Industry News

Sean Hannity to Moderate DeSantis-Newsom Debate

FOX News Channel prime time star Sean Hannity will moderate a red vs. blue state debate between Florida Governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis and Democrat California Governorim Gavin Newsom on November 30 from a location in Georgia yet-to-be-determined. It will air from 9:00 pm to 10:30 pm ET. FNC says, “Hannity first raised the prospect of a debate with Governor Newsom during his exclusive sit-down this past June, following which, Governor DeSantis officially signed on to participate in July. This will mark the first time the two prominent governors will face off in a debate.” Hannity says, “I’m looking forward to providing viewers with an informative debate about the everyday issues and governing philosophies that impact the lives of every American.”

Industry News

WVOX, Westchester Ceases Operations

According to a story in New Rochelle’s Daily Voice, Westchester, New York station WVOX-AM has goneim out of business 16 months after the passing of owner William O’Shaughnessy, who served as president of Whitney Radio. The station ceased broadcasting on September 7. In July, O’Shaughnessy’s family sold WVIP-FM, New Rochelle to religious broadcaster Hope Media Group for $8.15 million. Read the Daily Voice story here.

Industry News

FOX Business and Univision Hosts to Moderate Next GOP Debate

FOX BusinessStuart Varney and Dana Perino will be joined by Univision’s Ilia Calderón in co-moderating the second Republican presidential primary debate on September 27 from the Ronald Reaganim Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. It will be broadcast live on FOX Business Network, FOX News Channel and Univision. It will also be livestreamed via FOX Nation. FOX News Media president and executive editor Jay Wallace says, “We are very proud to have Stuart Varney and Dana Perino co-moderating the second debate with Univision to provide Americans with a comprehensive view of the qualifying candidates vying for the Republican nomination for president.”

Industry News

KWAM Awarded for Best News Coverage

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Starnes Media Group’s news/talk KWAM, Memphis was honored with the Best Large Market News Coverage award during the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Excellence in Broadcasting Contest. The station earned a second-place finish in “Best Public Service” and the station was lauded specifically for its coverage of a 2022 mass shooting that locked down the city. KWAM staffers pictured above include (from l-r): Caleb Parke, Ben Deeter, KWAM owner Todd Starnes, TAB executive director Chris Baker, Alan Pillow, and Grace Baker.

Industry Views

Radio to the Rescue: Maui KAOI Radio Stations Air 24/7 Disaster Coverage

As Southern California radio is currently diving into the process of serving its communities with supportive coverage of Hurricane Hilary’s devastating floods and wind damage, Hawaiian radio stations have stepped up the plate and offering vital support to its listeners. Once again, the medium of radio provides reliable and accurate information to populations under the threat of natural disasters.

The KAOI Radio Group on Maui consists of six legacy Maui County stations, four FMs – KAOI-FM, KDLX-FM, KNUQ-FM, KHEI-FM, and two AM stations, Maui’s only news/talk station KAOI-AM, and Hawaiian music KEWE-AM. The group has translators further solidifying its coverage all of Maui County.  The group is locally owned by Visionary Related Entertainment, based on Maui since 1988.

Coverage of the fires began when the first alert was issued for the Lahaina fire and later confirmed as “contained” only to have it restart later. Local coverage of the “up country” fire in the Kula area continued non-stop with intensive service to Lahaina as soon as the fire was confirmed as having restarted. The stations relied on coverage by AM station morning newsman Jack Gist, afternoon and evening host Garry Forsberg, and group president/GM/owner John Detz. Live reports around the Island were supplied by local talk show hosts including head of the Maui Chamber of CommerceMaui Humane Society, local attorney David Cain, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, and many others. All stations have remained on the air 24/7 reporting breaking news and community resource information.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison obtained an exclusive interview with group owner John Detz conducted yesterday (Sunday 8/20). Listen to their conversation here.

Industry News

Urban One Files 2022 Q4 and Full Year Operating Results

If you’ve been following this story, you are aware that Urban One is late with this Securities and Exchange Commission filing because of accounting issues related to the valuation of its investment interest in MGM National Harbor, which the company sold for cash proceeds of approximately $136.8 million on April 21, 2023. Re-evaluation of the accounting required adjustment to the company’s filings for the four quarters of 2021 andim Q3 of 2022. For the fourth quarter of 2022, net revenue was approximately $132.6 million, an increase of 1.6% from the same period in 2021. The company reports operating income of approximately $14.3 million for the period, compared to approximately $20.3 million for Q4 of 2021. Broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $47.6 million, an increase of 7.9% from the same period in 2021. Net income was $856,000 compared to approximately $5.3 million in net income for the same period in 2021. The company has yet to file its operating results for Q1 of this year, but its preliminary results from the quarter show same station radio segment revenue up 2.0% on a same station basis.

Industry News

FNC’s Baier and MacCallum to Moderate Republican Primary Debate

The first Republican primary debate will take place on August 23 on FOX News Channel with anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum serving as co-moderators. The event takes place live from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pmim from the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. FOX News Media president and executive editor Jay Wallace comments, “We are extremely proud to have Bret and Martha moderating the first debate of the 2024 presidential election season as Americans learn more about the candidates ahead of exercising their constitutional right to vote.”

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in a Digital World” Panel Discussion Posted

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During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/20) with the panel discussion,im “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in a Digital World.” The session, sponsored by The Ramsey Show, was introduced by syndicated host and radio executive Doug Stephan of the Good Day Show/Stephan Multimedia (pictured at right) and moderated by Lapcom Communications Corp president, Steve Lapa (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media GroupPaul Gleiser, host/owner, KTBB-FM-AM, Tyler, TX; Michael “MZ” Zwerling, host/owner, KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz;  Todd Starnes, host/president, The Todd Starnes Show Syndication/owner, KWAM, Memphis; and Paul Vandenburgh, host/owner, WGDI, Albany, NY. See video of the session here.

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Industry News

Urban One Announces Partnership to Operate Richmond Casino

Urban One reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission that on June 13, 2023, Urban One, Inc.’s 50/50 partnership with Churchill Downs Incorporated, RVA Entertainment Holdings, LLC, entered into aim Resort Casino Host Community Agreement with the City of Richmond, Virginia, to be the city’s preferred casino gaming operator subject to certification by the Virginia Lottery Department and a local referendum. The planned project is a $562 million world-class entertainment and gaming venue.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of “Programming News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era – Part 2” Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today with the panel discussion “Programmingim News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era – Part 2.” The session, sponsored by “Our American Stories,” is introduced by Alex Fife, VP operations, Southeast, iHeartMedia – Total Traffic & Weather Network (pictured at right) and moderated by Walter Sabo, CEO, Sabo Media and host (Walter Sterling) of Sterling on Sunday (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Dan Mandis, program director and host, WTN-FM, Nashville; Ross Kaminsky, host KOA, Denver; Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group/ops VP, New York region/WMCA/AM 970; Josh Leng, CEO, Talk Media Network; and Matt Meany, program director, WABC, New York/Red Apple Media.  See the video of this session here

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Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of “Programming News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era – Part 1” Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2im at Hofstra University will be posted, beginning today with the panel discussion “Programming News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era – Part 1.”  The session, sponsored by Premiere Networks, is introduced by Larry O’ Connor, morning host at WMAL, Washington, DC and moderated by Mike McVay (pictured at right), CEO of McVay Media Consulting.  Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Joe Thomas, program director/host, WCHV, Charlottesville, VA; Eric Stanger, SVP operations, Sean Hannity Show/Premiere Networks; Brett Winterble, host, WBT, Charlotte; Kevin DeLany, VP news & talk programming, Westwood One; and Tom Cuddy, program director, WOR, New York. (Note: Matt Meany, program director, WABC, New York who was originally scheduled to appear on this panel switched to the “Programming News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era – Part 2” session which will be posted tomorrow.) See the video of this session here

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Industry News

Audacy Announces Technical Operations Changes

Audacy promotes Clay Walker to vice president of content operations in which he’ll oversee a newly created content operations department. Audacy says Walker is now “responsible for content operations across the company to ensure innovation, standardization, and delivery of a premium product at the local, regional andim national levels.” The company adds that the content operations department is also responsible for developing the requirements and business objectives that drive the short and long-term goals and funding for content creation, curation, and operational systems. Walker has been serving the company as director of programming and imoperations for Audacy Greensboro. At the same time, Audacy says SVP of technical operations John Kennedy will oversee a refocused broadcast engineering function. The company says Kennedy “will manage and maintain Audacy’s acquisition, distribution and production equipment and solutions at the local, regional, and national levels, including Audacy’s network operations center. Audacy EVP head of programming Jeff Sottolano comments, “Clay has already proven himself to be an adept and innovative thinker as it relates to the evolution of our content production and distribution systems. I am excited to see him and John partner more closely with our central, regional and local content and technical operations teams.”

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 is an Advance Sellout. However, Standby List Placed in Operation

TALKERS 2023, the 26th annual installment of the talk media industry’s iconic gathering, is an advance sellout. However, at the suggestion of several industry professionals still wanting to attend, there will be a standby list in operation until 12:00 noon ET on Thursday, June 1 which will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, as (and if) cancellations occur. Potential attendees in the New York area interested in being put on the list should call Barbara Kurland at TALKERS at 413-565-5413 or email her at info@talkers.com.  According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “Industry professionals who have attended the TALKERS Conference in theim past enjoy it and find it to be a valuable experience for a number of reasons beyond the remarkable quality of the speakers and pertinence of the agenda. They appreciate the intimacy of the environment and outstanding ‘who’s who’ in talk media makeup of their fellow attendees. We work diligently to keep this event within those parameters. It is only open to people who work within or are associated in some way with the talk media industry – there is no online open registration – and it all happens within one power-packed day with absolutely no down time.” More than 65 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a content-heavy day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. All in a beautiful indoor/outdoor state-of-the-art environment conducive to one-on-one conversations. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison adds, “People attend this seminar not only to see and hear the speakers… they come to meet them and each other as well! This event offers that opportunity.” The entire agenda of events at TALKERS 2023 will be video recorded and posted for world-wide viewing at a later date. Some sponsorship opportunities still exist. See more about the agenda, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

Urban One Unable to File First Quarter Operating Results

Urban One files a notification of late filing with the Securities Exchange Commission explaining the reason it has not filed its 2022 year-end 10-K (and other forms), as well as its first quarter 2023 10-K. The company says, “On April 7, 2023, Urban One, Inc. (the “Company”) announced that in connection with the preparation of its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s management, in consultationim with its independent registered public accounting firm, re-evaluated the Company’s accounting for the valuation of its investment interest in MGM National Harbor (the “MGM Interest”), which the Company sold for cash proceeds of approximately $136.8 million on April 21, 2023. After further review of the Company’s accounting for its MGM Interest, it was determined that adjustments are required to the Company’s financial statements as of January 1, 2021 and for each of the annual and interim periods ended December 31, 2021 and September 30, 2022 (the “Affected Periods”), due to understatements in the value of the MGM Interest… The Company’s management concluded that in light of the error described above, a material weakness exists in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting for the Affected Periods. The Company’s remediation plan with respect to such material weakness will be described in more detail in the 2022 Form 10-K. Due to the Company’s continued efforts in connection with the Restatement, preparation of the 2022 Form10-K and continued assessment of its internal controls, the Company is not able to finalize the financial statements and related information for inclusion in its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 (“2023 Q1 Form 10-Q”). Accordingly, the Company is unable to file its 2023 Q1 Form 10-Q within the prescribed time period.”

Industry News

Benztown + McVay Media Produces Train Derailment Podcast Series

Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks announces the launch of “Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine,” a limited series documentary podcast by creators, journalists, and co-hosts Jarid Watson, Priscillaim Watson, and Josh Miely. Priscilla Watson says, “What listeners will find compelling is the astounding level of control the railroad industry has over the economy, while local and state governments have no legal power to protect their citizens. As residents of the surrounding East Palestine area, living just 15 miles away, and as career content creators and multi-media journalists, we uncovered shocking evidence of industry-wide negligence and learned that derailments happen more often than one might think.”

Industry News

Latino Media Network Names Sylvia Banderas Coffinet CEO

As reported by Sara Fischer for Axios, Latino Media Network – the Hispanic media company partially funded by philanthropist and activist George Soros – names Sylvia Banderas Coffinet chief operating officer. Banderas Coffinet most recently served as general manager at Vox Media. Latino Media Network’s acquisitionim of the conservative Radio Mambí network of Spanish-language news/talk stations from TelevisaUnivision aggravated some conservatives who petitioned the FCC to deny the license transfers. The petition was rejected. The Radio Mambí format goes back to Amancio Víctor Suárez’s launch of programming created by anti-communist Cuban exiles in the mid-1980s. The group of 18 radio stations will gradually be turned over to Latino Media Network throughout this year. Company co-founder Jess Morales Rocketto is quoted saying, “We’re not the first business owners with our own political leanings,” while adding that they are focused on commercial success and not “imposing a political agenda.” Read the Axios piece here.

Industry News

Daily Soap Operas Being Set for Radio Syndication

A startup radio syndication firm SoapKast launched by Andrew Pemberton-Fowler has developed a soon-to-be-released daily, one-hour program titled, “The SoapKast Hour.”  Each installment of the show consists of two original radio soap operas, “Kingsport” and “Affairs of the Heart,” targeted for what is being described asim “modern audiences.” According to Pemberton-Fowler, “‘The SoapKast Hour’ targets women 24-59 who are looking for daily original, high-quality drama. ‘The SoapKast Hour’ will keep audiences coming back day after day to hear the unfolding drama of ‘Kingsport,’ a story about unhappy people searching for happiness, and ‘Affairs of the Heart,’ an uneasy tale about class, wealth, and money set in a small college town.” The show will be available to stations via barter with 10 local and eight national spots per episode. Interested stations can learn more by calling 323-316-0342 or email sales@soapkast.comListen to a demo here.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Harnessing Desperation

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imAre you desperate enough to be a superstar seller or great manager?

Fellow fans of the NBA, especially all of us based in Miami or Milwaukee, know the name Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 28-year-old, 6’ 11”, 240-pound NBA superstar is affectionately nicknamed the Greek Freak, reflecting his Greek-Nigerian roots. In the past few days, his words dominated the sports news cycle. An emotional two-minute response to a question posed by the Milwaukee Bucks beat reporter Eric Nehm set off a viral frenzy.

Not a basketball fan? Antetokounmpo has 15 million Instagram and 3 million Twitter followers who know him well. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who earns about $40 million a year playing basketball, was asked by Nehm if he felt his team’s 2023 playoff performance was a failure as they lost to the lower seeded Miami Heat and were eliminated from the 2023 NBA playoffs.

Antetokounmpo’s answer was so riveting even a competing owner, the super shark himself—Mark Cuban – complimented Giannis in front of Cuban’s own 9 million Twitter followers.

In just over two minutes in the setting of a globally broadcast press conference, the Greek Freak explained how he does not process “failure.” His brain computes performance, goals, and achievement. Failure is not part of his competitive world, getting closer to his goal is. In a previous interview, Giannis described the desperation he feels from the fear of losing everything he has achieved is his motivation. The NBA MVP ego part is great, but for him it’s about the feed your family, make your parents proud part. Wow! A star performer who is honest enough to share how desperation pushes his performance meter for fear of losing it all.

How can sellers and managers relate when most are focused on “make the month?” Let’s start here:

  • What motivates you? Is it the money, the challenge, the ego gratification of a job well done?
  • Are you the hardest working seller or manager in the organization? Do you still waste your time lobbying for an “E” for effort?
  • How do you process not winning the business? Failure or one step closer on the next opportunity?
  • Are you focused on improving an important aspect of your performance? Commitment to improving is mission critical to every aspiring star.

Next time your motivation meter is low, search for a most memorable 2-minute motivator courtesy of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com. Steve Lappa will be moderating the “Generating Revenue” panel at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University.

Industry News

Hubbard Promotes Wolinsky to Publisher of Federal News Network

Hubbard Broadcasting Washington D.C. announces Jeffrey Wolinsky is rising from director of Federal sales to publisher at the company’s Federal News Network. Hubbard says Federal News Network is “an industry leading trusted news and marketing platform that focuses on the issues and topics affecting the federal government and federal government contracting community.” Joel Oxley is vice president and general manager at WTOP News and Federal News Network. He says, “Each time I have brought new opportunities to Jeffrey he has used his creativity and collaborative approach to create success for our audience, our advertisers and our team. His expertise specifically in identifying trends our organization can leverage to better deliver on our mission will take a higher profile. Leading to even greater overall success. Jeffrey’s vision for the future will align directly with our goal of being the go-to source of federal news for employees and contractors and bringing new products and opportunities to market.” Wolinsky has served at Hubbard DC for the past 20 years.

Industry News

Gerald Celente is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Noted trends forecaster and outspoken commentator Gerald Celente is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison describes Celente as “a fascinating individual who is the embodiment of the word ‘independent’ in both his use of digital platforms and his bold outspoken opinions about contemporary issues.” Celente is a longtime forecaster of economic, political and social trends and has been a guest voice familiar to the hosts and audiences of talk radio and television for decades. Based in historic Kingston, New York, he publishes a magazine called Trends Journal, co-hosts a podcast with noted media figure Judge Andrew Napolitano, promotes rallies for peace, and has even launched a non- sectarian entity called the Universal Church of Freedom Peace and Justice from which – as its deacon – he delivers a weekly YouTube sermon denouncing America’s role in foreign wars… a position that has cost him a number of former allies in business and the media. Celente describes himself as a “political atheist.”  Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

Audacy Boosts Coverage Area for Greenville’s News/Talk WYRD-FM

A frequency swap between Audacy’s news/talk WYRD-FM and adult contemporary WSPA-FM on March 28 will give the news/talk outlet substantially better coverage in the Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina market. WYRD-FM will rebrand as “News/Talk 98.9 WORD, The Voice of the Carolinas” and enjoy the expanded reach provided by the 100,000-watt Class C signal while WSPA-FM moves to the 25,000-watt Class C3 signal at 106.3 FM. Audacy says the change gives WORD access to a quarter million more adults 35+ from the South Carolina/Georgia border to Asheville, North Carolina, while covering parts of four South Carolina congressional districts and several North Carolina congressional districts. Audacy SVP and market manager for Greenville-Spartanburg Steve Sinicropi comments, “We are committed to delivering quality audio and content with our massive reach to our audiences. There is a tremendous demand for news/talk content in the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson-Asheville area. The signal flip allows us to maximize our reach even further across the region and more broadly meet the needs of our listeners and advertisers across the Carolinas.”

Industry News

Eric Stanger Promoted to SVP of Operations for Sean Hannity Show

Premiere Networks announces that Eric Stanger is promoted to SVP of operations for “The Sean Hannity Show.” Premiere says, “Stanger, who most recently served as vice president of operations for the program, will continue to serve as brand manager of the program, which reached the 700th affiliate milestone last November and attracts tens of millions of listeners nationwide. He’ll also continue to oversee all daily operations for the top-ranked program, including production, affiliate sales, marketing and staff management.” Premiere Networks EVP of affiliate sales Peter Tripi says, “Eric is a key member of ‘The Sean Hannity Show’ team, and his leadership and collaboration with our affiliate partners have been instrumental in the program’s continued growth and success. I couldn’t be happier to recognize his efforts with this well-deserved promotion.” Prior to joining Premiere when the company began syndicating “The Sean Hannity Show” in 2009, Stanger served as director of talk programming at ABC Radio Networks. He’s also previously served as APD at KABC, Los Angeles as well as at WABC, New York, and at Westwood One as executive producer of “The Tom Leykis Show.” Stanger first joined forces with Hannity during his time at WGST Atlanta, where he served as producer of “The Sean Hannity Show.” Stanger comments, “I want to thank Peter Tripi, Julie Talbott, Sean Hannity, and our amazing studio team. It’s an honor and inspiration to work with this group of radio professionals every day – they are the best of the best!”

Industry News

Superadio Networks Promotes Three

Superadio Networks LLC announces promotions in three of its offices. In New York, Raphael George is upped to director, affiliate sales and content. In this expanded role George assumes oversight of affiliate relations as well as new programming and content strategy. Chicago-based affiliate sales pro Kimberly Sawyer is promoted to media relations and affiliate sales manager. In her new role, Sawyer adds expanded Radio Media Tour outreach to her station relations duties. And in the Superadio Boston office, Dianne Cook is named operations and distribution manager overseeing both the affiliation process and distribution. Superadio president Eric Faison states, “These appointments are well deserved. Dianne, Raphael and Kim are invaluable contributors to the success of the company and have been integral in maintaining the high standards in customer service and quality programming that are synonymous with Superadio.”

Industry News

MRN Begins Coverage of 75th NASCAR Season and Daytona 500

This week begins the build-up to NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season and the 65th running of the Daytona 500 next Sunday (2/19). Motor Racing Network announces talent and coverage plans for the week in Daytona. Joining play-by-play veterans Alex Hayden and Jeff Striegle in the booth will be NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Rusty Wallace providing insight and analysis from his 25 years of competing at NASCAR’s highest level. They will be joined by expert pit reporters Steve Post, Kim Coon, and Dillon Welch. The familiar voices of Dave Moody, Mike Bagley and Kyle Rickey will call the action from high atop the Speedway’s 31-degree banked turns.

Industry News

LiveOne Reports Operating Results; Files to Spin-Out PodcastOne

LiveOne – parent company of audio services PodcastOne and Slacker – reports operating results for its third quarter of Fiscal 2023 and the first nine months of Fiscal 2023. At the same time, it announces that it is following through with its plan to spin-out PodcastOne into a separate company by filing an S-1 with the Securities Exchange Commission. For the company as a whole, LiveOne reports Q3 Fiscal 2023 revenue of $27.3 million – a decrease of 17% from the same period in Fiscal 2022. However, the company has reduced its net loss for the quarter from $11.8 million in Fiscal 2022 to $3.2 million. Its Audio Division that includes PodcastOne and Slacker produced record revenue of $22 million in Q3 Fiscal 2023 compared to $19.1 million in the same period in the prior year. LiveOne’s CEO and chairman Robert Ellin comments, “Over the past year, we have been laser focused on optimizing and streamlining our operations, led by our audio business, which includes Slacker Radio and PodcastOne. The combination of improving Contribution Margins, coupled with over $30 million in annual expense and overhead reduction, is resulting in record operating results. We are excited about the continued strong growth of paid memberships coming largely through B-to-B partnerships, including our nine-year relationship with Tesla. We expect our strong operating performance to continue for the foreseeable future led by our Audio Division and for it to collectively achieve revenue in excess of $88 million in Fiscal 2023 and generate more than $18 million in Adjusted EBITDA.”

Industry News

Westwood One Announces Radio Talent for Super Bowl LVII Coverage

This Sunday (2/12), CUMULUS MEDIA’s Westwood One produces its 50th championship game as the official network audio broadcast partner of the National Football League. When the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles face off at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Kevin Harlan will handle play-by-play duties for the 13th straight year, and Kurt Warner returns for the fifth consecutive year as lead analyst. Gene Steratore will also join the radio broadcast booth. For the fourth time, Laura Okmin will patrol the sidelines, along with former defensive lineman Mike Golic, who returns for his second Super Bowl with Westwood One’s broadcast crew. Scott Graham anchors the pregame, halftime, and postgame shows and Ryan Harris provides pregame, halftime, and postgame analysis. Gameday coverage begins at 2:00 pm ET with “Super Bowl Preview,” co-hosted by Scott Graham, Mike Golic, and Kurt Warner, followed by “Super Bowl Insider” at 3:00 p.m. ET with Scott Graham, Jason McCourty, and Ian Rapoport.

Industry Views

CES2023: Outlandish, Literally


By Holland Cooke
Consultant

When I say “Hyundai,” you think “car.” But Hyundai Heavy Industries is the world’s largest shipbuilding conglomerate, and they’re here to unveil “Ocean Transformation” strategies to change the way we utilize the sea and marine ecosystem. They’re showing off large replicas of unmanned “future ships” they say will be safer and more economical.

The Dutch company RanMarine Technology – a CES Innovation Award winner – introduces “MegaShark, the Trash Collection Catamaran,” which will bite-into some 200 million metric tons of plastic already in the oceans. We are seeing underwater robots, and we’re hearing about plans to expand living space to the ocean and generate energy there.

 

Legacy Media Disrupted

At CES2004, former radio mogul Mel Karmazin took over Sirius Satellite Radio, eventually merged with XM. Napster came-and-went. And with Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, YouTube and others now such faves, I feel lots more comfortable working in news/talk/sports radio than I would in music FM. It could be worse. I used to work at USA Today. The very term “newspaper” now sounds antique.

Don’t take it personally. Kindle and other e-readers disrupted books. The digital camera disrupted film. Enabled by 4G, Uber and Lyft disrupted the taxi industry. What will 5G bring? Stay tuned.

Glass-half-empty: “obsolescence.” Glass-half-full: “disruption,” which CES celebrates each year. And as I and TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison have been preaching to anyone-willing-to-listen for the last several decades, the skill set you acquired to do broadcast radio will advantage you in many other media.

 

Daily radio updates, help yourself

I’m reporting from CES all week for TALKERS…and for you. I am voicing daily 60-second radio reports for air through Friday 01/06. You can download them night-before at HollandCooke.com. Air as many times on as many stations as you wish. No password, no further permission needed, no paperwork, no national commercial.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is the author of “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books; and “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio

Industry News

FCC’s Gomez Challenges “The View” Investigation

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez issues a statement in response to the Commission’s plan to investigate ABC television’s “The View,” ostensibly for violating the FCC’s equal time rule. Gomez says, “Let’s beimg clear on what this is. This is government intimidation, not a legitimate investigation. Like many other so-called ‘investigations’ before it, the FCC will announce an investigation but never carry one out, reach a conclusion, or take any meaningful action. The real purpose is to weaponize the FCC’s regulatory authority to intimidate perceived critics of this Administration and chill protected speech. That is not how a free society operates. The First Amendment protects the right of daytime and late-night programs to cover newsworthy issues and express viewpoints without government interference. I urge broadcasters and their parent networks to stand strong against these unfounded attacks and continue exercising their constitutional rights without fear or favor.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (2/9)

The most discussed stories yesterday (2/9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. ICE Operations / DHS Funding
  2. The Epstein Files / Maxwell Clemency Request
  3. U.S.-Iran Tensions
  4. Super Bowl Aftermath / Bad Bunny
  5. Olympics / Nancy Guthrie Case
Industry Views

Monday Memo: Social Media That Clicks

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIf you’re on-air, it’s an important part of your job. Here’s what I see and hear working:

  • Daily Presence. Not just for-the-sake-of-posting, but to engage. Ask questions that spark conversation, reply to comments, repost listeners’ content (very flattering – they’ll repost you).
  • Share behind-the-scenes moments from the studio – inviting, insightful – not silly or self-amused. Watch how the cast of “This Morning with Gordon Deal” executes “When the Mic is Off.”
  • Tell stories. And at today’s blurry, attention-starved tempo, “word economy” is more imperative than ever. Make your point, without long setups, rambling, needless repetition or inside jokes… then get out. Like on-air breaks, every post has a purpose: entertain, inform, or connect. And a beginning, middle and end.
  • Stay in Your Lane. If the station doesn’t do politics, don’t do politics in social media. If the station is upbeat, you stay upbeat.
  • Done right, short video is powerful. Think: appetizer. 10- to 20-second clips can tease show content, or react to trending topics.
  • Consistency beats perfection. To differentiate you from soulless robotic new-tech audio competitors, raw beats polished, authentic beats staged, frequent beats flawless.
  • Close the loop on-air. Reward engagement with shout-outs. Superfans drive ratings.

As with on-air work:

  • Ask yourself: Why does this matter to listeners? How can I make this relatable? How can I make this interactive?
  • Avoid taking “lazy radio” habits online: reading long articles, bits with no payoff, inside jokes.

 Execute with intention and heart, and you’ll stand out in a world full of noise.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

TALKERS Magazine Enthusiastically Supports the 2026 IBS Conference in New York as its Presenting Sponsor

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgTALKERS magazine, the leading trade publication serving America’s professional broadcast talk radio and associated digital communities since 1990, is pleased to participate as the presenting sponsor of the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference for the second consecutive year.

IBS NYC 2026 – America’s preeminent annual college radio and media gathering – will take place February 19-21 at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel in midtown Manhattan.  The non-profit, volunteer-driven, IBS has been diligently serving student broadcasters since 1940, and its services are needed today more than ever.

Campus broadcasting continues to take on growing importance as the radio industry (and its related fields) seeks to connect with and develop a next generation of professional practitioners as well as engaged audiences. TALKERS is honored to again provide financial support, encouragement, experience, and advice to the dedicated organizers of this very special event.

We highly recommend that radio and media professionals attend this dynamic gathering because the grass roots future of the field oozes out of its content-rich meeting rooms, exhibition areas, and hallways. It provides fertile ground at which to network with almost a thousand wide-eyed up and coming stars in both talent and management – the next generation of professional industry movers and shakers. From the high school, college, and university perspective, the fact that it continues to be a must-attend conference for dedicated students of communication and professional media hopefuls remains a self-evident truth.  Here, in the early stages of the second quarter of the 21st century, everybody’s in show biz and everybody’s a star. To quote Ray Davies, “There are stars in every city, in every house and on every street.”

The skills of modern communication are a vocational necessity well beyond entering a career in radio, TV or podcasting. The abilities to produce a podcast, YouTube video, social media campaign, cogent press release, or “talk show” constitute a minimal level of modern age literacy needed in almost all fields of endeavor going forward.

Since its launch nearly four decades ago, TALKERS magazine has been a potent presence at the intersection of media creation, education, and accountability. That’s why our support of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference isn’t just symbolic – it’s practical.

The next generation of broadcasters, podcasters, digital hosts, producers, and media entrepreneurs is already building the future of this industry. IBS has been helping them do that – consistently, seriously, and without shortcuts – for decades.

Campus stations are often where experimentation happens first:

  • New formats
  • New voices
  • New distribution models
  • New cultural conversations
  • New technology
  • New legal frontiers

IBS recognizes that reality and treats student media creators with the same seriousness the industry demands at the professional level. This aligns directly with our TALKERS mission: supporting informed, responsible, creative media across emerging platforms.

We’re not simply sponsoring a conference.  We’re investing in the people who will define the next era of media.

For more information on the 2026 IBS conference, please click HERE.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

Report: Digital Ads Account for 25% of Radio Industry Revenue

According to the RAB’s 14th Annual Digital Benchmarking Report, produced by Borrell Associates Inc, digital advertising revenue reached $2.3 billion in 2025, accounting for one-quarter of all radio industryimg advertising revenue and stabilizing total industry sales. Moreover, Borrell forecasts digital revenue will grow slightly faster this year – 9.5% versus 7.8% in 2025 – reaching $2.5 billion. According to Borrell’s study, the average station generated $511,873 in digital revenue in 2025, and the average market cluster made $2,263,431. RAB president Mike Hulvey states, “Advertisers are recognizing the digital services and products that exist as part of broadcast radio’s marketing toolbox and are taking advantage of it. Today’s marketers are digitally savvy and understand the need to meet their customers wherever they are and across radio’s platforms.”