Industry News

Beasley Second Quarter Net Revenue Falls 4.8%

Net revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was $60.4 million, a decline of 4.8% from the same period in 2023. Beasley Broadcast Group’s net loss shrank from $10.4 million in Q2 of 2023 to $276,000 in the second quarter of 2024. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “Beasley’s second quarter results highlight the ongoing progress we are making to position the company for sustainable, profitable growth. The continuedim 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.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Worst Promo I Hear Most Often?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

im“If you missed Biff & Bev in-the-Morning, you missed…”  It’s a donut: produced open and close, with an aircheck clip in the middle.

— I don’t think I have ever heard such a promo that caused me remorse for missing the show being touted. Often the clip makes the personalities sound self-amused.

— The listener can’t act on this message. This morning’s Biff & Bev show is gone, and don’t count on anyone clicking-as-many-times-as-necessary to find it on the station website.

— You send diary keepers a dangerous subliminal message: that they DIDN’T listen. Heck, we want to fool them into thinking they did listen!

im

Instead:

— Talk about the NEXT show.

— Use “you” and/or “your” as-early-as-possible in copy; and “and your calls!” near the end.

— Offer a benefit statement, something listeners will realize from listening, i.e., what they’ll take-away from hearing tomorrow’s guest, what they can call-in-and-win, anticipated topics.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Erickson’s The Gathering Draws 700 to Atlanta

im

WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta-based talk radio host Erick Erickson presented the 2024 edition of his conservative politics convention The Gathering in Atlanta over the weekend. Erickson tells TALKERS, “We had 700 people show up in Atlanta from 47 states and Canada. Every one of my radio markets from KYKN in Oregon to WTIC and WICC in Connecticut had listeners present.  Unfortunately, between Tropical Storm Debby and COVID, we didn’t have as many as we expected, but it was still a great turnout. Over two days, I interviewed former Vice President Mike Pence, four governors, three senators, two congressmen, two senate candidates, and more. This was the only interview Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (pictured above) has conducted outside Kentucky since 2019.” He adds, “Next year, we are turning it into a road show. Our sponsors have already agreed to help us take the Gathering into our radio markets.  Since so many radio stations now have limited promotions budgets, we’ll do all the work to get the venue, speakers, and attendees, and let each market find a local sponsor as their own revenue opportunity.”

Industry News

Sports Gives Way to Religion on XEPRS, Tijuana

According to a report in the Times of San Diego, “The Mightier 1090 ESPN” format has been replaced by Spanish-language Catholic programming on the venerable XEPRS, Tijuana, Mexico. After previous sports format operator Broadcasting Corporation of the Americas lost its lease on the station owned byim 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.” Read the Times story here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Las Vegas-based talk host Heidi Harris has released her second book, Don’t Pat me on the Head!, as an audio book. She tells TALKERS, “I’ve gotten many requests to do an audio version of the book and now it’s available! My book covers how I ‘lucked into a radio show’ (as a detractor once said), the crazy things I did before I landed in radio, behind the scenes stories, how to be a great guest or caller, interviewing tips, how I survived treacherous bosses, colleagues, and the cancel mob who tried to destroy me, and more!”

The Society of Broadcast Engineers announces that membership re-elected Ted D. Hand to a second, one-year term as president of the organization. Hand is a member of SBE Chapter 45 Charlotte, and an SBE Fellow Member.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The presidential race and this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago; Israel’s battle against Hamas and Hezbollah; Ukraine’s military incursion into Russian territory; activity on the world’s financial markets; U.S. reportedly offers amnesty to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro to cede power; the flooding and damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby; and the Paris Olympics were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend.

Industry News

Saga Communications Reports Net Revenue Decline of 1.5%

Saga Communications reports net revenue of $28.7 million in the second quarter of 2024, down 1.5% from the same period in 2023. The company also reports net income of $2.5 million for the quarter compared to net income of $3.4 million for the second quarter last year. Saga notes in its report that it closed on itsim acquisition of five radio stations and one translator in Lafayette, Indiana on May 31, 2024, and that the stations were operated by Saga for one month during the second quarter of 2024. Saga paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on June 28, 2024. The aggregate amount of the quarterly dividend was approximately $1.6 million. To date, Saga has paid over $132 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012. Saga’s balance sheet reflects $24.1 million in cash and short-term investments as of June 30, 2024, and $26.2 million as of August 5, 2024.

Industry News

Newsmax Wins One in Smartmatic Case

The Special Master appointed by the Delaware Superior Court has ruled against voting systems purveyor Smartmatic which was seeking sanctions against Newsmax alleging that CEO Christopher Ruddy and other staffers destroyed evidence. The Special Master ruled that Smartmatic failed to prove that Ruddy and others intentionally or recklessly destroyed evidence in the case. Newsmax says that it informed the Special Master that some of Ruddy’s text messages were accidentally not preserved on his mobile phone, but heim 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. See the full (somewhat redacted) complaint here.

Industry News

Audacy to Launch New Sports Talk Outlet in Kansas City

Audacy will flip alternative rock KRBZ-FM, Kansas City to sports talk as “96.5 The Fan” and is changing the call letters to KFNZ-FM. Audacy says, “The market-leading sports talent, commentary, analysis and play-by-play coverage previously heard on ‘610 Sports Radio’ (KCSP-AM) will now be heard on 96.5 The Fan – marking Kansas City’s first full-time FM Sports station. This FM sports destination will be the new flagshipim radio station of the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and broadcast all pre-, regular and post-season games. Chiefs games will be simulcast on 106.5 The Wolf “WDAF-FM” for the 2024 season.” The station will also serve as the play-by-play home of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas State University and University of Missouri men’s basketball and football. The station’s weekday programming and play-by-play content will also be heard on KFNZ-AM “The Fan AM 610,” formerly known as KCSP-AM. Audacy Kansas City SVP and market manager Roxanne Marati comments, “Kansas City has the most passionate sports fans in the country, and they deserve a one-stop destination for premium sports content year-round. This is an exciting time for KC sports, and our exclusive partnership with the World Champion Chiefs, local content and engaging personalities with unrivaled sports knowledge will fuel fandom, bring listeners closer to the action and keep them connected to their favorite teams.”

Industry News

Reggie Adetula Joins KILT-AM, Houston in Middays

Audacy names Reginald “Reggie” Adetula midday co-host of the “In The Loop” midday show alongside coim-host John Lopez and producer Edward “Figgy Fig” Gilliard on KILT-AM “SportsRadio 610,” beginning August 19. KILT brand manager Parker Hillis comments, “We’re thrilled to have Reggie join ‘In The Loop’ as the newest host. He’s a natural talent whose on-air enthusiasm and innate ability to connect with an audience will make him the perfect fit here in Houston.” Adetula is a native Houstonian who returns home after nine years as the evening host and producer on Audacy’s KRLD-FM, Dallas “105.3 The Fan.”

Industry News

Beasley Celebrates 15th Anniversary of “98.5 The Sports” Hub in Boston

Beasley Media Group is celebrating the 15th anniversary of sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub,” next week.  The station launched on August 13, 2009 with replays of the New England Patriots 2001,im 2003 and 2004 Super Bowl winning radio broadcasts, followed by the inaugural “Felger & Mazz” show. Throughout its 15-year history, the station has received numerous industry accolades, including the National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award for “Sports Station of the Year” in 2011, 2014, 2019 and 2023. Station program director Rick Radzik says, “For me, being with the station since day one, I have always felt proud and privileged to be a part of the ‘Sports Hub’ team these past 15 years. We look forward to celebrating the milestone all next week on air and online with many stories and recollections from our on-air talent.”

Industry News

Round Four of July 2024 PPMs Released

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 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 covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM adds three-tenths to finish with an 8.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that keeps it locked in the #3 rank, while Curtis Media’s news/talk WPTF is up one-tenth for a 0.6 share finish good for the #23 rank. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN adds a half share to finish with a 13.0 share that keeps it ranked #1 for the eleventh straight month. (Good Karma Brands’ crosstown competitor news/talk WTMJ ceased subscribing to Nielsen several months ago.) In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM rises 1.2 shares for a 6.7 share finish that lifts it to the #3 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLAC adds three-tenths to finish with a 1.3 share and remains ranked #18. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of August 5 – 9

The presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the global financial markets activity, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis and the U.K. anti-immigrant riots 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. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imJuly 2024 PPM Data – Ratings information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 survey period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

No share or rank thresholds are required to be included here.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+). 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 4.5 – 3.7, #8 – #9

KJCE DNA – .1, DNA – #31

News

None

Sports Talk

KBPA-HD2  1.0 – .8, #19 – #22

KVET-AM .7 – .7, #22 – #23

KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 4.9 – 6.2, #5 – #2

KUT-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #31   

Note: Public radio news/talk KUT posts a +1.3 (4.9 – 6.2), which is Austin’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase. 

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 8.6 – 8.9, #3  – #3

WPTF .5 – .6, #24 – #23

News

WRAL-HD3 .6 – .5, #21 – #24

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 2.3 – 1.8, #14 – #15

WCMC-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 8.0 – 7.8, #4 – #4

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 7.5 – 8.1, #4 – #2

News

WOLT-HD2 .3 – .2, #22 – #25

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  2.9 – 1.4, #14 – #17

WNDE .3 – .2, #22 – #25

WXNT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WFNI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 4.8 – 4.7, #8 – #9

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 12.5 – 13.0, eleventh consecutive month at #1

WLIP .1 – .2, #27 – #23

WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brewers)

WAUK .2 – DNA, #22 – DNA

WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 1.9 – 1.5, #15 – #15

WOKY .2 – .2, #22 – #23

WSSP .1 – .1, #27 – #27

WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.4 – 2.7, #14 – #12

WHAD-HD2 .1 – .1, #27 – #27   

Note: In addition to being #1 for the eleventh successive month, news/talk WISN posts July 2024’s highest 6+ share (13.0) of any station in all 48 PPM markets. Furthermore, owing to five straight months without a loss, “News Talk 1130” gains four full-shares (9.0 – 9.0 – 10.3 – 12.1 – 12.5 – 13.0, 6+).

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 5.5 – 6.7, #8 – #3

WLAC 1.0 – 1.3, #18 – #18

News

WNRQ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – .3, DNA – #21

Sports Talk

WGFX 6.6 – 5.9, #3 – #6

WPRT 1.9 – 1.8, #16 – #17

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 2.9 – 3.3, #14 – #13

WPLN-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Note: News/talk WWTN’s +1.2 (5.5 – 6.7) is Nashville’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.5 – 7.1, #5 – #4

WHJJ  1.1 – 1.6, #12 – #11

News

None

Sports Talk

WVEI 1.6 – 2.3, #10 – #8

WPRV .1 – .2, #18 – #18

WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.0 – 2.3, #8 – #8

WNPN 1.1 – 1.6, #12 – #11

WCAI .1 – DNA, #18 – DNA

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  2.2 – 2.4, #13 – #13

WGH-FM HD2  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WNOH Black Information Network .3 – .3, #22 – #23

Sports Talk

WVSP .9 – .9, #19 – #19

WGH-AM .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 9.4 – 9.0, #2 – #3

News

WJBT-HD2 Black Information Network .2 – DNA, #20 – DNA

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .2 – DNA, #20 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 1.9 – 1.9, #14 – #15

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WJNO 1.6 – 1.9, #13 – #11

WFTL 2.1 – 1.5, #9 – #12

WZZR 1.3 – 1.3 #14 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WBZT .4 – .4, #16 – #17

WMEN .4 – .4, #16 – #17

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.9 – 3.4, #8 – #8

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

Note: Public radio news/talk WLRN’s +.5 (2.9 – 3.4) represents a tie for West Palm Beach’s largest (6+)June 2024 – July 2024 increase. 

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 3.5 – 3.6 #11 – #10

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 4.3 – 4.2, #8 – #8

WUNC 1.9 – 1.5, #14 – #14

WFDD-HD3 DNA – .2, DNA – #15

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 2.7 – 1.7, #7 – #9

KWAM .4 – .4, #12 – #13

News

WJMS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.7 – 3.0, #7 – #7

WMFS Stream .4 – .6, #12 – #11

WMC-AM .4 – .4, #12 – #13   

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO .5 – .6, #11 – #11

WKNO-HD2  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 4.4 – 3.6, #8 – #9

WDRC-AM 1.7 – 1.9, #15 – #15

WPOP .2 – .2, #20 – #20

WTIC-AM Stream .2 – .2, #20 – #20

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 1.1 – 1.3, #16 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 5.7 – 4.6, #6 – #8

WFCR .6 – .6, #17 – #17 

Note: Public radio news/talk WNPR’s -1.1 (5.7 – 4.6) is Hartford’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: The Myth About Wall Street

By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Action Partners
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
Daily host, WPHT Philadelphia
Weekly host, Talk Media Network

imWall Street investors do not put up money for traditional radio and television stations.

That myth has been a burden within our culture for about 10 years and it just is not true. From a 1980s fast-buck perspective, traditional media does not offer the no-effort returns it once did. But major investors continue to seek opportunities from radio and TV acquisitions. Notably, today the money is much “smarter” than that found in the 1980s.

(Side note, the 1980s rush to radio put the business in the hellish financing we live with today. The new money won’t do that.)

Marc Rowan is the CEO of Apollo Advisors which bought Cox TV and radio. Apollo was first money in Sirius radio. Their escrow check closed the deal for Howard Stern and changed the radio industry. Marc explained to me that Apollo is not an investor, they are “owners.” Apollo has a long game plan as savvy operators with decent, moral standards. Marc actually likes, consumes and celebrates media. Apollo is not a chop shop. They build businesses.

George Soros is about to close on Audacy. Mr. Soros is a brilliant business builder. Like Apollo, he is an owner/operator. Soros represents smart money going into the proven medium of radio.

John Malone, builder of the cable industry, saved Sirius within days of bankruptcy. The company was about to miss payroll, Malone pulled it out the fire and through Liberty holdings he continues to control 83% of SiriusXM. Over the years he has grown, not diminished Liberty’s stake in the satellite company.

Rowan, Soros, and Malone have one thing in common: They are not jokers. They each have robust histories of sober, sane investments which has made them billionaires. While you and I shop the price of milk, the new owners of proven media are model guides for future Wall Streeters.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com

Uncategorized

iHeartMedia Q2 Consolidated Revenue Up 1%

iHeartMedia reports operating results for the second quarter of 2024 and reveals consolidated revenue of $929 million, an increase of 1% over the same period on 2023. iHeartMedia reports its business in three segments. The Multiplatform Group – which includes its AM/FM radio stations – achieved revenue of $575.9 million – a decline of 3.4% over the same period in 2023. The Digital Audio Group’s revenue was $285.6 million – an increase of 9.5% over Q2 of 2023. The Audio & Media Services Group revenue was $70 million – an increase of 6.5% over the second quarter of 2023. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittmanim comments, “Our second quarter results mark the first quarter that our consolidated revenues increased year-over-year since Q4 2022. We continue to see strong momentum in our podcast business, our Digital ex. Podcast business, and have seen sequential improvement of our Multiplatform Group’s year-over-year revenue performance. This performance is built on iHeartMedia’s strong and unparalleled audience and demonstrates the progress we are making in maximizing the monetization of it.” Company COO and CFO Rich Bressler adds, “We continue to see signs of improvement throughout our business and the broader advertising marketplace, and our second quarter 2024 results were in line with, and in the cases of revenue, slightly above guidance. Our high-growth Digital Audio Group revenues were up 10% year over year, and represented 31% of our company’s revenues, and our Multiplatform Group revenues exceeded our previously provided guidance. Our full year 2024 political revenues are currently pacing approximately 20% higher than the last presidential election cycle, which gives us confidence that this will be a record political year for us, and we expect to see a significant year-over-year improvement in our full year Adjusted EBITDA performance.”

Industry News

Urban One Q2 Revenue Declines 9.2%

Second quarter 2024 net revenue for Urban One Inc. was $117.7 million, a decrease of 9.2% from Q2 of 2023. Breaking down Urban One’s report by segment, the Radio Advertising segment brought in revenue of $45.4 million, basically flat from one year ago. Digital Advertising revenue for Q2 of 2024 was $15.5 million, a decrease of 17.6%. The biggest change for Urban One was Cable Television Advertising, which brought inim $22.2 million, a decline of 26.7% from the same period in 2023. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins III states, “On a same station basis our radio division finished Q2 -5.6% excluding political, and -3.0% with political. We saw a sequential improvement in national revenues vs. Q1, which was offset by weaker local revenues. Q3 core radio revenue is currently pacing down 6.9% on a same station basis, down 5.1% including political, and up 7.0% overall. We are starting to see a significant uptick in political advertising revenues, and remain optimistic for the remainder of the year, which should benefit both our radio and digital divisions. Our Cable TV business continues to suffer from subscriber churn and audience delivery shortfall, impacting both advertising and affiliate revenues, although we are seeing a bounce-back in ratings and delivery in Q3. Our digital business experienced weaker advertising demand than prior year but remains well positioned for the second half of the year, particularly with political and CTV advertising. During Q2 we repurchased an additional $35.5 million of our 2028 notes at 78.0%, and we ended the quarter with approximately $132.4 million of cash.”

Industry News

Compass Media Networks Announces New Associates

Compass Media Networks brings three new staffers aboard, including news pro Chad Robison, who is named a news anchor for “Your Money Now.” In this role, Robison will anchor the “Your Money Now” twiceim-hourly money news reports Monday through Friday in middays and PM drive. Robison most recently served as evening news anchor at Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton New Jersey 101.5.” Compass Media Networks also names Joe Mackay director of audio sales. The 25-year radio sales pro, based in Chicago, will manage advertising sales relationships throughout the West Coast and Midwest. Also joining the company as manager of sales planning is Laura Schaeffer. The 10-year radio industry pro will help manage customer relationships and assist sales executives and management with sales proposals and inventory management. She is based in New York.

Industry News

Round Three of July PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey is 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 June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM adds half a share to finish with a 5.5 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) lifting it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX jumps four-tenths to a 2.2 share good for the #17 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI rises 1.1 shares for a 4.2 share finish and the #11 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA dips two-tenths to a 1.2 share but rises one spot to the #21 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM tacks on one-tenth to finish with a 6.2 share but slides back on spot to the #3 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM rises a full share for a 4.1 share finish and climbs one spot to the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

FOX News Channel’s “Gutfeld!” – hosted by Greg Gutfeld – will broadcast live at 11:00 pm ET each night following the network’s coverage of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. From August 19 through 22, the program (which is usually taped earlier in the day) will be joined live by a studio audience in New York City for the first time ever.

Audacy’s sports talk WEEI-AM/FM, Boston and the New England Patriots announce a multi-year extension to their broadcast partnership that includes the continuation of exclusive “Patriots Monday” and “Patriots Friday” programming, featuring head coach Jerod Mayo and Patriots players. This year marks the 30th season of the partnership between WEEI and the Patriots, which began in 1995.

The latest episode of Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes’ podcast “Chachi Loves Everybody” features a conversation with National Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race; the U.S. migrant crisis; financial markets activity and predictions for a recession; Israel faces threats from Iran and Hezbollah; the U.K. anti-immigrant riots; the Paris Olympics; Ukraine enters Russian territory; ISIS threats cancel Vienna Taylor Swift shows; and the flooding from Tropical Storm Debby were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imJuly 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

No share or rank thresholds are required to be included here.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 5.0 – 5.5, #5 – #4

KEX 1.8 – 2.2, #18 – #17

KUFO .7 – 1.0, #23 – #22

KPAM .3 – .3, #31 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KFXX 1.1 – 1.1, #21 – #21

KXTG 1.1 – .8, #21 – #23

KPOJ .4 – .4, #26 – #27

KMTT .2 – .1, #33 – #34

KFXX Stream  DNA – .1, DNA – #34

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 5.3 – 5.3, #3 – #5

KOPB Stream .7 – .5, #23 – #24

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT 5.0– 4.5, #5 – #9

News

WRFX-HD2 Black Information Network .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 3.0 – 2.5, #14 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 2.9 – 3.1, #15 – #13

WNSC .7 – .9, #21 – #20

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 3.1– 4.2, #13 – #11

KTSA 1.4 – 1.2, #22 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.2 – 1.1, #23 – #22

KTKR .4 – .3, #28 – #30

KZDC .4 – .3, #28 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.4 – 3.3, #16 – #13 

Note: News/talk WOAI’s +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2) represents San Antonio’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk

KFBK 7.2 – 7.3 #3 – #3

KSTE-AM 2.3 – 2.4, #15 – #15

KSAC-AM .6 – .8, #26 – #24

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.0 – .9, #21 – #21

KIFM .8 – .5, #23 – #26

KIFM Stream  .1 – .1, #30 – #28 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 3.1 – 2.9, #11 – #12

KQED .1 – .1, #30 – #28

KQEI .3 – .1, #28 – #28

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 4.5 – 4.4, #8 – #8

KDKA-AM Stream .5 – .4, #18 – #18

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM (Pirates) 7.0 – 6.9, #5 – #5

KDKA-FM Stream (Pirates) .3 – .4, #19 – #18

WBGG DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 3.2 – 3.5, #10 – #10

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL 6.1 – 6.2, #2 – #3

KNRS 3.1 – 4.1, #12 – #11

KKAT .1 – .1, #27 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KZNS-FM .5 – .9, #24 – #22

KALL .5 – .4, #24 – #25

KZNS-AM .1 – .4, #27 – #25

KZNS-AM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KZNS-FM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 2.5 – 2.0, #17 – #18

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .1 – .1, #27 – #28

KUMT .1 – .1, #27 – #28    

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 1.8– 1.1, #20 – #25

KMZQ .3 – .4, #34 – #29

KXNT .4 – .3, #31 – #33

KXNT Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN .4 – .8, #31 – #28

KKGK .3 – .3, #34 – #33

KRLV .3 – .3, #34 – #33

KENO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.3 – 1.8, #23 – #19

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WDBO 3.6 – 4.7, #10 – #9

WTKS 5.6 – 4.3, #5 – #10

WFLF .8 – 1.1, #18 – #17

WFYY .5 – .3, #21 – #22

WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .8 – .6, #18 – #21

WDYZ .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 2.0 – 2.4, #14 – #14

WMFV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Note: Whereas news/talk WDBO’s +1.1 (3.6 – 4.7) represents Orlando’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, similarly-formatted WTKS’ -1.3 (5.6 – 4.3) is tied for the market’s greatest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 10.3 – 9.9, #2 – #2 (Reds)

WKRC 5.4 – 6.0, #6 – #4

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY .6 – .5, #20 – #20

WSAI .4 – .3, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.4 – 4.1, #9 – #9

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 7.0 – 7.0, #5 – #5 (Guardians)

News

WMMS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WKRK 4.4 – 4.4, #10 – #10

WKRK Stream .6 – .3, #19 – #20

WARF .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 6.6 – 7.0, #6 – #5

WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.5 – 5.2, #4 – #5

KCMO-AM 1.7 – 1.9, #17 – #17

KMBZ-FM Stream 1.0 – 1.4, #23 – #18

KMBZ-AM 1.2 – 1.3, #20 – #20

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 3.2 – 2.4, #10 – #16 (Royals)

KCSP Stream  1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23 (Royals)

KWOD DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 2.2 – 3.0, #16 – #10

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 5.2 – 5.7, #6 – #6    

News

Black Information Network WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 7.8 – 6.7, #2 – #4

WMNI .1 – .4, #22 – #21

WBNS-AM .1 – .3, #22 #22

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 4.6 – 5.1, #7 – #7

Note: Sports talk WBNS-FM’s -1.1 (7.8 – 6.7) is Columbus’ largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.

Up next: July 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Townsquare Media Reports Net Revenue Down 2.5% in Second Quarter

Townsquare Media reports its financial operations for the second quarter of 2024 and reveals net revenue of $118.2 million, a decline of 2.5% from the same period in 2023. The company also reports a net loss of $48.9 million in Q2, compared to the net loss of $2.7 million that it reported in the second quarter of 2023. Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson states, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s momentum is building as demonstrated by another quarter of sequential net revenue improvement, primarily due to our local focusim and our unique and differentiated digital platform… In the second quarter, the Company reported a net loss of $48.9 million, in large part due to non-cash impairment charges. Our Q2 performance was driven by stabilizing and/or improving trends across segments: Townsquare Interactive returned to sequential revenue growth in each month of the quarter, as a result of positive subscriber trends that have improved dramatically compared to previous quarters; Digital Advertising net revenue growth continued at +1% year-over-year; and Broadcast Advertising net revenue was approximately flat as compared to the prior year, an improvement from first quarter declines. In total, Digital represented 52% of Townsquare’s net revenue in the first six months of the year. Additionally, we continue to generate strong cash flow, granting us the ability to invest in our digital growth engine while preserving financial flexibility, as evidenced by our ongoing debt and share buybacks in the open market… Most importantly, due to our current cash position and our strong cash generation, we retain financial flexibility moving forward and we are confident in our ability to build shareholder value for our investors through long-term net revenue and cash flow growth, net leverage reduction, future dividend payments, and potential future share repurchases.”

Industry News

Salem Media Group Q2 Net Revenue Down 7.8%

Salem Media Group reports net revenue of $60.6 million during the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of im7.8%. The company says net broadcast revenue was $47.1 million (-5.1%), while net digital media revenue was $11.9 million (+9.9%), and net publishing revenue was $1.56 million (-70.3%). It should be noted that Salem sold Regnery Publishing in December of 2023. The company reports net income of $2.3 million during the quarter, compared to that net loss of $7.1 million it reported in Q2 of 2023.

Industry News

Beasley Media Group Announces New Regional Vice President Roles

Beasley Media Group announces new RVP roles for managers overseeing multiple markets across the country. The company says that under the new leadership structure, cluster and market managers will report directly to the regional vice president responsible for overseeing their market. Ron deCastro will beim responsible for overseeing the Fort Myers and Tampa, Florida markets. In addition to serving as Ft. Myers market manager, AJ Lurie will now oversee sales across the state. Mac Edwards will oversee the Charlotte and Fayetteville markets. Kent Dunn will continue to lead the Augusta market. Mary Menna will lead the company’s Boston, Philadelphia, and New Jersey markets. Kevin Rich, who currently serves as Beasley Media Group vice president of operations, will now also be responsible for overseeing the company’s Las Vegas and Detroit-based operations. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “These changes reflect the company’s continuous commitment to streamline our sales efforts and drive revenue in an efficient manner across multiple platforms throughout the company.”

Industry News

Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation Hosts 9th Annual Event & Dinner

The Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation and the Churchill Society of Pennsylvania are presenting theim Foundation’s 9th Annual Event & Dinner at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre on September 20 in the Keystone Grand Ballroom. The theme of the event is “The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution” and will feature keynote speaker Jack Warren, author of Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution (Lyons Press, 2023). Each year the Foundation presents its Atlas Award for Citizenship and this year’s honoree is Northeastern Pennsylvania businessman Christopher Hackett. Find out more about the event and how to attend at: info@BoldGold.org.

Ratings Takeaways

Round Two of July 2024 PPMs Released

imThe second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #11, while Hubbard Radio’s all- news WTOP-FM rises 1.2 shares for 10.7 share finish that lifts it to the #1 rank in the market. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.3 share and climbs to the #10 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM is flat with a 4.7 share but rises one spot to the #6 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFYI tacks on three-tenths to finish with a 3.8 share that lifts it to the #6 rank, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM adds eight-tenths for a 3.1 share finish good for the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Red Apple Audio Networks is now syndicating of WABC, New York political reporter and program host Dominic Carter. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis states, “Dominic’s two shows are the most recent top-quality programming options that we’re offering radio stations through the Red Apple Audio Networks. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist, which gives a sharp perspective to his analysis and commentary. Dominic is one common sense individual.”

FOX News Media promotes Trey Yingst to chief foreign correspondent. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott states, “During major breaking news in every corner of the world, Trey has been the eyes and ears on the ground for our viewers since 2018. Trey’s indefatigable work ethic and dedication in multiple war zones has made him an incredible asset to FOX News and we are extremely proud of his first-class journalism.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/6) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and Kamala Harris’ choice of Tim Walz as vice presidential candidate; U.S. Rep. Cori Bush loses Missouri Democratic primary; the world’s financial markets activity and questions about a U.S. recession; Israel’s war against Hamas and the terrorist organization’s naming Yahya Sinwar its new political leader; Pakistani Asif Merchant is charged with plotting to assassinate American politicians; X files anti-trust suit against Global Alliance for Responsible Media; the Paris Olympics; Tropical Storm Debby drenches the East Coast; and the California wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

16th Annual Hurley Charity Dinner Set for AC October 4

im

The 16th annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Dinner and Silent Auction is set for Friday, October 4, 2024, at Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City. Held in the venue’s iconic Ocean Ballroom, the high-profile civic event is a major fund-raising function of one of New Jersey’s most important and enduring charitable initiatives and one of the leading radio industry-powered philanthropic endeavors in America. The non-profit Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation was launched 18 years ago by legendary morning talk show host Harry Hurley of Townsquare Media-owned WPG, Atlantic City and has since raised more than $1.5 million resulting in hundreds of grants donated to worthy organizations and causes throughout the Garden State and beyond. The charity also sponsors an annual Hurley in the Morning Golf Open. TALKERS founder and noted radio pioneer Michael Harrison has been selected to serve as the dinner’s 2024 guest of honor and keynote speaker. Organizers of this year’s gathering are looking forward to raising $100,000 with more than 250 attendees from government, civics, business and the local communities expected to attend what is traditionally a sold-out event. For information on purchasing tables and individual tickets, email HarryHurley@aol.com.

Industry News

Hubbard Radio Names John Goforth VP/GM of Podcasts

Hubbard Radio appoints John Goforth vice president/general manager of podcasts. Goforth most recently served as chief revenue officer for Magellan AI, where he led sales strategy and business development. His industry experience includes leadership roles at HowStuffWorks, iHeartPodcasts, Midroll Media, and CBSim Radio. The company says that in his new role, Goforth will collaborate closely with local Hubbard Radio markets to enhance sales strategies for existing podcasts. And as part of the Hubbard Radio corporate team, he will create new podcast initiatives and strategic partnerships, to build an even more robust podcast network. Hubbard EVP and chief financial officer Dave Bestler says, “We fully understand and embrace the evolution in our business from radio to audio. We are creating must-hear content in all eight of our Hubbard Radio markets, and listeners are increasingly accessing our content on-demand. John will help expand our podcast offerings, while growing revenue with the podcasts we already have.” Goforth comments, “I couldn’t be more excited to join the amazing team at Hubbard and help grow their already impressive portfolio. It’s thrilling to be at the intersection of local and national in the podcast space. As we’ve seen in other channels, cracking the code on local is the key to explosive growth.”