Monday Memo: Selling Convenience
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
National media sells products, most of which aren’t manufactured locally. Local media’s best bet: services, which are inherently local.
My brother-in-law is an engineer, 4-digit IQ. So – when was having his floors redone – he went into solve-the-problem mode. He and my nephew moved a piano from room-to-room with a skateboard, cinder blocks, and blankets. Imagine trying to do THAT? Ugh. There are companies that move pianos all day. For them it’s easy.
Sales meeting brainstorm: What’s difficult for the average person, but comes easy to a prospective advertiser? Radio has made lots of money selling convenience. Busy people will pay. Think high-TSL in-car listeners.
Right now, smart stations are booking painters, roofers, and arborists… companies that work on ladders. When winter weather slams-the-brakes on their business, they pivot to putting-up — and eventually taking-down — outdoor Christmas lights. Do YOU want to climb up there, let alone when it’s c-c-cold? Work like this monetizes what would otherwise be seasonal dark time. And by doing this job, they could earn perennial business… and their trained eyes will spot in-season work you might need.
Six months later, that painter says he’ll repaint/re-stain your deck “in time for the Fourth!” Around then, I see trucks from a company that fills swimming pools. And as listeners are planning summer travel, a local mechanic offers a multi-point bumper-to-bumper and tire check-up, “so your vacation doesn’t hit a speed bump.”
Radio can tell these stories more cost-efficiently than other media.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
The one-hour show is live weekdays from 6:00 -7:00 pm. WGCH covers Fairfield County, CT as well as neighboring Westchester County, NY. The station serves the community with extensive local news, sports and talk programming. Boyer tells TALKERS, “My show will be fast paced, very informative, full of joy and very uplifting, for my listeners.” Boyer hosts two other syndicated shows – “Cannabis Talk A-Z” and “Frankie Boyer Radio.” For more information contact 508-878-1782 or 
He will report directly to PodcastOne’s president Kit Gray and will leverage his industry expertise to expand internal sales and publishing synergies, increase talent revenues and the company’s prominence with both media buyers and content creators. 
FNN is looking for someone who brings excitement, passion, and interest in providing federal and industry executives with news and information about the policies, people and programs that drive the mission of the federal government. The ideal candidate MUST have knowledge of, and high degree of interest in, information technology, acquisition, human resources, financial and program management as they operate within the federal government. The current managing editor and anchor of the Federal Drive, Tom Temin, is retiring in April 2025 after 17 years of leading the program and more than 45 years in journalism. For this position, experience in developing ideas, conducting, and managing interviews is strongly preferred, but consideration will be given for the right person with the right background in federal issues. The host is primarily responsible for show content and adherence to Federal News Network editorial niche of serving federal employees and contractors. Federal News Network (first called WTOP2), the world’s first, Internet-only, all-news radio station was created in February 2000 with a focus on the federal community. Federal News Network is owned by Hubbard Radio. Federal News Network can be heard on a clear channel 50,000 watt station on 1500 AM. If you are interested in applying, contact Federal News Network executive editor 
featuring Brady Quinn, LaVar Arrington and Jonas Knox. The program will continue to air in the network’s 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET weekday timeslot on 380 stations nationwide. FSR and iHeartMedia executive Don Martin and Scott Shapiro say in a statement, “We’re so proud of what this trio has built with ‘Two Pros and a Cup of Joe.’ The unique combination of these dynamic personalities has created one of the most fun and entertaining sports morning shows, and we continue to hear excellent feedback from advertisers, affiliates and listeners alike. They are the perfect kickoff to our weekday lineup, and we look forward to extending our relationship for years to come.”
Jackson, Jr. is hosting the new weekly podcast “No-Contest Wrestling” with co-host TJ Jefferson the show combines Jackson’s and Jefferson’s unique takes on sports entertainment by interviewing the biggest stars, going behind the scenes with untold stories from the world of wrestling. The second show is “The Jim Jackson Show,” hosted by two-time All-American and 14-year NBA veteran Jim Jackson. In this show, Jackson covers basketball from the college game to the highest levels of the NBA. Eisen says, “I’ve been in a constant search for new, fresh, thought-provoking, and entertaining voices to add to our growing podcast business, and I’m thrilled to add both O’Shea Jackson, Jr. and Jim Jackson to the roster.”
Focusing on being a trusted guide to podcast discovery, Podcast Radio features a diverse lineup of curated podcasts across various genres, with presenters, giving listeners in Minnesota an expanded radio experience. The station was the first Podcast Radio affiliate to feature dedicated genre hours, including business, true crime, comedy, and musical conversation. According to sources at Podcast Radio, “This genre-based scheduling allows listeners to enjoy expertly curated content that aligns with their interests, delivered through our innovative platform and partnership with Local Radio Network (LRN).” Gerard Edwards, CEO of Podcast Radio, tells TALKERS, “We are excited to have Podcast Radio on in Minnesota. Our genre-based scheduling allows us to offer something for every listener, while using the trusted radio format to connect audiences with the world of podcasts. Alpha Media has been an incredible partner, and we look forward to expanding our presence.” Podcast Radio Minnesota joins Podcast Radio Missouri, broadcasting in dayparts on KREI-AM (Farmington), KWIX AM/FM (Moberly) and KJFF (Festus). Podcast Radio also has four 24/7 stations with Beasley Media Group in Detroit, the Carolinas, Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. For more information on how to bring Podcast Radio to your station, contact Gerard Edwards — gerard@podcastradionetwork.com — or send general questions to 
Benztown, a global leader in radio imaging, voiceovers, programming, podcasting, and jingles, has released two new episodes of “Chachi Loves Everybody,” an original podcast series hosted by its president Dave “Chachi” Denes. The episodes feature Chachi’s special guests Steve Jones, president and CEO, Skyview Networks, and Mike McVay, president, McVay Media Consulting. 
PodcastOne
Six members of the state’s broadcasting community were inducted including Betty-Jo Cugini of WERI/WRX Radio/WLNE-TV/WJAR-TV; Chris DiPaola of WBLQ-AM Radio (posthumously); Joe Hassett, color commentator Providence College Basketball; Dan Yorke of WPRO-AM Radio/WPRI-TV; Paul Zangari of WEAN-AM Radio/RI PBS/ WPRO-AM Radio; and Sean Daly, WLNE-TV/WPRI-TV. An emotional high-point of the ceremony took place when the late Chris DiPaola was inducted as the inaugural recipient of the Ron St. Pierre Radio Innovator Award – named after the late RI radio legend who passed away earlier this year. The award was accepted by DiPaola’s father and son. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison attended the event, noting, “Last night’s beautiful gathering was a reminder that local radio and television are very much alive and well in Rhode Island. There were laughs, tears, pride, camaraderie, and an abundance of good vibes. It was inspirational!”
Effective 10/1, Kevin Washington has been named operations manager for Alpha Media’s five Dayton, OH stations (WDHT-FM, WROU-FM, WGTZ-FM, WCLI-FM and sports talk, WING-AM). Washington has 20+ years of experience with Alpha Dayton and most recently held the position of APD/promotions director. Alpha Media’s SVP/market manager Brett Beshore tells TALKERS, “I’m thrilled to be promoting Kevin into this pivotal role with Alpha Dayton. He’s consistently demonstrated strong commitment to the organization’s values and goals, delivering exceptional results with everything he’s undertaken. There’s no one more deserving. He’s the absolute best choice to lead our highly[1]talented team with our heritage brands.” Washington adds, “I’m excited to take on this new role with Alpha Media. We have great stations in the market and greater people inside the building. I’m looking forward to this next chapter.”
After 35 years of service and leadership in local broadcasting, Bob Longo is retiring as VP/GM of Cox Media Group (CMG) TV – Jacksonville (WJAX-TV and Hoffman Communication’s WFOX-TV), effective Dec. 31. Longo’s career has deep roots in journalism. He started in radio as a reporter, anchor, news director, and talk host before moving to TV as a reporter and anchor, executive producer, and news director. He led newsrooms in Binghamton, Buffalo, Hartford, Pittsburgh, Orlando, and Jacksonville. He joined CMG in 2014 and was promoted to VP/GM in 2017. “Bob has been successful at every stop because he’s a personable and engaged leader with an unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and financial performance,” said Dan York, CMG’s president/CEO. “He’s consistently brought passion to serving his local communities and has been an ardent advocate for the value of local news and investigative journalism. While we’re happy for him, we’re going to miss Bob’s optimism and leadership.”
Broadcasting weekdays 5:00 am to 9:00 am PT, the show delivers what station sources describe as “unmatched news coverage of the critical stories shaping the community.” 
The program has a reputation for being a trusted news source dedicated to delivering timely and accurate coverage tackling everything from local and national news to business, entertainment headlines plus traffic and weather reports. Known for her warm delivery and engaging storytelling, Carter’s distinguished career includes roles at major news outlets such as WBBM in Chicago and Newsradio KFBK in Sacramento, where she became known for her sharp reporting and ability to connect with audiences. She will report to PD Mary Ayala who tells TALKERS, “I’m thrilled to welcome Veronica to our team,” adding, “Her depth of experience, vibrant enthusiasm and passion for connecting with the people of California make her a great addition to our morning show.” Carter comments, “I’m honored to join such a respected team and excited to connect with our listeners each morning, bringing them the news and stories that matter most.” Carter replaces LaDona Harvey, who announced she was stepping down from the role earlier this month.
The podcast publishing arm of iHeartMedia and Radio Ambulante Studios (RAS), a pioneering Spanish-language podcast production company that tells the stories of Latin America and Latino communities around the world, announced a deal that will bring RAS and its full slate of shows to iHeart’s My Cultura Podcast Network. As part of the deal, Radio Ambulante Studios’ flagship, award-winning podcast “
