s Sid Rosenberg, on the “Sid and Friends in the Morning” program. Trump talked about his stance on abortion, the war in Gaza and his bid to win the White House this November.

Cumulus Media and MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers agree to renew their partnership to air Dodgers games on KYVB, Oxnard-Ventura.

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is the official network audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, and will once again be home to every game in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Westwood One will present each game through the National Championship on April 8.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/19) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and Tuesday’s primary elections; the legal back-and-forth over Texas’ migrant apprehension law; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and his efforts to post bond in the E. Jean Carroll judgement; Congressional leaders announce deal to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; federal law enforcement’s warning about cyberattacks on U.S. water systems; Alabama legislators pass anti-DEI policy; and the lawlessness in Haiti were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Audacy Names New Afternoon Show at “The Fan Upstate”

Starting next Monday (3/25), “WIRE 2 WIRE,” starring Greg “Diesel” Abee (left)and Cole Bryson (right), fills the afternoon drive daypart on Audacy sports talk outlet WYRD-AM/W249DL/W246CV,im Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina “The Fan Upstate.” The program takes over for “Offsides with Marc Ryan,” as Ryan moves to the company’s WXYT-FM, Detroit “97.1 The Ticket.” Audacy Greenville-Spartanburg SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi states, “‘WIRE 2 WIRE’ allows us to elevate Diesel, who has worked alongside Marc for years, and Cole, who has done a great job with every sports assignment we’ve given him. ‘WIRE 2 WIRE’ will be a live, local sports show with knowledgeable, well-known local talent, and I know sports fans will love it.”

Industry News

Veritonic Integrates with Adjust

Audio research and analytics platform Veritonic announces an integration with leading measurement and analytics company Adjust. Through this integration, Veritonic’s premier audio attribution solution will receive automated data about in-app conversion actions on mobile devices including installs, purchases,im subscriptions, and more. Veritonic CEO Scott Simonelli comments, “We take pride in our collaborations with visionary leaders, amplifying the impact of our solutions and elevating the value delivered to our clients. This seamless integration empowers us to furnish our clients with even more comprehensive, insightful, and actionable data. It equips them to finely tune their audio campaigns, ensuring optimal results while instilling confidence in the allocation of their advertising budget across channels.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/18) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and today’s primary elections; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and bond problem; the U.S. migrant crisis and the Supreme Court’s blocking of Texas’ border policy allowing state officials to detain suspected illegals; the Fani Willis disqualification case; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; the Supreme Court hears arguments over government efforts to combat social media disinformation; the Don LemonElon Musk interview; and the lawlessness in Haiti were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Inquirer: Missanelli Return to “The Fanatic?”

In covering the above story for the Philadelphia Inquirer, writer Rob Tornoe reveals that as the result of Andrew Salciunas moving from middays to mornings, Beasley moves former Philadelphia Daily Newsim writer Bob Cooney to middays. The question Tornoe asks is what about Mike Missanelli? “Rumors have been swirling in sports radio circles the past few days about the return of Missanelli, once the station’s biggest star, whose sudden exit from his afternoon show in 2022 after 15 years shocked listeners.” Tornoe says that Missanelli has been in contact with management but there’s nothing to report and Missanelli isn’t talking. PD Scott Masteller tells the paper, “Mike’s name has come up. He’s a great talent, and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. A lot of people are interested in the radio station right now. So, I’ll leave it at that.” The current PM drive show is “The Best Show Ever?” hosted by Tyrone Johnson, Ricky Bottalico and Jenn Scordo. Read the Inquirer story here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Happy Campers

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imFor spring break this year, Sarah and I revisited Sandals Grand Bahamian all-inclusive resort – NOT inexpensive, and very worth it. We’ve already booked same-week-next-year, and we think we know who we’ll see there then.

Among those we chatted-up at beach bars: Owner of a HVAC service company in Iowa. He arrived ahead of 16 employees and +ones (“the other 16 are back there keepin’ the heat on”). And get this: He said that, for some, it’s their first airplane travel. And they land in Nassau! WHAT a boss, eh?

Another business owner we met topped that! He had 38 inbound next-day for a long weekend. To qualify for this “President’s Club” trip, those 19 reps each moved a million dollars of product in 2023.

“Selling what?” I had to ask. “All the things nobody wants to buy,” he quipped. His company is a rack jobber, meaning it has agreements with retailers to display and sell products in-store. Think cigarette lighters and the thousand other items you see at gas stations and convenience stores.

Going right into Larry King mode, I learned about those sunglasses that retail for $19.99. He buys ‘em by the palette, 19 cents each. And when I asked “What was HOT 2 years ago, and is NOT now?” he replied, without hesitation, “masks.”

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He caught my ear when he used the term “liberal” to describe regions. In talk radio, that’s a political term. But the way he used it reflects Michael Jordan’s famous quote, “Republicans buy sneakers, too.” Like politics, commerce is regionalized. And he spoke in practical terms: Phone charger cords sold in the northeast are predominantly iPhone-compatible. “Get much-south-of New York,” and Android cords are also popular.

Contributing to inflation: Pre-pandemic, the usual business model was that the store paid for what his company delivered. Some clients were big-enough to change that, to paying-upon-SALE, which bar codes enable. So, the rack jobber is on-the-hook for “inventory shrinkage” (shoplifting and pilferage). But the arm-wrestling continues… and at least 19 reps are winning.

Heading for our final-night-there dinner, we passed the President’s Club reception in a VIP area; and next morning at breakfast, we spotted President’s Club T-shirts. We expect to see more next year, because, as the boss winked, “those wives want to come back!” and they tend to be supportive of long workdays in the meantime. 😉

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of  The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up,” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn.