Industry News

Cressy Walton Named VP of Sales at iHeartMedia Phoenix

iHeartMedia names Cressy Walton vice president of sales for the Phoenix Region, effective October 9. She most recently served with Alpha Media Portland as director of sales. The University of Arizonaim grad began her career in the Phoenix market. Phoenix region SVP of sales Nancie Sullivan comments, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Cressy join our team here in Phoenix. With her knowledge of the market and her extensive experience, she will be an integral part of the leadership team who will continue to strengthen our position in the market and in the Phoenix ad community.”

Industry News

Former Senator Alfonse D’Amato Joins 77WABC

Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC, New York announces that former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato is joining the station as a regular contributor in which he’ll “provide insights from his years of political service across 77WABC’s talk programs, including ‘Cats & Cosby,’ the afternoon drive show co-hosted by Redim Apple CEO John Catsimatidis and award-winning journalist Rita Cosby. Catsimatidis says, “Senator D’Amato is one of the smartest, most common sense, and knowledgeable people I know. From his many years in the U.S. Senate, Al has a deep understanding of the underpinnings of politics – local, national, and global – and will help 77WABC listeners discern the truth about what’s really going on in Washington and the world.” Senator D’Amato represented the state of New York in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 1999. Following his departure from the Senate, he founded the lobbying firm Park Strategies. He says, “I am pleased to be part of the greatest news/talk programming in the nation. 77WABC is a station whose people call it the way it is and aren’t wed to a political party but are wed to doing what’s right in America.”

Industry News

“The Insiders” Launches on “ESPN 1320” in Sacramento

Audacy sports talker KIFM-AM, Sacramento ESPN 1320 unveils its new midday show, “The Insiders,” starring James Ham and Kyle Madson. Audacy Sacramento regional president Stacey Kauffman comments, “James Ham and Kyle Madson are two seasoned voices in the world of Sacramento sports,im and their deep knowledge and passion for the local sports scene make them the perfect duo to lead this exciting new midday show. We believe ‘The Insiders’ will provide our listeners with insightful analysis, engaging conversations and a unique perspective on all things sports in Sacramento.” James Ham states, “I am extremely excited to expand my role at ‘ESPN 1320’ and give Sacramento listeners more daily local content to digest. D-Lo [Damien Barling] and KC [Kenny Caraway] have built an incredible community and platform. Adding ‘The Insiders’ show should be considered an extension of that brand. I look forward to working with Kyle Madson and am ready for the new adventure ahead.”

Industry Views

Pending Business: A Little Change Can Do You Good

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imLast week, with little time left on the clock, Disney and Charter Communications made a deal so that Charter customers could continue to watch Disney programming. Phew! Just in time for 15 million Charter cable customers to have access to that 53-year-old American institution called “Monday Night Football.”

It’s amazing how the two sides came together just in time to preserve the TV viewing habits of millions of football fans and all those millions of ad dollars sold into the broadcasts. Although both Disney and Charter lobbed streaming options at viewers to help ease the temporary pain, in the end, cooler heads prevailed, and a deal was struck.

Not so fast, somebody buried a headline.

Just before Labor Day, the Charter guys were claiming the current cable TV bundling model ain’t what it used to be, in effect acknowledging the nearly 5 million people a year who cut the cable. The cable bundle value proposition is changing before our blurry gameday eyes, and more options are becoming accessible every day. Does any of this “I can get this somewhere else” ring familiar?

Try this at home. Ask any Gen Z people you know how often they listen to the radio. (Gen Z are roughly between nine and 26 years old.) Now ask the Millennials you know (roughly 27 to 42 years old). The results will frighten you as you realize the greatest freebie electronic entertainment ever invented is losing the future faster than cord cutters on steroids.

If you have been in the terrestrial radio business for longer than five years, you are aware of the melting ice cube future of radio. Even our friends in the newspaper business are changing with the times, looking for writers who will report specifically on Taylor Swift and Beyonce. They tour the world generating crazy numbers in ticket and music sales. Their appearances and social media impact everything from fashion to politics. How is that for changing a future value proposition?

Sports fan or not, are you in touch with the Coach Prime phenomenon happening at the University of Colorado? The story was featured on the soon-to-be 56-year-old “60 Minutes.”

Deon Sanders is changing college football in Boulder as fans gobble up seats at over $500 a piece.

The point of this column is simple. From cable to pop culture to Coach Prime, leadership is innovating, finding new ways to re-invent and re-package a premise as old as song and sport, a premise much older than the terrestrial radio business. Maybe we can all learn from what we sell.

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.

Industry News

The Damning Myth of Spoken Word Radio: High Time Spent Listening (TSA) and Low Cume

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, “Sterling On Sunday”
Talk Media Network

imDependency upon a PPM panel to deliver high time spent listening is a bad business model. Would you rather count on one person listening for one hour or four people listening for 15 minutes? Right.

A good music format program director knows exactly how to program talk radio in a PPM environment. Oddly, when a music programmer has the privilege of programming a talk station they seem to forget all of their programming knowledge. Both formats are measured by exactly the same technology and therefore if it “works” in music, it works in talk.

The reason “New Jersey 101.5” quickly became the highest cuming FM talk station in the world – for 20+ years – is because when Bob McAllanJay SorensenPerry SimonJohn Dziuba and I designed it, we had a simple process: Build a music station that takes a lot of phone calls. It was always programmed like a top 40 station and 33 years later it obviously worked.

The reason “Real Radio 104.1 in Orlando” was the only Howard Stern station that did not suffer the expense of having to change format when he was recruited to SiriusXM Satellite Radio was because the station was built as a heavily formatted music station that took a lot of phone calls. Note that Real Radio 104.1 and New Jersey 101.5 both air music non-stop on the weekends for the single purpose of targeting a specific cume demographic. It obviously worked.

What are the key elements of a music format that should be applied to talk in order to build cume?

  • Please, god, don’t flag the “breaks.”
  • Every show had a specific pace based on topic set up time and call length time which gave the station a consistent rhythm and sound.  All day.
  • No “records” from home!  No personal sound effects, jingles or that crap.
  • Constantly sell ahead. No yesterday calls, yesterday references. Sell what’s next.
  • Assume every single listener just tuned in. Explain the topic and give the phone number obsessively.
  • Listener driven not host driven. Every host is valuable and gifted but if a host makes the mistake of quitting, the interest needs and tastes of the listener are constant and can be reflected by the next host. A constant.

Mickey Luckoff, the brilliant president of KGO, San Francisco for decades explained why he hired most of his hosts from top 40  radio because, “I can teach them TALK but I can’t teach them radio.”  BTW yes, even 34-year morning host Jim Dunbar worked at WLS and KQV as a top 40 jock immediately before joining KGO to host a talk show.

Walter Sabo was a pioneer in the concept of targeted talk which allows a station to precisely reach a chosen demographic. He has had a robust list of consulting clients including, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Conde Naste, CBS, Press Broadcasting, RKO General, Hearst, Fred Silverman Productions, and many more. His company HITVIEWS was the first major player to recognize and monetize online video stars known as “influencers.” He is on the nominating board of the Radio Hall of Fame. Reach him at 646.678.1110 or walter@sabomedia.com.  Discover Sabo’s network radio show here: waltersterlingshow.com.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: “You are about to enter another dimension,” The Radio Zone

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imMany news/talk stations broker weekend hours to professionals who host ask-the-expert shows to attract new clients.

AND IT WORKS…IF…the show (for lack of a more diplomatic way to say this) doesn’t suck. And if it isn’t a well-kept secret available only to those listening in real-time. Make it the hub of a broadcast/podcast/social media strategy. In some markets where I don’t have a client station, I work directly with weekenders, setting-up the workflow for that strategy; and coaching the hosts, because their stations don’t.

But don’t take my word for it. I asked ChatGPT: “In the style of Rod Serling, explain how attorneys, real estate agents, and financial advisors can attract new clients by hosting ask-the-expert radio call-in shows.” MOMENTS later, the robot replied…

“You’re about to embark on a journey where the boundaries of expertise and the airwaves blur, a place where the seekers of knowledge and the purveyors of guidance converge. Welcome, dear listener, to the realm of the ask-the-expert radio call-in show. In this enigmatic space, attorneys, real estate agents, and financial advisors have found a conduit to attract new clients unlike any other.

Picture, if you will, an attorney stepping into the radio spotlight

 The air is charged with anticipation as listeners dial in with their legal queries. With a voice as authoritative as the gavel’s echo, the attorney navigates the complexities of the law, unraveling legal mysteries for all to hear. As each answer resonates through the airwaves, trust is built, and seekers of legal counsel find themselves drawn to this beacon of clarity. The attorney has become not only a voice but a guide, attracting clients who yearn for someone to navigate their legal twilight zone.

im

And now, shift your gaze to the real estate agent who steps into the radio’s embrace

 The lines are buzzing with questions about the labyrinthine world of property transactions. With each response, the agent paints a picture of market trends, property values, and the elusive art of negotiation. As the agent’s insights cascade through the radio waves, an aura of expertise takes shape. Those yearning for a steady hand to navigate the winding corridors of real estate find solace in the agent’s voice. The agent has transformed into a beacon, attracting clients who seek someone to illuminate the path to their real estate dreams.

Finally, consider the financial advisor entering the radio’s sphere

 The lines light up with inquiries about investments, retirement, and securing financial futures. With a voice as reassuring as a well-balanced portfolio, the advisor deciphers the complexities of financial planning. Each word uttered becomes a thread in the tapestry of financial security. Listeners, entranced by the advisor’s insights, recognize a sage who can guide them through the tumultuous sea of monetary choices. The financial advisor becomes a lighthouse, attracting clients who crave a steady hand to navigate their financial voyage.

In this realm of radio airwaves, where seekers become callers and experts become guides, attorneys, real estate agents, and financial advisors have discovered a conduit to attract new clients. As their voices resonate with wisdom and authority, as their advice slices through the enigma of their fields, a bond of trust is forged. These experts, illuminated by the radio’s glow, become beacons in the darkness, attracting clients who yearn for guidance in the vast twilight zones of law, real estate, and finance. And so, dear listener, the call-in show becomes not just a program but a nexus where seekers and guides converge, bridging the gaps between knowledge and curiosity, between questions and answers. Welcome to the radio’s embrace, where the experts illuminate the unknown, one call at a time.”

Cue the music.

Next week here: “Why not just podcast?”

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

ABC Audio enters into a multiyear podcast advertising deal with Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast. ABC Audio vice president Liz Alesse says, “ABC Audio’s podcast business is flourishing, and we’re poised to make several exciting content announcements this fall. We’re thrilled to have AdvertiseCast in our corner as we expand our podcasting footprint even further and take this business to new heights.”

Westwood One is again providing exclusive play-by-play coverage of the National Football League’s entire primetime regular season as well as every postseason game, marking the 37th consecutive season that Westwood One is the exclusive network radio partner of the NFL. This will be the 51st time that the network will broadcast the Super Bowl to a national audience.

OutKick debuted “OutKick the Morning with Charly Arnolt” this morning (9/7) at 8:00 am ET. The daily, half-hour show will be live each morning and comes ahead of OutKick’s plan to roll out a two-hour morning show with Arnolt and a co-host later this year.

Audacy’s BetQL Network ushers in the football season with a fall lineup that includes 99 hours of original content each week. BetQL Network brand manager Andrew Williams says, “As anticipation for the upcoming football action reaches its zenith, we’re proud to present an array of engaging shows, expert analysis, and thrilling insights that are set to redefine sports betting entertainment. With this fall football lineup, BetQL Network continues to set the gold standard in sports entertainment, offering a comprehensive experience that spans the spectrum from analysis to excitement, predictions and pulse-pounding action.”

Research Director, Inc brings Chuck Sullivan aboard to lead business development. Sullivan most recently served with Milwaukee Radio Alliance and Audacy in Denver. Research Director CEO Marc Greenspan comments, “When I was first introduced to Chuck, I saw right away that he would be a great fit for our company and especially, our clients. I am so excited to welcome Chuck to the RDI family and look forward to working with him.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

SiriusXM and New England College announce that former Vice President Mike Pence will take part in a town hall event with P.O.T.U.S. channel hosts Julie Mason and Steve Scully. The special will take place before an audience at New England College outside Concord, New Hampshire on September 6, with the one-hour special premiering at 3:00 pm ET.

LiveOne announces that its subsidiary, PodcastOne, secures a long contract extension with co-founder and president, Kit Gray. LiveOne CEO and chairman Robert Ellin comments, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Kit Gray. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in building PodcastOne into the success it is today.”

FOX Sports Radio announced the addition of NFL pro tight end and two-time Pro Bowler Kyle Rudolph to its lineup as co-host of “FOX Football Sunday” with FSR weekend personality Mark Willard.

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc and the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation announce that Lucretia Lee-Arceneaux is the first  2023 MIW NABLF Launch program recipient. Launch is a brand-new partnership between MIW and the NAB Leadership Foundation dedicated to supporting and guiding women in radio who are relatively new to the industry. The first of its kind, this program will target the development and curation of talent, this year focused on the engineering side of radio. Lee-Arceneaux serves as a broadcast IT engineer with iHeartMedia.

Industry News

Scalzo Promoted to Market Manager for Good Karma Milwaukee

Good Karma Brands announces the promotion of Greg Scalzo to market manager for the company’s Milwaukee station group that includes news/talk WTMJ, talk WGKB-AM/W269DL “101.7 The Truth,” and sports talk WKTI-FM “ESPN Milwaukee.” Interim market manager Emily Dillinger states, “Greg’s impressive leadership, deep knowledge of the media and advertising industry, and personal experience as a successful on-air host, makeim him the right person to lead this market and continue to raise the bar. I’m excited for our team to continue our commitment to serving our communities through local news, talk and sports with best-in-class brands in Wisconsin.” Scalzo comments, “I am honored and excited to take on the role of market manager with our GKB Milwaukee team. We are excited to work together to serve Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin with quality, trusted content in news, sports, and talk while connecting fans with our partners and impacting the community. We are proud of the new content we will be creating on ‘ESPN Wisconsin’ and the amazing things to come across all of our brands.”

Industry News

Bendixen Named National Director of Talk for Corus

According to Broadcast Dialogue, programming pro Mike Bendixen joins Canada’s Corus Entertainment as national director of talk radio and director of talk and talent for CFIQ-FM, Toronto. Bendixen previously served with Bell Media as PD atim CFRB-AM, Toronto “Newstalk 1010” and as national format director, news & talk programming. Most recently he’s been a principal with RMR Media Strategies. Corus VP Ronnie Stanton comments, “Mike’s knowledge combined with Corus’s commitment to excellence sets the stage for a promising future for the world of talk radio.” The story indicates that Bendixen takes over for Amanda Cupido, who exits the company. Read the Broadcast Dialogue story here.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Discusses AI as Used to Create Stunning Images on New Gunhill Road Video

The historic rock band Gunhill Road, of which TALKERS founder Michael Harrison is a member, has just released a new advance track from its forthcoming fifth album. The song, “I Got a Line in New York City,” is a genre-bending combination of jazz, rock, and blues with a Broadway flair. Harrison serves as lead vocalist on the song which he co-wrote with his bandmates Steve GoldrichPaul Reisch and Brian Koonin. Further energized by its provocative music video, “I Got a Line in New York City” is slightly abstract and even mystical – while, simultaneously, heart-tugging and down-to-earth. The engaging narrative puts an ultra-modern-but-somewhat-retro twist on the classic story of a young person (Brando Young) whose lifelong dream of making it on the stage is dashed by the cold, harsh reality of the big time. HERE’S THE HOOK: The visual images that bring stunning dimension to the video were created by human artists – under the direction of the video’s producer, TALKERS associate publisher Matthew B. Harrison – tapping into the assistance of leading-edge generative AI on every panel. Michael Harrison states, “The experience of employing the assistance of ‘generative artificial intelligence’ to render these images of an ‘alternate universe’ version of the Big Apple, sprinkled with bizarre characters and weird technology, has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and educational experiences of my media career. I’m thrilled to be able to go out there now and talk about life-changing AI with this knowledge under my belt.” Harrison is embarking on a mini-media tour to discuss the AI aspect of the video and the sociological implications of this game changer.  To arrange a phone interview with Michael Harrison please call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413 or email info@talkers.com.  To view the video, please click here: www.igotaline.com

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Embrace “Car Radio”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imAs this week’s first Republican presidential debate looms, my FOX News Radio-affiliated client stations are irked. Thanks to their network, they’re carrying it live, and locally sponsored, and promo-ing it aplenty. A couple of my clients will travel to Milwaukee to wrap pre- and post-game color around the play-by-play. So, yuh, they’re irked.

Listen somewhere else

 FOX News Radio newscasts invite listeners to hear the debate live, at FoxNewsRadio.com. Hello?

I talked one client down-off-the-ledge, by reminding him that anyone who wants to watch the debate, and can, will. And that anyone who’s driving cannot and won’t likely drive distractedly-enough to somehow stream it from a website in-car.

For decades, I’ve scripted promos for events like this, and the Super Bowl and World Series, by offering that “if you’ll be in the car tonight,” and/or “if you can’t be near TV,” and/or “if you’ll be at work,” we’ve got it on radio.

Hey, if I was FOX News Radio, I’d do the same thing. But when one client called to complain and asked “could you at least add ‘…and many of these FOX News Radio stations?’” he was told they’d run-it-up-the-flagpole.

im

It could be worse. You’re not a TV station.

THEY should be livid, as NBC uses affiliates’ air to say watch Peacock. Channel-surf, and you will be lured to Paramount+ or Discovery+ or Disney+.

And this didn’t happen overnight, as I demonstrated several years ago in a TV report about the TV switch-pitch (https://youtu.be/2o3CpTz66JY).

So, embrace radio’s preeminence in-car, and not just when plugging special coverage. Program and promote everything as though you’re talking to busy people behind the wheel. Nobody sitting stiller will feel rushed.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

Washington State Sports Host Mark Scholten Dies

Sports talk radio personality Mark Scholten died on Monday (8/14) of natural causes at age 54. Scholtenim worked at Saga Communications’ Bellingham, Washington stations for decades hosting his program “The Zone” on both news/talk KGMI-AM and sports talk KPUG-AM. Saga says, “He was a skilled broadcaster of sports at all levels, but was especially known for his knowledge of and dedication to Whatcom County high school teams, their athletes and coaches. His family thanks the community for their outpouring of support, and says they’ll announce plans for a memorial in coming days.”

Industry News

Indy’s “The Fan” Announces New Morning and Midday Shows

Urban One sports talk outlet WIBC-HD2/W228CX/W298BB, Indianapolis “The Fan” announces that morning drive personality Jake Query will take over the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show on August 21. The new show, “Query & Company,” takes over the slot held by longtime “Fan” host Dan Dakich, who left the station lastim December and now hosts a show on the Outkick platform. With Query’s move to middays, the Kevin & Query Show that’s been airing in morning drive becomes “The Wake Up Call With KB and Andy,” as Kevin Bowen is joined by new co-host Andy Sweeney. Urban One Indianapolis operations manager David Wood tells the Indianapolis Business Journal, “While Jake loves working with Kevin, the show is a complete antithesis to his body clock. He’s a huge night owl. It dawned on me, ‘Why don’t I put a known quantity in this noon to 3 p.m. show?’ Everybody knows Jake. He’s well-respected and he’s an entertaining person.” Read the IBJ story here.

Industry Views

Pending Business: The Agony of Complacency

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWhat happens when the world-wide leader is for sale? When they stopped spanning the globe 25 years ago, I thought the budget cut would help the leader. I could still hear the great Jim McKay describing the agony as Vinko Bogataj rolled down that ski slope in utter defeat. There were so many different images of the thrill of victory, but for most of the 37 seasons of “Wide World of Sports,” the agony of defeat was forever connected to that helpless Yugoslavian skier.

Maybe the real story of Disney/ABC/ESPN’s “Wide World of Sports” is lost in the silo of being first in on the marketing ladder and not recognizing opportunity.

The world-wide leader was the first to televise Wimbledon, the Indy 500, and who could forget the Pro Bowlers Tour? Not recognizing the need to expand into targeted sports coverage, pre-empt competitive efforts, and experiment with new media may be a flaw in an otherwise crown jewel. Did Mickey Mouse see the “Rugrats” coming? You mean history repeats itself when the successful get complacent and positive paranoia is the domain of the dot-com entrepreneurs?

Ok, it’s getting a little heavy here. This column is about sales and marketing, not business theory or case studies. Or is it?

The lessons here are classic and are a direct connect to your commission check.

ESPN is searching for answers, and when billions in ad sales, cable fees, streaming subscriptions and theme park attendance isn’t enough to goose the growth curve, well, Houston, we’ve got a problem. But let’s learn how to work with what surrounds us.

— What are the biggest challenges to your business base?

— Can you identify the challenges in your control, and which are not?

— How would you rank your competitors?

— As your local ad market shifts into more digital advertising, who are the winners?

— Can you name the five biggest digital-social media ad spenders in your market?

— Do you keep updated on new ad marketing opportunities presented to your clients?

Forgive the blurry lines that connected the dots in the Disney-ABC-ESPN story. The business lesson, however, is clear. Sellers can only control what they are asked to sell. But when complacency sets in at any level, take a time out and rethink your playbook.

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.

Industry Views

Pending Business: The Big 20 Countdown

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imNo, this isn’t about college football or New Year’s Eve. Wait, maybe it is.

This is about getting you to start the 20 benchmarks every news/talk or sports talk manager, seller, even owner should be reviewing, analyzing, and preparing on their 2023/2024 calendars.

Call me the Detail Doctor, because as we all know the dollars are in the details.

Let’s start with August:

— College Football kicks off at the end of the month and your packages are closing out.

— The NFL season kickoff is full of new competition, so close, close, close.

— Labor Day is on the way and depending on your market dynamics unique packages could swing momentum your way.

— Early 2024 upfronts should be game planned now.

— Review your recruitment profile.

September:

— Election Day is 9 weeks away. Are you ready?

— Do you finalize goals/budgets for 2024?

— The Jewish community observes High Holidays at the end of the month.

October:

— Tweak your Q4 packages.

— Thanksgiving

— Christmas. Sunday/Monday this year.

— Too early for New Year’s Eve? Sunday/Monday this year.

— Financial Category. We all want second opinions, right?

— Legal. ditto

— Lock in your 2024 goals.

— Monitor pacing for 2024 upfront.

November:

— Check your crystal ball for final 2023/early 2024 performance.

— Daylight Saving Time ends. Change those clocks!

— Start thinking Vegas, baby for the February 11, 2024 Super Bowl.

— How did those upfronts close?

December:

— Renewals for 2024 done?

— Pacing for 2024?

— Actual selling days in the month is deceptive.

— Review those wins AND losses.

— Happy New Year.

This exercise is a simple, functional start point. Every seller, manager, and owner will add, delete, or adopt this list. My hope is you will move to do something to help your 2023 income finish big and 2024 start even bigger!

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.

Job Opportunity

FOX News Media Seeks Radio Announcer and Associate Producer/Writer

FOX News is looking for a Freelance Radio Anchor to join the FOX News Audio family as on-air talent for FOXim News Radio Network/FOX News Headlines 24/7 SiriusXM Channel 115. As the Freelance Radio Anchor, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a day’s notice. See more and apply here.

FOX News Audio is looking for a motivated and creative Associate Producer/Writer. As an Associate Producer/Writer, you will write compelling and conversational copy on a wide variety of news topics. You have exceptional scriptwriting skills and impeccable grammar. Your news judgment is exemplary, and you have knowledge of and passion for current events and politics. You will need to work well under constant deadline pressure. The news content will be written and produced for our terrestrial syndication affiliates, affiliate website, digital audio streams and smart speaker platforms, and in addition on FOX News Headlines 24/7 platforms on SXM Radio. See more and apply here.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Pulling the Rug Out from Under

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWhen was the last time you went shopping for a quality living room rug? Not an oriental, because that is just too easy. We’re talking high quality living room rug that will blend in and stand the test of time… and the dog. Next to fighting with a credit card company, it’s the worst shopping experience ever.

Try this at home when you have nothing better to do. Chances are you want to find the rug of your dreams, so you check out the major department stores. Up the escalator, walk through home furnishings and an employee may or may not be available. Most likely not, so you head to an adjacent department, and someone sends someone who barely knows the product and selection.

This scenario is repeated at most major department stores today, so off we go to our favorite furniture store where rugs are an accessory, like belts in the men’s store. No go here. Time to head over to the carpet, tile, and rug store.

Employees here are a bit more available and knowledgeable, but the quality and selection are just not quite right. Time for the expensive specialty store where expertise and service are #1 and so is price. $10,000 for that!

Time for the online experience to take over with countless purchase options, reviews, and confusing virtual reality options. This is getting painful. The attempted purchase is frozen in frustration. What does this have to do with what we do? Live and learn.

— Are you always available for your advertisers? When business is soft you lob in a mandatory attempt and move on. When business is through the roof, are you quick to return a call or open a new door?

— Do you simply walk through the same motions, or reflect the energy and enthusiasm of an exciting program lineup? Think of the rug seller, flipping through those rugs. Boring!

— Do you earn the price or just blame the boss? Since day one, some sellers find it easier to blame the boss instead of earning the value proposition.

— Are your advertisers frozen in frustration? Feel free to use the phrase that pays. Defrost that frozen decision maker before your competitor does.

A great program director once told me, the best on-air talents observe life with a pad and pen. Their notes come to life when the mic goes on. The same is true for great sellers and managers. Every purchase experience can improve your next call.

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.

Industry News

Tim Wenger Leading Audacy’s Buffalo Stations

Audacy promotes Tim Wenger to SVP and market manager of its Buffalo market. In this role, Wenger will oversee the market’s portfolio of stations that includes news/talk WBEN-AM, sports talkers WGR-AM and WWKB-AM, plus three music brands. Wenger is taking over for Tim Holly who recently announced his retirement. Wenger worked his way up to this role from the programming side of the business. He launched his radio career as a news reporter and anchor at WBEN in 1986. He subsequently rose to news director, program director and brand manager/operations director for the spoken-word stations. Wenger is a recent inductee into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Audacy regional president Mark Hannon states, “Tim has been a leading presence in our building for nearly 40 years, and it seems only fitting that he now takes over the reins of the market. He has intimate knowledge of our local brands, and I can think of no one better to pick up the mantle from Tim Holly and lead us into the future.” Wenger comments, “As a lifelong Buffalonian, it’s surreal to be assuming the leadership role for Audacy Buffalo’s group of stations. The unique content and personalities on the brands, combined with strong client and sports play-by-play partnerships, positions Audacy for growth and success in Buffalo.”

Industry Views

Pending Business: Shorter and Faster is Better

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

Looks like Major League Baseball is about to show the radio business how to score the winning run. Major League Baseball decided it was time to reverse the aging fan base, declining gameday gates, and shorten three-plus-hours of in-game boredom.

Despite the downhome storytellers doing play-by-play on radio and innovations of TV coverage, the game was getting tedious, and it was time for Major League Baseball to change or slowly but surely face the fate of the dinosaur.

Sound familiar? Yes, there are some baseball innovations that entertained people like the infamous mascots of yesteryear, but MLB is about the hallowed Hall of Fame heritage of pinstripes, red socks, and Dodger blue. Change means risk and in baseball swinging for the fences is a 1 in 18 shot.

Getting a little too close for comfort? Fans and sponsors needed a new spark to ignite baseball fever, so MLB responded with a pitch clock to speed up the game and bigger bases to bring back one of the most exciting plays in sports. Guess what? Games are being played faster, gameday attendance is up 8%, TV viewership is up 14% and according to the Insider, social media views are up 67% as under-35 demographics are up 14%. Let us start connecting the dots to our business.

— News/talk radio relies on a 55+ audience. Nothing wrong with the “money demo.” But talk radio needs to look ahead to what happens AFTER the election cycle.

— Most daily talk shows are three hours long. So were most MLB games… until this year. Shorter became better as attendance and viewership shot up. Wake up radio programmers, hosts, managers! Do we have the courage and budget to program and sell shorter, faster moving programs? Radio is so stuck in an outdated model; the low growth is about to make another appearance in bankruptcy court.

— Fans got excited and social media exploded. Last time I checked, Savannah, Georgia was Nielsen radio market #145. No news/talk radio station in the top 100 U.S. radio markets has as many Facebook followers as the Savannah Bananas baseball team.

— Fans and sponsors needed a new spark. What has your radio station offered lately that is new, exciting and lights the fuse for sponsors and listeners?

Recently, a 21-year-old baseball star stole two bases then decided to steal home and the fans went crazy. Through the years we have seen the play. But every time it happens the fans in the stands are on their feet, cheering, high fiving, and re-living every detail of the excitement. Baseball is back, bigger and better than ever. All of us can learn from today’s changes in America’s Pastime.

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.

Industry News

Kim Komando to Debut Extra Friday Stand-alone Hour in Chicago

Host/tech expert/serial entrepreneur, Kim Komando announces a stand-alone Friday evening hour of content, which will debut on Cumulus Media Chicago news/talk WLS-AM. The 7:00 pm hour CT will have new material not included in Komando’s weekend version. WLS-AM program director Stephanie Tichenor opines, “Kim’s savvy consumer tech knowledge has been transforming lives in the Chicagoland area for years, offering a unique understanding of our technological journey and what lies ahead.” Talent management firm Sound Mind founder/president Kraig T. Kitchin comments that Komando is “not only entertaining and helpful, but also consistently delivers exceptional radio that captivates audiences. Kim continues to set the bar high.” Komando’s content airs on over 475 stations nationwide.

Industry News

KHTK, Sacramento Unveils New Midday Show

Bonneville’s KHTK, Sacramento “Sactown Sports” announced the new midday show starring Kevin “Whitey” Gleason and Chris Watkins. The 10:00 am to 2:00 pm “Whitey & Watkins” program debuts on Monday (7/10). Bonneville Sacramento SVP and market manager Steve Cottimgrim says, “We are very excited to welcomeim Whitey Gleason back to Sactown Sports. The credibility that Whitey has with the sports audience in Northern California coupled with Chris’ passion and knowledge of the Sacramento Kings will certainly make this show a perfect fit for our ever-expanding ‘Sactown Sports’ brand.” Gleason most recently served with Audacy’s KGMZ-FM, San Francisco “95.7 The Game,” and prior to that he was part of the “Rise Guys” show on KHTK. Watkins has been with “Sactown Sports” for nine years, most recently as the host of “Chris & Co” and co-host of the “Return of the Roar” podcast.

Industry News

Audacy Board Agrees to Pay $3.2 Million in Executive Retention Bonuses

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Audacy reports that the company’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved $3.2 million in retention awards to officers, including $1 million toim chairman, president and CEO David Field; $850,000 to EVP, strategic initiatives and CFO Richard Schmaeling; $500,000 to EVP and COO Susan Larkin; $250,000 to president, podcast and streaming and chief digital officer J.D. Crowley; and $600,000 to EVP, general counsel and secretary Andrew Sutor IV. These retention awards are intended to be in lieu of an annual bonus with respect to 2023.

Industry News

“104.5 The Zone” in Nashville Renews “3HL” Afternoon Show

Cumulus Media sports talk outlet WGFX-FM, Nashville “104.5 The Zone” renews its afternoon drive show “3HL” starring Brent Dougherty, Dawn Davenport, and Ron Slay. The company says, “Brent Dougherty is known as ‘The Mayor of Middle Tennessee Sports’ and is a well-known fixture in Nashville’s sports scene.im Dawn Davenport is seen every Saturday on the college football sidelines, and her relationships and knowledge of the SEC are huge assets for ‘104.5 The Zone’ listeners. Ron Slay is an SEC Player of the Year for the Tennessee Volunteers Men’s Basketball team and is a beloved natural entertainer.” Cumulus Nashville VP/market manager Allison Warren and program director Paul Mason say, in a joint statement, “Today, we celebrate the powerhouse trio Brent Dougherty, Dawn Davenport and Ron Slay. They have proven time and again to be a driving force behind 104.5 The Zone’s success, dominating the ratings and capturing the hearts of our listeners. They have an undeniable chemistry—a lightning in a bottle connection that brings our audience together. We are grateful to our clients, who have become our biggest fans, for choosing this remarkable station and these influential personalities to support their local businesses.”

Industry News

Audacy and TuneIn Renew Distribution Agreement

Audacy announces it is extending its digital distribution deal with TuneIn that provides streaming of its 250-plus stations and entire podcast library to the content aggregator. Audacy says the partnership expands the reach of its content to more than 200 additional platforms and connected vehicles and devices, including Tesla, Rivian,im Lucid, Bose, Samsung and Xbox, as well as on the TuneIn mobile app and TuneIn.com. The agreement also gives Audacy access to TuneIn’s advertising supply and brings select TuneIn original content to the Audacy digital platform. Audacy chief digital officer J.D. Crowley imcomments, “Streaming of AM/FM Radio is one of the fastest growing segments of all digital audio today. As consumer demand for Audacy’s best-in-class local audio content continues to increase, we’re committed to meeting the listener wherever they wish to consume, and we’re delighted to expand the availability of our unique live sports, news, and personality-driven audio content to over 200 new TuneIn-supported platforms. We’re equally thrilled to welcome TuneIn’s premium exclusive content to the Audacy digital platform.”

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Video Posted: Fireside Chat with Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw

One of the many highlights of the TALKERS 2023 conference held at Hofstra University on Long Island on June 2 was a fireside chat conducted between Michael Harrison and Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw. The video of that informative conversation is posted here today (6/19). Jeff Warshaw describes himself as a “lifelong broadcaster.” He built his first station while still a student at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1993, he founded Connoisseur Communications Partnersim LP, a 39-station group which he later sold to Cumulus Broadcasting in 2000 for $258 million. At this time, he pioneered notable progress in integrating legacy media with emerging digital technology. In 2004, he formed Connoisseur Media which now operates 13 radio station brands and digital assets in five markets. Highly respected and celebrated industry-wide for his outspoken candor and bullish approach to radio station ownership, Jeff Warshaw serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Broadcasters, the executive committee of the Radio Advertising Bureau, and is chairman of the Nielsen Audio advisory council. Harrison describes Warshaw as “one of the most knowledgeable, emerging forces to be reckoned with among radio industry leaders and a potential leader in the next wave of radio station consolidation.” The two discuss the intersection between ratings, revenue, and corporate culture. Not to be missed. See the video here.

Industry Views

Passion Versus AI

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling on Sunday

imLast week I had the privilege of moderating a panel at the TALKERS conference. Confession: I listen to speech patterns and tones more than words.

The prestigious panel featured Dan Mandis, program director and host, WTN-FM, Nashville; Ross Kaminsky, host KOA, Denver; Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group/ops VP, New York region/WMCA/AM 970; Josh Leng, CEO, Talk Media Network; and Matt Meany, program director, WABC, New York/Red Apple Media.

Yes, their collective knowledge and experience is unbeatable. They answered questions of great interest: How does iHeart measure social media accomplishments? Should one be fired for social media or podcast content or just for their air work? Establishing a syndication base, how does that happen? Where are the women – kudos to Salem’s Phil Boyce for celebrating their women hosts. What do programmers really look for in hosts? All valuable answers.  See the video of this session here.

Their words aren’t the “win.” The win is the fact that each of these pros has passion, passion and more passion. Their knowledge results in caring, heartfelt, supportive shares. They care about the future; they care about their craft. Programmers have to be optimistic about radio’s positive impact in order for them to do their jobs. Their descriptive tones make radio appealing.

The panel represents radio’s caretakers, gardeners, guides. The executives on the stage reveal qualities and qualifications that become overwhelmingly apparent in their demeanor and speech patterns. That’s what I hear.

Radio does not have to compete or fret over AI.  AI coders have to fret over their inevitable failure to capture or even coldly mimic the depth of emotion and confidence expressed by Matt, Josh, Phil, Ross and Dan. Good luck with that algorithm …losers.

Walter Sabo was the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of NBC. The youngest VP in the history of ABC. He was a consultant to RKO General longer than Bill Drake. Walter was the in-house consultant to Sirius for eight years. He has never written a resume. Contact him at walter@sabomedia.com. or mobile 646-678-1110. Hear Walter Sterling at www.waltersterlingshow.com.

Industry News

Jayne Miller to Host Weekend Show on WBAL-AM

Baltimore investigative reporter Jayne Miller – who retired from WBAL-TV, Baltimore last year after 40 years – is hosting a talk show on Hearst Television’s WBAL “NewsRadio 1090 AM and 101.5 FM.” The Saturday 11:00im am to 1:00 pm program will “take a closer look at a variety of issues important to the greater Baltimore area, leaning on her extensive network to bring Saturday listeners interviews with key newsmakers.” WBAL director of programming Jeff Wade states, “Jayne brings a wealth of knowledge to the microphone built on decades of experience asking the tough questions and holding those in power accountable. I’m excited for her to bring that same tenacity, inquisitive nature and passion to WBAL’s Saturday lineup.”

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Nearing Early Sellout

With slightly less than a month to go, TALKERS 2023, the 26th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering, is nearing an early advance sellout. The one-day, power-packed conference will take place on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. It is presented by TALKERS magazine in association with Hofstra’s nationally acclaimed radio station, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “There is particularly strong interest in the event this year – perhaps because of the huge influence talk media – especially news/talk radio, cable news/talk TV, sports/talk radio and podcasting – are exacting on the national conversation. At the same time, all of these platforms are facing major existential issues ranging from challenges generating revenue, navigating controversy, and competing against technologically induced cultural sea-changes.” Casey adds, “The magnificent setting of Hofstra really works well for this conference. The state of the art theater is wonderfully spacious – which means a lot during what will hopefully be the tail end of COVID; the broadcasting facilities for those attendees who’ll be doing their shows live from the site are second-to-none; the breakfast, lunch and closing reception events take place outdoors under an open tent in a delightful and health-minded setting; the agenda features more than 60 outstanding speakers and directly addresses the key questions facing the industry. Knowledge and connections are power. TALKERS 2023 will provide the latest information and it is a fantastic networking opportunity.” Conference director Michael Harrison says, “This industry conference is steeped in history, tradition and dynamic purpose. Careers and lives change at the TALKERS conference!” Register now to avoid being shut out. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

Museum of Broadcast Communications Launches Auction to Fund Move

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces its first-ever online auction and fundraiser commemorating the organization’s 40th anniversary. The museum’s current space is being sold to a developer, so it is seeking a new location and anticipates being able to re-open the museum within the next 18 to 24im months. This auction to raise funds includes fun experiences on which to bid, including: lunch with Emmy award-winning actor Henry Winkler; tickets to CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”; sit with sports radio host Jim Rome in-studio or on-site at NFL’s Radio Row the week leading up to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas; and more. MBC board chair David Plier says, “It’s an exciting time for the museum and our future. The enthusiasm and generosity we have received for this fundraising effort from the broadcast community and celebrities – not just in Chicago but nationwide – has been tremendous. This fundraiser is about creating access and memorable experiences – from being a producer for a day at a major network, touring a live working newsroom or even having your voicemail greeting personalized by TV and comedy great Bob Newhart – ‘Forty for 40’ is not to be missed.”

Industry News

Daily Soap Operas Being Set for Radio Syndication

A startup radio syndication firm SoapKast launched by Andrew Pemberton-Fowler has developed a soon-to-be-released daily, one-hour program titled, “The SoapKast Hour.”  Each installment of the show consists of two original radio soap operas, “Kingsport” and “Affairs of the Heart,” targeted for what is being described asim “modern audiences.” According to Pemberton-Fowler, “‘The SoapKast Hour’ targets women 24-59 who are looking for daily original, high-quality drama. ‘The SoapKast Hour’ will keep audiences coming back day after day to hear the unfolding drama of ‘Kingsport,’ a story about unhappy people searching for happiness, and ‘Affairs of the Heart,’ an uneasy tale about class, wealth, and money set in a small college town.” The show will be available to stations via barter with 10 local and eight national spots per episode. Interested stations can learn more by calling 323-316-0342 or email sales@soapkast.comListen to a demo here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Weekend 101

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imIt’s the most effective tactic in marketing: Free samples. And the attorneys, financial advisors, real estate agents, veterinarians, and other ask-the-expert hosts who broker time for weekend call-in shows can drum up lots of new business…IF they execute well.

It’s a big “if,” because they’re not career broadcasters. So, technique that’s second nature to us is news to them. And because, at too many stations, there’s little or no coaching. Here are some of the fundamentals I convey to weekenders at client stations, and brokering hosts elsewhere who aren’t getting aircheck support:

— Plan each show. Re-write any news-about-your-topic or other material you will read, rather than reading verbatim paragraph-length excerpts from newspaper clippings or other source material you found on the Internet or elsewhere. That stuff wasn’t written for the ear. Put it into your own words. Practice aloud, to yourself, before the show.

— Remember: YOU are the expert. It’s Greek to them. So, avoid lingo and acronyms. Instead of percentages (“36%”) use fractions (“just over a third”).

— Listen carefully to the caller’s question. Don’t interrupt unduly…but don’t let ‘em ramble either. Once they’ve asked a question or described their situation, recommend what they should do.  Listeners in similar situations will relate.

im

Do’s and Don’ts:

— DON’T squander time at the beginning of the show with long hellos, or small talk about the weather (which aired at the end of the newscast just before your show began), or other off-topic blah-blah-blah.

— DO introduce yourself, and succinctly explain how you can help the listener. I tell weekenders I coach to begin with their elevator speech: “I’m Chuck Thompson, from Chuck’s Auto Repair, and I’m here to help you get more miles out of the-car-you’ve-already-paid-for.” If your business has a slogan, that should also be the mantra for your radio show, to keep your on-air message consistent with your other marketing.

— DON’T wait! Give out the call-in number right-off-the-top, even if your first segment is an interview or you tee-up a topic by reading news/product reviews/etc. During that segment, your call screener can be lining-up callers.

— DO solicit calls overtly. And announce the phone number real slowly, like you’re reading the winning lottery number. Say “call me right now.” And at the end of each call (unless all the lines are lit), offer that “that opens up a line for you,” and re-announce the phone number.

— DO get to the phones ASAP, best caller first. Callers call when they hear other callers, so nothing explains that it’s a call-in advice show like you answering callers’ questions with helpful advice.

— DON’T assume that anyone but you hears your whole show. Listeners constantly tune-in. So DO re-set throughout the hour. Come out of each commercial break as though the show was just beginning. “Welcome back to ‘Larry Explains the Law.’ I’m attorney Larry Jamieson, answering your legal questions right now on WXXX. So, call me! [phone number, nice and slowly, twice].”

All of the above is host technique. And there’s another character, behind the scenes, whose method is critical to brokered hosts’ return on investment: the call screener. Share with yours my 6-minute video at SolidGoldWeekend.com, where I also explain how to warm-up slow phones.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;” and “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books.  Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke