Industry News

“LaVicka, Theo and Stone” Ends as Changes Coming to “ESPN 106.3” in West Palm Beach

According to a story in the Palm Beach Post, Good Karma Brands’ sports talk WUUB-FM, West Palm Beach “ESPN 106.3” is undergoing programming changes that begin with the demise of the “LaVicka, Theo and Stone.” Ken LaVicka made the announcement on the program earlier this week as he exitedim the station. The piece notes that LaVicka said co-host Theo Dorsey will remain with the station hosting his own show beginning on Monday (4/8). The Post reports that GKB West Palm Beach general manager Stephanie Price issued the following statement: “LaVicka is still a teammate, and we are working with him on his future. We are always on the lookout for talent who can bring a new perspective to the market. We are putting more resources into both our radio and digital platforms to engage and reach the most fans, as consumption continues to evolve, as well as provide our partners more opportunities to reach those fans.”  Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Greg Gutfeld Inks Extension with FOX News Media

FOX News Media and personality Greg Gutfeld agree to a multi-year contract extension in which Gutfeld will continue as host of FOX News Channel’s “Gutfeld!” program and as co-host of “The Five.” He’ll also host and produce FOX Nation programming from time to time. FOX News Media CEOim Suzanne Scott comments, “Greg is a true original whose trademark political and cultural commentary, humor and gifted writing has deeply connected and grown with our audience for more than 17 years. Upon launching ‘Gutfeld!’ three years ago, he rapidly disrupted the status quo to become the most-watched host in the genre with more viewers tuning in to his show than any other late-night program on television. We are proud to be the home of Greg, his unparalleled analysis and late-night’s highest-rated program for many years to come.” Gutfeld states, “Since joining the network in 2007, FOX News has given me the freedom to be unabashedly myself and, in turn, deliver a distinct experience for our audience. There aren’t many platforms that allow this type of creative independence and I’m proud to be a part of Suzanne’s team.”

Industry News TALKERS 2024

Sharon Madison Named 2024 TALKERS Woman of the Year

im

Sharon “Sherry” Madison has been selected 2024 “Woman of the Year” by the TALKERS editorial board. She will be presented the Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievements in Talk Media by a Woman during TALKERS 2024 on Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University on Long Island. Mrs. Madison served as executive producer for her late husband Joe Madison’s long-running morning drive program on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Urban View channel since its debut on the platform in 2008. Prior to that she worked closely with her husband – a Radio Hall of Fame inductee – on his talk shows heard on a number of stations including WOL and WWRC in Washington, DC. The Madisons were married for more than 45 years. Joe Madison succumbed after a bravely fought battle with cancer earlier this year. The “Woman of the Year” award will be presented by legendary radio talk show host Larry Young of WOLB, Baltimore during a TALKERS tribute to Joe Madison at the conference. Upon announcing the choice, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “This is a classic case of a great woman behind a great man. This brilliant, distinguished woman has served with skill and steadiness creating a landmark program of utmost importance as one of the truly outstanding producers to ever work in talk radio. In 2024, no one deserves it more.”

Industry News

WBEZ, Chicago Staffer Starts GoFundMe for Fired Co-Workers

In the aftermath of the cuts at Chicago Public Media announced this week, WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith has started a GoFundMe to help his former fellow workers affected by layoffs. He says, “On March 3, CPM leadership announced the shuttering of the podcast unit, the end of the Vocalo radio signal and the layoff of 14 people. All of those people were valuable and deserve support, however I am operating this fundraiser as a member of the CPM SAG-AFTRA unit so all of the funds raised will go to the nine unit members who lost their jobs. The total amount raised will be split evenly between the nine unit members who were laid off.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of April 1 – 5

The Israel-Hamas war and the deaths of seven aid workers combined as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the presidential race, followed by former President Donald Trump’s legal battles at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

Noonan Joins Brey as Co-Host at WTMJ, Milwaukee

Good Karma Brands names Brian Noonan co-host of the midday show, “Spanning the State,” alongside host Kristin Brey. Noonan is currently host of “WTMJ at Night,” a position he’ll continue to hold untilim April 15, when he joins Brey full time. WTMJ assistant program director Michael Spaulding says, “Brian is a trusted radio veteran with almost two decades of experience under his belt. His unique ability to blend news and entertainment brings both fun and a sense of reverence to the station. During his time at WTMJ, imBrian has taken every challenge thrown at him and excelled. He steps in when needed, adds value to every show he fills in on, and lives the WTMJ and GKB brands. His addition to ‘Spanning the State’ alongside Kristin Brey just made sense.” Brey comments, “When we decided to launch ‘Spanning the State’ without a permanent co-host, I remember thinking that I would rather do the work of two people and hold out for the right person. A week after we premiered, Brian filled in as my co-host, and the chemistry was undeniable from the moment we turned our mics on. His experience, warmth, humor, and curiosity will take this show to the next level as we create something unique that appeals to people across Wisconsin.” Noonan says, “Without sounding too sappy, I could not be more excited to join Kristin Brey as we build ‘Spanning the State’ to tell stories that are uniquely Wisconsin. I’m proud to play a small part in helping WTMJ evolve and continue to be ‘Wisconsin’s Radio Station.’”

Industry News

Cumulus Extends Exchange Offer to April 9

In a filing yesterday (4/3) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Cumulus Media announces that its subsidiary, Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc, has further extended the expiration time in itsim previously announced Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation in which Cumulus offered to exchange any and all of its outstanding 6.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2026 (the “Old Notes”) for new 8.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2029 (“New Notes”) to be issued by Cumulus. The company has further extended the expiration time from 5:00 pm, New York City time, on April 2, 2024, to 5:00 pm, New York City time, on April 9, 2024.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/3) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Israel’s killing of seven aid workers in its battle against Hamas and the Biden-Netanyahu tensions; the presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; Israel’s killing of Iranian generals and Iran’s promise of revenge; the blowback from President Joe Biden’s Trans Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday; Marjorie Taylor Greene’s campaign to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson; and the troubles facing Elon Musk’s Tesla were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

PJ Kumanchik Named Brand Manager for KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh

Audacy announces that it is promoting PJ Kumanchik to brand manager for KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh “News Radio.” Kumanchik has been serving as the station’s news manager. He takes over for Dave LaBrozzi, who is retiring from the station.  Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michaelim Spacciapolli states, “I first want to congratulate Dave on an incredible career. It has been a privilege to work with him over the past two years. We’re delighted to promote PJ, a mainstay at KDKA for the last 35 years. The trust he has built within our organization and with listeners and partners makes him a great fit to steward this iconic brand into the future as we grow on many levels.” Kumanchik, who has worked in multiple capacities at both KDKA News Radio and “93.7 The Fan” (KDKA-FM) as news producer and editor, morning show producer, sports producer and program director, comments, “I look forward to working with our leadership team, including Michael, to boost the momentum we have created at KDKA News Radio in the past couple of years. As the Voice of Pittsburgh, we will continue to provide news-driven talk that encourages interactions from our listeners.”

Industry News

Comrex to Introduce Two New Gagl Features at NAB 2024

Comrex is debuting Hotline, a major feature update to Gagl, as well as Gagl Solo, a new tier of its Gagl remote contribution service designed for one-to-one connections. Both are being introduced at NAB 2024. Gagl enables users to send and receive audio through common web browsers to a Comrex hardware IP audio codec such as an ACCESS or BRIC-Link. Gagl supports up to five remote participants in one session. Gagl Solo supports single guest connections and is perfect for users whoim don’t need to manage multiple participants such as a solo contributor or reporter in the field. Comrex says that Gagl is simple enough for anyone to use and doesn’t require any specialized hardware or software on the remote end for implementation. With a computer or smartphone plus a headset, high-quality audio can be transmitted bidirectionally with minimal latency providing a simple way to get anyone on the air. Hotline dramatically improves the quality of a standard cell phone call for on-air use. Gagl + Hotline provides a ten-digit telephone number with each Gagl + Hotline subscription. A guest or reporter can call the number using an AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon cell phone. The caller’s audio will be presented within the Gagl interface in HD Voice quality for clean, clear full fidelity for use on-air. Acquiring high-quality audio from remote locations is essential for creating compelling radio. Providing flexibility for guests who can’t come into the studio was a driving force behind Gagl’s creation. Gagl Solo, Gagl + Hotline, and Comrex’s suite of broadcast reliable products will be on display at the NAB Show in Vegas April 14-17. Be sure to visit Comrex at Booth C2234 in Central Hall.

Industry News

Nielsen Revises Radio Market Ranks

Based on U.S. population estimates from the 2020 census and updated and projected to January 1, 2024, by Claritas, Nielsen unveils its new market ranks effective with the Spring 2024 ratings. As shiftsim in population take place in the U.S. – with growth often seen in southern markets – the ratings giant adjusts its rankings. Among the notable changes are the Dallas-Fort Worth market leapfrogging San Francisco to the #4 market and San Francisco now at #5. Other markets moving up include Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood to #11 and San Diego to #18. See the complete ranking here.

Industry News

FOX News Channel Highlights Q1 Ratings Dominance

FOX News Channel announces that it finished the first quarter of 2024 as cable’s most-watched network in total day and primetime, dominating primetime viewers in cable news for 89 consecutiveim quarters, according to Nielsen Media Research. FNC adds that its primetime lineup sweept cable news every hour. “The Ingraham Angle” (7:00 pm ET) finished the quarter averaging 2.2 million viewers and 222,000 in the 25-54 demo. “Jesse Watters Primetime” (8:00 pm ET) delivered 2.8 million viewers and 284,000 in the 25-54 demo. “Hannity” (9:00 pm ET) remained dominant, nabbing 2.4 million viewers and 266,000 in the 25-54 demo, easily winning the timeslot and topping CNN and MSNBC in both categories. And “FOX News @ Night” (10:00 pm ET) delivered 1.2 million viewers and 187,000 in 25-54 demo.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/2) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and Judge Aileen Cannon’s jury instructions controversy; the presidential race; Israel’s war against Hamas and the deaths of seven aid workers in Gaza; Israel’s killing of Iranian generals and Iran’s promise of revenge; President Joe Biden’s Trans Day of Visibility controversy; the Baltimore bridge destruction aftermath; the Florida six-week abortion ban; and author JK Rowling’s challenge to the Scottish Hate Crime Act were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News TALKERS 2024

John Catsimatidis Named Recipient of 2024 TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award

im

Self-made billionaire businessman, broadcasting entrepreneur, radio talk show host and best-selling author John Catsimatidis (pictured above speaking at last year’s TALKERS 2023) has been selected by the TALKERS editorial board as the 2024 recipient of the highly prestigious Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech. The honor, also commonly referred to as the “TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award,” is presented each year to a talk media practitioner whose work sets an example for the exercise and preservation of the First Amendment. In addition to Catsimatidis’ founding and/or ownership of major enterprises in the fields of grocery chains and the energy industry, he is a long-running radio talk show host who began changing the course of the medium’s history by purchasing heritage radio station WABC, New York in 2019.  Since then, the Greek immigrant born on the island of Nistros in 1948 and who came to the United States with his parents when he was six months old, has made significant progress in repositioning and reinvigorating the legendary talk and music station to its role as a major cultural and political influencer in modern media. This has been accomplished by boldly bringing diverse, high-profile voices to the station’s talent lineup, focusing heavily on local news and public policy issues, eliminating paid weekend programming, adding a dash of music and pop culture to the mix, concentrating the station’s schedule on live shows in real time and investing in community-oriented events. Catsimatidis’ Red Apple Media Group has subsequently expanded the station’s national footprint by acquiring WLIR-FM, Long Island and launching its own syndication arm, Red Apple Audio Networks. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, upon announcing the selection, stated, “John Catsimatidis is a true New York City legend and former mayoral candidate who has proven to be one of the most positive forces the radio industry has seen in decades. He embodies the spirit of what this award is all about. He joins a remarkable list of broadcasters from all ends of the political spectrum – left, right, middle, and apolitical – who’ve received this honor going back every year to the origins of TALKERS in the late 1980s.” The award will be presented at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond at Hofstra University on Long Island Friday, June 7.

Industry News

Audacy Hosting Infinite Dial Webinar

Audacy is hosting a webinar tomorrow (4/3) to look at data from Edison Research’s latest edition of its Infinite Dial study. The company says, “The Infinite Dial has become a critical resource for understandingim consumer behavior and technology adoption across smart platforms. Marketers and media buyers turn to these insights for important media trends in key channels such as radio, streaming audio, podcasts, social media, and more. Audacy will host a webinar on April 3 with head of research & insights Idil Cakim and Edison Research president Larry Rosin, who will share key trends from The Infinite Dial 2024, including: Media consumption and device adoption, in-car listening habits, podcast trends among key demographic groups, and observations and advertiser insights. Find registration information here.

Industry Views

Harrison Podcast Pays Tribute to Joe Lieberman

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison pays tribute to the late U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman on thisim week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” The program includes an archived interview conducted with Lieberman in 2018 for the podcast which offers valuable insight into his perspective on the Electoral College and the presidency of Donald Trump among other historic issues. Harrison describes the late senator and former VP candidate as, “one of the last true American statesmen of the modern era.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/1) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and the RFK Jr. factor; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; President Joe Biden’s Trans Day of Visibility controversy; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Baltimore bridge destruction aftermath; Florida’s abortion ban ruling; author JK Rowling’s challenge to the Scottish Hate Crime Act; and the Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Longtime Charlottesville Talk host Joe Thomas to Acquire Virginia AM

Joe Thomas, who until this past weekend served as the morning drive host and program director at im Monticello Media’s WCHV-AM, Charlottesville, Virginia, is acquiring WTON-AM, Staunton, Virginia and two FM translators (W255DS, Harrisonburg at 98.9 and W266BQ, Crozet at 101.1) from Stu-Comm, Inc. for $275,000. Thomas is buying the station via his company Thomas Media LLC. After Monticello Media learned of the deal, it severed its relationship with Thomas. He tells TALKERS magazine, “We are looking forward to bringing local news and conversation back to the valley the same way we did for WCHV. We also hope to have my show back on the air in Charlottesville soon.”