Industry News

Nikki Ramirez Joins Research Director Inc

Radio pro Nikki Ramirez (Cumulus Media Atlanta and Audacy Miami) joins Research Director Inc as sales & business development lead. Research Director says that “in this new position, Ramirez will accelerate radio stations’ awareness of Research Director’s powerful Programming & Ratings Toolbox, designed to provide a deeper understanding of market performance immediately after Nielsen’s data release.” Company CEO Marc Greenspan says, “We’re excited to leverage Nikki’s extensive radio industry knowledge and experience, both on-air and behind-the-scenes, to fuel our growth in helping radio stations across the U.S. maximize the value of data to improve both their ratings and their revenue. She joins our team at a pivotal time as we look to showcase our unique ability to help clients improve their programming effectiveness and sales success.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Saga Communications announces that it will release its First Quarter 2023 operating results at 9:00 am ET on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. The company will hold a conference call on the same date at 11:00 am ET.

Last Saturday (4/1) the ParaPod Awards were handed out at the Hyatt Regency Valencia as part of the two-day ParaPod Festival. The awards recognize the influencers and content creators working in the paranormal genre. ParaPod founder Tony Sweet says, “The mainstream awards seem to skip over paranormal content. However, it takes no less time, skill, and talent to cover our genre than it does any other. So, why not create an awards platform to celebrate these brilliant individuals?” Actress and podcaster Jillian Clare (“Days of Our Lives,” “Alien Abduction”) was on hand to present the podcast and documentary category awards.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Salem Media Group is promoting its planned coverage of the booking of former President Donald Trump in Manhattan today (4/4). Salem Radio Network talk personality Mike Gallagher leads the Special Report coverage streaming on the Salem News Channel at 2:00 pm ET.

Edison Research, in partnership with NPR, is presenting a webinar on April 13 at 2:00 pm ET titled, “Hit Play, Boomer! Podcasting’s Age 55+ Opportunity.” Edison says, “Forty-two percent of Baby Boomers in the U.S. – those age 55+ – have ever listened to a podcast. Attend the webinar to learn more about what has shaped Baby Boomers in the U.S. and what their media habits look like today. Learn how they consume audio and which podcasts index the highest for listening among Boomers.”

The National Association of Broadcasters announces its new campaign highlighting the importance of AM radio in the car for news, community engagement, entertainment and vital public safety information. The campaign includes a website with a grassroots call to action and new tools for stations to highlight the importance of AM radio. This campaign is being launched as some automakers have stripped AM radio out of certain vehicle models.

Industry News

Monday Memo: Dominion v. FOX News

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

In Dominion Voting Systems’ $1.6 billion lawsuit, testimony and internal communications demonstrate that FOX News management and talent privately doubted election fraud claims they were broadcasting. Tucker Carlson messaged Laura Ingraham: “Sidney Powell is lying by the way. I caught her. It’s insane.”

Several FOX News Radio affiliates have asked what impact these disclosures have on station credibility.

 My advice: Your affiliation remains a franchise.

— 21% percent of FOX News viewers do say they trust the network less following the release of evidence in the Dominion case, per Maru Group poll commissioned by Variety. This is notable because FOX is not reporting the story, citing that it is the defendant; and because few minds change, generally, in divided America. We choose to believe what we choose to believe, and FOX simply got caught pandering.

— Trump loyalists are especially dug-in. His legal problems galvanize supporters’ view that he’s persecuted. At CPAC he proclaimed, “I am your retribution.”

— Affiliates: The FOX brand is your asset. To my ear, FOX Radio on-hour/half-hour newscasts report the same facts as ABC or CBS Radio newscasts. I haven’t tested this, but I’d bet a Martini at the Palm that reading transcripts – side-by-side with ABC or CBS Radio copy – the target demo’ couldn’t tell which-is-whose. But listener complaints – rooted in distrust that ABC and CBS are the proverbial “Mainstream Media” – caused several of my client stations to switch to FOX. Reaction was positive.

— Think car radio and assure listeners that they can “get a quick FOX News update” on-hour/half-hour “throughout your busy day.” “Because news that matters to you is changing fast,” listeners will want to “stay close to the news.”

— Bottom line: Unless the financial consequence of these legal actions drives FOX News out of business, hang in there.

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

Industry News

KTBB, Tyler, Texas News Anchor John Sims Dies After Accident

KTBB, Tyler, Texas news anchor and veteran East Texas broadcaster John Sims died early this morning (3/31) from injuries he sustained on Monday (3/27) after being struck by a motor vehicle while taking a walk. He suffered severe brain trauma and was admitted to UT Health Tyler where he underwent surgery. KTBB owner Paul Gleiser says, “We are heartbroken, plain and simple. John was as good as it gets as a radio newsman. But beyond that, he was a kind and gentle soul with a heart to make his community better. The many people from all over East Texas and from across the social and political spectrum who have reached out to us following John’s accident serve as testament to a life well lived. We will miss him more than I can say.” Sims grew up near Philadelphia where his father called radio play-by-play for the Phillies. Sims had been news anchor and editor at KTBB since 1998. He was involved in many local community organizations and was respected and admired by those with whom he interacted.

Industry News

AWMF Announces 2023 Gracie Award Winners

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announces the winners of the 48th Annual Gracie Awards that recognize outstanding programming and individual achievement created by women, for women, and about women in all facets of media in news and entertainment. Winners will be honored at a gala event on May 23 at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles. The local and student award-winners will be recognized at the Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 20 at Cipriani in New York. AWMF president Becky Brooks says, “As we close out Women’s History Month, it is important to remember the legacy of Gracie Allen, the inspiration behind these esteemed awards. This year’s recipients exemplify Gracie Allen’s spirit through their exceptional talent, innovation, and vision. Their steadfast dedication to their craft and their tenacious resolve to break boundaries serve as a compelling testament to the essential role women play in molding the cultural landscape. We eagerly anticipate celebrating their outstanding accomplishments.” Winners in the radio category (national and local) in commercial news or talk formats include: Jai Kershner, “Good Day Show,” Outstanding News Anchor; Mandy Connell, iHeartMedia, Host Non‐Morning Drive; Christina Musson, KMJ AM/FM Fresno, Co‐host (Talk/Personality) Small/Medium Market; Marcy Williams, WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta, Outstanding News Reporter; “Talking Golf with Ann Liguori,” WFAN, New York, Talk Show ‐ Sports; and “The Gee and Ursula Show,” KIRO-FM,  Seattle, Talk Show ‐ Talk. See the complete list of winners here.

Industry News

Hofstra Grad Student Receives Gracie Live on “The View”

Hofstra University grad student Fatima Moien won a 2023 Gracie Award for her work as the on-air talent for the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication’s “Live from Studio A.” The series brings influential media and communications professionals to campus to share their personal stories, advice, and wisdom with Hofstra students. In the photo above, Moien (sixth from the left) receives her Gracie on the set of ABC’s “The View” with her parents present. Additionally, AWMF president Becky Brooks, presented Moien with a $10,000 scholarship generously donated by ABC News and “The View” in honor of the late Barbara Walters.

Industry News

Audacy Names Ed Egros to Co-Host of “BetQL Daily”

Audacy adds Ed Egros as co-host of “BetQL Daily” on the company’s BetQL Network. Egros joins co-hosts Joe Ostrowski and Erin Hawksworth on the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET show beginning April 3. BetQL Network VP Mitch Rosen says, “Ed has become a leading voice on sports betting and analytics over the course of his career and we’re pleased to add him and his perspective to our weekday ‘BetQL Daily’ program alongside Joe and Erin. Through his wealth of experience in sports reporting and analysis, Ed will provide valuable insights to our listeners as they make their betting decisions, while using his expertise to break down games, analyze players and teams, and provide valuable betting tips, strategies and Wagertainment.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Cumulus Media announces that news/talk WJR-AM, Detroit will serve as the official radio broadcast and play-by-play partner for the USFL’s Michigan Panthers for the 2023 season. WJR’s dedicated Panthers coverage will include live on-air and streaming broadcasts of the team’s home games from Ford Field, as well as away games. Five-time Michigan Association of Broadcasters award winner Chris Renwick will serve as play-by-play announcer. Renwick is senior news analyst for WJR and host of the station’s “SportsWrap.”

iHeartMedia and Intuit Quickbooks announce an original podcast series focused on the trials and tribulations of owning a small business. “Mind the Business: Small Business Success Stories” is hosted by personal finance influencer and investor Austin Hankwitz and creator and host of the award-winning personal finance podcast, “Yo Quiero Dinero,” Jannese Torres. It’s designed to share insights to help small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed.

Industry News

Wayne Allyn Root Book Selling Well Thanks to Talk Radio

Las Vegas-based, nationally syndicated talk radio personality Wayne Allyn Root tells TALKERS magazine his latest book, The Great Patriot BUY-cott Book, is doing very well on several Amazon book charts, and he says talk radio is the main reason why. He says, “My new book is out for 48 hours and already it’s a #1 bestseller in many categories at Amazon. And to what do I credit my success at going so quickly to #1? Talk radio. In past 48 hours I’ve been a guest on 30 talk radio shows… plus of course, I’ve promoted my book on my own national radio show. Talk radio works!” Root is an ardent Donald Trump supporter who says the former president linked to his recent opinion piece titled, “Democrats Want to Indict & Arrest President Trump. They Want a War? Let’s Give it to Them” in one of his recent posts on Truth Social.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WKBN-TV, Youngstown, Ohio reports that a Northeast Ohio couple are in custody in Columbiana County jail after an incident at The Original Road House in East Palestine. Ohio where John Fredericks, Steve Bannon and others were broadcasting live at a radio town hall event. The station reports Alfred Ferrara of Cleveland and Mary Schroeder of Hudson, Ohio showed up at the restaurant and created a disturbance. Ferrara is being charged with inducing panic and resisting arrest after threatening to shoot up the restaurant. The two left the scene and ended up at the village’s water and sewer plant where their car got stuck in a tank of raw sewage.

Audacy’s sports talk outlet WJFK-FM, Washington, DC “106.7 The Fan” announces a multi-year extension to its flagship broadcast and digital partnership with MLB’s Washington Nationals. As part of the extended partnership, Nationals baseball will continue to be heard on “106.7 The Fan” and streamed digitally via the Audacy app for fans within the Nationals broadcast territory. Audacy Washingon SVP and market manager Ivy Savoy-Smith says, “Opening Day is finally here, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the return of baseball season by extending our partnership with the Washington Nationals. We’re looking forward to continuing to serve as the home for everything Nats for the foreseeable future and give the team’s fans a front row seat to the action on the field and top storylines throughout the year.”

Focus360 promotes longtime director of sales planning Robbie Eisen to vice president of planning. The company says he has been instrumental in delivering results for hundreds of Focus360 clients since 2015. Also promoted is Erick Siqueira, who has been with the company as business development manager. He is now director of client services. In this new role within Focus360’s sales division, Siqueira will be working with agency planners and buyers across the country to promote the network programming.

Industry News

Kilmeade, Caracciolo, and Hurley Talk Connections at Conference

A special discussion exploring the delicate balance between local, national and cross-platform talk media elements is set as one of the many sessions comprising the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 conference on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. Brian KilmeadeJohn Caracciolo, and Harry Hurley will engage in a conference-closing conversation titled, “Cross Currents of Talk Media.” It will examine the delicate balance between local, national, and multiplatform elements of the ever-evolving talk media space. Brian Kilmeade is a nationally known talk star hosting separate shows on FOX News Radio and FOX News Channel (TV).  His syndicated radio show is carried on Long Island (where he also lives) by news/talk WRCN-FM, Riverhead “Long Island News Radio.” The station which serves Eastern Long Island is owned by JVC Broadcasting of which John Caracciolo is president/CEO. Harry Hurley, morning host at WPG, Atlantic City, NJ (and regular guest host on FOX News Radio who occasionally fills in for Kilmeade) will serve as moderator of what promises to be a fascinating three-way conversation. See all the speaker, registration, and hotel information for TALKERS 2023 here.

Industry News

FNC Beats CNN and MSNBC for the 7th Consecutive Quarter

According to data from Nielsen Media Research, FOX News Channel finished the first quarter of 2023 as cable’s most-watched network in primetime and total day viewers. Additionally, FNC beat CNN and MSNBC combined with total day and primetime viewers and the A25-54 demo for the seventh consecutive quarter. FOX News Channel reports that its total primetime viewers for March 2023 was 2,094,000 (down 27% from March 2022), while CNN’s total primetime viewers was 473,000 (down 61% from March 2022) and MSNBC’s total primetime viewers was 1,135,000 total viewers (down 12% from March 2022).

Industry News

MIW Welcomes Two New Board Members

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc (MIW), announces the addition of two new members to its board of directors. Lori Flowers, who serves as integrated marketing and project manager for Radio One, and Jenna Miller, integrated sales manager for Cox Media Group join the board of the organization consisting of top-level female radio professionals who use their experience, influence, and resources to help other women in radio develop management and leadership skills. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “Both Lori and Jenna share a history with MIW, starting as mentees and now joining us as board members. They are each accomplished and inspiring professionals who are generously giving back to the betterment of women in the industry, and the industry as a whole. We welcome them wholeheartedly and are thankful for their participation.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

— FOX Sports Radio’s Rob Parker, host of the nationally syndicated program “The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard & Rob Parker” – and founder/editor-in-chief of MLBbro.com, announces the launch of “The MLBbro Show Podcast – The Mixtape.” The new podcast is an extension of MLBbro.com, a website produced in partnership with Major League Baseball to chronicle the paths of Black and brown professional baseball players from the past and present. The show is hosted by MLBbro.com’s vice president of operations JR Gamble, who has covered Major League Baseball for more than two decades. Parker, along with MLBbro.com editors and writers David Grubb, Mark Gray, Christian Crittenden and Justin Petrille, will also contribute to the podcast.

— SiriusXM announces its extensive broadcast plans for Masters week (April 1-9) as exclusive audio broadcaster for the PGA golf tournament. SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein says, “We are honored and excited to again deliver our subscribers comprehensive coverage of one of the best weeks in all of sports. Our excellent broadcast team will bring listeners inside the ropes from the first tee shot on Thursday through the final putt on Sunday. Throughout the week we’ll celebrate the great history and traditions of the Masters, and fans will get great insight into today’s competitors, as well as the legendary players from Masters past.”

Industry News

Martha Zoller Named 2023 TALKERS Woman of the Year

Martha Zoller, mid-morning host on WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville – a North Georgia powerhouse heritage signal – has been selected 2023 “Woman of the Year” by the TALKERS editorial board. She will be presented the Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievements in Talk Media by a Woman at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison says, “Martha Zoller has developed a national reputation in the talk media industry as an impeccably reliable observer of the consequential dynamics of Georgia politics from an even-handed, conservative perspective. She is respected as a major ‘go-to’ source across the nation and continues to grow as a major political and social thought leader in the Peach State utilizing her local radio platform most effectively. She is truly a gem in this field.” Over the years, Zoller pivoted her multi-faceted career at different times between being a local and regional radio talk show host, a student, a political operative, a congressional candidate (where she made it to a run-off) and a businesswoman as well as a wife, mother, and grandmother. After graduating in 1979 from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism from the prestigious Grady School of Journalism, she worked in the corporate world in addition to raising a family. She states, “I know there is no glass ceiling and women can have it all, just not at the same time.” A lifelong learner, Zoller completed her MA in Political Science in 2021 at the University of Georgia’s School of Politics and International Affairs. Her thesis was on women’s electoral success in the GOP. Among her political experiences, she served as the State Director of Field Offices for Gov. Brian Kemp. From 2014 until 2018, she worked for Sen. David Perdue in senior staff positions. Martha began her talk radio career in 1994 after being a regular caller to WDUN. Her first call to the station was prompted by Hillary Clinton’s lament that “she could have stayed at home and baked cookies.” In addition to being a perennial member of the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred,” Zoller has been named to James magazine’s list of Most Influential Georgians and Georgia Trend magazine named her as one of Georgia’s most influential members of the media. She also serves as the 9th District Representative on the Georgia State Board of Education since 2020. Meet Martha Zoller at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University. For more information see story below.

Industry News

Outkick Rebrands Afternoon Drive Show

The sports talk program “OutKick 360” is rebranding with the new name “Outkick Hot Mic with Hutton and Withrow.” Produced by Clay TravisOutkick, the program stars Jonathan Hutton and Chad Withrow and airs live from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET daily on OutKick.com and across all OutKick social platforms. Withrow says, “Our listeners can expect the same brand of honest, authentic, and fearless sports talk we’ve always brought to the table. We are excited to get this new branding rolling as OutKick continues to grow and expand its audience.” Hutton adds, “Hot Mic will be the agenda-free sports talk show for true sports fans. No fake debates. Authentic reactions and analysis that everyone should expect from OutKick.”

Industry News

Salem Makes Balance Sheet Strengthening Move

Salem Media Group announces it has completed its previously announced redemption in full of the remaining $36.5 million in outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 6.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2024. The redemption was funded through the issuance by the company on March 20, 2023 of $44.685 million in additional 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 of the company (the “2028 Notes”), a portion of the proceeds of which was used to satisfy and discharge the Indenture relating to the 2024 Notes on March 20, 2023 and to complete the redemption on March 27, 2023. The additional 2028 Notes and the related guarantees were sold to certain existing holders of the company’s outstanding 2028 Notes whom the company believes to be qualified institutional buyers, in a private placement. The company believes that the completion of this refinancing will strengthen its balance sheet.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Today and tomorrow (3/28-29) the John Fredericks Media Network, Steve Bannon’s “War Room,” and Real America’s Voice are teaming up to conduct a live, two-day town hall meeting for residents of East Palestine, Ohio to tell their stories about the aftermath of the toxic train derailment that’s affected their lives on the air. The town halls take place today (3/28) from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm and Wednesday (3/29) from 6:00 am to 12:00 noon at The Original Road House in East Palestine.

Audacy’s Cadence13 Studios announces a partnership with Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning writer, actress, producer and director Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions – the production company behind shows including “Russian Doll,” “Broad City,” and “Harlem” – for a 30-episode comedy franchise featuring stories that parody and pay homage to popular themes in the podcast space. The franchise will be broken out into three seasons of 10 episodes. Each will focus on a central character and distinct theme; however, characters will make crossover appearances across stories and seasons.

Industry News

Former NY Governor Andrew Coumo Hosts Show on WABC, New York

Andrew Cuomo, who resigned the governorship of the state of New York in August of 2021 in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal, hosted a one-off hourlong program on Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC, New York last Friday (3/24) at 8:00 pm. Titled, “State of the City, State and Nation,” the show allowed Cuomo to offer his takes on the job his former Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is doing, as well as his thoughts on other political issues. WABC says Cuomo, who has been hosting a podcast of his own, requested the time on WABC and owner John Catsimatidis replied via a press release, “Let him speak! I have said many times that 77 WABC is about truth and hearing from all sides. Let the listeners decide.”

Industry News

KBLA, Los Angeles Awards $20k to Minority Journalists

The Tavis Smiley-owned Los Angeles talk station KBLA “Talk 1580” donated $20,000 in scholarship money to the National Association of Black Journalists of Los Angeles (NABJLA) and the Minority Photo-Journalism Institute(MPJI). Smiley says, “The National Association of Black Journalists of Los Angeles and the Minority Photo-Journalism Institute are making a tangible difference in our community by helping students pursue careers in journalism and communications. KBLA ‘Talk 1580’ strongly believes in enlightening, empowering and encouraging tomorrow’s reporters, editors and potential talk radio hosts. Hopefully, our scholarships make a difference.” The scholarship donations were raised at KBLA’s February 28, 2023, Black History Month luncheon in tribute to Black legends in Los Angeles media.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Avoid Sounding Like a Medical Examiner

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

We’ve seen autopsies depicted on various cop shows. As the doctor dispassionately probes the deceased, he or she is dictating into an audio recorder: “I’m opening up the chest cavity…”

That’s how some talk hosts sound, narrating their own process, rather than projecting the listener’s stake in topic du jour.

— Instead of: “This gas stove ban is something I want to talk about.”

— Ask: “Should you be fined for installing – or replacing – your gas stove? Let’s talk about it! (phone number)”

— Instead of: “We’ll be talking about the fiscal impact of immigration.”

— Say: “How much money are illegal immigrants taking out of your pocket?  More than you think, according to our guest…”

Said another way: Less “I,” “me.” More “you,” and “your,” The Magic Words.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of the E-book and FREE on-air radio features Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;” and “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

“105.7 The Fan” Brings Back “Baltimore Baseball Tonight”

Audacy sports talk outlet WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” announces the return of “Baltimore Baseball Tonight” to its program lineup with the new season coinciding with the Baltimore Oriole’s Opening Day on March 30. New to the “Baltimore Baseball Tonight” broadcast team is Ryan Ripken, son of baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. Ripken joins Bob Haynie – host of the midday “Vinny & Haynie” show – Baltimore Hall of Famer Mike Bordick, and longtime voice of Baltimore baseball Jim Hunter. 105.7 The Fan brand manager Chuck Sapienza comments, “We are thrilled to be bringing ‘Baltimore Baseball Tonight’ back to Baltimore baseball fans. The show was received so well last season, and we look forward to building off that momentum again this season. Adding Ryan to the team brings a critical young voice to the show, and his perspective having been a part of the organization and his deep family ties to the team are invaluable.” When the Orioles are home, the show is broadcast on-site at Pickles Pub near Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Industry News

Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame Unveils Class of 2023

The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association announces the 2023 inductees into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. From the radio side, this year’s inductees include former rock jock Donna L. Halper, currently a communications professor at Lesley University, and Spanish music radio station entrepreneur Pat Costa. Halper is also receiving the Hall of Fame Pioneer Award, given “to individuals who have distinguished themselves over decades for lasting contributions made to the broadcast industry and through a leadership role in their particular craft.” Other inductees are WCVB-TV, Boston sports anchor Mike Lynch, the late and beloved WHDH-TV videographer Therman Toon, late WBZ-TV reporter Bill Shields, and WBZ Radio’s heralded news reporter and “poet laureate” Carl Stevens.

Industry News

Two Leading Edge CEO Fireside Chats Set for TALKERS 2023

Two leading CEO “Fireside Chats” have been scheduled for TALKERS 2023 adding to the impact of a power-packed day of sessions and presentations set for the talk media industry’s major annual gathering. The event will feature approximately 60 outstanding speakers on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island.

Connoisseur Media CEO/founder Jeff Warshaw and Newsmax Media CEO/founder Christopher Ruddy will each engage in candid one-on-one conversations with TALKERS publisher/founder Michael Harrison about the present and future state of talk media.

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 Partners 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.”

Christopher Ruddy founded Newsmax in 1998 to publish online and offline content in the fields of news, politics, health and finance. Newsmax.com ranks consistently as one of the country’s most-trafficked news websites. Newsmax TV, a cable and over-the-top media service news channel started in 2014, has shown remarkable growth becoming one of the nation’s leading television news and political opinion sources.  Newsmax recently entered the field of talk radio with a syndication arm and is reportedly exploring expansion into radio station ownership. As a journalist, Christopher Ruddy previously worked at the New York Post and the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. He was also awarded a Media Fellowship at the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace at Stanford University. He holds a BA summa cum laude in history from St. John’s University and a Master’s in Public Policy from the London School of Economics. Harrison describes Ruddy as “a key player in emerging 21st century media.”

For more information about TALKERS 2023, see story below

Job Opportunity

Smiley Audio Media and KBLA, Los Angeles Seek Director of Sales

KBLA Talk 1580/SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. is seeking a director of sales who can plan, direct, and coordinate the actual distribution or movement of service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas and goals, and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor customers’ preferences. Candidates can learn more details here.

Job Opportunity

AUN Television Network Seeking Ground Level Entry Executive

Rick Trader, president/CEO of the AUN Television Network informs TALKERS that he is looking to expand his two-year-old ultra-conservative audio and video talk media platform. He’s looking for a sales and management executive (as well as acquiring additional programming). Over the past two years, AUN (American Uncensored Network) – which is billed as a “conservative/faith-based network” – has gained clearance on some 11 TV stations in California and Nevada. Its shows are hosted by an array of well-known commentators as well as up-and-comers. Trader tells TALKERS he “honestly believes AUN is one of the fastest growing TV and streaming networks in the country.” He states, “Now it is time to expand once again. Our goal is to be broadcasting in every major market in the next two years! This is maybe where an ambitious, hard-working manager can become part of this dream. I am looking to develop a management team to make it happen. If a candidate has expertise in managing finances and accounting, recruiting, human resources, overseeing and developing technologies, as well as creating company policy, sales and marketing, then such an individual might be looking for the challenge of a lifetime.” Trader continues, “I am looking to work with conservative/faithful, passionate ideologs like myself who are concerned with the direction our great republic is heading and want to return it to the Judeo-Christian, faith-based patriotic roots our founding fathers created! Here is the catch: all our progress and success has been achieved on a very tight budget! In fact, we cannot offer salaries. What we can offer is incentives for those who produce to be rewarded.” Interested candidates can contact Rick Trader, president/CEO, AUN TV Network at auntv@yahoo.com.

Industry News

Justin Shackil Joins WFAN’s Yankees Broadcasts

Audacy announces Justin Shackil is joining WFAN, New York’s flagship broadcast coverage of New York Yankees baseball as the station’s primary postgame show host for the Yankees Radio Network. He will also fill in for legendary play-by-play voice John Sterling for approximately 30 games, alongside Suzyn Waldman, during the 2023 season. Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero states, “Justin is no stranger to the Bronx and his passion for the pinstripes make him the ideal person to join the iconic duo of John and Suzyn in the booth. His contributions to the broadcast last season were terrific and well received, so we’re excited to see him return in this enhanced role.”

Industry News

New York Festivals Radio Awards Unveils the 2023 Shortlist

NYFestivals says, “Captivating audio entries created by storytellers from around the world were judged online by NYF’s Radio Awards Grand Jury to determine the 2023 Shortlist. Shortlisted entries include audiobooks, podcasts, dramas, documentaries, breaking news coverage, entertainment, and music specials from radio stations, networks, prominent production companies and independent producers. For 2023, Podcasts dominated the Shortlist with the Grand Jury advancing 105 Podcast entries to the next round. Podcasts engaged listeners with entries in multiple categories including Drama, Comedy, Sports, Entertainment, Series, Technology, News Business, and Social Justice.” Also NYFestivals announces that new for 2023, the National Press Club Award will go to the highest scoring entry in the news program categories Best Coverage Of Breaking News Story, Best Coverage Of Ongoing News Story, Best Nonfiction Series and News Podcast. The winner will be announced during the New York Festivals 2023 Storytellers Gala virtual event on April 18. See the 2023 Shortlist here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

— Cumulus Media’s Westwood One, the official network audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, is broadcasting live coverage of the Men’s Sweet Sixteen today (3/23) and tomorrow. It will also broadcast live coverage of the Men’s Elite Eight on Saturday and Sunday, as well as the NCAA Men’s Final Four on Saturday, April 1 and the national championship game on Monday, April 3 in both English and Spanish. It is also presenting exclusive live coverage of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship, beginning with the Sweet Sixteen this weekend.

— PureFlix founder/CEO Michael Scott (right) poses for a picture with Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup (left) at the SRN offices in Dallas while participating in the SRN News week-long series on Christian films titled, “Faith-based Films: Hollywood’s Brass Ring.” The SRN News special series focuses on the evolution of Christian movies from early, not-well-acted films to 2023’s smash hit Jesus Revolution, which has become Lions Gate Studios’ biggest-grossing film since 2019 with $45 million in box office receipts.

— Audacy announces a new programming lineup for CHANNEL Q, the Audacy Original Station and audio destination for music, news and entertainment by and for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Audacy says that for the first time, CHANNEL Q will be live for East Coast mornings. The lineup is: CJ Robinson 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET, Jordin Silver 9:00 am to 3:00 pm ET, Alex Donati 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET, and Corey Crockett 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET.

— PodcastOne announces the release of a new podcast from Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright titled, “When Reality Hits with Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright.” PodcastOne president Kit Gray states, “Some of the biggest headlines splashed across today’s media are the ones about reality television and ‘When Reality Hits’ brings two of the biggest names to have ever starred in the genre together for a podcast that covers the ‘reality’ of reality TV, as well as the reality that sets in when you become a parent. We’re excited to unleash this show on fans and to bring a bird’s eye view of what happens when reality TV becomes real life.”

Industry News

Kraig T. Kitchin to Receive 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award

The TALKERS editorial board has announced the selection of renowned radio industry executive Kraig T. Kitchin as the 2023 recipient of the newly renamed Jim Bohannon Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement. Mr. Kitchin will be presented the honor at the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 convention on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island, NY.  In making the announcement, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison stated, “Although still a relatively young man, Kraig Kitchin’s illustrious career goes back decades and his positive contributions to the radio business – including the spoken word formats and some of its greatest talents including the late Rush Limbaugh – have been indelible and immeasurable.” Since 2008, Kitchin has been president of the talent management firm, Sound Mind, with a focused effort toward managing the businesses of high-profile radio and podcast personalities as well as production companies. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Oxford Road, a media placement agency specializing in audio advertising, with a focus on podcasts and audio integrations. The nine-year-old agency is a leader in the audio space on behalf of more than 50 clients. Kitchin also serves as chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame to which he was appointed in 2014. Since assuming the role, he has reinstituted national public voting for two of the six categories of induction and has doubled the voting participant panel. Under his leadership, more than 75 radio icons have been inducted. Prior to launching his own firm, Kitchin was one of the founders of Premiere Radio Networks, Inc., in 1987. The company grew to be the number one radio network in the country syndicating 90 radio programs and services to more than 4,600 radio affiliates, reaching 190 million listeners weekly. He started as executive vice president of sales and by 1998 at the age of 37, he assumed the role of president/COO, one of the youngest in the country to run a $300 multi-million-plus radio company. During his 10-year tenure at Premiere, Kitchin directed and oversaw all talk and music programming and services featuring the nation’s most popular personalities like Limbaugh, DelilahJim RomeGlenn BeckCasey KasemBill HandelRyan SeacrestBob (Kevoian) and Tom (Griswold)Steve HarveyWhoopi GoldbergBlair GarnerGeorge NooryMaria BartiromoJim CramerMatt Drudge, the late Art BellDonald TrumpBob Costas and others. In addition, he supervised Premiere Radio’s other properties: Mediabase 24/7, the industry’s leading music monitoring service, MJI Programming, and FOX Sports Radio. Kitchin started his career in station management at WFMK-FM in Lansing, MI, and KTYD-FM in Santa Barbara, CA before serving as sales manager of the Katz Radio Group Network in Los Angeles. Kitchin will be one of 60 industry leaders speaking at TALKERS 2023.  For more information, see story below.

Industry News

Newsmax and DirecTV Reach Renewal Deal

Newsmax announces that it has reached a renewal deal with DirecTV for the satellite TV platform to carry its programming. (It will return to DirecTV and DirectTV Stream on channel 349 today, March 22, and on U-verse channel 1220 tomorrow, March 23.) In making the announcement, Newsmax states, “DirecTV was one of the first distributors to provide Newsmax nearly a decade ago, and we want to express our appreciation to DirecTV and its leadership for working with us to find a mutually beneficial business agreement to bring our programming back to its customers. While we raised the issue of censorship relating to our removal, we now believe in DirecTV’s commitment to distributing diverse viewpoints, including conservative ones.  DirecTV has made clear during our negotiations that it has always been focused on protecting its customers from the rising programming costs across the pay TV industry and never intended to limit one perspective or to target conservative voices. We accept their position and believe that our new agreement with DirecTV will allow them to continue to be a go-to-source for one of the most diverse lineups of news programming, now with three conservative news networks including Newsmax.” Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy will be speaking at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University.