The presidential race and the Democratic National Convention; the economy; the U.S. migrant crisis; Gaza cease-fire talks; Ukraine’s incursion into Russia; Iran accused of hacking Donald Trump and Kamala Harris campaigns; former U.S. Rep. George Santos pleads guilty to identity theft and wire fraud; and Phil Donahue dies at 88 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
X – which most people I hear still call “Twitter” – is a great way to attract new ears.
Tips:
— Write a stack of Tweets for each episode, and post at intervals, so you’re not further-down readers’ feeds then they are scrolling.
— Use # and @ to attract those with affinity to your subject and/or guest.
And don’t Tweet like Trump
4 reasons why:
— Relentless negativity gets old quickly. We all know, and seek to avoid, someone whose glass is ALWAYS half-empty. Don’t be him or her.
— Bellicose braggadocio gets old even quicker. And “I,” “I,” “I,” “me,” “me,” “me” emulates an unfortunate talk radio caricature podcasters want to avoid.
— Millennials – heavy podcast consumers — are repelled by acrimony and seek consensus.
— Once it’s out there, you can’t take it back… even if you delete-the-Tweet. The Library of Congress archives all Tweets, and they’re not the only ones. Those who don’t wish you well may have screen-grabbed what you posted… something politicians learn the hard way when their words show up on opponents’ campaign commercials. And we’ve all read radio trade press reports of DJs and talkers who’ve been fired for social media faux pas.
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
The presidential race and this week’s Democratic National Convention; the economy; Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region of Russia; the negotiations over a cease-fire in Gaza; GOP report accuses Joe Biden of “impeachable conduct”; George Santos expected to plead guilty to federal charges; charges in the death of actor Matthew Perry; and the mpox outbreak in Africa were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
ABC Audio has won three Edward R. Murrow Awards. In the “Continuing Coverage” category, it wins for “Start Here: Israel-Hamas War,” while “Reclaimed: The Forgotten League” takes honors for “Excellence in Writing.” In addition, “Start Here: On the Brink” is an award winner in the “News Documentary” category.
GROWING TREND: The practice of utilizing audio and video clips from other broadcasts as a talk media programming element to serve as segment thought-starters or guide posts to move things forward has been growing over the years and according to TALKERS research is now being regularly employed by a majority of online talk video and on-air talk radio hosts as a standard “format.” Described by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison as “clip jockeys,” these hosts have, according to Harrison, “turned the practice of using what used to be described as a form of ‘actuality’ into the foundation of their programs.” This practice of using ‘clips’ is quite prevalent on YouTube where it has become regular fare – although radio hosts have been doing audio versions of it for years. Harrison continues, “The most widely-used sources of this ‘borrowed’ clipped material are FOX News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, and Newsmax among others including ‘legacy’ media operations.” “However,” Harrison adds, “even legacy network programs – especially late night talk shows – have begun utilizing the practice,” But is it legal infringment? Are clip jockeys and their platforms in violation of intellectual property rights? According to TALKERS VP/associate publisher and media attorney Matthew B. Harrison, “Broadcasters can share their online finds with their audience – and there is a public interest to allow for that – whether in the form of commentary, news, art, and instruction. But these same broadcasters need to be cognizant that if they are going to be presenting something that isn’t their own work, it needs to be done in a way that does not interfere with the originating platform’s or news organization’s ability to reap the rewards for their creation. Giving the audience the bulk of another’s creation, leaning on the goodwill of their talents for your own audience, does not usually lead to increased time spent viewing for the creator and in such a scenario those actions would be interfering with their ability to make a living and that goes against the spirit of fair use and the justification to share in the first place.”
The presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Economy and the announcement that prescription drug costs will be lowered, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis at #3 and the various primary races at #4. 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. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
The presidential race; the economy; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Israel-Hamas war and the $20 billion U.S.-Israel weapons deal; the Russia-Ukraine war; Hunter Biden’s Burisma allegations; Columbia University president Minouche Shafik steps down; western wildfires & Tropical Storm Ernesto; and the mpox outbreak in Africa were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
In this week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog post, a number of studies measuring attentiveness (defined as the degree to which those exposed to the advertising are focused on it)
reveal that AM/FM ads far outperform most social media ads. For example, the firm Adelaide found that for revery $1,000 spent on AM/FM ads it would require spending $2,635 on Facebook ads for the same amount of attentiveness. However, it also found that just $698 of YouTube ads would yield the same degree of attentiveness as $1,000 of AM/FM advertising. The blog post also addresses the myth that video ads are necessarily more effective than audio ads. See the full blog post here.
The presidential race; Iran allegedly hacks Trump campaign emails; the economy; the primary race involving U.S. Rep Ilhan Omar; the U.S. migrant crisis; Israel and U.S. prepare for Iran attack; Ukraine’s incursion into Russia; and Tropical Storm Ernesto gains strength were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
iHeartMedia names Angela Reed SVP, Inside Sales Division. The company notes that the Inside Sales Division is a team of nearly 100 full-time employees and over 75 account executives that offer iHeart’s suite
of broadcast, events, digital and podcast products to advertisers across all markets. In this role, Reed will manage iHeartMedia’s largest individual sales team and create advertising opportunities for brands and iHeartMedia partners across the company’s array of platforms including radio broadcasting, digital, mobile, outdoor, live concerts and events and more. iHeartMedia president of multimarket partnerships Julie Donohue says, “We’re thrilled to welcome Angela and her extensive experience to iHeartMedia. We know she’ll make an immediate positive impact as SVP of our Inside Sales Division, a key role in keeping our company thriving and broadening our reach even further.” Reed most recently served as chief sales officer at Miradore, a purveyor of mobile device management software.
Beasley Media Group announces that Lamar Smith is promoted to director of corporate engineering for the company. Smith has been with the company since 2011 and most recently served as vice president of
engineering. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing all engineering activities across Beasley’s 57 radio properties throughout the United States. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Lamar’s commitment, dedication and experience are exactly what we need as the organization continues to evolve and innovate into the future.” Smith, who will remain based in Charlotte, says, “Many thanks to Caroline and the Beasley family for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to being able to lead the engineering division as the company continues to evolve for years to come.”
The presidential race; financial markets activity and the U.S. economy; Iran allegedly hacks Trump campaign emails & break-in at Trump Virginia campaign office; Ukraine’s ongoing incursion into Russia; Israel and the U.S. prepare for Iran strike; summer wildfires in California, Colorado and Greece; and a 4.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Los Angeles were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Audacy announces that it is ending the all-news format on WCBS-AM, New York and will lease the signal to Good Karma Brands, which will begin airing its sports talk “ESPN New York” format on the signal, beginning August 26. Audacy plans to change the call letters to WHSQ-AM. Audacy, which will continue to operate all-news WINS-AM/FM, has not commented on how the change will affect WCBS-AM staffers. Audacy New
York market president Chris Oliviero states, “New York has always been proudly unique in supporting two all-news radio brands, but the news business has gone through significant changes. The headwinds facing local journalism nationwide made it essential to strategically reimagine how we deliver the news for the most impact. WCBS 880 has been one of the most respected radio stations in history, with a legacy cemented by the hundreds of world-class journalists, on and off the air, who willed it into existence over the decades. If it happened in New York or the world, you heard about it on WCBS 880. Today, 1010 WINS@92.3FM, equally iconic, moves forward as New York’s only 24/7 all-news station with the best distribution platform, the largest audience and the most recognized brand in the industry. All-news is a pillar of Audacy, and this decision, though difficult, fortifies that leadership position for generations to come.” Audacy says that to honor WCBS 880’s meaningful impact, the station will broadcast a live commemorative special, “WCBS 880 News: The People, the Moments, and the Events that Shaped our Lives,” on August 22 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm ET. This special edition of “NEWSLINE” with Brigitte Quinn will include interviews and historical clips. Audacy New York will continue to serve as the exclusive rights holder and flagship audio home of the New York Mets. Audacy-produced broadcasts will continue to air on 880 AM and stream on the Audacy app.
Audacy reports its operating results for the second quarter of 2024 and reveals net revenue of $301.6 million, an increase of 1% over the same period in 2023. After reporting a net loss of $125.8 million in Q2 of 2023, the company reports net income of $2.9 million in the second quarter of this year. Looking at Audacy’s business segments, Local and National Spot revenue was $179.6 million, a decline of almost 4% from a year ago; Digital (including podcasting) revenue was $74.4 million, an increase of 11.6%; and Network revenue
was $22.3 million, up 7% over Q2 of 2023. Audacy also breaks out revenue by radio format categories and while Sports radio revenue was $71.1 million (up 8.3% over last year), News/Talk revenue was $43 million (a decline of 2.3% from the same period a year ago). Audacy chairman, president and CEO David J. Field comments, “Audacy continued to deliver strong 2024 financial performance with Q2 Adjusted EBITDA more than doubling, up 116% vs. prior year. For the first six months of 2024, Adjusted EBITDA is up 128%. Our accelerating financial performance reflects our significant revenue share gains, low-teen growth in digital advertising, high single-digit growth in network radio, and prudent expense reductions, offsetting continued weakness in traditional ad markets. Notably, our transformational, strategic investments are emerging as a critical driver in our accelerating performance. Recent improvements in our streaming and podcasting platforms, along with further enhancements to our digital monetization and programmatic capabilities are increasing their impact on our top-line and bottom-line results. As previously announced, we received court approval of our consensual pre-packaged Plan of Reorganization in February and are awaiting FCC approval to complete the process. We continue to expect final approval and emergence to occur during the current quarter. The third quarter is currently pacing up low-single digits, and we expect another quarter of significant Adjusted EBITDA growth.”
The presidential race and this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago; Israel’s battle against Hamas and Hezbollah; Ukraine’s military incursion into Russian territory; activity on the world’s financial markets; U.S. reportedly offers amnesty to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro to cede power; the flooding and damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby; and the Paris Olympics were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend.
Audacy will flip alternative rock KRBZ-FM, Kansas City to sports talk as “96.5 The Fan” and is changing the call letters to KFNZ-FM. Audacy says, “The market-leading sports talent, commentary, analysis and play-by-play coverage previously heard on ‘610 Sports Radio’ (KCSP-AM) will now be heard on 96.5 The Fan – marking Kansas City’s first full-time FM Sports station. This FM sports destination will be the new flagship
radio station of the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and broadcast all pre-, regular and post-season games. Chiefs games will be simulcast on 106.5 The Wolf “WDAF-FM” for the 2024 season.” The station will also serve as the play-by-play home of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas State University and University of Missouri men’s basketball and football. The station’s weekday programming and play-by-play content will also be heard on KFNZ-AM “The Fan AM 610,” formerly known as KCSP-AM. Audacy Kansas City SVP and market manager Roxanne Marati comments, “Kansas City has the most passionate sports fans in the country, and they deserve a one-stop destination for premium sports content year-round. This is an exciting time for KC sports, and our exclusive partnership with the World Champion Chiefs, local content and engaging personalities with unrivaled sports knowledge will fuel fandom, bring listeners closer to the action and keep them connected to their favorite teams.”
The presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the global financial markets activity, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis and the U.K. anti-immigrant riots 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. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
Compass Media Networks brings three new staffers aboard, including news pro Chad Robison, who is named a news anchor for “Your Money Now.” In this role, Robison will anchor the “Your Money Now” twice
-hourly money news reports Monday through Friday in middays and PM drive. Robison most recently served as evening news anchor at Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton New Jersey 101.5.” Compass Media Networks also names Joe Mackay director of audio sales. The 25-year radio sales pro, based in Chicago, will manage advertising sales relationships throughout the West Coast and Midwest. Also joining the company as manager of sales planning is Laura Schaeffer. The 10-year radio industry pro will help manage customer relationships and assist sales executives and management with sales proposals and inventory management. She is based in New York.
The presidential race; the U.S. migrant crisis; financial markets activity and predictions for a recession; Israel faces threats from Iran and Hezbollah; the U.K. anti-immigrant riots; the Paris Olympics; Ukraine enters Russian territory; ISIS threats cancel Vienna Taylor Swift shows; and the flooding from Tropical Storm Debby were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Townsquare Media reports its financial operations for the second quarter of 2024 and reveals net revenue of $118.2 million, a decline of 2.5% from the same period in 2023. The company also reports a net loss of $48.9 million in Q2, compared to the net loss of $2.7 million that it reported in the second quarter of 2023. Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson states, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s momentum is building as demonstrated by another quarter of sequential net revenue improvement, primarily due to our local focus
and our unique and differentiated digital platform… In the second quarter, the Company reported a net loss of $48.9 million, in large part due to non-cash impairment charges. Our Q2 performance was driven by stabilizing and/or improving trends across segments: Townsquare Interactive returned to sequential revenue growth in each month of the quarter, as a result of positive subscriber trends that have improved dramatically compared to previous quarters; Digital Advertising net revenue growth continued at +1% year-over-year; and Broadcast Advertising net revenue was approximately flat as compared to the prior year, an improvement from first quarter declines. In total, Digital represented 52% of Townsquare’s net revenue in the first six months of the year. Additionally, we continue to generate strong cash flow, granting us the ability to invest in our digital growth engine while preserving financial flexibility, as evidenced by our ongoing debt and share buybacks in the open market… Most importantly, due to our current cash position and our strong cash generation, we retain financial flexibility moving forward and we are confident in our ability to build shareholder value for our investors through long-term net revenue and cash flow growth, net leverage reduction, future dividend payments, and potential future share repurchases.”
Red Apple Audio Networks is now syndicating of WABC, New York political reporter and program host Dominic Carter. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis states, “Dominic’s two shows are the most recent top-quality programming options that we’re offering radio stations through the Red Apple Audio Networks. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist, which gives a sharp perspective to his analysis and commentary. Dominic is one common sense individual.”
FOX News Media promotes Trey Yingst to chief foreign correspondent. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott states, “During major breaking news in every corner of the world, Trey has been the eyes and ears on the ground for our viewers since 2018. Trey’s indefatigable work ethic and dedication in multiple war zones has made him an incredible asset to FOX News and we are extremely proud of his first-class journalism.”
The presidential race and Kamala Harris’ choice of Tim Walz as vice presidential candidate; U.S. Rep. Cori Bush loses Missouri Democratic primary; the world’s financial markets activity and questions about a U.S. recession; Israel’s war against Hamas and the terrorist organization’s naming Yahya Sinwar its new political leader; Pakistani Asif Merchant is charged with plotting to assassinate American politicians; X files anti-trust suit against Global Alliance for Responsible Media; the Paris Olympics; Tropical Storm Debby drenches the East Coast; and the California wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
July 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk
WMAL 3.6 – 3.6, #11 – #11
WFED .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Nationals)
News
WTOP & WTLP 9.5 – 10.7, #2 – #1
Business News WDCH .6 – .8, #23 – #20
Business News WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WMZQ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WUST DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJFK-FM 1.4 – 1.7, #17 – #17 (Nationals)
WJFK-FM Stream .6 – .7, #23 – #22 (Nationals)
WTEM .2 – .4, #27 – #26
WTEM Stream .2 – .1, #28 – #30
WSBN .1 – .1, #30 – #30
WTSD DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WJFK-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Nationals)
Public Radio News/Talk
WAMU 11.3 – 10.4, after 32 months in succession at #1, slips to #2
Notes: Not only is WTOP & WTLP’s +1.2 (9.5 – 10.7) Washington, DC’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, the all-news outlet advances to #1, thus ending public radio news/talk WAMU’s consecutive string of consecutive months on top at 32.
BOSTON
News/Talk
WRKO 2.9 – 3.3, #13 – #10
WXKS-AM .6 – .8, #23 – #23
News
News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.7 – 4.7, #7 – #6
Business news WRCA .1 – .2, #28 – #25
Black Information Network WJMN-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 9.9 – 7.7, seventh straight month at #1
WEEI-FM 3.5 – 4.1, #10 – #8 (Red Sox)
WVEI-AM DNA – .2, DNA – #25
WEEI-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)
WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)
Public Radio News/Talk
WBUR 5.4 – 5.1, #5 – #5
WGBH 3.1 – 3.1, #11 – #13
Notes: Whereas sports talk/Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM’s +.6 (3.5 – 4.1) is Boston’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, similarly-formatted WBZ-FM’s -2.2 (9.9 – 7.7) represents the most significant (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease by any station in the 24 PPM-markets analyzed thus far. Nonetheless, WBZ-FM is #1 for the seventh month in a row.
MIAMI
News/Talk
WIOD 1.9 – 1.9, #21 – #21
WFTL DNA – .1, DNA – #37
News
WXBN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WQAM Stream .4 – 1.3, #32 – #23
WQAM 1.1 – 1.0 #23 – #24
WINZ .5 – .5, #31 – #30 (Marlins)
WMEN .1 – .1, #38 – #37
WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 4.3 – 4.5, #7 – #7
WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #37
WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #37
SEATTLE
News/Talk
KTTH 2.0– 2.7, #22 – #16
KVI 2.1 – 2.5, #21 – #20
KPTR .1 – .1, #29 – #29
KIRO-FM 4.9 – DNA, #5 – DNA
News
KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.5 – 3.6, #18 – #10
KHHO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KIRO-AM 3.9 – 3.7, #10 – #9 (Mariners)
KJR-FM 1.6 – 1.7, #23 – #22
KJR-AM .6 – .3, #26 – #26
Public Radio News/Talk
KUOW 6.6 – 7.7, #2 – #1
KSWS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Notes: The +1.1 by public radio news/talk KUOW (6.6 – 7.7) and all-news KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM (2.5 – 3.6) is Seattle’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
News/talk KIRO-FM was ranked fifth in June 2024 (4.9, 6+), but is unlisted in July 2024.
DETROIT
News/Talk
WJR 1.9 – 2.6, #16 – #16
WFDF .5 – .5, #22 – #22
WJR Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WWJ 4.7 – 5.0, #9 – #9
WWJ Stream .3 – .4, #24 – #24
WDFN Black Information Network .1 – .1, #26 – #27
Sports Talk
WXYT-FM 7.5 – 7.8, #2 – #2 (Tigers)
WXYT-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.1, #20 – #20 (Tigers)
WXYT-AM .1 – .1, #26 – #27 (Tigers)
WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Tigers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WDET 1.8 – 2.1, #17 – #17
WUOM 1.4 – 1.5, #18 – #19
Note: News/talk WJR’s +.7 (1.9 – 2.6) is Detroit’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
PHOENIX
News/Talk
KFYI 3.5 – 3.8, #9 – #6
KTAR-FM 2.3 – 3.1, #18 – #11
News
None
Sports Talk
KMVP-FM 2.6 – 3.1, #14 – #11 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
KTAR-AM .2 – .1, #31 – #33 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
KDUS .1 – DNA, #33 – DNA
KGME DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Diamondbacks)
KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KJZZ 2.5 – 2.5, #15 – #15
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk
WCCO 4.5 – 4.8, #9 – #9 (Minnesota Twins)
KTLK-AM 2.2 – 2.3, #14 – #14
KTMY 2.2 – 1.7, #14 – #17
WCCO Stream .5 – .5, #24 – #24 (Minnesota Twins)
News
KQQL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KFXN 6.7 – 6.7, #3 – #4
KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #30 – #29
KQQL-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KNOW 6.0 – 6.7, #8 – #4
KNOW Stream .6 – .6, #23 – #23
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk
KOGO 3.5 – 3.8, #11 – #10
KLSD .5 – .4, #23 – #23
News
KSSX-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KWFN 4.6 – 4.2, #7 – #7 (Padres)
KGB-AM .4 – .3, #24 – #24
KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Padres)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPBS 7.4 – 7.2, #1 – #2
TAMPA
News/Talk
WFLA 3.5 – 3.7, #11 – #11
WHPT 3.6 – 3.0, #9 – #14
News
Business news WHNZ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WBTP-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WDAE 1.6 – 1.5, #18 – #20 (Rays)
Public Radio News/Talk
WUSF 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #17
WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WMNF-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
DENVER
News/Talk
KOA 2.6 – 2.4, #14 – #14 (Colorado Rockies)
KDFD 1.2 – 1.4, #22 – #20
KHOW 1.3 – 1.1, #21 – #23
News
None
Sports Talk
KKFN 1.8 – 1.9, #18 – #17
KKSE-FM 1.1 – .8, #23 – #26
KAMP .1 – .1, #32 – #33
KEPN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KKSE-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCFR 3.0 – 2.9, #13 – #13
KUNC 1.0 – .7, #26 – #29
KRCC .1 – .1, #32 – #33
BALTIMORE
News/Talk
WBAL 3.0 – 2.9, #12 – #12 (Orioles)
WCBM 2.0 – 2.4, #14 – #14
News
WTOP & WTLP 1.0 – 1.2, #17 – #17
Business News WDCH .5 – .5, #22 – #22
WQLL Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJZ-FM 3.3 – 3.3, #11 – #10
WJZ-AM .1 – DNA, #26 – DNA
WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WYPR 3.6 – 4.6, #10 – #8
WYPR HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk
KMOX 4.2 – 4.6, #11 – #10 (Cardinals)
KTLK-FM 1.7 – 1.8, #16 – #15
KFTK 1.6 – 1.6, #17 – #16
KMOX Stream 1.0 – 1.1, #19 – #19 (Cardinals)
KFTK Stream .1 – .2, #29 – #25
News
KATZ-FM HD2 Black Information Network .1 – .1, #29 – #27
Sports Talk
WXOS 3.0 – 2.7, #14 – #13
Public Radio News/Talk
KWMU 4.9 – 5.1, #9 – #9
Up next: July 2024 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
The 16th annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Dinner and Silent Auction is set for Friday, October 4, 2024, at Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City. Held in the venue’s iconic Ocean Ballroom, the high-profile civic event is a major fund-raising function of one of New Jersey’s most important and enduring charitable initiatives and one of the leading radio industry-powered philanthropic endeavors in America. The non-profit Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation was launched 18 years ago by legendary morning talk show host Harry Hurley of Townsquare Media-owned WPG, Atlantic City and has since raised more than $1.5 million resulting in hundreds of grants donated to worthy organizations and causes throughout the Garden State and beyond. The charity also sponsors an annual Hurley in the Morning Golf Open. TALKERS founder and noted radio pioneer Michael Harrison has been selected to serve as the dinner’s 2024 guest of honor and keynote speaker. Organizers of this year’s gathering are looking forward to raising $100,000 with more than 250 attendees from government, civics, business and the local communities expected to attend what is traditionally a sold-out event. For information on purchasing tables and individual tickets, email HarryHurley@aol.com.
Hubbard Radio appoints John Goforth vice president/general manager of podcasts. Goforth most recently served as chief revenue officer for Magellan AI, where he led sales strategy and business development. His industry experience includes leadership roles at HowStuffWorks, iHeartPodcasts, Midroll Media, and CBS
Radio. The company says that in his new role, Goforth will collaborate closely with local Hubbard Radio markets to enhance sales strategies for existing podcasts. And as part of the Hubbard Radio corporate team, he will create new podcast initiatives and strategic partnerships, to build an even more robust podcast network. Hubbard EVP and chief financial officer Dave Bestler says, “We fully understand and embrace the evolution in our business from radio to audio. We are creating must-hear content in all eight of our Hubbard Radio markets, and listeners are increasingly accessing our content on-demand. John will help expand our podcast offerings, while growing revenue with the podcasts we already have.” Goforth comments, “I couldn’t be more excited to join the amazing team at Hubbard and help grow their already impressive portfolio. It’s thrilling to be at the intersection of local and national in the podcast space. As we’ve seen in other channels, cracking the code on local is the key to explosive growth.”
The presidential race; the global stock sell-off and predictions of a recession; a judge rules Google is a monopoly; former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis flips in Arizona election subversion case; the Israel-Hamas war and Iran’s threat to strike Israel; the Paris Olympics; Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas accused of not disclosing more Harlan Crow-funded travels; Tropical Storm Debby hits Florida; and the California and Colorado wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Bonneville’s Salt Lake City news/talk KNRS-AM/FM “Talk Radio 105.9 KNRS” transitions the afternoon drive program to “The Rod and Greg Show,” starring incumbent talk host Rod Arquette and Greg Hughes, effective today (8/5). The station says, “On August 5th, a new era of talk radio begins in Utah as Arquette’s Wingman Wednesday co-host, ‘Citizen’ Greg Hughes, joins him for the inaugural flight of the ‘Rod and Greg Show.’” Hughes is a former Utah state lawmaker, Speaker of the Utah House and one time candidate for
governor who’s been a frequent contributor, guest host, and weekly co-host on the Rod Arquette show since 2018. Arquette says, “Greg has been a passionate contributor of political commentary in Utah on TV and radio dating back to 2012. His extensive experience and background in public service and public policy allows him to pull back the curtain on what’s really happening in Utah and national politics. Our goal is to bring common sense and fair mindedness to the issues that are impacting Utah families in an entertaining and informative way.” Hughes states, “I am beyond grateful and excited to join 105.9 KNRS and the iHeartRadio family. I am especially excited, to partner with Rod every day to inform and entertain the greatest listening audience in Utah. We are living in uncertain, but historic times. There is a real need for thought leaders today who can reach out and dialogue with public servants, business, and community leaders but most importantly, with everyday Utahns. ‘The Rod and Greg Show’ will be the place where that happens… and then some. I’m ready to go!”
The presidential race; Japan’s stock crash and global investors’ reactions to the U.S. economy; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Olympics and gender controversies; Israel’s war on Hamas and Iran’s vow to avenge the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh; Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin undoes 9/11 plea deal; anti-immigrant violence in England; the California & Colorado wildfires; and Hurricane Debbie approaches Florida were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
The 2024 presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the economy and inflation, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis 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. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
The presidential race; Iran vows to strike Israel after the killing of Hamas political leader Ismael Haniyeh; U.S. agrees to plea deal with 9/11 mastermind and two others; the ecomony; the U.S. migrant crisis; the validity of Nicolas Maduro’s reelection in Venezuela; the California and Colorado wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Action Partners
A.K.A Walter M Sterling
Nightly host, WPHT, Philadelphia
Weekend host, Talk Media Network
Humility means to be teachable. It’s the most important trait of great leaders and managers. For years I looked forward to focus groups to reveal the top-of-mind awareness of media among listeners. These groups always reminded us of a listener’s life priorities which never included radio listening! They taught us the correct secular language to use in promos and slogans, and what they remembered versus what we wanted them to remember.
Today’s hack for focus groups is Google Search Trends. When starting “Sterling on Sunday” 10 years ago, I was kidded by some lame program directors about the inclusion of John Weatherbe weather forecasts in a national show. Since John passed away, the weather is provided by meteorologist Dr. Dave Eiser. Dr. Dave has had a solid career on TV in Chicago and Phoenix. He gives national forecasts with a curious emphasis on cities where we have large affiliates!
Dr. Dave provides a real service on Sunday nights when not one AM station (other than all-news stations) deliver the most important information: Weather.
Google Trends is a humility machine. It shows real-time facts about what a potential listener cares so much about that they enter it in a Google search – right now! What are you talking about today? How does it compare with weather? Here are results from moments ago:
The results can be filtered for specific cities, time periods, categories of interest. Try it. Seek humility!
Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.
Cumulus Media’s Detroit news/talk outlet WJR AM 760 will debut a new weekend program on Sunday, August 25 at 3:00 pm titled, “School Talks,” hosted by longtime respected educator Dr. Robert Livernois.
The station says, “After a distinguished 36-year career in public education that included serving as a classroom teacher, school principal, and most recently, Superintendent of Warren Consolidated Schools, Dr. Livernois brings to WJR AM 760 and its listeners a wealth of experience and perspective on teaching and learning, technology, social-emotional learning, school safety, social media, and many other areas of interest to both parents and educators alike.” Dr. Livernois continues to serve as an adjunct faculty member of the College of Education at Wayne State University. WJR program director Ann Thomas comments, “Education is the key to a great future for our children and WJR is proud to partner with Michigan’s top educators to help them tell their stories about the great work they do in our communities.”
Talk host Stephanie Miller says, “The Sexy Liberal Show is back with a bang, featuring myself, John Fugelsang, Hal Sparks, and Frangela! We are hitting the stage at the VIC Theatre in Chicago for a Democratic National Convention Special on Saturday, August 17. Thanks to our awesome friends at Meet Hook, listeners can join the fun from the comfort of their own couch!”
Conservative broadcaster AUN TV Network is seeking help after the Northern California wildfires destroyed the transmitters for two of their most popular stations, crippling their ability to communicate with a large portion of their audience. Those interested in donating can find more information here.
CRN Digital Talk Radio announces the third anniversary of “The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz.” She says, “While some people have a negative perception when it comes to the topic of divorce, Mike Horn, CEO of CRN Digital Talk Radio Networks, saw it differently and for that I will always be grateful. His vision was the same as mine and because of that, I was able to create an hour-long educational radio series that explores anything and everything that can happen during every stage of a divorce.”