Industry News

New York Radio Team Finds a Home in Cape Town

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Salem Media New York chief engineer Andrew Gladding writes in an exclusive piece for TALKERS about the collaboration between Hofstra University’s 88.7FM WRHU Radio Hofstra and 89.5FM Bush Radio in Cape Town, South Africa. He says, “The power of broadcast radio stems from its genesis, which is the use of audio technology and storytelling to transmit messages to large audiences. As industry professionals, we are all acquainted with the power and reach that our trade provides. However, all stories must begin with the spark of an idea. In the case of the curious collaboration between a college radio station in New York and a community radio station in South Africa, this idea started with a simple conversation.” Read the full story here.

Industry News

“New Jersey 101.5” Presents Town Hall on Terror Threats

Tomorrow evening (2/27), Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” presents a special Town Hall broadcast titled, “Today’s Terrorism Threats.” The Town Hall-style discussion explores the domestic and foreign terrorist threats facing New Jersey. Station political director Eric Scott leads theimg discussion that will include experts educating New Jersey residents about how to identify threats and what to do when one’s personal safety is in jeopardy. The program will also expose the growing threat posed to children who are increasingly being groomed and recruited by extremists online. He says, “Law enforcement is increasingly concerned about both foreign and domestic threats. But the rate at which extremists are targeting our children is particularly alarming.” On-air guests will include: Carl Priddy, acting assistant special agent in charge of counterterrorism for the Newark FBI office; Laurie R. Doran, director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Adam McMahon, assistant professor of political science at Rider University; and John Pizzuro, CEO of Raven and former commander of the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Features

New York Radio Team Finds a Home in Cape Town

By Dr. Andrew Gladding, EdD
Chief Engineer
WMCA / WNYM, New York

 

The power of broadcast radio stems from its genesis, which is the use of audio technology and storytelling to transmit messages to large audiences. As industry professionals, we are all acquainted with the power and reach that our trade provides. However, all stories must begin with the spark of an idea. In the case of the curious collaboration between a college radio station in New York and a community radio station in South Africa, this idea started with a simple conversation.

The relationship between 88.7FM WRHU Radio Hofstra University and 89.5FM Bush Radio in Cape Town South Africa began purely as a matter of proximity. In the winter of 2018, I happened upon Bush Radio while in South Africa while on a family vacation. Meeting the passionate broadcasters at Bush Radio has resulted in a fruitful broadcast collaboration spanning six years and many exchanges of audio, information and support between our two broadcast organizations. Students at WRHU in New York, WRCT in Pittsburg and members of Bush Radio  co-produce a weekly show called “The 1World Community Radio Show,” which features interviews and music from around the world. WRHU’s Ricky Hubert, WRCT’s Cody Hmelar and Bush Radio host Lydia Marwanqana connect weekly to create a truly unique program that provides a world stage for young, aspiring talent. The show has become a centerpiece of programming for both stations and an example of how stations across the globe can work together to create engaging, community focused audio content. It has also allowed staff members from both stations to develop insight into each other’s cultures and communities.

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Pictured above (from l-r) are: Sturgeon Records President David Chapman, Salem NY Chief Engineer Andy Gladding, Bush Radio engineer Renato Van Schalkwyk, WRHU general manager John Mullen, Bush Radio managing director Brenda Leonard, Bush Radio host Jasnine Roberts, WCWP general manager Dan Cox and WKZE “Night Shade” host Paul Higgins at the Bush Radio Studios in Salt River, Cape Town.

In the fall of 2024, members of Bush Radio came to New York City and Washington DC  to cover the presidential elections. The purpose of the trip was to find new ways to combat journalistic misinformation. The visit exposed Bush Radio staff members to American journalistic values, broadcast operational practices provided the international broadcasters with an up-front look at the US democratic process in action.

In February of this year, In the spirit of maintaining and strengthening our broadcast partnership, five members of New York radio and audio media , including myself, traveled to Cape Town to see how the Bush Radio folks used their FM reach and power to serve their community. The goals of this part of the exchange were to deepen our understanding of South African media, operations, practices and workplace culture. We went into this journey with our minds and hearts wide open, ready to see how the craft that we know and love was practiced on the other side the world.

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Pictured above is Andy Gladding working with Bush Radio engineer Renato Van Schalkwyk to install Comrex hardware in the Bush Radio Air Studio.

The results of this visit were eye opening. During our visit to Cape Town, we observed several similarities between our stations in New York and our South African counterparts. The Bush Radio staff was extremely dedicated to their station and took great pride in serving their community. They used their centrally located studies as both a broadcast center and training facility, with a thriving mentorship and intern program. We also noticed that they followed almost identical practices and standards as we do in the USA, ranging from technical specifications for broadcast engineering to maintaining programmatical integrity. Even the energy and excitement among the staff in the studios and reporting from the field was comparable to any well-run US broadcast entity. This is mainly due to the fact that the folks who run Bush Radio, specifically Managing Director Brenda Leonard and Program Director Adrian Louw, execute a comprehensive and extensive training and operational workflow at the station. Bush Radio holds the proud distinction of being the first licensed community radio station in South Africa, which was achieved with great effort and sacrifice during a time when the practice of community radio was non-existent in the country. Therefore, the management is very observant and powerful of the weight that they carry and this respect is passed along to the station members.

We also noticed some stark differences. Due to the relatively young nature of the South African democracy, there appeared to be a deeper connection between station and community. Bush Radio is involved in many different aspects of Cape Town governance, culture and outreach and this is reflected in their on-air product and station ethos. We also observed that many members of the general public were familiar with the station and proudly considered themselves to be regular listeners and supporters. The station was closely intertwined within the fabric of the community, which is both wide and diverse.

We also noticed that there was an intrinsic willingness between Bush and other community stations to work together. During our visit, we had the opportunity to visit a number of stations in communities around the Western Cape region, including Zibonele FM and The Voice of the Cape. We heard the term “partnership” and “sister station” during our visit many times, which demonstrated a visible willingness between teams at different organizations to work together and collaborate. I personally believe that this positive attitude for partnership and outreach has been a driving force in the successful collaboration WRHU has enjoyed with Bush Radio.

During our visit, the New York contingent felt this energy and openness, which in turn motivated us to jump into the spirit of the occasion. I personally worked with the Bush station engineering team on some facility maintenance and technical improvements, while other members of the crew lent their wisdom and knowledge to the venture. Laura Schaffer, the General Manager of Salem Media of New York had sent us down with a “broadcasters care package,” comprised of surplus equipment and spare parts from New York. The staff at Bush Radio was happy to receive the gear and began using it almost immediately.

The exchange of knowledge was not limited to technical engineering. WRHU’s John Mullen and Dan Cox ran a workshop on sales, marketing and workflow, while Sturgeon Records owner and engineer Dave Chapman taught the station members multi-track production. WKZE’s Paul Higgins, a world music producer, worked with the station’s air staff on interviewing techniques and even conducted an interview with famed producer Steve Lillywhite on 89.5FM, which was re-broadcast to the USA live. The experience of giving and sharing knowledge was both exciting and rewarding.

However, what we received in return was even more fulfilling. Even though we were strangers from another part of the world, we felt strangely at home at 89.5FM. The folks at Bush Radio were excited to show us their station, city and culture and made sure that we enjoyed a completely immersive experience. We saw all sides of the area, from the sparkling beaches and stunning views of the harbor from the top of Table Mountain to areas that were struggling and people that were fighting to survive. Throughout all of our travels, we noticed one constant: Radio was an integral part of all of the communities that we visited. Part of this can be attributed to a lack of broadband access across the region, but I personally believe a larger factor was based around the spirit of the South African people trusting in and embracing their local radio stations.

Considering this current period of uncertainty and transition in the US, it was refreshing to experience radio being used as a force for community connectivity, outreach and positivity in a far-away part of the world. Our team returned from the trip, refreshed with new ideas on how we could use our experience to grow and improve our own stations. One of these action items has gone into effect almost immediately. Since our return, the 1World Community Show has grown into an open-source network, which includes new domestic and international partners. Stations on the network now include WRCT-Pittsburgh, WCWP-LIU Post, WKZE-Red Hook, KCSS-UC Stanislaus, WVCR-Siena College and Kinvara Community Radio in Ireland, in addition to WRHU and Bush, all eager to share audio content and ideas. I personally hope to see the connection between all of our stations, along with this beautiful collaborative relationship, grow larger and endure way into the future. As one Bush Radio station member told me, “the color of our skin may be different, we may pray to other gods and we are from separate countries and cultures. However, our love for radio is above all that, which makes us all the same.”  Considering the diversity of storytelling that we each do with the power of broadcasting, it’s nice to know that our passion for the craft and industry can unite us and break down barriers. I look forward to our next adventure with the Bush Radio staff. If anyone reading this would like to get involved in radio outreach and establish a similar program or help expand technical support for our new “sister stations,” please feel free to reach out. Your contributions will not be unappreciated. You can find out more about the 1World Community Radio Network at www.1worldcommunityradio.com

Dr. Andrew Gladding his chief engineer at Salem Media Group’s WMCA and WNYM in New York. He can be emailed at andrew.gladding@salemcommunications.com

Industry News

Townsquare Announces New $490 Million Credit Agreement

Townsquare Media Inc announces a new $490 million credit agreement with Bank of America. The dealimg provides Townsquare with a five-year, $470 million senior secured term loan facility and a five-year, $20 million senior secured revolving credit facility. Townsquare used $453 million of net proceeds from the Senior Secured Credit Facility plus cash on hand to redeem the outstanding 6.875% senior secured notes due 2026. Both the term loan and the credit revolver mature on February 19 of 2030.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Jessica Fuller in Asheville

iHeartMedia Asheville names Jessica Fuller senior vice president of sales for the cluster that includesimg news/talk WWNC-AM, sports talk WPEK-AM “ESPN Asheville,” plus five music brands. She says, “I couldn’t be more thankful for the mentorship and support I’ve received throughout my career at iHeart, which has brought me to this exciting opportunity. Working alongside such talented colleagues in this beautiful, resilient mountain town is a true privilege. I look forward to continuing to grow with iHeartMedia and helping our amazing clients succeed with the best strategies in the business.”

Industry News

Matt Jones Inks New Deal with iHeartMedia Kentucky

Air personality Matt Jones and iHeartMedia sign an exclusive five-year agreement for Jones to continue his current role as host of “Kentucky Sports Radio” on NewsRadio 630 WLAP-AM in Lexington, SportsTalk 790img AM in Louisville and 51 other stations around Kentucky. iHeartMedia Kentucky/Memphis area president Kristy Beebe states, “We are incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Matt Jones and ‘Kentucky Sports Radio.’ Matt’s unique insights and engaging style have made him a beloved figure in the sports community, and we are proud to continue bringing his show to our dedicated audience. This renewal underscores our commitment to delivering top-notch sports content and maintaining our position as the leading audio company in the region.”

Industry News

Report: Red Apple Chief Catsimatidis Supports Family Friend Over Frank Morano for Staten Island Council Seat

According to a story at SILive, Red Apple Media Group owner John Catsimatidis is throwing his support behind Republican Staten Island City Council seat candidate Griffin Fossella over fellow Republican and WABC overnight host Frank Morano. Catsimatidis says he’s a longtime family friend of the Fossellas andimg that Griffin Fossella worked for him on his 2013 NYC mayoral campaign. Responding to the issue, Morano tells SILive, “We all have personal relationships in this race. I’m proud to have the support of the Staten Island Republican Party… and I look forward to debating my opponent on the issues impacting South Shore residents. John [Catsimatidis] is a good friend and has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to do a nationally syndicated radio show. I’ll always be grateful to him for every opportunity he’s given me.” Catsimatidis says of Morano, “He’s a good broadcaster and he always has a job at WABC.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: For Podcasters, “The Magic Words” Are Even MORE Magic

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgRadio is an intimate, one-to-one medium; so “you” and “your” – speaking to one person – will resonate more than addressing “all of you.” There’s only one of me.

Podcasting is even more personal, because listeners choose content in a more intentional way than they push dashboard AM/FM buttons. And because many podcast topics are specialty topics, it’s high-affinity stuff.

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A major league sportscaster I’ve coached (who really gets it) put it this way: “We’re Fed-Exing it to their brains.” Said another way: Make eye contact.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Red Apple Launches “The StoneZONE”

Red Apple Audio Networks and 77WABC Radio are debuting a new evening show starring political strategist Roger Stone titled, The StoneZONE that will air live from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET. Red Apple chief Johnimg Catsimatidis says, “With the addition of The StoneZONE, radio audiences will have Roger’s perspective on news of the day in real-time. Our world is moving quicker than ever before, and listeners want to hear Roger’s insider’s understanding of what’s really going on in politics.” Following each evening’s broadcast, a video version of that StoneZONE will soon be exclusively available on Stone’s StoneZONE Rumble channel. This new show is in addition to the syndicated Sunday “Roger Stone Show” that also airs on WABC.

Industry News

Trump Executive Order Demands Federal Agencies Answer to the President

An executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday (2/19) titled, “Restoring Democracy and Accountability in Government requires that all federal agencies – those set up by Congress as independent agencies – run all action through the White House before it becomes official. The order implies that the agencies in question – including the Federal Communications Commission – are under the purview of theimg executive branch and must therefore: “(1) submit draft regulations for White House review—with no carve-out for so-called independent agencies, except for the monetary policy functions of the Federal Reserve; and (2) consult with the White House on their priorities and strategic plans, and the White House will set their performance standards. The Office of Management and Budget will adjust so-called independent agencies’ apportionments to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely. The President and the Attorney General (subject to the President’s supervision and control) will interpret the law for the executive branch, instead of having separate agencies adopt conflicting interpretations.” The order also argues that since the president is elected by the people and all agencies are accountable to the American people, therefore the president represents the will of the people. Critics of the move are questioning the constitutionality of the order and some expect this matter will be decided by the courts.

Industry News

RTDNA Requests White House Reinstate AP Reporters

The Radio Television Digital News Association is requesting that Associated Press reporters and photographers be reinstated in their access to the Oval Office and Air Force One. The administration revoked the AP’s press pool designation for events occurring in the Oval Office and the president’s aircraft because of the organization’s use of the AP Stylebook. That criticism includes that news organizations are referencing the Gulf of Mexico instead of the Gulf of America. The administration also said the AP isimg “weaponizing language through their stylebook to push a partisan worldview in contrast with the traditional and deeply held beliefs of many Americans and many people around the world.” RTDNA president and CEO Dan Shelley states, “The current White House moves targeting one of the world’s oldest and most respected news outlets are outrageous and unacceptable. It is the Trump administration, and not the Associated Press, that is trying to contort facts so that they align with its often divisive, and sometimes completely erroneous, version of the truth. We protest the administration’s actions in this instance and object to its effort to shape shift legitimate fact-based journalism to better resemble its alternative versions of the truth.”

Industry News

Mike Gallagher Interviews Key Players at White House Media Day

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Pictured above is Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher (right) at the White House with press secretary Karoline Leavitt (left). Gallagher was in Washington, DC to take part in the White House Media Day event. He recorded one-on-one interviews for his radio program with Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent; senior director for counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka; senior fellow at the Independent Women’s Forum May Mailman; and Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins.

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Jake Vulinec at “92.3 The Fan” in Cleveland

Audacy promotes sports talk personality Jake Vulinec to host of the 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm program “Overtime on The Fan” on WKRK-FM, Cleveland “92.3 The Fan.” Station brand manager Keith Britton comments, “Jake is a rising star in this industry, and we couldn’t be more excited to see him take over ‘Overtime.’ Jake’simg dedication, enthusiasm, and fresh perspective will bring new energy to the show, and we know our audience will love what he brings to the table.” Vulinec joined “92.3 The Fan” in May 2023 as a part-time update anchor and fill-in host. He says, “It’s surreal to me to be starting my career in the place I’ve called home for my entire life. I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to continue to grow alongside the outstanding team at ‘92.3 The Fan’ and the best fanbase in the world. The city of Cleveland and my fellow fans have given so much to me, and now I hope to be able to give some of that back to them.”

Industry News

Industry Mourns Death of Radio Legend Gary Stevens (1940 – 2025) at 84

Gary Stevens at WMCA in 1967 (NET photo)
Gary Stevens at WMCA in 1967 (NET photo)

Legendary radio figure, Gary Stevens, passed away on Monday (2/17) in Delray Beach, FL, at the age of 84. Stevens succeeded in a number of phases of the radio business from being a major star DJ on groundbreaking top 40 outlet WMCA, New York in the 60s as one of the iconic “Good Guys” to achieving influence as a radio company manager, program distributor, media investment banker, and station broker (where he profitably rode the consolidation wave). He was known for his innovation in all these fields.  He served as president of Doubleday Broadcasting in the late 70s, investments advisor with Wertheim Schroeder & Co., Inc. in the late 80s and as the head of his own firm, Gary Stevens & Co. in the 90s. During his stellar career, he served on a number of boards at major radio organizations including Saga Communications, where he briefly served as interim chairman upon the death of Ed Christian in 2022, and industry associations including the NAB and RAB.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison comments,  “Although Gary Stevens’ accomplishments and influence on the radio industry stretched over more than half a century and was quite profound – kids of my generation, who had the opportunity to grow up in New York during the swingin’ sixties, will always remember him as one of the glorious WMCA Good Guys.  His passing truly marks the end of an era.”

Noted industry historian and video chronicler, Art “Radio’s Best Friend” Vuolo reports to TALKERS, “Gary was the last of the WMCA Good Guys still alive, I took a fantastic B&W film from NYU’s film department that I guess ran on WNET Channel 13 in NY back in 1967 and added titles (a.k.a. supers) so each DJ would be identified and put an opening slate (in color) at the start. Gary Stevens is probably the most prominently featured in this film with some great behind-the-scenes insight as to how top 40 radio was done in America’s top market.  1010 WINS had already bowed out and gone all-news in April of 1965, so it was WMCA and WABC who were dukin’ it out in 1967.  However, in the spring of 1966, WOR-FM was a new tend-setter on FM with rock n’ roll.  Here’s the link (player below) to the amazing film.  Enjoy every second!”

Industry News

Cumulus/Westwood Studies: Audio Listeners are a Rich Source of In-market Financial Consumers

CumulusSeven consumer studies commissioned by the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® over an eight-year period find audio listeners are a rich source of in-market financial consumers and drive significant top and bottom funnel impact. The key findings from the studies are outlined on this week’s blog.

Key takeaways:

• Compared to TV viewers, audio listeners are far more likely own investment assets, to be in the market for financial services, and be interested in the category.
• Despite massive TV spending by financial service marketers, TV viewers exhibit low brand equity for financial service brands and weak interest in the category due to the older skew of TV audiences.
• MRI-Simmons: Heavy podcast and AM/FM radio listeners are the ideal audiences for financial brands as they are more likely to be premium clients willing to pay for financial services.
• Case study #1: MESH Experience: Among consumers with $500K+ of investable assets, heavy AM/FM radio listeners are three times more likely than heavy TV viewers to be in the market for a new or additional financial services company.
• Case study #2: AM/FM radio drives strong growth in top funnel measures such as awareness, favorability, and consideration.
• Case study #3: A MARU/Matchbox study of consumers with $1M+ of investable assets found over a six-month period, an AM/FM radio campaign generated double-digit lifts in most measures of brand equity.
• Case study #4: Heavy AM/FM radio listeners are more likely to be active investors and more engaged with the financial category versus heavy TV viewers.
• Case study #5: Heavy AM/FM radio listeners are +44% more likely to be financial ‘thrivers,’ those who like taking investing risks and agree that investing is important.
• Case study #6: Compared to TV viewers, audio listeners are much more likely to have investments across a broad array of assets classes and more likely to invest in major financial brands.
• Case study #7: Harris Poll Brand Tracker: A Westwood One NFL AM/FM radio campaign generates significant brand equity impact far stronger than among TV viewers.

Check out today’s blog post.

View a 15-minute video of the key findings here.

Industry News

WURD, Philadelphia to Honor Malcolm X

WURDOn Friday, Feb. 21, WURD Radio will present “Race, Manhood and Power: Commemorating 60 Years Since the Ascension of Malcolm X to Ancestorhood” in partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at CCP’s Winnet Student Life Building Lobby.  This live broadcast will be a special edition of “Groundings” with WURD host Brother Shomari. The event and conversation will reflect on the lessons of Malcolm X’s legacy and examine how succeeding generations have – or have not – put them into action. The broadcast is part of a week of programming at CCP led by Brother Shomari that addresses what the station describes as the “urgent challenges” facing Philadelphia’s Black communities today.

“This convening will serve as a re-catalyzation of our previous mobilization efforts, focused on African Diasporic community building in and around the Philadelphia region, and the important leadership linkages that must be facilitated between our culture, communities and campuses to advance Black life and wellbeing,” Brother Shomari said. “A particular lens of this convening is on the purpose, roles, responsibilities and preparation of Black youth and young adults for this cause.”

According to the station, this gathering is a sequel to WURD Radio’s historic 2015 event, “The Invitation,” which explored the impact of racial shifts in Philadelphia and the critical need for stronger Black leadership. “Race, Manhood and Power” will continue that discussion, focusing on intergenerational strategies for building Black community power.

 

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Cliché Alert

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Delete this phrase from commercial copy you craft for local advertisers: “In these uncertain times…”

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For two reasons. First, many people are optimistic now. Second, those who are suffering get it. Rubbing their nose in it just piles-on; and clichés risk blending-into the blah-blah-blah.

Instead, simply delete the sentence. Give copy room to breathe, to avoid radio’s commercial motormouth caricature.

That next sentence probably includes The Magic Words: “YOU” and/or “YOUR.” If it doesn’t, change that too.

For more click here.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Hannity Trump and Musk

HANNITY TO AIR TRUMP MUSK INTERVIEW TONIGHT:  Continuing his longtime role as one of the nation’s talk media hosts most-closely-connected to Donald Trump, Sean Hannity’s recently recorded sit-down interview with both President Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk will air on the FOX News Channel’s “Hannity” program this evening (2/18) at 9:00 pm ET. Hannity is also syndicated daily on Premiere Networks and currently holds the number one spot on the TALKERS 2024 “Heavy Hundred.”  To see a preview clip of tonight’s interview, please click here.     Nebraska Broadcasters…..FIVE TO BE INDUCTED: The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct Dennis & Kathi Brown, Dale Johnson, Mike McKnight and Dave Wingert into the NBA Hall of Fame on August 12th in La Vista during the NBA Annual Convention. Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame will grow to 123 members with these pending inductees…..Independent Broadcasters AssociationIBA AND RVA TO HOST LIVE VIDEO STREAMING WEBINAR: The Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA) is producing another “Lunch and Learn” workshop in partnership with the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA). The workshops are free online sessions and feature industry experts with practical solutions to radio’s most pressing problems.  “Is Video the New Audio?” is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 1:00 pm ET.Radio Vendor Alliance The 45-minute session will include a Q&A and will be available for replay to all registrants. Registration is free (link: https://www.coolradiostreaming.com/) and IBA membership is not required.

 

Industry News

New York Festivals Launches “Rough Cuts” Podcast

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New York Festivals Advertising Awards announces the launch of “Rough Cuts with Thiago Cruz,” a new podcast series that brings “raw, unfiltered conversations with some of the most influential creative minds shaping culture today.” Cruz is chief creative officer at Grey New York. In this new podcast he “explores the bold collaborations, career-defining moments, and creative breakthroughs that drive today’s most compelling work.” NYFestivals says, “The podcast’s debut season includes candid discussions with Grindr’s Tristan Pineiro, gaming industry leader Lydia Winters, and branding expert Vivian Odior, among others.” Cruz adds, “Creativity isn’t always neat – it’s messy, unpredictable, and beautifully chaotic. With ‘Rough Cuts,’ we’re celebrating that process and uncovering the real stories behind the work that shapes our culture.” New York Festivals president Scott Rose says, “‘Rough Cuts’ offers an exclusive look into the minds of today’s creative visionaries. We’re thrilled to present this series with Thiago and look forward to sharing the perspectives and insights of those pioneering executives whose work is evolving the industry.” You can find bi-weekly episodes on the New York Festivals YouTube channel. The early deadline to enter the 2025 New York Festivals Advertising Awards is February 28, 2025. For more information including rules and regulations, categories, and how to enter, visit HERE. 

Industry News

Today is World Radio Day

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In an era marked by the dizzying speed of technological innovation and the rapid obsolescence of one shiny new platform after another, the iconic platform of radio is beginning its second century of service as one of the most dependable and widely utilized forms of media in the world. Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO Member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as animg International Day of the United Nations, February 13 became World Radio Day (WRD). Each year WRD focuses on a specific theme involving radio that is timely, and important. This year the theme is “Radio and Climate Change.” UNESCO points out: Radio contributes to the achievement of its international objectives by supporting populations through climate disasters such as tropical storms and floods. It helps with the dissemination of fact-based information, listeners’ voices, and dedicated radio shows.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who served as executive advisor to UNESCO for last year’s installment of WRD (which celebrated the milestone of radio’s 100-year anniversary), states, “World Radio Day gives broadcasters the opportunity to blow their own horns about the enduring value of this mighty platform. It’s a good thing for the industry, its sponsors and, most importantly, its loyal listeners. Let’s all sing the praises of radio today and every day.” To all radio professionals and volunteers, everywhere in the world, UNESCO salutes your daily work and your commitment to our future.