Search Results for “b” – Page 47 – TALKERS magazine

Industry Speculation About Soros’ Plans for Audacy News and Talk Outlets Intensifies

By TALKERS | October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by TALKERS

Audacy, Inc. announced yesterday (9/30) that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring, implementing a fully consensual, deleveraging transaction that equitized approximately $1.6 billion of funded debt, a reduction of 80% from approximately $1.9 billion to $350 million. Sources at the radio giant – owner of more than 220 local stations including major all-news, news/talk, and sports talk outlets – say the company emerges as a “healthy, scaled, multi-platform leader in the dynamic audio sector, with total net leverage of approximately 2.7x, differentiated by its #1 position in exclusive, premium audio content.” Audacy will continue to be led by David J. Field, its current president and CEO, and its existing management team. Field will also serve on the company’s new board of directors. Field states, “We are pleased to have successfully achieved all of our restructuring goals, emerging with an outstanding balance sheet, delivering industry-leading growth, serving our listeners and advertisers with excellence and honoring our commitments to employees and partners,” adding, “Today, Audacy embarks on our next chapter, capitalizing on our position as a scaled, multi-platform audio leader, differentiated by our exclusive, premium audio content, including our unrivaled leadership in sports audio, powered by our industry-leading financial strength and focused on accelerating our innovation and digital transformation. We are maximizing a broad set of opportunities to further accelerate our growth for the benefit of Audacy and all its stakeholders.” In conjunction with the completion of its restructuring, Audacy is expected to become a private company. Audacy’s restructuring comes after the FCC’s commissioners gave a thumbs up on the assignment of licenses held by the radio giant to a new, post-bankruptcy version of the company on September 18, allowing the radio giant to bypass the commission’s review, at least temporarily. According to reliable reports, the Soros Fund Management, led by billionaire investor and powerful supporter of liberal causes, George Soros, acquired over $400 million of the radio company’s debt, making it the largest contributor among a group of lenders looking to exchange loans for stock. Concern grows in the radio industry and related political circles, including some Members of Congress, that the influence of Soros’ political leanings might be felt in the programming of Audacy’s all news stations and predominantly conservative news/talk outlets.

WABC Morning Host Sid Rosenberg to Make Second Trip to Israel for Week-Long Live Broadcasts on Anniversary of October 7

By TALKERS | October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by TALKERS

Sid Rosenberg, host of “Sid & Friends In the Morning” on WABC, New York, is making his second trip to Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, for a series of live broadcasts, Monday, October 7 through Thursday, October 10, 2024, including from near the Gaza border. Rosenberg, who is active in the New York Jewish community and has streaming listeners in Israel, made his first trip in January, just a few months after the attack.

“I was so moved by the brutal Hamas attack on Israel, I just had to go,” explained Rosenberg. “I went to [station owner/CEO} John Catsimatidis and [station president] Chad Lopez and said, ‘I have to be there… we have to be there,’ and they said yes! I am so grateful for their support for this monumental trip and broadcasts to honor and remember those who lost their lives and those who are being held hostage.” John Catsimatidis tells TALKERS, “When Sid came to us, we didn’t hesitate,” adding, “Sid is passionate about the attacks on Israel, and, make no mistake, he is putting himself in danger to bring the truth of what’s going on in the Middle East to our listeners.” Chad Lopez tells TALKERS, “WABC was the only New York radio station to broadcast from Israel following the October 7 attack, and we felt it was just as important to return for the anniversary,” adding, “As a broadcaster, it is our responsibility to deliver global news to our listeners, whether they are in New York, other states, or tuning in from around the world via the internet or our app. We are proud to support Sid on this important trip.”

Cumulus Fresno’s NewsTalk 580/105.9 KMJ Partners With Gar Bennett to Raise a Record-Breaking $493,000 for the Central California Food Bank in 11th Annual Feeding Families Fund Drive

By TALKERS | October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by TALKERS

NewsTalk 580/105.9 KMJ in Fresno, CA, joined forces with local agriculture company Gar Bennett to raise funds for the Central California Food Bank through the 11th Annual Feeding Families Fund Drive (9/20). KMJ listeners responded to the one-day broadcast with generous donations to help their less fortunate neighbors, raising over $200,000 in a single day. Gar Bennett matched every donation with 50 cents on the dollar, for a grand total of $493,000 going to the Central California Food Bank. Co-sponsor Farm Credit also pitched in with a large donation to the cause. The annual one-day event has raised more than $4.5 million for the Central California Food Bank, providing 20 million meals in 11 years. This year’s record-breaking fundraising effort will feed over two million people who struggle with hunger in the Central Valley. Pictured above (l-r): KMJ’s Ray Appleton; Kym Dildyne, CEO, Central California Food Bank, and KMJ’s Liz Kern.

EXCLUSIVE DEBUT: Richard Neer’s New Radio Short Story, “Invisible Airwaves”

By TALKERS | October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by TALKERS

Invisible Airwaves

Legendary WFAN, New York personality Richard Neer, an accomplished author as well as a radio broadcasting pioneer in both the album rock and sports-talk genres, has written a fascinating short story that takes place in a contemporary radio setting. TALKERS is proud to publish its world debut today (9/30) marking the first time in its 34-year history that the trade journal is presenting a work of literary fiction based on the media. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Our talk media industry readers will find this short story relatable, dramatic and compelling.”

Kelly Sterling, a lifestyle reporter for The Washington Post, sets out to find Greg Campbell, a once-prominent DC radio talk show host who vanished from the airwaves more than two decades ago. His search leads him to a small town in rural Virginia, where Campbell broadcasts from a tiny station with little reach. Now in his nineties, Campbell continues to deliver thoughtful, reasoned commentaries, offering a rare voice of moderation in an increasingly polarized media landscape. Sterling meets Campbell and his daughter, Grace, who cares for him and supports his passion for broadcasting. Despite the station’s humble setting, Campbell’s love for radio and dedication to the principles of journalism shine through as he prepares for each broadcast. As Sterling digs deeper, he discovers there’s more to the story of Campbell’s life and career than he initially expected, revealing layers of resilience, purpose, and the enduring impact of one man’s voice.

To read the story in its entirety, please click here.

CNN: Local Broadcasters Become Lifeline for Hard-hit North Carolina Communities in Wake of Helene’s Wrath

By TALKERS | September 30, 2024September 30, 2024 by TALKERS

An article by reporter Brian Stelter published by CNN today provides an in-depth look at local radio’s rising to the need of providing listeners in western North Carolina with lifeline information in the wake of watery devastation inflicted upon the region by Hurricane Helene. One caller was trying to find her brother. Another was asking about evacuation routes. A third was wondering if another tropical storm was on the way. And many callers expressed the same sentiment: “I’m just so proud of my neighbors.” All of the calls were broadcast live Sunday (9/29) across western North Carolina on a patchwork of local radio stations as the region struggled to recover from Helene’s unrelenting floodwaters. The calls and emails to News Radio 570 WWNC, an AM station owned by iHeartMedia, reflected the still unfolding crisis as the waters recede. A listener named Paul called into the switchboard on Sunday to ask if a nearby dam was failing. “People are freaking out right now,” Paul said, citing recent reports of concerns about the structural integrity of other dams. The radio hosts reassured Paul and the listening public that the dam rumors were “misinformation.” As communications across the region remained severed for many, the voices on the radio became a lifeline for locals in dire need of reliable information; sharing updates on road closures; opening the phone lines to anyone with working wireless or landline phones; and reassuring listeners that help is on the way from government organizations and volunteer groups. WWNC, the oldest station broadcasting in western North Carolina, and six other stations owned by iHeart came together to simulcast their coverage of the weather emergency, host Mark Starling told CNN during his marathon live broadcast. He signed off Sunday at 11:00 pm and started again Monday at 6:00 in the morning. “Please,” he said to listeners shortly after sunrise, “please take care of yourselves. If you need help, ask for it.” Then he repeated the station’s phone numbers again. To read the entire CNN article, please click here.

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of September 23-27

By TALKERS | September 27, 2024September 27, 2024 by TALKERS

The presidential race, polls, and “dirt” constituted the week’s #1 story in the talk media. It was followed by the escalation of Middle East violence at #2. The economy placed #3. #4 was the federal criminal indictment of NYC Mayor Eric Adams. #5 was the migrant crisis and #6 was the Russia-Ukraine war. The Talkers Ten^TM 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. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

TALK MEDIA INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE: Trump Bites the Hand that Feeds Him

By TALKERS | September 24, 2024September 24, 2024 by TALKERS

At a rally in Indiana, PA yesterday (9/23) former President Donald Trump, working largely impromptu without a teleprompter, wandered off whatever script he was working with and took a shot at the FOX News Channel that should raise a few eyebrows across the talk media industry regardless of political position. After complaining about FOX’s practice of having some guests or sources on that are not pro-MAGA, which itself is a breach of journalistic boundaries, he stated, “You ever notice on FOX… they put me on… I do a great job… and then they follow me with a horrible commercial? I say what the hell is the good of me doing it. Roger Ailes never allowed bad commercials. What’s the purpose of me doing a nice show and they put nine horrible commercials on which are all lies.”

WABC Owner John Catsimatidis is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Video

By TALKERS | September 24, 2024September 24, 2024 by TALKERS

Harrison Cats What’s it like to be a self-made billionaire mogul with powerful ownership interests in the media, grocery, energy, real estate, political, and sports industries? TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison presents a candid one-on-one dialogue with Red Apple Group CEO and WABC, New York owner John Catsimatidis that covers all the above bases and then some. “Cats” discusses his ongoing plans for WABC Radio; the future of the AM radio dial; roots of the inflated cost of food and gasoline; his development of beach front condo properties in Coney Island, NY and St. Petersburg, FL; and what he describes as his “common sense” approach to today’s political environment. Catsimatidis’ life is the embodiment of the American Dream – a true rags-to-riches story of a Greek immigrant who came to New York City with his family at the age of six months and worked his way to success, starting in his parents’ humble grocery store, to become one of the most influential individuals in the nation. Harrison and Catsimatidis take the viewer on an amazing “fun” journey from the nostalgic sidewalks and baseball stadiums of old New York to the pinnacle of 21^st century business, media, and technology. To view this exciting new entry on the TALKERSMEDIA YouTube channel, please click here.

Legendary Phoenix Suns PBP Announcer Al McCoy Passes Away at 91

By TALKERS | September 23, 2024 by TALKERS

Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor member and legendary radio play-by-play announcer Al McCoy has passed away peacefully at the age of 91. The longest tenured team broadcaster in NBA history, McCoy was widely known as the “dean of NBA broadcasters” for his years of service and unique broadcasting style. He served 51 seasons as “The Voice of the Suns,” calling his first game on September 27, 1972 and his last on May 11, 2023. McCoy’s unforgettable calls of the most memorable moments in Suns history, including three trips to the NBA Finals, and his trademark phrases from “Shazam!” to “Zing Go the Strings” to “Heartbreak Hotel” have cemented his legacy throughout Arizona and the NBA. His distinctive voice, vivid descriptions and deep knowledge of the game created a unique style that remained a staple for more than five decades. McCoy will long be known as the Voice of the Phoenix Suns. His many contributions to basketball and sports broadcasting were recognized when he received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. The first play-by-play announcer inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2004 and a 2009 inductee into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, McCoy earned the team’s highest honor when he became the 15th person inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor in 2017. Funeral services are pending.

WABC Celebrates Pols Who Support the AM for Every Vehicle Act

By TALKERS | September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 by TALKERS

WABC, New York ran the above notice in today’s (9/20) issue of the New York Post – naming names in the battle to save AM radio from exclusion in automobile dashboards. The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the pending bill Wednesday (9/19) requiring new cars to have AM radios in their dashboards. The bill was passed by the committee on a roll-call vote of 45-2 and now heads to the full House for final approval. Titled the “AM for Every Vehicle Act,” the bill, if passed, would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles “without a separate or additional payment, fee, or surcharge.” Supporters of the bill say that AM radio serves the public interest and safety during natural disasters and other events requiring emergency broadcasting information – not to mention a wide variety of programming genres not readily available on other platforms in addition to regions of the country not fully served by digital media.

NAB Stands Up for Licensed Broadcasters Against Proposed FCC AI Rule

By TALKERS | September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 by TALKERS

The National Association of Broadcasters chief legal officer and executive vice president, legal and regulatory affairs, Rick Kaplan has posted a blog protesting the FCC’s proposed rule requiring disclaimers on political ads that use AI. Here’s a key excerpt:

“The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering new rules that would require broadcasters to insert a disclaimer on political ads that use AI in any form. Unfortunately, due to the FCC’s limited regulatory authority, this rule risks doing more harm than good. While the intent of the rule is to improve transparency, it instead risks confusing audiences while driving political ads away from trusted local stations and onto social media and other digital platforms, where misinformation runs rampant.” 

To read the entire post, please click here.

Job Opportunity

Morning Radio Executive Producer Based in Richmond, VA

By TALKERS | September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 by TALKERS

One of the fastest growing independent conservative talk-news radio stations/media networks in America is seeking a top-notch career-oriented morning radio show producer. This executive position is full-time, based in Richmond, VA with tremendous growth potential. The company’s morning show host is a nationally known figure who owns radio stations from West Virginia to Atlanta. This is not a remote position, as the producer must work in the flagship studio in South Richmond. The hours are 5:30 am to 2:30 pm ET. The position requires solid radio production knowledge, creativity, perseverance, and the ability to multi-task in the morning. The right candidate will produce the morning show, field phone calls from high-level political figures (including President Donald Trump who has called in 75 times) and live callers, manage the clock, run the ads, and navigate through normal live radio issues. For more details and contact info, please click here.

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of September 16-20

By TALKERS | September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 by TALKERS

The presidential race and polls constituted the week’s #1 story in the talk media. It was followed by the migrant crisis at #2 with ongoing conversation about the Springfield, OH controversy. Escalating Middle East tensions took the #3 spot. #4 was the economy, inflation, and interest rates. #5 was the Russia-Ukraine war. The Talkers Ten^TM 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. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Beasley Broadcast Group’s Reverse Stock Split: What Shareholders Need to Know

By TALKERS | September 19, 2024 by TALKERS

Beasley Broadcast Group Inc. (Nasdaq: BBGI) has announced a 1-for-20 reverse stock split, effective September 23, 2024. But what does this mean for shareholders? A reverse stock split reduces the number of shares investors own while increasing the price per share. In BBGI’s case, for every 20 shares you hold, you’ll now own one share. For example, if you own 100 shares at $0.50 each, after the split, you’ll own five shares priced at around $10 each. Importantly, the total value of your investment stays the same before any market fluctuations. BBGI is conducting this reverse stock split to boost its stock price and comply with Nasdaq’s requirement for stocks to trade above $1.00. The split helps the company remain listed on the exchange. Shareholders don’t need to take any action – your broker will automatically adjust the number of shares. However, if you end up with a fractional share (e.g., owning 25 shares pre-split), you’ll receive cash for the fraction rather than owning a partial share. The reverse split will take effect on September 23, 2024, with shares trading at the new price starting September 24. While your share count decreases, the goal is to stabilize BBGI’s stock price and position the company for future growth. In summary, the reverse stock split is a technical adjustment, and the value of your investment remains the same. Keep an eye on the stock’s performance post-split to gauge its long-term impact.

Radio Hosts Invited to Appear in Forthcoming Gunhill Road Music Video Celebrating Talk Radio

By TALKERS | September 19, 2024September 20, 2024 by TALKERS

Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has attracted hundreds of thousands of worldwide followers with its growing repertoire of issue-oriented songs and music videos, is currently in production with an anthem celebrating talk radio. Titled “Don’t Stop Talkin’” – the song is an uplifting and infectiously catchy tune about the vital role talk radio plays in serving the cause of American freedom of speech. With lines that include “As long as you’ve got a voice, don’t ever stop!” and “As long as you’ve got the truth, don’t ever stop!” the original composition co-written by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian Koonan, and Michael Harrison encourages talk radio practitioners to keep up the good work and great service they provide the nation. The images accompanying the music will be a dynamic montage of individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows. The group invites talk show hosts from around the country – local and syndicated – to contribute video clips of themselves in action on the mic. The clips need not be longer than one minute and show the face of the host on air in the studio (even if it is a home studio) and, if possible, show the station or program logo in the frame. Obviously, the group cannot guarantee inclusion in the final product, but every effort will be made to do so. Gunhill Road video producer (and TALKERS VP/associate publisher) Matthew B. Harrison states, “The members of Gunhill Road are so grateful for the attention and airplay they have received over the past five years from talk radio that they want to give something special back to the industry and its medium.” Interested hosts should send their video clips to info@talkers.com along with permission to use them in the video. The deadline for clips to be considered is October 11, 2024. For more information about Gunhill Road please visit www.GunhillRoadMusic.com.

Audacy’s KNX News 97.1 FM and the Los Angeles Times to Co-present a Live Debate in Race for L.A. County D.A

By TALKERS | September 17, 2024September 17, 2024 by TALKERS

As millions of voters across Los Angeles County decide how to cast their ballots in the pivotal race for district attorney, Audacy’s KNX News 97.1 FM and the Los Angeles Times are joining forces to present a live debate between incumbent George Gascón and challenger Nathan Hochman on October 8 at 5:00 pm PT. Sources at Audacy Los Angeles tell TALKERS, “With criminal justice top of mind for voters across Southern California, the KNX News/L.A. Times debate will dig into the key issues impacting safety, equity, and quality of life for the residents of America’s most populous county ahead of the November 5 election. The one-hour, commercial-free debate will air on KNX News (97.1 FM & 1070 AM) with live video available on the digital and social platforms of KNX News and the Los Angeles Times. KNX News anchor Mike Simpson and chief correspondent Charles Feldman will moderate the debate. Panelists will include L.A. Times reporters James Queally and Brittny Mejia and KNX News reporter Emily Valdez. Media interested in attending should contact Alex Silverman at alex.silverman@audacy.com for details and logistics.

Job Opportunity

Great Full Time News Opportunity at WBT

By TALKERS | September 17, 2024September 17, 2024 by TALKERS

News Talk 1110/99.3 WBT, Charlotte, is looking for the next great multimedia journalist to join the WBT news team as a full-time news reporter. If you’re a compelling storyteller on air and on the page, have a sense for where the next breaking story might originate, and understand that there is a critical difference between news reporting and simple dictation, WBT would love to hear from you. What will set you apart? Journalistic objectivity, the desire to enterprise and produce investigative reports, the flexibility to cover breaking news whenever it happens and, most importantly, to be a great teammate and collaborator, working with the entire WBTeam of hosts, anchors, reporters, and producers for the benefit of the Charlotte listeners. If this sounds like you, please upload your resume, air checks and writing samples on this page.

Monday Memo: Are You Boring?

By TALKERS | September 16, 2024September 16, 2024 by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Lately, life is anything-BUT. Examples: the 2024 presidential race, extreme weather, the consumer economy, recurring gun violence. We’re all wondering, “What NEXT???”

So being-known-for-knowing will earn your station more occasions of tune-in. “Stay close to the news.” And exploit your network by offering, for example, “a quick FOX News update, every half-hour.”

Admittedly, what your network is reporting is also available on smartphones, smartwatches, and smart speakers. But your station may also be, as my clients tout, “Your Only Local News Radio.”

Simply doing local news is a start… BUT… I wish there was a more diplomatic way to say this: Are your newscasts boring?

Too often, local news copy doesn’t enable the listener by telling what a news item means to him or her. I heard a local news voice seeming to read a press release, announcing that: “The [name of] County government’s new website has gone live. The revamped site [URL] was unveiled at this week’s [name of] County commissioners meeting. The board’s chairman said the revamped site has a much more professional appearance, and offers quick, user-friendly navigation. The county’s IT director added that the feedback she’s received so far from county employees and residents has been positive.”

Zzz…

Don’t just recite process. Explain consequence. To Larry & Lisa Listener, typically self-congratulatory source material like that copy is irrelevant blah-blah-blah.

Bothering to actually explore the website, I found how it enables listeners to get help with: “potholes, damaged curb, traffic signals, weeds, dogs barking, abandoned vehicles, chemical discharge, water leaking, litter, road striping, ADA compliance, blocked drainage channel, street lights, damaged sidewalk, traffic/road signs, overhanging trees/shrubs, noise nuisance, hazardous parking, storm sewer leaking/blockage, water leaking on roadway, loose/protruding manhole cover, discrimination complaint, Fair Housing complaint.”

Unwrap the package.

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

Charlotte’s WBT AM/FM, Radio One, and The Carolina Journal partner to present “The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT”

By TALKERS | September 13, 2024September 13, 2024 by TALKERS

Radio One and News Talk 1110/99.3 WBT, along with the Carolina Journal, have entered a partnership to present “The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT” on the heritage news/talk station in Charlotte. The live, one-hour program will air weekday mornings from 5:00 am – 6:00 am beginning September 16 and will be hosted by talk radio host and public speaker Nick Craig of the Carolina Journal. The early morning show will focus on state-wide news, politics, and business stories that impact the lives of the residents of Charlotte and all of North Carolina utilizing the formidable resources of the Carolina Journal. Additionally, local traffic, sports, and weather reports from the well-established WBT News Team will be featured prominently in every show. “I am beyond excited about the incredible opportunity to work with the John Locke Foundation/Carolina Journal and the iconic WBT radio,” Craig tells TALKERS. “Bringing talk radio to a new generation is not just a personal passion of mine but a vital step in shaping the future of political discourse. I am eager to embark on this journey to elevate the level of political conversation for years to come.” Donna King, editor-in-chief of the Carolina Journal adds, “This powerful partnership will take the public conversation to a new level in North Carolina. Carolina Journal and WBT each have a long history of pioneering journalism, offering North Carolinians fact-based news and analysis that matters. Whether in politics, investigative stories, or public policy, the combined resources of our organizations ensure up-to-the-minute coverage and context that listeners truly cannot get anywhere else.” WBT PD Mike Schaefer tells TALKERS, “This new show is the next evolution of WBT’s already amazing live and local lineup, and it will deliver the news, information and analysis that our listeners have come to expect from us as they start the day.”

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of September 9-13

By TALKERS | September 13, 2024September 13, 2024 by TALKERS

The presidential race highlighted the aftermath of the ABC News debate was this week’s #1 story in the talk media. It was followed by abortion at #2. Donald Trump’s legal issues took the #3 spot. #4 was the economy, inflation, and health care. #5 was the migrant crisis and the eating dogs tale. The Talkers Ten^TM 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. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

BOSTON GLOBE: FCC Cracking Down on Unlicensed Radio Stations in Mass – the Majority Cater to Haitians

By TALKERS | September 12, 2024 by TALKERS

The feds call them “pirate radio.” Haitians call them “a bulletin board for the community.” According to an extensive piece by reporter Tiana Woodard in the Boston Globe (9/9) the FCC has issued at least 18 violations to pirate radio stations in Massachusetts since 2020, as part of an ongoing effort by the agency to snuff out unlicensed, low-power FM stations, which the agency said can clog the airwaves during emergencies or play over other licensed, commercial stations. Two-thirds of those infractions, according to a Globe review of an FCC database, were issued to unlicensed Haitian radio stations, which for years have served the country’s third-largest Haitian community outside of the Caribbean country – a population that continues to grow as the state contends with new waves of migrants. Facing fines to the tune of thousands of dollars each, some stations – run by operators with limited financial resources – have left the radio airwaves entirely, choosing to instead take their shows digital with the hopes their listeners will follow. The evolving landscape of Haitian radio in Boston has left many concerned that listeners of these shows – many of whom are older with little internet access, don’t speak fluent English or are recently arrived migrants. These actions have triggered a wave of concern and pushback by community leaders. “They need people to guide them,” said Patricia Sanon, owner of the Pathway Access Services, an interpretation, translation, and immigration services business in Brockton. “They need the right radio station to provide such information to them so they can navigate the system.” She added: “But they don’t have that.” For decades, the FCC has tried to remove unlicensed radio hosts from the airwaves with little success. Operators such as those in Boston would get letters asking them to stop broadcasting, but there was little enforcement to back those warnings; the agency had limited manpower to go after several violators. When the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act, or PIRATE, became federal law in 2020, the FCC received funding to pursue offenders and issue penalties that are more than 13 times than previously allowed by law. “They’re using these huge fines again as a cudgel, like a stick, to say, ‘Look, we’re really going to get you with these $2 million fines,’” said David Goren, a longtime radio journalist and creator of the Brooklyn Pirate Radio Sound Map, a digital archive of unlicensed shows in the New York borough. An FCC spokesperson said pirate radio can pose public safety concerns, like intercepting emergency alerts or air traffic control. Since the law went into effect, the FCC has issued 115 infractions to pirate radio broadcasts nationwide, according to the agency’s website. Massachusetts is second only to New York, which has 41. To see the entire Boston Globe story, please click here

Bill O’ Reilly is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Video Podcast

By TALKERS | September 12, 2024September 12, 2024 by TALKERS

Is the new communications technology a threat to free speech and privacy? Has the presidency become too much of a media and cultural focal point in our society? How important is character versus competency in judging public officials? What impact is AI having on academic honesty? Is YouTube creating a sea change in the national media landscape? These questions and more are tackled in a fascinating interview conducted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison with radio, TV, and online talk icon, Bill O’ Reilly on this week’s installment of “Up Close Far Out” presented by the new TALKERS Media YouTube channel. In addition to being a major cable news/talk TV pioneer and a successful cross-platform talk media commentator still going and growing in the digital era, O’ Reilly is the author of 18 consecutive #1 New York Times best sellers. Harrison and O’ Reilly discuss his new release, Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden among an array of topics. Don’t miss this! To view the program in its entirety, please click here.

Talk Media Had a Dynamic Night – FOX and Other Networks Propose Additional Debate in October

By TALKERS | September 11, 2024September 11, 2024 by TALKERS

Across the nation, talk media hosts from radio, television, cable, podcasting, and YouTube channels were literally working overtime immediately before, during, and after the historic ABC News presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. TALKERS received reports from across the talk industry that, unlike so many events of this nature that prove disappointing, this debate delivered an edge-of-the-seat, non-stop drama that evoked comparisons to an emotional sporting event like a 12 round heavyweight championship bout during the golden age of boxing. Legendary WPHT, Philadelphia midday host Dom Giordano was in attendance reporting for his station as well as hundreds of others across America that tapped into his swing state perspective on an ad hoc basis. Giordano tells TALKERS, “Being in the Spin Room was like being in the middle of multiple simultaneous rugby scrums while trying to discuss the most sensitive issues for our country.” During post-debate coverage, lead election anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum announced that FOX News Media sent letters to both the Harris and Trump campaigns around 7:30 pm before last night’s debate requesting the opportunity to host an additional debate in October. Here’s an excerpt from the letter:

We propose to host a debate in October while early in-person voting gets underway in multiple battleground states. We’d like to offer the following options:

Wednesday, October 9 in Arizona
Tuesday, October 15 in Georgia
Wednesday, October 16 in North Carolina

Media critic Brian Stelter of CNN reports, “Multiple TV networks are eager to host a presidential debate in October. The Harris campaign, exuding confidence after Harris baited Trump on stage Tuesday night, immediately said she would agree to a second debate with the ex-president. But Trump is not committing, and his overnight comments suggest he is not serious about a sequel.” On Fox & Friends this morning Trump rejected Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, the aforementioned anchors that FOX suggested as potential debate moderators in October proposing Sean Hannity, Jesse Watters or Laura Ingraham instead.

The next big event in this World Series of politics will be the VP debate between Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance to be hosted by CBS on October 1.

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Announces Free Virtual Digital Sales Webinar

By TALKERS | September 11, 2024September 11, 2024 by TALKERS

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to advancing female leadership in radio broadcasting, in conjunction with Beasley Media Group, has announced an upcoming Digital Sales Webinar. This productive and valuable event will feature three of the industry’s most respected leaders and innovators in the digital space: Tina Murley, chief revenue officer of Beasley Media Group; Jenny Sutton, SVP of digital media sales and operations for Audacy; and Shannon Knoepke, market president of Townsquare Media, Minnesota. The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, September 19th at 4:00 pm ET. Topics will include:

• The growing importance of Digital Audio, with a focus on streaming and podcasting.

• Leveraging Social Media as a powerful tool for audience engagement and revenue generation.

• Maximizing the potential of Local Digital initiatives.

• Best practices for Impression-Based Selling, including pricing strategies and performance metrics.

• The role of Third-Party Partnerships in driving success.

• Strategies for enhancing Advertiser ROI through innovative digital approaches.

• The synergistic value of combining Over-the-Air (OTA) and Digital platforms to boost client returns.

“This webinar is a unique opportunity to learn from the top minds in digital sales and gain insights that can help navigate the complexities of today’s media landscape,” said Ruth Presslaff, MIW board president. “We encourage everyone to join us for what promises to be a compelling and educational event, beautifully arranged by Sheila Kirby and generously sponsored by Beasley Media Group.” Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley adds, “We are thrilled to support this important MIW webinar that underscores the vital role digital plays in our business today.”

Register for the webinar here. To learn more about Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc., visit radiomiw.com.

Talk Media Gears Up for Tonight’s Big Debate

By TALKERS | September 10, 2024September 10, 2024 by TALKERS

Proclaiming it “the most important presidential debate in history,” talk media stations and networks across the nation are gearing up with special programs and live coverage to precede, accompany and follow the ABC Network debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia tonight at 9:00 pm ET. Several outlets have requested and received special permission from ABC to simulcast the debate itself. These include CNN (which will be running special shows beginning at 4:00 pm ET as if it were a Super Bowl); Salem Radio Network, which will also run a pre-debate special between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm ET featuring its top personalities, Dr. Sebastian Gorka, Dennis Prager, Mike Gallagher, and Tony Perkins; and local stations such as WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE (“The Talk Of Delmarva”) on 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM, as well as streaming on the WGMD app, and TalkOfDelmarva.com. That will be accompanied by a real-time, interactive blogging event at RealNewsTalk.com. FOX News Media will present live coverage surrounding the debate with special programming available across all of FOX News Media’s key platforms, including FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio and FOX Nation. Cumulus media/Westwood One host Dan Bongino will host a special live edition of his podcast on Rumble preceding and during the debate beginning at 8:00 pm ET.