Industry News

Philadelphia Talk Host Mary Mason Dies at 94

Philadelphia talk radio veteran Mary Mason died on July 25 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mason, a.k.a. Beatrice Turner, was a pioneering talk host in the urban talk radio format when she transitioned from a Gospel music host – beginning in 1958 – to anchor of the “Mornings with Mary” program on WHAT, Philadelphia in 1970. Thera Martin was Mason’s former program director at WHAT and tells WPVI-TV, “Reverend Louise Williams Bishop and Mary Mason are the two African American women who really broke the barrier in Philadelphia radio for us to come behind them. People used to hang onto her every word, every morning, with her very popular radio show.” The story notes that “the show catapulted Mason’s career, leading her to interviews with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Oprah.” See the WPVI-TV story here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond “The Big Picture” Panel Discussion Video Posted

The Big Picture Panel used for the header of the article about the video being posted.

One of the many video highlights from TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – “The Big Picture” – is now posted on the brand-new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. The presentation took place at the 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running national gathering held at Hofstra University on Long Island this past June 7. The event, which took place at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, was presented by TALKERS in association with the university’s multi-award winning WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. The session, which is an annual highlight of the TALKERS conference, featured a stellar line up that included (in alphabetical order): Kraig T. Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Network; Chris Oliviero, market president, Audacy New York; Deborah Parenti, publisher Radio Ink/RBR+TVBR; Tavis Smiley, host/owner, KBLA, Los Angeles/Smiley AudioMedia; and Lisa Wexler, host, WICC, Bridgeport.  The session was introduced by Rich Valdes, host, Westwood One; and moderated by Michael Harrison, publisher, TALKERS. The session tackled the broad strokes issues and challenges facing talk radio in the wake of enormous changes in the wider talk media landscape including demographic shifts, new technology, and an analysis of the very definition of the term, “radio.”  To see the video, please click here.

Industry News

Radio News Salaries Down Nearly 12% the Last Four Years

RTDNAIn a research piece posted on the Radio Television Digital News Association’s website, Syracuse University research professor of broadcast & digital journalism Bob Papper and Syracuse University associate professor of broadcast & digital journalism Keren Henderson reveal this year’s radio news salaries fell 2.5%. With 2024 inflation at 3.1%, real wages (actual wages minus inflation) dropped 5.6%. Real wage radio salaries have lost .5% (2021); 6.6% (2022); 1.9% (2023); and 2.5% (2024). Thus, a total wage loss of 11.5% over the last four years. While the median salary for news directors remained steady,  the average salary increased 6.7%. An average reporter’s salary dropped .9%, but the median salary is up 12.5%. News producers did even better with average salary (+5%) and median salary (+10.4%). News anchors, sports anchors and sports reporters, however, all lost ground in both average and median salaries. Web producers/editors dropped slightly on average and held even on median. Historically, non-commercial radio salaries have been substantially higher than commercial radio salaries, but Papper and Henderson note that’s not the case this year. They write, “When we look at large and major markets, all the average commercial salaries are higher than non-commercial salaries, and median salaries are fairly close. Overall, commercial radio salaries in large and major markets went up a whopping 23.5% [while] non-commercial salaries went down 8% from a year ago. The drop in radio news salaries lies almost entirely in the non-commercial world.”

Industry News

Concern Over FM Station Class “A10” Proposal

FCC Under the Federal Communications Commission’s consideration is a proposal from Commander Communications Corporation that would create an FM broadcasting class known as “A10.” In addition to enhancing coverage in rural and underserved areas, it would grant power upgrades for roughly 1,400 Class A FMs, allowing a maximum of 10,000 watts. Approval would depend on a station’s geographical zone; tower height; and separation requirements. While the National Association of Broadcasters recognizes potential benefits for listeners – especially during emergencies – it urges caution owing  to possible negative impacts. The NAB generally supports proposals designed to improve coverage areas, but says the “A10” proposal lacks technical analysis and information on how many stations may be upgradable. An NAB filing notes that, “While this could lead to improved service for additional listeners, it could also further squeeze the band in more markets and impact more FM services.” Also opposed is Cumulus Media, which cites an “unacceptable risk” to stations already competing against streaming services. Conversely, the Multicultural Media, Telecom & Internet Council favors the suggestion, stressing that many stations that would qualify for the upgrade are owned by minority and small-scale operators. This proposal would replace an earlier FCC one for a Class C4 FM station category. More than 100 independent and minority owners backed the idea, but it ran into opposition from larger companies and the NAB.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

FOX News Media president/executive editor Jay Wallace and FOX News VP of politics Jessica Loker jointly sent letters to the Harris and Trump campaigns proposing a presidential debate to take place on September 17th.  The letters proposed holding the debate in Pennsylvania with the exact place and date “open to discussion.”  They suggested having FOX reporters Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum serve as moderators and the event could take place “with or without” an audience.

Good Karma Brands sports talk WKTI “94.5 ESPN Milwaukee” will continue to carry Marquette University basketball games through the 2027 – 2028 season. As part of the extension agreement, WKTI will provide live play-by-play broadcasts of all Marquette men’s basketball games, along with pre-game and post-game analysis. Good Karma Brands Milwaukee market manager Greg Scalzo comments, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Marquette University and produce high-quality broadcasts/content for their passionate fanbase. MU BasketballMarquette basketball has a rich tradition and we are committed to delivering the best coverage to our fans.” Marquette University vice president/director of athletics Bill Scholl comments, “Good Karma Brands has been a tremendous teammate over the years. We are thrilled that ‘94.5 ESPN Milwaukee’ will again be the radio destination for Marquette fans. It takes community-wide support to operate a program at the level of Marquette basketball and [Good Karma Brands founder/chief executive officer] Craig Karmazin and his team are an important piece of this equation.” In addition to game broadcasts, WKTI will feature a weekly (Thursday night) “Marquette Basketball Hour” throughout the season.

Industry News

Cumulus SF Trio Hikes Hohler To PD

HohlerSports talk KNBR “680 & 104.5 The Sports Leader”; sports betting talk KGO “810 The Spread”; and sports talk KTCT “KNBR 1050 The Sports Leader” assistant program director Mike Hohler is elevated to program director for the three Cumulus Media San Francisco properties. According to Cumulus San Francisco-Los Angeles regional VP/market manager Larry Blumhagen, “I am excited to see Mike Hohler take the reins as program director of these dynamic, listener-driven stations. Mike has been a dedicated member of this terrific team for over two decades and knows every working part of our programming operations. He has meaningful relationships with our broadcast partners, which he will continue to build upon and grow in his new leadership role.” Hohler joined Cumulus San Francisco in 2002 as KNBR’s midday producer. Succeeding him as APD for the three stations is KNBR “Murph & Markus” morning show producer John Kerley. KerleyRegarding Kerley, Blumhagen notes, “He brings a strategic approach to the assistant program director role for our sports talk stations. We are fortunate to have such a talented and collaborative sports programming team and are in very capable hands with Mike and John at the helm. Our all-star lineup – including all the great talent in our bullpen – makes for a winning team and positions these stations for continued success.” The Hohler and Kerley promotions are effective next Monday (7/29).

Industry News

Broadcast Pioneers of Philly Announce 2024 HOFers

Broadcast Pioneers LogoFormer MLB relief pitcher/26-year Philadelphia Phillies radio analyst Larry Anderson; Beasley Media Group account representative Tina Costello; iHeartMedia, Philadelphia news/community affairs director Loraine Ballard Morrill; and long-time (now retired) all-news KYW, Philadelphia anchor/“Reporters Roundup” host Steve Nikazy are among those who will be entering the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia (BPOP) Hall of Fame. Along with six others, these four will be inducted into the Hall at the nonprofit’s gala in approximately four months (11/22). Hosting the BPOP Hall of Fame event will be 15-time Emmy winner/2015 inductee CBS News Philadelphia morning and noon anchor Jim Donovan and former WPVI-TV, Philadelphia sports anchor/2005 HOF honoree Scott Palmer. Founded in 1962, The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia honors the broadcast history of Philadelphia, supporting the next generation of broadcasters through scholarships and educational opportunities and recognizing those who have made lasting contributions to the industry.  

Industry News

WAMC Northeast Public Radio Names Gilbert President/CEO

Gilbert, SarahFormer Chicago Council On Global Affairs president/chief content officer Sarah Gilbert is appointed president/chief executive officer of WAMC Northeast Public Radio-owned WAMC, Albany, NY. She succeeds Alan Chartock, who retired two months ago after a 42-year tenure with the organization. WAMC board chair Dorothy Reynolds states, “This has been an intense and deliberative process. While the final decision rests with the board, we are deeply grateful for the thoughtful and on-going input from WAMC staff who took time away from other obligations to work with us in this critical effort.” According to WAMC COO/interim chief executive officer Stacey Rosenberry, “I was incredibly honored to be given the opportunity to lead; I now look forward to expanding the leadership team. We are first and foremost a news and information organization and Sarah’s experience, particularly in digital production, will help us diversify our delivery tools while maintaining our highest commitment to quality programming. Notes Gilbert, “Coming to WAMC, with its strong staff, powerful programming, and dedicated listeners and members, is an incredible opportunity to use all my skills and experiences to continue to build, grow, and strengthen this amazing organization.” In her eight years at NPR, Gilbert held various positions with the most recent being VP of news. She spent much of her early career as an editor, producer, and deputy American bureau chief at the BBC based in London, Brussels, and Washington, DC.

Industry News

Sacred Heart’s WSHU Designates Dancer As GM

brad dancerSacred Heart University-owned public radio news/talk WSHU appoints Brad Dancer general manager. Sacred Heart president John J. Petillo notes that Fairfield, CT’s WSHU is a, “unique organization whose mission is to serve our community with extraordinary programming that informs and inspires. I am confident that Brad Dancer will foster a culture of innovation and shepherd the station into a new era of content creation that goes well beyond the radio.” Holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Purdue University and the University of Maryland, respectively, Dancer remarks, “WSHU has a remarkable legacy of excellence, and I am honored to be part of this community. The collective talent and passion of the WSHU team has earned us the loyalty of our dedicated audience as well as countless prestigious awards – this uniquely positions us for success. I am confident that – together – we will achieve even greater things.” Dancer has previously held news, education, and cultural content positions at National Geographic, WWE, Disney, Canela Media, and Paramount. In addition to serving on the boards of All People Marketplace; Modal Learning; and Connecticut Gift of Adoption, he’s been an adjunct professor at Roosevelt University.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WLIWAs a result of purchasing the frequency of long-silent Montauk, NY’s WEER-FM (88.7), The WNET Group will extend coverage of its public radio news/talk outlet WLIW-FM. The addition of 88.7 will allow WLIW-FM’s signal to reach Southern Connecticut and Rhode Island. WLIW-FM VP/GM Diane Masciale notes, “WLIW-FM has taken another step forward in our coverage and commitment to our community. In the weeks ahead, we’re also looking to deliver a new app that will allow audiences to easily take WLIW-FM wherever life takes them.”

 

Previous PGA player and a SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio announcer since 2005, Mark Carnevale, 64, died Monday (7/22). He most recently called the action at the Scottish Open. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan notes, “Mark was a beloved part of the Tour family for a long time. He held numerous roles within the industry, most recently as a significant voice in PGA Tour Radio’s coverage. Mark knew the game and did a terrific job of conveying insights from his unique point of view – and with an engaging wit and sense of humor.” Carnevale made 212 starts on the PGA Tour, earning his lone win at the 1992 Chattanooga Classic and taking home that year’s PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors.

Industry News

Post-Assassination Attempt Ratings Spikes At News, News/Talk Stations

Audacy LogoFollowing up on a story reported yesterday (7/22) in TALKERS, an Audacy Insights Team blogpost (“Local News Radio Listenership Soars”) cites Nielsen Audio listenership increases following the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Leading up to quoting specific stats, the research piece states, “Local news audiences are incredibly engaged” and are “twice as likely to stick around through radio ads compared to the average listener. These listeners trust local news radio for its reliable voices and factual reporting.” On July 13,  Audacy news stations “saw a 32% jump in streams compared to the same day the week before. Mobile streams led the way with a 45% increase, while smart speaker usage rose by 30%.” The assassination attempt took place in Butler, PA, roughly 40 miles from Pittsburgh where Audacy news/talk KDKA-AM “experienced a 55% increase in streams.” Meanwhile, its Los Angeles all-news operation, KNX, “saw a 41% rise.” Per the Audacy blog, “Spikes in listenership across digital audio platforms confirm that local news radio stations are truly with you during critical times, offering reliable and detailed coverage when needed most.” Engagement continued leading up to last Monday (7/15), the first day of the Republican National Convention, as Audacy news stations “experienced a 5% rise in listenership compared to the previous Monday.” The Audacy blog contends approximately two of three (65%) all-news listeners “trust radio hosts for news updates, compared to 30% who look to social media influencers for such information.” The July 13 assassination attempt “highlights the essential role of local news radio. With a significant boost in listenership and a clear preference for trustworthy, community-focused reporting, local news radio remains a key player in delivering reliable news.”

Industry News

Connoisseur Media Purchases The Ruden Report

Ruden ConnoisseurFounded 11 years ago by Dave Ruden, The Ruden Report website (www.therudenreport.com) is dedicated to Fairfield County (Connecticut) sports news and information.  Ruden will remain with the online publication as director of operations. Connoisseur Media owner/chief executive officer Jeff Warshaw comments, “We’re happy to have The Ruden Report join our family. We look forward to offering our audience local content with his exceptional reporting.” Connoisseur Media senior vice president/general manager Kristin Okesson states, “This addition to our programming lineup is a perfect fit for each station and their audiences. As someone who values high school sports coverage, I’m excited to bring The Ruden Report to our six radio stations. I know our Southern Connecticut listeners will enjoy the local updates and in-depth coverage of their favorite teams, athletes, and games.” Ruden adds, “My ongoing goal has been to cover more which is why I have decided to partner with Connoisseur Media. It is a company that has both a longstanding tradition of excellence and the infrastructure to help take The Ruden Report to the next level.” Connoisseur’s six Connecticut stations include Bridgeport heritage news/talk WICC.

Industry News

Pest Control Owner Knows What Madison Avenue Has Forgotten

Cumulus Back in 1988, Steve and Anita Hotsenpiller launched Columbia, MO-based Steve’s Pest Control with one truck and an ad campaign on a local radio station. Once the business grew, roughly 9% of their revenue was allocated to purchase ad time on more stations. Fast-forward to today, Steve’s Pest Control has 90 trucks and leads all pest control competitors in Missouri, eventually becoming one of local radio’s largest advertisers. Their humorous radio spots include the tag line, “Now you’ve got a friend in the pest control business – Steve’s Pest Control.” As Cumulus Media/Westwood One Audio Active Group chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard details in his blog, “Steve’s Pest Control offers Madison Avenue a master class on creating future demand, and how building a brand is the main driver of long-term growth and profit. These days Madison Avenue is obsessed with the science of measuring the short-term sales effect of advertising and converting existing demand. Steve’s knows what Madison Avenue has forgotten: To generate substantial sales and profit, a business needs to create future demand rather than just obsess over converting existing demand.” Bouvard points out that in a December 2023 MARU/Matchbox survey of nearly 100 consumers in the Columbia – Jefferson City, MO market, Steve’s Pest Control “dominates unaided brand awareness, total ad recall, purchase intent, use, and brand preference vs. its competitors with radio spots that outscore the U.S. average in positive response. Your business might be super famous, but every day, new people move to town who have never heard of your business. That’s an important reason to continuously advertise your business. Also, advertising memories fade. Steve’s usage of AM/FM radio advertising has built a dominant brand. It is so impressive for a local business to win against big national brands.” Creative testing firm System1 conducted an evaluation of Steve’s Pest Control’s radio spots, which scored an 84% in brand recognition, demonstrating effective branding that resonates with listeners long after the ad has played. System1 VP of partnerships insights and strategy Allison O’Toole comments, “Steve’s Pest Control’s category ownership – built on long-term radio advertising – shows the potential of audio to work hard and deliver lasting results for any brand.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Somebody had to hire Bill Drake and Jean Shepherd

Walter Sabo

By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Partners
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
Host, WPHT, Philadelphia – daily
Talk Media Network – Sundays

For decades the number one radio station in America in revenue and audience was RKO-owned WOR, New York. RKO also owned a string of some of the nation’s most-stellar radio properties: KHJ, KFRC, KRTH, WHBQ, WAXY, WRKO, WKYS, WFYR and WROR.  Oh, and three major market TV stations, a Pepsi bottling plant and Frontier Airlines. The company was controlled by the O’Neil family and operated by chairman Tom O’Neil.

What was O’Neil’s secret?

Tom was a showman. He acquired RKO Films from Howard Hughes in 1953 to solve a problem – his independent TV stations needed movies. He bought as many titles as he could, then sold them to other TV chains and called it—syndication!

He hired programming consultant Bill Drake, personally. He hired Jean Shepherd, Robert W. Morgan, Dr. Don Rose, and, me. I got to know him very well. I was introduced to O’Neil by WOR’s midday star, Jack O’Brian. The O’Brians, Bridget, Kate and Yvonne were the best friends one could have.  Today Kate is president of news at the E.W. Scripps Company.

These were Tom O’Neil’s instructions upon hiring me to consult the company for eight years: Pay whatever you have to for a morning host. Hire the very best production person in the city. Make sure our signals are as loud as they can be, get the gadgets. Right, he knew the priorities.

Tom was not a headline grabber or speechmaker. Mr. O’Neil ran his company with a sense of humor and a focus on what was important. He knew his audience share numbers. The daily passenger load on Frontier was at the tip of his tongue as were the midday ratings for WHBQ.

He built the company and then shared management with his son Shane O’ Neil. Shane was also a showman and they were inspirational and visionary. For those eight years I never heard about budgets, sales or expenses. Yet the radio division’s profits grew by many tens of millions of dollars. Imagine!

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.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Kill the Crickets

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

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I can’t claim to be objective, but I believe talk radio isn’t just different than music radio. It’s better.

Talk doesn’t suffer the fundamental interruption music radio does from commercials (and too many of ‘em). And talk is never on in the background…especially after President Joe Biden’s announcement.

And because listeners now participate in their various media, they expect to interact. Making them the show is an opportunity music radio just doesn’t enjoy…especially after Biden’s announcement.

People who don’t much talk politics sure are talking politics now. Yesterday I heard about Biden’s announcement – I should say overheard about it – on the beach, here on Block Island, where people come to get away from it all.

On a normal day (if we have those any more), AM/FM talk stations are playing defense. As social media demonstrate, dialogue is thriving. With-or-without radio, our listeners – our advertisers’ prospective customers – are talking-to-each-other. That’s where you come in. We will only continue to own the conversation if you, the host, lead it.

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If you haven’t already, read a book Dave Ramsey recommended to me. It’s “Tribes: We Need You To Lead Us” by Seth Godin. You can find a gently used copy for a couple bucks on Amazon. He clarifies your opportunity in a way you will find profound, “a wide-angle shot.”

This week, some “close-ups.” Here are four proven techniques to make your phone ring, and make you sound popular, which advertisers notice.

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

TALKERS News Notes

Massachusetts Broadcasters AssociatioinDuring a presentation last week at Beasley Media Group Boston, the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association awarded 11 scholarships totaling $30,000. Scholarship checks were presented by MBA’s immediate past chair/Beasley Media Group vice president/market manager Mary Menna and MBA executive director Jordan Walton. According to Menna, “Beasley Media is proud to have participated in the MBA Student Broadcaster Scholarship for many years. It’s a worthwhile investment in supporting the next generation of radio and television employees.” Walton commented, “The MBA and its members have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in our future broadcasters. We look forward to watching this group succeed in broadcasting in the years to come.” Menna and Walton delivered brief remarks to the scholarship winners before BMG Boston sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” morning hosts Fred Toucher and Rob “Hardy” Poole spoke to the winners about their paths into broadcasting. Student Broadcaster Scholarships are given to students pursuing a career in over-the-air broadcasting and enrolled at a two or four-year accredited school.

 

Rob EllisAudacy Philadelphia sports talk WIP “Sports Radio 94” names Rob Ellis Saturday 10:00 am -1:00 pm co-host, succeeding the retired Glen Macnow. Ellis will be partnered with Mike Sielski, who said during the on-air announcement, “It’s going to be terrific. We very much wanted to keep the tone, content, and humor that Glen brought to the show.” Ellis joined WIP in 2007; left in 2015; but returned in 2018. He has previously hosted afternoons; evenings; and pre- and post-game shows of the Phillies; Eagles; Sixers; and Flyers. Ellis worked in television for 23 years and is a two-time Emmy winner.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

As reported above, the blockbuster news story about President Joe Biden’s announcement yesterday (7/21) to not seek reelection took over news/talk media platforms across the board prompting many radio stations to preempt regularly-scheduled weekend programs in favor of either live and local coverage and/or tapping into expanded news network reporting.  Stations find that listeners are interested in hearing what their favorite local hosts have to say about such stories of great magnitude as well as having the opportunity to call in and vent.  Kyle Bailey, PD of News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN, Roseburg, OR  tells TALKERS, “We aired about 2.5 hours of coverage from FOX News Radio with whom we are affiliated yesterday (7/21).  I got a text alert while I was in the building. Interesting to hear about history taking place. I wonder how many news/talk radio stations missed this special coverage opportunity altogether because the staff wasn’t paying attention from home, or no one was scheduled to check on things? If we want to remain relevant, the industry needs to be more proactive.”  Other top stories of discussion over the weekend include a continuing analysis of the former President Donald Trump assassination attempt, the aftermath of the RNC, the GOP nomination of U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance for VP,  the migrant crisis and inflation according to the ongoing research of TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

“The Moth” Set To Fly To Tampa’s WUSF

The Moth Produced by “The Moth,” Tampa Bay public radio broadcaster WUSF will bring a live storytelling event to the Tampa Theater on October 10. The show will feature a diverse lineup of guests telling personal stories of adventure, struggle, redemption, and creativity. Guests tell their stories without notes in the long tradition of a community gathering around the fire to share their experiences and their culture. University of South Florida-owned WUSF general manager JoAnn Urofsky tells TALKERS, “Events such as this are a key part of our mission to connect residents of Florida with news, information and entertainment that’s meaningful to their lives. These events are also wonderfully fun and a great place for our community to gather and enjoy a great show.” Each show starts with a theme, and the storytellers explore it, often in unexpected ways. Novelist George Dawes Green founded “The Moth” in 1997. The native Georgian wanted to recreate in New York City the feeling of sultry summer evenings when moths were attracted to the light on the porch where he and his friends would gather to tell spellbinding tales. Each story is true and every voice is authentic. “The Moth” has hosted these events in other cities including New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, and Denver.

Industry News

House Democrats Want FCC’s Brendan Carr Investigated

According to a report in Forbes, House Democrats are seeking an investigation into FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s involvement in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 policy agenda should Donald Trump return to the White House. U.S. Rep Jared Huffman (D-CA) and 16 other House Democrats want an ethics investigation saying they believe Carr’s work on Project 2025 is “misusing his official position as anim executive-level employee of the FCC to craft and advance a political playbook to influence the presidential election in favor of Donald Trump.” The Democrats say he may have violated ethics laws for federal employees and the Hatch Act. Carr tells Forbes that he sought counsel from FCC ethics officials prior to working on Project 2025 and they “approved of me participating in my personal capacity, which I did.” He also says they approved him using his FCC title in his biography. Forbes reports, “Carr’s chapter on the FCC calls for the agency to ‘change course’ and focus on reining in big tech and promoting national security. The FCC commissioner proposes overhauling legal protections that shield tech companies from liability for content posted on its platforms and supports Congress passing legislation similar to laws in Texas and Florida that punish social media companies for suspending or banning users based on their ‘viewpoints’ – part of broader claims by conservatives that social media companies are biased against them. Project 2025’s FCC agenda also calls for banning TikTok as part of a crackdown on infrastructure from China and calls for tech companies to provide greater transparency.” Read the Forbes story here.

Industry News

Lou Dobb Dies at 78

Television and radio personality Lou Dobbs passed away on Thursday (7/18) at the age of 78. The cause of death isn’t clear, but Dobbs had been missing from his iHeartMedia podcast “The Great America Show” for aim few weeks. Dobbs was part of the debut of CNN in 1980, serving as vice president and host of the “Moneyline” program. He joined FOX Business in 2011 and served there until exiting in 2021 after being named in the Smartmatic defamation suit. During his career, Dobbs also hosted a talk radio show syndicated by United Stations Radio Networks from 2008 through 2012. He also hosted the “Lou Dobbs Financial Report” syndicated by Salem Radio Network. The program “Lou Dobbs Tonight” won an Emmy in 2004, and Dobbs won a George Foster Peabody Award for his coverage of the 1987 stock market crash.

Industry News

iHM Names Williams Area President for Alaska and Hawaii

iHeartMedia promotes Kim Williams to area president for Alaska and Hawaii, effective October 1, 2024im following the retirement of Andy Lohman. Williams is serving as market manager for the company’s Fairbanks, Alaska operations. iHeartMedia division president Dan Lankford says, “I have had the privilege of working with Kim over the past four years while she served as market president for Fairbanks. I’m excited to see Kim’s passion and experience expand to all of the iHeartMedia stations across the entire Alaska and Hawaii area.”

Industry News

WPHT, Philadelphia to Present Politics & Pints

Audacy’s news/talk WPHT, Philadelphia “Talk Radio 1210” Philadelphia is hosting “Politics & Pints” at9122024 Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey on September 12th featuring Donald Trump Jr., EVP of the Trump Organization. The event will be moderated by WPHT talk host Dom Giordano and the station says the conversation will cover the presidential race, the state of our union and his worldview as a conservative firebrand.

Industry News

Audacy Agrees to $2 Million Tax Payment

As Audacy continues the process of exiting Chapter 11 reorganization, it settles an unpaid tax bill with theim township of Lower Merion with regard to its former headquarters in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. The original amount to be paid by Audacy was $1.4 million however that figure was later deemed incorrect and now the company agrees to pay the township $2 million. Audacy is still awaiting final approval from the FCC to be able to operate its radio stations as the new Audacy.

Industry Views

A Candid Conversation with GM John Mullen of Hofstra’s WRHU-FM Now Posted

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A candid interview with John Mullen about Gen Z and the future of radio, conducted by Michael Harrison, has just been posted to the new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. Mullen is general manager of one of the most celebrated and prestigious campus radio stations in America – WRHU-FM at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. WRHU has been honored with multiple NAB Marconi Awards – some in categories usually reserved for professional, commercial outlets. The high-profile station also has an impressive track record of working with New York City commercial radio in the production of major league PBP sports programming and then some. Some of the nation’s leading broadcasters – including legends – have come up through Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Mullen is one of academia’s most astute radio experts and is in touch with the feelings and culture of the next generation of radio and television broadcasters. The conversation between Harrison and Mullen contains important insights into the state and future of radio. To listen to and watch this compelling new installment of “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison,” please click here

Industry News

Boden to Lead Cumulus Fayetteville

Cumulus Media announces that Tish Boden is appointed vice president/market manager for its Fayetteville, North Carolina station group that includes news/talk WFNC-AM and three music brands. She has beenim serving with the company in the same capacity in Shreveport, Louisiana.  Boden takes over for Cheryl Salomone, who announced her retirement earlier this year. Cumulus SVP of operations Mark Sullivan states, “Tish Boden has been an impactful leader with a strong record of success. I’m happy for her to be closer to her family and happy for our team in Fayetteville, as they are welcoming a strong leader. I’m also grateful for the time that I had to work alongside Cheryl Salomone and thank her for her meaningful contributions to the company and to the Fayetteville community. We wish her the very best in her retirement.”

Industry News

Audacy: Human Voices Engender Trust

Audacy reports that according to June 2024 data from its Innovation Tracker, 75% of U.S. adults believe AI can deceive them with false information, raising concerns about authenticity and reliability and that the human voice stands out as a beacon of trust. Audacy says the data reveals that “people are more than twice as likely to trust a human voice (55%) over AI-generated content (23%). This preference also extends toim advertising, where consumers express greater comfort with audio ads crafted by humans compared to those produced by AI. This trust in human voices isn’t just a preference; it’s a critical factor in advertising and content consumption.” Further, the data shows that radio hosts are valued 2.5 times more than social media influencers for delivering news (56% vs. 22%) and twice as much for sports commentary (40% vs. 21%). Similarly, podcast hosts are preferred over social media figures when discussing social issues (43% vs. 34%). Audacy concludes, “These statistics underscore the profound impact of human voices in fostering meaningful connections and reliable information dissemination.”

Industry News

Edison: Audio Important to Female Sports Fans

Edison Research says that the study “Sports Audio Report: Female Fans” from it, SiriusXM Media, and GroupM explores the unique audio listening habits of U.S. female sports fans and shows how they interact with sports beyond the field. Some of the key findings about women who listen to sports audio are: 1) Female fans devote significant time to sports audio content: 33% of female sports fans listened to sportsim audio content in the last week; 37% of female sports audio listeners spent 5+ hours listening to sports audio in the last week; 2) Female sports audio listeners are more likely than male sports listeners to listen to sports audio with others: 80% of female sports audio listeners ever listen to sports audio with other people compared to 73% of male sports audio listeners; 3) Female sports audio listeners are turning to podcasts to seek new perspectives: 59% of female sports audio listeners and 67% of female sports podcast listeners say yes that they consume sports audio to hear unique perspectives on sports topics not covered in other media; and 4) There is an opportunity with female sports audio listeners as they lack a wide variety of content: 35% of female sports audio listeners agree that there aren’t enough sports audio programs that give different perspectives; 34% agree that there aren’t enough audio programs that cover the sports they like/follow.

Industry News

NAB Challenges FCC’s Broadcast Ownership Restrictions

The National Association of Broadcasters filed its initial brief in its challenge to the Federal Communications Commission’s local radio and television ownership restrictions. NAB says the Commission has increased the regulatory burden on the industry from its periodic review of its broadcast ownership rules after Congressim intended it be a deregulatory exercise. NAB says, “The Local Television and Radio Rules retain and even tighten decades-old restrictions on which – and how many – television and radio stations broadcasters may own in a particular geographic market. The rules are premised on the notion that broadcasters could exert disproportionate influence by shaping news and entertainment options. But that idea is a relic from a bygone era – before the emergence of the Internet, smartphones, social media, and streaming. In reality, broadcasters today struggle to keep pace with rapidly proliferating audio and video platforms that are steadily taking audience share and advertising dollars. Instead of making it harder for broadcasters to compete, the Commission should have modernized its outdated rules because they are no longer justified. Given the significance of the Commission’s rules, the size of the regulatory record, and the number of parties involved, Petitioners respectfully submit that oral argument would be beneficial.”

Industry News

WWO: Amazon Prime Day and AM/FM Radio

The Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog looks at the Amazon Prime Day event and heavy users of AM/FM radio and podcasts. Several studies indicate that these heavy users are more likely to make purchases during these sales which is a good reason for retailers to use AM/FM and podcasts in their holiday marketing plans. Some of the takeaways from the blog include: 1) AM/FM radio and podcasts areim ideal medium platforms for retailers and e-commerce brands: Heavy audio listeners are more likely to shop online. Heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners also spend more online than TV viewers. AM/FM radio listeners and heavy podcast listeners over-index on Amazon Prime membership and purchase intent; 2) AM/FM radio makes your TV better – “20 gets you 50”: Nielsen Media Impact optimizations reveal shifting more media weight to AM/FM radio generates significantly more reach, especially among younger demographics 18-49. AM/FM radio does an extraordinary job increasing campaign reach among light TV viewers, who are far less likely to see retailer TV ads. The rule of thumb is “20 gets you 50”: a 20% shift of a TV media budget to AM/FM Radio generates a 50% increase in reach; and 3) Audio holiday AM/FM radio campaigns work: Consumers exposed to an Amazon holiday AM/FM radio campaign have higher brand equity (awareness, ad recall, prior purchase and purchase intent). Nielsen sales effect studies reveal AM/FM radio campaigns for retailers generate significant return on advertising spend: $15 dollars of incremental sales for every dollar of AM/FM radio advertising. See the full blog post here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Donald Trump assassination attempt aftermath; Trump picks J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential candidate; the RNC in Milwaukee; Joe Biden’s competence and the presidential race; Judge Aileen Cannon rules Trump special prosecutor Jack Smith was illegally appointed; Russia convicts U.S. journalist Masha Gessen in absentia; Russia and China conduct joint military operations; the Israel-Hamas war; and the extreme weather affecting much of the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Talk Radio Responds to Trump Assassination Attempt; Numerous Stations Break into Programming to Field Calls from Listeners

When a would-be assassin attempted to shoot former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania just after 6:00 pm ET on Saturday (7/13), many American news/talk stations were airing either pre-recorded or network programming. Stations were able to turn to their national news organizations for network coverage since most had reporters covering the rally. Many stations called in their local talent to connect with listeners who wanted to talk about the event. Bruce Collins is PD and newsim director at Cumulus Media Dallas-Fort Worth. He tells TALKERS, “We immediately texted and sent push notifications on WBAP and KLIF and then went to FOX News Radio for wall-to-wall coverage. I then called in our WBAP morning hosts Ernie Brown and Carla Marion to talk with medical experts, police officials, and Secret Service experts in between the FOX coverage. After Ernie and Carla, WBAP PM drive host James Parker took over and fielded local listener reactions in between the FOX coverage.  Phones and social media were flooded. Local WBAP host Chris Krok then did a special national broadcast on Westwood One’s “Red Eye Radio” imand took local calls throughout the night.” At Red Apple Media’s WABC Radio in New York, company CEO John Catsimatidis interrupted the live “Cousin Brucie’s Saturday Night Rock & Roll Party” and brought talk host Curtis Sliwa in to go on air and work with the news team throughout the evening. Throughout the evening, WABC Radio air personalities including Dominic Carter, Rita Cosby, Greg Kelly, and more called in. Catsimatidis says, “I am immensely proud of our team who at a moment’s notice dropped whatever they were doing to bring our listeners up-to-the-minute information. Emotions are high across America. By delivering the facts, we bring a sense of calm to our listening community.” At WMAL-FM, Washington, DC, brand manager Bill Hess says, imCorey Inganamort was hosting the final hour of our live local Saturday afternoon when he noticed some activity on the studio TV.  He immediately began describing what he was seeing. After several minutes, we made the call to go to our network partner, FOX News Radio, for coverage. We stayed with the network through the evening.” Urban One’s WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte, program director Mikeim Schaefer tells TALKERS, “Saturday evening, Brett Winterble and news director Mark Garrison were on the air within an hour of the incident, delivering the information as it unfolded. Shortly thereafter, additional members of the WBT team called in to contribute their thoughts and analysis, including Bo Thompson, Vince Coakley, Pete Kaliner, and Brett Jensen.  Our coverage continued through 9:00 pm Saturday night. On Sunday we broke from regular programming and went live and local from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, with special continuing coverage imfrom “Good Morning BT” hosts with Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman in the morning, Vince Coakley and Pete Kaliner in the midday, and Brett Winterble and news reporter Scott Hamilton in the afternoon.” At iHeartMedia’s KFI, Los Angeles, where it was just after 3:00 pm, Neil Saavedra was live on the air. Program director Robin Bertolucci says, “We immediately went wall-to-wall covering the story. KFI’s Neil Saavedra was on the air doing his regular Saturday show, ‘The Fork Report,’ when it occurred, and he immediately switched to in-depth news coverage of the assassination attempt. KFI news had the latest and we provided ongoing updates for all of our LA iHeart properties and put up the story on all social platforms. KFI’s Gary Hoffmann came in and took over at 5:00 and we covered it wall-to-wall till 8:00 pm.” Bill Brady owns KFNX-AM, Phoenix andim happened to be on the air hosting his Saturday show when news broke. He tells TALKERS, “I was on the air ‘live’ Saturday afternoon. I began the show by saying, ‘This is a very different show than I normally do.  Today’s show deals with a very sensitive story. Our president was grazed by a bullet today in Butler County, Pennsylvania. A half an inch difference in the bullet’s path and this could have been an assassination. Others have been killed and wounded. There is much still to learn. Let’s try to make sense of imthis. It is not a day for politics.'” Salem Radio Network says, “Talk host Mike Gallagher raced to Salem studios in Tampa for a rare, two-hour live special broadcast covering this major breaking news story. Joining Gallagher were SRN’s Dr. Sebastian Gorka and Dennis Prager as well as Salem New York morning host Joe Piscopo and Salem Dallas morning host Mark Davis.  Former SRN host (and one-time GOP Presidential contender) Larry Elder also joined the broadcast, which fielded calls from listeners in New York, Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Illinois andim many other states.” Obviously, the coverage of a news story of this magnitude spilled over into Sunday. WBEN, Buffalo brand manager Lisa Polizzi says, “We went almost all local on Sunday with David Bellavia in the morning, our ‘Hardline’ political show that included a former FBI agent, a former Buffalo police captain, and the Erie County GOP chair, as well as ‘Reese on the Radio’ taking local calls in the afternoon.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Ratings Lessons from Dr. Ruth

By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Action Partners
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
Host, WPHT, Philadelphia – daily
Talk Media Network – Sundays

imDr. Ruth Westheimer holds the audience share record for 18-34s in New York.

When her first-ever radio show launched on WYNY-FM it was 15 minutes a week. She solicited letters. By the end of the second week, she had gotten over 1,000 letters.

General manager Dan Griffin put her on the air. Mitch Lebe had a good talk show and had booked Ruth as a guest… she was memorable! Betty Elam, public affairs director met her at a City College lecture. Everyone saw and felt the potential, but it was Mr. Griffin who came to me with the plan to hire Dr. Ruth. I was executive vice president in charge of the NBC FM stations and WYNY-FM was my responsibility. Being tactically and boldly irresponsible I said, “Yup, put her on.”

A few months later, Al Brady Law the next GM and Pete Salant expanded her show to two hours on Sunday nights taking live phone calls. Very quickly she got on the cover of PEOPLE, guested on the “Tonight Show” and became Dr. Ruth!

How did this happen? 

— Dan Griffin had been in the CIA. He was brilliant, fearless, and Catholic. I never heard him raise his voice or do anything without reasons and facts. My confidence in his judgement made a sex talk show easy to launch. He knew how to talk to humorless lawyers, advertisers, listeners and the NBC Standards and Practices department.

Dr Ruth’s world was fearless thanks to Dan Griffin. Amateur GMs would have panicked when she said, “blow job” and “vagina,” every week. Dan never blinked.

The underpinning of her success was the lack of fear. Management was fearless. She was fearless. Therefore, she could be authentic. Authenticity is rare, appealing, and always successful. Today, I’ve known talent beaten for making fun of Erin Andrews or posting a meme. How would that management have handled Dr. Ruth? They’d be passed out under the table. When listeners, lawyers, advertisers complain – that means it’s working!

Note GMs Griffin and Law were GOAT programmers who had never spent a second in sales.

— Dr. Ruth had two bullet wounds from her service in the Israeli army. She had no fear – of anything. This is key – she had no concerns about the comments of her psychologist peers or her private patients. Every other radio psychologist I’ve worked with were all concerned about their colleagues’ reactions to their radio work. Not Ruth. She maintained a listed private practice in Manhattan the rest of her life.

— She took direction. We gave her a few tips on how to take phone calls, how to pace a radio show. She embraced and enacted them all.

— Relentless promoter. Dr. Ruth was a self-made star. Every single day, at every meeting she pushed for more air time, press, appearances. She was happy to show up, do the heavy lifting, and work on every possible opportunity to grow the show. All whoopee parties were good news for Dr. Ruth. She launched two cable networks including Lifetime.

— She focused on the cross hairs of her expertise and the listeners’ interests. She never strayed from her knowledge and the listener’s expectations.

Dr. Ruth entered the Radio Hall of Fame without objection from anyone.

She received a purple heart from her service in the Israeli army.

And she was funny as heaven. Thank you, Dr. Ruth.

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.

Industry News

KIRO, Seattle Celebrates 50 Years of Newsradio

Bonneville’s KIRO Newsradio in Seattle is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its news/talk format with a number of special broadcasts featuring prominent alumni. KIRO-AM was launched in 1927 and became news radio on July 15, 1974. The company says, “As one of the first commercial stations in the U.S. to focus solely on news and talk programming, KIRO quickly became a resounding success. By 1985, KIROim Newsradio was the top-rated station in the Seattle market and one of the ten most highly rated stations nationwide. In 2008, the station transitioned from 710 AM to 97.3 FM, continuing its legacy of innovation.” KIRO-FM is presenting a special edition of “Seattle’s Morning News” today with Bill Yeend – the first morning news anchor back in 1974 – returning for the event. Dave Ross, a fixture at KIRO since 1978, and Ursula Reutin, who has been with the station since 1988, will host the special broadcast. “Ross and Reutin will share the mic with their returning colleagues, offering listeners a nostalgic journey through KIRO’s storied past. The alumni news anchors will each be invited to deliver an up-to-date newscast featuring KIRO Newsradio’s current generation of reporters.”

Industry News

Round Four of June 2024 PPMs Released

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s June 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 May 23 through June 19. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Urban One’s Indianapolis news/talk WIBC-FM adds six-tenths to finish the survey with a 7.5 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #4 in the market. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee rises four-tenths for a 12.5 share finish and racks up its 10thconsecutive month at #1. (Good Karma Brands’ crosstown competitor WTMJ ceased subscribing to the ratings several months ago.) Cox Media Group’s Jacksonville news/talk WOKV-FM added seven-tenths to finish with a 9.4 share that lifts it to the #2 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Jesse Kelly Show Joins WFLF, Orlando

The Premiere Networks nationally syndicated “Jesse Kelly Show” is being added to the program lineup atim iHeartMedia’s news/talk WFLF, Orlando, airing from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. iHeartMedia Orlando SVP of programming Ken Holiday states, “We are thrilled to welcome Jesse Kelly to WFLA Orlando! Starting Monday, July 15, Jesse will bring his unfiltered and unapologetic insights to our listeners. From history to politics to pizza, Jesse’s show has it all in a no-nonsense kind of way. Whether you’re a veteran like Jesse or just a good ol’ fashioned red-blooded American, the show has something for everyone.”