Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/12) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The intelligence leak that made public classified Pentagon documents regarding Ukraine, Russia and U.S. allies; the court rulings affecting the abortion pill mifepristone; Fed economists predict a “mild recession” for the U.S. later this year; Tennessee state rep Justin Pearson is returned to the legislature after being ousted for taking part in a gun control demonstration; the aftermath of the deadly Louisville shooting and the topic of gun control; the Russia-Ukraine war and the video that purports to show a Russian soldier beheading a Ukrainian soldier; the legal matters facing former President Donald Trump; U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein leaves committee to recuperate from shingles as some fellow Democrats request her resignation due to her absence; and jury selection to begin in Dominion Voting vs FOX News case were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Geoff Moyer Named Co-Director of Sales at Alpha Media Portland

Alpha Media names Geoff Moyer co-director of sales for the Portland cluster that includes news/talk KXL-FM, talk KUFO-AM, and sports talk KXTG-AM “The Game” plus four music brands. He now works alongside co-director Cressy Walton and she comments, “Geoff has been a significant asset to the management team at Alpha Media since he came on board in November of 2016. I look forward to our strong, continued partnership and am pleased to see his hard work recognized.” Alpha Portland SVP and market manager Lisa Decker adds, “It’s always special to promote from within and to honor hard work and growth. Geoff will join Cressy Walton as the co-director of sales. Cressy has been with Alpha Media since the beginning and has been the director of sales since 2019. The co-director of sales role will help to align our organization with our clients and our staff’s needs. I am proud of both of them and their accomplishments. They are the Dream Team.”

Industry News

WFAN, New York Host Rick Wolff Dies

WFAN, New York listeners and the industry are mourning the passing of the station’s Sunday morning “The Sports Edge” host Rick Wolff, who died after a brief battle with brain cancer at age 71. Coverage of his death at NJ.com notes that Wolff was a Harvard graduate “with a master’s degree who dispensed common-sense advice to parents and coaches during his WFAN weekend show.” The family’s obit states, “To know Rick or Dad or Pops was to love him. He was wise, thoughtful, sharp, funny, incredibly smart, and truly just a wonderful person. In his honor, please remember to never give up on your dreams. He never did, even after so many of them had come true.” Read the NJ.com story here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/11) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of the leaked classified Pentagon documents; China’s saber-rattling military exercises over Taiwan and French President Emanuel Macron’s cozying up to China; the deadly shooting at a Louisville bank and the political debate over gun control; the ruling by a Texas judge challenging the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill mifepristone; legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the 2024 presidential race; and Elon Musk’s BBC interview were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

LiveOne Extends PodcastOne Spin-Out Date to April 20

LiveOne states that its previously announced plan to spin-out PodcastOne as a separate, publicly traded company is being extended to April 20. LiveOne also says that it anticipated that shares will open at between $8 and $12 per share. The good news for LiveOne shareholders is the company expects to increase the dividend of PodcastOne shares to between 12% and 16%. After completion of the successful spin-out – which the company notes is not guaranteed to happen – LiveOne will own approximately 86.3% of the PodcastOne common stock. LiveOne also reports that PodcastOne has repaid $1 million of its debt convertible at $3 and expects to repay an additional $1 million to $2 million. LiveOne intends for PodcastOne stock to be traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol PODC.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

RAB, BMI, and Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announce that the 15th annual Rising Through the Ranks program is open for applications. It begins on August 1 with one virtual event from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET prior to the participants meeting in person August 8 – 10 in Nashville. As in years past, BMI will offer 20 scholarships for this year’s program. The scholarships will cover the cost of the professional development course, which is geared toward fostering and educating the current and emerging female radio managers in broadcast radio. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “Rising Through the Ranks continues to be a foundational part of the professional development of so many women. It is a transformative experience that MIW is so proud to be part of, along with the RAB and BMI. It’s also a whole lot of fun. Once again, we encourage women to apply for this wonderful opportunity and stay focused on rising through this industry.”

WBUR announces that NPR’s Beijing correspondent Emily Feng is the winner of the 2022 Daniel Schorr Journalism Prize for her “The Black Gate” story that debuted on NPR’s “Up First” podcast. For the story, Feng worked with language rights activist Abduweli Ayup and producer Phoebe Wang to examine China’s treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim groups by following one man’s quest to reunite with his wife and children who’ve been detained by Chinese authorities.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/10) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The leaked top-secret U.S. military documents and their potential effect on the Russia-Ukraine war and U.S. relations abroad; a bank employee fatally shoots five in Louisville before police kill him; one of the “Tennessee Three” is returned to that state’s legislature by the Nashville governing council; the legal battle over the abortion drug mifepristone; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; China’s ongoing military exercises over Taiwan; criticism of the Dalai Lama over his interaction with a child; the flap over Anheuser-Busch’s trans activist-Bud Light relationship; and legendary Mad magazine cartoonist Al Jaffee dies were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Jon Kurland Named EVP at iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia appoints Jon Kurland to the EVP of business affairs and chief entertainment counsel position. The company says that in this new role, Kurland will lead iHeartMedia’s business affairs team and focus on strategic deals and relationships with the company’s podcast, music, entertainment and new media partners. He will be responsible for business and legal affairs across the company’s divisions including multiplatform assets, digital audio and tentpole events. In addition, Kurland will oversee the company’s entertainment legal functions across podcasts, live events, and new media initiatives as well as its music licensing strategy, including maintaining and renewing all music industry licenses for iHeartRadio’s digital services and performance licenses through PRO agencies.  iHeartMedia EVP and general counsel Jordan Fasbender says, “Jon’s vast experience and dealmaking skills in the audio industry will be incredibly valuable as we continue to innovate and expand our partnerships and opportunities that leverage and enhance iHeartMedia’s position as the leading audio company in the U.S.” Kurland joins iHeartMedia from Amazon, where he served as senior corporate counsel in the Global Media & Entertainment group.

Industry News

Michele Mitchell Gets VP Stripes at Neuhoff Media

Neuhoff Media announces that Michele Mitchell is promoted to vice president – content and digital strategy. Mitchell has been with the company as head of digital operations & strategy since 2012. Neuhoff says the new position aligns with her leadership responsibilities for the Illinois and Indiana based company. It adds, “Michele has been an integral part of our team for several years and has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the media industry, coupled with a passion for innovation and excellence. As VP of content and digital strategy, Michele will continue to work with our content and digital teams while collaborating with each local market’s leaders to drive our company’s vision forward. Her extensive experience in digital strategy, content creation, and audience engagement will prove invaluable as we continue to grow our business and adapt to an ever-changing media landscape.” Mitchell says, “I am honored to take on this new role and continue working alongside the talented teams at Neuhoff Media. I am excited to bring my experience and passion for content creation and digital strategy to this new position, and I look forward to helping Neuhoff Media continue to thrive.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Emmis Communications CEO Jeff Smulyan will be interviewed by Skyview Networks CEO Steve Jones on Wednesday (4/12) at 7:00 pm ET as part of the “Great Minds, Great Conversations” series sponsored by Adelphi University. The live, one-hour free webinar will cover Smulyan’s expansive career as an entrepreneur who launched WFAN, New York – radio’s first all-sports talk station – joined the exclusive MLB owners’ circle by acquiring the Seattle Mariners, and built a TV station portfolio. He will reveal hard lessons learned that can benefit today’s entrepreneurs. You can register here.

SiriusXM’s says its bipartisan political and news channel tweaks its program schedule. It says, “With the 2024 presidential race already underway, host Laura Coates will now kick-off coverage of the day’s breaking news from SiriusXM’s Washington, D.C. studios, with host Julie Mason returning to afternoons on the newly rebranded ‘The Julie Mason Show.’ Coates, who also serves as CNN’s senior legal analyst and host of ‘CNN Tonight,’ will continue to use her prosecutorial skills to analyze the top stories from a legal perspective.” Sirius XM says Mason is a veteran Washington journalist in her 12th year with the company. It adds, “Mason’s program will feature interviews with a compelling mix of journalists, strategists, and other politicos, as well as politicians from both sides of the political aisle. Mason will also host regular Town Hall events from SiriusXM’s Washington studios, as well as other locations.”

Industry News

The Weekend’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

A Texas judge rules the FDA was wrong to approve the abortion pill; the leak of Pentagon documents revealing weakness in Ukraine’s defense and the spying program of the U.S. government; the legal matters facing former President Donald Trump; Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ acceptance of luxury vacations from friend who is a wealthy Republican donor; the flap over Anheuser-Busch’s trans activist-Bud Light relationship; U.S.-China relations and China’s military exercises over Taiwan; the 2024 presidential race; the ouster of three Democrats from the Tennessee state legislature; and the Easter holiday were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Panel Examines Podcasting Talk Radio Perspective

There’s a lot being said lately about podcasting but much of it is from the consumer or amateur perspective.  Within the talk radio business, podcasting plays an important but idiosyncratic role that has specific ties to talent, sales, and the extension of branding. The forthcoming TALKERS 2023 conference on June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island will present a panel discussion charged with tightly focusing on the relationship between the talk radio industry – specifically its talent, stations and networks – and the burgeoning-but-murky world of podcasting.

Moderated by Lisa Wexler, talk show host, WICC, Bridgeport, CT, the panel will consist of (in alphabetical order): Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss AgencySteve Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media;  Ron Hartenbaum, managing partner, WYD MediaChris 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.

 The session will aggressively address such questions as: What are the different types of podcasts associated with radio and what are their purposes? How can radio companies utilize podcasting to expand their brands while not watering down ratings or personnel energy?  What are the developing models for podcast monetization?  How can a talk talent use podcasting to forge an independent career? Plus a whole lot more.

The details of other panels and sessions addressing programming, sales, sports talk, career navigation, news and more will be posted in TALKERS during the next few days and weeks leading up to the big event.

TALKERS 2023 will take place on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island is on its way to an early sellout.  You can see the list of in-person speakers and get registration and hotel information here.

Industry News

LiveOne Regains Nasdaq Compliance

LiveOne – the parent company of PodcastOne – announces that it has received formal notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market that it has regained compliance with the minimum bid 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.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of April 3-7

The arraignment of former President Donald Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the 2024 presidential race, followed by the recent gas price hikes and economists’ fears of a recession 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

TALKERS 2023 Features 2 Power-Packed News/Talk Programming Panels

TALKERS 2023 to Feature Two Power-Packed News/Talk Radio Programming Panels

As the 26th annual installment of the talk media’s longest-running and most important national gathering draws closer, details of its exciting day-long agenda begin to come into focus. TALKERS 2023 will feature two “Programming News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era” panel sessions.

The first, moderated by Mike McVay, president, McVay Media, will feature panelists (in alphabetical order): Grace Blazer, VP, national NTS brand coordinator, director of news and AM programming Florida region, iHeartMediaKevin Delany, VP, news & talk programming, Westwood OneMatt Meany, program director, WABC, New York; Eric Stanger, VP, operations, “The Sean Hannity Show,” Premiere Networks; and Joe Thomas, talk show host/program director, WCHV, Charlottesville, VA.

The second, moderated by Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter Sterling), president, Sabo Media/talk show host, “Sterling On Sunday,” will feature panelists (in alphabetical order):  Phil Boyce, SVP/spoken word format, Salem Media Group; ops VP, New York region/ WMCA/AM970 the Answer; Tom Cuddy, program director, WOR, New York; Michael Czarnecki, VP, programming, Binnie MediaDan Mandis, talk show host/program director WTN-FM, Nashville; and John T. Mullen, GM, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University.

The panels which will be scheduled during the morning and afternoon segments of the conference will tackle such questions and issues as: How much political programming is optimum for a news/talk station? When targeting a core audience, where do you draw the line between “super-serving” and affirming its opinions versus challenging them? How do you expand upon the AM or FM brand through the use of digital media platforms so as to grow the audience and not dilute the ratings? What is the role of podcasting going forward? How do you to maintain journalistic integrity in a highly polarized society? Is talent direction/coaching a lost art? Where does the new talent come from? How do you optimally integrate local and national programming? How do you work with a tight and/or shrinking budget? How can news/talk radio be significantly improved? plus more.

The details of other panels and sessions addressing sales, sports talk radio, podcasting, career navigation and more will be posted in TALKERS during the next few days and weeks.

TALKERS 2023 will take place on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island is on its way to an early sellout.  You can see the list of in-person speakers and get registration and hotel information here.

Industry News

Talk Host Jack Harris Vows to Return to Tampa’s Airwaves

After being let go from his two-hour morning drive show on iHeartMedia’s news/talk WFLA, Tampa last week, longtime market talk radio personality Jack Harris says he’ll return to the air in the market. The 81-year-old Harris tells the Tampa Bay Times that there is interest from other broadcasters but the six-month non-compete in his iHeart contract prevents him from working elsewhere right away. Harris says he didn’t get the chance to do a farewell show – something iHeartMedia West Florida president Chris Soechtig denies. Salem Media Group says it’s offered to host a farewell show on its crosstown news/talk WGUL “AM860 The Answer,” but also doesn’t want Harris to get into a legal tussle. Read the whole story here.

Industry News

Gerald Celente is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Noted trends forecaster and outspoken commentator Gerald Celente is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison describes Celente as “a fascinating individual who is the embodiment of the word ‘independent’ in both his use of digital platforms and his bold outspoken opinions about contemporary issues.” Celente is a longtime forecaster of economic, political and social trends and has been a guest voice familiar to the hosts and audiences of talk radio and television for decades. Based in historic Kingston, New York, he publishes a magazine called Trends Journal, co-hosts a podcast with noted media figure Judge Andrew Napolitano, promotes rallies for peace, and has even launched a non- sectarian entity called the Universal Church of Freedom Peace and Justice from which – as its deacon – he delivers a weekly YouTube sermon denouncing America’s role in foreign wars… a position that has cost him a number of former allies in business and the media. Celente describes himself as a “political atheist.”  Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

Dr. Laura Launches Deep Dive Podcast

Dr. Laura Schlessinger – via her company Take On The Day, LLC – is launching a new podcast called, “Dr. Laura’s Deep Dive,” in which she “guides listeners through a 360-degree review of a single subject such as marriage, family dynamics, dating and parenting. In the first episode, Dr. Laura deals with the growing crisis of 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.

Industry News

Cox Media Group Names Clay National Sales Manager

Cox Media Group appoints Andrea Clay national sales manager for CMG Radio. Clay was most recently national sales manager for Beasley Media Group. In her new role with CMG, Clay will be responsible for 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.”

Industry News

SummitMedia Names Jeff Lyons Promotion Director for Omaha

SummitMedia LLC brings Jeff Lyons aboard to serve as promotions director for the company’s Omaha station group that includes sports talk KXSP “AM 590 ESPN” and four music brands. Lyons was most recently 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!”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/5) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of the arraignment of former President Donald Trump in Manhattan on charges related to alleged hush money paid to Stormy Daniels; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy meets with Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen in defiance of China’s wishes; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visits the state of Michigan as he tests the waters for an anticipated presidential run; three Tennessee Democrats face state house expulsion hearing for taking part in anti-gun demonstration; RFK Jr. files paperwork to run for president as a Democrat; Idaho makes it a crime to help a minor get an abortion without parental consent; Kansas bans transgender athletes from girl’s and women’s sports; NPR and Twitter spar over the latter’s calling NPR a “state-affiliated media organization”; economic forecasters fear signs of a recession; French President Emanuel Macron meets with Xi Jinping in China and addresses the Russia-Ukraine war; and the severe storms and tornadoes affecting portions of the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Failla Making Impression on “Gutfeld!” Will Speak at TALKERS 2023

Radio has been getting a lot of love lately from the TV side of FOX.  FOX News Radio syndicated midday star Jimmy Failla (center, above) has become the “go-to” guy as fill-in host on FOX News Channel’s wildly successful late night “Gutfeld!” show (starring Greg Gutfeld). One of Failla’s guests on last night’s appearance was fellow syndicated FOX Radio talker Guy Benson, also a rising star in the industry. Both Failla and Benson will be appearing as speakers at the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University.  Failla will be reprising his popular role as one of the opening speakers at the event performing his unique blend of comedy and social satire specifically focused on talk industry issues. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “Jimmy gets the conference off and running on such a wonderfully upbeat note. He’s become a tradition!  Our attendees love him.” Pictured above (l-r) are: FOX Business Channel’s Brian Brenberg, Gutfeld! personality Kat Timpf, Failla, Benson, and commentator Morgan Ortagus.

Industry News

Audacy Insights: Radio Killed the Video Star

An Audacy Insights piece by company chief marketing officer Paul Suchman lays out the case that audio – radio/streaming/podcasts – is a more effective marketing tool than video (the traditional darling of media 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. Read the complete story here.

Industry News

Rainey Rises to VP National Sales for CMG

Cox Media Group promotes Jodi Rainey from director of national sales to vice president of national sales for the radio business. In this new role, Rainey will oversee national, network, and political sales for CMG’s 52 radio stations in 11 markets. CMG says Rainey “came to CMG in 2001 and brings nearly 25 years of industry experience to the national sales team. Along the way, she’s cultivated a track record of success in sales and sales leadership and has produced consistent share growth and exceeded revenue goals across multiple CMG markets.” CMG Radio EVP Rob Babin comments, “Jodi is an outstanding leader and strategic thinker, and she’s passionate about delivering results for our clients. She has a deep understanding of our business and our clients, and I’m confident she’ll continue to deliver exceptional results while leading our national sales team.” Rainey says, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with an already successful team that includes talented and experienced leaders. We’ll continue to be laser-focused on delivering results for our clients, creating growth for CMG, and positively impacting the listeners and communities across our markets.”

Industry News

Nikki Ramirez Joins Research Director Inc

Radio pro Nikki Ramirez (Cumulus Media Atlanta and Audacy Miami) joins Research Director Inc as sales & business development lead. Research Director says that “in this new position, Ramirez will accelerate radio stations’ awareness of Research Director’s powerful Programming & Ratings Toolbox, designed to provide a deeper understanding of market performance immediately after Nielsen’s data release.” Company CEO Marc Greenspan says, “We’re excited to leverage Nikki’s extensive radio industry knowledge and experience, both on-air and behind-the-scenes, to fuel our growth in helping radio stations across the U.S. maximize the value of data to improve both their ratings and their revenue. She joins our team at a pivotal time as we look to showcase our unique ability to help clients improve their programming effectiveness and sales success.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Saga Communications announces that it will release its First Quarter 2023 operating results at 9:00 am ET on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. The company will hold a conference call on the same date at 11:00 am ET.

Last Saturday (4/1) the ParaPod Awards were handed out at the Hyatt Regency Valencia as part of the two-day ParaPod Festival. The awards recognize the influencers and content creators working in the paranormal genre. ParaPod founder Tony Sweet says, “The mainstream awards seem to skip over paranormal content. However, it takes no less time, skill, and talent to cover our genre than it does any other. So, why not create an awards platform to celebrate these brilliant individuals?” Actress and podcaster Jillian Clare (“Days of Our Lives,” “Alien Abduction”) was on hand to present the podcast and documentary category awards.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/4) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump is officially arraigned on 34 felony counts related to the allegation of a hush money scheme prior to the 2016 election; Tuesday’s State Supreme Court race in Wisconsin and the Chicago mayoral race; Finland becomes a member of NATO; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ ongoing battle against Disney; and UConn beats San Diego State to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

“On Purpose with Jay Shetty” Joins iHeartPodcast Network

iHeartMedia announces that the health and wellness podcast, “On Purpose with Jay Shetty,” joins the iHeartPodcast Network. The press release says the mission of the podcast is “to reach people in today’s global, hyper-connected world – as 1 in 4 people have suffered from loneliness and depression – the biggest factor this generation has ever faced. Despite the pandemic pushing people into overload, creators like Jay Shetty have opened up their heart, mind and platform to reinforce today’s greatest lesson – that vulnerability is a great strength and that people are stronger together.” Shetty comments, “‘On Purpose’ is on a journey to help make people happier, healthier and more healed. Through insightful and vulnerable conversations with icons, experts and cultural figures and weekly workshops, ‘On Purpose’ is dedicated to giving our community the habits and tools to live a more fulfilling life. I’m so grateful for our loyal and ever-growing community who come back every day to listen, learn and grow. As the podcast has scaled globally it made perfect sense to join together with the number one podcast publisher – iHeartMedia. We are so excited for this new chapter for ‘On Purpose.’”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Salem Media Group is promoting its planned coverage of the booking of former President Donald Trump in Manhattan today (4/4). Salem Radio Network talk personality Mike Gallagher leads the Special Report coverage streaming on the Salem News Channel at 2:00 pm ET.

Edison Research, in partnership with NPR, is presenting a webinar on April 13 at 2:00 pm ET titled, “Hit Play, Boomer! Podcasting’s Age 55+ Opportunity.” Edison says, “Forty-two percent of Baby Boomers in the U.S. – those age 55+ – have ever listened to a podcast. Attend the webinar to learn more about what has shaped Baby Boomers in the U.S. and what their media habits look like today. Learn how they consume audio and which podcasts index the highest for listening among Boomers.”

The National Association of Broadcasters announces its new campaign highlighting the importance of AM radio in the car for news, community engagement, entertainment and vital public safety information. The campaign includes a website with a grassroots call to action and new tools for stations to highlight the importance of AM radio. This campaign is being launched as some automakers have stripped AM radio out of certain vehicle models.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/3) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s return to New York for his arraignment in the alleged hush money case involving former porn star Stormy Daniels; the aftermath of the St. Petersburg bombing that killed a pro-Russia blogger; the move by NATO countries to provide more assistance to Ukraine in its defense from Russian aggression; inflation and OPEC’s cutting production that could lead to higher gas prices; the report that the Chinese spy balloon shot down earlier this year obtained information about U.S. military sites; Finland is set to join NATO today (4/4); Ron DeSantis’ battle with Disney; Marjorie Taylor Greene’s appearance on CBS’ “60 Minutes” on Sunday evening; today’s elections in Wisconsin and Chicago; and UConn beats San Diego State in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Monday Memo: Dominion v. FOX News

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

In Dominion Voting Systems’ $1.6 billion lawsuit, testimony and internal communications demonstrate that FOX News management and talent privately doubted election fraud claims they were broadcasting. Tucker Carlson messaged Laura Ingraham: “Sidney Powell is lying by the way. I caught her. It’s insane.”

Several FOX News Radio affiliates have asked what impact these disclosures have on station credibility.

 My advice: Your affiliation remains a franchise.

— 21% percent of FOX News viewers do say they trust the network less following the release of evidence in the Dominion case, per Maru Group poll commissioned by Variety. This is notable because FOX is not reporting the story, citing that it is the defendant; and because few minds change, generally, in divided America. We choose to believe what we choose to believe, and FOX simply got caught pandering.

— Trump loyalists are especially dug-in. His legal problems galvanize supporters’ view that he’s persecuted. At CPAC he proclaimed, “I am your retribution.”

— Affiliates: The FOX brand is your asset. To my ear, FOX Radio on-hour/half-hour newscasts report the same facts as ABC or CBS Radio newscasts. I haven’t tested this, but I’d bet a Martini at the Palm that reading transcripts – side-by-side with ABC or CBS Radio copy – the target demo’ couldn’t tell which-is-whose. But listener complaints – rooted in distrust that ABC and CBS are the proverbial “Mainstream Media” – caused several of my client stations to switch to FOX. Reaction was positive.

— Think car radio and assure listeners that they can “get a quick FOX News update” on-hour/half-hour “throughout your busy day.” “Because news that matters to you is changing fast,” listeners will want to “stay close to the news.”

— Bottom line: Unless the financial consequence of these legal actions drives FOX News out of business, hang in there.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features “Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;” and “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books.  Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

The Weekend’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

The indictment of former President Donald Trump by a Manhattan grand Jury and the reactions of the Trump campaign and Trump supporters; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Russia’s detention of Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich; the killing of a pro-Russian blogger Vladlen Tatarsky in a café bombing; the tornadoes that developed across the South and Midwest and into the Northeast leaving 32 people dead; and the NCCA Men’s Final Four and LSU wins the NCAA Women’s championship were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.