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Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) announces that Nashville’s SuperTalk 99.7 WTN (WWTN-FM) has strengthened its weekday news and talk coverage with multiple lineup additions and moves debuting in January of 2025. Sources at the powerhouse 100,000-watt news/talk station and SuperTalk TV (YouTube)  tell TALKERS the station is committed to providing the best in news and compelling live and local content, and these exciting lineup changes reflect this dedication to delivering top-notch local news coverage and engaging talk programming to listeners.

On-air host Brian Wilson (weekdays from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm), announced his retirement earlier this month, after a 50-year career in broadcasting that included stints at FOX News and WMAL-FM in Washington, D.C., before landing at SuperTalk 99.7 in 2018. Wilson will continue to contribute to SuperTalk 99.7 in a host-at-large role.

Matt Murphy steps in as on-air host, afternoon drive (weekdays from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm), after hosting weekdays on the station from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm for the last three years. Murphy joined SuperTalk 99.7 in 2021 after a 19-year stint with Talk 99.5 WZRR in Birmingham, AL, as both morning show host and program director.

Joining Cumulus Nashville and the new SuperTalk 99.7 lineup is Chad Benson, who will host a live and local show airing weekdays from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Benson will continue as host of his syndicated program, “The Chad Benson Show” with Radio America Network. Chad Benson said, “I’m so excited to be a part of this legendary radio station and to work with an incredible team in an amazing city. I look forward to contributing and building strong connections with both listeners and advertisers.”

The station further enhances its news coverage with the addition of veteran broadcast journalist Joan Jones as news anchor in morning drive with current host and 2024 Marconi winner Dan Mandis. Jones is known for her successful 10-year career as morning news anchor for news/talk station WTOP-FM in Washington, D.C. Current SuperTalk 99.7 news anchor Ken Weaver will continue to cover the news desk weekday afternoons from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Allison Warren, VP/MM, Cumulus Nashville, tells TALKERS, “We are thrilled to introduce these exciting changes to our lineup at SuperTalk 99.7 WTN. Each addition and shift reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality news and talk programming to our listeners. With a blend of seasoned professionals and fresh voices, we are poised to provide even more engaging and comprehensive coverage for Nashville and Middle Tennessee. We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and connecting with our community in new and meaningful ways.”

 

Tomorrow (12/5) at 7:00 pm, Townsquare Media’s New Jersey 101.5 (WKXW-FM) is presenting a special Town Hall broadcast, “Targeted: Protecting New Jersey Children from Online Predators,” confronting the crisis of online child predators, and how New Jersey children and parents are affected.  In what is an alarming statistic, the FBI estimates that 500,000 predators are online daily, with kids between the ages of 12 and 15 most at risk. These predators are lurking on social media sites, online gaming platforms, chatrooms, and anywhere else popular with kids.  New Jersey 101.5’s Eric Scott leads the news and digital departments in bringing listeners the most up-to-date information about the ever-changing ways predatory behavior manifests itself on the internet and connected devices.  “Our kids are spending considerable time on the internet every day,” Scott warns. “Parents need to understand how to identify where predators are lurking and how to safeguard their children.”  The program’s on-air guest panel includes John Pizzuro, CEO of Raven and former commander of the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; Alicia Kozak, internet safety expert and founder of The Alicia Project; Stephanie Lyon, licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor of clinical psychology at Rutgers University; and Gina Cavallo, a consultant and vice president for the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking.  Online, the program will be streamed live and available for embedding at facebook.com/nj1015/live. The broadcast may also be accessed via nj1015.com, the New Jersey 101.5 YouTube channel, or the free New Jersey 101.5 app.

 

Veteran radio broadcaster Chick Pallotta, a.k.a. Francis Chick Powers, is the creator, executive producer, and host of a long-running, syndicated radio series of individual programs collectively entitled, “The Inside Stories Behind The Christmas Songs.”  These critically-praised programs feature many legendary songwriters of fond memory who explain how their classic, holiday hits originated. Currently, there’s a total of 43 programs: 20 Short-Form programs (crafted as entertainment and informative holiday features where all the verses of a particular Christmas song are wrapped around the songwriter’s narrative), and 23 two-minute programs, suitable for the live and local talk and news/talk stations, providing a type of holiday feel to their regular programming. Additional programs are produced and released yearly. Since 2011, Pallotta has been producing and syndicating these one-of-a-kind holiday vignettes.  During that time, hundreds of stations throughout the U.S.A. and Canada in mostly small, medium-sized and suburban markets, have aired the series. Thus far, the series is being carried on stations having 14 different formats.

Soon-to-turn 78-years old in January, an item on Chick Pallotta’s Christmas wishlist, is to license his intellectual property of interviews with the Christmas songwriters to one of the major radio conglomerates to run during the 2025 Christmas Season. It would include all the elements of his original productions for that company to produce – the scripts, the interview segments, the song soundbites, the music beds, etc. – as it sees fit.  And that company’s own in-house, star radio personality would host the series, thus exposing all of this unique and original content to a new and wider listening audience, carried even on multiple-owned stations in the same city having different formats in the major markets. Pallotta’s only stipulation in a potential agreement would be to protect his current radio affiliates which have provided their loyal and steadfast support to him over the years.   For more info about these available programming elements please click HERE.

Plus there’s more: Pallotta has established another platform for his intellectual property. He’s making on-screen video segments for use in a full, theatrical musical production. A live cast of singers is envisioned to perform a mix of both the traditional Christmas carols and secular holiday hits as well. The visuals are lead-ins, prior to the songs being sung. He’s currently looking for an investor. Just as iHeartRadio produces its “Jingle Ball” concert tour in Madison Square Garden and other select cities annually, Chick is hopeful that in Manhattan’s Theater District itself,  a similar, success story is achievable in a Broadway theater during the 2-month holiday season, running every year, as well.  For more info about the theatrical opportunity, please click HERE to watch three short video segments.  Chick Pallotta can be reached by phone at 718-375-1245.

 

 

 

FOX News Channel and Premiere Networks talk superstar Sean Hannity will host a new long-form interview show for FOX Nation entitled, “Sean” premiering today (12/3) on the platform, announced Lauren Petterson, its president. The new series will feature in-depth sit-down interviews with a variety of guests spanning the world of sports, entertainment, and politics. Pictured above: the episode one kick-off with iconic actor, writer and director Sylvester Stallone alongside his wife, entrepreneur, and model Jennifer Flavin Stallone. In making the announcement, Petterson said, “Sean’s signature political commentary has advanced the cultural conversation while connecting with the FOX News Media audience for more than 28 years. FOX Nation subscribers will have the opportunity to see Sean in a new setting as he conducts long-form interviews with newsmakers and celebrities, delving deep into their life journeys and the challenges and successes they have had along the way.”  Hannity added, “Throughout the course of my career, I’ve had the honor of meeting the world’s most interesting people. It is often the struggles and obstacles they have overcome that make them most captivating. I look forward to sharing these conversations with FOX Nation viewers.”  Featuring a new episode each month, “Sean” captures candid conversations that dive deep into the lives, passions and perspectives of the country’s most interesting people while providing behind-the-scenes stories and unfiltered discussions about the moments that shaped their lives. Following this week’s debut, the second episode will feature a sit-down with Stephen A. Smith, the firebrand commentator and host of ESPN’s “First Take” and podcast “The Stephen A. Smith Show.” In episode three, Hannity will interview celebrity fitness trainer and media personality Jillian Michaels. Additional guests will be announced at a later date.

As the longest-running primetime cable news host in history, Hannity has been known for his provocative style and passionate connection with his audience over the course of his 28 years at FNC. Each night, his primetime program features a signature monologue where he breaks down trending topics of the day, followed by headline-generating interviews. Garnering the highest viewership among cable news in his timeslot, Hannity has averaged nearly 3 million viewers year-to-date, routinely placing as one of the top cable shows overall. Ranked by TALKERS at number one on its “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America, Hannity’s radio show is now carried on more than 730 stations.

This Thursday, December 5th, Hannity will serve as the emcee of FOX Nation’s signature Patriot Awards, a ceremony which honors and recognizes America’s finest patriots, including military veterans, first responders and other inspirational everyday heroes.

Cumulus Media in partnership with Signal Hill Insights, yesterday (12/2) released Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights’ Podcast Download – Fall 2024 Report, a comprehensive evaluation of the latest podcast audience trends. This 13th edition of the study examining the habits of weekly podcast consumers is part of Cumulus Media’s initiative to share insights and research findings with the podcast community.  A key finding uncovered in the Podcast Download Report is that YouTube continues its growth as the dominant podcast platform for consumption, reaching a new high.  “Though it began as an auditory experience, over the past few years we’ve seen the growth of podcast visuals, which go hand-in-hand with the similar ascendance of YouTube as a podcast platform,” said Lauren Vetrano, VP of advertiser studies and insights, Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group®. “We currently see over a third of weekly podcast consumers using YouTube the most for their podcast consumption, up from 28% year over year. Similarly, one in three podcast consumers now prefer podcasts with a video component. Video, and by extension YouTube, cannot be ignored as an important aspect of the podcast experience.”  “Thumbnails turn out to be a key discovery driver on YouTube, especially among younger consumers. 53% of those 18 – 34 say they’ve chosen a podcast on the platform based upon the thumbnail,” said Paul Riismandel, president of Signal Hill Insights. “The title or persons featured in that graphic are the two top reasons for choosing an episode. This finding provides direction for podcasters looking to grow their audiences.”

The Fall 2024 edition reveals valuable insights for content creators and advertisers. Some highlights from the report:

• YouTube is the most utilized podcast listening platform in the U.S. over the past two years: 34% say it is the platform they use the most, followed by Spotify (17%) and Apple (11%)
• As the world’s entertainment search engine, YouTube is the dominant podcast discovery platform where audiences are more likely to find podcasts
• YouTube is the most utilized podcast listening platform among Podcast Newcomers, Podcast Pioneers, and heavy podcast consumers
• Younger podcast consumers are more likely to consume a podcast because of the thumbnail image on YouTube versus older podcast consumers
• Text and the podcast title on the thumbnail are the biggest reasons podcast consumers will pick a podcast on YouTube

Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights’ Podcast Download – Fall 2024 Report is available in full for download here.

Premiere Networks nationally syndicated personality Elvis Duran, host of “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show,” was featured on “CBS Sunday Morning” this past weekend (12/1).  Duran was interviewed by correspondent Mo Rocca for an in-depth piece about the magic of radio and how his personality has won him loyal fans, including some of the biggest names in pop music. Duran also discussed how his love for radio began when he was a young child. He shared that the special connection with on-air personalities is what originally drew him to the platform and that unique friendship continues to inspire him every day.  Duran stated, “We are in the friendship business. I think about you (the listener) when you hop in your car in the morning. You’re either leaving a house that may be full of turmoil or going to a job with a boss you don’t like, but I have you for 20, 30 minutes, and I can be your friend,” said Duran. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “CBS Sunday Morning really nailed it with this piece. When the radio industry started telling DJs to ‘shut up and play the music’ and then backed it up by firing almost all the talented disc jockeys to save money, they basically forfeited their ownership of the popular music culture in America – not to mention the very backbone of radio itself, friendship and companionship. Endangered species like Elvis Duran are among the greatest ‘talkers’ out there and prove the potential for integrating talk and pop culture successfully can still keep the idea of ‘radio’ alive for years to come. The terms ‘disc jockey’ and ‘top 40’ are so obsolete.  This is a wonderful permutation of ‘talk radio’ and should be regarded as such.  I hope everyone in the business watches this past Sunday’s report.” Click HERE to watch.

Pew Study:  Newsmax among Top U.S. News Brands.   The ratings competition for eyeballs and eardrums between multi-platform news content providers has grown increasingly fierce as burgeoning interest in politics – especially during this remarkably heated 2024 election cycle – has driven huge audiences to information venues seeking the latest data and ideological affirmation. The correlation between MSNBC’s notable ratings declines after the “Morning Joe” visit to Mar-a-Lago illustrated the sensitivity of branding and audience expectations within this volatile arena.  So, what media outlets did Americans turn to for political news during the heated 2024 presidential election?  Pew Research did some digging to find out and Newsmax has earned bragging rights for being among the top U.S. news brands for Americans seeking political news. The Pew survey for September of 2024 asked close to 10,000 Americans: “What news source do you turn to most often for political news?”  The question was open ended — with Pew giving no possible responses as respondents gave their own answers.  The Pew Study found Newsmax ranked among the top news outlets and networks and tied with media giants X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube — as respondents’ go-to source for citizens seeking political news. Newsmax even ranked ahead of the Associated Press and local news, and was just one percentage point behind NBC, CBS, MSNBC, and The New York Times.  Major established news outlets FOX News, CNN, and ABC News led the pack. “Multiple studies continue to show Newsmax is a major news player, and we are continuing to rise,” Newsmax Inc. CEO Chris Ruddy tells TALKERS. “The credit belongs to our team here and our viewers who are tired of old media and want the quality journalism we’re providing.” The Pew study confirms a recent Reuters Institute study that found Newsmax was one of the top 12 U.S. news brands for Americans.  The Reuters study found 8% of Americans — about 25 million Americans — turn to Newsmax on cable TV for their news at least weekly.  Starting as a conservative website, Newsmax was launched as an entrepreneurial initiative in 1998 by then-independent journalist Ruddy and expanded to include a TV network in 2014 .  Today, Newsmax estimates it reaches more than 40 million Americans through its television channels, online websites, and social media. The company has raised over $100 million for its Preferred Share Offering in its pre-IPO plan and expects to close soon.

 

Bloomberg Audio Renews Multi-Year Deal With Audacy.  Radio syndication firm, Key Networks and Bloomberg Audio, a leading provider of radio business news in the U.S., announce that Bloomberg Audio and Audacy have renewed their agreement to deliver Bloomberg Audio business and consumer news programming across the majority of Audacy’s 26 all-news and news talk stations. Audacy owns and operates many of the most influential news and news talk stations in America, including 92.3 FM and 1010 WINS in New York, News KNX-FM 97.1 and 1070 AM News Radio (KNX-AM/FM) in Los Angeles, WBBM Newsradio (WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM) in Chicago, and more. Bloomberg Audio has been Audacy’s primary business and consumer news provider for several years. Under the new multi-year agreement, Bloomberg Audio will continue to provide Audacy stations with access to its world-class radio news content, including live, customized reports, “Bloomberg Money Minutes,” and specialty features including: “Bloomberg Business of Sports,” “Bloomberg Business of Entertainment,” “Green Report,” “Small Business Report,” “Real Estate Report,” and more.  “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Bloomberg Radio, a trusted leader in business news, to continue delivering top-tier, timely financial and consumer content to our listeners,” said Jeff Sottolano, chief programming officer, Audacy. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to providing unparalleled business news coverage across our all-news and news talk stations, ensuring our audiences have access to the insights and information they need.”

 

Rumble Will Host the Uncensored Fourth Season of “Surviving Barstool.” Rumble, the high-growth video platform and cloud services provider, announced that the much-anticipated fourth season of “Surviving Barstool” will move to Rumble, unedited and uncensored, beginning today (12/2). Rumble users and Barstool fans can subscribe to the Barstool Sports Rumble channel here and tune in to watch this season here. YouTube will only carry the censored version of “Surviving Barstool.” “Surviving Barstool” follows 24 of the biggest Barstool employees competing against each other for a $250,000 prize while trapped in the office. The final winner will be decided by the employees who were voted out along the way.

iHeartMedia Philadelphia is teaming up with Boost Mobile and Cradles to Crayons® to launch the “Boost Up for Winter” campaign, a large-scale community coat drive in support of the Cradles to Crayons® Gear Up for Winter initiative. From now (12/2) until Sunday, December 22 the drive will aim to collect and distribute 20,000 warm winter coats and other essential items to children and families in need across the Greater Philadelphia area. Cradles to Crayons® distributes donated items via a robust network of Service Partner organizations including hospitals, schools, and community centers.  As winter approaches, many families face the harsh reality of inadequate protection against cold weather. Too often, the cost of winter wear and boots are out of reach for the more than 300,000 children living in low-income or homeless situations in Greater Philadelphia. Through this campaign, iHeartMedia Philadelphia and its partners are committed to ensuring that local children have the clothing and essentials necessary to stay warm at home, at school, and at play throughout the season. For more information on the campaign, including participating Boost Mobile store locations please click HERE.

The bombshell news of President Joe Biden‘s pardoning of his son Hunter Biden‘s recent criminal conviction dominated all local programming for half the weekend (11/30 – 12/1) on America’s news/talk media outlets and promises to be a huge topic going into this first week in December.  Other than that, talk of tariffs, trade wars, and the ongoing transition of presidential power dominated this past weekend’s conversation, highlighted by yapping over highly controversial appointments to cabinet and department head positions in the forthcoming Trump Administration. Predictions, questions, and concerns over the coming massive migrant deportation took up lots of the conversation. There was also a lot of talk about how the new administration will impact the wars in the Middle East and Central Europe as well as abortion rights and health care according to the ongoing research of TALKERS.

In an age of rapid information and rising concerns about misinformation, the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) announces the launch of its statewide KAB Trust Campaign: “Rooted in Community, Committed to Truth.” This initiative highlights the critical role Kansas broadcasters play as trusted sources of news and information.  “Broadcasting is built on trust, accountability, and community connection,” KAB president Allison Mazzei tells TALKERS. “This campaign reminds Kansans of the unique value broadcasters provide – delivering accurate, timely, and trustworthy information in an era of misinformation.” To support this effort, KAB partnered with KMBC, Hearst, to produce customizable TV and radio spots, along with digital assets, available to Kansas stations at no cost. Stations are encouraged to customize and air the materials by December 1, 2024. The campaign directs audiences to learn more at https://kab.net/trust/. See ready-to-air TV spot here: https://vimeo.com/1024434772 KAB board director and KMBC president/GM Justin Antoniotti states, “We are proud to be a Kansas Broadcaster. Working with the KAB, we were thrilled to develop a campaign to highlight the role of broadcasters and how we differ from social media and cable outlets. We work every day to earn the trust of families by keeping them safe, informed, and entertained. This campaign reflects the commitment local broadcasters make to our communities.”

The Trust Campaign provides Kansas broadcasters with:

• TV and Radio Spots: Customizable and ready-to-air ads emphasizing the reliability and commitment of local stations.

• Digital Assets: Graphics for websites and social media platforms to engage audiences online.

• No-Cost Resources: All materials are available at no cost to member stations, ensuring broad participation.

 

Mural in a Phlash! During these dark, cold days of disappearing promotional budgets and AI voice tracking, how many radio personalities get their likeness painted in a mural on the side of a building?  Well, that warm honor came in one of the coldest places east of the Mississippi River to SiriusXM “’60s Gold” channel morning personality Phlash Phelps in Bradford, PA.  Pictured above: local artists and phans, Greg Souchick (l) and Rick Minard (r) expressed their appreciation for the popular music host with a huge mural on the side of a building in downtown Bradford at 181 Main Street.  Phelps was overwhelmed by the rendering and said he’s headed up to north central Pennsylvania to see it himself.  We’re not sure if any other radio talent has ever had such a tribute.  Phelps said, “I’ve had a racehorse named after me and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, but I’m truly stunned by this incredible mural.  My phans are phantastic!”  Part of Phelps’ schtick is he spells all Fs with PH.  He is known for his fast-talking, retro style of broadcasting and for making American geography a focal point of his show. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Phelps is a remarkably creative disc jockey who uses the element of ‘talk’ in a most entertaining and productive way by tying local towns, villages and communities around America into his show and saluting each with special attention to detail. He is my seven-year-old grandson and geography buff, Oliver Harrison‘s favorite radio star. Don’t think I don’t take notice of such things.” Phelps is heard nationally on SXM’s channel 73 M-F 6:00 am – 12:00 noon ET.

 

We See a Pattern of Philanthropy Developing Here.77WABC, New York has continually been using its powerful platform to support charities and people in need – in addition to creating exciting live and local talk radio. The station is partnering now with Shriners Children’s™️for a multi-media campaign that will increase awareness and support for the mission of providing The Most Amazing Care Anywhere™️. Started on November 18 and running through Giving Tuesday on December 3, 77WABC is running promos on air and in its e-newsletter soliciting donations to Shriners Children’s healthcare system. WABC Radio personality and legendary New York TV anchor Ernie Anastos is the voice of the campaign. On Giving Tuesday, WABC will expand the promotion to include a stream display on the 77WABC app, video social media posts from all talent, and pre-rolls on its podcasts, with the call to action to donate to Shriners Children’s. Donations to Shriners Children’s on Giving Tuesday will be 3X matched by one of their supporters for triple the impact on children’s health. In addition, on Giving Tuesday listeners will be invited to donate $225 per person to the WABC Radio Foundation, with net proceeds earmarked for Shriners Children’s, to be part of an intimate, 40-person audience for a live broadcast of “Sid & Friends In The Morning” with host Sid Rosenberg (pictured above). The live broadcast will take place in January at Studio 77, WABC Radio’s state-of-the-art audio/video event space. These audience members will have the opportunity for a picture with Sid and will receive a Shriners Children’s “Love to the rescue” blanket. In addition, a silent auction to benefit Shriners Children’s will take place for listeners attending the live broadcast, who will have the opportunity to bid on Shriners Children’s “Love to the rescue” blankets. “Shriners Children’s gives hope to children and their families across the country and around the world, regardless of their ability to pay,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “At WABC Radio, we are proud to help support Shriners Children’s mission to deliver specialty medical care to children.”  “77WABC is committed to serving our community across the New York City area,” added Chad Lopez, president, Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “By partnering with Shriners Children’s, we are able to bring awareness and help raise funds for their charitable mission.”

 

Cox Media Group’s Atlanta Radio Stations Collect Over 8,700 Pounds of Food Providing 12,272 meals for Georgia Families. Cox Media Group Atlanta’s radio stations (including heritage news/talker WSB) partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to collect 8,782 pounds of food leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. The effort by KISS 104.1 (WALR), 95.5 WSB (WSBB-FM/WSB-AM), B98.5 (WSB-FM) and 97.1 The River (WSRV) generated 12,272 meals for food-insecure individuals in Georgia. “We have the best listeners in Atlanta. Each year they support these terrific events and help us do good for the communities we serve,” said Chris Eagan, SVP audience/programming for Cox Media Group. “This is what live and local radio is truly all about.”  “We are grateful to the Cox Media Group radio station teams and personalities who continue to show an unwavering commitment to supporting the Food Bank’s efforts during the holiday season,” said Kyle Waide, president/CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “Our partnership with Cox Media Group helps us amplify the prominent issue of food insecurity among our neighbors, and these events underscore the generosity and willingness of the community to help those in need.”  During the holidays, food becomes a focal point for many family gatherings, which deepens the despair felt by many neighbors who are already struggling. Thirteen percent of Georgians and 18 percent of children in Georgia are estimated to be food insecure. Among communities of color, food insecurity can be as much as two or three times higher than their white neighbors. Every dollar donated can make a giant impact. The Food Bank’s processes and partners help them transform every dollar donated into up to three meals.

 

Yesterday (11/26), a Russian court in the Siberian city of Chita sentenced Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalist Nika Novak to four years in prison. “The unjust conviction of RFE/RL journalist Nika Novak continues Russia’s cruel pattern of persecuting and silencing journalists simply for reporting the truth,” said USAGM CEO Amanda Bennett. “Nika has been wrongly detained by Russia for more than 11 months on bogus charges. It’s time for her to be released without delay and allowed to return to her family.”   “We condemn the unjust conviction and sentencing of RFE/RL journalist Nika Novak in Russia,” said RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus. “These politically motivated charges are intended to silence individual reporters and cause a chilling effect. We call for Nika’s immediate release to her family.”  Novak was first detained by Russia on December 25, 2023. Sources close to the investigation told RFE/RL on November 26 that Novak was found guilty of “collaboration with a foreign organization on a confidential basis.”  Since 2022, Novak has collaborated with RFE/RL as a freelance correspondent for Siberia.Realities. She has been the head of the Gifted Center in Chita since 2021. Previously, Novak worked at ChitaMedia and served as editor-in-chief of the Zab.ru news website.  Learn more about Nika Novak’s case here.

RNC Chair Michael Whatley Credits WBT Listeners with Delivering NC to Trump.  WBT, Charlotte afternoon drive star Brett Winterble was joined by Republican National Committee chairman, Michael Whatley, yesterday (11/25) to talk about the GOP’s election victories.  During the conversation in which Whatley discussed the election’s immediate impact on issues ranging from wars in the Middle East and Central Europe to immigration and the economy, Whatley credited Radio One’s WBT listeners with helping secure the victory for Donald Trump in North Carolina.  Winterble is a rising star in the talk radio industry currently ranked at # 41 on the 2024 TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America.  To listen to the conversation between Winterble and Whatley please click here.

 

The Performance Racing Network (PRN) Taps Brad Gillie to Assume Role of Lead Anchor Alongside Mark Garrow beginning with the 2025 NASCAR season. Gillie will be replacing longtime lead anchor Doug Rice who has retired after a distinguished 36-year career left a void few could fill. “The obvious choice to succeed me is Brad Gillie,” Rice tells TALKERS. “He has been an integral part of our broadcast team for decades. He is an excellent broadcaster that our fans trust and are very familiar with, which I know will make this a smooth transition.”  Gillie has spent more than two decades working in motorsports. His career started in 1998 at Texas Motor Speedway where he spent 16 years in a variety of positions.  In 2006, Gillie began broadcasting live NASCAR events with PRN, where he could be heard in any broadcast position. “I am truly grateful to PRN and Speedway Motor Sports for the opportunity to continue building on a long legacy of exceptional broadcasts,” said Gillie. “It is an honor to move up to the anchor chair and, along with our great team, deliver the excitement of NASCAR to our listeners and affiliate stations. I also want to thank Doug Rice for his friendship and mentorship. His values and commitment to excellence have made PRN an elite network recognized throughout the motorsports and radio industries.”

FOLLOW UP TO YESTERDAY’S STORY: 77WABC, New York Partners with AARP NY, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities for Annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway During Holiday Season.  WABC Radio continues its self-stated “commitment to the community” with its annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway, in collaboration with AARP New York, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. The first 5,000 turkeys will be handed out before Thanksgiving, and the remaining 5,000 will be distributed before Christmas and the Holiday Season. The annual Turkey Giveaway kicked off at 10:00 am yesterday morning (11/25) when turkeys were handed out by John and Margo Catsimatidis, Curtis Sliwa, Sid Rosenberg, and other WABC Radio and New York celebrities from the 77WABC Trolley at St. Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church on W. 49th St. in New York City. “WABC Radio is an emergency broadcast station, a responsibility that extends to helping people in the greater New York City community year-round,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media, 77WABC, and Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets. “Working with AARP New York and The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, we are bringing much-needed help, and hopefully joy, to those in our community who are in need and deserve happiness and a good meal for the Holiday Season.” Pictured above, John and Margo Catsimatidis participating in the holiday initiative.

 

 

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Salem Radio Network syndicated talk personality Sebastian Gorka to rejoin his team for a second go-around. This time, Gorka will serve as the deputy assistant to the president and as the senior director for counterterrorism.  In a statement released by the Trump transition team: “Since 2015, Dr. Gorka has been a tireless advocate for the America First Agenda and the MAGA Movement, serving previously as Strategist to the President in the first Trump Administration.”  Salem Radio Network VP/news and talk programming Tom Tradup (shown left) pictured with Gorka (right) tells TALKERS, “We will miss Seb dearly at the Salem Radio Network – he’s a great friend and a solid broadcaster. Our loss is America’s gain.”

THE BUZZ CONTINUES:  The transition of presidential power dominated this past weekend’s conversation (11/23-24), highlighted by yapping over highly controversial appointments to cabinet and department head positions in the forthcoming Trump Administration. Predictions, questions, and concerns over the coming massive migrant deportation comprised the top story followed closely by speculation over what incoming Trump policies will have on inflation and a growing chorus of threats about a recession. There was also a lot of talk about how the new administration will impact the wars in the Middle East and Central Europe as well as abortion rights and health care according to the ongoing research of TALKERS.

FM NEWS 101 KXL, Portland, OR has announced (11/20) that award-winning journalist Heather Roberts is joining “Portland’s Morning News,” where she will co-anchor from 5:00 to 9:00 each morning.  Roberts comes to KXL from KBND in Bend, OR, where she was the news director and morning news anchor. She also currently owns and operates the Oregon Radio News Network, where she covers regional issues for radio stations across the state. Roberts also has experience in television, where she’s done everything from being a live truck operator, to anchoring the news, to moderating debates.  “Heather is a consummate professional, who has demonstrated her news chops across Oregon,” said KXL news director Grant McHill, “When we started the process of searching for our next anchor, we made it a priority to find someone who has a relentless sense for finding the stories that matter. So, we’re fired up to welcome Heather to the team.”  Roberts commented, “I’m thrilled to be part of such an amazing news team in my hometown.”  Roberts and her husband have two children. They call North Portland home.

Today (11/21), Triton Digital released its Canada and U.S. Podcast Rankers for October 2024. The rankers are measured by Triton’s Podcast Metrics measurement service, and both include a reporting period of September 30, 2024 – November 3, 2024.

U.S. highlights include:

• Top podcasts based on downloads included “NPR News Now“ (NPR) at #1, “Up First” (NPR) at #2, and “The Dan Bongino Show” (Cumulus Podcast Network) climbing to #3.

• Top podcasts for listeners were “NPR News Now” (NPR) at #1, “Up First” (NPR) climbing to #2, and “Morbid” (Wondery) climbing to #3.

• Top podcast debuts included “Kill List” (Wondery), “Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus” (Lemonada Media), “The Colin Cowherd Podcast” (iHeart Audience Network), “Two Girls One Ghost” (Audioboom), and “The Political Scene | The New Yorker“ (Soundrise/PRX).

• Triton Digital also welcomed a new network to both its U.S. and Canada Podcast Rankers – Lemonada Media.
Please see the Canada release HERE and the U.S. release HERE for the full findings.

FOX Nation will host its sixth annual Patriot Awards on Thursday, December 5th at the Tilles Center for Performing Arts in Brookville, New York on Long Island. Emceed by Long Island native and FOX News Channel (FNC) top-rated primetime host Sean Hannity, The Patriot Awards will be streamed live on FOX Nation that evening beginning at 8:00 pm ET.  An encore presentation will air on FNC on Sunday, December 8th at 10:00 pm ET.

In partnership with advertisers Tunnel 2 Towers, Patriot Mobile, Golden Corral and Belfor, the awards show will honor and recognize what are being described as “America’s finest patriots,” including military veterans, first responders and other inspirational everyday heroes. FOX News Media personalities, including Will Cain, Rachel Campos-Duffy, Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, Harris Faulkner, Bill Hemmer, Abby Hornacek, Lydia Hu, Laura Ingraham, Johnny Joey Jones, Lawrence Jones, Brian Kilmeade, Martha MacCallum, Dana Perino, Judge Jeanine Pirro, Jesse Watters and more will make appearances throughout the night and serve as presenters.

Throughout the evening, heroes will be honored in a number of categories, including the T2T Stephen Siller Back the Blue Award, FOX Weather Ultimate Patriot Award, FOX Nation Award for Service to Veterans, FOX Nation Salute to Service Award, FOX Nation Young Patriot Award, FOX Nation Culture Warrior Award, FOX Nation Award for Bravery and FOX Nation Award for Courage.

Leading up to the event, FNC’s “The Five” (5:00 – 6:00 pm ET) and “FOX & Friends” (6:00 – 9:00 am ET) will present live audience shows from the venue and attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet the network’s top personalities.

Known for his trademark monologues and thought-provoking interviews, Hannity’s eponymous program has reigned as number one in its timeslot with viewers and the younger 25-54 demographic for more than 15 consecutive years, dominating the cable news competition. Throughout his tenure at FNC, he has interviewed numerous key newsmakers and political figures. A superstar of both talk TV and radio Hannity is currently ranked #1 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America

FOX Nation is a direct-to-consumer on-demand streaming service designed to complement the FOX News Channel experience with a members-only destination for its most passionate and loyal super fans. Featuring nearly 10,000 hours of content, the subscription service includes lifestyle, and entertainment content, as well as historical documentaries and investigative series from a multitude of FOX News personalities.

 

 

FOX Issues Statement About Duffy.  Former congressman Sean Duffy is now the second FOX TV personality to leave the network to pursue a role in the forthcoming Donald Trump administration following Pete Hegseth who was named as the president-elect’s choice to be Secretary of Defense.  Duffy – a FOX Business host – has received the Trump nod to be Secretary of Transportation.      Duffy is married to Rachel Campos-Duffy, who co-hosts “FOX & Friends Weekend” alongside – until last week – Pete Hegseth.  FOX put out the following statement per Duffy’s departure: “Sean Duffy provided valuable insights and analysis in co-hosting the FOX Business Network program, ‘The Bottom Line.’ As Duffy departs FOX News Media effective today (11/18), we wish him the best of luck in his return to Washington. Moving forward, ‘The Bottom Line‘ will continue with Dagen McDowell joined by rotating co-hosts.”

Raising Awareness All Year Long.  Nationally syndicated, Nevada-based TALKERS Heavy Hundred personality Dr. Daliah Wachs (pictured) never stops teaching and promoting health causes that lead to everything from prevention awareness to blood drives.  She tells TALKERS, “Where breast cancer awareness happens every October but education around this common disease needs to continue year-round.  Mammograms save lives and I’m grateful to Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging for helping make my mammogram and ultrasound testing easy and painless.”  The Steinberg facility has been serving South Las Vegas outpatients for more than 30 years.

 

Last night (11/17), President-elect Donald Trump announced his selection of Brendan Carr to be the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  Trump praised Carr as a “warrior for free speech” and someone who has “fought against the regulatory lawfare that has stifled Americans’ Freedoms and held back our Economy.”  Trump further stated, Carr will “end the regulatory onslaught that has been crippling America’s Job Creators and Innovators and ensure that the FCC delivers for rural America.”  Carr is currently the leading Republican in the FCC. He is one of five commissioners leading the agency, all of whom are appointed by the president pending Senate confirmation.  In response to the nomination, Carr thanked Trump in a post on X, saying, “I am humbled and honored to serve as chairman of the FCC. Now we get to work.”  In a follow up post, Carr stated, “We must dismantle the censorship cartel and restore free speech rights for everyday Americans.”  Carr was the central figure in the complaint against NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” for having VP Kamala Harris in a skit on the program without extending a similar opportunity to Donald Trump to remain in accordance with FCC rules to ensure equal time is granted on networks.  At that time, Carr posted to X, “This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCC’s Equal Time rule,” he said on X. “The purpose of the rule is to avoid exactly this type of biased and partisan conduct – a licensed broadcaster using the public airwaves to exert its influence for one candidate on the eve of an election.”  (EDITOR’S NOTE:  Some of the recent information being disseminated about broadcasting “networks” being licensed by the FCC has been misstated or misinterpreted by politicians and the media alike.  For the most part, TV networks are non-licensed content providers.  The licenses are held by the individual stations, groups of stations and their owners with whom they affiliate.)

NAB response to selection of Carr:  In response to the announcement that Commissioner Brendan Carr will be named Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman, the following statement can be attributed to National Association of Broadcasters (NAB president and CEO, Curtis LeGeyt: “NAB congratulates Commissioner Carr on his selection as the next chairman of the FCC. Commissioner Carr has been a steadfast leader in holding Big Tech accountable and supporting policies that will allow local broadcast stations to better compete with these behemoths and thrive. We are excited to continue our work with the chairman-designate to level the playing field and remove regulatory barriers that impede investment in local broadcast newsrooms. Together we will ensure local television and radio stations can innovate and continue to serve communities across the country.”

 

Fueled by a tremendous amount of attention and airplay on news/talk radio, the song “Idiots” by the perennial pop music ensemble Gunhill Road, with a worldwide internet following for its provocative songs addressing societal issues, has cracked the 100k plateau in gathering views on YouTube and downloads on various other platforms.  Released in 2022, the song continues to be an extremely active item on both talk radio and the internet.  The catchy pop tune takes a powerful stand with a combination of humor and hard-hitting commentary about the dangers facing American democracy bedeviled by ever-lowering standards of education and intelligence.  “Idiots” can be heard and viewed by clicking here.

New Gunhill Road song celebrating talk radio dropping soon.  The group is currently in the final stages of production with an anthem celebrating talk radio. Titled “Don’t Stop Talkin’” – the song is an uplifting and infectiously catchy tune about the vital role talk radio plays in serving the cause of American freedom of speech.  With lines that include “As long as you’ve got a voice, don’t ever stop!” and “As long as you’ve got the truth, don’t ever stop!” the original composition co-written by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian Koonin, and Michael Harrison encourages talk radio practitioners to keep up the good work and great service they provide the nation. The images accompanying the music include a dynamic montage of individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows.

Formed in New York back in the late-1960s, Gunhill Road music has received more than a quarter million downloads worldwide in recent years with such songs as “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots were Injured in the Production of this Song)” www.obsoleteslobs.com, “I Know You’re Real” www.IKnowYouAreReal.com, “Damn Scammers” www.ScammersVideo.com,  “I Got a Line in New York City” www.IGotaLine.com, and more.

For more information about Gunhill Road please visit www.GunhillRoadMusic.com.

 

WTOP Reporter Evan Haning Succumbs to Cancer at 74.  Veteran news reporter Evan Haning, whose 50-year radio career included almost a decade as an anchor and reporter at WTOP, Washington, DC has died at the age of 74 after a long battle with cancer. Haning’s career began well before his stint as a reporter at WTOP, from the early 2000s through 2011, and showed his flexibility as a broadcaster. Born in 1950 in Sydney, Iowa, Haning’s radio career began in 1970, shortly after graduating from Simi Valley High School, in California. Haning was in Los Angeles for the Boss Radio boom. In 1973, Haning joined KRLA Radio as a disc jockey. “He came to Washington when he joined WJOK in 1983,” his daughter said. Long before Comedy Central, WJOK was the first all-comedy radio format in the country. By the mid-1980s, Haning became the production director at WWRC, the talk radio station featuring hosts like Joel A. Spivak, Bob Kwesell, and the morning duo of Bruce Alan and Ed Walker.  Haning is survived by his wife Melissa, daughter Amber, son Garrison, and two grandchildren, Matilda and Seneca. Memorial arrangements are pending.

 

SRN to Present Special Christian Series.  Salem Radio Network (SRN) is presenting a special series this week spotlighting Dr. Erwin Lutzer (pictured above left).  In interviews with SRN News correspondent Lori Tradup (pictured above right) Lutzer— Pastor Emeritus at Moody Church in Chicago—exposes what SRN describes as “the heart of America’s cultural crisis as it impacts pastors in pulpits nationwide.”  In the series, Dr. Lutzer advises Christians to stay rooted in Biblical truths as they grapple with challenges including abortion, transgenderism and other topics. His newest book is titled The Eclipse of God (Harvest House, 2024)

 

The transition of presidential power dominated this past weekend’s conversation (11/16-17), highlighted by buzz over highly controversial appointments to cabinet and department head positions in the forthcoming Trump Administration. Speculation over the coming massive migrant deportation was the top story followed closely by speculation over what incoming Trump policies will have on inflation and a growing chorus of threats about a recession. There was also a lot of talk about how the new administration will impact the wars in the Middle East and Central Europe as well as abortion rights and health care according to the ongoing research of TALKERS.

It seems in every election cycle a new communications vehicle emerges as a pathway to gaining voter engagement. Many media observers are deeming the 2024 presidential campaign as the “Podcast Election” as both candidates appeared on high-profile shows. Edison Podcast Metrics™, a respected service that measures all shows across all platforms, presents a strong indication of the reach achieved by each campaign from their appearances. Per Podchaser – from the time Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race in July until Election Day, she made an appearance on eight shows while former President (and now President-elect) Donald Trump appeared on 20. According to Edison’s report, “While we don’t have access to the number of listeners to the specific episodes on which they appeared, and surely these episodes garnered far higher listening than the average level, we do have the estimates for the average audiences for these shows. And clearly Mr. Trump spoke to a far greater number of listeners than Ms. Harris did. Combining the average reach of each show they appeared on and then de-duplicating the results to account for listeners to more than one, the podcasts Trump appeared on reach approximately 23.5 million Americans 18+ in an average week, while the podcasts Harris appeared on reach only 6.4 million Americans 18+ in an average week. Mr. Trump’s total is of course supercharged by his appearance on what is by far the largest podcast in America, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience.’  But it’s worth noting that even if one removes Rogan from Trump’s calculation, Mr. Trump’s other appearances still would have far outstripped Ms. Harris’s. The weekly reach of many of America’s biggest podcasts outstrips that of many cable tv networks and individual television shows. It is fair to expect that this rapidly growing channel will continue to be used in any national conversations or media strategies.”

Audacy’s WFAN 101.9 FM / 660 AM announces Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Dave Sims as the new lead play-by-play announcer of its flagship broadcasts of the New York Yankees. Sims replaces recently retired broadcasting legend John Sterling, who held the position from 1989 until his retirement this past season. Dave Sims will join Suzyn Waldman to form the franchise’s new radio broadcast team.  “The radio voice of the Yankees is a storied position in the history of baseball,” said Chris Oliviero, Audacy New York Market president. “From [Mel] Allen and [Red] Barber to [Phil] Rizzuto to Sterling, the names are synonymous with the pinstripes. Dave Sims is a worthy successor to that lineage. We are honored to have Dave join the incomparable Suzyn Waldman in the booth in the Bronx.”   “It’s great to be home,” said Sims. “What an honor to be part of the iconic Yankees franchise. New York is where it all started for me, and I can’t wait for Opening Day and to work with my good friend Suzyn!”  Sims is a Ford Frick Award Baseball Hall of Fame nominee and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and has spent the last 18 seasons as the lead TV play-by-play voice of MLB’s Seattle Mariners. Sims previously hosted talk shows at WNBC-AM, WFAN-AM and the Madison Square Garden Television Network in New York and also spent time at WCBS-TV and the New York Daily News. Beyond baseball, Sims has covered the NFL for Westwood One and college basketball for ESPN. He also launched the “Hey Now! Podcast” with his two sons in July 2024.  WFAN has served as the flagship station of the Yankees since 2014. From 2002 to 2014, games were heard on Audacy’s WCBS 880 (WCBS-AM). Games can be heard on WFAN and streamed via the free Audacy app and website within the team’s geographic region.