SABO SEZ: Now, the Advanced Course
By Walter Sabo
CEO Sabo Media Advisors
Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night,” WPHT Philadelphia
“Sterling On Sunday,” TMN Syndication
Jim Gearhart is a remarkable on-air talent who was the AM drive host on New Jerey 101.5 for 20-plus years. In the 1960’s he was a star on WCBS-AM and WNEW. The illustration is an ad for his 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm show on WNBC circa 1968.
At first glance the ad presents a normal appeal to listen to Jim. Take another look. The message is: “Listen to Jim, he’s back,
“AND, you can talk to the biggest stars.”
One-on-one conversation between a listener and a newsmaker was BRAND NEW. All of the WNBC ads at the time stress that listeners could talk directly with celebrities. Listeners had to be “taught” that radio took phone calls!
There are two different types of talk radio cities: legacy cities and expansion cities.
Until the mid-1980s there were approximately 48 full-time talk stations. Their host cities had embraced talk radio since the dawn of radio. Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Miami. When satellites made it possible for more cities to have a talk station, expansion talk outlets had a serious challenge. A challenge I witnessed at WHBQ, Memphis.
WHBQ was the first telephone talk station in the hometown of Elvis. It was not doing well despite strong talent, signal and RKO money. Very few calls. Focus group participants revealed the answer: “Oh, I can call in? I thought those were actors.” The people of Memphis had never heard a telephone talk station and therefore didn’t know how it “worked.”
WNBC had the same challenge. It was the first TELEPHONE talk station in New York. Dominant WOR was #1 for decades but never took a listener phone call. The ad for Jim sold the innovation that listeners could talk to the radio.
To evolve the format, collectively we desperately need new programming features. Features as compelling as the power of one listener talking one-on-one to a newsmaker.
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
and politicians to entertainers about faith in our everyday life.” Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez adds, “With Red Apple Audio Networks, we are bringing programming about myriad topics to radio stations across America – politics, music, and now faith-based, with more on the horizon. ‘The Rev & The Rabbi’ presents topics that inspire conversation, and that people of all faiths can find relatable and engaging.” Reverend A.R. Bernard leads New York’s largest house of worship – the Christian Cultural Center – with more than 45,000 active and engaged members. Rabbi Joseph Potasnik is executive vice president of The New York Board of Rabbis, and since 1972 the spiritual and educational leader of Congregation Mount Sinai in Brooklyn Heights. 
executive branch and must therefore: “(1) submit draft regulations for White House review—with no carve-out for so-called independent agencies, except for the monetary policy functions of the Federal Reserve; and (2) consult with the White House on their priorities and strategic plans, and the White House will set their performance standards. The Office of Management and Budget will adjust so-called independent agencies’ apportionments to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely. The President and the Attorney General (subject to the President’s supervision and control) will interpret the law for the executive branch, instead of having separate agencies adopt conflicting interpretations.” The order also argues that since the president is elected by the people and all agencies are accountable to the American people, therefore the president represents the will of the people. Critics of the move are questioning the constitutionality of the order and some expect this matter will be decided by the courts. 
First” at #2, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” at #3 and iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” at #4. Changes of note during the January period include: Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” rises three spots to the #5 rank; Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” dips two places to the #8 rank; iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” rises one place to #14; and iHeartRadio’s “Armstrong & Getty On Demand” shoots up five places to the #18 rank. 
On Friday, Feb. 21, WURD Radio will present “Race, Manhood and Power: Commemorating 60 Years Since the Ascension of Malcolm X to Ancestorhood” in partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at CCP’s Winnet Student Life Building Lobby. This live broadcast will be a special edition of “Groundings” with WURD host Brother Shomari. The event and conversation will reflect on the lessons of Malcolm X’s legacy and examine how succeeding generations have – or have not – put them into action. The broadcast is part of a week of programming at CCP led by Brother Shomari that addresses what the station describes as the “urgent challenges” facing Philadelphia’s Black communities today.
…..FIVE TO BE INDUCTED: The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct Dennis & Kathi Brown, Dale Johnson, Mike McKnight and Dave Wingert into the NBA Hall of Fame on August 12th in La Vista during the NBA Annual Convention. Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame will grow to 123 members with these pending inductees…..
IBA AND RVA TO HOST LIVE VIDEO STREAMING WEBINAR: The Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA) is producing another “Lunch and Learn” workshop in partnership with the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA). The workshops are free online sessions and feature industry experts with practical solutions to radio’s most pressing problems. “Is Video the New Audio?” is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 1:00 pm ET.
The 45-minute session will include a Q&A and will be available for replay to all registrants. Registration is free (link: https://www.coolradiostreaming.com/) and IBA membership is not required.
11:00 pm to 2:00 am ET. The program says that Smart, who worked as an Apple repair technician and with Steve Jobs in the late 1980s at the computer firm NeXT, “has been at the forefront of innovation. He built large-scale telecommunications networks, is an inventor, a former child actor, and a VO artist. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, pop culture fanatic, or just love to consume interesting content, ‘Online Tonight’ offers something for everyone.”
documentary “features expert insight from RAAN hosts, including John Catsimatidis, Rita Cosby, Greg Kelly, Roger Stone, Jeanine Pirro, Dominic Carter, and more.” It asks the questions: What are the opportunities? What are the obstacles? Will there be fewer freak-outs about social media posts? Will there be more focus on economic issues? 
Amazon’s ART19 hosting platform marks a major evolution for PodcastOne that enhances operational efficiencies while strengthening our monetization capabilities and audience engagement. This strategic move positions us to better serve advertisers and maximize the value of our content across our growing network.” He adds, “PodcastOne remains committed to delivering premium content while expanding our host and advertiser relationships. To date, we have grown our programming slate to 196 shows and surpassed 3.9 billion network downloads through key expansion deals, including our collaboration with A&E’s The History Channel, and the renewal of flagship podcasts hosted by Adam Carolla, Brendan Schaub, and Kaitlyn Bristowe. Looking ahead, we are focused on leveraging our leadership position in podcasting to drive sustainable growth through organic expansion, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives, creating long term value for our creators, partners, and shareholders.”
The syndicated “Armed American Radio” live stream hosted by successful broadcaster-Second Amendment defender Mark Walters is now available Monday through Friday 4:00-5:00 pm ET and Sundays 8:00-11:00 pm ET on You Tube at Armed American Radio, on Rumble at Armed American Radio, on Facebook Live at 
iHeartMedia Seattle’s Sports Radio 93.3 KJR-FM, announced (2/10) the debut of the new “MJ in the Midday” show, effective immediately. “MJ in the Midday” will broadcast weekdays from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. MJ in the Midday’s host Marc James, started his sports talk radio career in Miami and Fort Lauderdale in 2004. His career highlights include afternoon drive host for an ESPN radio affiliate in Tampa, FL, WFNZ afternoon drive radio host in Charlotte, NC and morning host on 92.9 “The Game” in Atlanta, GA. His radio career led him to a TV studio anchor position for New England Sports Network (NESN) in Boston, MA, where he also hosted shows on WEEI radio station. Since 2020, James has worked for Sports Talk Florida covering sporting events in the Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida. He also hosted a college football podcast on the BLEAV Network. “Sports Radio 93.3 KJR-FM is literally my dream job,” James tells TALKERS. “I am honored and eternally grateful to become part of this legacy station and its extremely bright future in Seattle.” 
“Marc James joining our family is big for us,” said Rich Moore, VP of programming for iHeartMedia Seattle. “We’re extremely excited to be bringing in a new passionate voice to the Seattle market. Marc’s experience and love for our market will win our listeners over for years to come.” “We’re excited to welcome Marc James to the iconic call letters of KJR,” said Mark Glynn, area president for iHeartMedia Washington. “Marc’s infectious energy plus his dynamic and engaging personality will bring an exciting new spark to Seattle sports talk.”
Just hours after the series of devastating wildfires broke out in Los Angeles, iHeart LA and the Dream Center – a resource center focused on providing support to those affected by homelessness, hunger and crisis – launched a national and local media campaign that asked local listeners to contribute essential items and cash to support those affected by the fires, many of whom had lost everything. 
What followed was an outpouring of love and support that exceeded any expectation, and which – thanks to the generosity of friends, neighbors and communities – has become one of the largest grassroots giving efforts in iHeart’s history.
The Miami Marlins announced this morning (2/7) the hiring of Jack McMullen as the lead play-by-play announcer on the Marlins Radio Network. McMullen takes over for Kyle Sielaff, who is the 
To say that I am excited about the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference coming up in New York City on Friday March 7 and Saturday March 8 is an understatement. I am proud that TALKERS has taken on the role of “presenting sponsor” of the entire event and that this year’s iteration of the annual “TALKERS” conference will be taking a unique and groundbreaking turn toward the future of radio-oriented broadcasting within the context of the industry’s leading youth-oriented gathering.
If professional radio is truly concerned about an aging audience and a deteriorating “farm system” from which to recruit new talent, it’s time to connect with the largest concentration of young broadcasters and listeners found on the planet in America’s dynamic campus radio station and communications department scene.
As the excitement builds for Super Bowl LIX, Audacy has positioned itself to be the “go-to audio home” for football fans nationwide. With flagship stations 96.5 The Fan (KFNZ-FM) in Kansas City and Sports Radio 94WIP (WIP-FM) in Philadelphia, the company is set to provide fans with in-depth analysis, exclusive interviews, and live play-by-play coverage of the big game on February 9. Additionally, six Audacy sports stations and Audacy’s newly launched BetMGM Network will broadcast live from the radio row, to provide listeners the latest updates, expert insights, and exclusive interviews throughout Super Bowl week. And with Westwood One’s national broadcast on 20 Audacy sports stations, the plan is for fans across the country not to miss a moment. Audacy tells TALKERS, “Whether on the air or on the free Audacy app, listeners can tune in for every snap, every score, and every story leading up to and following Super Bowl LIX.” Please click 
After the first White House press briefing by the youngest presidential press secretary in history, the calls, emails and texts keep flowing in to me about Karoline Leavitt.
Back in 2022, we were at a client remote, and the owner told me he wanted to introduce us to this young lady who had been a White House aide near the end of Trump’s term. “She is going places,” our client told us.
Harrison as “one of the most dynamic and effective radio managers in America” – has served as president of WABC Radio, Red Apple Media Group, and the Red Apple Audio Network since the iconic AM station was acquired and expanded five years ago by New York-based billionaire businessman / talk show host / philanthropist John Catsimatidis. Since then, the station and its associated media group have shown explosive growth that has grabbed the attention and respect of the national broadcasting industry. Prior to joining Red Apple, Lopez had already achieved notable recognition for his leadership as VP/MM of Cumulus New York and before that as GSM of CBS Radio New York. The Fireside Chat will be one of the highlights of the innovative four-hour TALKERS event on Saturday, March 8 that will be co-located with the national Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference March 7-8 at the Sheraton New York Times Square hotel. More speakers will be announced next week. For more information about the event including discount conference registration and room registrations, please see the story immediately below.