Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

Today’s Donald Trump trial-related hearings in which Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows argues to move his Georgia trial to federal court and Washington DC judge Tanya Chutkan hears arguments about trial dates for Trump’s January 6 case; the racially motivated deadly shooting in Jacksonville; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s plans to begin an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden; the confirmed death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Russia-Ukraine war; the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s march on Washington; and tropical storm Idalia makes its way toward Florida were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Says AI is One of the Most Important Talk Topics of Our Times

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison has kicked off a nationwide guesting tour of talk shows promoting discussion of the upside and downside of AI in conjunction with the release of the new song, “I Got a Line in New York City,” by the long-established classic rock group, Gunhill Road. Harrison performs lead vocals on the track performed with band members Steve GoldrichPaul Reisch and Brian Koonin. The music video of the song (produced by Harrison’s son and TALKERS associate publisher Matthew B. Harrison) has been described as a computer’s “fever dream about the Big Apple.” Although the music is totally organic, all of the visual graphics on the video have been assisted in their creation by generative artificial intelligence. Harrison says, “There’s huge interest in the topic of AI including the existential issues of its potential impact on our species. In the art community, debate is raging over whether AI enhances originality and creativity or if it is ushering in the death of individual artists and the role they play in the humanities.” See that video here.

Harrison launched the tour late last week appearing on the Rich Valdes show on Westwood One and has subsequently appeared on network programs hosted by Doug Stephan, Dr. Daliah Wachs, and WABC’s Frank Morano, as well as Harry Hurley on WPG, Atlantic City,  Todd Feinburg on WTIC-AM, Hartford and Michael Zwerling on KSCO, Santa Cruz.  WOR, New York has posted the video and an  accompanying story here.

To book Michael Harrison please call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413 or email info@talkers.com

Industry News

Clay Travis Wraps Book Tour at WISN, Milwaukee

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Premiere Networks radio personality Clay Travis – co-host of “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” and founder of Outkick Media – is pictured above (left) with U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) (right) in the studios of iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee. Travis broadcast his show from the station during his visit to Milwaukee as the final stop on the tour promoting his new book, American Playbook: A Guide to Winning Back the Country from the Democrats (Threshold Editions 2023). Travis hosted Johnson on his program as a preview of the first GOP debate. He closed out the book tour at the city’s historic Pabst Theater, where he discussed the book on stage with WISN personality Dan O’Donnell.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of August 21-25

The booking and bond hearings for former President Donald Trump and is numerous co-defendants in the Georgia election case was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was Wednesday’s GOP debate and the presidential race, followed by the special counsel Hunter Biden investigation at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result on ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

Salem Media Group to Sell Greenville-Spartanburg Signals

Salem Media Group announces it is entering into an agreement to transfer the ownership of Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina stations news/talk WGTK-FM, classic hits duo WRTH-FM and WLTE-FM toim
Educational Media Foundation for $6,775,000. Salem Media CEO David Santrella states, “We have enjoyed our years in the Greenville-Spartanburg market but have made the strategic decision to divest our interests there. As we do, we are grateful to be able to place these signals in the hands of Educational Media Foundation who share a like-minded mission with Salem through their music programming. We are also thankful to our Greenville-Spartanburg staff for their many years of service.”
Industry News

KFI, Los Angeles Presents “Maui Island Inferno” Radio Show and Podcast

iHeartMedia news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is presenting the special program “Maui Island Inferno,” hosted by award-winning investigative journalist Steve Gregory (right). The program features exclusive interviewsim conducted by Gregory, who was on the island of Maui covering the wildfires, including the devastating fire in the historic town of Lahaina. The show explores the government’s response, the views of Maui islanders, and what happens next. iHeartMedia says, “Gregory became imthe center of controversy when, during a press conference, he pushed Hawaii Governor Josh Green for answers and access to the fire scenes. Local and national media covered the exchange and became the foundation for other reporters to push back, seeking transparency and accountability.” The radio special and podcast are produced by Gregory and Jacob Gonzalez for iHeartMedia Los Angeles and the iHeartRadio Podcast Network.

Industry News

Jeff Katz Scores Exclusive Interview with RFK Jr

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Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive host Jeff Katz (left) with Democratic Party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr (right). Katz says that during Kennedy’s visit to Richmond, he granted just one interview and says the two “spent just shy of 30 minutes one-on-one, chatting about everything from the economy to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm'” (Kennedy is married to Cheryl Hines who starred as Larry David’s wife on the hit show).

Industry News

Cline Exits WNKT-FM, Columbia, South Carolina

According to a report in The State, Heath Cline exits Cumulus Media’s Columbia, South Carolina sports talk outlet WNKT-FM “107.5 The Game.” Cline has hosted the afternoon drive show since December 2007. Cline says he and the company were unable to come to terms on a new deal. He had the chance to speak about itim with station PD Terry Ford on the air. He told his audience, “It’s not a money thing. I just hit 50 this year. There are some things in my career I still want to do. They really wanted to keep me in Columbia and focused on that, and we just couldn’t get to where we needed to… This isn’t anybody’s fault. It’s just how radio and how business works sometimes.” Meanwhile, Cline says he’ll serve as executive producer and sub host for Chuck Oliver’s regional, college football-focused show and will continue the weekend hosting and fill-in work he’s been doing for Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN, Atlanta “680 The Fan.” Read The State story here.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Discusses AI as Used to Create Stunning Images on New Gunhill Road Video

The historic rock band Gunhill Road, of which TALKERS founder Michael Harrison is a member, has just released a new advance track from its forthcoming fifth album. The song, “I Got a Line in New York City,” is a genre-bending combination of jazz, rock, and blues with a Broadway flair. Harrison serves as lead vocalist on the song which he co-wrote with his bandmates Steve GoldrichPaul Reisch and Brian Koonin. Further energized by its provocative music video, “I Got a Line in New York City” is slightly abstract and even mystical – while, simultaneously, heart-tugging and down-to-earth. The engaging narrative puts an ultra-modern-but-somewhat-retro twist on the classic story of a young person (Brando Young) whose lifelong dream of making it on the stage is dashed by the cold, harsh reality of the big time. HERE’S THE HOOK: The visual images that bring stunning dimension to the video were created by human artists – under the direction of the video’s producer, TALKERS associate publisher Matthew B. Harrison – tapping into the assistance of leading-edge generative AI on every panel. Michael Harrison states, “The experience of employing the assistance of ‘generative artificial intelligence’ to render these images of an ‘alternate universe’ version of the Big Apple, sprinkled with bizarre characters and weird technology, has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and educational experiences of my media career. I’m thrilled to be able to go out there now and talk about life-changing AI with this knowledge under my belt.” Harrison is embarking on a mini-media tour to discuss the AI aspect of the video and the sociological implications of this game changer.  To arrange a phone interview with Michael Harrison please call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413 or email info@talkers.com.  To view the video, please click here: www.igotaline.com

Industry News

WRNL, Richmond to Launch New Commanders Postgame Show

Audacy announces that sports talk WRNL, Richmond “SportsRadio 910 The Fan” will air the new program “The Postgame Gutcheck,” hosted by station Commanders insider Howard Gutman and his son Collin Gutman after each Commanders game this season. Howard Gutman – who served as Ambassador to Belgium duringim the Obama Administration – is also the host of the programs “As I See It” and “Take My Word for It” on sister news/talk WRVA-AM. Collin Gutman hosts “The Gutcheck” on WRNL. Audacy Richmond SVP and market manager Bennett Zier states, “We’re thrilled to introduce ‘The Postgame Gutcheck’ and give Commanders fans a dedicated space to dissect and digest each game this season. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Ambassador Howard Gutman and his son Collin, this show will be a must-listen for anyone seeking in-depth analysis, insider insights and a passionate breakdown of all things Commanders.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/23) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The 2024 GOP presidential candidates’ debate; former President Donald Trump’s “counterprogramming” interview with Tucker Carlson; the 2020 Georgia election co-conspirators surrender in Fulton County; the special counsel Hunter Biden investigation; Kevin McCarthy’s promise of an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden; Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin reportedly dies in a plane crash in Russia; the BRICS summit and U.S.-China relations; Japan begins releasing Fukushima wastewater into the sea were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

News Pro Larry Mendte Joins WOR, New York

iHeartMedia announces that Emmy Award-winning news anchor Larry Mendte is joining news/talk WOR, New York as news director and morning news anchor. In this role, Mendte will anchor news during the station’s “Len Berman and Michael Riedel in the Morning” and during the late morning “Mark Simone Show.” Mendte takesim over the position after news director Joe Bartlett retired from the station on May 31 after 37 years with the WOR. Mendte had most recently been news director and host at WJLP-TV, Middletown, New Jersey “Me-TV.” Mendte says, “WOR is iconic in radio history, and I’m honored to accept this position. Len Berman and Michael Riedel are smart, entertaining, and informative. It’s the morning show I listen to, and I’m elated to now be part of it.” WOR program director Tom Cuddy states, “I’ve been a fan of Larry’s for many years. So, when the opportunity popped up for him to work with Len and Michael, I was truly pumped up that we were able to bring in a talent of his caliber.”

Industry News

Jake Kemp and Dan McDowell Agree to Cease Podcasts Until Mediation with Cumulus

The latest chapter in the disagreement between Cumulus Media’s KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth and former midday air personalities Jake Kemp and Dan McDowell includes the duo agreeing to not produce any newim podcasts, including “The Dumb Zone,” before they and Cumulus go into mediation over Cumulus’ charge that the two have violate their non-compete and other clauses in their contracts with the company. The court-ordered mediation was moved from yesterday (8/22) to next Tuesday (8/29).

Industry News

Stoney to Exit WXYT-FM, Detroit After the Super Bowl

Longtime Detroit sports talk personality Mike Stone, a.k.a. Stoney, announced to listeners this morning (8/23) that he will leave Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” after the Super Bowl in February. He co-hosts the morning drive show with Jon Jansen. Stoney told his audience he hopes theim Super Bowl will include the Lions, “There is nothing like an NFL run and nothing like knowing your team has a legitimate chance to get to the Super Bowl. I don’t know if they do, but I think it could be the start of a yearly thing. Them getting to the Super Bowl in my last year of doing the morning show, it would be unbelievable. I’d consider myself the lucky charm.” The 64-year-old Stone has been on Detroit sports radio since helping launch the format on WDFN-AM, Detroit in the early 1990s. Stone says he’ll stay with the station as a fill-in host for two more years.

Industry News

Dominick Milano Returns to Katz Media Group in SVP Role

Katz Media Group names Dominick Milano SVP, sales director and programmatic audio lead, effective immediately. He will report to Scott Porretti, president of Katz Digital Audio. Katz says, “Milano is an industry frontrunner at the intersection of audio and technology, with an extensive background in programmatic digitalim audio solutions, audio sales, and industry AdTech.  In his new role, Milano will lead one of Katz’s dedicated digital sales teams and drive Katz’s fast-growing programmatic audio offering, Audiology, the largest programmatic audio marketplace delivering precision data-driven audiences at scale.  Milano says, “The timing of my return could not be any better. Digital audio has grown monumentally through industry innovation and programmatic execution becoming more commonplace. Under Scott Porretti’s leadership, Katz’s digital position is well-established and ready to expand. I’m excited to play a role in its current success and new growth.”

Industry News

Urban One Receives Non-Compliance Notice from Nasdaq

Urban One has received a notice of non-compliance from Nasdaq Stock Market LLC due to its failure to timely file its Quarterly Report for the period ended March 31, 2023 and the period ended June 30, 2023 with theim Securities and Exchange Commission. Urban One has disclosed that it has been unable to file the reports in a timely manner due to the change of its independent registered public accounting firm. The company was granted 180 days to come into compliance by Nasdaq or face delisting and Urban One says it anticipates it will be able to file the reports in question before the deadline of September 27, 2023.

Industry News

Broadcasters Foundation Launches Tips & Sips for Young Broadcasting Professionals

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announce Sips & Tips, the second event in its campaign to give young professionals networking access to top-level broadcast industry managers and executives. Sips & Tips will take place during the Foundation’s Celebrity Golf Tournament & Fundraiser on September 11 at theim Greenwich Country Club. The Sips & Tips includes a two-hour golf lesson from a pro followed by access to the invitation-only reception and dinner and costs $300. BFoA president Tim McCarthy comments, “With these events, we open doors for junior professionals that can lead to long and fulfilling careers in broadcasting. We also bring awareness about our charitable mission to tomorrow’s broadcast leaders, helping to ensure that the Foundation will continue to provide aid for those in our business who need it most.” See more information here.

Industry News

“97.1 The Ticket” Unveils Detroit Lions Programming

Audacy sports talk WXYT-FM, Detroit “97.1 The Ticket” announces its game day programming for Detroit Lions broadcasts this season. The Sunday lineup includes: “Kickoff with Boomer Esiason & Mike Valenti” (9:00 am –im 10:00 am ET), “Lions Tailgate Show” with Rico Beard and Jim Costa (10:00 am – 12:00 noon), “Lions Pregame Show” with Dan Miller, Lomas Brown and TJ Lang (12:00 noon – 1:00 pm), Lions Radio Network postgame with Dan Miller, TJ Lang and Jim Costa (game end to 5:00 pm), “Lions Postgame Show” with Mike Stone and Jennifer Hammond (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm), and Pat Caputo (7:00 pm – 11:00 pm).

Industry News

Benztown Offers Free Labor Day AudioPack

Radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingles company Benztown is offering radio stations a free Labor Day Weekend AudioPack. Available now through September 1, the Benztown Labor Day Weekendim AudioPack has 20 pieces of audio available to download including SFX and musicbeds. It includes party ambiance, sunny musicbeds, Labor Day listener drops, glass clinking, beer-drinking, BBQ sizzlin’, pool splashing SFX. Find out more here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/22) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s co-defendants begin setting bond in Fulton County, Georgia case; Trump’s skipping tonight’s GOP debate and his plans to release a sit-down interview with Tucker Carlson; the 2024 presidential race; the Hunter Biden special counsel investigation; President Joe Biden’s visit to Maui; Vladimir Putin missing from the BRICS summit & the related U.S.-China relations; the Russia-Ukraine war; and the heat dome bringing sweltering conditions to the South and Midwest were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Radio’s Reliance on Power Companies and Internet Impact Ability to Serve

KSCO, Santa Cruz owner Michael Zwerling says as his station prepared to present a program on preparing forim the next big earthquake, ironically, the station lost power numerous times causing continuous off-and-on power situations that impacted the station’s broadcasts. Zwerling says each time the power went out and the generator kicked on – something that happened numerous times – it put stress on the transmitter and the generator. Complicating matters was that the station’s infrastructure – as well as the phone company’s and PG&E’s — is dependent on the internet and that requires consistent power. This puts stations’ abilities to serve at a disadvantage. Zwerling talks about this problem in an audio clip here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/21) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race and Wednesday’s GOP debate in Milwaukee; President Joe Biden visits Maui; the Hunter Biden special counsel investigation; tropical storm Hilary hits California & the Southwest as tropical storm Harold threatens Texas; immigration and border security; and the South and Midwest hit with brutal heat dome were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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 Views

Monday Memo: Embrace “Car Radio”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imAs this week’s first Republican presidential debate looms, my FOX News Radio-affiliated client stations are irked. Thanks to their network, they’re carrying it live, and locally sponsored, and promo-ing it aplenty. A couple of my clients will travel to Milwaukee to wrap pre- and post-game color around the play-by-play. So, yuh, they’re irked.

Listen somewhere else

 FOX News Radio newscasts invite listeners to hear the debate live, at FoxNewsRadio.com. Hello?

I talked one client down-off-the-ledge, by reminding him that anyone who wants to watch the debate, and can, will. And that anyone who’s driving cannot and won’t likely drive distractedly-enough to somehow stream it from a website in-car.

For decades, I’ve scripted promos for events like this, and the Super Bowl and World Series, by offering that “if you’ll be in the car tonight,” and/or “if you can’t be near TV,” and/or “if you’ll be at work,” we’ve got it on radio.

Hey, if I was FOX News Radio, I’d do the same thing. But when one client called to complain and asked “could you at least add ‘…and many of these FOX News Radio stations?’” he was told they’d run-it-up-the-flagpole.

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It could be worse. You’re not a TV station.

THEY should be livid, as NBC uses affiliates’ air to say watch Peacock. Channel-surf, and you will be lured to Paramount+ or Discovery+ or Disney+.

And this didn’t happen overnight, as I demonstrated several years ago in a TV report about the TV switch-pitch (https://youtu.be/2o3CpTz66JY).

So, embrace radio’s preeminence in-car, and not just when plugging special coverage. Program and promote everything as though you’re talking to busy people behind the wheel. Nobody sitting stiller will feel rushed.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry Views

Pending Business: TV Knows Best

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imBulletin: “Linear TV” is no longer the winner.

Linear TV is tech talk for combining over the air and cable TV, and according to Nielsen, July 2023 was the first-time streaming TV was the winner, as streaming captured most TV viewing.

From Netflix to YouTube, we are watching more content on streaming channels than linear TV. You have read about the resurgence in “Suits,” the legal drama that originally aired 2011-2019 and is now drawing 18 billion minutes of viewing on Netflix. Whether those 18 billion minutes are part Meghan Markle curiosity or part writers’ strike, does not matter. Those 18 billion minutes of viewing helped drive streaming viewership to an all-time high. Maybe streaming grabbed a page from that old radio handbook that starts with “Content is King.”

But the companies controlling the streaming ad-free experience on Netflix, Disney, Hulu, etc. seized the opportunity and raised rates. Soon, it will cost you more every month to watch your favorite content ad-free.

Wait a minute! Did I just say the ad-free experience as in commercial free or no interruptions? Did the streaming guys just take another page from the well-worn radio programming handbook and turn the commercial-free model upside down to increase income? Streaming channels will deliver commercial free programming and charge you anywhere from $13.99- $21.99 a month as the fees double and triple depending on when you started your subscription.

How about our friends at Amazon Prime jumping on “Thursday Night Football,” or Apple and Peacock pushing baseball? Do not forget the YouTube NFL packages starting at $250. No, this is not a veiled plug for paid programming, nor is it a critique of the value propositions offered in the streaming world. Time for a long look in the mirror:

— The commercial-free experience began when radio programmers dropped the commercials, programmed longer, commercial-free segments to drive listenership and ratings up. In the short term it worked. My hand is in the air, guilty as charged. Maybe I was one of the lone radio management voices who asked, “Then what, run the spots and drive the audience away? Are we sending the wrong message?” We were dumb. After commercial free came rates, packages, and promotions. None of us said, “Raise the rates when the commercial-free stops!” The streaming guys got it right – just raise the rates.

— There is no older radio programming mantra than “Content is King.” You can name the iconic talents with one word, Howard, Rush, Imus, yet major radio organizations struggle as they search for great, soon-to-be iconic talent. It is faster, easier, and more lucrative to become a Tik-Tok, YouTube, or Instagram star.

These are all just examples of how radio was first in and stopped innovating. There is some good news on the horizon. Facebook is stepping back from the news business as news organizations ban together and ask for compensation. This could be the first chink in Facebook’s 113-billion-dollar ad armor. Maybe not. Either way, the old school top-of-the-hour newscast, or large market all-news radio should be re-imagined, opening the door to the next generation of innovators.

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

Industry News

Erick Erickson’s Gathering Draws Almost 1,000 to Atlanta

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WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta-based, nationally syndicated talk radio host Erick Erickson presented “The Erick Erickson Show Gathering” in Atlanta last Thursday through Saturday (8/17-19) that drew almost 1,000 of Erickson’s listeners from his markets across the country. During the event, Erickson conducted 16 hours of interviews with GOP presidential candidates including Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tim Scott, and Senators Tom Cotton (AR) and Joni Ernst (IA) plus Congressman Rich McCormick (GA); and Governors Brian Kemp (GA) and Glenn Youngkin (VA). Press from six countries covered the event and more than 90 local television and radio markets ran stories about the event. Erickson says, “Bringing my audience from across America together to be up close with presidential contenders and conservative leaders is something no one else does. This was my tenth time since starting my show on WSB. Since going into syndication with Compass Media earlier this year, it just made sense to expand the footprint of the Gathering to all my listeners and online readers nationwide. We kept the ticket price very low and relied on sponsors because we didn’t want to burden the audience. The conference isn’t intended to be a profit center. It’s to build lasting relationships with affiliates, listeners, and readers.” Pictured above is Erickson (left) interviewing Governor Youngkin (center) and Governor Kemp (right).

Industry News

Kim Komando’s Digital Life Hack Joins WTOP, Washington

Radio host and tech expert Kim Komando’s daily feature “Digital Life Hack” is joining the programming at Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM Washington, DC. WestStar TalkRadio Nework says, “With thisim exclusive offering, Kim Komando shares insider secrets to empower listeners to unlock the full potential of their digital lives, catering to a diverse audience across music and spoken word radio formats. Today, technology is infused into every aspect of our lives. Kim Komando’s daily programs transcend barriers, enhancing the lives of listeners from all backgrounds” Komando adds, “I’m thrilled to join forces with the industry leader, WTOP, to bring invaluable tech insights to their discerning audience.”

Industry News

WABC’s Curtis Sliwa Arrested Again Over Migrant Camps Protest

Guardian Angels founder and WABC, New York host Curtis Sliwa was arrested yesterday (8/20) for blockingim the street along with other protestors in front of the Midland Beach Migrant Shelter on Staten Island. According to a report by Greg Wehner at FOX News, Sliwa was protesting the at the former Midland Beach Senior Citizen Home. It was the second time in a week that Sliwa was arrested. On Wednesday of last week (8/16) he and others protested in front of the Creedmoor Hospital Grounds where a tent shelter for migrants has been built. Read the FOX News piece here.

Industry News

ESPN Radio Unveils New Daily Lineup

After numerous media reports about the new daily lineup at the ESPN Radio network, the company issues a press release announcing the programming schedule that will take effect on September 5. As reported earlier, the new morning show will be hosted by Chris Canty, Evan Cohen, and Michelle Smallmon (the name of theim show will come soon), Mike Greenberg’s “Greeny” show remains in the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon ET slot. Chris Carlin and Joe Fortenbaugh host the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET show (again, the name will come later), Freddie Coleman and Harry Douglas host the 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET “Freddie & Harry” show, followed by Amber Wilson and Ian Fitzsimmons hosting the “Amber & Ian” show from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET.

Industry News

Radio’s Pinfield and Holiday Talk on “Sound, Sobriety and Success”

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Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks announces that KROQ, Los Angeles personality Megan Holiday joins rock journalist Matt Pinfield on the latest episode of the “Sound, Sobriety & Success” podcast. In the new episode, Holiday discusses her journey from her hometown of Rancho Cucamonga, California to becoming a personality at KROQ. She also shares the stories along the way of her recovery from addiction to drugs. Pictured above are (from l-r): Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks’ Darren Silva, Holiday, Pinfield, and Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks’ Dave “Chachi” Denes.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the 2024 presidential race; the Hunter Biden special counsel investigation; tropical storm Hilary heads toward Southern California; the aftermath of the Maui wildfires; China’s negative economic news and U.S.-China relations; the Russian lunar mission crash; and the uptick in COVID cases were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Eric Baker Named Director of Sales for Audacy Atlanta

Radio sales pro Eric Baker joins Audacy as director of sales for the company’s Atlanta station group that includes sports talk WZGZ-FM “92.9 The Game,” urban talk WAOK-AM and two music brands. Baker most recently served as general sales manager for Urban One in Dallas. Audacy Atlanta SVP and market managerim Rick Caffey says, “We are thrilled to welcome Eric Baker to the Audacy Atlanta team as our new director of sales. With his extensive background in sales management, we are confident that Eric’s expertise will drive our market growth to new heights. His strategic vision and proven leadership will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success in delivering top-tier content and engagement to our valued listeners and partners.” Baker says, “It’s with great enthusiasm that I embark on this new journey as the director of sales at Audacy Atlanta. I’m thrilled to collaborate with industry veterans like Rick Caffey, Doug Abernethy, and Reggie Rouse, whose expertise I greatly respect. My 16 years at Radio One have been invaluable, and I can’t wait to bring that experience to the dynamic team at Audacy Atlanta, working together to deliver results and achieve remarkable success for our clients while continuing to positively impact the Atlanta community!”