Audacy Relaunches The Bet on WXYT-HD3
Audacy is relaunching “The Bet Detroit” on WXYT-HD3. The station becomes part of Audacy’s BetQL Network presented by BetMGM after its former signal – WXYT-AM – was leased to sports journalist and
media personality Rob Parker to air the “Sports Rap Radio” format. Vice president of programming for the BetQL Network Mitch Rosen says, “With our strategic partnership with BetMGM, we’re committed to maintaining a robust presence in the Detroit market and beyond. Now, listeners nationwide can join in on the excitement through the Audacy app, making ‘The Bet Detroit’ accessible anytime, anywhere.”
and the book, we relied on representations made to us by [producer] Dinesh D’Souza and True the Vote, Inc that the individuals depicted in the videos provided to us by TTV, including Mr. Andrews, illegally deposited ballots. We have learned that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has cleared Mr. Andrews of illegal voting activity in connection with the event depicted in 2000 Mules. It was never our intent that the publication of the 2000 Mules film and book would harm Mr. Andrews. We apologize for the hurt the inclusion of Mr. Andrews’ image in the movie, book, and promotional materials have caused Mr. Andrews and his family. We have removed the film from Salem’s platforms, and there will be no future distribution of the film or the book by Salem.” The statement refers to Georgia resident Mark Andrews, who is suing D’Souza, Salem, and two people involved with True the Vote for defamation. 
million. At the time the deal was announced in February, Saga Communications president and CEO Chris Forgy stated, “We regretted missing the opportunity to acquire these stations a number of years ago when the Neuhoff family acquired them. These stations are a great fit for Saga. We see a lot of opportunity with these stations and this market and are pleased that the family has decided to entrust Saga with continuing these station’s long-standing heritage of serving the Greater Lafayette region. Saga intends to continue building its business in radio by identifying and acquiring middle market stations in dynamic communities.” KALIL & CO., INC was the exclusive broker.
Komando Show” content provided to the station on Friday evenings “is getting great traction with listeners” with the audience nearly doubling (Persons 18+) in the 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm hour from Spring ’23 to Fall ’23. Additionally, Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta is adding that hour to its lineup on Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm; Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP, Washington is adding the “Digital Life Hack” daily feature; and Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York adds both the “Digital Life Hack” and “Daily Tech Update” features.
Today, consultant Holland Cooke writes, “With 850-plus confirmed 2024 tornadoes – just halfway through the season – each night’s network TV newscast can make you “thankful that we don’t live THERE…” And with more gnarly weather on the way this week across much of the USA, he reckons that, “regardless of your format, your station can be the weather button that listeners will push, and advertisers can sponsor.” And he suggests a tactic proven over 80 years ago. 
afternoon drive “Von Haessler Doctrine” show hosted by Eric Von Haessler, adding the 3:00 pm hour to the program that now airs live from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Von Haessler made the announcement of the change on the air saying, “It’s a new day. It’s a new age. It’s a new era. Some people tuned in expecting something else. Maybe they’re a little upset. Give us a try. You might like it. It’s going to be this way no matter what.” 
Kia Sportage on July 4, 2024. Church explains, “We want to provide our listeners with a good, old-fashioned, fun on-air radio contest with the kind of grand prize that Makes Radio Contests Great Again. Listeners can compete each day during the contest to win a free sweepstakes ticket, or they can purchase discounted tickets in our Founders Tradin’ Post Store by 
alongside Jeff Deminski on Townsquare Media’s news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5.” It’s unclear whether this move was budget related or precipitated by something else, but Doyle’s info has been scrubbed from the “New Jersey 101.5” website and Deminski is listed as solo host in afternoons. Deminski and Doyle had been on-air partners since 1994, serving two stints with NJ101.5 from 1994 – 1999 and from 2011 to the present. TALKERS’ attempts to contact management at the Townsquare Trenton offices were unsuccessful.
due to critical illness or disaster. The campaign also strives to raise awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation’s charitable purpose to ensure that anyone in radio and television who might qualify for aid can apply. BFoA presiddnt Tim McCarthy says, “One hundred percent of Giving Day donations go directly to grants that help our colleagues, who are struggling with life-altering disease or disaster. Any amount – large or small – helps provide much-needed aid to support our colleagues.” The Broadcasters Foundation has distributed more than $15 million dollars in aid over the past 20 years. Monthly grants support broadcasters on a continual basis while they recover from an illness or accident. Emergency grants provide one-time financial aid following a devastating natural disaster or home emergency. Find out more at 
News and The World. Lothian is currently the executive producer of “The World.” GBH president and CEO Susan Goldberg states, “Dan has impeccable credentials and is respected by colleagues throughout GBH and by journalists across the globe. With his background in both breaking news and longform features, and with deep experience in radio, television, and across digital platforms, he is ideally suited to lead coverage for today’s audiences.” Additionally, Tinku Ray, currently managing editor for “The World,” will be promoted to executive editor of the program.
received a notice from Nasdaq for not filing its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, in a timely manner. Urban One has until June 7, 2024, to file or submit a plan to regain compliance. If Nasdaq accepts the compliance plan, Nasdaq may grant the company an extension of up to 180 calendar days from the due date for the initial delinquent filing, or until September 30, 2024, to regain compliance. Urban One states that it is working diligently and expects to file its Delayed Filings on or before June 7, 2024, which would eliminate the need for the company to submit a formal plan to regain compliance.
witnesses about the importance of having a robust emergency alert and public safety communications infrastructure. Further, rural and underserved Americans still enjoy listening to AM radio broadcasts for their diverse viewpoints. Given AM radio’s significant reach as a medium, much of it taking place in vehicles, we 
must ensure it remains a readily available option for all Americans, particularly as we approach hurricane season.” In response NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “NAB applauds today’s markup and passage of the ‘AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.’ This critical legislation ensures that the 82 million Americans who rely on AM radio each month will continue to have access to diverse programming, local news and essential emergency information. AM radio is the backbone of our Emergency Alert System, providing timely alerts and information during disasters and emergencies, ensuring that critical communication remains available even when cell and broadband services fail.”
South Carolina morning host Randy “Steam” Stevens recently passed away after suffering injuries in a motorcycle crash that happened on May 10. WLBG says that Stevens recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of his talk show, “Good Morning, Up-Country.” In addition to his work in radio, Stevens was active with the Patriot Guard motorcycle riders and served on the board of directors of the Laurens County Humane Society. Stevens also appeared on the station’s “Morning News Magazine” and the station’s coverage of local elections across Laurens County. 
be able to alter the course of established radio stations and the marketplace of ideas before the 2024 election or even soon thereafter. Harrison told “America at Night” host Rich Valdés last night (5/22) that radio is far too idiosyncratic an industry – already run by too many people who don’t understand how it really operates – for someone (who also doesn’t really have first-hand experience in the field) to just step in and make drastic alterations to entrenched stations, formats, audiences and sponsors just to make a political statement. Harrison states, “There are more 
expedient uses of his money if that is his main purpose. After all, not all Audacy stations are conservative news/talkers… many are music, sports and a variety of formats. How inefficient such a move would be!” Harrison went on to say that radio is still an extremely powerful and potentially lucrative medium if only its present owners and operators believed in it and invested in its programming and marketing. He encouraged radio broadcasters to understand and believe in the “esthetic of ‘radio’ and not be so anxious to bail out into the utilitarian term ‘audio.’” Harrison and Valdés tied the discussion into the current news about the AM for Every Vehicle Act currently making its way through Congress stating that radio is still a lifeline for service to the community as a place for information, education, and entertainment and that eliminating it from automobile dashboards would be about “five to 10 years premature.” 
news/talk outlet. Now, he says, “After going off the air as part of an asset sale in October of last year, WTON radio is re-born this Memorial Day weekend! We want to hear your voice. We’ll bring you coverage of the local stories from this wide area we’ll be 
covering as we develop the best local shows alongside an all-star lineup of shows all day!” Thomas will host the morning drive show and teases that the daily lineup will also include “The Dan Bongino Show” “The Dana Show” (Dana Loesh), “The Lars Larson Show” from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, plus Bill O’Reilly and Lee Habeeb’s “American Stories.” Thomas adds, “We’re building a newsroom that will tell you what is going to be happening, not just what did happen. Local businesses will be able to connect with the local listeners around the clock so they can stand out and stay prosperous!” Programming will also be simulcast on two FM translators at 101.1 FM and 98.9 FM.
door. I sat down next to him. Seconds later an angry, half-drunk African American guy starts digging his finger into the Jewish man’s chest while yelling, ‘I aint gonna fight for you! I ain’t gonna fight for you! You genocide Jew mother*cker.’Needless to say the Jewish man was scared to death. Noticing that I stood up and proudly proclaimed, ‘I’m Jewish, too!’ I stood next to the Jewish man, arms folded, while the big-mouth bully walked to the end of the car. He continued to rant and holler but he was no longer a physical threat. The scumbag exited the train at the Brooklyn Bridge stop while I sat next to the Jewish man ‘til I got off at Wall Street. He was on his way home to Crown Heights for Shabbat. He said to me, ‘I have no doubt if you didn’t stand up that guy would’ve hurt me. I know who you are. I listen to you. I know you’re a lover of the Jews. I wish people could’ve seen this. Thank you for helping me get home safe for Shabbos. Am Yisrael Chai!’ I will fight for my people despite the potential physical harm to me. God Bless Israel and continue to protect my people!” Don’t miss Sid Rosenberg’s guest appearance on the new installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” He and Harrison candidly discuss the incident and Rosenberg’s position on Israel, Hamas, Gen Z, and NYC crime. It posts tomorrow morning on Talkers.com.
Documentary was produced, directed, and narrated by Jeff Aiello. KMJ program director Blake Taylor also served as a producer for the film. Winners will be announced at the 53rd Northern California Emmy Awards Gala on June 15, 2024, at the San Francisco Hilton. Cumulus Fresno regional VP and market manager Patty Hixson says, “It is a remarkably humbling experience to be a part of this documentary celebrating KMJ’s 100 years of serving the community. I am grateful to have been with this heritage brand since the late 80s. The entire KMJ team is excited to share our story through this documentary – and we’re thrilled that the film has been nominated for an Emmy!” Blake Taylor adds, “When KMJ went on the air, people didn’t have radios. That is one of the great lines from the film that really speaks to me. The longevity, the success, and the impact of KMJ for over a century is really remarkable. To be a small part of that is truly meaningful.”
This week, I started a five-night show on Audacy’s WPHT, Philadelphia. Thank you, market president David Yadgaroff. Because of my tenure in the industry, I received a flattering, humbling number of emails from colleagues in radio. THANK YOU. The support and encouragement are appreciated and certainly needed!
Indianapolis where Art Vuolo – chronicler of radio history and operator of Vuolo video – fondly remembers him early in his career as “a very popular night DJ at powerful WIBC-AM 1070 in Indianapolis doing his show from a tiny studio atop a Mel’s Drive-Inn style restaurant known as Merrill’s Hi-Decker where listeners would vote for favorite songs by flashing their headlights! He also was Indy’s local Dick Clark with a teen dance show on WISH TV 8 called the RC Cola Rhythm Carnival.” After Indy, Summer landed the late-night show at WBZ in 1963. WBZ says, “His show, ‘Nightlight,’ was known for its humor, along with listeners calling in to give him the ‘password’ of ‘one hen, two ducks, and three squawking geese.’ He would also recite poetry on air.” Summer was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2018 for his work in the industry. He was also known for his TV and radio commercial voiceover work and spent time as a podcast host.
Makeover. The book is named one of BookAuthority’s 20 Best Personal Finance Books of All Time and has spent more than 1,000 weeks on bestseller lists. To date, over 9 million copies have been sold worldwide, and every year, more than 400,000 readers buy the book. Dave Ramsey says, “The plan is still simple, and millions of people have done it. You can solve your biggest problem with the least-complicated finance book out there. It’s the stories of everyday people in TMMO that makes it so powerful and inspiring. They’re the real heroes. Their stories of real life-change are all the proof you need that this stuff really works.” The new edition offers Ramsey’s principles, along with updated statistics and examples. It now includes advice on topics like: Mortgages and car loans; buy now, pay later loans; saving and investing for retirement; and paying for college while avoiding mountains of debt.
defaming two Georgia election workers, and they were accusing him of make new false accusations against them. 
talking about the 2020 election for three years and was never made aware that election talk was off limits. In The New York Times story Giuliani states that WABC’s policies on this topic are “a clear violation of free speech” to which TALKERS founder Michael Harrison comments, “As a lawyer, former attorney
general and former mayor, Giuliani should know better than to muddy the waters about ‘free speech’ by citing it and distorting it for his own defense in this manner. The letter of the law regarding the First Amendment protects the rights and responsibilities of Catsimatidis as the licensee and platform owner in this situation. And as far as the spirit of the law as indicated by the general term ‘free speech’ is concerned, the understanding between these two men as to what Giuliani can discuss on WABC is completely subjective and ultimately based on what the licensee determines at any given moment to be in the best interest of the platform, its listeners and most importantly, the truth.” 
Actor Hugh Grant’s Tweet called it “The destruction of the human experience. Courtesy of Silicon Valley.” He was reacting to Apple’s 
Radio 1190 AM.” Beck’s program will air from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. He says, “I’m excited to partner with iHeartRadio on the relaunch of KFXR. With Dallas-Fort Worth being our home market and the home of my American history museum, I can’t wait to exploit the many opportunities that will grow our relationship with the listeners in Texas and KFXR.” Glenn Beck will be appearing as keynote speaker at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond at Hofstra University on Friday, June 7. 
Melanie Ricks – transitions to a digital-only format this summer. Station director of content Kyle Wallace says, “We are excited for Mel and the new opportunities a digital show presents itself, particularly as fans explore new ways to consume our content. Carrie and Ben are part of the up-and-coming generation of young broadcasters, and since both teammates joined the ‘Truth’ team at its inception, their passion and grasp on the Milwaukee community will translate through the airwaves.” GKB says, “Jammin with Juice promises to be a dynamic addition to the lineup, offering a fresh perspective on pop culture, trending topics, and lifestyle through the lens of two local millennials. Hosted by Ben ‘Jammin’ and Carrie ‘Noni Juice,’ the show promises to dissect trending topics, share candid opinions, and deliver plenty of laughter as they explore and entertain.”
revenue for its stations by general format and the company’s sports revenue was $56.6 million – an increase of 6.5% – while its news/talk revenue fell 5.5% to $40 million. Audacy chairman, president and CEO David J. Field comments, “Audacy delivered a solid start to 2024 with Q1 EBITDA increasing 173% vs the prior year. Second-quarter revenues are currently pacing up low-single 
digits, and we expect another quarter of substantial EBITDA growth, enhanced by our continuing work on expense reductions. Our improving results are predominantly attributable to a significant acceleration in digital revenue growth, continuing meaningful revenue share gains, and declining expenses as our transformational investments bear fruit. As previously announced, we received court approval of our consensual pre-packaged Plan of Reorganization, which will reduce our debt by 80%, and are now awaiting FCC approval to complete the process. I want to salute our team for their excellent work in driving financial and operating progress while simultaneously executing our reorganization plan, all without disruption to customers, listeners, partners, vendors or our staff.
and a translator in Decatur, Illinois; and an FM station in Monticello, Illinois to Champaign Multimedia Group, LLC, an Illinois-based company headed by Larry Perrotto. The transaction also included two websites – vermilioncountyfirst.com and nowdecatur.com.