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Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories this Past Week (10/21-25)

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

It was a heck of a power-packed week (10/21-25) as Election Day draws nearer. The presidential race highlighted by VP Kamala Harris’s appearance on CNN and former President Donald Trump’s various campaign stops/rallies were key items of conversation. Following that, the top stories were: John F. Kelly Trump Fascist Statements; Trump Legal Issues; Escalation Fears in Middle East Violence; Russia-Ukraine War with Potential North Korean Troop Involvement; the Economy including Inflation and Tariffs; Elon Musk Money to Voters Giveaway Flap; Big Tech; Abortion Rights; Health Care; Climate Change; Race Relations; McDonalds E. coli Outbreak; Menendez Murder Case; Disney Price Hike; and the World Series Begins. To see the complete chart of the most talked about stories and people, please click here.

Industry News

Radio Spokesmodel Marks First Anniversary with “75 Radio” Show

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Danila Rodrigues

The “75 Radio” Show announces the one-year anniversary of its association with what the program’s producers describe as “the world’s first radio spokesmodel,” Danila Rodrigues. Rodrigues is literally the face of “75 Radio” as her photos grace the podcast archives, YouTube, as well as all promotional material. Rodriguez helps promote “75 Radio” and its stated principles of smaller government and individual liberty. She made her debut as a member of the “75 Radio” team on October 28, 2023, when she appeared with hosts Walter Yurkiw, Peter “Scoop” Stanton and Pulitzer Prize winner and host of the “No BS Newshour,” Charlie LeDuff. Besides a radio personality, Rodrigues is also a model who has been featured in Moevir, Latinos Today, Pump, and even TALKERS. Besides modeling, Danila Rodrigues is a nurse, business owner, champion bodybuilder, fitness expert, and a mother.  “75 Radio” is a conservative talk show syndicated by Liberty News Radio Network from its flagship station WMQM-AM/W227DQ 1600 AM, Memphis. The show is also carried online via the Roku Player, Tune In app and on LibertyNewsRadio.com. All shows are uploaded to most major podcasting services including Spotify and Apple as well as archived on its website 75Radio.org all free of charge. The show is hosted by Walter Yurkiw and Peter “Scoop” Stanton. Both are former members of the New York Police Department. They can be contacted at info@75Radio.org.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/23) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS
The presidential race, including Kamala Harris’ evening town hall on CNN, Trump chief of staff Gen. John Kelly’s warning about Donald Trump’s “fascism,” the escalation of violence in the Middle East; North Korean involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war, climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, and the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/23), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Industry News

Seven Alumni Inducted into 2024 Hofstra Radio Hall of Fame

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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Hundreds of Hofstra alumni, students, faculty, staff, and administrators gathered to celebrate the induction of seven alumni into the University’s Radio Hall of Fame this past Saturday (10/19) at the Hofstra University Club on the school campus in Hempstead, NY. Over its 65 years, WRHU-88.7 (previously WHCH and WVHC) has won some of the industry’s most coveted awards, including four Marconi Awards for College Radio Station of the Year from the National Association of Broadcasters. Student reporters have won national and regional honors and worked alongside professional journalists in covering events ranging from political conventions, presidential debates, and inaugurations to the Super Bowl and major league playoff and championship games. At WRHU, Hofstra students create multiplatform live game content for Hofstra D1 teams and the NBA G League Long Island Nets. They produce and distribute all NY Islanders live NHL games to ESPN Radio NYC, SiriusXM, NHL.com, WRCN-FM, and WRHU-FM. Students also produce and perform on-air roles for the Long Island Ducks baseball franchise. The evening’s celebration was emceed by Lee Harris (front row, far left), a 2009 WRHU Hall of Fame award winner and recent inductee into the national Radio Hall of Fame, and Jamie Morris ’07 (not pictured), host of K-JOY, Long Island’s “Mornings with Jamie and You.” This year’s inductees for the Radio Hall of Fame are Danielle Dellilo ’01 (front row, second from left); Shannan Ferry ’14 (front row, fourth from left); Jared Greenberg ’05 (back row, far left); Damon (Dave) Mock ’00 (posthumously); Shawn Novatt ’00 (first row, second from right); Stu Rushfield ’89 (back row, second from left); and John Santucci ’11 (not pictured). Also pictured: noted agent and president of the executive board of Hofstra University’s Alumni Organization, Heather Cohen (front row, third from left); Mike Kluger (back row, third from left);  Steve Graziano (back row, third from right); George Musgrave (back row, second from right); Jim Helfgott (back row, far right); WRHU general manager, John T. Mullen (front row, fourth from right); and current president Hofstra Radio Alumni Association, Liane Sousa (front row, far right). (HRAA photo)

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/22) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The presidential race, including Kamala Harris’ scheduled Pennsylvania town hall on CNN and former Trump chief of staff John Kelly’s warning about Donald Trump’s “facism,” the escalation of violence in the Middle East, climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, and the Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry Views

Part 2: Understanding Fair Use

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

Matthew B. Harrison, Esq.Incorporating copyrighted material, such as video clips or actualities, can enhance your content, but understanding fair use is critical to avoid legal trouble. Fair use permits limited use of copyrighted material for purposes like criticism, commentary, news reporting, or parody without needing permission. Courts assess fair use based on four factors: purpose and character of the use (is it transformative?), nature of the work (factual vs. creative), amount used, and the effect on the market. Learn practical tips on safely navigating fair use, including using brief excerpts, transforming content, and considering market impact.

This is the second in a series of articles addressing the broader topic of fair use for media creators. Click here for the first installment.

Understanding Fair Use: Purpose and Character of the Use. When using copyrighted material belonging to others in the creation of your own media content, it is important to understanding the concept of fair use. Fair use allows copyrighted material to be used without permission for purposes like criticism, commentary, news reporting, education, or parody. It’s not an absolute right but rather a defense you can claim if challenged. Courts assess fair use based on four key factors, all which broadcasters should carefully consider.

The first factor of fair use that courts consider is the purpose and character of the use. Specifically, is the use of the material transformative? Transformative use is a key concept that can often determine whether your content qualifies as fair use or not – and really is the heart of the inquiry.

What Does Transformative Mean? In legal terms, a use is considered transformative when it adds new expression, meaning, or message to the original work. This is different from merely copying the work or using it for the same purpose as the original creator. By transforming the material, you’re creating something that serves a different purpose or offers new insights, rather than simply replicating the original content.

Example: Auto-Tune the News. One of the most famous examples of transformative use is the Gregory Brothers’ viral “Auto-Tune the News” series, which turned news clips into catchy, auto-tuned songs. In 2010, they took an interview clip with Antoine Dodson, who was describing an attempted home invasion, and turned it into the widely popular “Bed Intruder Song.”  In this case, the original news segment was purely factual—a straightforward broadcast of a local news report. However, by remixing the clip with auto-tuned vocals and adding music, the Gregory Brothers transformed the clip into a piece of entertainment and social commentary. This new purpose—entertainment and humor—was distinct from the original intent of simply delivering news, making it a classic example of transformative use. Although the raw news footage was copyrighted, the remix was so different in tone, presentation, and purpose that it was protected under fair use. The transformation added new creative elements and reframed the original material as a humorous, catchy song.

How Does This Apply to Radio? Let’s take this concept and apply it to radio, a medium that often uses clips from other sources. Imagine you’re running a talk show, and you want to use excerpts from a political speech to make a satirical point about current events. If you simply play the speech on air without any changes, it may not qualify as fair use because you haven’t transformed the original material – you’re just rebroadcasting it. However, if you take portions of the speech and then critique, analyze, or poke fun at it, you’re more likely to be in the clear. For example, if your show involves playing clips of political speeches interspersed with humorous commentary or parody, you’re repurposing the original work in a new and transformative way—much like “Auto-Tune the News.”

Another example could be a radio show that plays clips from popular songs but recontextualizes them within a larger discussion of musical trends or cultural history. If the song clips are used to illustrate a point and not simply for entertainment value, the new purpose—educational or critical analysis—can qualify the use as fair. In cases involving parody or political commentary on radio, the fair use defense has sometimes been successful. For instance, radio shows that use short clips from speeches, interviews, or news broadcasts for commentary, satire, or criticism can invoke fair use if the content is transformed for a new purpose.

One example is when talk radio shows play brief excerpts of copyrighted works (e.g., speeches, news clips) to critique or analyze them. If the use is transformative and doesn’t replace the original work in the marketplace (i.e., people wouldn’t listen to the radio show as a substitute for the original), courts have shown a willingness to accept fair use in such contexts. However, detailed legal battles involving radio stations using copyrighted material for parody or commentary are less common than those involving music licensing.

Example: Rogers v. Koons (Rebroadcast of News Content). While not as widely reported as music-related cases, one example of a copyright infringement suit involving the rebroadcast of talk content was a case where a news organization sued a radio station for replaying portions of its copyrighted interviews and reports without permission. In cases like this, radio stations or broadcasters may try to claim fair use based on the purpose of the rebroadcast, such as using a portion of an interview for commentary, satire, or news reporting. However, if the content is used purely to replay the original, as opposed to being transformed into a new, critical, or educational piece, the fair use defense may not succeed.  For example, news stations may license their talk content (like interviews or original reporting) through syndication deals. If a radio station broadcasts this content without securing the necessary licensing agreement, they may face a copyright lawsuit.

Example: Talk Show Hosts and Syndicated Content. A real-world scenario can involve syndicated talk shows or podcasts that are copyrighted. Radio stations can face lawsuits if they replay this content without proper authorization. An example would be stations rebroadcasting popular talk radio shows or political commentaries (such as those by syndicated hosts like Rush Limbaugh or Howard Stern) without purchasing broadcast rights. This unauthorized use can lead to legal action from the copyright holders. For example, if a station replays clips of an interview conducted by NPR or a news network for entertainment or even news purposes, and it doesn’t transform the content for criticism or commentary, it may be violating copyright law. Radio companies might try to claim fair use, but the courts will look closely at whether the replay served a new, transformative purpose or was simply a verbatim rebroadcast.

Key Considerations for Broadcasters. To better understand whether your use of copyrighted content is transformative, ask yourself:

• Are you adding new meaning or message? The more your work transforms the original content – such as using it for commentary, criticism, or satire – the more likely it qualifies as fair use.

• Does your use serve a different purpose? If you’re using the content for a new purpose, like entertainment, education, or social commentary, rather than simply duplicating the original, it can be seen as transformative.

• Are you just using the original for its own sake? If the copyrighted material is used in a way that does not add new expression or meaning, it’s less likely to fall under fair use. Transformative use is a powerful defense in fair use claims, but it’s not a guarantee. Always make sure your purpose and character are different from the original intent of the work, and when in doubt, seek legal counsel.

Media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison is VP/associate publisher, TALKERS; Senior Partner, Harrison Media Law; and executive producer, Goodphone Communications.  He is available for private consultation and media industry contract representation. He can be reached by phone at 724.484.3529 or email at matthew@harrisonmedialaw.com

 

Industry Views

Fair Use: A Media Creator’s Guide to Using Copyrighted Content

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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

Matthew B. Harrison, Esq.As a media creator, incorporating copyrighted material, such as video clips or actualities, into your content can enhance your message. But when using someone else’s work, you need to consider fair use, a legal principle that permits limited use of copyrighted material under certain conditions – without needing permission from the copyright holder. Understanding when and how you can safely use this material is critical to avoiding costly liability – whether it’s a copyright strike or complicated copyright litigation.

What is fair use? Fair use is the legal principle that allows copyrighted material to be used without permission for purposes above and beyond the original version – like criticism, commentary, news reporting, education, or parody. It’s not an absolute right but rather a defense you can claim if challenged. Courts assess fair use based on four key factors, all which creators should carefully consider.

Purpose and character of the use.  Is the use of the material transformative? This means that you’re adding something new or giving it a different purpose than the original, rather than just copying it. This is more likely to be allowable. On the other hand, simply reposting someone else’s video with little change is not transformative and could be seen as infringement.

Nature of the copyrighted work.  Not all content is treated equally under fair use. Factual works (such as news reports) are more likely to be subject to fair use than creative works (like movies or music videos). Why? Courts recognize that creative works often involve a higher level of personal expression, so they deserve more protection. Plus, society has an interest in being able to quickly disseminate news and other important information – therefore, facts generally have little to no protection themselves.

Amount and substantiality. The more of the original work you use, the less likely it is to qualify as fair use. Using a brief clip or excerpt is more defensible than using an entire segment or the “heart” of a work, which is often the most memorable or critical part. This becomes less of an issue when using factual material, though immediately can get complicated if the material being used is someone elses opinion and commentary. This is where taking less is going to be more – in terms of preventing potential liability.

Effect on the market. If your use of the copyrighted material could replace the need for the original courts are more likely to see it as infringement. In other words – is your use of the material taking money out of the pockets of the original creator? This isn’t a moral judgement but purely an objective analysis. If your use does not impact the market for the original work, such as in a news or educational context, it’s more likely to fall under fair use.

Practical Takeaways for Media Creators

Use brief excerpts, not whole segments. The less you use, the more likely it’s fair use.

Make sure your use is transformative. Add commentary, criticism, or parody to distinguish your work from the original.

Be mindful of market impact. Avoid using copyrighted material in a way that competes with the original.

Credit is not enough. Even if you give attribution, it doesn’t exempt you from potential liability. Fair use depends on how you use the material, not just on crediting the original creator.

While fair use provides flexibility, it’s crucial to apply it carefully. When in doubt, consult with legal counsel to ensure your content remains within legal bounds.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Move or Die!

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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

Walter M. SterlingIf a shark doesn’t swim, it dies. Radio is just fine, thank you, but it’s not swimming. Water, check. Tank, check, Sharks, check. Swimming to the next meal, nope. For the past 10 years at least, the radio show in every city is stuck in place and that sound in the distance that wakes you up at night is a death rattle.

The public perceives radio to be live, current, and local. Those three ingredients are the foundation of radio’s hundred years of success and the envy of all other media. That’s right – ALL. OTHER. MEDIA.  Radio was born with the characteristics envied by newspapers, magazines, streaming, TV… name it.

The savior of the AM band was not a three-hour-a-day-host. The savior is all-news and local live. The FM formats that thrive and grow put up a live mirror to a city’s needs and tastes.  Stations that sound like their city, and no other city, do not just win – they dominate. The radio shark is the forward momentum of urgent local information, new ideas, new jokes.

When asked, most people will say, “I don’t think I listen to the radio much…” But they do. The problem is radio is not top of mind. Why not? Because radio must demand listener attention with urgent, new ideas, entertainment, and information. “Your favorites from the 90s and today” isn’t doing that. Listen to air checks of the double-digit share legends of top 40 night-time radio. They weren’t so great. BUT in every single break they announced the names of local schools, listeners, events – every break with urgency. The more listener names, the higher their shares. Radio math. The more listener names, the more live local points of reference, the higher the audience share.

Consider the stunning ratings of too many NPR stations. What accounts for their growth trajectory? Clock the percentage of time your local NPR station spends presenting local news, local information, and new ideas.

Compare that with any other station in the city. In its own dreary way, most NPR stations deliver on the presumed benefits of the medium of radio: Local, live, urgent ideas. Yes, many commercial stations command major ratings for the same reason: All-news stations, and hybrids such as WSB, Atlanta; KRLD, Dallas; New Jersey 101.5, WABC, New York; KFI, Los Angeles; WTAM, Cleveland; WPHT Philadelphia.

It’s sacred geometry: The more often a listener hears about their local, daily life, the higher go the ratings.

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

Yesterday’s (10/21) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The election was front and center yesterday (10/21) as the rhetoric, mudslinging, and atypical campaign environment intensifies.  Former President Donald Trump’s cosplay at McDonalds and observations of schlongology (Jeffrey Epstein and Arnold Palmer) were highlights of the day’s conversation .  The escalation of violence in the Middle East, climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, and the Russia-Ukraine war were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/22), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

New Ramsey Solutions Research Shows Nearly 80% of U.S. Adults Say They’re Worried About The Economy

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Two weeks before Americans head to the polls to elect a new president, 78% of adults say they’re worried about the economy according to Ramsey Solutions’ new State of Personal Finance report for the third quarter of 2024. Ramsey SolutionsThe research notes millennials (ages 27-42) are the most concerned at 83%.  The survey finds people are feeling the effects of the higher costs of goods and services, and they remain concerned about inflation. In addition, 37% said their finances are in worse shape than four years ago. Thirty-four percent said their finances are about the same, while only 29% said they’re better off than they were four years ago. The research indicates more than half (52%) of Americans believe the U.S. presidency has a major impact on their personal finances. “We encourage every American to go out and vote,” said Dave Ramsey, personal finance expert and host of “The Ramsey Show.” “But remember, what goes on in your house is a whole lot more important than who’s in the White House. The research shows that less than half of Americans believe a written household budget is the way to win with money. That has to change, or nothing will.”

Other key findings include:

• 1 in 3 Americans can’t afford Christmas and plan to use credit cards to make up for the shortfall.

• Nearly half of Americans (49%) report some difficulty paying bills, with Gen Z struggling the most (69%).

• 34% said they have at least $10,000 in consumer debt.

• Only 1 in 10 U.S. adults are investing 15% or more of their income.

To see the full results of Ramsey Solutions’ State of Personal Finance report, please click here.

The State of Personal Finance is a quarterly research study conducted by Ramsey Solutions with 1,006 U.S. adults to gain an understanding of opinions and attitudes toward money in America. The nationally representative sample was fielded September 12-16, 2024, using a third-party research panel.

 

 

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories this Past Weekend (10/19-20)

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The presidential race highlighted by scrutiny and defense over Trump’s alleged cognitive decline was the most discussed story on news/talk media this past weekend (10/19-20), followed by fear of escalating violence in the Middle East by Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. These stories were closely followed by (or incorporated) the economy, the migrant crisis, abortion, the Russia-Ukraine war, Elon Musk’s election money activity and the MLB playoffs according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

2024 Presidential Race Taking on Historic Role as Nation’s First “Podcast Election”

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Tyrus and Trump

Although news/talk radio, cable news/talk TV and all other platforms still lumped under the heading of “legacy” or “mainstream” media remain collectively powerful as venues of exposure for the national conversation in this crucial political year, the 2024 presidential race has significantly elevated podcasting to a seat at the table of influence drawing ongoing guest appearances by the major party candidates.  Pictured above: OutKick’s “Maintaining with Tyrus” podcast hosted by George “Tyrus” Murdoch.  Murdoch is a FOX News Channel (FNC) contributor and a New York Times best-selling author. The interview was recorded this morning (10/18) at Trump Tower in New York City and can be viewed here.

Podcast industry expert/media writer Ashley Carman aptly describes this year’s cycle as the first real “podcast election” in her Bloomberg Newsletter column.  Carman credits the following factors in fueling the rise of podcasting in the presidential arena:

The number of people listening to podcasts monthly has more than doubled since 2016. An estimated 135 million people listen to a podcast monthly while 98 million listen weekly, according to Edison Research’s “Infinite Dial” study this year. This is a significant uptick from 2016 when Trump first ran for president. At that time, 21% of Americans over the age of 12 said they’d listened to a podcast monthly. This year that figure is 47%. The reach of the medium continues to grow. At this point, it’s basically mainstream.

Monthly podcast listeners have more than doubled since the 2016 election. Source: Edison Research “The Infinite Dial 2024”

People trust podcasters. A few different studies suggest people trust podcasters more than other media personalities, particularly when it comes to hearing about the news. Research from Deloitte last year found that 75% of surveyed respondents said they agreed with the statement, “I trust the podcast hosts I listen to.” Pew Research found last year that most people who get news from podcasts either say they trust that news more than the news they receive from other sources (31%) or trust it about the same (55%). We typically see this play out through podcast product endorsements, the backbone of the industry. Promo codes on podcasts have become a parody at this point, but the reality is that they work. People often take action when a podcaster throws their weight behind a product, and if having a guest on counts as a tacit endorsement of sorts, listeners are likely going to pay attention. Podcasters have also turned into superstars in their own right, inspiring fans to spend money to see them live and demonstrating how committed people are to the programs. Just this past week, The Rest Is Politics sold out the O2 arena in London. Some 13,000 fans attended. In August, the popular US-based podcast, “Kill Tony,” performed at Madison Square Garden over two nights. Those events generated $2.4 million in gross revenue with over 25,000 tickets sold, according to Pollstar.

Podcast hosts can influence their audience more than other media formats. Source: Deloitte Digital Media Trends, 17th edition (April 2023)

Young people, and yes, men, are spending time listening to podcasts. Much of the coverage around Trump’s and Vance’s podcast appearances has centered on their efforts to reach young men. More generally, young people are spending time listening to podcasts. Last year, of people between the ages of 13 and 24, 77% had at some point listened to a podcast, according to Edison Research and SXM Media, and 47% had listened to one in the last month. From that same study, men and boys listened slightly more than women and girls in a month — 53% compared to 46%.

Political messaging. But perhaps greater than any single data point is the general recognition of how well the podcast format suits political messaging. Anyone who has listened to a general interview podcast knows these shows often allow guests to speak at length, without interruption, making it an ideal venue for a politician to communicate beyond their worn-out soundbites. Few other media formats provide this kind of access to Gen Z for such prolonged periods of time.

To read Ashley Carman’s entire column, please click here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/16) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

A flurry of high-profile political interviews dotted the news/talk media landscape again yesterday highlighted by VP Kamala Harris’s appearance on FOX News Channel solidifying the presidential race as the dominant topic. There was also a lot of discussion about former President Donald Trump’s musical “love fest.” The aftermath of the hurricanes remained among the most talked-about stories sparked by numerous radio-oriented relief efforts. The escalation of violence in the Middle East, climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/16), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/15) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

A flurry of high-profile political interviews dotted the news/talk media landscape yesterday solidifying the presidential race as the dominant topic. The aftermath of the hurricanes remained among the most talked-about stories sparked by numerous radio-oriented relief efforts. The escalation of violence in the Middle East, climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/15), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

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

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Engaging in a conversation focused on the tenets of leadership, generational change, and more, legendary NHL Stanley Cup champion coach Mike Keenan is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel program, “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison” and the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  Iron Mike LogoKeenan coached big time teams in the Soviet Union, Russia, Canada, China, the U.S. and more for over five decades!  What does it take to be a leader in the competitive and often cutthroat world of major league professional sports?  How have the generations of young athletes changed over this stretch of time?  What is the state of sportsmanship in today’s culture?  What is it like dealing with the media from a professional sports perspective? How is sports culture different around the world? How is gambling impacting sports? Is hockey enjoying healthy growth as both a sport and a business?  These questions and more are tackled in an informative and universally interesting conversation between Harrison and Keenan.  Keenan, considered one of hockey’s most controversial and intriguing figures, has just released an autobiography titled Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench (Randon House Canada, 2024).

To watch the video interview on YouTube, please click here.

To listen to the audio podcast, please click here.

Industry News

Hubbard Radio Welcomes Daniel Bortnick as New Director of Sales for South Florida Cluster

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Hubbard Radio has announced the appointment of Daniel Bortnick as the new director of sales for its South Florida cluster. Daniel Bortnick Bortnick is a successful industry veteran who most recently served as regional vice president of sales at iHeart Media in Washington, DC. Elizabeth Hamma, market president tells TALKERS, “We are fortunate to welcome Danny Bortnick as director of sales for Hubbard South Florida. With his extensive and successful track record of driving revenue growth as well as fostering strong client relationships, we are confident Danny will make a big impact on our team and our advertising partners.”  Bortnick states, “I couldn’t be more excited to be joining Hubbard South Florida. I’m humbled to be representing such powerful brands, as well 2060 Digital. Looking forward to helping the Hubbard South Florida team reach new levels of success.”Hubbard Logo In his new role, according to the company, Bortnick will oversee sales operations for Hubbard’s South Florida stations, as well as 2060 Digital, focusing on driving revenue growth, building strong relationships with advertisers, and creating innovative solutions to meet client needs.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/14) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida were still the most talked-about stories focusing on the negative impact of misinformation about the damage and relief, as well as the attacks on FEMA personnel, followed closely by the presidential race with a spotlight on the intensifying vitriol. The escalation of violence in the Middle East, climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, Columbus Day, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/14), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry Views

MH: Why is “Talk Radio” Predominantly Conservative?

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

UCFO - Why is Talk Radio predominantly conservative.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison addressed a packed house of New Jersey political, civic, and business leaders at the 16th annual Hurley in the Morning Foundation Charity Dinner in Atlantic City (10/4) discussing the biological and sociological impact of modern era communications technology. In this clip, he answers his most frequently asked question – why is talk radio predominantly conservative?  According to Harrison, it comes down to the popular interpretation and skewed definition of the term “talk radio” coupled with the media business’s trend toward “targeting” audiences by affirming what they already want to hear.  To see a brief clip of Harrison’s comments please click here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/10) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida were still the most talked-about stories, followed closely by the presidential race with a spotlight on the Trump–Putin Covid-19 connection. The escalation of violence in the Middle East, climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/10), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

John Catsimatidis To Match $25,000 In Donations to Broadcasters Foundation for Emergency Hurricane Grants

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC, New York, is matching $25,000 of donations to the Broadcasters Foundation of America to help fund emergency grants for individual broadcasters devastated by the destruction of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. BFOA  “My family, Red Apple Media, and WABC Radio have supported numerous causes and organizations,” stated Catsimatidis. im“At this time of great need for colleagues catastrophically impacted by these storms, I will match the next $25,000 in donations to help them get back on their feet. I applaud all those who have already donated any amount because every dollar helps.”  “We are grateful to John and Red Apple Media for their generous patronage of our charitable mission,” said Tim McCarthy, president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. “It is with the support of industry leaders like John that the Foundation can provide assistance to those in our industry who need it most, including in times of emergency. I ask every broadcaster to consider giving an individual or corporation donation so that we can continue our charitable mission for broadcasters in need.” Additionally, WABC is running PSAs to appeal to listeners for donations. In addition, the station has produced a version of the PSA that can be tagged by a radio station with their own call letters. Interested stations should contact WABC.  To make a donation to the Broadcasters Foundation of America Hurricanes Helene and Milton Emergency Fund, please click here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/9) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida were the most talked-about stories, followed closely by the presidential race, Bob Woodward’s report of Donald Trump’s close relationship with Vladimir Putin, and the escalation of violence in the Middle East.  Climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/9), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

FOX News to Launch Hour-long Spanish-Language News Program

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

FOX News Media announces the October 15 launch of a new daily, one-hour Spanish-language program titled, “FOX Noticias,” focusing on issues impacting the Hispanic community. The program will be anchored by “FOX & Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy and airs weekdays at 4:00 pm ET on Spanish-imlanguage sports network FOX Deportes. It will also be available in podcast form via FOX News Audio. Ahead of the debut, FOX News Digital will launch a Spanish-language version of the FOXNews.com website beginning today which will be machine translated. Campos-Duffy comments, “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to host ‘FOX Noticias.’ As the fastest-growing electorate, accounting for nearly 20% of the population, the Hispanic American community is thriving, and I am proud to bring a new show that breaks down the news of the day with a focus on the kitchen table issues that matter most to our community.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/8) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and today’s expected landfall of Hurricane Milton in Florida were the most talked-about stories, followed closely by the presidential race, Bob Woodward’s report of Donald Trump’s close relationship with Vladimir Putin, and the escalation of violence in the Middle East.  Climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/8), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Audacy Shares Creativity, AI and Measurement Trends to Accelerate Brand Success

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Audacy has released “State of Audio: The Trends Report,” the sixth installment of the company’s audio thought leadership series. imThis edition explores game-changing shifts in creativity, artificial intelligence, measurement, and audience activation—highlighting key trends crucial for navigating the evolving ad environment. KEY FINDINGS: According to research compiled in the guide, emotional messaging is gaining renewed importance in audio advertising, driving an 8.2% increase in consumer action with ads that evoke positive feelings. In the creator economy, “test and see” strategies are becoming obsolete, as authentic creator partnerships are now essential to media plans. In fact, 40% of advertisers are shifting from one-off campaigns to year-long collaborations with creators, recognizing the lasting value these partnerships offer.

Artificial intelligence, the most disruptive change in a decade, is reshaping the ad landscape, with 88% of marketers expecting AI to have a serious impact on their business by mid-2025. Radio and podcast publishers are adopting dynamic AI contextual ads, creative testing, and additional features to enhance experiences. Despite the rise of generative AI, human connection remains the heart and soul of audio. By blending AI with a human touch, brands can maintain authenticity and preserve the magic of genuine connection.

• Powering up Personalization: Personalized ad creatives drive up to twice the conversion rates.

• Predictive Audiences: Targeting Made Smarter: Now predictive models are leveraging past purchases to take audience targeting to the next level.

• The Marriage of Brand and Performance: While performance and driving purchases are critical, advertisers are increasingly prioritizing brand strength. In the past two years, brand marketing investments have surged by 56%.

• Fandom Targeting: Marketers should tap into sports and music superfans, as over 35% of consumers view their favorite teams and artists as core to their identity. Leverage these emotional connections with contextually relevant campaigns.

“In this edition of State of Audio, we explore audio trends that leading brands are leaning into to accelerate the performance of their media investments,” said Paul Suchman, chief marketing officer, Audacy. “From great creative and discovering new audiences, to super interesting use-cases for AI and smarter analytics, these are the trends marketers are embracing to make their audio work harder.”

To download “State of Audio: The Trends Report,” please click here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and anticipation of Hurricane Milton were the most talked-about stories, followed closely by the presidential race and the escalation of violence in the Middle East.  Climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/7), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Florida Radio Stations Prepare for Hurricane Milton

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Radio is a survivorAs most readers of TALKERS magazine know, dedicated and alert radio stations rise to the occasion of abundant vigilance and public service in providing their communities with vital information and support during natural disasters.  Such has been the case with Hurricane Helene and the same thing will take place as Hurricane Milton threatens Florida and the East Coast.

TALKERS has been informed of the following plan put in place by the Florida-based Beasley Media Group:

1. Hourly Storm Updates: The Tampa and Fort Myers markets will commence hourly storm updates immediately, increasing to twice per hour as the storm nears. Wall-to-wall coverage will begin 24 hours before landfall, incorporating active listener engagement.

2. Partnership with Local TV Stations: Beasley Tampa will partner with local Scripps ABC television, while Fort Myers will align with the Hearst NBC-2/ABC-7 affiliates to enhance storm coverage.

3. Remote Broadcasting: Should there be widespread flooding, evacuations, or power/internet outages, Q105’s afternoon host, Geno, will broadcast live from Beasley’s Boston-based studios to maintain continuous storm coverage.

4. On-Site Presence: Some staff may remain overnight at the radio station, provided there are no safety concerns.

5. Beasley’s engineering team is on standby to address any technical issues that arise, ensuring the stations remain operational.

6. Local Storm Coverage: All syndicated programming will be suspended during the storm to prioritize local storm coverage.

7. Digital Content and Storm Central: Beasley’s Digital Content team will establish a dedicated “Storm Central” section on the station websites, offering timely updates, which will also be shared across social media platforms. Additionally, Quu dashboard technology will deliver special messaging featuring storm warnings.

Beasley personnel are closely monitoring the evolving storm conditions and are ready to take necessary action to keep their communities informed and safe.

Industry News

16th Annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner Ups Total Raised to $1.75 Million

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The 16th annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation Dinner took place Friday evening (10/4) at the historic Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.  The event is a key component each year of the philanthropic work performed by 33-year veteran WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley on behalf of non-profits across New Jersey and beyond.

Harry and Van Drew
Harry Hurley (l) is joined by U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) – one of hundreds of elected officials, media, and business dignitaries in attendance Friday evening (10/4) at the 16th Annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner at the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.

The gathering was literally a who’s who of the Garden State’s political, business, health care, and cultural communities including U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), U.S Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw, and literally dozens of members of the New Jersey legislature, county leaders, mayors, council members and a broad section of business and industry leaders at the highest level. The gala event, which drew the largest attendance in the event’s colorful history, opened with a video welcome message from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. More than $100,00 was raised at the gathering that evening, which included a remarkably curated silent auction, bringing the foundation’s total to more than $1.75 million.

MH at dinner
Michael Harrison, pictured here addressing the gathering, was the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the Hurley charity dinner, now considered one of the most important radio-related annual philanthropic civic initiatives in America.

TALKERS founder/publisher Michael Harrison served as the dinner’s keynote speaker and guest of honor. In his 40-minute presentation, Harrison discussed a variety of topics including the consequential impact of changing technology on society, the state of radio and journalism, the importance of the First Amendment and education in preserving democracy and the challenges facing unique cities such as Atlantic City in carrying on their meaningful legacies in the brave new world of the 21st century. Highlights of Harrison’s speech will be posted to the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel in the coming days.

Harrison stated, “The positive impact Harry Hurley has on South Jersey – economically, politically, and culturally – is a thing of beauty when witnessed up close as I just did this past weekend.  I salute Harry, WPG, and Townsquare Media for setting a stunning example of just how consequential this enduring medium of radio can be when operated by such dedicated, resourceful, and community-minded individuals. I was humbled and deeply honored to be able to play a small role in their magnificent efforts.”

Industry News

Mike Gallagher Marks Anniversary of Oct. 7 Attack Broadcasting from Israel

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Marking today’s sad first anniversary of the unprecedented, coordinated bloody October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel, nationally syndicated Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher is according to company sources, “taking a leap of faith that his listeners will stand up for Israel even as forces of darkness are banding together to try and wipe out America’s most important ally.”

MG in Israel

Gallagher—pictured above in Israel with Yael Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews—has devoted all three hours of his 9:00 am – 12:00 noon ET program today to commemorate the atrocities of October 7, 2023 and to generate donations for IFCJ’s campaign to provide emergency bomb shelter kits that can be delivered immediately to those in most desperate need throughout the Jewish state.  Guests included IFCJ’s Eckstein;  Joel Pollack, senior editor-at-large of Breitbart News; Iran/Middle East expert Jake Novak, and Shafir Botner, an Israeli ambulance driver currently aiding victims of Iran’s recent missile attacks…who was a helicopter pilot on 10/7/23 and helped rescue survivors of Hamas’ October 7th attacks on a music festival in Israel.  Acknowledging the domestic disaster of Hurricane Helene—and having implored his listeners to open their hearts and wallets to non-profits like The Salvation Army and Samaritan’s Purse which are working around the clock here in America in the aftermath of Helene’s devastation in Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and elsewhere—Gallagher nevertheless felt compelled to act on the occasion of the October 7th anniversary.  Gallagher tells TALKERS, “This was Israel’s 9/11, and the I feel it is important to recognize the one-year mark of the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust when 1200 Israelis were brutally murdered and more that 250 were taken hostage.” He adds, “Israel and her people are facing attacks from enemies on all sides seeking her destruction,” further noting, “The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews is on the ground throughout Israel right now —providing food, shelter, and safety to those in need during this crisis – and that’s why I’m partnering with IFCJ today. While praying for the best, IFCJ is preparing for the worst by packing emergency bomb shelter kits, and I hope my generous listeners can insure that enough can be provided throughout Israel.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Selling Convenience

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

im

National media sells products, most of which aren’t manufactured locally. Local media’s best bet: services, which are inherently local.

My brother-in-law is an engineer, 4-digit IQ. So – when was having his floors redone – he went into solve-the-problem mode. He and my nephew moved a piano from room-to-room with a skateboard, cinder blocks, and blankets. Imagine trying to do THAT? Ugh. There are companies that move pianos all day. For them it’s easy.

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Sales meeting brainstorm: What’s difficult for the average person, but comes easy to a prospective advertiser? Radio has made lots of money selling convenience. Busy people will pay. Think high-TSL in-car listeners.

Right now, smart stations are booking painters, roofers, and arborists… companies that work on ladders. When winter weather slams-the-brakes on their business, they pivot to putting-up — and eventually taking-down — outdoor Christmas lights. Do YOU want to climb up there, let alone when it’s c-c-cold? Work like this monetizes what would otherwise be seasonal dark time. And by doing this job, they could earn perennial business… and their trained eyes will spot in-season work you might need.

Six months later, that painter says he’ll repaint/re-stain your deck “in time for the Fourth!” Around then, I see trucks from a company that fills swimming pools. And as listeners are planning summer travel, a local mechanic offers a multi-point bumper-to-bumper and tire check-up, “so your vacation doesn’t hit a speed bump.”

Radio can tell these stories more cost-efficiently than other media.

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

Massachusetts Broadcasters Association to name WEEI’s Joe Castiglione 2024 Broadcaster of the Year

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association (MBA) will honor legendary WEEI Boston Red Sox radio play-by-play announcer Joe Castiglione with its prestigious Broadcaster of the Year Award at the association’s annual Sound Bites conference to be held November 21 at the Sheraton Framingham in Framingham, MA. Joe CastiglioneCastiglione, who announced his retirement prior to the conclusion of the 2024 Red Sox season spent 42 seasons in the Red Sox booth, making him the longest tenured radio broadcaster in Red Sox history. A native of Hamden, CT, he began his career calling Colgate University football and baseball games while earning a B.A. from the university. He would later graduate from Syracuse University’s prestigious Newhouse School with a master’s degree in Radio and Television. Castiglione’s Red Sox legacy started in 1983 when he was paired with another Red Sox legend in Ken Coleman. In his 40+ years with the Red Sox, Castiglione was the voice for millions during the lowest lows and highest highs of the franchise. He’s maybe most famous for his call at the end of the 2004 World Series which ended an 86-year World Series drought for the Sox, exclaiming “for the first time in 86 years, the Red Sox have won baseball’s world championship. Can you believe it?” The phrase would become a signature call. Joe Castiglione was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2014, the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2015, and was named the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award winner, presented annually by the Hall of Fame for excellence in broadcasting, in 2024.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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

Michael Harrison to Keynote and Be Honored Tonight at Hurley Charity Dinner in AC

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

im

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison has been named keynote speaker and guest of honor at this evening’s 16th Annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation Dinner Gala and Silent Auction. The event, organized annually by WPG, Atlantic City morning host and noted radio industryim philanthropist Harry Hurley, has raised more than $1.4 million for worthy causes across New Jersey and beyond. It has become one of the most important annual civic events in the Garden State drawing 270+ guests including government officials, media representatives and community-minded business leaders. The gala will be at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. Harrison says, “This is a huge honor and I’m looking forward to addressing this distinguished event with observations about the media’s position at the crossroads between politics, journalism and changing social norms.” Hurley tells TALKERS, “Our special event will be taking place four weeks before one of the most consequential national elections in American history… arguably, the most important election since the Civil War era. It deserves to have a keynote speaker as even-handed and eloquent as Michael Harrison.”