Premiere Adds “The Michael Berry Show” to National Line Up of Stars
Michael Berry has been added to Premiere Networks all-star line-up of nationally-syndicated talk talent. Effective October 7, Houston’s top-rated talk show host will be available to stations nationwide on a two-hour weekday evening program. Currently heard on 25 affiliates in independent syndication across the U.S., “The Michael Berry Show” will continue to originate from iHeartMedia Houston’s NewsRadio 740 KTRH in the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm CT weekday timeslot. “The Michael Berry Show” features the colorful radio personality and “Czar of Talk” as he discusses news, politics, and culture with his insightful and straightforward commentary that’s accessible to a broad range of listeners. 
“I’m fired up to join the team that brought Rush Limbaugh, my hero, to America, alongside my talented friends Clay Travis, Buck Sexton and Jesse Kelly, and legends like Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck,” Berry tells TALKERS. “Being a part of the talk radio industry is already a literal dream come true, but being supported and represented by Premiere, the best in the biz, is big time.” “Michael has become one of the top voices in the world of talk radio, and we’re excited to expand his program to even more stations across the country,” said Julie Talbott, president of Premiere Networks. “His relatable style, keen intellect and deep connection with listeners drive success for affiliates and sponsors alike, which are qualities we look for in our syndication partners.” Ranked at a lofty #7 on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred, Berry is one of the most original conservative voices in talk media. With a career spanning over two decades, his radio journey began in 2005 with his weekend program, “Michael Berry’s Real Estate Review,” on NewsRadio 740 KTRH. His success led to a weekday talk show on Talk Radio 950 KPRC, where he quickly gained a loyal following. During that time, he also hosted various timeslots on KPRC, in addition to serving as operations director for KTRH, KPRC, and KBME from 2007 to 2011. Before his radio career, Berry served as a three-term Houston City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem. During his tenure, he was named “Councilman of the Year” by the Houston Police Officers Union. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Houston, a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, and an LL.M. in International Commercial Law from the University of Nottingham. He has worked as an attorney, real estate developer, and restaurateur. Berry is a passionate supporter of veterans’ causes serving as the national spokesman of Camp Hope, which assists veterans and their families beating PTSD. He does an annual drive for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and hosts an annual adoption and fostering special, as well as yearly specials focused on mothers, fathers, veterans, law enforcement and teachers. Berry resides in Houston with his wife, former Texas Secretary of State, Nandita Venkateswaran Berry, who hails from India, and their two sons, both of whom were born in Ethiopia. For more information, click here to visit his website. https://michaelberryshow.com/ Stations interested in “The Michael Berry Show” should contact Premiere Networks affiliate sales at affiliates@premierenetworks.com.
TALKERS Heavy Hundred mainstay and Radio Hall of Fame inductee Kim Komando, in addition to broadcasting a tremendously successful syndicated show heard on over 510 radio stations, has developed a newsletter titled The Current that has amassed more than 509,000 subscribers. Komando – known as “America’s Digital Goddess” – is the nation’s leading talk media technology specialist and as computerization, social media, AI, VR and other manifestations of the high-tech world continue to gain importance in the lives of people, so has her program grown in pertinence and dominance. Although she has been sending newsletters since the 1990s, Komando tells TALKERS, “This one is different” adding, “It’s a way for me to truly connect with my audience. Today, if you’re not tech aware you are tech left-behind in the dust.” Each morning, The Current goes out to more than 509,000 followers. Kim covers the tech news of the day (focusing only on the news that impacts everyday people), along with her trusted tips and advice. She edits and approves every single issue herself. She says, “In a world of impersonal social media and overproduced advertising, email is a rare opportunity to speak directly to the reader. The inbox is a powerful place to build trust and share important information.” She’s looking to grow The Current from over half a million to a million subscribers. And she’s looking now for other hosts and broadcasters to help spread the word. Through an exclusive affiliate program, Komando is offering fellow broadcasters $1 per subscriber that they send her way. Her team does all the back-end work to track it, and participants get a check each month. Komando states, “Hosts, stations, and shows make money and their audiences find a great new way to keep up with tech. The math is simple: They give me 1,000 subscribers and I send them $1,000!” 
Beasley Media Group has announced the official launch yesterday (8/28) of Augusta Today, a new online news site. Augusta Today will focus on local news in, around, and about the Greater Augusta metro area. Developed with the goal of giving people both “the stories they want and the news they need,” the hyper-local publication features established Augusta-area writers and media figures such as Ashley Brown, Austin Rhodes, and Kris Fisher. Augusta Today will be free. “Free and easy – that’s the mantra,” says editor-in-chief Steven Uhles. “We wanted to make sure that these stories were not blocked by a paywall and that our conversations with the community remain unfettered and unencumbered.” Inspired by both the classic daily newspaper model and the more free-wheeling approach of alternative weeklies, Augusta Today has been developed “to educate as well as entertain” featuring breaking local news, sports coverage, lifestyle features and an array of columns. “We all are extremely excited about Augusta Today and what we believe it will mean to this community,” Kent Dunn, VP/market manager of Beasley Media Group tells TALKERS. “We see this as a great addition to our portfolio of radio stations here in the Augusta market and a real extension of our local-first approach to engaging with the community.” To visit Augusta Today please 
Success Stories with Joe Connolly.” The program will highlight local business success stories and air on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis says, “Joe is the best business news reporter in New York and a highly trusted source for business intelligence. In the midst of questions about the economy and where it’s going, Joe will find success stories that inspire others. New York radio listeners, especially those who own or run businesses, will benefit from these uplifting interviews.”
presence in the community and offers fans a sneak peek into the magic that happens behind the scenes.” In addition to the ESPN Radio programs “UnSportsmanlike with Evan Cohen, Chris Canty, and Michelle Smallmon,” “Greenie,” and “Carlin vs. Joe,” the station moves “Theoretically Speaking with Theo Dorsey” to a new, two-hour slot (2:00 pm to 4:00 pm) and debuts “Russo and Rizzo” in the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot. GKB market manager Stephanie Prince-Springmyer says, “We are beyond thrilled with what our team has achieved over the last six months. Our growth is a direct result of the passion and dedication our team brings to the table every day. We are committed to delivering top-tier sports coverage to our fans, whether it’s on-air, online, or in the community. We are grateful for the support of our fans and partners and look forward to continuing our impact, both in West Palm Beach and beyond.”
As an industry, radio has a peculiar modesty. We diminish our magic and power in relating to listeners and colleagues by using the wrong slang terminology. May I suggest new “labelling” of commonly used radio terms?
WCBS 880 Final Tribute
“This Old House” Personality Roger Cook Dies. 
Audacy has announced a series of weekday programming updates for BetQL Network, the company’s network of sports betting content heard across its broadcast portfolio and digital platforms. Joining the network are Brad Evans, Sam Panayotovich and Femi Abebefe. 
The non-profit arm of the Bold Gold Media Group, the Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation, which supports educational programs that help students prepare for careers in broadcast journalism, has announced this year’s signature event will feature author and historian, Jack Warren, as keynote speaker. Warren’s recent book, “Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution” will serve as this year’s theme. Attendees will receive a complimentary signed copy of the book. The Ninth Annual Event and Dinner will be held on Friday, September 20th at 6:00 pm in the Keystone Grand Ballroom at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Bold Gold president (and former TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year award recipient) Vince Benedetto tells TALKERS, “This year’s event will be an uplifting and inspirational examination of the extraordinary beginnings of the United States. The American Founding continues to be one of the most shining moments in human history, and its continued understanding is critical to the preservation of our civilization. We’ll also be highlighting and celebrating the enduring importance of our cornerstone rights of free speech and a free press.” The Bold Gold Foundation will also be honoring Northeast Pennsylvania business leader and philanthropist, Christopher Hackett, with The Atlas Award for Citizenship. Those interested in attending or sponsoring the event can make reservations online at: 
Starnes Media Group will broadcast a six-hour election night special hosted by nationally syndicated talk star and radio station owner Todd Starnes. “Election Night Across America With Todd Starnes” will include co-anchors Ben Deeter of Starnes’ KWAM, Memphis along with Mary Walter and Robyn Pfaffman. The show will feature top newsmakers, candidates, live reports from presidential campaign headquarters and calls from listeners. The one-time special is available free of charge to radio stations across the nation. Starnes is a well-respected conservative voice and a member of the TALKERS Heavy Hundred. For information on broadcasting the show, contact 
media platform to tout home improvement e-commerce as heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners are more likely to shop online; 2) AM/FM radio generates significant incremental reach for home improvement TV campaigns: Recent TV campaigns for The Home Depot saw significant lift in reach with the addition of AM/FM radio, especially among younger demos; 3) AM/FM radio generates three times the sales lift of TV in a historic Nielsen TV and AM/FM radio sales effect study for a home improvement retailer; and 4) Home improvement media plans are overweight on linear TV and underweight on audio: The optimized plan should consist of 45% AM/FM radio, 30% linear TV, and 24% podcasts. 
on Monday, September 2. The new sports talker will feature the FOX Sports Radio lineup in addition to the Sacramento-based program, “The Rob, Anybody, and Dawn Show,” (Rob Williams and Dawn Rossi) in morning drive. Station general manager Kurt Bagelmann says, “Lotus is ecstatic to deliver a game-changing experience to Northern California listeners by combining the market’s most iconic morning show, ‘Rob, Anybody & Dawn,’ with the powerhouse lineup of FOX Sports Radio. This dynamic one-two punch, now available for the first time on both AM and FM, is poised to redefine the sports radio landscape in Sacramento.”
story that was used in a Google ad to read: “Harris Picks Tim Walz – 215,000 MN Families Win.” WDAY says it wrote no such headline. Hallstrom tells The National Desk, “They lied to everybody who saw that ad, and they misled them into believing that there is a news organization, with a 100-year history in our community of doing good solid journalism, that not only took sides in a political debate, if you will, but also openly performed cheerleading exercises on behalf of that candidate in their news headlines in their story. That’s wrong.” Washington, DC television outlet WJLA-TV writes, “A source familiar with the Harris campaign’s advertisement team told Axios the campaign buys ads with news links to give more context to voters searching for information about Harris.” Hallstrom responds to that saying, “I don’t care what their intent was or what they were hoping to do. All I care about is what happened to us. We have reporters in our newsroom who have been working in this market for decades to build their credibility as an objective and unbiased reporter.” 
operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away. The eight radio legends take their place in the Radio Hall of Fame immediately are: Chuck Blore – On-Air Personality; Alan Colmes – On-Air Personality; Charlie Douglas – On-Air Personality; Jim Ladd – On-Air Personality; Maria Martin – Journalist; Byron McGregor – On-Air Personality; Percy Sutton – Executive; and Rusty Walker – Programming Executive and On-Air Personality. The Radio Hall of Fame will recognize its 2024 class of inductees at the 2024 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on September 19, at the Omni Nashville in Nashville. 
X – which most people I hear still call “Twitter” – is a great way to attract new ears.
Connoisseur Media Connecticut is looking for a talk show host for weekdays on WICC-AM/FM. This position will work a four-hour live talk program to air Monday through Saturday. The ideal candidate will be able to book guests, create compelling local content, field listener phone calls, and pivot subject matter as the local news cycle dictates. The station also has an opening for a morning news reporter for weekdays. This position will work weekdays during the Melissa in the Morning Show. The ideal candidate will be able to travel to Fairfield County locations and report live, collect and edit audio, post on social media, and deliver produced stories that can run throughout the day.
the Omni Nashville on Thursday, September 19. The Radio Hall of Fame will recognize its 2024 class of inductees at the gala event to be held in Music City for the first time ever. A portion of ticket purchases for the event is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications. 
Director of Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation (MGH Voice Center). Dr. Zeitels says, “The Broadcasters Foundation has done amazing work over many years. I am impressed with their transparency and their commitment to providing aid to broadcast industry individuals in dire need. I am pleased that VHI will partner with the Foundation to help educate broadcasters throughout the US about voice problems they may be experiencing.” Through the efforts of Dr. Zeitels, Julie Andrews (the iconic actress who lost her singing voice) joined VHI at its incorporation as its Honorary Chairwoman. Dr. Zeitels is her current physician and surgeon. Since then, legendary vocalists Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Roger Daltrey of The Who, Lionel Richie, and Keith Urban as well as broadcasters such as Joe Buck and Dick Vitale have provided invaluable support to the VHI to forward its mission. 
that partner with Audacy’s own sports talk stations. Some of the key takeaways from this study include: 1) Sports fans are 4x more likely to trust brands that support their teams; 2) Listeners are 4x more likely to catch a brand’s message on sports radio than on TV; 3) 73% of fans spend more time following their favorite teams on sports audio than sports-related digital media; and 4) Brands that advertise on Audacy sports stations enjoy a 40% lift in usage. 
engineering. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing all engineering activities across Beasley’s 57 radio properties throughout the United States. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Lamar’s commitment, dedication and experience are exactly what we need as the organization continues to evolve and innovate into the future.” Smith, who will remain based in Charlotte, says, “Many thanks to Caroline and the Beasley family for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to being able to lead the engineering division as the company continues to evolve for years to come.”
65 after a battle with cancer. Burns hosted a show on WGDJ from 2012 through 2014. After leaving her radio show, she became director of operations at Veterans Miracle Center, where veterans and military personnel could get new items they need at no cost. 
success of our digital transformation strategy led to a 10.4% year-over-year increase in same-station second quarter digital revenue, partially offsetting ongoing challenges related to softness in the audio advertising spot market. Digital revenue accounted for nearly 22% of total second quarter revenue, in-line with our full-year 2024 goal of 20% to 25% of total revenue. On the new business front, our dedicated sales teams are leveraging the audience reach and engagement of our platform to attract new advertisers. We have and will continue to see the benefit of political revenue through the end of year, and at the same time, we are taking aggressive action to address near-term challenges through expense management initiatives, which drove approximately $2 million in expense savings compared to the prior year. We expect to achieve $10 million in annualized expense savings.”
Interamercana de Radio SA de CV, Flagstaff, Arizona-based ad agency owner Bill Hagen leased the signal and launched a new sports format as “The Mightier 1090 ESPN” built around San Diego sports talk personalities including Scott Kaplan. Hagen tells the Times he’s not disappointed and says considering the launch of the station during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 was definitely a challenge. He says, “We accomplished something that had never been done before and during a very challenging time in the economy and broadcasting.” 
located another device that had many if not all of the text messages. Those messages were produced to Smartmatic in the litigation. Newsmax also notes that it informed the Special Master that neither Ruddy nor any senior staff sought to hide text messages or emails, which in many cases were also collected from dozens of other Newsmax witnesses in the case and produced to Smartmatic. Newsmax separately filed a Motion for Sanctions against Smartmatic on May 13, 2024, and a Motion for Contempt against Smartmatic on July 16, 2024. Both of those motions remain pending. In its motions Newsmax argues that Smartmatic and its executives have misled Newsmax, the Special Master, and the Court about the Department of Justice’s ongoing criminal investigation into Smartmatic in which the agency alleges that Smartmatic and several of its senior executives participated in an international scheme involving a multi-million-dollar bribe allegedly made to an election official in the Philippines in exchange for the company getting nearly $200 million in contracts. 
Wall Street investors do not put up money for traditional radio and television stations.