Industry News

Legendary NHL Champion Coach Mike Keenan is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Interviews

Industry News Uncategorized

CBS Evening News Gives AM Radio Props for NC Disaster Relief

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Depend on disaster?

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter Sterling, Host
Sterling Every Damn Night, WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling On Sunday, TMN

Walter M. SterlingPaired association learning is the primary strategy our brain uses to remember facts: Oh, What a Feeling, Toyota.  For several years, our business has worked hard to “save” the AM band by demonstrating how useful radio is in times of Emergency: Floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes. Think AM and think local disaster!

A listener wants a good show and a pleasant seat. The better the show, the less important the seat – think Eras tour.

In your city, there are ancient movie palaces that were abandoned in the 1960s and brought back to life within the past decade.  Some of those palaces are independent movie theaters, children’s theaters or bookstores. They have been refurbished and repurposed. No one had the heart to tear them down, instead their history inspired fresh thinking and paint.

Many AM stations could become vital. First, fix the seating; fix the signal. Why should Congress bless a permanent place on the dial for AM if a company doesn’t invest in the infrastructure of transmission? While demanding mandatory inclusion of the AM band in cars, the same owners are cutting back on their AM facilities. Here’s a shocker: As late as the 1970s some companies chose to sell off their premium FM signals rather than experiment and fund them. We are talking big companies like Group W and RKO.  Today, many companies are downsizing their AM signals with requests for lower power, simpler directional patterns, and selling of their tower real estate. Yes, Congress, protect our band!

Today, AM processing has advanced to the point where properly installed, an AM signal can sound as good or better than an FM.  Ask Audacy’s Dave Skalish in Philadelphia. First, repair and upgrade the theater. Next, put a great show on the stage. The “savior” of the AM band is superior programming

Of course it can be done, but it can’t be done in pieces. The reason why WABC has grown from the scrap heap of crap from a negligent owner to a top 10 success in the world’s toughest city is by following programming rule number one consistency. John Catsimatidis and GM Chad Lopez deliver consistency: A consistent point of view. Consistent investment in top talent on and off the air. Consistent community visibility. Consistent pride In the product. The owner and management love radio and love the show. The show. Make a great show and they always come.

Consultant Walter Sabo A.K.A. Walter M Sterling has a nightly show “Sterling Every Damn Night” heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs Sundays 10:00 pm – 1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at waltermsterling@gmail.com or Sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

Glenn Beck and Mercury One Deliver Aid to Asheville Residents

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Premiere Networks nationally syndicated personality Glenn Beck and his non-profit organization Mercury One visited Asheville, North Carolina to deliver much-needed aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Mercury One is partnering with U.S. Rep. Cory Mills of Florida and the United Cajun Navy to deliver baby supplies, personal hygiene products, diapers, paper towels, and non-perishable food to North Carolina. Using more than 30 helicopters, they worked together to deliver more than 10 tons of supplies so far. They even flew a local woman to a hospital so she could receive lifesaving care. One hundred percent of every donation to Mercury One goes directly to providing relief to Hurricane Helene victims in desperate need. Please consider donating at MercuryOne.org. Pictured above are (from l-r): Mills, Beck, and TheBlaze’s Jill Savage.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

FOX Weather Presents Continuing Coverage of Hurricane Milton. FOX Weather, FOX News Media’s free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) weather service, will present continuous coverage of Hurricane Milton including non-stop live programming from this morning through Friday evening. FOX Business Network will also extend its FOX Weather simulcast from 4:00 am to 6:00 am ET on Thursday morning. FOX News Audio is offering FOX Weather simulcast to affiliates in Florida as well.

Salem’s LifeAudio Announces Partnership with “Jesus Calling.” Salem Media Group, Inc. announced today that LifeAudio, a leading Christian podcast network of Salem Media Group, is thrilled to announce its newest partnership with “Jesus Calling.” The “Jesus Calling” podcast brings heartfelt encouragement and spiritual wisdom to listeners, offering a daily message that brings hope and strengthens faith. Known for its popular devotional series, the podcast will now provide a new platform for its audience to engage with meaningful, faith-driven content through LifeAudio’s expansive reach.

MPR Welcomes New Member to Board of Trustees. The board of trustees of Minnesota Public Radio welcomes Dr. Marc Gorelick as its newest member. Gorelick is president and chief executive officer of Children’s Minnesota, the state’s only health care system dedicated exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. He previously served as executive vice president and COO of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and practiced academic pediatric emergency medicine for 25 years in Philadelphia, Wilmington, Del., and Milwaukee. His education includes a bachelor’s from Princeton University, an M.D. from Duke University, and a master’s from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Broadcasters Foundation Asks Broadcasters in Affected Areas to Spread the Word To Colleagues That Help Is Available for Those in Greatest Need.  The Broadcasters Foundation of America is delivering emergency financial assistance to qualifying colleagues in the radio and TV industry who have been personally hit hard by Hurricane Helene. The Foundation’s Emergency Grant Program is set up with a streamlined vetting process that enables the charity to get emergency funds to those in desperate need quickly. “Broken pipes, power outages, displacement, and more have brought devastation to many of our colleagues,” noted Tim McCarthy, president of the BFoA.  “We’ve already approved over half a dozen requests and that’s just the beginning. Based on the number of requests from previous disasters, we know that figure will grow significantly as those impacted by the storm assess their damage and determine the costs. “We’ve also reached out to groups and state associations in the areas impacted by Hurricane Helene and asked them to inform their employees and members that we are here to provide aid to those who need it most,” McCarthy added. “Our colleagues cannot be left alone to struggle.”  Individuals in radio and television may apply for emergency aid to see if they qualify by clicking here. For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.

 

Lifestyle Show with Frankie Boyer Debuts on WGCH Radio, Greewich, CT.   Veteran award-winning radio talk show host for 24+ years, Frankie Boyer has announced the addition of her new broadcast, “The Frankie Boyer Lifestyle Show,” which airs on WGCH, News Talk AM 1490, Greenwich, CT. Frankie Boyer The one-hour show is live weekdays from 6:00 -7:00 pm. WGCH covers Fairfield County, CT as well as neighboring Westchester County, NY. The station serves the community with extensive local news, sports and talk programming. Boyer tells TALKERS, “My show will be fast paced, very informative, full of joy and very uplifting, for my listeners.”  Boyer hosts two other syndicated shows – “Cannabis Talk A-Z” and “Frankie Boyer Radio.”  For more information contact 508-878-1782 or frankieboyer@aol.com

 

PodcastOne Appoints Jim Lally Head of Business Development.  PodcastOne announced today that Jim Lally has joined the company as its head of business development. Jim LallyHe will report directly to PodcastOne’s president Kit Gray and will leverage his industry expertise to expand internal sales and publishing synergies, increase talent revenues and the company’s prominence with both media buyers and content creators. Lally, an industry veteran, joins from Libsyn Ads, where he served as director of brand partnerships.

Industry News

Rob Finnerty to Lead Newsmax’s Prime Time Lineup

Newsmax names veteran news anchor and broadcaster Rob Finnerty host of “Finnerty,” leading the cableim news network’s primetime lineup at 8:00 pm ET, debuting on October 8. For the past four years, Finnerty has been co-host of Newsmax’s “Wake-Up America” morning program with Sharla McBride. Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy says, “Rob has demonstrated success in our morning show and connects with our audience in a powerful way, and we believe he will continue that success in primetime.” Finnerty comments, “For far too long cable news has been a monolith – with very few options available to the American people, but Newsmax is proof that the model is changing, and I feel incredibly honored to be a part of that change. Ever since I got here, Newsmax has kept growing and growing, which is amazing for this industry. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am so grateful to Newsmax and its team led by CEO Chris Ruddy.” Pictured here is Rob Finnerty as a special guest speaker at TALKERS 2024. 

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

U.K.-Based Podcast Radio Now On KAUS-AM, Austin, MN.   Podcast Radio continues its U.S. expansion, having just launched on Alpha Media’s KAUS-AM in Austin, MN. Podcast RadioFocusing on being a trusted guide to podcast discovery, Podcast Radio features a diverse lineup of curated podcasts across various genres, with presenters, giving listeners in Minnesota an expanded radio experience. The station was the first Podcast Radio affiliate to feature dedicated genre hours, including business, true crime, comedy, and musical conversation. According to sources at Podcast Radio, “This genre-based scheduling allows listeners to enjoy expertly curated content that aligns with their interests, delivered through our innovative platform and partnership with Local Radio Network (LRN).” Gerard Edwards, CEO of Podcast Radio, tells TALKERS, “We are excited to have Podcast Radio on in Minnesota. Our genre-based scheduling allows us to offer something for every listener, while using the trusted radio format to connect audiences with the world of podcasts. Alpha Media has been an incredible partner, and we look forward to expanding our presence.”  Podcast Radio Minnesota joins Podcast Radio Missouri, broadcasting in dayparts on KREI-AM (Farmington), KWIX AM/FM (Moberly) and KJFF (Festus). Podcast Radio also has four 24/7 stations with Beasley Media Group in Detroit, the Carolinas, Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. For more information on how to bring Podcast Radio to your station, contact Gerard Edwards — gerard@podcastradionetwork.com — or send general questions to info@podcastradionetwork.com.

USRN and Key Networks Announce Joint Sales Venture: Key United.  United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) and Key Networks, two players in national radio network sales and syndication, have announced the unification of their sales forces into a joint venture called Key United. According to company sources, this strategic partnership unites the strengths of both companies, creating an enhanced sales organization with expanded reach and capabilities for the advertising market.  Both Key Networks and United Stations will continue to produce, market. and distribute audio programming independently to the radio and affiliate markets. Dennis Green and Stefan Jones will continue to oversee Key and USRN production affiliations and operations. The new, combined sales force will be led by COO of Gemini XIII, Charles Steinhauer and Key Networks’ president of sales, Ron Russo.

Woodward Purchases Seven Radio Stations in Springfield and Bloomington, Illinois from Neuhoff.  Woodward Communications Inc. (WCI) has officially acquired seven radio station brands from Neuhoff Media in Springfield and Bloomington, Illinois. The sale was completed yesterday (10/1). According to sources at Woodward, the acquired brands align with WCI’s focus on local community media properties in certain market sizes that serve niche and lifestyle audiences. They expand WCI’s footprint in Illinois and bring experienced teams and talent to the employee-owned company. In addition to a variety of music formats, the acquired outlets include Sports Radio 92.3 FM and 1450 AM, Springfield and Channel 1450, a digital platform in Springfield covering high school sports.

Industry News

EXCLUSIVE DEBUT: Richard Neer’s New Radio Short Story, “Invisible Airwaves”

Invisible Airwaves

Legendary WFAN, New York personality Richard Neer, an accomplished author as well as a radio broadcasting pioneer in both the album rock and sports-talk genres, has written a fascinating short story that takes place in a contemporary radio setting. TALKERS is proud to publish its world debut today (9/30) marking the first time in its 34-year history that the trade journal is presenting a work of literary fiction based on the media.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Our talk media industry readers will find this short story relatable, dramatic and compelling.”

Kelly Sterling, a lifestyle reporter for The Washington Post, sets out to find Greg Campbell, a once-prominent DC radio talk show host who vanished from the airwaves more than two decades ago. His search leads him to a small town in rural Virginia, where Campbell broadcasts from a tiny station with little reach. Now in his nineties, Campbell continues to deliver thoughtful, reasoned commentaries, offering a rare voice of moderation in an increasingly polarized media landscape. Sterling meets Campbell and his daughter, Grace, who cares for him and supports his passion for broadcasting. Despite the station’s humble setting, Campbell’s love for radio and dedication to the principles of journalism shine through as he prepares for each broadcast. As Sterling digs deeper, he discovers there’s more to the story of Campbell’s life and career than he initially expected, revealing layers of resilience, purpose, and the enduring impact of one man’s voice.

To read the story in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Video Podcast

Harrison Pags

Industry News

Premiere Adds Michael DelGiorno to National Lineup

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Salem Radio Network and the Salem News Channel Will Simulcast CBS News VP Debate.   Beginning at 9:00 pm ET on Tuesday (10/1), Salem will simulcast the 90-minute debate between U.S. Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz that will be moderated by “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan, host of “Face the Nation.”  Immediately prior to the simulcast, SRN and SNC will broadcast a two-hour Salem “Pre-Debate Special” beginning at 7:00 pm ET. Salem’s Larry Elder will host the program and will be joined by SRN’s Mike Gallagher, Dr. Sebastion Gorka, Dennis Prager, and Tony Perkins. Phil Boyce, SVP for Spoken Word at Salem Media Group, tells TALKERS, “Who better to host our Pre-Debate coverage than Larry Elder who ran for Governor of California and then for President. He’s been in that chair before, so he knows what to say. Stations who sign up for coverage are in for a treat!” Interested stations in the East Coast and Central regions can contact Jim Bligh at  jbligh@srnradio.com or 212-419-4663.  On the West Coast or in the Midwest region (North Dakota to Texas) contact Kelli DeShan at  kdeshan@srnradio.com or 972-707-6882.

Industry News

WABC Owner John Catsimatidis is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Video

Industry News

Salem New York VP/GM Jerry Crowley Announces Retirement at Year’s End

Longtime New York radio market executive Jerry Crowley has announced that he will be retiring at the end of 2024.  Jerry CrowleyCrowley has had a long and illustrious career in New York talk radio.  He has served as vice president/general manager of the Salem Media Group New York – WNYM 970 AM The Answer and WMCA 570 AM The Mission – since 2013. Prior to that, he held key management positions for 18 years as sales manager and VP/GM at WOR, New York.  In an internal memo issued to Salem management and corporate staff (9/17), company senior VP East region Jeff Reisman states, “Jerry has been an integral part of our team since 2013, leading both WMCA and WNYM with visionary guidance and unwavering dedication. His remarkable leadership and unique skills have strengthened Salem’s presence in the New York market.  Throughout his tenure, Jerry has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to blend his gifts and expertise, fostering a positive impact on our NY staff, our [WMCA] ministry partners, and our local advertising clients. His commitment to excellence and his innovative approach has set a high standard for all of us.”  Reisman concludes, “There is only one Jerry Crowley, and we are deeply grateful for his 11 years of hard work and dedication. While we will certainly miss his presence and leadership, we wish him all the best as he embarks on this new chapter of his life.” 

Industry News

Yesterday’s (9/17) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Industry News

Audacy’s KNX News 97.1 FM and the Los Angeles Times to Co-present a Live Debate in Race for L.A. County D.A

LA DA DebateAs millions of voters across Los Angeles County decide how to cast their ballots in the pivotal race for district attorney, Audacy’s KNX News 97.1 FM and the Los Angeles Times are joining forces to present a live debate between incumbent George Gascón and challenger Nathan Hochman on October 8 at 5:00 pm PT.  Sources at Audacy Los Angeles tell TALKERS, “With criminal justice top of mind for voters across Southern California, the KNX News/L.A. Times debate will dig into the key issues impacting safety, equity, and quality of life for the residents of America’s most populous county ahead of the November 5 election. The one-hour, commercial-free debate will air on KNX News (97.1 FM & 1070 AM) with live video available on the digital and social platforms of KNX News and the Los Angeles Times. KNX News anchor Mike Simpson and chief correspondent Charles Feldman will moderate the debate. Panelists will include L.A. Times reporters James Queally and Brittny Mejia and KNX News reporter Emily Valdez. Media interested in attending should contact Alex Silverman at alex.silverman@audacy.com for details and logistics.

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TALKERS News Notes

Industry News

Yesterday’s (9/16) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The second attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life over the weekend remained the most talked about story in talk media yesterday (9/16).  The Israel-Hamas war and rising Middle East tensions; the Russia-Ukraine war; the migrant crisis; and situation in Springfield, OH; the economy-inflation and the indictment of Sean “Diddy” Combs were also some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Monday Memo: Are You Boring?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

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Lately, life is anything-BUT. Examples: the 2024 presidential race, extreme weather, the consumer economy, recurring gun violence. We’re all wondering, “What NEXT???”

So being-known-for-knowing will earn your station more occasions of tune-in. “Stay close to the news.” And exploit your network by offering, for example, “a quick FOX News update, every half-hour.”

Admittedly, what your network is reporting is also available on smartphones, smartwatches, and smart speakers. But your station may also be, as my clients tout, “Your Only Local News Radio.”

Simply doing local news is a start… BUT… I wish there was a more diplomatic way to say this: Are your newscasts boring?

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Too often, local news copy doesn’t enable the listener by telling what a news item means to him or her. I heard a local news voice seeming to read a press release, announcing that: “The [name of] County government’s new website has gone live. The revamped site [URL] was unveiled at this week’s [name of] County commissioners meeting. The board’s chairman said the revamped site has a much more professional appearance, and offers quick, user-friendly navigation. The county’s IT director added that the feedback she’s received so far from county employees and residents has been positive.”

Zzz…

Don’t just recite process. Explain consequence. To Larry & Lisa Listener, typically self-congratulatory source material like that copy is irrelevant blah-blah-blah.

Bothering to actually explore the website, I found how it enables listeners to get help with: “potholes, damaged curb, traffic signals, weeds, dogs barking, abandoned vehicles, chemical discharge, water leaking, litter, road striping, ADA compliance, blocked drainage channel, street lights, damaged sidewalk, traffic/road signs, overhanging trees/shrubs, noise nuisance, hazardous parking, storm sewer leaking/blockage, water leaking on roadway, loose/protruding manhole cover, discrimination complaint, Fair Housing complaint.”

Unwrap the package.

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

 

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (9/14-15)

The second attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life was a major topic in news/talk media late in the weekend. Other topics included the presidential race followed by the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, the economy-inflation, the migrant crisis (focused on the debunked Haitian/Springfield, OH pet story) and the NYPD investigation which were the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WJR AM 760 Brings Live NFL Football to Detroit Sports Fans on Monday and Thursday Nights.WJR  Cumulus Media announces that Detroit news/talk station WJR AM 760 will air NFL football on Monday and Thursday nights through a new agreement with Westwood One. WJR AM 760 will provide exclusive and comprehensive coverage of the 2024-2025 NFL season, broadcasting Monday and Thursday night regular season football games on the station and in a simulcast on Cumulus Media’s WDVD-FM HD2.  WJR AM 760 coverage will also include the NFL Playoffs, beginning with the wild card round and ending with the Super Bowl. Coming up on WJR AM 760’s NFL coverage is the Buffalo Bills match-up against the Miami Dolphins in Miami tonight (9/12) at 7:30pm.  Ann Thomas, PD of WJR AM 760, tells TALKERS, “WJR is thrilled to partner with Westwood One to bring Monday and Thursday night NFL football to Michigan residents.”

 

Ashley Sterner Sheilah Kast

Morning Host Ashley Sterner Expands Role at Baltimore Public Media’s WYPR.    Baltimore Public Media’s WYPR 88.1 FM has announced that Ashley Sterner (pictured above, left), long-time host of “Morning Edition,” will now co-host “On the Record” alongside Sheilah Kast (r). Sterner, a familiar voice at WYPR for nearly two decades, steps into her new role to expand her engagement with the community through in-depth discussions and storytelling.  Kast expressed excitement about Sterner’s new position telling TALKERS,  “Ashley has been instrumental in how our listeners start their day, and now she brings that same expertise to deepen the dialogue on ‘On the Record.’ We are delighted to welcome her as co-host and look forward to the fresh perspectives she will introduce alongside our engaging program content.” Sterner adds, “I’m excited to share more of Maryland’s stories on the radio and couldn’t dream of working with a better team!”  The program, produced by Maureen Harvie and Melissa Gerr, offers interviews involving “audacious artists, intrepid scientists, community leaders, and more.” WYPR Sterner will make her co-hosting debut tomorrow (9/13) on the NPR affiliate, with the show broadcasting every Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 am.  (Photo by Melissa Gerr/WYPR.)

 

Golf

Broadcasters Foundation Pulls Off Major Fund Raiser to Benefit Industry.   A record number of radio and television on-air personalities and executives, plus renowned athletes, turned up on Monday (9/9) for the sold-out Celebrity Golf Tournament, a major fundraiser for the Broadcasters Foundation of America, which helps broadcasters in acute need due to life-altering illness and other catastrophies. BFOA Logo Pictured above are the on-air celebrities and athletes who participated at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY. For more information about the BFoA, please click here www.broadcastersfoundation.org

 

Virtual News Center Adds Missouri Cluster.  Virtual News Center – a growing independent news provider for radio stations – is adding five new stations to its list of affiliates with the additions of KCGQ, KGKS, KEZS, and KGIR. The stations serve Cape Girardeau, MO. River Radio, LLC owns KSIM/KZIM Newsradio 960 and added Virtual News Center to the rest of its cluster following the success of the station. “KZIM/KSIM has been very pleased to have a relationship with Virtual News Center over the last several years. We have recently grown that relationship by utilizing the Virtual News Center news writing and production services. They provide quality, timely, news with talent that connects with our listening audience,” says general manager Mike Renick. “Mike Renick and Faune Riggin are doing great radio in Cape Girardeau, and we are excited to make their local news shine with Karen Johnson and Brandon Dickson,” says Virtual News Center owner Joel Dearing.  Johnson will anchor daily newscasts for the cluster with reporting from Dickson. Virtual News Center provides market-specific news, weather, and sports content to dozens of radio stations across the U.S.   For more information visit www.virtualnewscenter.com.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Industry News

Beasley Media Group Launches Augusta Today

augusta todayBeasley Media Group has announced the official launch yesterday (8/28) of Augusta Today, a new online news site.  Augusta Today will focus on local news in, around, and about the Greater Augusta metro area. Developed with the goal of giving people both “the stories they want and the news they need,” the hyper-local publication features established Augusta-area writers and media figures such as Ashley Brown, Austin Rhodes, and Kris Fisher. Augusta Today will be free. “Free and easy – that’s the mantra,” says editor-in-chief Steven Uhles. “We wanted to make sure that these stories were not blocked by a paywall and that our conversations with the community remain unfettered and unencumbered.” Inspired by both the classic daily newspaper model and the more free-wheeling approach of alternative weeklies, Augusta Today has been developed “to educate as well as entertain” featuring breaking local news, sports coverage, lifestyle features and an array of columns. “We all are extremely excited about Augusta Today and what we believe it will mean to this community,” Kent Dunn, VP/market manager of Beasley Media Group tells TALKERS. “We see this as a great addition to our portfolio of radio stations here in the Augusta market and a real extension of our local-first approach to engaging with the community.”  To visit Augusta Today please click here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: “I Want to Be Seduced.”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

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Remember that song, by campy Leon Redbone?

If you’re doing a broadcast radio show, in this crowded audio arena, that’s your mission statement.

Tip: Round-off teases.

• I try not to scoff when I hear well-intentioned hosts dutifully plug something-coming-up “in seven minutes” or “at three fifty-three,” as though listeners were taking notes.

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Do make an appointment with listeners for what’s coming up. But simply, creatively, say that it’s “coming up.” Spare busy motorists the math with non-round numbers. When life’s a blur, nobody thinks they can wait seven minutes.

• Yesterday, a voice-tracking DJ on a 60s/70s/80s station sounded lots less robotic when he said “Years before ‘yadda-yadda-yadda,’ there was ‘Obladi Oblada,’ and the Beatles will sing it right after Fleetwood Mac” into “Say You Love Me.” He owned me for the next seven minutes.

Talking: Ditto. Tell me how I’ll be rewarded for not wandering-off. Especially effective: a question which includes “you” and/or “your,” the Magic Words.

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

 

 

Industry News

WCBS Newsradio 880, New York Sadly Celebrates the End Amid “Party Atmosphere”

WCBS
As the iconic run of legendary WCBS Newsradio 880 in New York City draws to a close after 57 years of service to the Big Apple, the storied outlet presented a live special called “WCBS 880 News: The People, the Moments, and the Events that Shaped Our Lives,” running today (8/22) between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm (still on air at press time). The event will replay this weekend. Familiar voices such as Charles Osgood, Charles Kuralt, Wayne Cabot, Deborah Rodriguez are just some of the hundreds of larger-than-life personalities to call the station home for more than half a century.  While live anecdotes and tributes poured in from former on-air anchors and staff, the only news elements that ran during the time were weather and traffic. A party atmosphere blared every time the studio door opened. Wayne Cabot, hosting a portion of the morning, drew attention to this by saying, “And as you can hear from the newsroom, our own colleagues are not listening to us – as usual.”  The radio station’s owner, Audacy, will keep the 24/7 all-news format in New York with 1010 WINS. The call letters WCBS will retire and emerge as ESPN New York and WHSQ-AM on August 26.