Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

The Buffalo Bills and Audacy’s sports talk WGR, Buffalo say that interim play-by-play announcer Chris Brown – who took over for John Murphy at the end of last season as Murphy recovers from a stroke – will continue in that role for the 2023-2024 NFL season.

Woodward Radio Group radio stations – including news/talk WHBY and sports talk WSCO in Appleton, Wisconsin – in partnership with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, hosted the 5th annual Combat Hunger event that raised money and food to provide 52,580 meals for veterans facing hunger in Wisconsin’s Fox Valley.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of July 3 – 7

The candidates for the Republican and Democratic nominations for the 2024 presidential race and the top campaign issues was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the various legal battles facing former President Donald Trump, followed by the recent Supreme Court decisions and the federal judge ruling that government agencies cannot order social media platforms to pull content at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media 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

Report: Townsquare Media Victim of Ransomware Attack

According to a story at cyberexpress.com, Townsquare Media has been hacked by the ransomware group ALPHV. The piece states, “The ALPHV ransomware group made their claim public, asserting that they haveim gained unauthorized access to a significant amount of data belonging to Townsquare Media. According to their statement, the threat actors allegedly possess a staggering 251GB of the company’s data. This includes files sourced from the company’s servers and workstations, explicitly targeting those created within the past year.” The story does not indicate how much money the hackers are asking for, but they are reportedly giving Townsquare a week to respond before making the data public. Read the story here.

Industry News

John Gilliland Returns to Skyview Networks

Skyview Networks announces that news anchor and award-winning journalist John Gilliland is returning toim the company to serve as managing editor for Arizona News Radio and California Headline News, as well as afternoon anchor for California Headline News. Gilliland served in the position for almost 13 years before leaving to work for the Arizona Lottery. Gilliland takes over for the late Steve Clawson, who passed earlier this year.

Industry News

KHTK, Sacramento Unveils New Midday Show

Bonneville’s KHTK, Sacramento “Sactown Sports” announced the new midday show starring Kevin “Whitey” Gleason and Chris Watkins. The 10:00 am to 2:00 pm “Whitey & Watkins” program debuts on Monday (7/10). Bonneville Sacramento SVP and market manager Steve Cottimgrim says, “We are very excited to welcomeim Whitey Gleason back to Sactown Sports. The credibility that Whitey has with the sports audience in Northern California coupled with Chris’ passion and knowledge of the Sacramento Kings will certainly make this show a perfect fit for our ever-expanding ‘Sactown Sports’ brand.” Gleason most recently served with Audacy’s KGMZ-FM, San Francisco “95.7 The Game,” and prior to that he was part of the “Rise Guys” show on KHTK. Watkins has been with “Sactown Sports” for nine years, most recently as the host of “Chris & Co” and co-host of the “Return of the Roar” podcast.

Industry News

O’Shaughnessy Family Selling New Rochelle Station for $8.15 Million

Several publications, including trade RBR/TVBR, are reporting that the family of the late William O’Shaughnessy is selling WVIP-FM, New Rochelle, New York, owned by O’Shaughnessy’s Hudson-imWestchester Radio, Inc to religious broadcaster Hope Media Group for $8.15 million. WVIP-FM has been airing programming brokered to Caribbean broadcasters. The O’Shaughnessy family still owns the company’s other station – news/talk WVOX-AM. O’Shaughnessy died in May of 2022 at the age of 84.

Industry News

KWAM, Memphis Host Featured on C-SPAN Show

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Pictured above is KWAM, Memphis morning program host Ben Deeter appearing on C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal” program on July 4. KWAM is owned by nationally syndicated radio host Todd Starnes. On the program Deeter discussed how KWAM is carving a path to cover both Democratic and Republican candidates during the upcoming election cycle.

Industry News

CORRECTION: New Jersey 101.5 to Continue Talk at Night

Yesterday (7/5), in our story about the staffing cuts at Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5,” TALKERS magazine reported that Eric Potts is replacing Steve Trevelise in evenings and would play music. Station PD Anne Gress tells TALKERS the evening show will remain live and dedicated to talk (Monday through Thursday as Friday nights belong to Big Joe Henry). Gress adds the evening show will feature various hosts including Eric Potts, Michele Pilenza, and Jeff Edelstein plus some new voices to cover the night daypart for the time being.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Good Karma Brands and WEPN-FM, New York “98.7 ESPN” announce that New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson will appear weekly on the station’s “Bart and Hahn” show – hosted by Bart Scott and Alan Hahn – during this NFL season.

New Hampshire Public Radio promotes Emily Quirk to program director. In this role, Quirk will serve as leader of live broadcast platforms and live events programming for the statewide public broadcaster. NHPR says, “In her new role, she will lead NHPR’s efforts to use radio, the livestream and events to maximize the impact of the organization’s journalism and to grow and diversify NHPR audiences on those platforms.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/5) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The 2024 presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Hunter Biden plea deal; Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s trip to China; cocaine is found in the White House; the Russia-Ukraine war and the status of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner Group; the holiday weekend’s gun violence; the global heat record and climate change; and Meta launches Twitter competitor Threads were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Townsquare Media Cuts Three at “New Jersey 101.5”

Townsquare Media cuts three positions at news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5.” The company lets night talk personality Steve Trevelise go, along with news staffers David Matthau and Vin Ebenau. Station program director Anne Gress tells TALKERS magazine that the evening show will remain live andim dedicated to talk (Monday through Thursday as Friday nights belong to Big Joe Henry). Gress adds the evening show will feature various hosts including Eric Potts, Michele Pilenza, and Jeff Edelstein plus some new voices to cover the night daypart for the time being.

 

Industry News

Gemini XIII Acquires United Stations Radio Networks

Gemini XIII announces it is acquiring United Stations Radio Networks. Gemini XIII says, “The acquisition strengthens Gemini XIII’s position in the audio landscape, expands its sales offerings, and solidifies its commitment to delivering top-notch content and premium services to audiences worldwide.” Gemini COOim Charles Steinhauer says, “We’re excited to welcome USRN into the Gemini XIII ecosystem. We will be able to build on current successes and existing sales infrastructure to immediately grow and make Gemini a destination for producers, advertisers and sponsors looking to deliver to unique audiences. The integration of Gemini XIII’s digital expertise and podcasting prowess will result in a robust content ecosystem that provides an immersive and diverse range of audio experiences for listeners across platforms.” USRN chairman and CEO Nick Verbitsky comments, “Spencer Brown, CEO of Gemini XIII, and Charles Steinhauer have a track record of success in network radio having built Dial Global from the ground up. I am pleased that they will have the opportunity to continue to build United Stations, a company I started along with Dick Clark over thirty years ago and has been a leader in network radio.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Holiday Weekend

The Fourth of July holiday and the deadly shootings in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Fort Worth, Indianapolis and Baltimore; the 2024 presidential race; a federal judge issues and order for federal agencies to not order social media to take down posts protected by First Amendment rights; Israel’s military operation in the West Bank town of Jenin and the Hamas attack in Tel Aviv; and the scorching heatwave affecting the Southern U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the long holiday weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Audacy Announces 1-for-30 Reverse Stock Split

Audacy announces that it is effecting a 1-for-30 reverse stock split of its Class A and Class B common stock today (6/30). Audacy’s Class A common stock will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis at the opening of the market today, under a new CUSIP number, 05070N 202. At the annual meeting of shareholders held on May 24, Audacy’s shareholders approved a reverse stock split of the company’s outstanding Class A and Class B common stock at a ratio within a range between 1-for-two and 1-for-30, as determined by a committeeim appointed by the company’s board of directors. This committee established the ratio on June 5. The 1-for-30 reverse stock split reduced the number of outstanding shares of the company’s Class A common stock from approximately 137.5 million shares (excluding unvested restricted stock) to approximately 4.6 million shares (excluding unvested restricted stock) and reduced the number of outstanding shares of the company’s Class B common stock from approximately 4.0 million shares to approximately 135 thousand shares. Proportional adjustments were made to the number of shares of Audacy’s Class A common stock subject to outstanding equity awards, as well as to the applicable exercise prices. Trading of Audacy’s Class A common stock was halted on May 5 on the New York Stock Exchange after the share price fell about 12% to $0.09 per share. The NYSE is moving to delist the stock but Audacy is currently appealing that determination.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of June 26 – 30

The Hunter Biden plea deal and allegations of Justice Department interference in the IRS investigation came together as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Supreme Court’s rulings, including shooting down the independent legislature theory, followed by the 2024 presidential election 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

Jeff Katz and WRVA, Richmond Ink New Deal

Richmond talk radio personality Jeff Katz signs a new contract with Audacy to continue his role as afternoon drive host on news/talk WRVA. Katz, who has been hosting a program on WRVA for the past 10 years, says,im “During the past decade, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the people of Central Virginia. This community has been so welcoming to my family and I cherish having the chance to help out a bit by serving as an advocate for special needs kids, saluting our law enforcement officers, and sharing vital news and information.” Audacy Virginia SVP and market manager Bennett Zier comments, “Jeff is a great citizen of Virginia and continues to be an important part of the WRVA family.”

Industry News

Gray Radio Launches FOX Sports 94.7 FM in Augusta, Georgia

Gray Radio, LLC partners with FOX Sports Radio to bring the network’s programming to its new sports station WAAW-FM, Augusta “FOX Sports 94.7 FM,” effective July 3.  The station will carry the entire FOX Sports Radioim lineup including “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn & Jonas Knox,” “The Dan Patrick Show,” “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” and more. Gray president Tony Gray says, “WAAW is extremely excited to bring FOX Sports to local Augusta sports fans. We’re confident that the home of the Masters Tournament will embrace the station’s new format.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartMedia Treasure Coast announces a new, multi-year deal to become the Miami Dolphins radio broadcast partner for the Fort Pierce market. Beginning this season, live gameday broadcasts will air on WAVE 92.7 (WAVW) and Real Radio 101.7 (WCZR).

Throughout Major League Baseball’s 2023 All-Star Week, SiriusXM will deliver extensive audio coverage to baseball fans around the country. Subscribers will get live broadcasts of the 93rd All-Star Game, the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, the MLB Draft, and more special programming from Seattle.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/28) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Hunter Biden plea deal and his legal battles with the owner of the computer repair shop that worked on his laptops; the 2024 presidential race and concerns about President Joe Biden’s health; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the thick smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketing almost one-third of the U.S.; the recovery of wreckage from the doomed Titan submersible; Vladimir Putin’s grasp on power in the aftermath of the Wagner Group insurrection and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war; and the brutal heatwave hitting the Southern U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video Posted of “The State of Sports Talk Radio” Panel

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/28) with the panel presentation, “The State of Sports Talk Radio.”im The presentation, sponsored by Backbone Networks, was introduced by John Fredericks, host/owner of the John Fredericks Radio Network (pictured above) and facilitated by WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, GM, John T. Mullen (pictured at right). The panelists (pictured below left to right) included Mark Chernoff, sports reporter, “107.1 The Boss,” Long Branch, NJ/sports talent coach; Grace Blazer, VP, national NTS brand coordinator, director of news and AM programming Florida region, iHeart Radio; and Spike Eskin, VP programming, WFAN, New York and CBS Sports Radio. See the video here.

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Industry News

SiriusXM Shutting Down Stitcher Platform

SiriusXM announces that it is shutting down the Stitcher audio platform on August 29 as it moves to integrate podcasts into its SiriusXM subscription business. SiriusXM acquired Stitcher in 2020 for $325 million. Theim company says that it expects to continue podcast creation via the Stitcher Studios and Earwolf, but the availability of third party podcasts on the SiriusXM app will be determined by the creators/producers of those programs.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Airs FOX Sports Radio on KTZN-AM, Anchorage

iHeartMedia Anchorage unveils the new KTZN-AM “FOX Sports 550 – The Zone.” The station is airing the full network lineup including “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn & Jonas Knox,” “The Dan Patrick Show,” “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” “The Doug Gottlieb Show,” “Covino & Rich,” “Theim Odd Couple with Chris Broussard & Rob Parker,” “The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon” and “The Ben Maller Show.” The station also features FOX Sports Radio around the clock on weekends. iHeartMedia Anchorage SVP of programming Mark Murphy says, “‘FOX Sports 550 – The Zone’ is very excited to be a part of the FOX Sports family, all day, every day. It’s great to have the biggest names in sports talk radio like Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd jump start the day, followed by an impressive lineup that will keep listeners engaged 24/7!”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/27) Top News/Talk Media Stories

In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court shoots down the independent state legislature theory which would have given state legislatures complete control over federal elections; statements from an IRS whistleblower and U.S. attorney that the DOJ gave Hunter Biden preferential treatment in the tax and gun investigations; former President Donald Trump’s ongoing legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the aftermath of the Wagner Group’s short-lived advance toward Moscow in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war; the smoke from Canadian wildfires affecting large swaths of the Northern U.S.; and the brutal heat bearing down on the Southern U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

FOX News Channel Unveils New Primetime Lineup

Two months after the controversial exit of prime time star Tucker Carlson from the FOX News Channel lineup, the cable news/talk channel announces its new prime time schedule that takes effect on July 17. Taking over the 8:00 pm ET hour formerly held by Carlson is Jesse Watters, who moves from the 7:00 pm hour. Lauraim Ingraham’s program moves from 10:00 pm to the 7:00 pm hour, and Greg Gutfeld’s show moves from 11:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Sean Hannity stays in the 9:00 pm slot, and “FOX News @ Night” with Trace Gallagher slides up one hour to start at 11:00 pm. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “FOX News Channel has been America’s destination for news and analysis for more than 21 years and we are thrilled to debut a new lineup. The unique perspectives of Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, Sean Hannity, and Greg Gutfeld will ensure our viewers have access to unrivaled coverage from our best-in-class team for years to come.”

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Susan Richard to AM News Anchor

WINS-AM/FM, New York news anchor Susan Richard is promoted to top-of-the-hour morning news anchor. The Audacy all-news outlet says that Richard will be the third person to anchor morning drive and the first woman to hold the position in the station’s 58-year history. Richard comments, “Nothing says New York likeim 1010 WINS, and as both a life-long New Yorker and 25-year WINS veteran, I am thrilled and grateful to be the first woman chosen to fill this key on-air role. The news watch never stops, and I look forward to serving our listeners in the city I know and love with the continuing commitment to broadcast excellence embodied by our entire staff.” WINS brand manager Ivan Lee adds, “Not only is Susan a quintessential New Yorker and a brilliant anchor and journalist, but she will also forever serve as an inspiration and beacon of empowerment for all women who aspire to reach the highest on-air levels in the industry. We are beyond thrilled for her and this history-making moment.” The station says that additional morning team announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

Industry News

Hosts Jim Leach and Frank McNeil Exit WMAY-FM, Springfield

Longtime Springfield, Illinois air personality Jim Leach is leaving Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s news/talk WMAY-AM/FM to take on role of public information officer for the Illinois Department of Public Health. The progressive talk host – who’s been hosting the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm show – admits to the State Journal Register that he feels “incredibly fortunate to have been given the platform and latitude” to express his views on his talkim show on the station for nearly three decades. Leach tells the news outlet that his role as “a smart, local progressive-leaning talk show on a commercial radio station is going the way of the dinosaur. ‘It was certainly my hope to make sure that we had a wide array of viewpoints and to make sure a lot of people’s views and opinions were heard, and I feel like we accomplished that. I find that a really gratifying part of the job. We opened up that platform and that ability to be heard to a wider audience.’” Additionally, the new lineup does not include current early evening host Frank McNeil, who tells the State Journal Register that station management suggested another time for his program that “wasn’t acceptable at this point in time.” See more from the State Journal Register here.

Industry News

Todd Starnes Addresses Faith & Freedom Coalition Conference

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Pictured above is Todd Starnes – a nationally syndicated talk radio host and owner of news/talk KWAM, Memphis – speaking at the Road to the Majority Conference in Washington, D.C. presented by the Faith & Freedom Coalition. The conference included speeches from all major GOP presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump.

Industry News

JVC Media Closes on Long Island AM and FM Translator

On Monday (6/26), JVC Media closed on its acquisition of WLIM, Medford, New York and its FM translatorim W227CL at 93.3, licensed to Port Jefferson, New York. Pictured above is JVC president and CEO John Caracciolo (left) with seller Commercial Assets Inc president Mike Celenza (right) at the transmitter site. JVC is airing a classic hits format on the frequencies but says that a new format is coming to the station soon. The broker on the transaction was Mark Jorgenson of Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage, Inc.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/26) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Hunter Biden plea deal on failure to pay taxes and whether or not he got a “sweetheart deal”; the Supreme Court rules a new Louisiana congressional map can be redrawn to include another Black majority district; the aftermath of the Wagner Group’s short-lived advance toward Moscow in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the latest January 6 report from Senate Democrats that criticizes the FBI and Homeland Security for failure to take potential violence seriously; the discovery of malaria cases in Florida and Texas; and the Southern heatwave affecting some 45 million Americans were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of Todd Starnes Addressing Conference Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/26) with the morning greetings presentation, “Setting the Stage:im Triple Perspective.” The presentation, sponsored by the Doctor Asa Show, was delivered by multi-platform talk media star Todd Starnes. Starnes brings a lot to the table. He is the owner/operator of a heritage news/talk radio station – KWAM, Memphis. He hosts a local show on the station. He is also a national radio syndicator delivering his own midday radio show to a rapidly growing number of affiliates. Starnes effectively shares his experiences and view of the industry from all three perspectives. Check it out here! 

Industry News

Salem Receives Delisting Notice from Nasdaq

On Friday (6/23), Salem Media Group, Inc received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market that Salem’s Common Stock failed to comply with the $1 minimum bid price required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market based upon the closing bid price of the Common Stock for the 32 consecutive business daysim prior to the date of the notice. Salem now has a compliance period of 180 calendar days in which to regain compliance for the minimum bid price requirement. That expires on December 20, 2023. To regain compliance, the minimum bid price of the Common Stock must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days at any time prior to the compliance date. In its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Salem says it intends to monitor the closing bid price of the Common Stock and may, if appropriate, consider implementing available options to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

Industry News

Dom Giordano Day in Wildwood, New Jersey

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Pictured above is WPHT, Philadelphia talk host Dom Giordano (left) with Wildwood, New Jersey Mayor Pete Byron (center), and Curtis Di Domizio of the Real Diamond Tribute Band (right) at Mulligan’s Shore Bar and Grill for a remote broadcast to celebrate Dom Giordano Day. The annual event was created four years ago by Mayor Byron and is celebrated every June 22. The show was broadcast live on WPHT from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm.