Industry News

New Hosts Join Cumulus Media’s “The Ticket” in Dallas-Fort Worth

Cumulus Media announces new personalities in middays on its sports talk outlet KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth “The Ticket.” Former “Ticket” host Matt McClearin re-joins the station after two years on-air at the company’s WJOX-FM, Birmingham, Alabama. He’s partnering with “Ticket” personality Donovan Lewis for theim 10:00 am to 1:00 pm show, filling the role of retired “Ticket” host Norm Hitzges. New to the daily lineup is the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm duo of Sean Bass and David Mino. Bass has been with “The Ticket” for 22 years, most recently as producer of “The Norm and D Invasion.” Mino has been with the station for 11 years, most recently as producer of “The Hardline” afternoon drive show. Station program director Jeff Catlin comments, “I couldn’t be more excited for the midday makeover on ‘The Ticket.’ Matt, Sean, and Mino have all earned this opportunity. All three guys are well-known and well-liked by our passionate listeners and their ‘Ticket’ teammates. They will fit in well and make this a seamless transition.”

Industry News

Erick Erickson to Gathering of Politicians, Candidates, and Activists

WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta-based talk radio personality Erick Erickson is presenting a weekend event in Atlanta August 17-19 that brings together A-list politicians, presidential candidates and conservative issues activists. Erickson has previously hosted similar events under the banner of his RedState and The Resurgentim platforms. He says this year there are attendees from 47 states coming to the sold-out program. Erickson says, “This is the tenth of these I have done, and I have to thank Charlie, my producer, for doing so much of the heavy lifting while I have concentrated on doing my show. The format for each individually named speaker is a conversation on stage with me asking them questions from the attendees. The attendees will shortly receive a survey link where they can submit questions for me to incorporate into the conversations. The theme of the conference this year is ‘Forward: Which Way.’” 

Industry News

Neil Johnson Joins WCLO-AM, Janesville, Wisconsin’s News Staff

Ben Thompson’s Big Radio announces that Janesville, Wisconsin news pro Neil Johnson is joining the company’s news staff at WCLO-AM/W224DE. Big Radio says, “After 14 years with the Janesville Gazette, Neil Johnson will be joining Big Radio and says local news media has a huge opportunity to turn the dial back toim normalcy and measured thought by telling people the truth on local issues. Johnson says the independent element of local news is crucial in being the voice of the people who live in the community.” In a release, Big Radio CEO Ben Thompson says, “Local news, information, and entertainment is what people look for from their local stations and Johnson will add to that aspect in a positive way.”

Industry News

Longtime WHO, Des Moines Personality Jan Mickelson Dies

Legendary Des Moines talk radio personality Jan Mickelson died over the weekend at the age of 74. iHeartMedia’s WHO, Des Moines posted the following to its website: “Mickelson, who hosted a highly-rated conservative talk show on WHO Radio for nearly 30 years, suffered a stroke several years ago and had beenim living in the state of Nevada. The native Iowan was beloved by WHO Radio listeners and colleagues. He was known nationally for his thought-provoking talk show and on-air debates, but also for sharing information about local severe weather and other urgent news relevant to his listeners. Mickelson was known for tackling serious topics but was equally appreciated by his devoted listeners for providing much joy and humor with his infectious laughter.” iHeartMedia Des Moines market president Joel McCrea adds, “Jan Mickelson was the best at his craft. He was always prepared and knew how to get you to listen to the radio. If you disagreed with him, he would take your call first because he wanted a spirited conversation. All of us at WHO miss Jan Mickelson.”

Industry News

Outkick Shows Join FOX Nation Platform

OutKick’s signature programs “OutKick The Show with Clay Travis,” “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless” and “Gaines For Girls” officially launch on FOX News Media’s subscription streaming service FOX Nation. Outkick says more of itsim programs will be made available on FOX Nation in the coming months. OutKick founder Clay Travis says, “OutKick has seen rapid growth over the last two years and we are thrilled to begin streaming our authentic content with the loyal audience that FOX Nation has cultivated.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/31) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Hunter Biden investigation and “on hold” plea deal; Donald Trump’s various legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the ongoing heatwaves affecting parts of the U.S. & Europe and the larger topic of climate change; the Russia-Ukraine war; the growing U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf;  Paul Reubens, a.k.a. Pee Wee Herman, dies were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Do You Still Have the Dream?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imFellow longtime, long-ago DJs: You know what I’m talking about. And it’s a life sentence, eh?

Like The Manchurian Candidate…or Jason Bourne…we share a recurring nightmare. But in our case, the dread is fear of dead air.

You’re on-air, alone in the building, late at night, as studio equipment starts failing, one device at a time. Then the phone.

Computers? I was of the vinyl and tape era, but if you jocked later on, that early Scott Studios screen locks-up. As does the other computer. So, you can’t just…read things.

im

 

The only thing that works is the microphone. And as you vamp, desperately…the reverb seems to be getting deeper…

It could be worse. You’re not on TV.

As one of our colleagues recommended here a couple weeks ago: “Prep like the phone is broken.”

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

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Saga Communications changes sports network affiliation for WVAX-AM/W275CL, Charlottesville, Virginia, switching from ESPN Radio to FOX Sports Radio. The station is airing the network’s entire sports talk lineup. Saga Charlottesville general manager Garrett Klingel says, “We’re thrilled to now be offering the biggest and brightest names in sports radio to Central Virginia. We know how sports-crazed this market is, so they deserve the best!”

Alpha Media’s sports talk KTFM-FM, San Antonio adds “The Jim Rome Show” to its program schedule, effective August 14. The program is part of the CBS Sports Radio lineup and syndication is provided by Westwood One.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The Hunter Biden investigation and the status of his plea deal; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; questions about Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s health; a judge blocks an Arkansas law making librarians and booksellers liable for making “harmful” books available to children; the heatwave affecting much of the U.S. and Europe; the Russia-Ukraine war; trucking industry giant Yellow plans to file bankruptcy; and the $1.05 billion Powerball jackpot were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Cumulus Media Second Quarter Net Revenue Falls 11%

Cumulus Media Inc is the first radio company to report its financial results for the second quarter of 2023 and post Q2 net revenue of $210.1 million, a decrease of 11.2% over the same period in 2022. The company also posts a net loss of $1.1 million for the quarter, compared to the $8.6 million in net earnings it reported for Q2 of 2022. Breaking down the company’s revenue by segment, digital is the only segment that didn’t report a double-digit decline ($37.5 million, down 0.7%). Spot revenue was $107.1 million (down 15.7%) and network revenue was $39.7 million (down 18.5%). Cumulus notes that its total debt as of June 30, 2023 was $680.9 million.im Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner comments, “Despite continued challenges in the overall market, our second quarter revenue performed in-line with expectations while Adjusted EBITDA exceeded them. As in prior quarters, we generated strong revenue growth in our digital marketing services business, implemented meaningful cost reductions, and further improved our balance sheet by generating cash from operations and reducing our total and net debt to the lowest levels in more than a decade. Additionally, we executed a highly accretive and opportunistic tender offer, which resulted in the retirement of approximately 10% of our shares outstanding. Our proven track record of strong operational and financial execution in adverse conditions gives us unwavering confidence in our ability to optimize results in the current weak ad market and rebound strongly when the environment improves. In the meantime, we will continue to invest in our digital businesses, further enhance our operating leverage through additional cost reductions, and execute on our strategy to opportunistically deploy capital to maximize long-term shareholder value.”

Industry News

Edison Releases Kids Podcast Listening Report

Edison Research released data from its Kids Podcast Listener Report during a webinar held yesterday (7/27). Some of the key points from the report that looks at podcast listening by kids ages 6-12 include: 1) Forty-six percent of children ages 6-12 in the U.S. have ever listened to a podcast, and 29% of ages 6-12 in the U.S. listened to a podcast in the last month. The percentage of kids ages 6-12 who listened in the last month jumps toim 42% if their parents have also listened to podcasts in the last month; 2) Eighty-seven percent of kid podcast listeners ages 6-12 say they have ever shared something they learned from a podcast with other people; 3) Kid podcast listeners participate in co-listening: Sixty-eight percent of parents of kid monthly podcast listeners ages 6-12 say their children listen with at least one parent, and 54% say their kids listen with siblings; 4) Parents use podcasts to foster family connections: Among parents of kid monthly podcast listeners ages 6-12, 72% say it is important for kids podcasts to be able to be enjoyed by the whole family and 71% say it is important for kids podcasts to give parents and their children topics to discuss together; and 5) Parents of kid monthly podcast listeners ages 6-12 say the top genres among their kids are: games (51%), music (43%), comedy (39%), short stories (39%).

Job Opportunity

FOX News Media Seeks Radio Announcer and Associate Producer/Writer

FOX News is looking for a Freelance Radio Anchor to join the FOX News Audio family as on-air talent for FOXim News Radio Network/FOX News Headlines 24/7 SiriusXM Channel 115. As the Freelance Radio Anchor, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a day’s notice. See more and apply here.

FOX News Audio is looking for a motivated and creative Associate Producer/Writer. As an Associate Producer/Writer, you will write compelling and conversational copy on a wide variety of news topics. You have exceptional scriptwriting skills and impeccable grammar. Your news judgment is exemplary, and you have knowledge of and passion for current events and politics. You will need to work well under constant deadline pressure. The news content will be written and produced for our terrestrial syndication affiliates, affiliate website, digital audio streams and smart speaker platforms, and in addition on FOX News Headlines 24/7 platforms on SXM Radio. See more and apply here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of July 24 – 28

The Hunter Biden plea deal and Republicans’ desire to further investigate the Biden family finances was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the potential Joe Biden impeachment inquiry, followed by former President Donald Trump’s various legal battles 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

Derek Wolfe Exits Denver’s 104.3 The Fan

According to a report by KUSA-TV, Denver, former Denver Broncos defensive lineman Derek Wolfe has exited Bonneville’s sports talk KKFN, Denver “104.3 The Fan” where he co-hosted the afternoon show with Darren “Dmac” McKee.  Wolfe posted the following to his Instagram account: “Hello everyone! I wanted to share someim news with you first. I have made the tough decision to step down as co-host of The Drive on the Fan due to persistent scheduling conflicts. It has been an incredible journey with my radio crew, and this choice was not easy to make. Lately, my passion for outdoor pursuits has taken me on an exciting and unexpected journey, prompting me to continue chasing my dreams. I genuinely appreciate your understanding and support throughout this process!” The station paired Wolfe with McKee in October of last year.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Heather Cohen, executive vice president of The Weiss Agency, is appointed president of the Hofstra Alumni Organization. Cohen says, “It is a privilege to continue serving the University that I am so proud of. In my new role as president, I look forward to working with the executive board, our incredible alumni, and the entire Hofstra family.”

The GCN-syndicated “Dr. Daliah Wachs” program is added to the program schedule at KGEZ-AM, Kalispell, Montana in the 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight daypart.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

Judge Maryellen Noreika defers her decision on approving a plea deal between Hunter Biden and prosecutors and Republicans’ calls for impeaching President Joe Biden over Hunter Biden’s business dealings; Donald Trump’s legal battles and Rudy Giuliani’s admission he made false statements about Georgia election workers; the Fed raises interest rates and indicates future rate increases are possible to battle inflation; the 2024 presidential race; a whistleblower testifies that the U.S. government is concealing its UFO capture program; the Russia-Ukraine war and Vladimir Putin’s stated deployment of nuclear weapons; the intense heatwaves affecting much of the U.S. & Europe and the great topic of climate change; and Sinead O’Connor dies at 56 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Don’t Leave Cash on the Nightstand

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling On Sunday
Talk Media Network

imAmazing fact: In ancient times, from 1962-1972, the highest-paid on-air talent in New York City was “an overnight guy.” He was paid salary plus sales response. I’m talking about Long John Nebel on WOR, WNBC, then WMCA. Long John’s live reads moved product because his audience was captive. One-to-one his listeners were attached to their radios in the truck cab, night watchman’s building lobby, parents pacing with their babies, students cramming. His background was not in radio; he was a skilled auctioneer. Obviously, the same listeners exist today – and are anxious for someone to talk to them. Check out this old clip of Nebel in action: https://youtu.be/wYMCkpYFtbk

One of today’s bizarre misconceptions is that overnights/late nights are not important for sales or audience share. Totally and completely wrong!

— As an executive, when launching a new format, any new format, the first time period I staffed was overnights. Late-night, overnight is the doorway to a station. Listening patterns to AM drive are habitual, hard to change. Late night listening is discretionary. Audiences will sample new radio offerings when they seek pure entertainment rather than essential utility elements.

— Late-night cume feeds morning drive. Study the flow of audience from late-night to morning drive, you will be surprised how much of the AM drive cume depends on the last station heard before turning off the radio.

— No distractions. It is easier to sell any product or idea to a person who is giving you 100% of their attention rather than rushing to work, calming the kids and remembering to avoid road construction. As George Noory’s success confirms, the percent of listeners who act on a commercial message is higher overnights than at any other time period.

— Every format has a default hour – one hour of the day when it will have its largest audience share. For all-news, for example, it’s always 5:00 am – 6:00 am. Lite FM’s, 1:00 pm. Live, local talk: 11:00 pm.  Listeners seek companionship, sympathy and empathy from talk shows.  If a station offers a “best of” at 11:00 pm, it is ignoring the built-in strategic advantage of the talk format. 11:00 pm is primetime.

— Rate integrity. A station may charge top dollar for morning drive. Upon further study those high rates usually come with nighttime bonus spots.  Bonus spots cut the rate in half. The nighttime results story can stand on its own and command premium pricing without bonusing.

Walter Sabo was the youngest executive vice president in the history of NBC. The youngest VP in the history of ABC. He was a consultant to RKO General longer than Bill Drake. Walter was the in-house consultant to Sirius for eight years. He has never written a resume. Contact him at walter@sabomedia.com. or mobile 646-678-1110. Hear Walter Sterling at www.waltersterlingshow.com.

Industry News

WTOP Names Anne Kramer Afternoon Drive Anchor

Hubbard Radio’s Washington, DC all-news WTOP announces that Anne Kramer is named the new afternoon drive anchor alongside co-anchor Shawn Anderson. Kramer joined WTOP 18 months ago after having served with Hearst Television’s WBAL-AM, Baltimore for 25 years including as morning drive anchor. She won a Nationalim Edward R. Murrow Award for her investigative reporting on Baltimore’s 911 system and has been the recipient of multiple Chesapeake AP Awards. She comments, “I am excited to be a full-time member of this legendary news station. I am looking forward to working alongside Shawn Anderson, with his years of experience, as we give listeners the most up-to-date and accurate information they need to make informed decisions as they go about their day.” WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler states, “From the day Anne started at WTOP, I have loved her passion for storytelling. Anne puts our listeners first and is always thinking about how she can help them understand what is going on in their worlds. Our listeners are in great hands with Shawn and Anne each afternoon.”

Industry News

OpenAI Seeks Dismissal of Defamation Suit

Artificial Intelligence firm OpenAI has filed a Motion to Dismiss the defamation suit filed against it by talk show host Mark Walters, who hosts radio programs produced by his CCW Broadcast Media company. TALKERS reported the suit by Walters back on June 9 in which Walters claims the use of OpenAI’s ChatGPT by journalist Fred Riehl that created content stating the Walters was accused of embezzling funds from the Secondim Amendment Foundation defamed him. No such accusation ever actually took place. In its Motion to Dismiss, Open AI argues several points, including that Georgia is not the proper jurisdiction, but it summarizes its argument that Walters’ claims don’t meet the burden of defamation when it says, “Even more fundamentally, Riehl’s use of ChatGPT did not cause a ‘publication’ of the outputs. OpenAI’s Terms of Use make clear that ChatGPT is a tool that assists the user in the writing or creation of draft content and that the user owns the content they generate with ChatGPT. Riehl agreed to abide by these Terms of Use, including the requirement that users ‘verify’ and ‘take ultimate responsibility for the content being published.’ As a matter of law, this creation of draft content for the user’s internal benefit is not ‘publication.’”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/25) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Hunter Biden’s guilty plea and criticism of the “sweetheart” deal that would have sent regular Americans to prison; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy considers Joe Biden impeachment in connection with Hunter Biden investigation; the Fed is expected to hike interest rates again today; the heatwaves affecting much of the Northern Hemisphere and the report that the Atlantic Ocean’s currents are being harmed by global warming; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang disappears from public view and is replaced; LeBron James’ son suffers cardiac event at basketball practice; and today’s House panel hearings on UFO’s were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Westwood One: Marketers Underestimate Consumers Time Spent with Media

According to this week’s blog from the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group, marketers and agencies tend to dramatically underestimate the amount of time consumers spend with certain media, including AM/FM radio. Based on data from Nielsen’s Total Audience Report, “Marketers/agencies dramaticallyim underestimate time spent with AM/FM radio. While they believe Americans spend 9% of their media time with AM/FM radio, the reality is 15%.” Why is this? The report cites two reasons. First, longtime ad agency executive Bob Hoffman says, “How can professional people who work in an industry that is largely constructed on media behavior be so astoundingly misinformed? The answer is pretty simple… marketers always overestimate the attraction of new things and underestimate the power of traditional consumer behavior.” Second, marketing professor Mark Ritson adds, “There is increasing global evidence that marketers are basing their media choices on their own behavior or that stoked by the digitally obsessed marketing media, rather than actual audience data.” Read the blog post here.

Industry News

Compass Media Groups Announces Promotions and New Staff

Compass Media Networks announces new hires and promotions throughout its various departments, including Advertising Sales, Affiliate Sales, and Creative Services along with Promotions in Advertising Sales and Finance. Marc Siegel joins the company to serve as director of audio sales/general manager of spoken word sponsorshipsim & activations. Recent Hofstra University graduate Kassandra Faber joins the company as associate director of affiliate sales. Recent Trinity College graduate Sydney Sperling joins as associate director of affiliate sales. Broadcast pro Jim Davison joins the company as project manager creative services subsidiary, Yamanair Creative. Four-year staffer Liane Sousa transitions from director of affiliate sales to account executive, advertising sales, and four-year employee Matt Wallach is promoted to accounting analyst.

Industry News

Premiere and Patty Steele Launch New Podcast

Premiere Networks and award-winning broadcast radio star Patty Steele announce the launch of “The Backstory with Patty Steele” podcast. The program features Steele as she “enlightens and entertains listeners with a journey through pivotal moments in history and pop culture.” Some of the stories include a look at theim world-famous architect and the mass murders that took place at his home; how bathing suits went from 30 pounds of wet wool to the thong; the original Olympics with athletes competing completely in the nude; and an iconic inventor who actually stole his masterpiece. Steele says, “My fascination with these kinds of stories is all about a fun peek behind the curtain of what we think we know about famous folks, events and lifestyles. When we discover these incredible backstories, it’s a blast worth repeating to friends! I look forward to helping listeners deepen their connection to the past, so we can understand how we got to the present, and how to better map out our future.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartMedia, Inc will report its financial results for the quarter ending June 30, 2023 on Tuesday August 8. The company will conduct a conference call at 8:00 am ET, following the release of its earnings announcement to discuss its financial results and business outlook.

The GCN-syndicated “Dr. Daliah Wachs” show joins the program lineup at Alexandra Communications’ news/talk KUJ-AM/K254DK, Walla Walla, Washington in the late night daypart.

Mobile Radio Partners launches a sports betting format on WTOX-AM, Richmond, Virginia using content from VSiN, The Sports Betting Network. The station is being branded “Richmond’s Best Bet, 1480-The Line.” Station general manager Mark Smith comments, “The new format will bring 24-hour sports betting programming to Richmond for the first time. The new station leverages the growing interest in sports betting by covering all sports through the wagering lens. So many markets have embraced sports betting stations and it’s high time that Richmond started delivering the news and analysis folks need with best-in-class content from VSiN.”

NHPR names Travis Boucher chief financial officer. In this role with the public media organization, Boucher will oversee NHPR’s financial and compliance functions and be a strategic partner to NHPR’s board and senior leadership as the organization builds and deploys its resources over the coming years.