Search Results for “owl” – Page 6 – TALKERS magazine

Audacy Announces Relaunch of 105.7 FM The Fan in Milwaukee

By TALKERS | October 14, 2024 by TALKERS

Audacy announced 1250 AM The Fan (WSSP-AM) in Milwaukee will return to FM and will once again be heard on 105.7 FM beginning today (10/14). The station will continue to be heard on 1250 AM. Concurrent with the FM relaunch, the station will introduce two new local weekday shows. “The Pack-A-Day Radio Show” will air weekdays from 8:00 am to 9:00 am CT. Hosted by Green Bay Packers insider Andy Herman, the show will serve as a destination for all things green and gold. Herman currently hosts the “Pack-A-Day Podcast” and “Packer Report.” The station will also launch “The Mason Crosby Show,” starring 17-year NFL kicker, Super Bowl champion and Packers all-time leading scorer Mason Crosby, weekdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am CT. The show will also feature Mitch “Thunder” Nelles as co-host and veteran producer Tommy Wortz. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring The Fan back to FM and expand the reach of the best sports talk in Milwaukee,” said Jason Bjorson, SVP/market manager, Audacy Madison and Milwaukee. “Milwaukee has long been a premier market for football coverage, and through the addition of ‘The Pack-A-Day Radio Show’ and ‘The Mason Crosby Show,’ coupled with our existing must-listen programming, we’re elevating the listening experience and keeping fans connected to their favorite teams.” The station’s weekday lineup rounds out with “The Jim Rome Show” from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm CT and “Wisconsin Sports Daily” with station APD Steve “Sparky” Fifer from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm CT.

Mike Gallagher Marks Anniversary of Oct. 7 Attack Broadcasting from Israel

By TALKERS | October 7, 2024 by TALKERS

Marking today’s sad first anniversary of the unprecedented, coordinated bloody October 7^th Hamas attacks on Israel, nationally syndicated Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher is according to company sources, “taking a leap of faith that his listeners will stand up for Israel even as forces of darkness are banding together to try and wipe out America’s most important ally.”

MG in Israel

Gallagher—pictured above in Israel with Yael Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews—has devoted all three hours of his 9:00 am – 12:00 noon ET program today to commemorate the atrocities of October 7, 2023 and to generate donations for IFCJ’s campaign to provide emergency bomb shelter kits that can be delivered immediately to those in most desperate need throughout the Jewish state. Guests included IFCJ’s Eckstein; Joel Pollack, senior editor-at-large of Breitbart News; Iran/Middle East expert Jake Novak, and Shafir Botner, an Israeli ambulance driver currently aiding victims of Iran’s recent missile attacks…who was a helicopter pilot on 10/7/23 and helped rescue survivors of Hamas’ October 7^th attacks on a music festival in Israel. Acknowledging the domestic disaster of Hurricane Helene—and having implored his listeners to open their hearts and wallets to non-profits like The Salvation Army and Samaritan’s Purse which are working around the clock here in America in the aftermath of Helene’s devastation in Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and elsewhere—Gallagher nevertheless felt compelled to act on the occasion of the October 7^th anniversary. Gallagher tells TALKERS, “This was Israel’s 9/11, and the I feel it is important to recognize the one-year mark of the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust when 1200 Israelis were brutally murdered and more that 250 were taken hostage.” He adds, “Israel and her people are facing attacks from enemies on all sides seeking her destruction,” further noting, “The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews is on the ground throughout Israel right now —providing food, shelter, and safety to those in need during this crisis – and that’s why I’m partnering with IFCJ today. While praying for the best, IFCJ is preparing for the worst by packing emergency bomb shelter kits, and I hope my generous listeners can insure that enough can be provided throughout Israel.”

Job Opportunity

Federal News Network Seeks New Host and Anchor for its Flagship Program

By TALKERS | October 4, 2024October 4, 2024 by TALKERS

DC-based Federal News Network, the premier source of news and information for federal employees and contractors, is seeking a new host and anchor for its flagship program, “The Federal Drive.” FNN is looking for someone who brings excitement, passion, and interest in providing federal and industry executives with news and information about the policies, people and programs that drive the mission of the federal government. The ideal candidate MUST have knowledge of, and high degree of interest in, information technology, acquisition, human resources, financial and program management as they operate within the federal government. The current managing editor and anchor of the Federal Drive, Tom Temin, is retiring in April 2025 after 17 years of leading the program and more than 45 years in journalism. For this position, experience in developing ideas, conducting, and managing interviews is strongly preferred, but consideration will be given for the right person with the right background in federal issues. The host is primarily responsible for show content and adherence to Federal News Network editorial niche of serving federal employees and contractors. Federal News Network (first called WTOP2), the world’s first, Internet-only, all-news radio station was created in February 2000 with a focus on the federal community. Federal News Network is owned by Hubbard Radio. Federal News Network can be heard on a clear channel 50,000 watt station on 1500 AM. If you are interested in applying, contact Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller and check out the job posting.

Monday Memo: Advertisers, Explaining

By TALKERS | September 30, 2024September 30, 2024 by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

As listener attention and advertising dollars continue to go-digital, stations now sell more than spots, to monetize advertiser demand that will otherwise be satisfied by other vendors. With you or without you, local retailers need/want to be seen.

Many local businesses are already on YouTube. And whether their video is polished or embarrassingly amateurish, they crave traffic. Stacks of research demonstrate that NO other companion medium drives online traffic better than radio. We train station reps to ask prospects with online assets: “Unless we tell our listeners, how will they know it’s there?” And if your station web site is content-rich and properly promoted, your traffic runs rings around theirs.

Low-hanging fruit: Local service retailers, explaining. Example: A bicycle shop demonstrates how to change a flat tire. Doing so identifies the business as helpful and helps sell spare tires and patch kits. One video I saw so thoroughly explained the process that it left me thinking I’d let them do it! 😉

How-to-do-something videos are among YouTube’s most-watched. Second-only to entertaining videos. Tips, based on what’s up at stations I work with, and sources cited:

• Keep ‘em short, based on viewing data which demonstrates that people stop watching after two minutes, if they watch that long (the first five seconds is critical). And so, you can sell the advertiser a series of videos.

• From YouTube Marketing by QuickStudy.com: Create videos that solve [the advertiser’s] customers’ problems. Each video should address one concern, narrowly focused on one problem end users face and how to overcome it. Doing a series invites viewers back to see that series of episodes.

• Depict advertisers demonstrating their expertise, so consumers are confident that your client is the right choice; and to personalize the business.

• Use keywords that the viewers you want would likely search, in your self-explanatory title (“How to change a flat bicycle tire”) and in the video’s Description and Tags.

• Early in your YouTube Description copy, include a link to more information, i.e., “Step-by-step instructions: example.com/flat.pdf”

• Research from Kinetic: More than half of viewers watch without sound. So, consider how you can get your message across without it.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working 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

Audacy Announces Weekday Programming Changes for 670 The Score, Chicago

By TALKERS | September 24, 2024September 24, 2024 by TALKERS

Audacy has announced a series of programming changes for 670 The Score (WSCR-AM) in Chicago. Marshall Harris Midday show host Laurence Holmes (pictured left) will transition to afternoon drive and join co-host Matt Spiegel. “The Spiegel and Holmes Show” began being heard weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm CT yesterday (9/23). The station also installs local broadcast veteran Marshall Harris as midday show co-host. Harris succeeds Holmes and will be heard alongside Dan Bernstein on weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm CT beginning September 30. “We’re thrilled to debut the future of afternoons on The Score by pairing Laurence Holmes with Matt Spiegel,” said Kevin Cassidy, SVP/market manager, Audacy Chicago. “Laurence’s deep knowledge of Chicago sports, coupled with Matt’s existing rapport with our afternoon listeners, promises to deliver compelling, insightful content that resonates with our audience. We’re equally thrilled to welcome Marshall Harris, a seasoned sports broadcaster with deep local ties, to our midday lineup.” Holmes joined The Score in 1998 and covered the Bears for 10 years. He has also been a sports anchor on NBC5 and NBC Sports Chicago. He succeeds Danny Parkins, who recently left the station. Harris joins 670 The Score after serving as sports director for CBS2 in Chicago. He has also served as a fill-in host for 670 The Score since 2022 and has been heard on sister station Sports Radio 94WIP in Philadelphia.

Legendary Phoenix Suns PBP Announcer Al McCoy Passes Away at 91

By TALKERS | September 23, 2024 by TALKERS

Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor member and legendary radio play-by-play announcer Al McCoy has passed away peacefully at the age of 91. The longest tenured team broadcaster in NBA history, McCoy was widely known as the “dean of NBA broadcasters” for his years of service and unique broadcasting style. He served 51 seasons as “The Voice of the Suns,” calling his first game on September 27, 1972 and his last on May 11, 2023. McCoy’s unforgettable calls of the most memorable moments in Suns history, including three trips to the NBA Finals, and his trademark phrases from “Shazam!” to “Zing Go the Strings” to “Heartbreak Hotel” have cemented his legacy throughout Arizona and the NBA. His distinctive voice, vivid descriptions and deep knowledge of the game created a unique style that remained a staple for more than five decades. McCoy will long be known as the Voice of the Phoenix Suns. His many contributions to basketball and sports broadcasting were recognized when he received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. The first play-by-play announcer inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2004 and a 2009 inductee into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, McCoy earned the team’s highest honor when he became the 15th person inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor in 2017. Funeral services are pending.

Job Opportunity

Morning Radio Executive Producer Based in Richmond, VA

By TALKERS | September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 by TALKERS

One of the fastest growing independent conservative talk-news radio stations/media networks in America is seeking a top-notch career-oriented morning radio show producer. This executive position is full-time, based in Richmond, VA with tremendous growth potential. The company’s morning show host is a nationally known figure who owns radio stations from West Virginia to Atlanta. This is not a remote position, as the producer must work in the flagship studio in South Richmond. The hours are 5:30 am to 2:30 pm ET. The position requires solid radio production knowledge, creativity, perseverance, and the ability to multi-task in the morning. The right candidate will produce the morning show, field phone calls from high-level political figures (including President Donald Trump who has called in 75 times) and live callers, manage the clock, run the ads, and navigate through normal live radio issues. For more details and contact info, please click here.

Today is Constitution Day

By TALKERS | September 17, 2024 by TALKERS

Written in 1787, signed on September 17, 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the United States Constitution is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government. Today is the anniversary of that initial signing. After spending all summer crafting the original seven articles of the historic document, an assemblage of the nation’s founding fathers in Philadelphia at the Constitutional Convention, under the leadership of George Washington, created what would prove to be the ideological and legal backbone of the United States of America. The 39 remarkable individuals who put their signatures to the document included such icons as Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Gouverneur Morris.

The document opens with its iconic preamble:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

In noting this historic milestone, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Although the Bill of Rights wasn’t ratified until December 15, 1791 – which, of course, includes the all-important First Amendment – the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution should not go unacknowledged by practitioners of talk media, especially during this tense time of political strife and turmoil. Honoring and analyzing the tenets of this precious document is the very foundation of this vital medium. Constitution Day provides an opportunity to promote understanding and clarity when most needed.”

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | September 12, 2024September 12, 2024 by TALKERS

WJR AM 760 Brings Live NFL Football to Detroit Sports Fans on Monday and Thursday Nights. Cumulus Media announces that Detroit news/talk station WJR AM 760 will air NFL football on Monday and Thursday nights through a new agreement with Westwood One. WJR AM 760 will provide exclusive and comprehensive coverage of the 2024-2025 NFL season, broadcasting Monday and Thursday night regular season football games on the station and in a simulcast on Cumulus Media’s WDVD-FM HD2. WJR AM 760 coverage will also include the NFL Playoffs, beginning with the wild card round and ending with the Super Bowl. Coming up on WJR AM 760’s NFL coverage is the Buffalo Bills match-up against the Miami Dolphins in Miami tonight (9/12) at 7:30pm. Ann Thomas, PD of WJR AM 760, tells TALKERS, “WJR is thrilled to partner with Westwood One to bring Monday and Thursday night NFL football to Michigan residents.”

Morning Host Ashley Sterner Expands Role at Baltimore Public Media’s WYPR. Baltimore Public Media’s WYPR 88.1 FM has announced that Ashley Sterner (pictured above, left), long-time host of “Morning Edition,” will now co-host “On the Record” alongside Sheilah Kast (r). Sterner, a familiar voice at WYPR for nearly two decades, steps into her new role to expand her engagement with the community through in-depth discussions and storytelling. Kast expressed excitement about Sterner’s new position telling TALKERS, “Ashley has been instrumental in how our listeners start their day, and now she brings that same expertise to deepen the dialogue on ‘On the Record.’ We are delighted to welcome her as co-host and look forward to the fresh perspectives she will introduce alongside our engaging program content.” Sterner adds, “I’m excited to share more of Maryland’s stories on the radio and couldn’t dream of working with a better team!” The program, produced by Maureen Harvie and Melissa Gerr, offers interviews involving “audacious artists, intrepid scientists, community leaders, and more.” Sterner will make her co-hosting debut tomorrow (9/13) on the NPR affiliate, with the show broadcasting every Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 am. (Photo by Melissa Gerr/WYPR.)

Broadcasters Foundation Pulls Off Major Fund Raiser to Benefit Industry. A record number of radio and television on-air personalities and executives, plus renowned athletes, turned up on Monday (9/9) for the sold-out Celebrity Golf Tournament, a major fundraiser for the Broadcasters Foundation of America, which helps broadcasters in acute need due to life-altering illness and other catastrophies. Pictured above are the on-air celebrities and athletes who participated at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY. For more information about the BFoA, please click here www.broadcastersfoundation.org

Virtual News Center Adds Missouri Cluster. Virtual News Center – a growing independent news provider for radio stations – is adding five new stations to its list of affiliates with the additions of KCGQ, KGKS, KEZS, and KGIR. The stations serve Cape Girardeau, MO. River Radio, LLC owns KSIM/KZIM Newsradio 960 and added Virtual News Center to the rest of its cluster following the success of the station. “KZIM/KSIM has been very pleased to have a relationship with Virtual News Center over the last several years. We have recently grown that relationship by utilizing the Virtual News Center news writing and production services. They provide quality, timely, news with talent that connects with our listening audience,” says general manager Mike Renick. “Mike Renick and Faune Riggin are doing great radio in Cape Girardeau, and we are excited to make their local news shine with Karen Johnson and Brandon Dickson,” says Virtual News Center owner Joel Dearing. Johnson will anchor daily newscasts for the cluster with reporting from Dickson. Virtual News Center provides market-specific news, weather, and sports content to dozens of radio stations across the U.S. For more information visit www.virtualnewscenter.com.

Talk Media Gears Up for Tonight’s Big Debate

By TALKERS | September 10, 2024September 10, 2024 by TALKERS

Proclaiming it “the most important presidential debate in history,” talk media stations and networks across the nation are gearing up with special programs and live coverage to precede, accompany and follow the ABC Network debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia tonight at 9:00 pm ET. Several outlets have requested and received special permission from ABC to simulcast the debate itself. These include CNN (which will be running special shows beginning at 4:00 pm ET as if it were a Super Bowl); Salem Radio Network, which will also run a pre-debate special between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm ET featuring its top personalities, Dr. Sebastian Gorka, Dennis Prager, Mike Gallagher, and Tony Perkins; and local stations such as WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE (“The Talk Of Delmarva”) on 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM, as well as streaming on the WGMD app, and TalkOfDelmarva.com. That will be accompanied by a real-time, interactive blogging event at RealNewsTalk.com. FOX News Media will present live coverage surrounding the debate with special programming available across all of FOX News Media’s key platforms, including FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio and FOX Nation. Cumulus media/Westwood One host Dan Bongino will host a special live edition of his podcast on Rumble preceding and during the debate beginning at 8:00 pm ET.

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | September 10, 2024September 10, 2024 by TALKERS

PodcastOne Names Steve Lehman Vice Chairman. PodcastOne – a leading podcasting platform – announced today (9/10) the appointment of Steve Lehman as its vice chairman, focusing on helping the firm drive both organic and inorganic growth opportunities, as well as advising its senior management with regard to mergers and acquisitions efforts, as well as overall strategy and increasing its shareholder value. Lehman will leverage his extensive background in business and finance having headed both Nasdaq and NYSE companies, as well as start-up businesses in the media, entertainment, and tech industries. “We are pleased to welcome Steve Lehman to PodcastOne. His unique knowledge of content and media, and his successful track record and history in merger, roll-up, and consolidation, perfectly aligns with PodcastOne’s strategy and vision for its long-term growth. We continue to launch new revenue channels with high margins atop of our existing strong infrastructure, and we look forward to leveraging Steve’s experience, leaning into his expertise and relationships as PodcastOne further builds its global brand,” said company president and co-founder, Kit Gray.

Dylan Douglas to Host New Gen Z Political Program Exclusively for SiriusXM’s Progress Channel. SiriusXM announced today the launch of a new “limited engagement” political program, “Young American with Dylan Douglas,” designed to engage Gen Z and other young listeners during the run-up to the highly-anticipated November elections. Starting September 14, “Young American with Dylan Douglas” will air every Saturday at 11:00am ET on SiriusXM’s Progress channel 127, with replays throughout the weekend. Douglas, a ‘22 graduate of Brown University has spent much of his young adult life working on political campaigns and grassroots movements, including as a deputy campaign manager for a high-profile congressional race. Despite growing up as the son of Academy Award-winning actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Dylan has to this point chosen to work mainly behind-the-scenes in the political world. He’s now stepping in front of the microphone because he feels strongly that his generation needs to play a more active and integral role in shaping the future of the country. Douglas will focus on topics that will be driving young voters to the polls in this year’s election, including some of the defining issues of his generation, such as reproductive rights, climate change, gun control, and much more. He will also speak with politicians and activists to exchange ideas on how Gen Z and politicians can work together to address issues and reach goals that are important to young Americans. Dylan will also regularly engage with his social media followers, including on Instagram, and have them submit questions and topics they’d like him to ask our nation’s leaders.

Annual “Grassroots Radio Conference” Focusing on Progressive Media and Issues Set for New Orleans

By TALKERS | September 10, 2024September 10, 2024 by TALKERS

The annual Grassroots Radio Conference 2024 (GRC2024) has announced that it will be held at the historic Gallier Hall in New Orleans from September 26 to 29, with the theme “Using Our Platforms to Protect Democracy.” Local New Orleans radio stations 102.3FM WHIV-LP and 99.1FM WXDR-LP are hosting the event with a consortium of other local nonprofit radio stations, including WRBH (radio for the blind), WAMF-LP, WTUL and HOWL (Loyola University’s new online radio station). The GRC2024 will be a gathering of community radio stations, independent media outlets, and grassroots organizations nationwide. It is a networking, learning, and collaboration space in independent media. The conference’s stated mission is to empower and amplify diverse voices often marginalized by mainstream media. “We are thrilled to bring the Grassroots Radio Conference to New Orleans this year,” said Liana Elliott, co-founder of host radio station 102.3FM WHIV-LP and GRC2024 co-chair. “As a city with such a rich history of activism and community organizing, we feel that New Orleans is the perfect location to explore how grassroots media can protect our democracy.” The conference will feature workshops, panels and discussions on various topics, including media ethics, diversity and inclusivity in media, fundraising strategies for independent outlets and more. The agenda will include keynote speeches from Thom Hartmann, host of the Thom Hartmann Show and named by TALKERS the nation’s #1 progressive talk show host for over a decade; David Sirota, founder of The Lever and campaign writer for Bernie Sanders in 2020; Monica Pierre, Emmy award-winning journalist and author of several books; Sam Seder, actor, left-wing political commentator, media host; Wade Rathke from ACORN and WAFM-LPFM; and Wajahat Ali, author of Go Back To Where You Came From: And, Other Helpful Recommendations on Becoming American. “The Grassroots Radio Conference 2024 aims to address systemic oppression and amplify the voices of marginalized communities in our efforts to protect democracy,” said co-founder of host radio station 102.3FM WHIV-LP and GRC2024 co-chair Dr. MarkAlain Déry. “This conference is not just about protecting our democracy but also about creating a more just and fair society for everyone.” Registration for the conference is now open.

ARE YOU READY? Westwood One Launches 38th Consecutive Season as Exclusive Primetime Radio Partner of NFL

By TALKERS | September 5, 2024September 5, 2024 by TALKERS

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One will provide exclusive play-by-play coverage of the National Football League’s entire primetime regular season as well as every postseason game, marking the 38th consecutive season that the syndicator is the exclusive network radio partner of the NFL. This will be the 52nd time that the network will broadcast the Super Bowl to a national audience. Westwood One Sports will provide play-by-play coverage of the NFL’s 2024 national regular season primetime games including Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, and Sunday Night Football plus Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, Christmas Day, NFL International Games, and the entire postseason, culminating on Sunday, February 9 with Super Bowl LIX, live from New Orleans. It all begins tonight at NFL Kickoff when the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens. On Friday, September 6, Westwood One will cover the first ever NFL Game to be played in São Paulo, Brazil. The weekly Sunday night schedule begins September 8, when the Detroit Lions host the New York Giants. Monday Night Football starts September 9 when the Jets play the San Francisco 49ers. Thursday Night Football debuts September 12 when the Buffalo Bills meet the Miami Dolphins. Coverage kicks off at 7:30 pm each night. Kevin Harlan and Kurt Warner will again be the lead broadcast crew, calling the Kickoff Game, Monday Night Football and Super Bowl LIX for the network. This will be Harlan’s 15th full season behind the Westwood One microphone and Warner’s 11th season as an analyst for the network. Ryan Radtke and Mike Golic will be the primary announcers for Sunday Night Football, while Ian Eagle returns as the main play-by-play voice for Thursday Night Football. Kevin Kugler will broadcast select Thursday night games as well. Analysts for Thursday Night Football this season will include Devin McCourty, Ron Rivera, and Ross Tucker. Tom McCarthy, John Sadak, JP Shadrick, and Jason Benetti will also serve as play-by-play announcers. Other game analysts this season will include James Lofton as well as Mike Mayock, Ryan Harris, Ryan Leaf, and Derek Rackley. Rich Eisen returns to anchor the pregame and halftime shows for Monday Night Football. Scott Graham will again host the remaining games in the national radio package. In addition to live game coverage, Westwood One Sports will also offer the weekly features NFL Insider, NFL Preview, and NFL Fantasy Forecast.

Salem to Present Pre-Debate Special

By TALKERS | September 4, 2024September 4, 2024 by TALKERS

Salem Radio Network talk host (and former political candidate) Larry Elder will host a two-hour Trump/Harris Pre-Debate Special from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Eastern next Tuesday, September 10^thprior to the start of the ABC News debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The program will air live on the Salem Radio Network (SRN) and on Salem News Channel (SNC) and will feature analysis and insight from Elder, as well as SRN/SNC talk hosts Mike Gallagher (reporting live from a debate-watching party in Tampa), Dr. Sebastian Gorka, and Dennis Prager. Additional perspective on the issues facing America in advance of the debate will be supplied by Tony Perkins, president of D.C.-based Family Research Council and host of the weekly Salem Media Group news program, “This Week on the Hill.” Phil Boyce, Salem’s SVP/spoken word formats, tells TALKERS, “Larry Elder’s solid experience as a talk show host – as well as perspective he gained as a candidate for Governor of California and President of the United States – makes him uniquely qualified for this pre-debate special role. His insight and knowledge are unmatched.” Dennis Prager NOTE: Current SRN Larry Elder affiliates will receive the special as Hour #2 and Hour #3 on Tuesday’s (9/10) program; non-Elder stations wishing to clear the special can contact the Salem Radio Network affiliate representative for their region: East of the Mississippi, Jim Bligh; West of the Mississippi, Kelli DeShan.

WINS News Reporter Attacked in Random Street Assault

By TALKERS | August 27, 2024August 27, 2024 by TALKERS

As reported in the New York Post (8/26) by reporters Steven Vago, Steve Janoski and Carl Camanille, an assailant seized a 1010 WINS journalist by the hair and body-slammed her to the ground in a random senseless act outside the radio station office building, according to police and the victim. Kelly Dillon – a veteran New York City news and traffic reporter who was also with WCBS 880 – detailed the sudden attack in a Saturday TikTok video, describing how she was “assaulted on the streets of New York City, randomly, by a man” just after midnight Wednesday. “There are many crimes being committed – random acts, random attacks – on females on the streets,” Dillon said. “It’s not going away, and it’s not getting any better. And it’s getting much, much worse. And the media and the police are definitely downplaying this. It’s a huge, huge problem.” Dillon’s ordeal began when she left the Hudson Street office building and started heading home to New Jersey after finishing her last report of the night, she said. “The area is quite desolate at night, it’s a quiet neighborhood,” she said in the video. “I’m always on guard walking through the city as a young female alone.” Dillon added that she thinks city officials are trying to cover up such recent violence, which she believes is more widespread than people know and is being perpetrated by an organized group of men with a vendetta against women. “They’re absolutely trying to downplay this,” Dillon said of the city. “It cannot be downplayed. The streets are not safe for women or, honestly for anybody right now. But in particular, females. This felt very deliberate and planned.” The NYPD responded to the allegation in a statement to The Post on Sunday by recounting Dillon’s report of the attack and adding, “There are no arrests and the investigation remains ongoing.” Dillon said she is slowly recuperating from the shocking assault. “I can’t move my arm. At this point it’s still healing,” she said. “That’s quite painful. And just obviously, the whole body is in a tremendous level of pain from the body-slam, hitting the pavement and just the trauma, the whole situation.” To read the entire NY Post story, please click here.

16th Annual Mentoring Women Leadership Program Successfully Completed

By TALKERS | August 26, 2024August 26, 2024 by TALKERS

RAB Group Shot 2024 Graduates with Featured Speakers including
Erica Farber, Kim Johnson, and Trisha Yearwood

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) and Xperi, joined forces for the successful execution and completion of the 16th annual “Rising Through the Ranks”program. The program began with a virtual session on Tuesday, August 13, and continued with in-person sessions on August 20-22 at the BMI Nashville office. Attendees were selected following an application process. The two-day curriculum focused on the specific needs of women in radio leadership or those aspiring to move into leadership positions. The program worked to enhance their overall knowledge and skills. The classroom materials, including participants’ notebooks, were sponsored by Mr. Master. Sessions included such topics as: Having it All, Building Your Personal Brand, Beyond Management: Unlocking the Leader Within, and Building Team Culture. Featured speakers included: Hartley Adkins, president, market groups, iHeartMedia; Rob Babin, EVP, radio, Cox Media Group; Danni Bruns, OM/PD of mornings, Cumulus Media; Kristin Cantrell, owner/CEO, Seven Mountains Media and CapCity Communications; Joe D’Angelo, SVP broadcast radio and digital audio, Xperi; Erica Farber, immediate past president/CEO, RAB; Kelli Frieler, owner, Vibrant Impact and director, Guaranty Digital Media; Kim Johnson, VP of professional development, RAB; Susan Larkin, COO, Audacy; Ruth Presslaff, board president, MIW; Jeff Schmidt, senior vice president, professional development, RAB; Erika Sylvia, market accounting manager, Houston/Dallas, Radio One; Sandye Taylor, SVP and chief DEI officer, BMI; Brooke Williams, SVP, membership, RAB; Trisha Yearwood, award-winning artist; and Linnae Young, EVP, operations and revenue development, Salem Media Group. The curriculum was customized to feature practical and real-world applications that participants can immediately utilize within their companies and for their personal development. “This year’s graduates join the 440 women who have participated and benefited from RAB’s Rising Through the Ranks,” noted Mike Hulvey, president/CEO, RAB. “We are immensely proud of the initiative and its impact on the business.”

WISN, Milwaukee Host Jay Weber Steps in It on X for Mocking Gus Walz, Disabled Son of Tim Walz

By TALKERS | August 23, 2024August 23, 2024 by TALKERS

Unaware that Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has a neurodivergent disability, 1130 WISN, Milwaukee host Jay Weber really stepped in it with a harsh post on X that he subsequently was compelled to apologetically remove – but not until after the damage was already done. Here’s what happened: The youngest child of the Democratic nominee for VP couldn’t contain his pride during his Dad’s acceptance speech at the DNC.

At one point during the speech, after Tim Walz spoke directly to his family, Gus jumped up from his seat and could be seen tearfully saying: “That’s my dad! That’s my dad!” Many viewers were moved by Gus Walz’s emotional reaction to his father’s speech but not the conservative host whose response posted on X was widely condemned as offensive. According to a story by reporter Mary Spicuzza published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Weber posted, “Sorry, but this is embarrassing for both father and son. If the Walzs represent today’s American man, this country is screwed; ‘Meet my son, Gus. He’s a blubbering bitch boy. His mother and I are very proud.'” Weber deleted his post after facing online criticism. “I didn’t realize the kid was disabled, and have taken the post down,” Weber wrote. But the tweet was screenshotted and shared by Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Shawn Rolland and others to hold Weber accountable. Gus Walz, 17, has ADHD, an anxiety disorder, and a non-verbal learning disorder. Weber acknowledged regretting his action and concurred with his critics. “I agree. In an X fever, I broke one of my own long-standing rules when I saw the video,” Weber wrote. “I’ve said ‘the kids are off limits for decades,’ then fell into it myself. No excuses. Good reminder.” Kudos to Weber for quickly acknowledging his error.

To read the full Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, please click here.

Zach Lyons Named Co-host on WGFX-FM (104.5 The Zone), Nashville “Blaine and Zach” Show

By TALKERS | August 21, 2024August 21, 2024 by TALKERS

Cumulus Media has appointed Zach Lyons as co-host for afternoon sports radio show, “Blaine and Zach,” on its Nashville outlet WGFX-FM (104.5 The Zone). Lyons joins co-host, Blaine Bishop, former Tennessee Titans safety and a four-time Pro Bowler. Bishop retired following the 2002 season capping an outstanding 10-year NFL playing career, featuring nine seasons with the Titans franchise. In addition to the weekday show, Lyons will join Brent Dougherty, Lucas Panzica, and Kevin Dyson as co-host of the station’s Titans postgame show, “Titan Talk Back.” Lyons is best known for co-founding broadwaysportsmedia.com and for hosting the popular sports podcast, “Football and Other F Words,” which will join the podcast lineup on the 104.5 The Zone Podcast Network.

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | August 20, 2024 by TALKERS

Audacy raises more than $3.9 million for the Jimmy Fund, which supports adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston during the 22nd “WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon.” Audacy says that since 2002, the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon has raised over $73 million to improve the lives of cancer patients everywhere.

FOX News Digital finished July as the top news brand with multiplatform minutes and views, according to data from Comscore. FOX News Digital closed out the month reaching 3.9 billion total multiplatform minutes, 1.9 billion total multiplatform views, and 119 million total digital multiplatform unique visitors.

Salem Radio Network is reporting from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week. SRN vice president/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “Bob Agnew’s up-close-and-personal knowledge of Kamala Harris from covering her in the Senate bring a rich depth to his coverage of her ascendancy to the 2024 Democrats nominee for president. Our tag-team of Agnew and SRN News White House correspondent Greg Clugston already is delivering DNC 2024 coverage that’s second to none in radio news.”

CBS News Radio takes home two Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association. CBS won in two categories: Breaking News Coverage (Radio) CBS News Radio October 7^th and Overall Excellence (Radio) CBS News Radio.

NPR Readies Democratic National Convention Plans

By TALKERS | August 16, 2024August 16, 2024 by TALKERS

NPR and participating member stations will begin coverage of the Democratic National Convention from Chicago next Monday and Tuesday (8/19, 8/20, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm, ET). Scott Detrow’s recap of the day’s major events will feature insights from NPR correspondents, as well as interviews with newsmakers attending the convention. NPR’s coverage will continue Wednesday and Thursday (8/21, 8/22) beginning at 9:00 pm ET. NPR’s team of reporters in Chicago will include: Liz Baker, Martin Kaste, Sandhya Dirks, Don Gonyea, Tamara Keith, Asma Khalid, Deepa Shivaram, Mara Liasson, Deirdre Walsh, Danielle Kurtzleben, Franco Ordoñez, and Domenico Montanaro. Additional political reporting will be provided by: Sarah McCammon, Ashley Lopez, Elena Moore, Stephen Fowler, Ben Giles, and Ximena Bustillo. Coverage will include live reports from within the convention hall, expert analysis, and interviews with key figures. The “NPR Politics” team will release a podcast episode each night of the convention. NPR will have a reporter stationed outside the arena to capture public reactions and potential protests.

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | August 15, 2024August 15, 2024 by TALKERS

Columnist Patt Morrison writes an interesting piece in the Los Angeles Times about radio call letters. Morrison writes, “This call letter business got codified in 1912, at a ‘radiotelegraph’ conference in London not long after RMS Titanic sank, so the power of wireless communication was very much on delegates’ minds.” This piece also includes images of vintage postcards showing historic radio broadcast studios. See the piece here.

WABC, New York is sending a news team and video crew to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. WABC owner John Catsimatidis says, “The public deserves to be informed on what both sides are saying and doing. We are committed to reporting the truth, so that listeners can make knowledgeable decisions. We were at the Republican National Convention last month, and we will be at the Democratic National Convention, as well.”

Audacy to Launch New Sports Talk Outlet in Kansas City

By TALKERS | August 9, 2024 by TALKERS

Audacy will flip alternative rock KRBZ-FM, Kansas City to sports talk as “96.5 The Fan” and is changing the call letters to KFNZ-FM. Audacy says, “The market-leading sports talent, commentary, analysis and play-by-play coverage previously heard on ‘610 Sports Radio’ (KCSP-AM) will now be heard on 96.5 The Fan – marking Kansas City’s first full-time FM Sports station. This FM sports destination will be the new flagship radio station of the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and broadcast all pre-, regular and post-season games. Chiefs games will be simulcast on 106.5 The Wolf “WDAF-FM” for the 2024 season.” The station will also serve as the play-by-play home of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas State University and University of Missouri men’s basketball and football. The station’s weekday programming and play-by-play content will also be heard on KFNZ-AM “The Fan AM 610,” formerly known as KCSP-AM. Audacy Kansas City SVP and market manager Roxanne Marati comments, “Kansas City has the most passionate sports fans in the country, and they deserve a one-stop destination for premium sports content year-round. This is an exciting time for KC sports, and our exclusive partnership with the World Champion Chiefs, local content and engaging personalities with unrivaled sports knowledge will fuel fandom, bring listeners closer to the action and keep them connected to their favorite teams.”

Beasley Celebrates 15th Anniversary of “98.5 The Sports” Hub in Boston

By TALKERS | August 9, 2024 by TALKERS

Beasley Media Group is celebrating the 15^th anniversary of sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub,” next week. The station launched on August 13, 2009 with replays of the New England Patriots 2001, 2003 and 2004 Super Bowl winning radio broadcasts, followed by the inaugural “Felger & Mazz” show. Throughout its 15-year history, the station has received numerous industry accolades, including the National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award for “Sports Station of the Year” in 2011, 2014, 2019 and 2023. Station program director Rick Radzik says, “For me, being with the station since day one, I have always felt proud and privileged to be a part of the ‘Sports Hub’ team these past 15 years. We look forward to celebrating the milestone all next week on air and online with many stories and recollections from our on-air talent.”

Job Opportunity

Saga Seeks Weather Director/News Reporter in Spencer, Iowa

By TALKERS | August 2, 2024August 2, 2024 by TALKERS

Saga Communications’ Spencer Radio Group is seeking a full-time weather director and news reporter for the cluster including news/talk KICD-AM/W237DD and music brands “BIG Country 107.7,” “MORE 104.9,” and “PURE Oldies 98.3/98.5.” The company says, “We’re looking for someone with the ability, talent and passion to continue SRG’s long tradition into the future. The person for this position will need to live in Spencer, Iowa (or surrounding area). We need someone who understands small-market, local radio and is willing to be involved in the community. Knowledge of radio automation software, adobe audition, word press, and general computer experience is preferred. We value creativity and the desire to win! Duties for this position include (but not limited to): 1) Gathering, writing and reading local news stories; 2) Covering some meetings/events; 3) Conducting on-air interviews; 4) Anchoring LIVE, local, severe weather coverage; 5) Compiling/recording local weather data for National Weather Service; 6) Read LIVE market updates on air; 7) Posting local content on our websites/social media platforms. Send your resume and demo to operations manager Kevin Tlam at ktlam@spencerradiogroup.com. No phone calls. No voice-track inquiries. EOE.

Changes in Presidential Race Providing News/Talk Media with Positive Energy Surge

By TALKERS | July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 by TALKERS

Regardless of one’s personal political agenda or ideology, there is massive acknowledgement in all quarters of the news/talk radio and related communications media industries that the recent change at the top of the Democratic Party ticket is a good thing for business. Talk show hosts and producers across the nation report a surge in telephone activity as well as streaming metrics. News/talk television outlets FOX News Channel and Newsmax TV are boasting burgeoning numbers hitting new peaks with every unfolding development in the furiously spinning news cycle. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “We’ve all known – for better or worse – that politics is a great American ‘spectator sport’ and following the momentum swings between offense and defense in this reality show-type narrative is a compelling audience attractor the likes of which we haven’t seen in a long time.” Harrison adds, “Freedom of Speech and democracy are extremely untidy processes – but ultimately, this robust conversation and elevated dynamic in our extremely noisy world will prove to be good for the talk business as well as the nation. Let’s all try, however, to ride this wave responsibly – by not seeking victory at the expense of truth.”