Changes at WEEI, Boston
Audacy brings Boston sports radio personality Adam Jones aboard to co-host the afternoon drive program on WEEI-FM. The new show is called “Jones & Mego” featuring Jones, Meghan Ottolini, and Christian Arcand and debuts on January 30. Jones was most recently evening host at Beasley Media Group’s crosstown WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub.” Audacy Boston SVP and market manager Mike Thomas says, “This is the third run
for Adam and I working together. He’s talented, opinionated, informed and funny. Miss a day and miss a lot. Afternoons on WEEI will be can’t-miss entertainment.” At the same time, Thomas announces that Ken Laird is being promoted from operations manager for the station to brand manager. He says, “Ken has stepped up and really proven himself as a leader this past year, and I’m very happy to elevate him in this new role. I know the best is yet to come.” Laird comments, “Working at WEEI, an iconic and influential brand, has been an honor dating back to my start here in 2002. To take on a brand manager role some 20 years later is both incredibly humbling and exciting. I can’t thank Mark Hannon and Mike Thomas enough for the guidance and opportunity they’ve given me. The sports radio ratings share in Boston is proof that the nation’s most passionate fans live here, and I’m ready for the challenge to work with this great staff to deliver the daily entertainment those fans crave.”
“exemplifies the best attributes of the radio industry.” Recipients may be large or small, commercial or non-commercial, located in any market, and broadcasting in any language. The jury looks for stations that demonstrate “ideals of localism, audience reach, community service, effective use of new digital platforms, diversity in program content and staffing, as well as financial and ratings success.” Previous U.S. winners were Audacy’s WINS-AM, New York; Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, Hempstead, NY; and Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP-FM, Washington. Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “This distinguished honor underscores not only KDKA’s unwavering commitment to delivering premier news coverage to the Pittsburgh communities, but the individuals who work tirelessly each and every day to make it happen. We’re proud to join the list of iconic heritage brands that represent the very best the radio industry has to offer.” Jurors included representatives of Fletcher Heald & Hildreth, Radio Ink, The Weiss Agency, TALKERS magazine, McVay Media Consulting, Audacy and Radio World.
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sportsbook branded radio station in the country.” Hubbard Seattle market manager Trip Reeb says, “We’re thrilled to bring this first-of-its-kind partnership to this market and radio industry. Building on our long and successful partnership with Tulalip Resort Casino allows for countless cross promotional opportunities as well as the ability to capitalize on the rapid expansion we’ve seen in the sports betting space, as well as the specialized sports betting content VSiN delivers.”
ESPN Radio, Audacy, Cumulus, and his own company Green Roll Media. In his new role at Blue Wire, Crowe will play an integral role in the company’s in-person studio partnership with Wynn Resorts. Crowe will manage production, sales, promotions, events & marketing related to the Blue Wire Studios. This move reunites Crowe and Blue Wire founder Kevin Jones, who worked with Crowe at sports talk outlet KNBR, San Francisco. Jones says, “Jeremiah is a problem solver, a connector and an experienced executive playing a big role growing Blue Wire. Throughout his career he’s worked well with talent and can be a major contributor on the business side for us. We’re thrilled to add Jeremiah to our team.”
daily morning program streaming on audio and video from 7:00 am to 10:00 am CT and available as a podcast that the company will produce, distribute and sell. Bring Me The News says, “Barnard will be joined by a co-host, producer, and a number of other guests and contributors. Barnard left KQRS on Dec. 23 after 37 years hosting 92 KQ’s Morning Show, which for a period in the ‘90s was the highest rated morning radio show in the entire country. As he prepared to leave the station, Barnard claimed in an interview with the Star Tribune he had been forced out the door at KQ by parent company Cumulus Media, which had described Barnard’s departure as a ‘retirement.’” Barnard’s new show is expected to debut sometime next month. On Monday of this week, KQRS launched its new morning show hosted by radio personality and former Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman.
the station’s carriage of the sports talk format branded as “CBS Sports 1360.”According to a 
Audacy announces that all-news and news/talk radio pro Craig Schwalb will take over as brand manager and news director for WBBM Newsradio on January 23, succeeding the retiring Ron Gleason. In this role, Schwalb will oversee content strategy, talent, operations and branding for the station. Audacy Chicago VP of programming and operations Greg Solk tells TALKERS, “When Ron Gleason announced his retirement last summer, we knew we had a major challenge in replacing him, since Ron has been the driving force behind WBBM for nearly two decades. We believe we have struck gold in tapping Craig Schwalb as WBBM’s new brand manager. Craig’s vast experience in news and spoken word formats, most recently running content and operations at WTOP in Washington, gives him the ideal skill set to lead this brand and drive innovation and growth for Chicago’s most trusted news voice.” Schwalb comments, “The chance to lead WBBM is an incredible opportunity that doesn’t come around often. It brings me back to my home state and to a city that I adore, while working with the team behind one of the nation’s elite news radio brands. Thank you to Jeff Sottolano, Rachel Williamson, Greg Solk and Bill Smee for their support in allowing me the honor of leading this great station.”
New York City television personality Ernie Anastos is joining Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM, New York to host the two-minute daily feature “Positively Ernie with Ernie Anastos” that will air in morning and afternoon drive, beginning today (1/9). The station says, “Focusing on a different topic every day, Anastos takes a look at the positive outcome of the stories that shape our world, including current events, social changes, new trends, life challenges, work, home, and lifestyle.” Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis comments, “Everybody knows Ernie’s smiling face, friendly voice, and reputation as a top journalist in this great city. Now, Ernie is taking another look at our world and bringing us an opportunity to see the positive side of things.
I’m delighted to welcome Ernie to
The sharply satirical song “Idiots” from the forthcoming fifth album by heritage rock band Gunhill Road continues to gather an international following on the internet. Released in August 2022, the music video of the catchy song passed the 70,000 unique views mark this weekend on YouTube – making it the most-listened-to song in the 53 year old band’s colorful history since its 1973 hit single “Back When My Hair Was Short” (also a provocative social commentary). TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, who along with Steve Goldrich, Paul Reich and Brian Koonin, is a member of Gunhill Road and co-writer/lead vocalist for “Idiots,” says, “We are so grateful to talk radio for embracing this song and giving it an amazing amount of airplay – either in snippets or the entire piece – that has driven interest in the song, downloads on the internet and views of the video. Fortunately, the words and theme of ‘Idiots’ ties into talk radio’s topic menu, psyche and environment in a non-partisan, ‘equal opportunity offender’ way. I mean, who can stand the negative impact that widespread idiocy is having on our society, culture and democracy?” 
Dick Chapin died at age 99 on January 5 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Nebraska Broadcasters Association says Chapin got his start in broadcasting in March 1953 when he joined KFOR, Lincoln as an account executive. He soon rose to general manager for KFOR-AM and KFOR-TV. In 1958 he was named VP of the stations’ owner, Stuart Investment Company. In 1989, he formed his own media brokerage firm, Chapin Enterprises. He also went into station ownership purchasing radio station KSYZ, Grand Island which he helped manage and later sold in 1999. Chapin served as chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, a position that capped 11 years of NAB service. In 1974, he received the NAB Distinguished Service Award. He also was elected chairman of the Radio Advertising Bureau in 1983.
Monticello Media’s WCHV-AM/FM, Charlottesville is partnering with former Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster aboard to host a one-hour, regional program that will air Saturday mornings at 11:00. Foster is currently special assistant to athletic director Whit Babcock at Virginia Tech. He served on the football staff for 33 years. Former Virginia radio play-by-play man Mac McDonald will serve as Foster’s co-host and show producer.
For a decade and a half back in the 70s and 80s, now-defunct Metromedia album rocker KMET was a dominant musical and cultural force in Southern California. Memories of the historic station still reverberate today among its former staff and thousands of listeners. One of the stand-out personalities in the station’s amazing stable of talent was the dynamic and quirky newsman/morning co-host, Patrick “Paraquat” Kelley. Tragically, 22 years ago, Kelley, a once-dynamic figure, was diagnosed with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis leaving him today a total quadriplegic in residence at the Motion Picture Hospital in Woodland Hills, CA. Kelley sent the following text and accompanying photo to TALKERS:
She will work closely with Josh Cohan, director of podcast programming, to develop ABC Audio’s content strategy and then implement that strategy with the production team, overseeing the process from greenlight to publish.” Mayer was most recently COO of the production company Three Uncanny Four Productions – a joint venture with Sony Music. She’s also served as executive producer of new show development at Stitcher.
Sheehan most recently served as engagement editor at Nexstar-owned BestReviews. Prior to that, she worked as a regional digital director at Townsquare Media in Albany. In this role, Sheehan will work closely with vice president of digital content Erika Beasley and vice president of digital marketing Jennifer Williams to help drive the company’s digital content strategy and continue to grow BMG’s audience. Beasley chief content officer Justin Chase states, “With Beasley’s continued focus on growing audience on our multi-platform content brands, it’s a sincere pleasure to welcome Ariana Sheehan. Ariana has a successful track record of helping publishers build, engage, and monetize digital audience. I know she will be a valuable member of our digital team!” Sheehan says, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join Beasley Media Group’s outstanding corporate digital team and to help some of America’s most beloved and influential radio personalities deliver their engaging content to new and existing audiences across all media platforms. I can’t wait to dive in with these iconic brands as they continue to grow their digital footprint in their home cities and beyond.”
The show helps financial advisors and investors with the five personal finance topics that matter most: Longevity, Retirement Security, Exponential Technologies, Blockchain & Digital Assets, and Health & Wellness.” Edelman is a New York Times bestselling author of 12 books on personal finance and won “book of the year” awards from the Institute for Financial Literacy and the Society of Business Writers. The podcast is available on-demand globally across all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and TheTAYF.com.