Industry News

Nashville-based Talk Host Causes Controversy After Releasing Shooter’s Manifesto

Steven Crowder – who does a talk show streamed on YouTube and other digital platforms – is causing controversy and raising questions about the public’s right to know after releasing what is purported to be the “manifesto” of Audrey Hale, whom authorities say is responsible for the Covenant School shooting in Nashville last March that claimed the lives of three children and three adults. YouTube removed theim video saying it violates its community guidelines that “prohibit linking to content containing manifestos from individuals who have committed violent attacks.” Crowder issued a notice on X regarding the removal of the content, saying, “YOU determine what matters. YOU determine the content. Not YouTube, not the rest of BigTech, not their lackies, and not a gaggle of sponsors who don’t have the b***s to stand behind the kind of content you actually want to see.” According to a report by Newsweek, “The Metro Nashville Police Department has not confirmed that the screenshots shared by Crowder are Hale’s manifesto. A department spokesperson told Newsweek Monday that police were ‘unable to confirm the authenticity of what has been released, although we are looking into that at this very moment.’” Read the Newsweek story here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (11/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Israel-Hamas war, the dire situation in Gaza, and U.S. protests over civilian deaths; Ohio’s referendum on abortion rights & other election day races; testimony in the Trump Organization case in New York; SCOTUS hears gun bans for domestic abusers case; Russia pulls out of the Treaty of Conventional Armed Forces in Europe; China’s Xi Jinping to appear as guest of honor at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco; and King Charles III gives the “King’s Speech” at the opening of Parliament were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Features

How News/Talk Radio Should Adapt to Attract and Retain a Younger Audience

By Bill Bartholomew
Talk Host/Podcaster/Journalist/Musician

imFolks in the Gen Z and millennial demographics are heavily engaged in political issues, care about news in their communities and the world, and are constantly bombarded with content.  So why are they less likely to tune into and interact with news/talk radio than older demographics?

Talk radio has historically skewed older, and from an ad portfolio standpoint, is often targeted at the coveted 35-54 and 55+ demographics.  However, in a world where social media influencers and podcasters supply information to millions of young consumers, news/talk radio should be able to effectively compete for the ears of younger generations in a comparable, if not expanded way.

For all of the anecdotal and hard evidence that terrestrial radio may be trending in a downward direction, the format continues to have a vast reach.  It is convenient to engage with it in automobiles, and occasionally in home or office settings.  Yet, while younger generations listen to radio, news/talk is not the format that they turn to by and large.

Unlike many digital-first content producers, radio retains a unique quality: authority.  By virtue of editorial standards, FCC regulation and brand – things that social media and podcasts often lack – radio has the unique ability to deliver credible, vetted, nuanced and universally trustworthy content that can instantaneously adapt to meet the needs of the moment.  This is true in everything from natural disasters to rapidly evolving breaking news stories, providing a channel for immediate, reactionary insight and analysis.

There are several steps that news/talk radio should pursue in earnest to adapt to the current climate of content consumption, particularly by younger listeners, that can reach, and most importantly, retain broader, younger, more diverse and more engaged audiences.

  1. Introduce younger people into the conversation.

Too often, Gen Z and millennials are skewered by older hosts, mocked for their perceived naivety, unchecked optimism and me-first approach.  While some of these qualities can be accurate, that approach reflects a disconnect between older generations and the experience of younger ones.  Millennials and Gen Z have grown up in a post-9/11 world replete with “endless wars”, the fallout from the 2008 financial crisis, runaway student debt, a massive housing crisis, the mental health stressors of social media, Covid19’s impact on traditional youth experiences, climate change, a deeply bifurcated political environment and a constantly evolving quest for social justice.  Through these experiences, younger generations offer an important perspective that should be assigned the same news value as experts from older generations.

Are you discussing shifts towards electric vehicles?  Bring on someone from Gen Z to share their perspective on why steps towards carbon neutrality are important to them.  Engaging a conversation on the president’s approval rating?  Perhaps younger conservative and leftist voices should be included in the conversation.  Discussing immigration?  How about the perspective of a younger member of a Latino organization?

By giving younger generations and more diverse guests a platform, stations can simultaneously expand their content and reach.  With consistency, the station’s brand will become more familiar to younger potential listeners who may be inclined to tune in to hear someone who shares their identity and perspective on – here’s that word again – a platform of authority.  Let the guest do the work of establishing the credibility and importance of your station or talk show to younger audiences by posting about their appearance on social media, sharing audio clips and mentioning to their peers.  It will build familiarity and trust among those generations, who in turn, will begin to tune in on a more regular basis.

Stations should also consider bringing more younger, competent voices into on-air roles, whether that be through reporting, segments, fill-in hosts, weekend shows or full-time hosts.

  1. Meet the audience where they are: their phones. 

As mentioned above, the convenience of simply turning on AM/FM radio is highly appealing in automobiles, though as Apple Carplay continues to adapt and evolve, digital-first content is likely to become as simple and convenient in the near future.

Talk radio needs to make consuming their product on smartphones as simple and direct as turning on a traditional radio.  This means no clunky websites, no lengthy pre-roll spots, a reliable stream connection and a “one touch” means of turning on and off the station.  This should also mean expanding talk shows to high-quality video livestreams, following in the footsteps of the top YouTube and Twitch performers; developing unique content for TikTok and Instagram; building podcasts that are focused on specific issues, and; providing interaction via text and chat.

Radio has the ability to be the ultimate livestreamer, social media influencer and podcaster, but rarely harnesses these platforms in a meaningful way.

It is not enough to simply strive to “expand a digital presence”; stations and shows must engage in the hard work of building platform-specific content with their brands.

  1. Music, cultural references and themes for the modern age.

A few weeks ago on a seemingly benign episode of the TV show FOX NFL Sunday, panelists Jimmy Johnson and Terry Bradshaw offered an example of the type of cultural adaptation that sophisticated writers and producers provide their brands.  While describing a fight between two football players, Mr. Johnson said something to the effect of “when it comes to these two, what’s that Taylor Swift song?”, and then in synch with Mr. Bradshaw, “bad blood!”.  It is highly unlikely that these two 70+ men listen to Taylor Swift’s music with any regularity or would simultaneously pull the “Bad Blood” reference.  Yet, with excellent preparation that played into the greater cultural moment as well as the specific, current Taylor Swift/NFL overlap, in a six-second span, FOX NFL Sunday was able to give the illusion that their panelists are contemporary, hip and plugged into “what is going on”.  Is your station or show plugged into what’s going on?  Do you use contemporary music for bumps?  Are your images – including headshots and social content – modern, interesting and engaging or are they more akin to a miscellaneous real estate agent?  You are a performer in an entertainment business that, while certainly paying homage to the past and lineage of the industry, must be contemporary in aural and visual presentation.  This goes for everything from wardrobe on video and in photo to fonts on graphic design.

How often do you or your producer read Pitchfork to learn about new music that is breaking this week?  How often do you or your producer read Variety to understand major trends that are happening in the broader entertainment industry?  What live events are you broadcasting from, covering and building partnerships with?  You should strive to be cutting edge.

  1. We need a friend now more than ever.

This is something that goes for all audiences, but particularly for younger ones.  It’s OK, in fact, great to be yourself, present yourself from your generation and retain the authoritative stance that has built your brand.  Take a look at the success that sports talker Mike Francesa enjoyed by leaning into his persona – and in turn – developing legions of younger listeners that fell in love with his dad-like delivery and frequent meltdowns.

Few things are as uncomfortable to see as a 40+ person dressing or acting like a teenager.  Younger listeners want that senior, experienced, trusted friend to entertain them, inform them, and at times, tell them that everything is going to be OK.  You can help make sense of the world for younger audiences, something that is absolutely essential in the modern era.

Through attracting younger listeners by including them in the conversation, effectively delivering content on smartphones, presenting a cutting-edge entertainment product and continuing to serve as a trusted friend, news/talk radio can greatly expand its reach, relevance and revenue.

To that point, some younger listeners who discover a radio station or show via any of the above entry points will likely work backwards to the traditional AM/FM dial.  Like the resurgence of vinyl records, AM radio in particular has the opportunity to become a hip delivery format for discerning younger listeners.

The big question is: are radio companies, stations and hosts prepared to do the hard work of reimaging their product?

 

Bill Bartholomew is a talk radio and podcast host/producer, journalist and musician based in Providence, Rhode Island. Email him at: william.f.bartholomew@gmail.com. 
Industry News

Dave Williams Retires from KLIF, Dallas

In a post on Facebook, KLIF, Dallas morning personality Dave Williams announces his retirement from the “DFW Morning News” program. He writes, “Three months ago I suffered a blackout seizure. I’ve been recuperating and undergoing tests since then. The medical news is as good as can be hoped: Iim didn’t have a stroke or a heart attack and I don’t have a brain tumor or anything like it. Turns out it’s just one of those unexplained things that happen and very likely will never happen again. I’ve been cleared to return to work but have decided to call it a career. I’m 72, I’ve been in radio for 54 years, and for the past 42 years, I’ve been getting out of bed in the middle of the night to go to work. I just discovered I like sleeping in a bit. I will miss the daily enjoyment of the job and especially the people with whom I worked. And, thanks most of all to those of you who listened each morning and found some informational and entertainment value mornings on KLIF. Nothing lasts forever but I’m going to try. Stay well, y’all. Love your life. This is the month for giving thanks.”

Industry News

Dan Michaels Resigns from KFGO, Fargo

According to a report at The Forum, longtime Fargo radio personality Dan Michaels resigned fromim Midwest Communications’ news/talk KFGO, Fargo The Mighty 790 on November 2. He tells The Forum that he left the station due to a difference in programming philosophy with management. “We differed on the operation of the ‘Morning Crew,’ and so I decided to step away.” Michaels serves as the public address announcer for North Dakota State football and basketball games, a position he will continue to hold. Read the Forum story here.

Industry News

Cumulus Ups Adam Copeland to PD for Bay Area Sports Stations

Cumulus Media promotes KNBR, San Francisco afternoon drive co-host Adam Copeland to program director for its three sports talk stations – KNBR-AM/FM, KGO-AM, and KTCT-AM. He’ll continue in his on-air role on the “Tolbert & Copes” program. Copeland joined KNBR in 2009 as an intern in theim promotions department at KNBR and was later hired at KNBR as a part-time board operator. In 2017, Copeland was promoted to full-time producer of “KNBR Tonight,” was then named host of “The Leadoff Spot,” and served as producer/board operator of the “Murph and Mac Show.” In 2018 he began co-hosting the San Francisco Giants pre-game show on KNBR and then joined KNBR’s coverage of 49ers pre- and post-game shows. Cumulus San Francisco and Los Angeles regional VP and market manager Larry Blumhagen says, “We are excited to have Adam Copeland as program director for these iconic stations. In his active role as a KNBR on-air personality, Adam has a connection with our listeners and a unique grasp of what they want from our platforms.”

Industry News

Edison Research Releases Top 50 Podcasts for Q3 2023

Edison Research reveals its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. based on reach for the third quarter of 2023 (July 10, 2023 – September 29, 2023) among weekly podcast listeners age 13+. The list ranks podcast networks based on total audience reach from Edison Podcast Metrics and is based on surveys of 5,409im weekly podcast listeners age 13+. The top four shows in Q3 remain unchanged in rank from Q2: “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “Crime Junkie,” “The Daily,” and “This American Life.” Other radio related podcasts ranked on this chart include iHeartPodcasts’ “Something You Should Know” at #9, The Daily Wire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #17, Ramsey Networks’ “The Ramsey Show” at #21, and Cumulus Podcast Networks’ “The Dan Bongino Show” at #29.

Industry News

FOX Business Network Names Kelly Saberi Chicago Correspondent

FOX Business Network brings Kelly Saberi aboard as a Chicago-based correspondent. She beginsim her new role later this month, replacing Grady Trimble who now serves as a Washington based correspondent for the network. Since 2021, Saberi has served as a reporter for “Good Day Austin” at FOX affiliate KTBC-TV, Austin. She got her start as a FOX News Media college associate in the summer of 2017 where she worked on “The Story with Martha MacCallum.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Benztown announces that the StudioTexter texting service and contesting and communications platform created exclusively for radio stations has signed 28 new affiliates in Q3 and Q4, bringing the total number of station affiliates to 100. Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes says, “More than 50% of American consumers respond to a text within two minutes, checking their messages around 11 times a day. StudioTexter is a powerful tool, enabling more efficient and authentic engagement with your audience like never before.”

Salem Media Group, Inc announces that it plans to report its third quarter 2023 financial results after the market closes on November 13, 2023. The company plans to host a teleconference to discuss its results that day at 5:00 pm ET.

Premiere Networks and media executive and consultant Buzz Knight announced a partnership to bring Knight’s podcast “Takin’ A Walk: Music History on Foot” to the iHeartPodcast Network, effective immediately. The show features “insightful conversations with interesting people who discuss their love of music. In each episode, Knight takes listeners on a journey through music history with guests who share stories and insights about musicians, bands and the music they create.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (11/6) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Israel-Hamas war, the dire situation in Gaza, and U.S. protests over civilian deaths; former President Donald Trump’s testimony in his company’s fraud trial in New York; the poll showing Trump leads President Joe Biden in several swing states for the 2024 election; the Ohio abortion referendum and today’s other elections; and SCOTUS hears gun bans for domestic abusers case were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Urban One Facing Heat from Anti-Semitic On-Air Comments

Tomorrow’s referendum on a casino project for South Richmond, Virginia has been a hot-button issue in the market. After two recent on-air incidents on Urban One-owned radio stations, the company has had to apologize. It has also fired fill-in host Preston Brown. The company is partnering with Churchillim Downs for a $562 million casino project that faces opposition from a group called No Means No Casino, led by Paul Goldman. While hosting a shot on The Box 99.9, Brown referred to Goldman as “a Jew who’s got the same trait as Judas,” and a “white Jew with the background of Judas.” WRIC-TV reports that Urban One regional VP Marsha Landess called Brown’s comments “horrible and offensive” and that Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins apologized directly to Goldman. Read the WRIC-TV story here.

Industry News

Ramsey Solutions Offering Free Financial Peace U. to Veterans

In recognition of Veterans Day (11/11), Ramsey Solutions is offering its Financial Peace University to 10,000 veterans at no cost. Additionally, Ramsey Solutions is including three months of premium access to the EveryDollar budgeting app. And veterans who sign up for FPU will have the invaluable opportunity to participate in group coaching calls with Ramsey Solutions’ team of dedicated financial coaches. Theim company says, “The numbers don’t lie.  America’s military heroes are struggling with money. A recent survey conducted by Wounded Warrior Project finds six in 10 veterans did not have enough money to make ends meet at some point in the past year. The survey also finds the rising cost of goods is the top-rated source of financial strain.” Dave Ramsey comments, “Veterans who’ve selflessly served to protect our freedom deserve to feel freedom for themselves and their families. It’s not just about financial education; it’s about transformation. Winning with money takes sacrifice, perseverance and determination — qualities veterans know all about. We’ll give them the tools, and they’ll get it done.”

Industry News

John Fredericks Media Network Launches on WENO-AM, Nashville

The John Fredericks Media Network is acquiring WENO-AM, Nashville from Broady Media Group. JFMN is operating the station under an LMA as the deal goes through the FCC approval process. JFMN rebrands the station “News/Talk AM 760 The Flame.” This addition to the JFMN portfolio comes on the heels of its pending acquisition of WCNS-AM, Latrobe and WXJX-AM, Apollo in Pennsylvania. Johnim Fredericks says, “As our stations in Philadelphia have thrived and shown stunning growth, we thought it was critical to bookend the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with Pittsburgh, giving us robust reach in both dense population centers. We offer listeners in Pittsburgh’s Westmoreland County and now Nashville, Tennessee an exciting news/talk alternative that breaths oxygen into a stale and boring ring of warmed-over RINO syndicated hosts on the conservative news/talk syndication circuit. Our Nashville acquisition gives us a base of operations in the Mid-South as we expand along the spine of the Atlantic Coast. Nashville is a high-growth city and an important cultural center of our movement. We will be competing there with the biggest talk station conglomerates in the nation, including Cumulus and iHeart. We will offer Nashville listeners a dynamic alternative choice.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Fall Back

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWe all need to learn how to fall back. This is not about daylight saving, retreating, or backpedaling. This is about learning from the most valuable brand in tech, the oracle, and the best practices all of us in sales and management must learn to apply.

Let us start with Apple. Demand for the iPhone 15 is not lighting the tech world on fire as slow sales do not even come close to measuring up to the numbers delivered by its predecessors like the iPhone 13 when sales jumped 47% two years ago. What happened to all those Apple fanatics who would line up outside Apple stores or flood the Internet with orders ready to buy the next iPhone?

The must-have Apple loyalists were slowed down by the glitches in the iPhone 15 as we have come to expect design perfection. And why not, when you have nearly 1.5 billion users worldwide and sell nearly 100 million iPhones in the first two quarters of this year? Perfection expectations go hand-in-hand with momentum, innovation, and sales. Perhaps the challenge after 16 years of “new and improved” was too much. Tech is not Tide and Apple is not Procter and Gamble.

What are the lessons we can learn from this lower sales cycle?

— Never assume an unqualified welcome sign from your core customers. We earn the welcome sign every day. Fix the problem faster.

— Always deliver on the promise of new and improved.

— Better to delay than disappoint.

Famed Wall Street guru Warren Buffett recently dealt with losses in several of his holdings by being transparent with his stockholders about the challenges at several of his companies and navigating an unfriendly stock market. This is the same Warren Buffett who supported the Cap Cities minnow (remember that company?) swallowing the ABC Radio whale and still is a stakeholder in media.

The 93-year Oracle of Omaha is nimble enough to shift strategies and adjust his investments to maximize results for his stakeholders.

The Buffett takeaways?

— When performance is not up to expectations, adjust the plan.

— Age can be an asset when experience counts.

— When you are in hole, stop digging.

How many traditional packages and sales promotions have you counted on as sure-fire sellers that unexpectedly failed? What does your fallback plan look like?

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Radio/TV Synergies

im“If you think radio has problems,” consultant Holland Cooke says, “Netflix et al are to television stations what Pandora et al are to music stations. So local news is TV stations’ silver bullet. And – like radio – their need to promote off-air exceeds their promotion budget.” In this week’s column, he outlines tactics for “partnering with a fellow broadcaster who’s also challenged.” Read his column here.

Industry News

Mike Gallagher Emcees JCN Gala

im

Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk host Mike Gallagher (left) is pictured above with entertainer Lee Greenwood (right) at Saturday’s Job Creators Network black-tie gala in Palm Beach that honored JCN founder Bernie Marcus. Gallagher served as emcee for the event that was attended by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, actor Gary Sinese, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, publisher Steve Forbes and FOX News Channel personality Laura Ingraham. Greenwood performed his trademark song, “God Bless the USA.”

Industry News

Thrill of Possibility Summit Takes Place in Nashville

im

The Black Effect Podcast Network’s Thrill of Possibility Summit presented by Nissan took place over the weekend at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville. The event welcomed 50 HBCU students from across the country to participate in a STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering and Math) industry mentorship event featuring professional development and personal success panels, 1:1 career mentorship sessions, informative iHeartMedia and Nissan internship discussions and networking opportunities with industry leaders and notable HBCU alumni. Pictured above is The Black Effect Podcast Network founder Charlamagne Tha God (left) and president of production & creative development Dollie S. Bishop (right). Photo: The Tyler Twins for iHeartMedia

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

Israel’s fight against Hamas, pleas for restraint in the wake of civilian deaths, and the protests taking place in the U.S.; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; Tuesday’s elections; the Russia-Ukraine war; the mass shooting in Cincinnati; and the debate over daylight saving time were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: TV Synergies

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imI am always impressed when I see-and-hear radio and TV stations swapping product.

— The most obvious asset is weather. Many radio stations’ forecasts are voiced by local television meteorologists, often gratis because their boss assigned them to, as part of an information alliance. So, the radio station’s weather cred’ stands on the broad shoulders of the weather brand the TV station promotes so relentlessly.

— For some news/talk stations, simulcasting a television newscast is the only way they can air local news in the afternoon. Turn lemons into lemonade. Radio people who love to hate TV audio under-estimate how loyal viewers are; and how conspicuous and convenient this can make the radio station.

— Especially if the deal includes promos – on both stations – voiced by trusted local TV anchors, offering that “If you can’t be home in time to SEE us, you can HEAR us…”

— In every market where we have executed this strategy, the TV talent has remarked about how many compliments they get for being on radio.

— Deal point: During simulcast newscasts, the TV station supers “Heard live on WXXX 8:50 AM.”

How’s THIS for resourceful?  

— A radio station’s afternoon drive newscast consists of a 60-second live shot (or prerecorded live-on-tape) from a local TV newsroom, voiced by the TV anchor who ticks-off “the stories we’re following” that will be seen on evening newscasts.

— The radio station wraps it into a four-minute package, including:

— that live headline package, at the end of which

— the TV anchor hands off to radio’s traffic reporter, then…

— the traffic reporter teases weather into a radio spot, and…

— after the commercial, the weather comes on.

— And here’s the kicker…that live shot from the TV newsroom is a commercial for the TV station! To the listener’s ear, it’s a free newscast from a credible, branded source. Possibly a trade for TV time to advertise the radio station?

im

Another win-win synergy: Reciprocal excerpting, with attribution 

Translation: Each station gives blanket permission for the other to grab, from the air, whatever it wants, crediting the originating partner.

— There will be times when someone from the radio station is on-scene; or when radio scores a newsworthy interview that TV can use the audio of. More often, thinner-staffed radio will use TV sound more than vice-versa.

— When I programmed WTOP, Washington, WUSA9 let us help ourselves to their newscast audio (“And the mayor told Channel 9…”). Each day, our desk and theirs compared assignments, and we recorded every WUSA newscast.

— True story: The news director from NBC4 came to my office and said, “You can use OUR sound, and you don’t even have to say ‘Channel 4!’ Just STOP saying ‘Channel 9.’”

— It was a flattering offer, but we remained loyal to WUSA, the once-upon-a-time WTOP-TV. Decades later we were still getting mail addressed to “WTOP-TV.” And both stations being CBS affiliates contributed to the lingering impression that we were siblings, so the confusion was actually useful. Does your radio station have a long-lost TV brother? 

Radio takes TV where it otherwise can’t go: in-car

Note how aggressively TV stations are programming their apps and websites. They want to be a news brand, not just a news station.

— A smart TV station should want to give radio a ROSR (Reporter On-Scene Report) during the day (when radio audience is high and TV audience is low), because doing so serves to promote the upcoming evening TV newscast.

— WARNING, based on experience: This can be a tough sell to over-protective TV news directors, who may fret that by going-live on radio they’re alerting other TV stations to the story. Stinkin’ thinkin.’ Other TV stations could show up anyway, and they wouldn’t be as-well-known for covering the story as the TV station that’s also already reporting it on radio.

Local TV news is a hungry critter…

…with a limited budget. Which is why some TV stations toss-live to their radio partner’s host: “Gene, what are your callers saying about the congressman’s abrupt resignation?” Arrangements like this were commonplace even decades ago, when TV had to equip the radio studio with equipment more elaborate than modern day video chat requires.

The calculus is simple

Radio + TV > Radio – TV or TV – Radio

(Radio PLUS television is greater-than Radio MINUS television or television MINUS Radio.)

Even if you’re a music station that doesn’t do much news at all, these opportunities are worth exploring. At least trade spots, because neither station can afford to promote as much as it should.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “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

Industry News

Round Four of October PPMs Released

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s October 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. The survey period covers September 14 through October 11. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Austin, Waterloo Media’s news/talk KLBJ-AM adds 1.3 shares (weekly, 6+ AQH share) to finish with a 4.7 share that lifts it from the #10 rank to #5. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN adds one-tenth for a 9.7 share finish that’s good enough to lift it to the #1 rank, as Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ sheds two-tenths for a 9.6 share and the #2 rank. In West Palm Beach, Hubbard Broadcasting’s news/talk WFTL rises half a share to a 2.3 share and jumps to the #9 rank, as iHeartMedia’s talk WZZR loses one-tenth to finish with a 1.8 share good for the #13 rank and sister news/talk WJNO is up one-tenth to a 1.2 share and is ranked #14 for the fourth consecutive month. Read Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Sandy Maxx Hosts New Show on WTMJ, Milwaukee

WTMJ, Milwaukee air personality Sandy Maxx is hosting a new evening program on the Good Karma Brands station that airs nightly at 6:00 pm called “What’s On Tap?” Maxx says, “I’m pleased toim announce that I will be back on the air with my new show called ‘What’s On Tap?’ This hourlong show is set to air on most weeknights at 6: 00 pm barring conflicts with Bucks & Brewers games, featuring culture and creativity in Wisconsin and around the world.” The show launched last night and featured content from Maxx’s recent trip to England in which she interviewed Sue Harvey of The Beatles landmark Strawberry Field in Liverpool as well as an audio tour of the Beatles-themed Airbnb in Green Bay. Maxx most recently co-hosted the station’s late morning show with host Steve Scaffidi.

Industry News

THE BIG 88 to become New York and New Jersey’s Largest College Radio Station on November 8

imWRHU-FM, Hempstead, New York chief engineer Andy Gladding played a role in organizing the November 8 event when eight university and high school owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in the 88.1-88.9 segment of the FM band in the number one media market in the country join together to celebrate their love of college radio. Starting at 12:00 noon ET, “The Big 88” will become New York and New Jersey’s largest college radio station, covering an FM broadcast footprint of over 120 miles. In a story written for TALKERS magazine, Gladding says that despite the rash of American colleges selling their radio properties, the New York market has a vibrant college radio community. He says college radio stations have a special value. “I have spent 20 years working as a student volunteer and administrator at WRHU, ‘Radio Hofstra University,’ and have seen first-hand how college radio contributes to the growth and success of students looking to pursue a career in radio, television and digital media. Students and community volunteers who participate at college radio stations find themselves engaged in a diverse community of voices, opinions and music. While their approach and interests may be different, their practice at the college radio station unites them with one unified goal: to serve the listening audience by creating imaginative and alternative audio programming using the university’s FM transmission facility as their channel to the world. Read Gladding’s entire story here.

Industry News

Radio Hall of Fame Inducts Class of 2023

im

The Radio Hall of Fame inducted its 2023 class of honorees last night (11/2) at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel in New York City. Pictured above are the inductees (from l-r): Gerry House, Shadoe Stevens, Charles Warfield, Deborah Parenti, Nina Totenberg, John DeBella, Pat St. John, and Bob Rivers.

Industry News

“America Tonight” Now Syndicated by Talk Media Network

The long-running nightly news and interview-driven program “America Tonight with Kate Delaney” is now being syndicated by Talk Media Network and the Wegener show feed continues to be delivered 12:00 midnight to 2:00 am ET. Talk Media Network founder and CEO Josh Leng says, “Kate is anim award-winning and barrier-breaking broadcast professional who has built her brand and ‘America Tonight’ show to be trusted and respected. Kate’s been a dependable weeknight talk host for 15 years. Her affiliates know her as a super-serving talent who goes the extra mile for them. Listeners know ‘America Tonight with Kate Delaney’ as an entertaining show to stay ‘in the know.’” Delaney adds, “I look forward to expanding and growing the show with the talented professionals at TMN. I’m passionate about talk radio and its ability to bring people together to inform, entertain and surprise listeners.” Stations interested in the program can reach out to Willis Damalt.

Industry News

WFDF, Detroit Begins Simulcast on HD Signal

Detroit news/talk outlet WFDF-AM adds an FM HD signal to its broadcast via Audacy’s WOMC-HD2 at 104.3 FM. The Adell Media-owned station recently flipped from urban talk (with a very brief stint as sports talk in between) to conservative news/talk and now positions itself as “910 AM Superstation –im Detroit’s News/Talk Radio Station.” The station features local host Justin Barclay in morning drive with Premiere Networks syndicated shows including “The Glenn Beck Program,” “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” “The Sean Hannity Show,” “The Jesse Kelly Show,” Key Networks’ “The Bill O’Reilly Show” and Red Apple Media’s “The Other Side of Midnight with Frank Morano.” The station is promoting itself with a heavy media schedule on iHeartMedia’s adult contemporary WNIC-FM, Detroit voiced by Sean Hannity. Adell Media CEO Kevin Adell says, “910 AM Superstation is living up to its name. The audience growth we’ve seen since launching our conservative news/talk lineup in September has been exponential, and we’re looking forward to reaching even more listeners on 104.3 HD2.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of Oct. 30 – Nov. 3

Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza in its war with Hamas was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the campus protests over Israel’s reaction to the Hamas attacks and the rise in anti-Semitism around the world, followed by the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump 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.

Features

THE BIG 88 to become New York and New Jersey’s Largest College Radio Station on November 8

By Andy Gladding
Chief Engineer
WRHU-FM (Hofstra University), Hempstead, NY

imCollege radio is a special place on the FM dial. Listeners know it as the channel at the low end of the band where student and volunteer DJs have free reign to play music not usually heard from commercial operators. College students recognize it as a place where they can hone their broadcasting skills and put their passion and talents to work to prepare for a career in the industry. Hiring managers recognize it as a proving ground that provides quality pre-professional development and a destination to seek out qualified candidates to fill entry level media industry roles.

Despite the widespread recognition of the benefits and value of college radio stations, the format and institution has come under attack. Financial issues affecting the commercial sector of terrestrial broadcasting have led to a reduced perception of the effectiveness and reach of terrestrial FM, causing many universities across the country to part ways with their beloved heritage stations. Religious and community operators, recognizing the vulnerability of college operators, have actively approached educational institutions with cash offers to acquire the licenses and effectively end the independent radio voice of the college into the community. Many universities, facing their own financial issues due to declining enrollment and national attacks on the value and benefits of a four-year liberal arts education, are welcoming the opportunity for a quick infusion of cash for the acquisition their broadcast assets. This troubling trend paints a grim outlook for the future and sustainability of this widely popular medium.

However, in some markets, college radio is thriving and enjoying a renaissance. The New York radio market enjoys a wide variety of college programming across its heavily populated FM band and college stations in this market are considered a clearinghouse for students looking enter the country’s largest media sector. The tri-state area has over 20 university-owned stations operating on the FM band, with their parent organizations often touting them as some of the brightest jewels in the crown of their college media and communications program.

I have spent 20 years working as a student volunteer and administrator at WRHU, Radio Hofstra University and have seen first-hand how college radio contributes to the growth and success of students looking to pursue a career in radio, television and digital media. Students and community volunteers who participate at college radio stations find themselves engaged in a diverse community of voices, opinions and music. While their approach and interests may be different, their practice at the college radio station unites them with one unified goal: to serve the listening audience by creating imaginative and alternative audio programming using the university’s FM transmission facility as their channel to the world. For anyone who has been part of this experience as either a contributor or listener, the results can be absolutely magical. In the New York / New Jersey market, these stations and students have found a unique way to make their voices even louder, using some of the finest tools available in their radio and audio toolbox.

The Big 88

Wednesday, November 8, eight university and high school owned and operated stations broadcasting in the 88.1-88.9 segment of the FM band in the number one media market in the country will be joining together to celebrate their love of college radio. Starting at 12:00 noon, “The Big 88” will become New York and New Jersey’s largest college radio station, covering an FM broadcast footprint of over 120 miles. Participating stations will include WRSU, Rutgers University; WPSC, William Patterson University, WRHU, Hofstra University; WCWP, LIU Post; WARY, Westchester Community College; WFNP, SUNY-New Paltz; WPOB,  Plainview-Old Bethpage High School; and WKWZ ,Syosset High School.

Programming will feature voices and shows from all participating stations, a consolidated newscast from members of each station’s news department and appearances by station alumni working in radio. WRHU will also be hosting a meet and greet at their studios in Hempstead, NY, where participants are invited to gather to exchange station swag, music from local bands and stories. High school participants have also been invited to the WRHU studios to meet with the participating station members where they will get a first-hand look at what their college radio experience can look like. All of the participating stations hope that the broadcast will focus attention on the issues affecting college radio and encourage listeners and universities to continue to support the mission of student and community broadcasting.

For more information on the program schedule and participation, you can contact me at Andrew.j.gladding@hofstra.edu. All of the stations involved hope that listeners will tune in to enjoy this unique celebration of NCE radio.

Andy Gladding is the chief engineer and air personality at WRHU-FM, Hofstra University as well as chief engineer at Salem Media’s WNYM/WMCA, New York. He also is a communications lecturer at Hofstra.  

Ratings Takeaways

October 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imOctober 2023 PPM Data – Information for the October 2023 survey period (September 14 – October 11) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are September 2023 – October 2023 (6+). 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 3.4 – 4.7, #10 – #5

KJCE .3 – .4, #27 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KVET-AM 1.0 – 1.3, #22 – #22

KTAE DNA – .7, DNA – #25

KBPA-HD2 .4 – .5, #26 – #27

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 5.3 – 5.6, #3 – #4    

Note: News/talk KLBJ-AM’s +1.3 (3.4 – 4.7) represents Austin’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase. 

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 9.4 – 8.2, #2 – #3

WPTF DNA – .7, DNA – #20

News

WRAL-HD3 .3 – .1, #15 – #23

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.1 – 3.5, #8 – #11 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 9.1 – 9.4, #3 – #2

Notes: News/Talk WTKK’s -1.2 (9.4 – 8.2) represents Raleigh’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease.

Following a six-month absence, eight (8) Curtis Media Group stations – including news/talk WPTF – return as Nielsen Audio subscribers.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 6.1 – 6.9, #4 – #3

News

WOLT-HD2 .1 – .1, #27 – #24

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2 3.5 – 4.3, #13 – #12 (Colts)

WNDE .9 – .9, #22 – #21

WXNT .1 –.1, #27 – #24

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 6.4 – 4.6, #3 – #10

Note: Sports talk WFNI (DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 9.6 – 9.7, #2 – #1

WTMJ 9.8 – 9.6, #1 – #2 

WLIP DNA – .1, DNA – #28  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 2.4 – 2.6, #13 – #14 (Green Bay Packers)

WKTI 1.0 – 1.0, #18 – #18

WOKY .2 – .4, #26 – #22

WSSP .2 – .2, #26 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.4 – 3.0, #13 – #13

WHAD 2.1 – 2.1, #16 – #17

WGKB DNA – .1, DNA – #28

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: Public radio news/talk WUWM’s +.6 (2.4 – 3.0) ties classic hits-oldies WRIT for Milwaukee’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase.

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 6.1 – 5.7, #4 – #5

WLAC 1.1 – 1.4, #19 – #19

News

WNRQ-HD2 .2 – DNA, #23 – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 7.2 – 7.3, #3 – #3 (Tennessee Titans)

WPRT 1.4 – 1.9, #17 – #17 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 5.5 – 4.1, #6 – #10

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .2, #23 – #23 

Note: Public radio news/talk WPLN’s -1.4 (5.5 – 4.1) represents Nashville’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease.

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.1 – 6.5, #6 – #5

WHJJ  .3 – .3, fourth straight month at #18

News

None

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 3.3 – 3.3, thirteenth consecutive month at #8

WVEI 2.3 – 2.4, #10 – #9

WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 1.9 – 2.4, #12 – #9

WNPN 1.5 – 1.4, sixth straight month at #14

WCAI .1 – .1, #19 – #20

Note: Public radio news/talk WGBH’s +.5 (2.4 – 3.0) ties rock WHJY for Providence’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase.

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  3.5 – 3.3, #11 – #12

WGH-FM HD2 .2 – .2, #24 – #22

News

WNOH .4 – .3, #21 – #20

Sports Talk

WVSP 2.7 – 2.9, #13 – #13

WGH-AM .4 – .3, #21 – #20

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 8.2 – 7.5, #3 – #3

News

None

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .2 – .2, #23 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 2.6 – 2.8, #12 – #12

Note: Sports talk WJXL-AM (DNA); sports talk WJXL-FM (DNA); and country WGNE are the flagships of the Jaguars.

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 1.8 – 2.3, #12 – #9

WZZR 1.9 – 1.8 #10 – #13

WJNO 1.1 – 1.2, fourth successive month at #14

News

None

Sports Talk

WBZT .2 – .4, #19 – #18

WMEN .2 – .4, #19 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.6 – 2.5, #8 – #8

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – .2, DNA – #21

Note: News/talk WFTL’s +.5 (1.8 – 2.3) ties urban AC WMBX for West Palm Beach’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase. 

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 4.5 – 4.9 #8 – #7

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 3.5 – 3.5, #9 – #9

WUNC 1.4 – 1.7, #13 – #14

Note: Urban AC WQMG has the highest October 2023 share (14.0, 6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets.

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 2.1 – 2.4, #9 – #9

KWAM .4 – .2, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.4 – 3.0, #8 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream DNA – .2, DNA – #13 (Grizzlies)

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.7 – 1.9, #11 – #10

Note: Urban contemporary WHRK’s -2.7 (10.3 – 7.6) represents the largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease by any station in all 48 PPM-markets.

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 5.2 – 5.1, #6 – #6

WDRC-AM 2.3 – 1.9, #12 – #15

WTIC-AM Stream .8 – .8, fourth consecutive month at #17

WPOP .2 – .2, #22 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 1.7 – 2.5, #15 – #11

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 3.7 – 3.8, #9 – #9

WFCR .6 – .8, #18 – #17

Note: While sports talk WUCS’ +.8 (1.7 – 2.5) represents Hartford’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase, news/talk WDRC-AM’s -.4 (2.3 – 1.9) is the market’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry Views

The Vital Element of Surprise

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

Visitors to Disneyland five years ago will be given a memorable experience when they visit this month. About 50% of Disneyland has changed since 2018. The theme park constantly changes, trying new rides, exhibits, displays. Walt Disney never considered his park to be finished. Roy Disney said that Walt viewed Disneyland as a giant block of clay which could be molded and remolded constantly. Changing the park constantly gives visitors surprises, joy and the excitement of the unexpected. The unexpected at Disneyland is newness in its ideal form: Everything is new, memorable and completely safe.

Your show, music or talk, has the same power to create memorable entertainment. Wrapped in the safety of your voice, and your familiar station, you can SAY the unexpected, the surprising, the new.

Remember when the news was a radio station? Remember when a radio station generated word of mouth, talk at work, and gossip among friends? It could have been yesterday or years ago. A radio station or on-air talent was at the epicenter of the community’s conversation when it did the unexpected. 

The short list 

A station said the name of your business. Gave away an outrageous prize. Roasted a pig. Lesbian Dial-A-Date. Broke a record. Asked the caller if they were naked. Aired Amazing Mouth TV Spots. There is no top-of-mind real estate claimed by a station if it is following the format really well.

Delivering surprises is not hard, but it is essential to the medium’s growth. Today, the most recent “surprises” have been all wrong. Too often the surprise is the public shaming and forced apology of a host because of an unfortunate comment about Erin Andrews or slight of a team owner.  (BTW, the single dumbest management move is a public apology. Thousands of people learn of the incident who would never have known about it if the moment was allowed to pass.)

You may be worried that if you or an air talent break the corporate dictate format, all will be fired. No. You know where you can experiment. Your experiment could lead to a new, fresh awareness of your station and of your hard work. Do it.

WALTER SABO’s company, Sabo Media has advised the C Suite of some of America’s largest media companies including SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Apollo Advisors, Conde Nast, Wall Street Journal Radio, RKO General, and NBC. He is a member of the Nominating Committee of the national Radio Hall of Fame and on the Dean’s Advisory Board of the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University.  His radio show, “Sterling on Sunday” is heard nationally.www.waltersterlingshow.com  Contact him at walter@sabomedia.com

Industry News

Saga Communications Reports Q3 Revenue Down 2.8%

Saga Communications issues its Q3 2023 operating results and says net revenue for the period was $29.2 million, a decrease 2.8%. Station operating expense increased 2.1% for the quarter to $22.8 million compared to the same period last year. For the quarter, operating income was $3.5 millionim compared to $1.1 million for the same quarter last year and station operating income (a non-GAAP financial measure) decreased 14.7% to $7.6 million. Saga reports a net income of $2.7 million for Q3 2023 compared to the net loss of $104,000 it reported a year ago. The company’s balance sheet reflects $41.7 million in cash and short-term investments as of September 30, 2023. Saga also announces that it is paying a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on November 3, 2023 to shareholders of record as of October 11, 2023. The aggregate amount of the quarterly dividend will be approximately $1.5 million.

Industry News

Darren McKee Joins Altitude Sports Radio in Denver

The Denver Post reports that Mile High City sports talker Darren McKee, a.k.a. DMac, joins the midday show at KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5.” DMac partnersim with Scott Hastings and Tyler Polumbus for the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm “P.H.D.” show. The 24-year Denver sports radio pro was let go from Bonneville’s KKFN-FM “104.3 The Fan” in September. KSE Radio SVP/GM Dave Fleck comments, “We are excited to add Darren to our new and improved midday P.H.D. show. He is a respected member of the community whose work ethic and passion for broadcasting will help take our radio stations to new heights. Having DMac as part of ‘Altitude Sports Radio’ allows us to reconfigure our daily lineup while adding a great voice to the station.” Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Round Three of October PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s October 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. The survey period covered September 14 through October 11. 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 rises two-tenths to finish with a 6.9 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) that keeps it locked in the #3 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM, adds three-tenths for a 1.7 share good for the #21 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI-AM tacks on two-tenths for a 2.8 share finish that lifts it to the #13 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA-AM rises four-tenths to a 2.6 share and climbs to the #15 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM rockets up 1.7 shares for a 6.9 share that puts it in the #2 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM plunges 1.1 shares to a 2.9 share that puts it in the #15 rank. It should be noted that Nielsen released updated information for the Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) and Riverside markets and that is now reflected in the first-round report. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.