Industry News

NYTimes: Radio Preferred Medium for Many in India

A piece in The New York Times by Karan Deep Singh that explores how radio is used by women in rural India to learn and to communicate shows just how important the medium is to many people in the world’s most populous country. The piece focuses on the community radio station “Alfaz-e-Mewat,” – the voice of the Mewati people. Singh notes that “even in a digital era, radio remains the preferred medium for millions of Indians.” Of the radio station he writes, “Its listeners are the million or so people of Nuh, a rural, agrarian district in the foothills of the Aravali mountains in the northern Indian state of Haryana. In this region — which has some of the country’s lowest female literacy rates, where early marriages are common and where violence against women is the norm — the station is the voice of change.” TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, who was recently appointed by UNESCO as executive advisor to the United Nations celebration of World Radio Day on February 13, 2024, states, “This story illustrates just how important the medium of on-air radio is to millions of people around the world. Not only for its accessibility in the many places on Earth, including the United States, that are not fully digitized – but as a grassroots weapon against poverty and injustice in all their many forms. What could be more important?” Read the Times piece here.

Industry News

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

The Israel-Hamas war and the political repercussions in the U.S.; the vacant House Speaker post and the renewed threat of a government shutdown; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; new felony charges against U.S. Rep. George Santos; Kari Lake announces bid for Arizona U.S. Senate seat; California’s new forced treatment law affecting the “gravely disabled”; the Supreme Court hears arguments in the South Carolina redistricting case; and the $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Pending Business: In Radio Sales, It Pays to Be a Great Listener

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

Do you still struggle with keeping the dialogue moving in the right direction on your sales calls? Let’s face it, if you are not careful you could violate one of the golden rules of selling talk radio – be a great listener.

First calls are the most difficult, especially in this era of Zoom, Teams, etc. You try your best to develop rapport, build chemistry and move through a needs analysis as you learn about your potential advertiser. High achieving sellers have that special skill of blending questions and fun facts that build common ground while navigating the needs analysis through a range of questions designed to qualify the prospect and confirm a follow-up call.

Sounds simple enough, but why do most sellers fall short in the starting blocks. There is no mystery here to solve, this is Selling 101 that starts with preparation and ends with a commission check. Let’s walk through some start points:

If you are responsible for any of the 26.5 billion minutes viewed of “Suits” on Netflix, you know that Harvey Spector (lead character) earned millions doing homework and knowing how to ask the right questions. How about you? Are you prepared to ask the right questions and listen to the answers that will lead you to comeback with the right proposal? Sometimes keeping the dialogue moving can be challenging. Perhaps you’ve asked too many questions that went nowhere or just resulted in one-word answers. What to do? A recent article in Make It quoted Matt Abrahams, a public speaking expert at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, who suggests saying, “Tell me more” during a conversation is the secret sauce behind improving the communication flow.

Makes sense. Showing genuine interest in what your advertiser is saying, allowing more information to be shared, with you spending more time as the listener helps everyone develop better rapport and move closer to a win-win. I have always been a big fan of another Golden Rule of Sales: “Words matter.” Have you ever finished a call and asked yourself, “Why did I say that!?” It all goes back to preparation. If you know what to ask, how to allow your advertiser to expand on a key point, and do more listening than talking, your sales should increase, and your commission checks will show it!

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Celebrates Three Years of The Black Effect Podcast Network

Media personality Charlamagne Tha God and iHeartMedia are celebrating the third anniversary of the debut of The Black Effect Podcast Network. The goal of the venture is for it to become “the world’s largest podcast publisher dedicated to Black listeners, bringing together the most influential and trusted voices in Black culture for stimulating conversations around social justice, pop culture, sports, mentalim health, news, comedy and more.” iHeartMedia says, “Three years into its mission, The Black Effect has cemented itself as the premiere destination for Black talent and Black listeners, launching over 30 exceptional shows – including ‘Carefully Reckless,’ ‘All The Smoke,’ and ‘Reasonably Shady’ – that cover a wide range of topics and amplify diverse voices and perspectives. Charlamagne Tha God adds, “As we celebrate three years of The Black Effect Podcast Network, we honor the power of representation, the resilience of our community, and the unwavering commitment to truth and excellence. Together, we’ve amplified voices and paved the way for a future where our narratives flourish.”

Industry News

KYW, Philadelphia to Broadcast Mayoral Debate

Audacy’s all-news KYW-AM/FM, Philadelphia is hosting a mayoral debate ahead of the Philadelphia general election. Democratic nominee Cherelle Parker will face Republican nominee David Oh live on the “Philadelphia’s Morning News” program on October 26 from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. The debate will feature KYW journalists, including morning drive anchor Ian Bush, city hall bureau chief Pat Loeb,im education reporter Mike DeNardo and community impact reporter Racquel Williams. KYW news director Kevin McCorry says, “Since the primary election was decided in May, we have been working diligently to ensure that we could provide this service to our audience. The next mayor of Philadelphia will shape our city for years to come. We need urgent solutions to the city’s most pressing issues, including the gun violence crisis, the opioid crisis, the economy and public schooling. Presenting a format where candidates get to exchange ideas in real time is a fundamental building block of the democratic process, and we’re proud to break our normal format to offer this program.”

Industry News

Gemini XIII Names Chris Long CRO

Audio entertainment and ad solutions firm Gemini XIII names Chris Long chief revenue officer. In this role, Long will be responsible for driving revenue growth across all of its business segments, including United Stations Radio Networks, the Gemini XIII Podcast Network, as well as digital partnerships and creative services at Infinite Agency. Long was most recently regional VP of sales for SXM Media. Gemini XIII CEO Spencer Brown says, “Chris is a highly respected and experienced sales leader. His expertise and track record will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business and expand our reach.”

Industry News

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

Israeli responds to Hamas’ attacks and taking of hostages; RFK Jr announces independent bid for the White House; the chaos in the Republican Party after the ouster of Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. migrant crisis; and the Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.7 billion were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of October 2 – 6, 2023

The ouster of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the U.S. House was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the legal battles of former President Donald Trump, followed by the 2024 presidential race at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See the complete chart here.

Industry News

77WABC Pays Tribute to Bernard McGuirk

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During an extended edition of the “Sid & Friends in the Morning Show,” 77WABC, New York honored the memory of morning personality Bernard McGuirk, who passed away on this day last year from prostate cancer. He and Sid Rosenberg had hosted the show since April of 2018. McGuirk served for years as the executive producer and cast member of the “Imus in the Morning” show. On today’s show, Sid Rosenberg was joined by several of McGuirk’s colleagues, including Warner Wolf and Connell McShane, both of whom did news on the Imus Show, and Carley Shimkus, who was a contributor. Rosenberg says, “I am so grateful to have known and worked with Bernie. Bernie was a phenomenal radio host and an even better person. That’s what I miss most every day.” Chad Lopez, president of 77WABC and Red Apple Media, says, “In Bernie’s memory we are raising awareness of the importance of prostate cancer screening. 77WABC hopes to save lives through Bernie’s legacy.”

Industry News

WGOW Promotion to Benefit Local High School

Cumulus Media news/talk WGOW-FM, Chattanooga is working with Coca-Cola, the Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics, and Warren & Griffin, to award $3,000 to a local Chattanooga-area high school’s athletic program. The promotion celebrates the 30th anniversary season of the Coca-Cola Redim Zone – a scoreboard of regional high school sports contests. The promotion is being led by the station’s “SportsTalk” program hosted by Scott “Quake” McMahen and Joe “Cowboy” Varner. McMahen states, “We want to hear great stories from local schools celebrating how athletics is a positive part of education and invite all area high schools to submit their most inspiring stories.” The award presentation will be made on-air on “Talk 102.3 FM” during the remote broadcast of the BlueCross Bowl Tennessee High School Football Championships on December 1-3.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/4) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The House Speaker vacancy after Kevin McCarthy ouster; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. migrant crisis and President Joe Biden’s move to continue building a wall in South Texas; the 2024 presidential race; the Kaiser Permanente and UAW strikes; the Biden administration’s efforts to aid Ukraine against Russia; the state of the U.S. economy and recent financial markets activities; and the $1.4 billion Powerball jackpot for Saturday’s drawing were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WGOW-FM, Chattanooga Make Morning Programming Changes

Cumulus Media news/talk outlet WGOW-FM, Chattanooga unveils its new morning lineup that includes new morning drive show “Jed and JR Mornings,” hosted by Jed Mescon and Jim “JR” Reynolds that airs from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. Joining the morning drive show is Brad Giese as producer and contributorim along with Captain Max with Right Now Traffic, Greg Schaeffer with weather, and Louis Lee as news contributor. From 9:00 am to 10:00 am is “The Brad Giese Show” with Max O’Brien as producer and contributor. From 10:00 am to 12:00 noon is the new “Brian Joyce Unfiltered” program with Jim Stevens as producer. Cumulus Chattanooga operations manager Scott Chase comments, “Jed and JR are among the most recognizable and trusted talents in the market. The combination of their energy, enthusiasm and positivity is perfectly suited for morning drive. Brian Joyce has a lot to say, and this new time slot gives him the opportunity to dig into the issues that the community is talking about.”

Industry News

Michael Harrison Guests on Sherry Goldman Podcast

Sherry Goldman, founder/CEO of the Goldman Communications Group – a leading New York-based public relations firm – hosts a weekly radio show and podcast titled “Let’s Talk PR & More!” interviewingim industry leaders about public relations and related topics. The conversations span public relations, PR best practices, the media, immarketing, strategy, career development, profiles of PR pros, and more. The show airs Mondays at 5:00 pm on Hofstra University’s award-winning WRHU-FM and WRHU.org on Long Island and is available on most podcast sites. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison is Goldman’s guest this week talking about the general state of radio, news and public relations as we move further into the digital era.  Both Hofstra graduates, Goldman and Harrison sit on the university’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Dean’s Advisory Board. Listen to the podcast here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/3) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is removed as Speaker of the House; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump and the gag orders imposed on him; the 2024 presidential race; the weapons charges against Hunter Biden; the U.S. migrant crisis; President Joe Biden’s push for more aid to Ukraine; and the U.S. economy and financial markets activity were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

CTBS Podcast Net Launches Karol Markowicz Show

Premiere Networks announces that the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network will debut “The Karol Markowicz Show” to its lineup of podcasts on October 9. Markowicz is a New York Post and FOX News columnist and is co-author of the best-selling book, Stolen Youth (DW Books, 2023). Premiereim says, “The new podcast expands on the topics that drive Markowicz’ most-popular columns, namely, the cultural and social issues that affect us all. From marriage and family, to career and relationships, Markowicz aims to find real answers to the deep questions that really matter, while taking listener questions and welcoming some of the biggest names in news, politics and entertainment for candid conversations.” Markowicz says, “I’m thrilled to join The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network on iHeartRadio. I’ve been approached, over the years, to do a podcast but it never felt like the right fit. Joining Clay and Buck is a dream. I’m such a big fan of both of these men and can’t wait to join the team.”

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Yesterday’s (10/2) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Congressman Matt Gaetz’s efforts to strip Kevin McCarthy of his House Speaker position; the Trump Organization fraud trial; the 2024 presidential race; Hunter Biden to be arraigned on gun charges; the U.S. migrant crisis; President Joe Biden’s push for more aid to Ukraine; and a nine-year-old girl is found safe after being kidnapped for ransom at an upstate New York campground were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Still Learning

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

I think it was the great Michelangelo who said, “I’m still learning.” Three simple words that can make or break any of us in marketing.

I am still amazed at the success and customer loyalty at Trader Joe’s. Why is it that a homespun marketing approach develops loyalty, when I have found more competitive prices and sometimes higher quality foods elsewhere?

Yet there I was lost in the regular South Florida Sunday crowd, standing in line, basket-to-basket, ready to check out. I have never heard or seen an ad for Trader Joe’s, yet the store was packed. The scene at the 59th Street store in Manhattan was quite similar last year when I spent three months in the city, or the one in D.C. close to my daughter’s home, even the Trader Joe’s in Sandy Springs, Georgia near my other daughter’s home was slammed on a Sunday three years ago.

Too much information for a column on sales and marketing?  Believe it or not, I still can’t figure out how with no frequent buyer program, super discounts, or incentive marketing I became such a frequent shopper. I guess just like Michelangelo, I’m still learning.

Here is what I have learned from Trader Joe’s that connects the dots to our sales and marketing world.

— Keep it simple. Ever notice how the prices are clear, easy to read and seem to present a perceived value? How does your presentation packaging stand up? Does it take an IT expert to understand how to interpret your computer driven proposals?

— Everyone has something positive to say. I have never heard any of the folks at any of those locations say a negative word, even when parking was a game of musical cars. How about you? Are still blaming the boss for higher pricing or tighter credit?

— Variety is in the eye of the customer. Other stores with more square footage have greater variety. Sometimes you need it, most of the time you don’t. How many times have you thought to yourself, “There are just too many options in this pitch.”

— Got a complaint? We can fix that. Somebody please show us a local radio station training for excellent customer service. It just isn’t a long-term commitment. Maybe a perceived unnecessary expense in our business.

— Consistency. Like every successful enterprise that is public facing, consistency and dependability build trust and customer loyalty. How about us?

Sales and marketing are a dynamic process that is always adjusting to the competitive landscape and the needs of the customer. And that is why we should all follow Michelangelo’s lead and never stop learning.

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Beware the Banter

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imRadio talkers: What is this hour about? How will listeners benefit from listening? And how long do you expect them to wait to hear that?

To quote Jerry Seinfeld…

“There is no such thing as an attention span. This whole idea of an attention span is, I think, a misnomer. People have an infinite attention span if you are entertaining them.”

Are they entertained hearing about your weekend? About your sidekick/board-op/screener’s weekend? By a long, self-amused, produced show intro? Or are they quickly engaged, by your invitation to weigh-in-on topic du jour? Or by your offering them Q+A access to a guest who can address their concerns?

What if they believe the promos?

 As each day’s news causes us all to wonder “What NEXT???” smart stations methodically invite on-hour listening appointments, for “stay close to the news… a quick update, throughout your busy day.” Whether that’s a network feed or a local newscast, whoever delivers it reckons what is relevant to the lives of the mentally busy, in-car listeners our advertisers want as customers. In consultant-speak, it’s “take-home pay” for tuning-in.

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They may listen mostly to other stations that play music, but those stations aren’t as informative. So – as the weather forecast signals the end of that on-hour update – can you freeze the driver’s index finger in mid-air between the steering wheel and the button for “Kiss” or “Magic” or “Cat Country?”

 Does your A-block rock?

Most common miscalculation I hear? Extended banter before the first break. A-block ends with (finally) a specific, inviting call-in proposition or teases the guest coming up… after the break, when the show really begins.

Better: Tee-up what’s-up immediately as the hour begins. Try this: Make the very first thing you say a question which includes “you” and/or “your.” Then say hello, and swap takes on that topic with your sidekick/board-op/screener.

One warning: Sounding so-quickly-engaging may divert your screener. The phone’s already ringing.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Your Trusted Voice: How to Attract New Clients More Efficiently than Competitors Who Spend a Fortune on Advertising.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

iHeartMedia Names Terry Foxx Director of Talk for San Antonio and Austin

iHeartMedia appoints Terry Foxx to the position of director of talk programming for San Antonio and Austin. He was most recently director of programming and audience for the University of Texas’ public media outlet KUT-FM, Austin. iHeartMedia says, “As director of talk programming, Terry Foxx will beim responsible for redefining ‘News Radio 1200’ WOAI, ‘Ticket 760, and AM 1300 The Zone’s on-air experience by synergizing with local talent to deliver unparalleled talk, news, and sports broadcasts. As the flagship broadcast partner for the San Antonio Spurs, University of Texas and ‘The Joe Pags Show,’ among others, Terry will deepen these partnerships to offer exclusive content, ensuring the stations remain the region’s primary touchpoint for sports, news, and insightful commentary.” iHeartMedia San Antonio & Austin SVP of programming Jason McCollim says, “In Terry Foxx, we’ve found more than an expert, we’ve embraced a true team player who values respect as deeply as we do. His commitment to bettering our processes is evident, but it’s his unique blend of diplomacy, empathy, and patience in every interaction that truly sets him apart. With Terry, it’s not just about work, it’s about building lasting relationships.”

Industry News

15th Annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Dinner & Silent Auction Succeeds in Spite of Weather in AC

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One of the most respected and impactful local talk radio-related charities in America – Townsquare Media-owned WPG, Atlantic City, NJ host Harry Hurley’s “Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner & Silent Auction” – took place Friday evening (9/29) at the Resorts Casino Hotel’s iconic Ocean Ballroom. This marks the 15th installment of one of the Garden State’s most important annual civic events. More than 263 paid guests attended including a who’s who of elected officials, business leaders and broadcast industry luminaries as well as various members of the community. FOX News Radio and FOX News Channel superstar Brian Kilmeade was this year’s guest of honor and keynote speaker. Kilmeade autographed copies of his soon-to-be released historical book, Teddy and Booker T.: How Two American Icons Blazed a Path for Racial Equality (Sentinel, 2023). Former State Senator Bill Gormley (R-NJ) received the event’s first-ever lifetime achievement award. Since its establishment, the Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation has raised more than $1.3 million to help non-profit public service organizations throughout New Jersey and beyond including the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Both houses of the legislature voted to officially make this past Friday “Harry Hurley Day” in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Adding a dramatic note to the event, Kilmeade’s appearance was jeopardized at the last minute by the terrible flooding that took place in New York City that day. Hurley tells TALKERS, “The effort that Brian made to be our guest of honor and keynote speaker in the face of severe weather obstacles was truly extraordinary.” Hurley wrote the details of this experience dealing with the official state of emergency declared in New York City due to a second strike by tropical storm Ophelia in his WPG blog that you can read here. Hurley says, “Brian has materially and directly helped me to raise more than $100,000 for the Harry Hurley in the Morning Charity.” 

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The late-hour deal in Congress to prevent a government shutdown; Congressman Matt Gaetz’s threat to try to remove Kevin McCarthy from his House Speaker position; the Trump Organization fraud trial in New York City; the 2024 presidential race; speculation about who California Governor Gavin Newsom will name to replace Dianne Feinstein in the U.S. Senate; the U.S. migrant crisis; and the U.S. Supreme Court returns from its summer breaks to take on cases including Second Amendment issues and more were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

15th Annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Dinner & Silent Auction Set for Tonight (9/29) in AC

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One of the most respected and impactful local talk radio-related charities in America – Townsquare Media-owned WPG, Atlantic City, NJ host Harry Hurley’s “Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner & Silent Auction” – is set for tonight (9/29) at the Resorts Casino Hotel in its iconic Ocean Ballroom. This marks the 15th installment of one of the Garden State’s most important annual civic events. More than 263 guests are expected to attend including a who’s who of elected officials, business leaders and broadcast industry luminaries as well as various members of the community. FOX News Radio and FOX News Channel superstar Brian Kilmeade will be this year’s guest of honor and keynote speaker. Kilmeade will be signing copies of his soon-to-be released historical book, Teddy and Booker T.: How Two American Icons Blazed a Path for Racial Equality (Sentinel, 2023). Former State Senator Bill Gormley (R-NJ) will receive the event’s first-ever lifetime achievement award. Since its establishment, the Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation has raised more than $1.3 million to help non-profit public service organizations throughout New Jersey and beyond including the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Both houses of the legislature have voted to officially make today “Harry Hurley Day” in Atlantic County, New Jersey.

Industry News

Cressy Walton Named VP of Sales at iHeartMedia Phoenix

iHeartMedia names Cressy Walton vice president of sales for the Phoenix Region, effective October 9. She most recently served with Alpha Media Portland as director of sales. The University of Arizonaim grad began her career in the Phoenix market. Phoenix region SVP of sales Nancie Sullivan comments, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Cressy join our team here in Phoenix. With her knowledge of the market and her extensive experience, she will be an integral part of the leadership team who will continue to strengthen our position in the market and in the Phoenix ad community.”

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TALKERS News Notes

PodcastOne announces that “The Prosecutors,” podcast hosted by Alice LaCour and Brett Talley, is being honored as the “People’s Choice: Creator of the Year.” The inaugural “Creator of the Year” award was voted on by thousands of fans and CrimeCon attendees and bestowed on Saturday (9/23) in Orlando at the second annual CrimeCon CLUE Awards.

FOX Business Network reports that its “Democracy 24: FOX Business Republican Primary Debate” was the most-watched program in linear television, digital and streaming on Wednesday evening, averaging 9.5 million viewers and nearly 2 million in the A25-54 demo on FOX News Channel, FBN, and UNIVISION, according to data from Nielsen Media Research.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of September 25 – 29

The likelihood of a government shutdown as GOP hardliners demand budget cuts was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the 2024 presidential race and Wednesday’s GOP debate, followed by the UAW strike and visits to Michigan by Donald Trump and Joe Biden at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media each week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.