Industry News

Salem to Launch “This Week on the Hill” Radio/TV Show

Salem Media Group is launching “This Week On The Hill,” a new radio and television program set to debut on April 13 on the Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network, and Townhall.com. The show will be hosted by Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, and will feature House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as a frequent guest on the program. This weekly, one-hour radio/TV show will address issues facing Congress, the United States, and the world. Speakerim Johnson says, “I look forward to being a frequent guest on Tony’s show. This opportunity to speak directly to the American people about the most important developments in politics, policy, and culture will be important as we chart the path forward for Congress in these historic times.” Salem SVP Phil Boyce comments, “Salem is honored to kick off this important program with Speaker Johnson as guest host, who has worked tirelessly for conservative values since he took over the Speaker’s position. Tony Perkins, a nationally recognized expert in public policy, will be an excellent co-host, as the show deals with the important topics facing the House and the Speaker’s initiatives in getting his agenda passed.” Perkins adds, “I look forward to kicking off this new program with candid conversations with the House Speaker that will take listeners beyond the headlines and soundbites and inform them about what is really happening in our country and what citizens can do to influence the direction of our nation.” The show will be carried by Salem-owned news/talk stations nationwide, as well as affiliates of the Salem Radio Network. It will also air on the Salem News Channel weekends at 10:00 am ET, and 8:00 pm ET on Saturday and Sunday, as well as on demand on Salem Podcast Network, at Townhall.com, and on SNC.TV. SRN VP of news and talk Tom Tradup will serve as executive producer. Radio stations interested in the show can contact their SRN affiliate representative.

Industry News

Greg Gutfeld Inks Extension with FOX News Media

FOX News Media and personality Greg Gutfeld agree to a multi-year contract extension in which Gutfeld will continue as host of FOX News Channel’s “Gutfeld!” program and as co-host of “The Five.” He’ll also host and produce FOX Nation programming from time to time. FOX News Media CEOim Suzanne Scott comments, “Greg is a true original whose trademark political and cultural commentary, humor and gifted writing has deeply connected and grown with our audience for more than 17 years. Upon launching ‘Gutfeld!’ three years ago, he rapidly disrupted the status quo to become the most-watched host in the genre with more viewers tuning in to his show than any other late-night program on television. We are proud to be the home of Greg, his unparalleled analysis and late-night’s highest-rated program for many years to come.” Gutfeld states, “Since joining the network in 2007, FOX News has given me the freedom to be unabashedly myself and, in turn, deliver a distinct experience for our audience. There aren’t many platforms that allow this type of creative independence and I’m proud to be a part of Suzanne’s team.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Chicago Public Media – operator of WBEZ-FM, Chicago – is phasing out its Vocalo radio station and is laying off 14 staffers. Chicago Public Media chief executive Matt Moog says, “These are painful decisions that affect our valued colleagues. Because they did not reach the scale needed to generate revenue to cover expenses, Vocalo and the podcast content development unit will be scaled back and folded into the newsroom.”

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One, the exclusive national audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, is presenting comprehensive live audio coverage of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four and national championship game live from Phoenix in both English and Spanish. The network will also broadcast the Women’s Final Four and national championship game live from Cleveland.

The Black Effect Podcast Network and comedian Lil Duval announce, “Conversations With Unc,” a limited series podcast that will feature casual and in-depth talks about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness from an Uncle’s perspective. Black Effect Podcast Network president of creative development and production Dollie S. Bishop says, “We all need moments of laughter, but we also crave spaces for growth and reflection. Our new podcast, ‘Conversations with Unc’ will blend humor with wisdom and offer unique stories and advice in ways that resonate beyond the punchline. We’re excited to collaborate with Lil Duval on this new series and even more excited to see how these conversations will uplift and encourage listeners.”

iHeartMedia and the National Basketball Association announce the addition of two shows to its multi-year podcast partnership, including the debut of “NBA DNA with Hannah Storm.” Additionally, Vince Carter brings “The VC Show with Vince Carter” to the NBA Podcast Network for its much-anticipated season two.

SiriusXM, the exclusive audio broadcaster of the Masters Tournament, announces its extensive broadcast plans for Masters week, April 6-14, with live coverage of all four days of tournament play, daily Masters-focused talk programming, specials and more. SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein says, “The Masters is always one of the most anticipated weeks on the sports calendar, and our team at SiriusXM prides themselves on bringing our listeners across the country closer to everything happening that week at Augusta National. We’ll cover the action on the course from the first tee shot on Thursday through the presentation of the Green Jacket on Sunday, and bring you news from Augusta National throughout the week, interviews with competitors and much more.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/3) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Israel’s killing of seven aid workers in its battle against Hamas and the Biden-Netanyahu tensions; the presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; Israel’s killing of Iranian generals and Iran’s promise of revenge; the blowback from President Joe Biden’s Trans Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday; Marjorie Taylor Greene’s campaign to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson; and the troubles facing Elon Musk’s Tesla were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

FOX News Channel Highlights Q1 Ratings Dominance

FOX News Channel announces that it finished the first quarter of 2024 as cable’s most-watched network in total day and primetime, dominating primetime viewers in cable news for 89 consecutiveim quarters, according to Nielsen Media Research. FNC adds that its primetime lineup sweept cable news every hour. “The Ingraham Angle” (7:00 pm ET) finished the quarter averaging 2.2 million viewers and 222,000 in the 25-54 demo. “Jesse Watters Primetime” (8:00 pm ET) delivered 2.8 million viewers and 284,000 in the 25-54 demo. “Hannity” (9:00 pm ET) remained dominant, nabbing 2.4 million viewers and 266,000 in the 25-54 demo, easily winning the timeslot and topping CNN and MSNBC in both categories. And “FOX News @ Night” (10:00 pm ET) delivered 1.2 million viewers and 187,000 in 25-54 demo.

Industry News TALKERS 2024

John Catsimatidis Named Recipient of 2024 TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award

im

Self-made billionaire businessman, broadcasting entrepreneur, radio talk show host and best-selling author John Catsimatidis (pictured above speaking at last year’s TALKERS 2023) has been selected by the TALKERS editorial board as the 2024 recipient of the highly prestigious Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech. The honor, also commonly referred to as the “TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award,” is presented each year to a talk media practitioner whose work sets an example for the exercise and preservation of the First Amendment. In addition to Catsimatidis’ founding and/or ownership of major enterprises in the fields of grocery chains and the energy industry, he is a long-running radio talk show host who began changing the course of the medium’s history by purchasing heritage radio station WABC, New York in 2019.  Since then, the Greek immigrant born on the island of Nistros in 1948 and who came to the United States with his parents when he was six months old, has made significant progress in repositioning and reinvigorating the legendary talk and music station to its role as a major cultural and political influencer in modern media. This has been accomplished by boldly bringing diverse, high-profile voices to the station’s talent lineup, focusing heavily on local news and public policy issues, eliminating paid weekend programming, adding a dash of music and pop culture to the mix, concentrating the station’s schedule on live shows in real time and investing in community-oriented events. Catsimatidis’ Red Apple Media Group has subsequently expanded the station’s national footprint by acquiring WLIR-FM, Long Island and launching its own syndication arm, Red Apple Audio Networks. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, upon announcing the selection, stated, “John Catsimatidis is a true New York City legend and former mayoral candidate who has proven to be one of the most positive forces the radio industry has seen in decades. He embodies the spirit of what this award is all about. He joins a remarkable list of broadcasters from all ends of the political spectrum – left, right, middle, and apolitical – who’ve received this honor going back every year to the origins of TALKERS in the late 1980s.” The award will be presented at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond at Hofstra University on Long Island Friday, June 7.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

FOX Nation debuts a new true crime series, “Unsolved with James Patterson,” in which the acclaimed author examines three unsolved homicide investigations: the cases of Nanette Krentel of Louisiana, Elizabeth Salgado of Utah, and Brian Egg of California. Patterson says, “I was totally gripped by these cases. The fact that they are real-life stories – and that we may help bring justice to the victims and their families – is very special.”

The Podcast Academy honors New Hampshire Public Radio senior reporter Lauren Chooljian with the award for Best Reporting at its 2024 Awards for Excellence in Audio for her reporting on the longform investigative podcast, “The 13th Step.” Chooljian says, “I’ve been floored by all the recognition ‘The 13th Step’ has received lately, and I take it as a sign that despite the difficulties in our industry right now, there are so many people out there who deeply value in-depth, impactful audio reporting. So, let’s keep doing it!”

2024 Heavy Hundred – 76-100

The 2024 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #76: Gordon Deal, Compass Media Networks

76. Gordon Deal – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #77: Dan Mandis, WWTN-FM, Nashville

77. Dan Mandis – WWTN-FM, Nashville

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #78: Clyde Lewis, Ground Zero Media

78. Clyde Lewis – Ground Zero Media

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #79: Rob Carson, Newsmax

79. Rob Carson – Newsmax

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #80: Joe Piscopo, WNYM, New York

80. Joe Piscopo – WNYM, New York

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #81: Rich Valdés, Westwood One

81. Rich Valdés – Westwood One

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #82: Charlie Kirk, Salem Radio Network

82. Charlie Kirk – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #83: Gene Valicenti, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

83. Gene Valicenti – WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #84: John DePetro, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

84. John DePetro – WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #85: Mark Davis, KSKY, Dallas

85. Mark Davis – KSKY, Dallas

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #86: Tony Katz, WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

86. Tony Katz – WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #87: The Monsters, WTKS-FM, Orlando

87. The Monsters – WTKS-FM, Orlando

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #88: Paul Vandenburgh, WGDJ, Albany

88. Paul Vandenburgh – WGDJ, Albany

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #89: Bruce St. James & Larry Gaydos, KTAR-FM, Phoenix

89. Bruce St. James & Larry Gaydos – KTAR-FM, Phoenix

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #90: Martha Zoller, WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA

90. Martha Zoller – WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #91: Karen Hunter, SiriusXM

91. Karen Hunter – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #92: Mo’Kelly, KFI, Los Angeles

92. Mo’Kelly – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #93: Rod Arquette, KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

93. Rod Arquette – KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #94: Joyce Kaufman, WFTL, Fort Lauderdale

94. Joyce Kaufman – WFTL, Fort Lauderdale

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #95: Larry Young, WOLB, Baltimore

95. Larry Young – WOLB, Baltimore

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #96: Dave Noriega & Debbie Dujanovic, KSL-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

96. Dave Noriega & Debbie Dujanovic – KSL-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #97: Rick Smith, The Rick Smith Show

97. Rick Smith – The Rick Smith Show

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #98: Steve Gruber, Michigan Talk Network

98. Steve Gruber – Michigan Talk Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #99: Walter Sterling, Talk Media Network

99. Walter Sterling – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #100: Scott Sands, WSPD, Toledo

100. Scott Sands – WSPD, Toledo

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2024 Heavy Hundred 51-75

The 2024 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #51: Mark Belling, WISN, Milwaukee

51. Mark Belling – WISN, Milwaukee

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #52: Sebastian Gorka, Salem Radio Network

52. Sebastian Gorka – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #53: Bill Cunningham, WLW, Cincinnati

53. Bill Cunningham – WLW, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #54: Jeff Deminski & Bill Doyle, WKXW-FM, Trenton

54. Jeff Deminski & Bill Doyle – WKXW-FM, Trenton

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #55: Stephanie Miller, WYD Media

55. Stephanie Miller – WYD Media

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #56: Vince Coglianese, WMAL-FM, Washington

56. Vince Coglianese – WMAL-FM, Washington

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #57: Mark Reardon, KFTK-FM, St. Louis

57. Mark Reardon – KFTK-FM, St. Louis

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #58: Ross Kaminsky, KOA, Denver

58. Ross Kaminsky – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #59: Terry Gross, NPR

59. Terry Gross – NPR

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #60: Lincoln Ware, WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati

60. Lincoln Ware – WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #61: Tom Bauerle, WBEN-AM, Buffalo

61. Tom Bauerle – WBEN-AM, Buffalo

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #62: Dan Yorke, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

62. Dan Yorke – WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #63: Markley, van Camp & Robbins, Compass Media Networks

63. Markley, van Camp & Robbins – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #64: Bill Spadea, WKXW-FM, Trenton

64. Bill Spadea – WKXW-FM, Trenton

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #65: Jennifer Horn, KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

65. Jennifer Horn – KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #66: Hal Jay & Ernie Brown, WBAP, Dallas

66. Hal Jay & Ernie Brown – WBAP, Dallas

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #67: John Curley & Shari Elliker, KIRO-FM, Seattle

67. John Curley & Shari Elliker – KIRO-FM, Seattle

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #68: Dr. Daliah Wachs, Genesis Communications Network

68. Dr. Daliah Wachs – Genesis Communications Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #69: Eric Von Haessler, WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

69. Eric Von Haessler – WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #70: Tom Sullivan, Talk Media Network

70. Tom Sullivan – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #71: Bob Sirott, WGN, Chicago

71. Bob Sirott – WGN, Chicago

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #72: Bill Brady, KFNX, Phoenix

72. Bill Brady – KFNX, Phoenix

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #73: James T. Harris, KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

73. James T. Harris – KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #74: Guy Benson, FOX News Radio

74. Guy Benson – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #75: C4 & Bryan Nehman, WBAL, Baltimore

75. C4 & Bryan Nehman – WBAL, Baltimore

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2024 Heavy Hundred 26-50

The 2024 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #26: Todd Starnes, KWAM, Memphis / Syndication

26. Todd Starnes – KWAM, Memphis / Syndication

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #27: Armstrong & Getty, KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication

27. Armstrong & Getty – KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #28: Larry O’Connor, WMAL-FM, Washington

28. Larry O’Connor – WMAL-FM, Washington

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #29: Jimmy Failla, FOX News Radio

29. Jimmy Failla – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #30: Doug Stephan, Stephan MultiMedia

30. Doug Stephan – Stephan MultiMedia

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #31: Mandy Connell, KOA, Denver

31. Mandy Connell – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #32: Chad Benson, Radio America

32. Chad Benson – Radio America

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #33: Tavis Smiley, KBLA, Los Angeles / Syndication

33. Tavis Smiley – KBLA, Los Angeles / Syndication

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #34: Hugh Hewitt, Salem Radio Network

34. Hugh Hewitt – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #35: Erick Erickson, Compass Media Networks

35. Erick Erickson – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #36: Mark Simone, WOR, New York

36. Mark Simone – WOR, New York

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #37: Wayne Allyn Root, USA Network

37. Wayne Allyn Root – USA Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #38: Bill O’Reilly, Key Networks

38. Bill O’Reilly – Key Networks

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #39: Asa Andrew M.D., Doctor Asa Show

39. Asa Andrew M.D. – Doctor Asa Show

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #40: Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond

40. Jeff Katz – WRVA, Richmond

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #41: Brett Winterble, WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

41. Brett Winterble – WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #42: Cats & Cosby, WABC, New York

42. Cats & Cosby – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #43: John Fredericks, John Fredericks Radio Network

43. John Fredericks – John Fredericks Radio Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #44: Frank Morano, WABC, New York

44. Frank Morano – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #45: Tim Conway Jr., KFI, Los Angeles

45. Tim Conway Jr. – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #46: Michael Smerconish, SiriusXM

46. Michael Smerconish – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #47: Len Berman & Michael Riedel, WOR, New York

47. Len Berman & Michael Riedel – WOR, New York

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #48: Simon Conway, WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities

48. Simon Conway – WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #49: Dennis Prager, Salem Radio Network

49. Dennis Prager – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #50: Chris Plante, Westwood One

50. Chris Plante – Westwood One

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2024 Heavy Hundred 1-25

The 2024 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #1: Sean Hannity, Premiere Networks

1. Sean Hannity – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #2: Dave Ramsey, Ramsey Networks

2. Dave Ramsey – Ramsey Networks

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #3: Brian Kilmeade, FOX News Radio

3. Brian Kilmeade – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #4: Clay Travis & Buck Sexton, Premiere Networks

4. Clay Travis & Buck Sexton – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #5: Dana Loesch, Radio America

5. Dana Loesch – Radio America

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #6: Mark Levin, Westwood One

6. Mark Levin – Westwood One

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #7: Michael Berry, KTRH, Houston / Syndication

7. Michael Berry – KTRH, Houston / Syndication

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #8: Joe Pagliarulo, WOAI, San Antonio / Compass Media Networks

8. Joe Pagliarulo – WOAI, San Antonio / Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #9: Thom Hartmann, WYD Media

9. Thom Hartmann – WYD Media

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #10: Mike Gallagher, Salem Radio Network

10. Mike Gallagher – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #11: Lee Habeeb, Premiere Networks

11. Lee Habeeb – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #12: Glenn Beck, Premiere Networks

12. Glenn Beck – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #13: Dan Bongino, Westwood One

13. Dan Bongino – Westwood One

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #14: Lars Larson, KXL-FM, Portland / Compass Media Networks

14. Lars Larson – KXL-FM, Portland / Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #15: Sid Rosenberg, WABC, New York

15. Sid Rosenberg – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #16: Ben Shapiro, Westwood One

16. Ben Shapiro – Westwood One

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #17: Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia

17. Dom Giordano – WPHT, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #18: Howie Carr, Howie Carr Radio Network

18. Howie Carr – Howie Carr Radio Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #19: Kim Komando, WestStar TalkRadio Network

19. Kim Komando – WestStar TalkRadio Network

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #20: Bill Handel, KFI, Los Angeles

20. Bill Handel – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #21: George Noory, Premiere Networks

21. George Noory – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #22: Howard Stern, SiriusXM

22. Howard Stern – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #23: John Kobylt, KFI, Los Angeles

23. John Kobylt – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #24: Rich Zeoli, WPHT, Philadelphia

24. Rich Zeoli – WPHT, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2024 Heavy Hundred #25: Harry Hurley, WPGG, Atlantic City

25. Harry Hurley – WPGG, Atlantic City

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

Industry Views

Monday Memo: April Fool!

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imPick a day, any day. At least one news item will have the little voice in your head hollering “TELL me you’re kidding!” After recent headlines, and as various plots thicken, that little voice might need a lozenge.

In olden times, DJs’ and hosts’ April 1 on-air shenanigans would amuse and/or upset listeners. Some of these gags cost jesters their jobs. Expect less of that today, as the local talent ranks have thinned. Maybe A.I. DJs will come up with something.

As cutbacks were cascading on April 1, 2008, my gallows humor headline was: “Farid himself now voice-tracking True Oldies, using on-air name Fred Soulman, as staff cuts force management on-air. The Mystery Oldie-of-the-Day winner gets 1,000 shares of Citadel stock or $1,000 cash, whichever is less. APRIL FOOL!”

im

Back to the future: Many surviving jocks and talkers and newscasters have something in common, what consultants call “word economy.” It’s never been more important than during these dizzying days, but it’s nothing new. All along, those who took only 7 seconds to make a point seemed to be more successful than those who took 17 seconds. When I was a DJ, I stole a line from WABC’s Dan Ingram, who intro’d the Elton John song, “Someone Shaved My Wife Tonight.”

If you’re spinning the hits, streams are spinning more of ‘em, without eight-unit stopsets. So keep it moving. Doing news? Listeners are wondering “What NEXT?” and if you’re telling them, succinctly, they’ll find you helpful and habit-forming. Hosting a talk show? Understand that every other media experience listeners favor is interactive. Busy caller traffic (something local advertisers notice) lets you own topic du jour.

And whether you’re a DJ, news person, or host: Every…single…minute…someone just got in the car. Reset frequently-enough that they’re up-to-speed.

But don’t take my word for it. Being April Fool’s Day, I’ll let these funsters (some immortal) demonstrate this word economy I preach:

“I saw a bank that said ‘24-hour banking,’ but I don’t have that much time.”

— Comedian Steven Wright, my Block Island neighbor

“When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.”

— Rodney Dangerfield

“I was going to have cosmetic surgery until I noticed that the doctor’s office was full of portraits by Picasso.”

— Rita Rudner

“I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn’t it.”

— Groucho Marx

“I hate housework. You make the beds, you do the dishes, and six months later, you have to start all over again.”

— Joan Rivers

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up,” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn.

Industry News

Townsquare Media Repurchases $14.6 Million of Common Stock

Townsquare Media announces that it is repurchasing and retiring 1.5 million shares of Class A common stock held by MSG National Properties, LLC, for $9.76 per share. The purchase price reflects an 11% discount from the closing price of the Class A common stock on March 28, 2024. This transaction follows Townsquare’s June 2023 repurchase of 1.5 million shares from MSG at $9.70 per share, and March 2021 repurchase of 12.6 million shares and warrants from Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. at $6.40 per share. The purchase price of $14.6 million was funded entirely with cash on hand. In 2023,im Townsquare’s Cash Flow from Operations increased 35% year-over-year to $68 million, or approximately $4.07 per basic share based on shares outstanding as of March 28, 2024. Pro forma for this transaction, Cash Flow from Operations per basic share increased to approximately $4.47, representing accretion of approximately 10%. Following the transaction, the Company has 15.2 million shares outstanding. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson says, “We are very pleased to share that we have repurchased just under 10% of our total shares outstanding in an immediately accretive transaction for our shareholders. Since 2021, we have repurchased 16.2 million shares at an average price of $7.19, while simultaneously reducing leverage. The strong cash generation characteristics of our business model, which produced $68 million of cash flow from operations in 2023, has afforded us the opportunity to accretively repurchase equity and debt, while also investing internally in our digital growth engine. In addition, we introduced a high-yielding dividend in 2023, and recently increased it by 5%. Our dividend has a yield of 7% as of March 28, 2024. With a strong cash balance of $40 million following this transaction, we will retain financial flexibility moving forward and we are confident in our ability to build shareholder value for our investors through long-term net revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and cash flow growth, net leverage reduction, future dividend payments, and potential future share repurchases.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The presidential race; the Israel-Hamas war and the protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. migrant crisis; warnings of ISIS targeting U.S. and European targets; the economy and the Fed’s stance on interest rates; and the Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Wayne Allyn Root Expands TV Presence

Nationally syndicated, Las Vegas-based talk radio host Wayne Allyn Root is now seen seven days aim week on Real America’s Voice TV network. Root, who hosts the weekend program “America’s Top Ten Countdown with Wayne Allyn Root,” is being added to the network’s weeknight schedule as his “The Root Reaction” airs weeknights from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET beginning April 1. Root says, “My new show will be an America First, MAGA, in-your-face, heart-pounding, pedal-to-the-metal, balls-to-the-walls, 180 MPH race through the biggest news stories of the day.”

Industry News

Alex Fife is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

The nearly century-long relationship between radio and the automobile has been a top of mind industry discussion since a number of car manufacturers ignited worldwide concern over their stated intentions to remove AM radios from the dashboards of new electric vehicles. Is this relegation of AM radio to obsolescence premature? Can FM radios and the expansion of this exclusion to gas powered vehicles be far behind? Alex Fife, VP Southeast operations for iHeartMedia‘s Total Traffic & Weather Network is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Fife, a 25-year veteran of radio’s reporting of news, traffic and weather, joins Harrison in an extensive conversation about the timely issue. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

Gunhill Road Music Video on YouTube Flagged and “Shadow Banned” by Google for Containing Shocking Content

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The music video for the Gunhill Road song “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone)” has been flagged by the editorial powers-that-be at Google for containing “shocking” content. The video has, thus, been relegated to a covert censorship process on YouTube commonly known as shadow banning which drastically inhibits its ability to garner views and potentially go viral within the processes of the platform’s algorithms. The song and video make a powerful statement against the growing practice of scamming that is polluting the internet and sowing the seeds of distrust throughout modern society. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, a member of the heritage rock band and co-writer (with Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch and Brian Koonin) of the controversial song states, “When we wrote the song and created the accompanying video images, we knew that some folks – including the censors at Google – might find it troubling. But we were pretty sure that most people (and hopefully the folks at Google) would realize it is just provocative satire and not a literal call for violence. After all, we are only venting in highly dramatic fashion against a universally hated category of criminals who operate in the darkness of anonymity and are destroying innocent people’s lives. Perhaps we misjudged its potential impact. Regardless, we are neither withdrawing it from distribution nor apologizing for its alleged offensiveness. We realize this is not a First Amendment issue. Google and YouTube have the right to post whatever they choose. And for the most part, I love and am a big fan of YouTube. However, because of the enormous, borderline monopolistic power of Big Tech, it might eventually be considered a First Amendment issue.” The song and video presents scammers as hideously ugly, troll-like figures and calls for their deaths by firing squad, electric chair, hanging, burning at the stake, castration and being blown up by drones.

Media attorney and TALKERS associate publisher, Matthew B. Harrison – the video’s producer – states, “It’s like being silenced but without a whisper – shadow banning – an invisible barrier between your content and your audience. Social media platforms may limit the visibility of your content without any notification, causing confusion and frustration. Why does this happen? Often, it’s due to violations of community guidelines, albeit sometimes mistakenly. Do you think they’ve got people watching everything? No. It was most likely a bot. So, understanding context is not going to be at the top of its abilities. The solution? Regularly review the platform’s policies, engage with your content positively, and diversify your social media presence to ensure your voice is widely heard.”

To view the unedited version of “Damn Scammers (Get off My Phone)” (viewer discretion is now advised) please click here.

Industry News

Salem Media Group Releases 2023 Annual Report

Salem Media Group’s total net revenue for the full year of 2023 was $258.6 million, a decrease of 3.1% from the full year of 2022, according to its just-released annual report. The company saw operating expenses rise from 2022 to 2023 and took a considerable impairment charge on its long-term assets that factored heavily into it reporting a net loss of $43.3 million in 2023, compared to the net loss of $3.2 million it posted in 2022. Salem operated three business segments: broadcast, digital, and publishing.im The company states, “Net broadcast revenue decreased 3.7%, or $7.6 million, principally due to a $7.3 million decline in national and local spot advertising revenue. Spot advertising revenue has been declining in the industry due to reduced time spent listening, particularly on AM radio stations. Also, the political revenue decreased $3.6 million, or 61.5% to $2.3 million from $5.9 million. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in our broadcast digital revenue which increased $1.5 million or 4.1% due to increases from Salem Podcast Network, Salem News Channel and digital marketing services through Salem Surround. On a Same Station basis, net broadcast revenue decreased 4.0%, or $8.2 million, which reflects these items net of the impact of stations acquisitions and dispositions.” On the digital side, the company reports, “Net digital media revenue increased 0.7%, or $0.3 million. Net digital advertising revenue decreased due to Facebook algorithms that limit political content, the growing use of browsers that block third-party cookies limiting advertising, and the overall state of the economy that has weakened demand for advertising resulting in a lower number of advertisements and a reduction in rates.” Salem’s 2023 annual report can be found here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Beasley Media Group Boston announces their newly minted, multi-year partnership with the Boston Athletic Association, the non-profit that organizes the Boston Marathon. This year both sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” and WKLB “Country 102.5” will broadcast coverage of the race.

Audacy expands its relationship with Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions with the launch of “Million Dollar Advice,” a weekly work and career advice podcast under the Audacy Podcasts and Paper Kite Podcasts banners hosted by Kim Lessing and Kate Arend.

SiriusXM subscribers will have access to the full 2024 Major League Baseball with live play-by-play calls of every game, as well as 24/7 news, talk and expert analysis on the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Good Karma Brands’ talk WAUK-AM/W266DR “101.7 The Truth” announces the 3rd Annual Tory Lowe Community Clean Up taking place on April 13. Spearheaded by 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm host Tory Lowe, the event encourages volunteers to join the station in picking up litter in Milwaukee neighborhoods. Lowe says, “This is what it’s all about. Getting together as a community, unifying, and giving back. This is a great opportunity to get to know our neighbors and take pride in the city we call home. A cleaner community is a better community.”

Mundo Hispano Digital partners with iHeartMedia in a deal that includes MundoNow’s audio network Oyénos’ slate of podcasts being distributed widely by iHeartPodcasts. MundoNow president and CEO Rene Alegria says, “We’re thrilled to embark on this transformative partnership with iHeartPodcasts, solidifying our commitment to amplifying LatinX voices in the audio space. This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for Oyénos Audio, as we combine forces to deliver captivating content and innovative marketing strategies that resonate deeply with our community. In today’s ever-evolving media landscape, we continue to strive to deliver compelling, informative, and engaging content to a large and significantly still underserved audience – bilingual and bicultural Latinos.”

FOX Nation debuts a new special titled, “Prisoner of Putin,” on Thursday (3/28), one day before the one-year anniversary of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s arrest and detainment in Russia. The special will provide an in-depth look into Gershkovich’s life and his courage and resilience throughout the last year. Contributions will be made by FOX News Channel senior correspondent Steve Harrigan, who was formerly based in Moscow, Wall Street Journal colleagues Gordon Fairclough and Paul Beckett, as well as Jeremy Berke and Sam Silverman, close friends of Gershkovich.

Industry News

Gunhill Road Attacks Fraudsters with a Powerful New Rocker, “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone)”

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Gunhill Road, the timeless band that has been creating multi-genre rock and pop music spanning more than five decades, has released a stunning new song and video titled, “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone).” The piece – which is a no-holds-barred attack on the rise of scams and fraud in our society – is an advance release from the band’s forthcoming fifth album. Gunhill Road has developed a unique niche in recent years attracting tens of thousands of internet followers powered, in large part, by the attention and airplay given it on talk radio. New songs by the group typically debut on hundreds of radio talk shows sparking conversation about today’s pressing topics of news and social concern. The compositions feature clever, candid lyrics delivered in a highly musical and original way. The band consists of co-founding member/pianist/vocalist Steve Goldrich, longtime guitarist/vocalist Paul Reisch, noted Broadway theater instrumentalist/guitarist/vocalist Brian Koonin, and TALKERS publisher/vocalist Michael Harrison. The provocative video for “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone)” was produced by Matthew B. Harrison. The song, a powerful rocker marked by driving guitars, riveting keyboards, an exuberant group chorus and a compelling lead vocal by Brian Koonin, expresses the frustration we all face in an increasingly dangerous environment marked by the rising corruption of identity theft, charity scams, grandparent scams, imposter scams, mail fraud, romance scams, lottery scams, crypto scams, blackmail, phishing, and disingenuous institutions. Click here scammersvideo.com to see the video.  To arrange an interview with Michael Harrison to discuss the scam crisis, please email info@talkers.com.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Remember “The Book?”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imBefore the bound copy arrived – at which point all work stopped – Arbitron would send “Advances.” Even those topline numbers ground things to a halt, and had some PDs doing cartwheels, others out on the ledge. ‘Seems quaint now.

Back to the future: Measurement is continuous in bigger markets; and Nielsen Audio surveys other rated markets twice a year, and that Spring 2024 survey begins Thursday. But don’t tense-up. Nothing changes the day the survey begins. Radio listening is habit, earned before the sample is polled.

So even if your station doesn’t subscribe, figure that we’re all in Continuous Measurement mode, and do the 5 things that play the ratings game by its rules:

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1. Promote off-air, reminding existing listeners to keep coming back; and asking those who don’t to give you a try. It’s common for stations that do still promote off-air to show billboards and run TV spots JUST as “The Book” begins. Smart stations shopped smarter, when media were on-sale in January, inviting the sampling then that could be habit by now.

2. Keep ‘em listening longer each time. Just a few more minutes could earn another Quarter Hour of listening credit, although there’s little we can do to keep someone sitting still in a parked car. So…

3. Get ‘em back more times per day (“vertical maintenance” in consultant-speak); and…

4. Get ‘em back more days per week (“horizontal maintenance”); and…

5. Be more memorable, since ratings are a memory test. It is well-worth every effort to be as helpful and relevant and self-explanatory as possible. Tip: “You” and “your” are magic words. And be considerate. Listeners are mentally busy. Boil-it-down.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up,” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn. 

Industry News

Audacy Files Final 2023 Fiscal Report with SEC

Audacy filed its 10-K annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday (3/22) as it prepares to emerge from Chapter 11 reorganization. The company is waiting on FCC approval. Inim reporting is operating results for 2023 it reveals net revenue of $1.16 billion, a decrease of 6.75% from the full year 2022. The company was hampered by an impairment loss of $1.3 billion in 2023, compared to the impairment loss of $180 million reported in 2022. That and other factors led to total operating expense soaring to $2.5 billion, compared to the total operating expense of $1.32 billion in 2022. The company posted a net loss of $1.13 billion in 2023, compared to the net loss of $140 million reported for 2022.

Industry News

New York Festivals Radio Awards Announces 2024 Shortlist

The New York Festivals 2024 Radio Awards announces this year’s Storytellers Gala Shortlist. NYFestivals says, “Mesmerizing audio entries created by storytellers from around the world were judged online by NYF’s Radio Awards Grand Jury to determine the 2024 Radio Awards Shortlist. Shortlisted entries include audiobooks, podcasts, dramas, documentaries, breaking news coverage, entertainment, and music specials from radio stations, networks, prominent production companies and independentim producers.” All Entries in the 2024 competition were screened online by NYF’s Radio Awards international Grand Jury of 200-plus producers, directors, writers, and other creative media professionals from around the globe and judged on the following set of criteria: production values, creativity, content presentation, direction, writing, achievement of purpose and audience suitability. Award-winning entries will be announced during the New York Festivals 2024 Storytellers Gala virtual event on April 16 at 6:00 pm ET. The virtual event will include featured global audio and video highlights, award winners’ acceptance speeches from around the world, and up-close and personal spotlights featuring some of radio and television’s most respected storytellers. All winners will be showcased on the Radio Awards winners gallery. See the shortlist here.

Industry News

Audacy Names Tatjana Deegan VP of Sales in Austin

Audacy announces the appointment of Tatjana Deegan as VP of sales for the Austin, Texas cluster that includes news/talk KJCE-AM and three music brands. Audacy regional president Doug Abernethy says,im “It’s much better working with Tatjana than against her. She is a powerhouse seller and a dependable colleague. Audacy’s Austin sales team is set to have a successful future with her influence.” Deegan comments, “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the incredibly talented sales team at Audacy in Austin under the leadership of Doug. For the second time in my career, I am eager to learn from him and cannot wait to bring everything I’ve got to the table!”