Compass Media Networks promotes of Robert Blum to vice president of affiliate sales for sports & news/talk programming. Blum comments, “It is a privilege to work with over 1,200 news/talk/sports affiliates and our awesome array of talent and sports partners. The best part of my job is the meaningful friendships that I have been fortunate enough to build over the years. The best is yet to come.”
Edison Research unveils the Top 25 Podcasts in the UK for Q3 2023. This list ranks the 25 biggest podcasts based on total weekly audience reach as measured by Edison Podcast Metrics UK. Interestingly, the American podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience,” ranks #1 in this chart. Other American podcasts making the top 25 include “Stuff You Should Know” from iHeartPodcasts and “Crime Junkie” from audiochuck.
Programming executive Andy Denemark is stepping away from day-to-day operations at United Stations Radio Networks. Gemini XIII Media acquired the company in July of 2023 and Denemark remained on to assist with transitioning several facets of the business. He’ll continue to advise United Stations on various topics and to develop special projects including content for emerging audio platforms.
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc introduces four new members to its board of directors: Becky Brenner, consulting partner at Albright & O’Malley & Brenner Consulting; Dawn Krause, vice president of finance for Midwest Communications, Inc; Maria Laing-Smith, SVP of Mr. Master; and Leslie Scott, VP of digital audio content for Audacy.
According to the Times-Free Press, Brewer Media is committed to selling sports talk WALV-FM “ESPN Chattanooga” and FM translator W295BI at 106.9 to Lakeland, Florida-based Radio Training Network for $900,000. Brewer sold two other signals to American Family Association in 2021. Company VP Kira Brewer Headlee tells the paper, “Just like any other business, we have to evaluate our operations and make upgrades and changes in our missions.” The company is also planning to move from its current downtown Chattanooga office space to a smaller space in East Brainerd. See the Times-Free Press story here.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Inventors from around the world are in Las Vegas this week for CES2024.
AirForestry is a Swedish company using 5G to develop a harvester drone that hugs the top of a tree, prunes-off branches on the way down, saws-off the trunk, and carries it to the nearest road. Electronic glasses from Canada’s e-Sight help the visually impaired conquer conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Even legally blind people can achieve up to 20/20 enhanced vision.
From Poland, Vasco Electronics introduces its Translator E1 earpiece that translates 49 languages in real-time. And from Hong Kong, the Oclean X Pro Digital Sonic Electric Toothbrush uses a tiny built-in 6-axis gyroscope that tells you – on an interactive touch screen – how well you brushed, and which areas need more attention. And you know that technology is changing everything when the CEO of the world’s biggest beauty company, L’Oreal, is here from France to deliver a keynote.
“The winners are…”
Among this year’s Consumer Technology Association Innovation Awards: a “4D Food Printing System for Future Food.” The Care-pet bed for dogs and cats monitors their breathing, heart rate, and rest, via Bluetooth you can share with your vet. And with the 2024 election looming, there’s a blockchain-based voting system.
Bosch is addressing a sad news story we keep seeing on all these big-screen TVs: Its “Gun Detection System” uses Artificial Intelligence to merge video and audio to defend-against school shootings. Designed to reduce reaction time and quickly mobilize emergency response plans, this system helps secure approach and entry points, by detecting guns and sound signatures of gunshots, even estimating gunshot direction to help make learning environments safer.”
In addition to daily TALKERS columns this week, I’m offering daily 60-second radio reports. Help yourself to today’s here: http://getonthenet.com/CES2024-Tuesday.mp3. It can air until Friday. And I’ll be posting updates you can download at HollandCooke.com.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “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
The new radio program, “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” officially launched on the John Fredericks Media Network. The program airs daily from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET. JFMN says, the program “will provide a platform for robust discussions on politics, culture, and current affairs. The show aims to engage listeners in conversations that challenge conventional narratives and offer a fresh perspective on the issues that matter most. It is a radio news/talk show for lovers of America!”
Triton Digital announces its integration with Amazon Publisher Services, expanding access to premium audio inventory at scale for Amazon DSP advertisers. Triton says, “This integration enables Amazon Ads’ unique interactive audio ads on Alexa-enabled devices to appear across shared APS and Triton Digital publishers, delivering an engaging advertising experience to listeners and enhanced inventory monetization to publishers.”
CNN Audio says award-winning journalist and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta “will delve deeper into how weight fits into our understanding of what it means to be healthy in the ninth season of his podcast, ‘Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta,’ beginning January 16.”
AdLarge announces its partnership with Fable & Folly Podcast Network for exclusive ad sales. AdLarge says, “This partnership underscores AdLarge’s dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices within the podcast community. With over 100 audio fiction podcasts, featuring compelling stories ranging from small town conspiracies, to sci-fi comedies, to Dungeons & Dragons improv, the Fable & Folly Network pushes the boundaries of representation in media.”
On Sunday (1/7) Audacy, Inc entered into a restructuring support agreement (RSA) with a supermajority of its debtholders on the terms of a comprehensive restructuring that the company says will “significantly deleverage its balance sheet and further position Audacy for long-term growth.” Through the restructuring, Audacy and its debtholders will undertake a deleveraging transaction to equitize approximately $1.6 billion of funded debt, a reduction of 80% from approximately $1.9 billion to approximately $350 million. The company does not expect any operational impact from the restructuring, and trade and other unsecured creditors will not be impaired. To implement the deleveraging transaction contemplated in the RSA, Audacy and certain of its subsidiaries commenced prepackaged Chapter 11
proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas and has filed a proposed Plan of Reorganization that incorporates the terms of the RSA and is subject to approval by the Court. Under the terms of the RSA, a supermajority of debtholders committed to vote in favor of the Plan, which, when approved, will reduce Audacy’s funded debt from approximately $1.9 billion to approximately $350 million. Audacy’s debtholders will receive equity in reorganized Audacy. Audacy expects that the Court will hold a hearing to consider the approval of the Plan in February and to emerge from bankruptcy once regulatory approval is obtained from the Federal Communications Commission. Audacy has filed with the Court a series of customary “First Day Motions” to obtain Court authority for the Company to continue operating its business in the ordinary course without disruption to its advertisers, vendors, partners or employees. Audacy expects to operate normally during this restructuring process under its current leadership team. During the Chapter 11 process, certain of Audacy’s existing lenders have committed to provide $57 million in debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) financing, comprised of $32 million of a new term loan and a $25 million upsize of the Company’s existing accounts receivables financing facility from $75 million to $100 million. Subject to the Court’s approval, the DIP financing and the Company’s cash from operations and available reserves is expected to enable Audacy to fulfill commitments to employees, advertisers, partners and vendors. Audacy common stock will continue to trade over-the-counter under the symbol “AUDA” through the pendency of the Chapter 11 process. The shares are expected to be canceled and receive no distribution as part of Audacy’s restructuring. Audacy chairman, president and CEO David J. Field states, “Over the past few years, we have strategically transformed Audacy into a leading, scaled multi-platform audio content and entertainment company through our acquisition of CBS Radio and by building leading complementary positions in podcasting, audio networks, live events, digital marketing solutions and our direct-to-consumer streaming platform. While our transformation has enhanced our competitive position, the perfect storm of sustained macroeconomic challenges over the past four years facing the traditional advertising market has led to a sharp reduction of several billion dollars in cumulative radio ad spending. These market factors have severely impacted our financial condition and necessitated our balance sheet restructuring. With our scaled leadership position, our uniquely differentiated premium audio content and a robust capital structure, we believe Audacy will emerge well positioned to continue its innovation and growth in the dynamic audio business.”
5 Star Media Group rebrands news/talk WNZE-AM/W288DQ, Clarksville, Tennessee as “The Patriot.” The station also adds two new programs to its daily lineup as The Ramsey Network’s “The Ramsey Show” and Premiere Networks’ “The Glenn Beck Show” are added to the program schedule. The station says,
“105.5 FM/1400 AM has a strong history in Clarksville as a source for trusted local news and exciting national commentary. And now, 5 Star Media Group is excited to relaunch the station in a way that honors the spirit of this city and the people who live here. Welcome to ‘The Patriot,’ Clarksville’s newstalk station, featuring local news from ClarksvilleNow every hour Monday through Friday, along with national news from CBS Radio.” 5 Star Media Group operations director Ryan Ploeckelman adds, “In a community with so many military connections – from active duty to veterans, and all the connected families – Clarksville has a deep spirit of patriotism. We’re proud to honor that spirit with this new name and new look for the station.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
This week, more than a hundred thousand inventors, investors, and techy-nerds from over 150 countries swarm Sin City for CES2024. You’ll be seeing all about it all this week on network newscasts and cable news channels and social media.
And yes, there are square miles of products being introduced here, the “Consumer Electronics” that were the roots of this event. But the big buzz this year will be Artificial Intelligence, at which we-the-legacy-media are looking at over our shoulder, as ChatGPT et al and text-to-speech are augmenting – in some cases displacing – human radio and television talent.
After we’ve spent decades learning how to use his software – Bill Gates tells Inc. magazine that – soon – we won’t need to. He describes your “agent,” your A.I. assistant, a constant companion, in your earbud, that has what Gates calls “a rich understanding of your life.” Think Alexa or Siri…on steroids.
Want to send an email? Just start talking. You’ll never miss a birthday, and you’ll know about flight delays and weather and traffic tangles without checking. And YOUR agent will know your FRIENDS’ agents. Even Gates admits that these virtual social secretaries could faux pas: “Suppose you want to see a friend. If YOUR agent talks to THEIRS, you DON’T want it to say, ‘she’s seeing other friends Tuesday and you’re not included.’” Oops.
Sure, it’s gadget heaven here. And some of these TVs are so big that I can’t figure out how they’d get through the door at home. But, year after year lately, services upstage things at CES. This year’s keynoters include the CEO of L’Oréal and Hyundai and Best Buy and Walmart and executives from McDonalds and Northwestern Mutual and Walmart, as technology changes almost every aspect of life every day.
How big is CES? Even the sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center isn’t big-enough. There will be exhibits and sessions up and down The Strip, so I’ll be getting-in my steps. And I’m reporting for TALKERS readers, every day this week. Help yourself to today’s report here: http://getonthenet.com/CES2024-Monday.mp3. It can air until Friday. And I’ll be posting daily 60-second reports you can download at HollandCooke.com.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “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
The WOKV-FM, Jacksonville-based Mark Kaye Show did a bit on Friday (1/5) in which U.S. Representative Aaron Bean from Florida’s Fourth Congressional District appeared to “take over” the show to “discuss the grim truth about Joe Biden’s open border crisis in Texas.” Bean traveled to the border recently as part of a congressional delegation led by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. The bit continued as “eventually, Mark Kaye was able to regain control of the show, but only by agreeing to a sit-down interview hosted by Congressman Bean. Kaye said ‘It was really weird being a guest on my own show.’”
WABC, New York presented a special program on Saturday (1/6) at 4:00 pm titled, “The Left vs The Right with Anthony Weiner and John Catsimatidis.” As the show name implies, Weiner and Catsimatidis debated current events including the U.S. migrant crisis and more.
Key Networks enters into an agreement with Digitent Podcasts to serve as ad sales representative for the health and wellness influencer and podcast network. Key Networks president of sales Jason Wilberding says, “The timing for our Digitent partnership couldn’t be better, as health and wellness are top of mind in the new year for consumers and for so many of our advertisers. The highly influential Digitent hosts are eager to voice for endemic and lifestyle brands and the Key Networks team is excited for the myriad of possibilities in 2024 and beyond!”
NuVoodoo Media Services announces that it is appointing media sales pro Matt Parvis to the newly created position vice president of sales. Parvis will report to NuVoodoo founder and president Carolyn Gilbert and will be based in Los Angeles. Parvis joins NuVoodoo after 25 years as vice president of sales for AllAccess.com.
By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media Implementers
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, “Sterling On Sunday”
Talk Media Network
Research shows that readers to trade publications like articles with five bullet points. Here are my five bullet points for 2024. If these were to be deployed, you could be thriving by the end of the year. These actions would increase sales and audience share.
1. Radio should be easy to buy. It’s not. Easy fix: Look at your website. Based on the website how would you buy time on your station? It should be as simple as a realtor’s website. Put up pictures of your salespeople with ALL of their real contact information – not a FORM. Offer their email and cell number. Offer a “tour” of the offerings with information about the talent and the audience. What does the host sell best? How about a very brief audio message from each host to your potential advertiser?
2. Every medium creates its own stars. Example – David Caruso, good on TV, bad in movies. Your hosts, good on radio, lousy at original podcasts. Sure, edit up the interviews or bits and make them into a podcast. But don’t ask a host to get off the air and make brand new content for a podcast. Engage locals who are good at making original podcasts and offer them a stage.
3. Sell the biggest number. Your morning show probably has more listeners than the “Tonight Show” has viewers in your city. 1010 WINS has more listeners in New York than FOX News has viewers nationwide. Go check. Those are the numbers that put radio in perspective! Stop selling the smallest number, TIME SPENT LISTENING. Who came up with that!?
4. Don’t make potential advertisers jump through hoops. If you have spent your career in programming, you may not know the tyranny of MEDIA CREDIT. New radio advertiser: Good buy, high rate, longterm business. Sounds great. Not so fast. At most companies, new business still has to go through the gauntlet of a MEDIA CREDIT CHECK. End that.
5. What’s wrong with the hosts? Many hosts use a content formula that MUST generate a diminishing audience size and older and older and older demos. Repeat. WHY? If you start to trust that what you talk about socially, with your friends, your audience will grow and grow younger. Be more like Bruce Collins, PD at WBAP, Dallas. Bruce just hired James Parker who has been featured for years on “Sterling On Sunday.” James is going to talk about life, fatherhood and funny. He joins “New Jersey 101.5” alumnus, Casey Bartholomew, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon, who talks about life, fatherhood and funny. It’s working so well that WBAP will now be simulcast on Class C2 FM, KLIF.
Five bullet points. Goals: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Walter Sabo was a founding architect of SiriusXM and began the recruitment of Howard Stern. He has consulted RKO General, PARADE magazine, Hearst Broadcasting, Press Broadcasting, and other premium brands. He launched the first company to engage online video influencers, Hitviews. As an executive, he was EVP of NBC FM RADIO giving Dr. Ruth Westheimer her first media job and fostering the creation of adult contemporary. As VP ABC Radio Networks, Sabo hired Ringo Starr to be a DJ for a 24-hour special.
On December 22, Urban One filed its Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the third quarter of 2023. In it the company reports net revenue of $117.8 million for the period ended September 30, 2023, a decrease of 2.8% from the same period in 2022. It also reports a net loss of $53.7 million in Q3 2023 compared to the net income of $3.7 million it reported in Q3 of 2022. Urban One had received a delisting notice from Nasdaq Stock Market LLC for failing to file its quarterly reports with the SEC on time. As TALKERS has previously reported on this matter, the tardiness stems from the company dismissing its previous independent registered public accounting firm BDO USA, LLP and
hiring Ernst & Young LLP. Yesterday (1/4), Urban One filed the following with the SEC: “On January 4, 2024, Urban One, Inc. announced that it had received notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC confirming that it has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c) (the “Periodic Filing Rule”) which requires listed companies to timely file all required periodic financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission… with the company in compliance with the Periodic Filing Rule, Nasdaq has ceased any action to delist the company’s securities… Nasdaq has informed the company that it will be subject to a Mandatory Panel Monitor for a period of one year, or until December 29, 2024. If, within the one-year monitoring period, the company again fails to comply with the Periodic Filing Rule, the company will not be permitted to provide the Nasdaq Staff with a plan of compliance with respect to that deficiency, nor will the company be afforded a cure period. Instead, upon the Nasdaq Staff issuing a delist determination letter, the company would then have an opportunity to request a new hearing with the initial Hearing Panel or a newly convened Hearing Panel if the initial Hearing Panel is unavailable.”
Today (1/5), Podtrac releases its chart of the Top U.S. Podcasts for December 2023 based on Unique U.S. Monthly Audience. Rising three places to the #1 spot is NPR’s “NPR News Now,” followed by The
New York Times’ “The Daily” at #2 and NPR’s “Up First” at #3. News/talk radio-related podcasts finishing in the top 20 include DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show,” down one place to #9, Dan Bongino’s “The Dan Bongino Show” steady at #11, and FOX Audio Network’s “The FOX News Hourly Update” up one place to #15. See the full chart here.
The Newsweek-syndicated talk radio program “The Josh Hammer Show” adds new affiliate station KFTK-FM, St. Louis as the station airs the show on Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Hammer says, “I am absolutely thrilled to join the weekend lineup of ‘97.1 FM Talk’ in St. Louis. I grew up hearing about how my great-grandparents on my mother’s side immigrated to St. Louis from Eastern Europe, so this is personal for me. I can’t wait to take my own brand of hard-hitting, pull-no-punches conservatism to 97.1 FM Talk’s powerful airwaves.”
iHeartPodcasts announces the launch of “Native Land Pod” hosted by Angela Rye, Tiffany D. Cross and Andrew Gillum. The iHeartPodcasts president Will Pearson says, “This new, groundbreaking podcast brings together an electrifying ensemble of hosts, hailing from a wide range of media backgrounds. As we head into an election year, we’re excited to see how ‘Native Land Pod’ elevates the political discourse and empowers listeners with new knowledge and diverse perspectives.”
Audacy enters into a sales and distribution agreement with the Women’s Meditation Network. Founded by Katie Krimitsos, the Women’s Meditation Network offers 17 different guided meditation podcasts created to be easily accessible, approachable, and deeply fulfilling for people of all ages and experience levels, as well as children.
Baltimore’s Alan Ameche plunges over the goal line for the winning touchdown!(courtesy YouTube/NFL Films)
It was one of those indelible moments in sports history: The 1958 NFL Championship, played on December 28, 1958 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Baltimore Colts defeated the New York Giants 23-17 in sudden death overtime. 65 years later, the events of that Sunday afternoon still resonate throughout pro sports and sports media.
In 1958, the National Football League was far from the huge phenomenon we see today. Americans generally had much more interest in baseball, and during the Fall, college football captured the attention of sports fans on Saturday afternoons. The annual Army/Navy and Harvard/Yale clashes were national news stories, and fans followed the exploits of powerhouses like Notre Dame and Michigan. For most fans, pro football was an afterthought. Even in cities with pro franchises, the NFL clubs often played runner-up to the local baseball teams.
Baltimore and New York were two exceptions. The Colts were upstarts — Baltimore didn’t get an NFL team until 1953 — and the city quickly fell in love with the Colts; on game days, Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium was described as “the world’s largest outdoor insane asylum.” Meanwhile, the Giants had been part of the NFL since 1925, and they were considered the league’s most glamorous team, located in the world’s media capital. Two very different teams, both with passionate fan bases, playing a nationally-televised title game in New York City… indeed, America was destined to notice pro football that day.
Seventeen Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees were in the stadium that afternoon, along with a Heisman Trophy winner (Baltimore running back Alan Ameche). The Colts were led by quarterback Johnny Unitas and defensive end Gino Marchetti. The New York offense revolved around halfback Frank Gifford, while linebacker Sam Huff anchored the defense.
There were all-stars in the broadcast booths, as well. NBC’s national telecast was assigned to Chris Schenkel and Chuck Thompson; both of these gentlemen are now legends of their industry. Joe Bolan and Bill McColgan called the game for NBC’s national radio feed, while Les Keiter did the play-by-play for WCBS Radio in New York. And Bob Wolff did the radio call for Baltimore’s WBAL. Wolff was assisted by an eager teenager who worked as his spotter… a young man named Maury Povich (yes, that guy).
The first half, frankly, wasn’t anywhere near “greatest game” territory. While both defenses played fairly well, the offenses looked sloppy and disorganized, and the two teams combined for six turnovers in the first thirty minutes. The Giants managed only a Pat Summerall field goal, while the Colts — almost in spite of themselves — took a 14-3 lead into halftime. It could have easily been 17-3, but Sam Huff blocked a Baltimore field goal attempt.
So, what was the halftime entertainment? Over the years, Super Bowl halftimes have featured performers like Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson. What 1950’s superstars would perform in the “super bowl” of 1958? Elvis Presley? Brenda Lee, maybe? Nope. It was the Baltimore Colts Marching Band, with their prancing majorettes looking quite fetching in their red leotards and reindeer antlers…
The Baltimore Colts Marching Band majorettes, in “reindeer” mode! (courtesy YouTube/NFL Films)
Baltimore’s offensive woes continued into the second half. Early on, the Colts drove the ball to New York’s 1-yard line, but Alan Ameche was stopped for no gain on third down, then Ameche was tackled for a loss when he attempted to run wide on fourth down. In an interview decades later, Baltimore’s Lenny Moore revealed that Ameche botched the play; it was supposed to be an option pass, but Ameche didn’t hear Johnny Unitas’ signals correctly, and he ran instead of throwing a short pass to a wide open Colts receiver.
That goal-line stand awakened New York’s offense, and they needed only four plays to score their first touchdown to make it 14-10. The Giants then took a 17-14 lead early in the fourth quarter on a Frank Gifford touchdown reception, and while the Colts responded with two effective drives, they came up empty on both possessions; one ended with a missed field goal, the other ended when Unitas was sacked twice, taking the Colts out of scoring range. The Giants’ offense only needed a first down or two to ice the game, but Frank Gifford was stopped on a critical third down run. For decades, Gifford insisted he made the first down; Baltimore’s Gino Marchetti suffered a badly broken ankle in the pileup, and Gifford often said that amidst the chaos and confusion of tending to Marchetti’s injury, the officials did not spot the ball properly. However, when ESPN restored the footage for a 50th anniversary broadcast in 2008, an accident reconstruction expert analyzed the images and determined that Gifford was, indeed, just short of the first down (more about that ESPN program in our Epilogue). The Giants chose to punt the ball, and the Colts took over on their own 14-yard line.
This was the moment when Johnny Unitas began his ascent to legendary status. With just two minutes left, he moved the Colts downfield quickly. While there were several misfires, he made four critical completions, including three straight passes to his star receiver Raymond Berry. Those last three plays moved the ball 62 yards to the Giants’ 13-yard line, and with just seconds remaining, the Colts rushed Steve Myhra out to attempt a tying field goal. Myhra had struggled with field goal attempts all season, and Baltimore fans held their collective breath until the ball went through the uprights. The fourth quarter ended tied 17-17.
So… what happens next? Many of the players and coaches weren’t sure. It was not unusual for football games to end in a tie, but this game was for the NFL title. Would the teams be declared co-champions? Fortunately, the NFL had recently instituted an overtime rule for championships, and it would be decided on the field. The teams would play pure “sudden death.” The first team to score in any manner would win, and they would play for as long as it took.
The Giants won the toss and chose to receive, but they were not able to mount any kind of drive, and they punted the ball back to the Colts. Unitas now had all the time in the world, and Johnny U methodically moved the Baltimore offense to the New York 8-yard line. It was first-and-goal, and then, suddenly… the NBC Television feed disappeared! Nothing but snow on the screen!
This caused immediate panic in NBC’s control room, not to mention in homes across the nation, as viewers — particularly in Baltimore — bolted from their living rooms and scrambled to find the nearest radio. It was one of the worst possible moments to lose the live feed of a TV broadcast. And then…
A fan ran onto the field! Play was halted for nearly a full minute before New York’s Finest chased him down and escorted him to the sideline. Over the years, there has been endless rumor and speculation about this incident. Photographs show the fan was well-dressed and appeared very cooperative when the cops took him away; he certainly didn’t look like a drunken lout. Who was this guy?
Whoever he was, he is now the stuff of sports broadcasting legend. More than six decades later, it is widely believed that he was an NBC employee who realized the broadcast was interrupted and ran onto the field — or perhaps was told to run onto the field — to delay the game long enough to give the TV crew enough time to find a loose cable and fix the connection. As far as I know, he was never identified and the story has never been confirmed. One hopes the fellow received a bonus and a promotion for his quick thinking!
When the game resumed, the Colts ran two plays to reach third-and-goal from just over a yard away. A field goal attempt might have been the obvious choice, but Baltimore coach Weeb Ewbank was leery of sending a struggling Steve Myhra in to kick. Meanwhile, the coach trusted Unitas completely, and he left Johnny U and the offense on the field. A routine handoff to Alan Ameche secured a 23-17 Baltimore victory.
The game was breaking news nationwide. It was a big topic of Sunday afternoon dinner conversations, and it was headline news on front pages and in sports sections the following day. NFL and television executives soon realized that professional football could become a very valuable property, and they started making plans for increasing television coverage and boosting marketing exposure for the teams, the star players, and the sport overall. And down in Dallas, Lamar Hunt — a son of oil tycoon H.L. Hunt — started thinking about owning his own football team. Those dreams eventually led to his role in establishing the rival American Football League, which merged with the NFL just over a decade later. Historians and sportswriters have studied the 1958 title game, and they generally agree that event was the start of professional football growing into the colossus it has since become. It was the aftermath and the impact — as much as the drama of the game itself — that led them to calling it “The Greatest Game Ever Played.”
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EPILOGUE
As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, television did not put a high priority on archiving sports events back then. There is no known videotape of the game; videotape was in its infancy, and while NBC presumably had one or two of the early machines available, it seems nobody bothered racking them up. There is no known kinescope film recording of the television broadcast, either. Fortunately, there was plenty of film footage of the game, both from overhead and from sideline views. This footage was shot by NFL Films, as well as various newsreel cameramen working for different organizations.
On the 50th anniversary of the game in 2008, ESPN produced a special documentary that used the old footage to re-create much of the action. The historic clips were colorized for broadcast, and the action was interspersed with comments and memories from players, fans, and broadcasters who were there. (Sadly, many of these gentlemen have passed away in the fifteen years since.) Most of Bob Wolff’s Baltimore radio broadcast was saved, and the NBC national radio call was saved almost in entirety. This historic audio was used in conjunction with the preserved video. Several versions of the ESPN special can be found on YouTube; here is a link to one of those.
Others have collaborated on an almost-complete reconstruction of the game, using the original newsreel and NFL footage, some of the colorized ESPN content, stock footage, and still photos. The audio portion uses the NBC national radio call by Joe Bolan and Bill McColgan (complete with vintage commercials!). There are several uploads of this project on YouTube, and there is also a version on the Internet Archive, available here. If you’ve never seen any of “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” punch it up on your laptop and enjoy!
Mark Wainwright is a long-time radio personality and voiceover performer. He was most recently the morning host at WSYR in Syracuse; he is also a Baltimore native and life-long Baltimore Colts fan (and he still hasn’t gotten over the Colts leaving town and moving to Indianapolis decades ago!). He can be reached at: markwainwright@earthlink.net
News/talk WGDJ, Albany and owner Paul Vandenburgh are the subjects of an interesting piece by Chris Churchill in the Times-Union. Vandenburgh has been the owner of the standalone station (it also broadcasts on W254DA at 98.7 FM) for 17 years. In addition to owning and running the ship, he also hosts the local morning program. His success – Vandenburgh says the station is in the black – bucks the trend of consolidation. Read the full story here.
Cumulus Media announces that “The Ed Mylett Show” joins the Cumulus Podcast Network. The program showcases interviews with the greatest peak performers across all industries – including business, health, collegiate and professional sports, politics, entrepreneurship, science and entertainment – sharing their journeys, knowledge and thought leadership to help inspire listeners to become their best selves.
ABC News Radio adds Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP-FM, Washington, DC as its newest affiliate station. ABC News Radio says, “This new partnership will support WTOP-FM by providing the station access to live two-ways with ABC News correspondents, including chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, White House correspondent Karen Travers, national correspondent Steven Portnoy and many others.
iHeartMedia Connecticut adds FOX Sports Radio to the lineups at WUCS-FM, Hartford “97-9 FM” and WAVZ-AM, New Haven. Stations programmer Ben Darnell comments, “We’re thrilled to now have FOX Sports Radio’s powerful lineup on 97-9 and on 1300AM. This addition, along with ‘The Rob Dibble Show,’ play-by-play and the UConn Sports Network, will continue our position as the broadcast sports leader in Connecticut.”
FOX News Media promotes Scott Wilder to EVP of production and operations. In this capacity, Wilder will oversee all technical, field and production operations of FOX News Media’s special events and breaking news coverage, including the 2024 presidential election.
Today (1/3), Cumulus Media debuts Dallas-Fort Worth news/talk outlet WBAP on a simulcast at 93.3 FM. KLIF-FM was formerly a hot AC outlet. Also today, Cumulus Dallas-Fort Worth adds four news professionals to its on-air team. As TALKERS previously reported, Carla Marion joins WBAP as co-
anchor of the “WBAP Morning News” with co-anchors Hal Jay and Ernie Brown. News pro James Parker also joins WBAP as afternoon host in the 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm daypart. He was most recently a television personality in Tyler, Texas. Laura Sadler joins the “KLIF-AM Morning News” as co-anchor with Clayton Neville, and Gabrielle Taite joins Cumulus Dallas-Fort Worth’s newsroom. She previously worked in Athens, Georgia in television news. Cumulus regional VP Dan Bennett comments, “As we move into a critical election year, these talent moves and an FM frequency for WBAP speak to our commitment to spoken-word radio. We will carry our stations on a variety of signals and streaming to improve accessibility of this outstanding news and talk content to our listeners. 2024 will be a great year for news/talk.”
The Ramsey Network announces that “The Ramsey Show” reached the #1 position on the Apple Podcasts Top Shows chart. The show was also named one of the Top Shows of the Year on Amazon
Music, and it reached #1 in the Business category on Spotify in 2023. Program co-host Dave Ramsey says, “Thank you to everyone who works daily on our show. And thanks to all our listeners for choosing to spend your time with the Ramsey personalities and me. I’m honored.” On the program, Ramsey is joined each day by a rotating cast of co-hosts, including Rachel Cruze, Ken Coleman, Jade Warshaw, George Kamel and Dr. John Delony. The Ramsey Network says that in 2023, callers to the show paid off more than $36 million in debt, inspiring the millions of people that listen to the show on podcast and radio or watch on YouTube.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
What do your New Year’s resolutions look like?
Chances are your resolutions included what I call the old reliable “mores.” Earn more, save more, exercise more, eat more of the healthier foods. Sound familiar? Do you break down the resolutions into daily goals? As in here is what I need to do today to meet my goals and fulfill my resolutions. How about the “less” category? Do you spend any time thinking about what you want to do less often? Let us start with some obvious candidates.
A recent survey by Frequence.com indicated 84% of respondents in marketing and advertising felt stress on the job. Maybe the other 16% had just taken their morning meds. Seriously, can you blame the stressed-out thousands who have spent a career working for companies that stand on the brink of financial peril, delist from the stock exchange, or initiate short-notice personnel cuts? Has anyone in the radio business reading this column ever experienced a fully stress-free experience for over 36 waking hours? If it is not work, maybe it is friends, family, travel issues, or anything else that you simply cannot stop thinking about.
“Less” resolution #1. Less stress on the job, unless you are in the parachute business or an air-traffic controller or emergency room doctor in New York or Chicago, you get where I am going with this.
The same survey showed 72% of respondents work for organizations expecting them to deliver more with less support. The last time I worked for a broadcast company that provided me with my own dedicated assistant, the Cowboys won the Super Bowl in the first ever televised in prime time. Please raise your hand if you are a seller or sales manager with your own dedicated assistant. Anybody? How about in the past 10 years?
“Less” resolution #2. Less is more. The slogan takes on new life in the remote work environment that is a norm for many in the media buyer-seller relationship. Everyone in the chain is being asked to do more, reach increased goals, and perform to a higher standard with less support. You are either on the income money flow line or the expense side. Pick your lane and try your best to deliver measurable results.
Technology is driving change in every corner of the workplace. New strategies and technologies designed to monetize media impressions are part of our culture. Surveys show anywhere from 52-70% of sellers and marketers are challenged with keeping up.
“Less” resolution #3. Prioritize your upskilling. Pick the one area that will allow you to hit your most important “more” goals and master it. Never stop learning, just adjust your learning curve to what works best for you.
Here’s to a more productive and prosperous New Year!
Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.
Just before Christmas, FOX News Media announced that two of its staffers had passed away. Director of Chicago bureau operations Adam Petlin passed away at 58 after a long illness. He was a FOX News
original, starting with the company in August of 1996 as one of the first six field photographers hired. He led the first FOX camera crew on scene in downtown Manhattan on September 11th and captured the devastation that immediately unfolded that day, delivering the very news that changed the world to millions of viewers. The organization also lost Matt Napolitano, who passed away after a brief illness at age 33. Napolitano began his FOX career in 2015 as a writer for SiriusXM news channel FOX News Headlines 24/7. He soon became a sports reporter for the service and further excelled in that position. He also appeared on FOX Business Network’s “Cavuto Coast to Coast.”
December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 ratings period (November 9 – December 6) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.
NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are November 2023 – December 2023 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk
KXL 6.9 – 5.9, #2 – #3
KEX 1.6 – 1.2, #21 – #22
KUFO .8 – .6, #23 – #26
KPAM .1 – .1, #32 – #33
News
None
Sports Talk
KFXX 1.8 – 2.0, #20 – #20
KXTG 1.4 – 1.2, #23 – #22
KPOJ .7 – .7, #24 – #24 (Trailblazers)
KFXX Stream .2 – .1, #28 – #33
KMTT .2 – .1, #28 – #33
Public Radio News/Talk
KOPB 6.4 – 6.1, #3 – #2
KOPB Stream 1.5 – 1.4, #22 – #21
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk
WBT-AM 5.6 – 4.2, #5 – #11
News
WRFX-HD2 .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA
Sports Talk
WFNZ-FM 3.0 – 2.7, #14 – #13 (Hornets)
WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WFAE 5.4 – 5.0, #6 – #8
WNSC 1.0 – 1.3, #18 – #18
WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Notes: News/talk WBT’s -1.4 (5.6 – 4.2) represents Charlotte’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
The Carolina Panthers’ flagship is classic rock WRFX.
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk
WOAI 3.1– 2.7, #14 – #14 (Spurs)
KTSA 2.2 – 2.0, #17 – #19
News
None
Sports Talk
KTFM 1.5 – 1.3, #22 – #22
KTKR .7 – .8, #27 – #27
KZDC .3 – .3, #33 – #30
Public Radio News/Talk
KSTX 2.4 – 2.3, #16 – #17
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk
KFBK-AM 7.3 – 6.6 #2 – #3
KSTE-AM 3.2 – 3.1, #11 – #12
News
None
Sports Talk
KHTK 1.4 – 1.7, #18 – #18 (Kings)
KIFM 1.1 – .9, #21 – #22
KIFM Stream .1 – .1, #29 – #29
Public Radio News/Talk
KXJZ 2.4 – 2.3, #14 – #15
KQEI .2 – .3, #28 – #28
KQED .1 – .1, #29 – #29
KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk
KDKA-AM 4.0 – 3.8, #8 – #9
KDKA-AM Stream .4 – .3, #22 – #24
News
None
Sports Talk
KDKA-FM 8.0 – 7.2, #3 – #5
KDKA-FM Stream .1 – .2, #25 – #25
WBGG DNA – .1, DNA – #27
Public Radio News/Talk
WESA 4.0 – 4.2, #8 – #7
Notes: Sports/talk KDKA-FM’s -.8 (8.0 – 7.2) represents Pittsburgh’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
The flagships of the Steelers and Penguins are rock WDVE and alternative WXDX, respectively.
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk
KSL-AM 6.1 – 5.4, #4 – #3
KNRS-FM 3.9 – 2.8, #9 – #14
KKAT .1 – .1, #31 – #30
News
None
Sports Talk
KALL 2.2 – 1.9, #20 – #20
KZNS-AM .7 – .7, #25 – #24 (Utah Jazz)
KZNS-FM 1.0 – .5, #24 – #26 (Utah Jazz)
KZNS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #30 (Utah Jazz)
KZNS-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Utah Jazz)
KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUER 2.7 – 2.4, #15 – #18
KBYU-HD2 Stream .2 – .2, #29 – #28
KUMT .4 – .1, #28 – #30
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk
KMXB-HD3 1.6 – .3, #23 – #29
KXNT .2 – .2, #34 – #31
KMZQ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
KWWN .9 – .8, #27 – #26
KKGK .5 – .4, #30 – #28 (Golden Knights)
KRLV .5 – .2, #30 – #31 (Raiders)
KENO .2 – .2, #34 – #31
Public Radio News/Talk
KNPR 2.0 – 1.6, #18 – #21
ORLANDO
News/Talk
WTKS 3.9 – 3.6, #10 – #10
WDBO 3.6 – 3.2, #13 – #13
WFLF .8 – .7, #21 – #20
WFYY-HD3 DNA – .1, DNA – #27
News
None
Sports Talk
WYGM .7 – .9, #23 – #18 (Magic)
WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WMFE 2.7 – 2.8, #14 – #14
CINCINNATI
News/Talk
WLW 12.0 – 11.2, 23rd consecutive month at #1 (Bengals)
WKRC 5.7 – 4.9, #5 – #6
News
None
Sports Talk
WCKY 2.0 – 1.3, #15 – #19 (Bengals)
WSAI 1.2 – .5, #19 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
WVXU 3.5 – 3.8, #11 – #9
CLEVELAND
News/Talk
WTAM 5.1 – 4.8, #9 – #10 (Cavaliers)
News
WMMS-HD2 .1 – .1, #24 – #24
Sports Talk
WKRK 6.0 – 5.8, #7 – #7 (Browns)
WKRK Stream .9 – .7, #19 – #21 (Browns)
WARF .3 – .2, #23 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
WKSU 5.0 – 5.2, #10 – #9
WKSU-HD4 .1 – .1, #24 – #24
Note: Classic hits-oldies WMJI’s -3.0 (5.6 – 4.2) is the largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease by any station in the first three rounds of PPM results.
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk
KMBZ-FM 5.5 – 5.3, #4 – #5
KCMO-AM 2.0 – 1.9, #16 – #17
KMBZ-AM 1.2 – 1.6, #18 – #18
KMBZ-FM Stream .7 – .7, #21 – #21
KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
KCSP 3.1 – 2.6, #14 – #15
KCSP Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #25
KWOD DNA – .1, DNA – #29
Public Radio News/Talk
KCUR 3.6 – 2.8, #12 – #13
KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: Country WDAF is the flagship of the Chiefs.
COLUMBUS
News/Talk
WTVN 7.4 – 6.0, #3 – #4
News
WYTS .1 – DNA, #22 – DNA
Sports Talk
WBNS-FM 10.3 – 9.8, #1 – #2 (Blue Jackets)
WBNS-AM .3 – .3, #21 #21 (Blue Jackets)
WBNS-FM HD2 .1 – DNA, #22 – DNA
WMNI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WOSU 4.3 – 4.0, #8 – #9
Up next: December 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 ratings period (November 9 – December 6) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).
The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.
NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are November 2023 – December 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk
WABC 3.0 – 2.8, #11 – #11
WOR 1.3 – 1.1, #22 – #22
WKXW .8 – .9, #25 – #24
WKXW Stream .2 – .2, #38 – #38
News
WINS-FM 4.8 – 4.1, #6 – #10
WCBS-AM 1.9 – 1.7, #19 – #19
Business News WBBR .5 – .4, #31 – #32
WINS-FM Stream .4 – .3, #34 – #36
WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #38 – #38
Sports Talk
WFAN FM & AM 2.8 – 2.5, #12 -#12 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WEPN-FM 1.5 – 1.3 #21 – #21 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
WFAN FM & AM Stream .9 – .9, #24 -#24 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
Public Radio News/Talk
WNYC-FM 4.0 – 4.3, #9 – #8
WNYC-AM 1.1 – 1.0, #23 – #23
Note: News WINS-FM’s -.7 (4.8 – 4.1) represents New York City’s highest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk
KFI 5.1 – 5.1, #4 – #2
KRLA .5 – .6, #36 – #34
KEIB .7 – .5, #33 – #35 (Clippers)
News
KNX-FM 3.2 – 2.7, #10 – #11
KNX-FM Stream .1 – .1, #40 – #41
Sports Talk
KLAC .9 – 1.0 #30 – #29 (Chargers, Clippers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPCC 2.5 – 2.6, #15 – #12
Flagship of the Rams and Lakers is sports talk KSPN, which is unlisted in this sweep.
Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.
CHICAGO
News/Talk
WGN 3.4 – 2.8, #10 – #10 (Blackhawks)
WLS-AM 1.5 – 1.7, #23 – #18
WLIP .2 – .4, #41 – #36
WVON DNA – .1, DNA – #43
WLS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #3 – #4
WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .2, #44 – #41
Sports Talk
WSCR 2.3 – 2.4, #14 – #13 (Bulls)
WMVP 1.7 – 1.4, #19 – #20 (Bears)
WSCR Stream .5 – .9, #33 – #27 (Bulls)
Public Radio News/Talk
WBEZ 3.1 – 2.6, #11 – #12
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk
KSFO 1.6 – 1.4, #19 – #22
KSFO Stream .4 – .2, #28 – #31
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.5 – 6.4, #3 – #3
KNEW .3 – .2, #31 – #31
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #37
KKSF .1 – .DNA, #37 – DNA
Sports Talk
KNBR 3.4 – 3.5, #9 – #10 (49ers)
KGMZ 2.1 – 2.3, #15 – #14 (Golden State Warriors)
KTCT .6 – .5, #26 – #27
KGO .2 – .2, #34 – #31
KGO Stream .2 – .2, #34 – #31
Public Radio News/Talk
KQED 6.7 – 6.6, #2 – #2
KALW .3 – .2, #31 – #31
DALLAS
News/Talk
WBAP 3.5 – 3.4, #11 – #11
KEGL 1.6 – 1.5, #25 – #26 (Mavericks)
KSKY .6 – .5, #32 – #33
KLIF-AM .5 – .3, #33 – #36
KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
News – Talk KRLD-AM 2.0 – 1.8, #21 – #20 (Cowboys)
News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .1 – .1, #39 – #40 (Cowboys)
Sports Talk
KTCK 5.6 – 5.2, #1 – #2 (Stars)
KRLD-FM 4.1 – 3.4, #5 – #11 (Cowboys)
KRLD-FM Stream .5 – .2, #33 – #37 (Cowboys)
Public Radio News/Talk
KERA 3.8 – 4.2, #6 – #4
Note: Sports talk KRLD-FM’s -.7 (4.1 – 3.4) is tied for Dallas’ highest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
HOUSTON
News/Talk
KTRH 4.1 – 3.5, #9 – #10 (Rockets)
KPRC .6 – .5, #28 – #26
News
None
Sports Talk
KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.5, #22 – #21 (Texans)
KBME 1.3 – .5, #22 – #26 (Rockets)
KILT-AM Stream .2 – .3, #30 – #29 (Texans)
KFNC .2 – .1, #30 – #33
Public Radio News/Talk
KUHF 2.2 – 2.3, #20 – #20
Note: Adult contemporary KODA’s +5.2 (6.8 – 12.0) represents the largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
ATLANTA
News/Talk
WSB-AM & WSBB 8.8 – 8.3, #1 – #1
WFOM .4 – .4, #29 – #29
WGKA .2 – .2, #33 – #31
WAOK .1 – .2, #36 – #31
WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #36 – #33
WSRV-HD3 Stream .2 – DNA, #33 – DNA
News
WBIN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WZGC 3.4 – 2.8, #11 – #15 (Falcons, Hawks)
WCNN 1.2 – 1.5, #21 – #20
WZGC Stream .4 – .5, #29 – #27 (Falcons, Hawks)
Public Radio News/Talk
WABE 3.2 – 3.9, #13 – #8
WRAS .9 – .6, #24 – #25
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk
WPHT 2.2 – 1.7, #15 – #19
WKXW 1.0 – .9, #24 – #24
WURD Stream .6 – .7, #26 – #26
WPHT Stream .6 – .6, #26 – #27
WURD .4 – .5, #28 – #28
WDEL-AM .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA
WKXW Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
KYW & WPHI 5.3 – 5.2, #6 – #7
KYW & WPHI Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31
WTEL DNA – .1, DNA – #31
Sports Talk
WIP 8.5 – 6.6, #2 – #4 (Eagles)
WIP Stream 1.7 – 1.3, #19 – #22 (Eagles)
WPEN-FM 1.3 – 1.2, #22 – #23 (76ers, Flyers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WHYY 2.9 – 2.8, #11 – #11
Note: Sports talk WIP’s -1.9 (8.5 – 6.6) represents the largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)
News/Talk
WABC 2.1 – 1.3, #17 – #20
WOR 1.3 – 1.0, #20 – #22
WLIR .2 – .2, #31 – #33
News
WINS-FM 4.1 – 4.4, #7 – #8
WCBS-AM 2.4 – 2.1, #13 – #16
WINS-FM Stream .6 – .7, #25 – #25
Business News WBBR .3 – .3, #30 – #30
WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .1, #31 – #36
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 3.9 – 3.7, #8 – #10 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WEPN-FM 3.3 – 2.5, #11 – #12 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
WFAN-FM & AM Stream .9 – 1.1, #22 – #21 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
Public Radio News/Talk
WSUF .2 – .2, #31 – #33
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk
None
News
KFOO .1 – .1, #22 – #23
Sports Talk
KPWK .1 – .2, #22 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
KVCR .4 – .3 #20 – #20
KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
SAN JOSE
News/Talk
KSFO 1.4 – 1.3, #21 – #22
KSFO Stream .2 – DNA, #31 – DNA
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.9 – 5.7, #2 – #3
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .3 – .2, #28 – #28
KNEW .3 – .2, #28 – #28
Sports Talk
KNBR 4.0 – 4.1, #7 – #6 (49ers)
KGMZ 1.7 – 1.6, #18 – #20 (Golden State Warriors)
KGO Stream .8 – .6, #26 – #26
KTCT .8 – .6, #26 – #26
KGO .3 – .2, #28 – #28
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.
MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION
News/Talk
WKXW 6.3 – 5.2, #3 – #4
WOR .6 – 1.1, #22 – #20
WKXW Stream .6 – .7, #22 – #22
News
WINS-FM 2.1 – 2.0, #12 – #11
WCBS-AM 1.1 – 1.3, #18 – #17
WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #26 – #26
WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 3.6 – 2.7, #9 – #9 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WEPN-FM 1.4 – 1.3, #17 – #17 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
WFAN FM & AM Stream 1.1 – .9, #18 – #21 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Note: News/talk WKXW’s -1.1 (6.3 – 5.2) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s highest (6+)November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
Up next: December 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk radio host Mike Gallagher and his listeners have helped raise funds for the Prison Fellowship this holiday season. Gallagher tells TALKERS magazine, “Years ago, I came home from work one day very grumpy and my wife Denise said, ‘Why don’t you start doing good for people on your show? You could take the passion that your audience has all bottled up
and help people instead of just jawboning and complaining about everything.’ And she was right. So ‘Gallagher’s Heroes – The Fallen Officers Fund’ was created (which assists the families of law enforcement killed in the line of duty and publishes The First Responders Bible) as well as several other charities we help on an annual basis. Each holiday season we partner with Prison Fellowship and get Christmas presents, Bibles and a personalized message from an incarcerated parent delivered to thousands of children. So far this year, my audience has donated over $160,000 which will benefit 6,400 children of prisoners. Over the last few years, my listeners have contributed over $2.5 million to Prison Fellowship. I’m so humbled and blessed to have such a loving, generous audience. It makes it a joy to come to work. And I get to carry my late wife’s wish in my heart. I’m a lucky guy.” Gallagher is not the only SRN host helping the Prison Fellowship cause. Sebastian Gorka is also working hard to promote the organization’s efforts.
American radio broadcasters are invited and encouraged by UNESCO to participate in the forthcoming celebration of the UN “World Radio Day (WRD) 2024” which, among a number of facets, provides the industry with the opportunity to create connections with colleagues around the globe to generate international interviews and co-productions. TALKERS readers can register their shows, stations and networks as being available for these connections and discover potential partners in the process by clicking here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/2024/register?hub=66636 WRD 2024 will take place on February 13.
According to TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, who is serving as this year’s executive advisor to UNESCO for World Radio Day 2024, “The time to get your platform listed on the international map of shows, stations and networks is now, while it is relatively early. American radio professionals, as well as campus station staffers, can schedule interviews/conversations – either live or prerecorded – with their broadcast colleagues worldwide to compare and contrast the history and role of radio in their respective countries on or leading up to February 13. These shows can be simulcast on both stations or simply be one personality interviewing another. Simply register as being open to joint initiatives for the 2024 celebration, and fill out the form that will pop up if you, your station or network would be interested in partnering with others in this exciting process. Check regularly to see fellow broadcasters or partners who will keep registering between now and February 13.”
In an era marked by the dizzying speed of technological innovation and the rapid obsolescence of one shiny new platform after another, radio is beginning its second century of service as one of the most dependable and widely utilized forms of media in the world. The theme of 2024’s installment of WRD is Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining and Educating. Harrison says, “Radio, as a technology, science, means of communications and system of programming audio elements, has roots all the way back to the 1800s… so it can be safely said that the medium is already well into its second hundred years of existence with its footprint spanning three centuries. WRD 2024 shines a broad floodlight on radio’s remarkable past, relevant present and promise of a dynamic future.”
Harrison continues, “The opportunity provided by the 100-year-plus milestone of radio begs to be trumpeted at full volume. The century is an occasion to proudly celebrate the medium’s extensive virtues and ongoing potency. It comes at an opportune time, as radio – though statistically popular and enormously trusted by the public – faces increased challenges to audience and revenue numbers from digital platforms, pervasive social media, generational divides, the headwinds of censorship and, for some media, stifling consolidation-induced debt as well as economic hardships exacerbated by a soft advertising market. UNESCO is inviting the worldwide radio industry in all its many forms – commercial, public, non-profit – to join in this global celebration of the medium at this special and pivotal juncture in its century-spanning journey.”
WRD 2024 60-second vignettes
In addition, broadcasters are invited to tap into preproduced “World Radio Day Minutes” – a series of 20 one-minute vignettes about radio’s past, present and future being made available license-free. Platforms can run these commercial free as a promotion for radio or attach them for sponsorships by local advertisers. The produced versions in English feature the voices of Michael Harrison and noted commentator Victoria Jones (of DC Radio Company). Unvoiced scripts are available for broadcasters who choose to produce their own versions of these vignettes. To hear and download these 20 one-minute produced programs and scripts please click here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/audios2024
13 ideas to celebrate WRD 2024
Radio broadcasters are also being provided with 13 useful ideas to help them promote WRD 2024 that include ways to create sponsorship and promotional partnerships with their local communities. These can be accessed by clicking here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/13ideas
For more information regarding World Radio Day 2024 please click here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio
The most significant movement at the top of Triton Digital’s U.S. Podcast Ranker for November 2023 (10/30-12/3) is the temporary absence of NPR programs due to a planned data collection migration. As a
result, NBCUniversal News Group’s “Dateline NBC” is ranked #1, audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” remains at #2, Wondery’s “Morbid” is #3, and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” is steady at #4. Other talk radio-related programs of note include Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” steady at #12 and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Mark Levin Show” down three spots from the October ranker at #16. Triton Digital’s ranker is based on average weekly downloads and ranks participating networks.
Pictured above is media personality Grace Curley (right), who hosts a syndicated talk show on the Howie Carr Radio Network, during an appearance on “Fox & Friends” this morning (12/21) with Lawrence Jones (left). Curley first met Jones at the TALKERS 2021 conference at Hofstra University where Jones was a featured speaker.