RTDNA: Attacks on Newsrooms Up in 2024
Data from the latest Safety Report from the RTDNA and Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications, indicates attacks on TV and radio newsrooms increased from 2023 to 2024. The RTDNA says, “The percentage of TV newsrooms experiencing attacks on employees increased four and a half points, but that’s a 50% increase over last year. And those attacks have spread, with markets 1 through 25, 26 through 50, and 51 through 100 all reporting over 15% experiencing attacks. Not surprisingly, the level of attacks at radio stations and on radio news people is much lower. Only 2.7% of radio news directors and general managers reported attacks on newsroom employees. That’s up from a year ago, but only by 0.5. Like last year, market size wasn’t an indicator of safety, but also like last year, major market news directors and general managers reported the most attacks (10.2%), and over five times as many non-commercial reported attacks as commercial newsrooms. There continue to be more attacks in the Northeast than elsewhere.” See more about the report here.
Connoisseur Media promotes Ed Oliveira to operations manager for Connoisseur Media’s Connecticut stations. Oliveira has been with Connoisseur Media for more than a decade, most recently as director of traffic & creative services. Oliveira says, “I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to take on this expanded role. This feels like a natural step for me, and I appreciate [SVP of Connecticut operations] Kristin Okesson for believing in me and my abilities. One person that has been a near-constant in my career is Keith Dakin. Having the opportunity to receive the baton from him and building on his work is a task I take on with pride. I am beyond excited to expand my role with the amazing people on this team. They are so good that operations could probably run on its own BUT I am ecstatic they chose me to oversee it.”
New York’s Cipriani 42nd Street once again played host to one of radio’s most anticipated annual events of the year: the annual “77 WABC Gala,” held this past Friday (9/5). The spectacular evening blended star-studded entertainment, heartfelt tributes, and plenty of radio family camaraderie – all while raising funds for three cornerstone charities: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Police Athletic League, and Shriners Children’s Hospital.
The Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group unveils an audio planning guide based on data from Edison Research and Nielsen data. Saying that there are incorrect assumptions among strategists and media planners about which audio media have the most listeners, chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard underscores that AM/FM radio is still the dominant ad-supported audio platform with a 66% share. Podcasting is second with a 20% share and this is true across all demographics. For those who are all-in on digital audio only, Bouvard says they are missing 70% of the potential audience as ad-supported Spotify, Pandora and podcasts reach only 30% of the U.S. in a typical day. Further, Bouvard says the data suggests an optimal allocation of audio ad spend: “The ideal allocation for a 25-54 audio plan is 62% AM/FM radio, 24% podcasts, 12% music streaming (Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music), and 2% SiriusXM satellite radio.” 
“The most common type [of shotgun pleading] – by a long shot – is a complaint containing multiple counts where each count adopts the allegations of all preceding counts, causing each successive count to carry all that came before and the last count to be a combination of the entire complaint.” The suit was dismissed without prejudice which gives Newsmax the opportunity to file an amended complaint, but it must do so by September 11 and “must not contain any successive counts that incorporate all prior allegations.” Judge Cannon also adds that if an amended complaint is filed, “each count must identify the particular legal basis for liability and contain specific factual allegations that support each cause of action within each count.
Woodward Community Media makes talk programming leadership moves that it says “strengthens its talk radio leadership with a key promotion and new hire.” Alex Thomas is promoted to brand manager fornews/talk WHBY-AM/W278AU and sports talk WSCO-AM/W256DD in Appleton, Wisconsin. At the same time, Paul Johnson joins the company as the new assistant brand manager for the Woodward Community Media Talk Team. Johnson most recently served with Midwest Communications. Thomas says, “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to be brand manager of such prestigious stations of WHBY & The Score. With WHBY celebrating its 100th year Anniversary and WSCO’s local sports presence, it’s an honor to represent Woodward Community Media as the talk station brand manager. I look forward to continuing our community impact and highlighting the Fox Valley with great local radio programming.” Johnson comments, “I’m excited to be part of the team at Woodward Community Media! So many talented individuals on staff, and I feel very fortunate to join the team at WHBY and WSCO with the goal of providing great local radio to the listeners of the Fox Valley.”
radio spots across 192 media markets, generating more than 1 billion impressions and $43 million in airtime from TV and radio stations. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “Local stations are serving communities with live sports, trusted local news and life-saving emergency coverage – all available for free to every American. But outdated rules are shackling these stations from growing and innovating at a time when Big Tech operates with limitless scale and zero public interest obligations. Consumers deserve more – not fewer – local journalists on the ground and live sporting events accessible without a subscription. The FCC must act quickly to level the playing field so broadcasters can continue investing in the content communities rely on most.”
Hillsdal 101.7 FM – is managed by Scot Bertram, who says, “‘The Radio Free Hillsdale Hour’ is designed to bring listeners as close to the Hillsdale experience as possible without having to be on campus. You can’t get [to Hillsdale] unless you intentionally want to be here. We have many people who like Hillsdale, love Hillsdale, admire Hillsdale. The show is an attempt to allow them to be close to what we’re doing without being here on campus.” Bertram says that Vince Benedetto, president and founder of Bold Gold Media Group, airs the “Radio Free Hillsdale Hour” on two of his 15 stations and says the show gives variety to his stations, which mostly broadcast conservative talk radio focused on current events.
America’s top 10 radio broadcasters by station count and by revenue. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw says, “Local broadcasting has always been at the heart of what we do. Connoisseur started as a company rooted in radio serving local markets. Today we’re taking that same local-focused philosophy, which now includes our digital marketing and multi-platform expertise to some of the most dynamic markets in the country. This acquisition is about assembling the scale and resources to keep radio strong, serve our communities, empower our employees, and create even more value for advertisers. As I have travelled the country to meet our new colleagues in the Alpha Media markets, I have been impressed with their dedication to radio and their communities. I am excited to be associated with such a great group of people.”
exclude or marginalize competitors like Newsmax. Further, Newsmax alleges that FOX News, “described in the complaint as a ‘must-have’ channel for distributors, leverages its market power to impose restrictions that harm consumers, stifle competition, and drive-up costs across the pay TV ecosystem.” Specifically, Newsmax alleges that “FOX conditions access to FOX News on 
agreements by distributors not to carry or to restrict competing right-leaning news channels. If distributors carry Newsmax, FOX forces them to also carry low-demand channels like FOX Business or FOX Sports 2 in their most widely viewed tiers, triggering potentially tens of millions in extra fees. These clauses penalize distributors for placing Newsmax in basic packages by requiring simultaneous promotion of FOX less popular channels.” Also, Newsmax alleges that FOX has pressured its guests to not appear on Newsmax, as well as has run online smear campaigns and hired private investigators targeting Newsmax executives to damage the Company’s credibility. Newsmax is asking the court to: 1) Declare FOX’s conduct unlawful under federal and state antitrust laws; 2) Award monetary damages as permitted by law; 3) Enjoin FOX from continuing exclusionary contracts and monopolistic practices; and 4) Order equitable relief to restore competition in right-leaning pay TV news.
Sports Radio channel for a daily sports show that airs live at 1:00 pm ET. In addition to that, Smith is debuting his politics and culture show called, “Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith,” that will debut September 17 on SiriusXM’s P.O.T.U.S. channel, airing live at 6:00 pm each Wednesday. “Straight Shooter” is also being made available as a podcast the next day. Smith says, “I’ve spent my career speaking my mind, asking tough questions, and zeroing in on the issues that matter most. Whether it’s my new sports show on Mad Dog Sports Radio or talking politics on P.O.T.U.S., I’m here to challenge, entertain, and engage SiriusXM listeners.” 
Nashville “102.5 The Game” after being unable to strike a deal to renew his show. The new program will air live weekdays at 2:00 pm and goes online as a podcast by 3:30 pm that day. He tells the paper, “I was fortunate enough to have what I feel is an incredibly loyal core audience and I plan to provide for them a daily show every day that isn’t behind a paywall and 440 Sports gives me that opportunity. With very limited commercial interruption, the podcast should be able to get most people in Nashville through their afternoon commute.” 
“There are certain sounds that define a place, and for Sullivan County, Mike’s voice is one of them. For 45 years, it’s been the sound of calm, trust, and perseverance. His life has been a true lesson in resilience. His legacy will live far beyond the airwaves.” Bold Gold Media CEO Vince Benedetto adds, “Mike’s retirement is truly an end of an extraordinary and historic era in local broadcasting. In every way, he was ‘The Voice of Sullivan County.’ He will be missed by all of our listeners, and most of all, by all of us in Bold Gold. His example of broadcast excellence will endure and be carried on by all of us who have learned so much from him. We wish him a wonderful retirement and thank him for his long, distinguished service to our communities.” Sullivan County native Dylan Price is assuming the Catskills news & sports director role.
Why I love going on sales calls with station reps: Meeting retailers, who have SUCH a feel for their customers’ (our listeners’) mindset. Following-up
best known for hosting the afternoon drive show on WLW from 1981 through his retirement in 2007. He created numerous voice characters on his program, the most famous of which was Earl Pitts Uhmerikun – which took the form of a nationally syndicated commentary during his time at WLW. He also worked at stations including, WMPS, Memphis; WNOE, New Orleans; WAKY and WHAS in Louisville; and CKLW, Windsor/Detroit during his career. 
“Longtimers” and notes that 77% of “First-Years” are consuming podcasts while actually watching the video compared to 69% of “Longtimers” doing the same. Edison says that most new consumers and established podcast fans are actively watching while listening to video podcasts but that video is even more important for engaging with new audiences. While “Longtimers” currently have an affinity for audio only podcasts, that may change over time. Edison concludes that although podcasting is an audio-first platform, “many creators and marketers are likely missing an audience acquisition and engagement opportunity by not considering how to fit video content and video platforms into their strategic planning.”
host city for FIFA World Cup 2026. “Ready, Set, Grow” happens on September 5 at the Barnes Foundation. Through the end of 2025 and into 2026, WURD will feature on-air programming, live panel discussions, and multimedia storytelling to provide entrepreneurs and neighborhood business corridors with the tools they need to thrive. WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax says, “Ready, Set, Grow is crafted specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs from across the region who are seeking strategies to leverage the historic momentum of America’s 250th anniversary. We are convening a panel of the experts and decision-makers who are best positioned to share how the small business community can make the most of this moment.” Ready, Set Grow’s panel discussion will feature executives from business and tourism organizations.
“Around The NFL” podcast. As “Heed the Call NFL Podcast” moves to Audacy on September 1, four new episodes will continue to be released weekly during the NFL season on YouTube and everywhere podcasts are available. Audacy head of podcasts Leah Reis-Dennis says, “Dan and Marc are pioneers in sports podcasting and two of the most respected voices in the NFL media landscape. Their compelling mix of expertise, authenticity, and humor has built a passionate following and we’re proud to bring ‘Heed the Call NFL Podcast’ into the Audacy family as we continue to expand our industry-leading sports audio lineup.”