Cincinnati to Name Street After Talk Host Lincoln Ware
Longtime Cincinnati talk radio host Lincoln Ware is being honored with a street named after him in the Avondale neighborhood. Ware currently hosts the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm show on Urban One’s WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati. He’s been on the air in the market consistently for the past 50 years, going back to his
first gig at age 22 in WCIN-AM. WLWT-TV reports that Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney will emcee the street-naming ceremony. She says, “Lincoln Ware is unbelievable. In my office in city hall, we keep the Lincoln Ware show on every day. Somebody’s assigned to listen, and they come back and say, ‘Here’s what they talked about today, listen to this.’ So, you know, we’re always well-informed.” The city says Ware is being honored due to his “lasting impact on the Cincinnati local media community and to health and wellness within the African American community with his Lincoln Ware Walking Club. His legacy, contributions, and dedication to the City of Cincinnati and its citizens will long be remembered.” See the WLWT-TV piece here.
daily, previewing the upcoming market open and the afternoon report as a market wrap-up. It currently airs on 77WABC in New York. Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis says, “Lou has a remarkable understanding of market trends and fluctuations. He has the rare ability to be able to cut through the data and present insightful analysis in a concise manner. He’s a terrific addition to our lineup of big-name personalities.”
radio and media company personnel focusing on where broadcasters are vulnerable and steps that should be taken to become more secure as well as comply with federal regulations. The 90-minute webinar will take place on Friday, October 20 at 2:00 pm ET.
Attention news/talk radio sellers! Get ready to meet your new best friend… and it is not who you think it is.
monthly, and 77% have ever listened to podcasts. “All of this podcast and AM/FM radio audience duplication means there are great cross-promotion opportunities.” Among the podcast audience, over half the ad-supported time spent goes to podcasts themselves at a 53% share. AM/FM radio follows with a 37% share. Distantly following are ad-supported SiriusXM (4%), ad-supported Spotify (3%), and ad-supported Pandora (3%). Additionally, MARU/Matchbox was commissioned to study Cumulus Media radio listeners who listened for at least an hour to stations in Dallas, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco and Atlanta and were exposed to promos for eight Cumulus Podcast Network podcast titles. Overall, 54% of the Cumulus radio audience were aware of the eight Cumulus Podcast Network podcasts. A much larger promotion of heavy AM/FM radio listeners (67%) were aware of the podcast titles, and a whopping 75% of the heavy AM/FM radio streaming audience were aware of the podcast titles. 
Gavin Newsom on November 30 from a location in Georgia yet-to-be-determined. It will air from 9:00 pm to 10:30 pm ET. FNC says, “Hannity first raised the prospect of a debate with Governor Newsom during his exclusive sit-down this past June, following which, Governor DeSantis officially signed on to participate in July. This will mark the first time the two prominent governors will face off in a debate.” Hannity says, “I’m looking forward to providing viewers with an informative debate about the everyday issues and governing philosophies that impact the lives of every American.”
Apple CEO John Catsimatidis and award-winning journalist Rita Cosby. Catsimatidis says, “Senator D’Amato is one of the smartest, most common sense, and knowledgeable people I know. From his many years in the U.S. Senate, Al has a deep understanding of the underpinnings of politics – local, national, and global – and will help 77WABC listeners discern the truth about what’s really going on in Washington and the world.” Senator D’Amato represented the state of New York in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 1999. Following his departure from the Senate, he founded the lobbying firm Park Strategies. He says, “I am pleased to be part of the greatest news/talk programming in the nation. 77WABC is a station whose people call it the way it is and aren’t wed to a political party but are wed to doing what’s right in America.”
Sexton died from an overdose of fentanyl and alcohol. Sexton was found unresponsive in a hotel room in Ohio while on tour doing standup as the Donnie Baker character he often played on the nationally syndicated radio show. Sexton leaves behind his wife Tracey and four children. 
also saw 5.2 million total multiplatform unique viewers, up 9% year over year. Outkick founder (and co-host of the Premiere Networks nationally syndicated “Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show”) Clay Travis says, “OutKick’s growth continues to spotlight our cutting-edge content and fearless talent. I’m excited for what’s to come especially with college football and NFL in full swing.”
radio brand – will not continue the lease after it expires on August 31, 2024. Good Karma owns WEPN-AM, New York and company chief Craig Karmazin tells the Post, “We’re committed to serving the New York sports fan and with the combination of our AM signal, the ESPN New York app, podcasts, smart speakers, YES and other additional audio and video distribution, investing in an FM signal was not relevant in the way it was a decade ago.” The piece states the lease price for the signal is “in the $12.5 million per year range.” It also reports that sources indicate Emmis is seeking roughly $50 million in a purchase deal. 
announces the publication of his eighth book. Titled, Twilight’s Last Gleaming: Can America Be Saved? (Post Hill Press 2023), is in the pre-order phase. The introduction to the book was written by former President Donald Trump. Starnes is available for interviews by emailing Grace Baker at 
Cincinnati as an AE at 700 WLW in 1987 when it was part of Jacor Communications. He worked his way up through numerous sales positions within the company, assuming his current role in 2019. As SVP of the Inside Sales Division, Deskins managed iHeartMedia’s largest individual sales team and created advertising opportunities for brands and iHeartMedia partners across the company’s vast array of platforms including radio broadcasting, digital, mobile, outdoor, live concerts and events and more. Deskins says, “I’m really going to miss my Inside Sales family and all my iHeart friends across the country. What an awesome group. Thanks to everyone for making this an awesome ride.”
Last week, with little time left on the clock, Disney and Charter Communications made a deal so that Charter customers could continue to watch Disney programming. Phew! Just in time for 15 million Charter cable customers to have access to that 53-year-old American institution called “Monday Night Football.”
comments, “Monument Circle has been Emmis’ home since 1998, and I’m proud of what we built, and the people who helped build it. As we divested assets, including our local radio stations, we weighed what to do with the building and ultimately decided that it made sense to look for a new owner.” Last year, Emmis sold its Indianapolis radio stations – including heritage news/talk WIBC-FM and sports talk “The Fan” – to Urban One. Those stations are still operating from the Monument Circle studios. FOX59 in Indianapolis reports that “the sale of the building would not immediately impact the current tenants, which include Star Bank and several Urban One radio stations such as WIBC. Emmis did not clarify, however, if these tenants would have to negotiate new leases with the eventual purchasers or if they could be required to relocate within a specific time following a sale.” 
airing the program yesterday (9/11) and WVON starts on October 2. Additional networks and stations picking up the “Tavis Smiley” show this month include the “We Believe Radio” network in Mississippi and its affiliates. Smiley says, “In little more than a month, our radio show is now heard in three of the nation’s top five markets. We’re excited that more of America now has access to our innovative and empowering programming with groundbreaking and exclusive conversations. Our rapid expansion is filling a void for African American and progressive listeners in a growing number of markets throughout the United States during this critical presidential election season.” WURD Radio CEO Sara M. Lomax comments, 
“WURD Radio is excited to bring the ‘Tavis Smiley’ show to our listeners in Philadelphia and beyond. Tavis brings a powerful mix of dynamic interviews, pointed social and political commentary and a roster of A-list guests. He is a welcome addition to WURD’s lineup of progressive Black talk programming. Our listeners will be informed, entertained and enlightened by the insightful conversations with notable and influential figures Tavis hosts on his program every day.” WVON chief Melody Spann Cooper says, “We’re excited about Tavis’ return to Chicago radio. He has had a long association with WVON. His show is a perfect fit to offer a national perspective on Black America.” Tavis Smiley recently received the coveted “Freedom of Speech Award” at the Talkers 2023 conference held on June 2, 2023.
Giordano, heard daily 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, is considered “The Dean of Philadelphia Talk Radio.” He is a former teacher and longtime education analyst. The special program, which aired on 8/31 at 9:00 pm emphasized the importance of parental rights and featured noted psychiatrist Renee S. Kohanski M.D. who gave specific guidance on how parents could direct their kids to realize they could come to them with anything that happened in school. Riley Gaines joined to talk about gender issues, particularly in female sports and Kirk Cameron came aboard to discuss getting books that celebrate traditional values back in libraries. Giordano tells TALKERS, “The show showcases the cutting-edge educational issues we face as a country and offers solutions both short and long term.” On his regularly scheduled show today (9/12), Giordano will be interviewing 13-year-old singing/recording rising star Stella Mabry about her song “Mean Girl” which she wrote at the age of 10 to express her experience being bullied in school. Bullying continues to be a growing problem in American education.
me that they intend to be the most conservative radio station in America. I just didn’t fit the bill anymore.” Although Howell doesn’t profess to be conservative or liberal, he’s been a talk host for years (in addition to his work at country outlet WUSN-FM), not only with WLS-AM but with Salem Media Group’s crosstown conservative news/talk WIND-AM. However, he’s made no bones about his contempt for former President Donald Trump. He laments to Axios, “Nobody broadcasts anymore. Everybody narrowcasts.” WLS-AM has not revealed its permanent plans for the afternoon drive daypart other than to slide the syndicated Mark Levin program into the 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm slot. 
The message, “In an ordinary instant – cancer has taken LARadio.com,” is posted on the publication’s site – a reference to the writings of author Joan Didion. Barrett was profiled by the LA Daily News last month after he was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer. 
If you are a seller in the terrestrial radio business, please listen carefully. That faint voice you hear could be the Fat Lady warming up – old Brunhilde ready to wrap it up and put an end to that long, sad Wagnerian opera, known as traditional, transactional radio sales.
The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee iHeartMedia news/talk WISN adds a full share for a 10.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands crosstown news/talk WTMJ rises eight-tenths to finish with an 8.7 share lifting it to the #3 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM adds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 6.8 share good for the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ rises two-tenths for a 0.4 share and the #18 rank. In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia talk WZZR-FM dips one-tenth for a 1.8 share but rises to the #10 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WFTL, rises three-tenths for a 1.6 share finish that lifts it to the #12 rank. 
Rosenworcel says, “Congratulations to Anna Gomez on her confirmation by the United States Senate. I look forward to welcoming her to the Commission. Anna brings with her a wealth of telecommunications experience, a substantial record of public service, and a history of working to ensure the United States stays on the cutting edge of keeping us all connected. Her international expertise will be a real asset to the agency. I look forward to working with her to advance the agency’s mission to ensure the benefits of modern communications reach everyone, everywhere and that the United States can continue to lead in the digital age.”
The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM jumps nine-tenths to finish with a 6.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #3 rank in the market, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX adds a half share for a 1.9 share finish good for the #18 rank. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA tacks on one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 2.6 share and rises to the #15 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI dips two-tenths for a 2.4 share finish and falls to the #17 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville news/talk KSL-AM/FM jumps six-tenths for a 4.9 share finish that lifts it to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM drops 1.2 shares to finish with a 3.4 share that drags it down to the #11 rank. 
Some of the key findings of the study include: 1) Heavy radio listeners engage in a staggering 4.7 billion weekly brand conversations, outpacing heavy users of other media channels, including TV, social media, magazines and newspapers; 2) The study underscores for advertisers’ radio’s dominance across 15 business categories, including sports, financial services, technology and more; 3) A staggering 51% of brand conversations among heavy radio listeners result in an intent to purchase, surpassing the national average of 49%. This remarkable impact is particularly pronounced in sectors like automotive, sports, telecom, technology, beverages and healthcare. RAB CEO Erica Farber states, “Radio is often referred to as the original social medium because of its ability to engage listeners through conversation, entertainment and information. This study underscores radio’s ability to drive word of mouth brand conversations for advertising partners, more so than any other media.” The webinar is free for RAB members. 
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM adds two-tenths for a 9.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2 in the market, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.5 share but rises to the #7 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM dips two-tenths to finish with a 4.7 share and falls to the #7 rank, while Lotus Communications all-news KNWN-AM/FM declines three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.0 share good for the #19 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI adds a full share for a 3.9 share finish that lifts it to the #10 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM adds three tenths to finish with a 3.0 share but remains ranked #15 in the market. 
Donnarumma most recently served with Univision as president and GM for the company’s radio and TV assets in Arizona. iHeartMedia region president AJ Punjabi comments, “Joe epitomizes the excellence we champion across broadcasting, streaming, podcasts, live events, and our digital frontier. His vast experience magnifies our dedication to leading the audio-digital realm. With Joe, we’re not just adding a title – we’re harnessing a powerhouse of industry insight.”