Industry News

John Sterling to Host Weekly Show on WABC, New York

Longtime New York Yankees play-by-play announcer John Sterling is going back on the radio to host a Saturday afternoon radio show on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York. Sterling tells NorthJersey.com that he’simg hosting a one-hour show airing Saturdays from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Sterling spent 35 years as the voice of the Yankees prior to retiring last spring. Sterling says he is no stranger to sports talk radio having hosted a show on WMCA, New York during the 1970s. See the NorthJersey.com story here.

Industry News

Former Radio Exec Andy Bloom Convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct

Andy Bloom, who served with numerous radio companies during his career, was convicted by a Hennepin County, Minnesota jury of two counts of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct. The 61-year-old former radio executive faces sentencing on May 13. The trial came a year after Bloom was charged after complaints filed by his then-15-year-old daughter. He is currently being held without bond. The investigation began after Bloom’s daughter reported multiple acts committed over an extended period of time between January of 2022 and July of 2023. During his career, Bloom served as programmer for WPHT and WIP in Philadelphia and was most recently with WCCO-AM in Minneapolis, a role he exited in 2018.

Industry News

Changes Coming to “97.1 The Fan” in Columbus

The Columbus Dispatch reports that Tegna’s sports talk WBNS-FM, Columbus “97.1 The Fan” will be seeing some programming changes soon. The longtime afternoon drive show “Common Man & T-Bone,” starring Mikeimg Ricordati and Jonathan Smith, will be split up with Smith moving to mornings alongside Tyvis Powell. The current morning show, “Morning Juice,” hosted by Brandon Beam and Bobby Carpenter is going away with Beam moving to the evening “Buckeye Show” and Carpenter going to the digital side for a 6:00 am to 8:00 am streaming show. See the Dispatch story here.

Industry News

Former WNIR, Akron Personality Angela Bellios Dead at 53

The Akron Beacon Journal reports that former WNIR, Akron radio personality Angela Bellios has died at age 53.img The story reports that the 53-year-old Bellios, who had left the radio business in 2021, was found dead at a friend’s home where she had been staying while dog-sitting. The cause of death was not revealed and is pending an investigation. See the Beacon Journal story here.

Industry News

Jimmy Steal Featured at Programming Webinar

Benztown, along with P1 Media Group, Global Radio Ideas Facebook Group, and Collective Heads consultant img Jimmy Steal are presenting a free webinar for radio professionals around the globe titled, “Creating On-Air Megastars and Programming Legendary Radio Station.” The 45-minute webinar will be hosted by Benztown CEO Andreas Sannemann and P1 Media Group partner Ken Benson and will feature programming pro Jimmy Steal. Register for the webinar here.

Industry News

FOX Sports Radio on Site in Green Bay for NFL Draft

Premiere Networks’ FOX Sports Radio announces that its coverage of this week’s NFL Draft will includes two of its nationally syndicated program broadcasting live from Green Bay. The network’s 25th annual Draft Night LIVEimg broadcast will be led by FOX NFL Insider Jay Glazer, who will be joined by network personality LaVar Arrington, former Jets general manager Joe Douglas, and FOX Sports’ lead College Football reporter Jenny Taft to deliver live predictions, analysis and reactions throughout the night on Thursday. Additionally, “The Dan Patrick Show” will broadcast live from The Bar – Holmgren Way as will “The Doug Gottlieb Show” – emanating from The Legacy Hotel – Green Bay and The Bar – Holmgren Way on April 24 and 25.

Industry News

NAB Lauds Court Ruling in Google Anti-Trust Case

A federal judge in Virginia is agreeing with the Justice Department’s charge that Google operates with “monopoly power” in its internet advertising business. The ruling by District Judge Leonie Brinkema stated in part that by linking the ad server and publisher ad exchange businesses together, the company was able to create and keep monopoly power in those two markets. Google will appeal the ruling. NABimg president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt commented on the ruling saying, “Today’s decision affirms what local broadcasters and other publishers have long known: Google has used its dominance in the online advertising marketplace to disadvantage content creators and tilt the playing field. We commend the Department of Justice for taking on this critical case. As policymakers and regulators consider the implications of this ruling, we urge them to recognize that the same Big Tech dominance harming digital publishers is also undermining the advertising revenue local broadcasters rely on to serve their communities. We are encouraged that the FCC, under Chairman Carr’s leadership, is taking steps to modernize its rules and look forward to swift action that begins to level the competitive playing field.”

Industry News

IAB Report Dives into 2024 Digital Advertising Data

IAB just released its Internet Advertising Revenue Report for 2024 and the results of the study indicate the digital advertising industry saw ad revenue climb to $259 billion, a 15% year-over-year increase from 2023. IAB says, “This record growth reflects the industry’s ability to adapt to evolving technologies, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer behaviors. In parallel, the streaming landscape continues to shift, with ad-supported streaming becoming dominant and live sports driving premium ad investments.” Other takeaways from the study including that Digital Video is the fastest-growing format, with revenueimg increasing 19.2% YoY to $62.1 billion, now accounting for 24% of total ad revenue, and that Podcast advertising revenues show a strong YoY growth of 26.4%, a significant acceleration from 5.5% last year. IAB adds, “This growth was fueled by shifting consumer media habits, with cord-cutting driving greater engagement with on-demand audio, and podcasts emerging as a key platform for political advertisers seeking to connect with voters ahead of the election.” Overall, digital audio – including podcasting – has continued to grow, earning $7.6 billion in revenue with an 8.5% YoY growth from FY23 which is a slowdown in growth compared to last year’s 18.9% rate. Podcasting however saw a surge in growth at 26.4%, while other related formats such as Streaming Music and Radio stifled overall Audio growth. IAB concludes, “As audio consumption trends rise our data suggests that there will be continued digital audio advertising expansion and growth in the year ahead as brands and platforms invest more in podcasts, streaming music, and voice-based advertising.” See more about the study here.

Industry News

Black Information Network Launches Black Maternal Health Campaign

iHeartMedia’s BIN: Black Information Network launches a new special public awareness campaign focusing on the critical and urgent issue of Black maternal health. The campaign is titled, “Saving Black Moms: A Maternal Health Crisis,” and will “shine a light on the issue of Black maternal health and advocateimg for change through an integrated media campaign including special on-air reports, news features, public service announcements, social media engagement, a dedicated microsite, and community partnerships.” BIN president Tony Coles says, “As a network committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, it is our responsibility to shine a light on the alarming disparities that Black women face before, during and after childbirth. This campaign is about advocacy, action, and partnership. By working with trusted community organizations and The BIN Local Roundtable, we can help raise awareness and ensure every Black mother receives the care and support she deserves.”

Job Opportunity

Kim Komando Has Opportunity for Broadcast & Podcast Engineer

WestStar MultiMedia Entertainment is looking for a broadcast and podcast engineer. The company says, “If you’ve got audio chops, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. We’re not just another podcast. ‘The Kimimg Komando Show’ is a nationally syndicated tech radio show heard on over 510 stations, SiriusXM, podcasts and streaming platforms, reaching millions every week. And guess what? We’re based right here in Phoenix. This is the job if you want to level up your career in broadcast and podcasting without leaving the Valley.” See the complete job description and apply here.

Industry News

Joe Thomas Broadcasts from Revolutionary War-Era Tavern

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Pictured above is WTON, Staunton, Virginia owner and morning show host Joe Thomas (right) interviewing Wright Tavern Foundation chair Tom Wilson (left) during Thomas’ remote broadcast. Thomas was visiting the Concord, Massachusetts tavern museum ahead of the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard ‘round the world” celebrated annually in Massachusetts as Patriots Day. The Wright Tavern is where Paul Revere was headed on his legendary ride on the eve of the American Revolution.

Industry News

Bob Mackay Named Market Manager for Audacy Dallas

Audacy names Bob Mackay SVP and market manager for its Dallas operations that includes news KRLD-imgAM, sports talk KRLD-FM, six music brands and the Texas State Networks. Mackay will continue to serve as vice president of sales for Audacy Dallas. He succeeds Brian Purdy, who continues as regional president with oversight of 16 markets.

Industry News

Dave Ramsey Publishes New Book, Build a Business You Love

Ramsey Solutions CEO Dave Ramsey publishes his latest book titled, “Build a Business You Love,” (2025, Ramsey Press). In this new book, Ramsey shares his 30-plus years of building a business from a one-imgman operation to a $250 million-a-year company with over 1,000 employees and a nationally recognized brand. Ramsey says the book draws on his hard-earned lessons, equipping readers at every stage of business to grow themselves, lead their teams and scale their businesses.  He says, “Running a business is the hardest thing you’ll ever do, but it can also be the greatest thing you’ve ever done. If you’re not careful, you can wind up hating what you’re trying to build. I’m a guy who’s lived it and made it work — someone who’s messed up a lot and gotten back up after being knocked down. This book isn’t theory. It’s the blueprint for building something you can be proud of.” See more about the book here.

Industry News

Talk Media Personality Wayne Allyn Root Emcees Palm Beach GOP Lincoln Gala

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Las Vegas-based, nationally syndicated radio and television personality Wayne Allyn Root was the emcee for this year’s annual Palm Beach GOP Lincoln Gala. Root says that after attending the event three years ago, he was honored to be asked to serve as emcee as well as in a speaker role presenting his America’s Top Ten Countdown. Root says that after the event he and his wife Cindy had a late dinner at Mar-a-Lago and chatted with President Trump, who was having dinner with Elon Musk and his son X. They also met old friends former HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson (above) and former Trump advisor Roger Stone (below).

Industry News

NAB Files 80 Pages of Comments for FCC Deregulation

The National Association of Broadcasters says it filed comprehensive comments with the Federal Communications Commission in response to the agency’s call for public input under its “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative. NAB says its filing “urges the FCC to seize this moment to fundamentally modernize itsimg regulatory framework, beginning with long-overdue reforms to the national television ownership cap and the local radio and TV ownership rules. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “This is a moment for bold ideas, and NAB is proud to lead the charge. The FCC’s rules should reflect today’s media landscape, not one from decades past. Our filing lays out a clear, actionable path to modernize regulations and empower local radio and TV stations to better serve their communities. We appreciate the Commission, especially Chairman Carr, for launching this important effort. Reforming outdated ownership rules is the essential first step to strengthening local journalism and ensuring broadcasters can continue to survive.” See the entire filing here.

Industry News

KBLA, Los Angeles Presents Remote Altadena Broadcast

Tomorrow (4/16), KBLA, Los Angeles “Talk 1580” radio personalities Tavis Smiley, Dominique DiPrima, and Nii-Quartelai Quartey will participate in the radio station’s community town hall titled, “Theimg Eaton/Altadena Fire: 100 Days and Counting,” from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Robinson Park Recreation Area in Pasadena. There will be a panel of survivors, community leaders, activists, experts, and more to reflect on the 100 days since the fire erupted and address hard and heart questions about where the community goes from here. Tavis Smiley, founder of Smiley Audio Media, says, “I’m looking forward to hearing from our beloved Black Altadenians and learning how KBLA Talk 1580 can continue to support their efforts to find justice and accountability to make them whole.”

Industry News

Pat Boyle to Host Overnight Show on Infinity Sports Network

Audacy adds “The Pat Boyle Show” to its Infinity Sports Network, airing in the 2:00 am to 6:00 am ET daypart. Ryan Hurley, brand manager for Infinity Sports Network and WFAN, says, “We are happy to haveimg Pat continue to bring his passion to Infinity Sports Network, this time on a nightly basis. He puts everything he has into entertaining his audience, keeping them informed and involving them in his show for a great listening experience.” Since 2019, Boyle has held multiple positions at WFAN and Infinity Sports Network, serving as a host, anchor, and producer. He currently co-hosts, “Sunday’s Bets” on Audacy’s BetMGM Network and anchored the eight-hour NFL show “Gridiron Gameday with Pat Boyle.”

Industry News

WWO Blog: The Sales Effect Power of Creative

This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog reveals data from Advertiser Perceptions, commissioned to annually survey brands and media agencies on the sales contribution of five advertising effectiveness factors: Brand, Creative, Reach, Recency, and Targeting. In February,img Advertiser Perceptions surveyed 301 marketers and media agencies on the sales generated by each of the five sales drivers and as they have for the past six surveys, those surveyed had an average % of perception of creative’s contribution toward driving sales around 20%. But the reality according to one study is that creative’s contribution toward driving sales is actually about 49%. Quatical principle Marc Binkley says, “Creative is the closest thing we have to a silver bullet… it’s a way to supercharge budgets. Emotional, well-branded creative is a way to be more memorable. The goal isn’t just awareness, it’s being memorable in as many buying situations as possible.” See the complete blog post here.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: 5 Books That Will Change Your Life

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
Host, “Sterling On Sunday,” TMN

imgThese books have helped me tell stories, prioritize programming initiatives and manage career strategies. If interested in a book the link connects to its page on Amazon.

You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out, By Quentin Schultze. Not what I thought. It’s not about the goofy episodes in the “A Christmas Story” movie. Jean Shepherd, radio star, wrote and narrated the movie. This book deconstructs how Jean told stories. Shepherd was the greatest radio storyteller of all time. He told stories on WOR every single night for 27 years. His one-hour show had no guests, no phone calls, simply his astonishing stories. Author Schultze, a college professor, spent hundreds of hours with Jean discovering how he imagined, enacted and teased his stories. The book is an advanced course for today’s magic makers. https://a.co/d/fHXIBlt

It’s One O’Clock and Here is Mary Margaret McBride, by Susan Ware. We know but a little. The first national star of midday radio was Ms. McBride. She was so popular and powerful that she required seven secretaries to answer her mail. On her show’s 10th anniversary, she packed Madison Square Garden with listener fans and celebrities. Eleanor Roosevelt hosted McBride’s 15th anniversary at Yankee Stadium. Show prep was her life, that’s why her show sounded informal. https://a.co/d/5idc7TC

Dress for Success, By John Molloy. Yes, the book reveals Molloy’s research on success dress, but perhaps more importantly the book helps the reader think like a success. This guide to the C Suite explains how to reach the top of any business. On the air? When preparing for work, consider all the steps we take toward meeting the station’s biggest client and do that every day. On the plane? No sweat pants! If you want to join a club, look like you already belong to it.  https://a.co/d/99XI61d

Effective Frequency: The Relationship between Frequency and Advertising Effectiveness, Compiled by the ANA. The DNA of everything. 100 years of studies on how a listener’s memory works. How many spots actually cause burn? How often should the promo run? Do listeners remember the first or last spot best? How to rotate songs? And why did the original phone numbers have seven digits? This deceptively thin, rich book will startle!  https://a.co/d/foZUreI

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, by Gertrude Stein. The author was the ambitious patron of the Cubist art movement in Paris. Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and many others were inspired and sponsored by Stein. Alice was her lover. Stein understood that controversy is a possible result of great artwork. Picasso’s first show in Paris caused outrage within the crowd. Watching the gathering’s reaction from the show’s balcony, “Gertrude Stein smiled.” Remember Stein’s reaction to Picasso’s audience the next time “sales” gives a host a hard time! https://a.co/d/1IuU1pV

My life has been changed by these works. How to dress, prep for an interview, cope with controversy, and rotate promos are skills shaped by these classics. Please let me know how they impact you.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com

Industry News

Hugh Hewitt Joins FOX News as Contributor

Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk host Hugh Hewitt joins FOX News as a contributor.img Hewitt announced the news on Friday and made his first appearance on FOX News Channel on “Special Report With Bret Baier.” In this role, Hewitt will appear across all FOX News Media platforms. In addition to his radio work for Salem, Hewitt was also most recently a columnist with the Washington Post, a role he resigned from last November.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Produce Your YouTube Videos for Phone Consumption

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

70%+ of views are mobile, where the screen is small and attention spans are short.

— Aspect ratio: Use 9:16 (vertical) or 1:1 (square) so it fills the phone screen.
— The first 3 seconds are critical. Use a bold visual, a teaser question, or a surprising statement.
— Because many watch without sound, add text on-screen using auto-caption tools. Bold, color-coded, animated captions keep attention.

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— Use close-up shots & big graphics. Tiny text or wide shots get lost. Zoom in on faces or products. Make graphics large and clear.
— Ideal length: 15 to 90 seconds for Shorts, or under 3 minutes for mobile-friendly standard videos. Cut filler, pauses, and tangents. Every second should count.
— Keep titles short and clear, i.e., “How To…” or “You Won’t Believe…”  DON’T title it “Episode # ___.”
— Focus on One Idea Per Video. Mobile users are distracted and scrolling fast. Give them one clear takeaway, message, or call-to-action.

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

AURN Promotes Two in Pittsburgh

American Urban Radio Networks announces two key leadership promotions at its Pittsburgh office. Carrie Cleary is promoted to vice president of program operations and traffic. In her new role, Cleary will leadimg AURN’s programming operations and traffic initiatives. Tracey Lee is also promoted to senior director of program operations, traffic and affiliations. AURN AVP of program operations and affiliations Lenore Williams says, “Both Carrie and Tracey exemplify the leadership, dedication and passion that drive our success. Their deep experience and dedication to AURN’s mission have made them invaluable assets to the team. These promotions are not only well deserved, but also pivotal as we expand our impact and continue to lead the industry in service to our affiliates and advertisers.”

Industry News

KFBK, Sacramento Names Sam Shane Early PM Host

iHeartMedia Sacramento announces that effective June 2, air personality Sam Shane will transition from co-hosting “The KFBK Morning News” to host of the 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm show that’s been held by Tom Sullivan for more than 30 years. Sullivan recently announced his semi-retirement. Shane says, “I’mimg humbled and honored to be taking over the time slot occupied by Tom Sullivan at KFBK, a radio station with a rich history of producing superior news/talk programs. Never have I enjoyed producing and delivering a program more than these last six years as I have co-hosted the morning news show on KFBK with Cristina Mendonsa. I’m very proud of our accomplishments and grateful for the opportunity imgto have worked with Cristina and everyone behind the scenes who made it happen. Now it’s on to a new chapter.” Mendonsa continues as host of “The KFBK Morning News” and will be joined by Mark Demsky, who will serve as news anchor and present special report segments. Demsky joined KFBK last year after serving as a sports anchor and reporter at KTXL-Fox 40 in Sacramento. Mendosa says, “This next chapter is about helping listeners wake up to what really matters, stories that affect their lives. After 30 years in journalism and a multi-generational connection to Northern California, our goal is to bring listeners smart, relevant news with a balanced perspective, cutting through the noise to bring more insight.”

Industry News

BFoA Presents Leadership Awards

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The Broadcasters Foundation of America held its annual breakfast and awards ceremony at the close of NAB2025 in Las Vegas on Wednesday to honor industry leaders for their dedication and vision. Pictured above (l-r) are Leadership Award honorees (other award honorees are noted) Curtis LeGeyt, president & CEO, NAB; Valari Dobson Staab, chairman, NBCUniversal Local; Chris Forgy, president & CEO, Saga Communications; Dennis Lyle, president & CEO, Illinois Broadcasters Association; Richard Bodorff, senior counsel, Wiley (Chairman’s Award); Scott Herman, chairman, Broadcasters Foundation of America (Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award); Susan Larkin, former COO, Audacy; David Kantor, former CEO of Urban One’s Radio Division; with Tim McCarthy, president, Broadcasters Foundation.

Industry News

Urban One Changes Accounting Firms Again

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Urban One reports that is has notified Ernst & Young LLP that it would be dismissed as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm and that the Audit Committee has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC to serve as its independent registeredimg public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025 effective as of April 7, 2025. Urban One says there are no disagreements between it and Ernst & Young. Urban One does say that it reported “material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting” that was disclosed the recent annual report, “some of which has been remediated.” The material weaknesses related to its own internal controls including insufficient information technology general controls. Read the entire filing here.

Industry Views

HC at the NAB: Radio, One Way or Another

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgThese conventions used to be about making-the-most-of those towers behind radio stations that played in several rooms at home and occupied two knobs and six buttons in the dashboard. Back to the future…

“Take every available opportunity to connect with audiences.”

 Longtime programmer turned podcaster Buzz Knight moderated the session, “Cross-Platform Content Wins – Radio and Podcast Success Stories.” And here’s one now, a radio news guy I’d like to clone, WBZ-AM, Boston’s Matt Shearer, the next-gen’ talent whose skill set and perspective yields the sort of content that takes radio beyond those towers.

Shearer told us he “had been making video from my radio pieces. Now, I’m making radio from my video.” Whereupon Alpha Media EVP of content Phil Becker urged broadcasters to “focus on THAT they use you, not WHERE they use you.” And noting that – as “streaming services have divided audiences” – South Carolina Public Radio director Sean Birch recognizes that “We have to hit a bunch of audiences all at once.”

Common thread in panelists’ remarks: Broadcast and podcast listeners “are very different audiences;” and “we have to be where people are.” Still, revenue stacks-up in two piles: broadcast bucks and digital dimes. And Hubbard Radio EVP/programming Greg Strassell reckons, “Any engagement you do is an opportunity to promote the mothership.” Hubbard’s WTOP, Washington simulcasts its on-air programming via YouTube, and Greg says average Time Spend Listening there is 17 minutes.

“Using Social Media to Develop Community”

In this session, Beasley Media Group’s Dave Snyder recommends a Basic Success Framework:

— Understand your community. Rather than thinking platform (“We need to be on TikTok”), limit your reach to platforms that offer the most engagement potential. “Not all platforms will be a fit for your content.”
— Set your goals. What does success look like? Gauge value by engagement counts like Comments and Likes, rather than mere Views.
— Be authentic. Build brand guidelines, and have a moderation policy, and a style/tone guide. AI is a useful tool, “but it’s not authentic.”

Develop Engagement. Social media gives broadcasters a unique potential to:

— Share a behind-the-scenes view as content is created, “how the sausage is made,” giving your community a different perspective.
— Expose the community to content creators’ personalities. Building community is only possible if people feel like they actually “know” you.
— Interact with the audience. “Community building can’t just be about pushing content. Engagement flows two ways.”

Keep it going. “Once you have your Framework and Content plan, then comes the hard part.”

— “Consistency and cadence is probably the most important part of growing a consistently engaged community.”
— “Use ‘the whole buffalo.’ Optimize your content for cross-platform use.”
— Use analytics to “build on what works and chuck what doesn’t.”

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

WAOK, Atlanta Presents 2nd Annual Trailblazer Awards

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Audacy news/talk WAOK, Atlanta hosted its second annual “On Point With Juandolyn Stokes” Trailblazer Awards honoring remarkable women “making significant strides across various fields and leaving an indelible impact on the Atlanta community.” The second annual Trailblazer Awards (pictured above) will broadcast on WAOK’s YouTube channel on Monday, April 28th, 2025 at 7:00 pm ET.

Industry News

MIW Presents Dan Spears with Erica Farber Impact Award

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. names Dan Spears, vice president of industry relations and licensing for BMI, the recipient of the 2nd Annual MIW Erica Farber Impact Award that recognizes individuals who drive meaningful change by actively engaging with impactful organizations and generouslyimg contributing their time, expertise, and resources. Honorees are true champions of service, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to fostering growth and progress within the industry. Spears was presented with the award by Erica Farber on Monday, April 7, at the MIW Lipstick & Lobster Dinner. MIW board president Sheila Kirby says, “Dan is the epitome of a leader who not only advocates for progress but actively makes it happen. His dedication to mentorship, industry collaboration, and fostering new events and opportunities for women is invaluable. We are honored to recognize his contributions with this award.”

Industry Views

HC at the NAB: More Than Spots, Less Than Clutter

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgRadio sells advertisers our listeners’ attention. For a hundred years, our inventory has largely been commercials. Now, as our wandering audience leads us to more revenue channels, are we hooked on spots?

“We’re still in the same business. What’s changed is the tool box.”

Salem Media Group EVP, operations and revenue development Linnae Young was among panelists exploring “The Local Advertising Buying Landscape: What are Clients Buying, and how are Radio Sellers Succeeding or Missing Out?” Her laser-like focus is on the client’s need: “The HVAC company has two trucks and wants six.”

Ditto from session moderator Mike Hulvey, the Radio Advertising Bureau’s president & CEO. He called pitching a multi-store McDonald’s franchisee, who heard-him-out, then asked “Will that idea sell a hamburger?”

We sure have ideas. Researcher Gordon Borrell reckons that “the biggest mistake radio stations are making is underestimating the potential [of digital].” Many now sell video advertising. Prospects “don’t have any questions about radio, other than ‘Can you lower the price?’ They have lots of questions about digital.” Be their guide.

And obsess on outcomes. “Stop with the tactics,” urges Marketron senior director of digital strategy Dustin Wilson. “It’s all about solutions-based selling.”

“As radio has encountered increased pressure on revenue, it has often increased spot loads.”

Ad nauseam, in the view of Edison Research co-founder & president Larry Rosin, whose Ted Talk-type session “Considering Spot Loads” was plainspoken.

Radio has violated what Larry calls “The Commercial Broadcast Bargain” – the unspoken deal that content is worth the time spent listening to ads. “We’ve tilted the bargain in an unfair way,” he said, pointing to “fewer, but much longer breaks; and many, many [music] stations now loading all their spots into two interminable breaks per hour.”

Rosin’s team has long tracked listening habits through its Infinite Dial series, and the trend is clear: Radio’s “Share of Ear” never fully recovered after the pandemic; and commercial loads went up during that time.

“The real problem” is not understanding how ‘Infinite’ today’s ‘Dial’ is, “ignoring the fact that there are other things to listen to.” Ad loads tend to be shorter in podcasts and in non-paid streams. These ad-supported competitors never run more than two spots back-to-back. And increasingly, Americans are paying for ad-free content, via SiriusXM, Spotify, YouTube Premium, and others.

Solutions? Larry was clear: “What I’m NOT saying: ‘cut the load and charge more’ in today’s low-demand environment.”

— Even if you can’t lower total inventory, consider more shorter breaks. “Listeners have, or at least had, an internal clock: song (3 minutes) – song (3 minutes) – song (3 minutes) – break (3 minutes). When you ask music radio consumers, a break should be the length of a song. The two long breaks clock simply can’t be the best we can do for advertisers.”
— Bonus on Rating, not Share, which would “reorient radio programmers to consider ALL competitors, not just other local stations. Radio’s insular world hurts it.”
— Don’t demonize commercials – “a disservice to advertisers” – the way we seem to when we call the stop set “a break;” or tout commercial-free hours to pump-up a daypart (then overdose the load in adjacent hours).
— Improve the quality of commercials.

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

MIW Honors Deborah Parenti with Frances Preston Trailblazer Award

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc names Deborah Parenti the 2025 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer. Parenti serves as president and publisher of the Radio, TV & Broadcast Conference Division ofimg Streamline Publishing. MIW’s Trailblazer Award, named for music industry pioneer and longtime BMI president and CEO Frances Preston. It is presented annually to a woman who, through her leadership and accomplishments in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Trying is the Real Win

Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
Host, “Sterling On Sunday,” TMN

imgSerious business coaches reveal that a common trait of successful people is their ability to immediately forget their failures and to move on. Next idea. Next project. Surrounded by seas of committees, forms, rules and mediocrity, effective leaders know that just trying something, regardless of the outcome, is the WIN.  

Strategic “forgetting” requires a unique worldview. An introvert’s worldview. To forget a failure means not caring what colleagues think of new ideas. Innovators do not consider if they are embraced, they care that their idea launched.

Television legend and programmer Fred Silverman recreated broadcast television. He was so successful he was recruited to helm CBS, ABC and NBC. After corporate leadership he was an independent producer commandeering four hours of prime time a week, earning… a lot.

All that mattered to him was getting it on the air. Like all programmers not everything he produced worked. One hit show is a miracle, he created dozens.

To Fred, he was proud of all his shows. He never bragged about the hits because to him, a hit was anything that got on the air. New was a hit.

Fred’s innovations can be seen on TV now. Before Fred, a TV show promo consisted of a slide and a VO. Starting at ABC, Silverman was the first to pull video from a show, edit it into a 30 second hook clip turning it into a fast-paced promo for the show. Each promo aired once. A staff of 150 people was hired to create a brand-new promo every time. Fred would often sit in the edit bays, producing fresh promos. He hated repeated promos. Finance hated him; engineering hated him; scheduling hated him. Nielsen did not hate him.

I sat many an all-nighter in edit bays as Fred’s production partner until what was on the screen matched what was in his head.

The radio greats have similar patterns of behavior: Tom Bigby, Greg Stockard, Ruth Meyer, Howard SternGreg Moceri, Rick Sklar, Skip Eskin, all the legends were/are focused and driven. There is no downtime. When one insists that their precise vision be implemented, they won’t have many friends, but they will have stunning results.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com

Uncategorized

“VINCE” Debuts at #7 on Podtrac’s March Podcast Ranker

Podtrac releases its March Top Podcasts ranker for the U.S. based on unique monthly audience andimg NPR’s “NPR News Now” jumps The New York Times’ “The Daily” for the #1 spot. Other moves of note include FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” rising two places to #5 and Silverloch’s “VINCE” (Vince Coglianese) debuting at #7. See the complete chart here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: NAB Show, Survive and Thrive

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgHello from Las Vegas, ever-changing yet timeless. Here this week the NAB Show is “Powering the Next Era of Storytelling.” And it’s about time. While there is now a filibuster-proof U.S. Senate majority to require that cars include AM receivers, some AM stations are being shut off. Over the weekend millions took to the streets and this morning Wall Street braced for more. So, the vibe here is positively rejuvenating.

“If you’re here, you’ve already defied the odds.” 

National Association of Broadcasters president & CEO Curtis LeGeyt congratulated attendees at a perennial event that – on its own – paid for the trip, the NAB Show Small and Medium Market Radio Forum. As big corporate owners make big trade press headlines in big markets, the mojo in the minor leagues is downright invigorating.

Picture speed-dating for great ideas. The room is set up with roundtables. Each half-hour, attendees share what’s working back home, then rotate. Table topics included, “The Secret to Radio’s Digital Ad Success is Being Local First,” and “Podcasting Strategies for Radio,” and “Monetizing High School Sports,” and there were heartwarming stories about “Developing Your Community with Events and Social Media.” And, yes, THE most popular table – to which participants dragged chairs from elsewhere: “AI’s Use Throughout Your Station.”

Did you know that May is National Small Business Month? And National Small Business Week is May 4 to 10? Plan now to do what these plucky broadcasters shared ideas for doing: Use your broadcast and digital assets and your local engagement to, in NAB Show speak: “Unlock the Power of the Creator Economy.”

im

“A connection on LinkedIn is worth a hundred on Instagram.”

As corporate cost cuts continue, I’ve been collecting and sharing opportunities. In a recent column here, I described 18 non-radio career options for which your skill set as a broadcaster could qualify you. And in last week’s column I recommended and demonstrated some valuable and FREE tools.

Now – courtesy of ThinkTAP’s Richard Harrington – a road map for selling your services. Here’s the deck from his super-useful session “Working with Brands: How to Get Your Foot in the Door and Stay There.” And don’t let the term “brands” scare you. Think local businesses.

Sampler:

— Your prospects crave the sort of engagement that successful on-air people have accomplished. “Build your Email list!” Harrington urges.
— Then, take every opportunity to engage. Important: “Reply to people who replied” to something you have posted. “Such a small percentage do reply that this makes their day.”
— “Do what you can to pull audience into a place you can control.” Anyone working in the industry we used to call “radio” now needs to be facile with social media and podcasting and video. So, use those skills and tools to “create content that can be used by the brand.”
— Especially opportune: demonstrate how to use what your client sells.

New to selling your services? Generous with his experience, Harrington’s deck will suggest lots of transactional technique.

Our industry, like ‘Vegas, is ever-changing yet timeless.

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

Thom Brennaman Named New WLW, Cincinnati Morning Host

Numerous media outlets in Cincinnati are reporting that iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLW, Cincinnati isimg naming Thom Brennaman the station’s new morning drive host. Late last week, Mike McConnell told his listeners that he was retiring from the station and that Monday (4/7) would be his last day. Brennaman worked for WLW calling Cincinnati Reds games but stepped down after being caught on a hot mic uttering a homophobic slur during an MLB game on August 19, 2020. Brennaman has been working for the CW calling football games.

Industry News

“Seattle Sports” Debuts “The Cal Raleigh Show”

Bonneville’s sports talk KIRO-AM “Seattle Sports” announces “The Cal Raleigh Show,” starring the Seattleimg Mariners catcher that will air Thursdays at 5:00 pm throughout the 2025 season.  On the program, Raleigh sits down with Mariners insider Shannon Drayer for “engaging and in-depth conversations on “Wyman & Bob.” “Seattle Sports” program director Kyle Brown says, “We’re thrilled to provide our fans with more access to Mariners players and the stories behind the scenes. Cal’s insights into his leadership, his role on the team, and the Mariners’ season will offer fans an even closer connection to the team in 2025.”

Industry News

BIA Advisory: Local Radio Revenue to Hit $12.3 Billion

BIA Advisory adjusts its projected U.S. local radio ad revenue for 2025 and concludes it will reach $12.3 billion (for both over-the-air and digital radio). Radio Advertising Bureau says it worked in partnership with BIA to conduct “a comprehensive analysis of the evolving radio landscape to help broadcasters navigate the economic environment of 2025.” Local radio ranks as the fifth-largest advertising medium within theimg $171 billion local advertising marketplace. The study reveals that “key categories are driving investments in radio advertising: investment & retirement, quick service restaurants, supermarkets, commercial banking and hospitals.  BIA VP of insights and analysis Celine Matthiessen adds, “Notably, hospitals are projected to be one of the top spenders in local radio advertising in 2025, according to our advertising forecast. As they allocate parts of their media budgets to Radio Over-the-Air (OTA), imgRadio Digital and other platforms like Connected TV (CTV), it’s evident that local radio continues to be a trusted and culturally relevant medium, especially in rural and remote communities.” RAB president and CEO Mike Hulvey comments, “Our continued partnership with BIA allows RAB membership insights into opportunity across local advertising categories. Broadcast radio and its digital assets can deliver the services that local businesses want and need to increase their sales revenue. Local businesses across sectors are dependent upon marketing professionals to help guide their growth. Understanding challenges of advertising categories and potential opportunities that exist is the value that this information brings to RAB members and to their prospective advertisers.” RAB and BIA will host, “Radio Ad Forecast 2025: BIA’s Latest Projections,” at 1:00 pm ET on April 16, for RAB members.