Top News/Talk Stories for Week of July 31 – August 4
The indictment of former President Donald Trump on charges related to the events of January 6 was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the “on hold” plea deal by Hunter Biden and the building momentum to investigate the Biden family finances, 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 this week’s complete chart here.
HALF of all radio stations in the United States lose money – at least they did back in 1991. The NAB used to put out an annual report revealing how many radio stations were profitable. Usually half the stations in America lost money. Since consolidation, the NAB stopped putting out that report. It is reasonable to believe that far, far fewer stations lose money today. Shared costs, real estate, technical economies due to digital equipment versus analog all indicate that there must be fewer money-losing properties.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm show, filling the role of retired “Ticket” host Norm Hitzges. New to the daily lineup is the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm duo of Sean Bass and David Mino. Bass has been with “The Ticket” for 22 years, most recently as producer of “The Norm and D Invasion.” Mino has been with the station for 11 years, most recently as producer of “The Hardline” afternoon drive show. Station program director Jeff Catlin comments, “I couldn’t be more excited for the midday makeover on ‘The Ticket.’ Matt, Sean, and Mino have all earned this opportunity. All three guys are well-known and well-liked by our passionate listeners and their ‘Ticket’ teammates. They will fit in well and make this a seamless transition.”
Edward R. Murrow Award for her investigative reporting on Baltimore’s 911 system and has been the recipient of multiple Chesapeake AP Awards. She comments, “I am excited to be a full-time member of this legendary news station. I am looking forward to working alongside Shawn Anderson, with his years of experience, as we give listeners the most up-to-date and accurate information they need to make informed decisions as they go about their day.” WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler states, “From the day Anne started at WTOP, I have loved her passion for storytelling. Anne puts our listeners first and is always thinking about how she can help them understand what is going on in their worlds. Our listeners are in great hands with Shawn and Anne each afternoon.”
proposed tags when you make a search; 2) Contains Exactly Search – Search for multiple keywords in the same order (substring) by searching in quotes or clicking ‘Contains exactly: “your search”; 3) Autocomplete – See suggestions of possible terms to complete your search; 4) Autocorrect – View intended results even if you make a typo in your search; 5) Suggestions And Result Preview – See suggestions and categories based on your search results, allowing you to view which elements exist for each song; and 6) Download Files in 24bit 48kHz – You can now request access to download higher resolution audio. Benztown CEO Andreas Sannemann says, “The Benztown libraries have always been on the cutting edge of AI development in sync with music and practical application for imaging directors and audio content creators. We keep pushing the standards to create the best possible product for our clients.”
format phases including a full color magazine and eventually a daily online operation geared to providing news, advice and opinions to professionals involved in programming, managing, marketing and operating an array of related platforms in what has come to be known as talk media. This includes most popular forms of spoken-word AM and FM radio, plus online programming, podcasting, cable television and satellite broadcasting. During this period, TALKERS has produced and presented 26 national conventions in New York and another three in Los Angeles. Add to that more than 35 regional, national and international forums about the field and countless radio rows including several at the White House in conjunction with both the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. TALKERS remains and will continue to be a non-partisan proponent of the First Amendment with a great love and passion for talk media’s roots in the century old medium of radio.
When was the last time you went shopping for a quality living room rug? Not an oriental, because that is just too easy. We’re talking high quality living room rug that will blend in and stand the test of time… and the dog. Next to fighting with a credit card company, it’s the worst shopping experience ever.
-owned SeniorResource.com. Salems says, “‘Retire Repurposed’ challenges the notion that 
retirement is simply an end to one’s working life. Instead, it’s an opportunity to repurpose one’s skills, passions, and experiences in a way that can impact the world in a meaningful way.” The program is hosted by Ben Taatjes and Jerrid Sebesta, who add, “The two most dangerous years of a person’s life are the year they were born and the year they retire. That’s why ‘Retire Repurposed’ aims to provide practical advice and inspiration to help listeners navigate this important life transition.”
AM “ESPN 620.” Long previously served with Bonneville as PD for sports talk KIRO-AM, Seattle. He was most recently with iHeartMedia San Diego. Bonneville Phoenix SVP and market manager Ryan Hatch says, “We are thrilled to welcome Brian back to the Bonneville family. He is a proven leader who will bring strategic thinking and an innovative 
spirit that will grow our market leading news and sports brands.” Long will also serve as PD for KMVP-FM and KTAR-AM. He comments, “Getting the chance to return to Bonneville after such a great run in San Diego and being part of the evolution for such iconic brands as ‘Arizona Sports’ and ‘KTAR News’ is humbling. I look forward to getting to work alongside some of the best talent in the country.” At the same time, the company announces that KTAR-FM assistant program director and news director Martha Maurer is being promoted to program director of “KTAR News.” Hatch says, “There is no one more passionate about ‘KTAR News’ and its talented content teams than Martha. We have watched her grow and achieve great success for 11 years and couldn’t be more excited for her to lead this legendary brand into the future.”
and 112 million total multiplatform minutes (up 60%), according to Comscore data. Outkick founder (and Premiere Networks syndicated talk radio star) Clay Travis states, “OutKick doesn’t shy away from the most pressing topics in American sports today which is why we have continued to expand our audience every quarter.”
Seattle as well; Kevin Isaacs, GM for Cleveland, will now also manage Pittsburgh; and Mark Durkin, regional VP/GM for Sacramento, will also manage Phoenix. This comes months after Carolyn Cassidy was assigned both Tampa and Columbus and John Gallagher began leading Chicago and Little Rock. Salem adds, “In some cases, the former GM will stay on in a sales/sales management role.” Company CEO David Santrella comments, “These changes were made to allow Salem to continue to innovate and invest in our business and to allow the very best leaders to oversee our radio stations.” Salem is also combining the sales efforts of Salem Media Reps and the Salem Web Network with the combined sales team reporting to Mike Reed and Mike DeAmicis at Salem Media Reps. Company COO David Evans adds, “This unified sales team will now have easier access to all digital assets within our company to more fully grow into a ‘One-World’ company that offers ministries, advertisers, and our audiences’ multiple platforms with which to consume content and reach communities.”
podcasts, offering a differentiated promotional playbook to help them grow and monetize their content; and the companies teaming up to offer new resources for niche and emerging business podcasters. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne states, “iHeartMedia is thrilled to team up with LinkedIn to help propel professional conversations through the podcast space. The combination of our vast reach and industry resources and expertise with LinkedIn’s professional network will allow us to bring a new level of innovation and growth to the communities’ business creators care about most.”