Industry News

Noam Laden Returns to WABC, New York as News Director

New York City news pro Noam Laden joins Red Apple Media Group’s 77 WABC as news director. He was most recently serving with iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR as morning news anchor. In his new role with WABC, Laden will host the daily 5:00 am “WABC News Hour with Noam Laden” and will anchor the top-of-the-hour news during the “Sid & Friends Morning Show.” He’ll also be responsible for all WABC news content and distribution, on-air and online. Laden served with WABC from 2003 to 2018 in which he was news director, news anchor on the “Imus In the Morning” show, and co-host on the Geraldo Rivera show. Laden says, “I’m very excited to join the new 77 WABC. The station has a terrific lineup of hosts and the ratings are soaring. It’s great to be part of a winning team with passionate owners. We’ve got lots of exciting plans for distribution of our news.” Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez says, “New Yorkers need to be in-the-know first thing in the morning and throughout their busy day. Our goal at WABC Radio is not only to deliver the news but to include all sides of the story.”

Industry News

“Alabama Unfiltered Radio” Joins WACV-FM, Montgomery

The talk radio program “Alabama Unfiltered Radio” starring host Scott Beason joins the lineup of Bluewater Broadcasting’s WACV-FM, Montgomery, Alabama “News Talk 93.1” in the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart, beginning Wednesday (3/8).  The program is produced by the nonprofit LLC 1819 News, which says, “Beason is an Alabama native and former member of the Alabama Legislature, serving both in the House and Senate, and he has prior experience hosting Yellowhammer Radio.” 1819 News says, “From politics to faith, ‘Alabama Unfiltered Radio,’ covers the topics you won’t hear in the mainstream media. Listen in on dinner-table-style discussions between Scott and his co-hosts, Amie Beth Shaver and Allison Sinclair, on important topics you actually care about — news, current events and culture from a traditional conservative, Southern, Christian worldview presented in a very entertaining and never boring way.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Longtime Tampa Bay Rays radio broadcaster Dave Wills died early Sunday morning (3/5) at the age of 58. Wills and Andy Freed have been the radio broadcast team since the 2005 season. Prior to joining the Rays, Wills was part of the Chicago White Sox broadcast team in which he hosted pre- and post-game programs.

— Cumulus Media’s Westwood One continues its presentation of NCAA basketball conference championships this week and into next weekend. Westwood One will also broadcast Selection Sunday, which will reveal the 68-team field for both the men’s and the women’s tournaments. Jason Horowitz will host Selection Sunday coverage with former coach PJ Carlesimo serving as the men’s analyst and Debbie Antonelli as the women’s analyst.

— LiveOne reports that paid memberships for its subsidiaries Slacker Radio and PodcastOne grew by over 587,000 in the past 12 months and over 100,000 in the first two months of calendar 2023. Total members, including paid and ad-sponsored, are now at 2.85 million. LiveOne CEO Rob Ellin comments, “We are thrilled to have exceeded 2 million premium members on our platform, and we owe much of our growth to our B2B content partnerships, such as our longstanding collaboration with Tesla. Our team’s objective is to forge partnerships with similar-minded brands who understand the significance of providing their customers with new and relevant content.”

Industry News

WBAL, Baltimore Names T.J. Smith Midday Host

Hearst Television’s WBAL-AM/W268BA “NewsRadio 1090/FM 101.5” announces that T.J. Smith is its new midday talk host. Smith is a familiar voice to the WBAL audience. He served as spokesperson for the Baltimore City Police Department from 2015 to 2018 in which he appeared regularly on the “C4 Show” spotlighting unsolved cases. He later served as press secretary for Baltimore County executive John Olszewski and ran for mayor of Baltimore in 2020. He takes over the midday show after Kimberly Klacik exited the position following seven months on the job. WBAL director of programming Jeff Wade says, “The WBAL audience has known and respected T.J. for years for his frank and honest dialogue on the issues that matter most to people living and working in Baltimore. Whether it’s policing, politics, or talking Orioles and Ravens, we can’t think of anyone better suited to sit behind the WBAL microphone weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.” Smith comments, “As a native Baltimorean who has gone to school, worked, run for office and even suffered loss in the city, I’m very familiar with the feel of the public from west Baltimore to the waterfront. I couldn’t be more excited to join the WBAL Radio family. I look forward to delivering straight talk and sharing my opinion based on my experience working in government and in law enforcement. I’m ready to ‘tell it like it is’ in a reasonable manner.”

Industry News

WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte and Host Brett Winterble Agree to Extension

Urban One’s WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte signs afternoon drive talk host Brett Winterble to a multi-year contract extension. WBT says, “Winterble arrived at WBT in February of 2020 at a critical time in the U.S. The country was in the middle of one of the most news-worthy election cycles in history and the early stages of a global pandemic. His expertise in national and global affairs was immediately recognized and appreciated by the WBT audience, but it was his fair analysis of the day’s news and his whole-hearted support of the Charlotte community in those difficult times that allowed him to become a welcomed part of the lives of the audience.” Winterble comments, “From the moment I walked into the legendary WBT Radio it felt like home. I am so thankful for the welcome and support I received from our clients, listeners, and incredible staff over these past three years. I am truly honored to continue this relationship with the best creators in the business. I am particularly grateful for the support of Urban One/Radio One, and Marsha Landess, Alfred Liggins, David Kantor, Mike Schaefer, and Kraig Kitchin in helping me to realize this professional dream. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us.”

Industry News

VoodooVision Consumer Study Findings Revealed

NuVoodoo Media Services announces that it is releasing the results of its VoodooVision nationwide consumer study in a series of free webinars this month. The study of more than 5,300 respondents between the ages of 14 and 54 is intended to “guide marketers through the myriad options available in the digital media and audio entertainment space.” NuVooDoo says, “The VoodooVision consumer study findings reveal that despite the steady increase of Internet-connected infotainment systems in vehicles, broadcast radio continues to hold its own. It remains competitive with podcasts and DSPs (Digital Streaming Providers, such as Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and others) when consumers are in vehicles or public transit during the early morning and late afternoon commutes, and on weekends.” Respondents were asked to select a top preference from a list of audio entertainment choices and their top choices were (for morning commuters), broadcast FM/AM radio with 19% of the sample, followed closely by podcasts, with streaming coming in at third. The study indicates the competition is closer during the late afternoon commute, where podcasts and streaming barely eclipse radio as the top choice among commuters at 15% vs. 14% of the sample, respectively. And radio remains competitive as an audio entertainment favorite among listeners on the go during the weekend, sharing the top spot with DSP’s and eking ahead of podcasts. You can register now for one of the two remaining webinars here.

Industry News

Meg Dowdy is 2023 Elevating Women in Audio Mentee

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces that Meg Dowdy is the recipient of the 2023 Elevating Women in Audio Mentorship program. The ‘Elevating Women in Audio: MIW & Luminate Mentorship’ program is a year-long experience that provides greater opportunities for women interested in management positions in audio, and involves personalized conversations with a vast network of high-level radio executives and experts to help advance a career within the radio/audio industry. Dowdy is a regional content director who works with nine Townsquare Media markets in the Southeastern United States. During her career she’s also been a morning show co-host, award-winning news reporter, brand manager, promotions director, and midday host. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “This year we had more applicants and more high-quality applicants than ever before. Meg’s dedication to her future, to the business and to paying her success forward was very impressive. We can’t wait to start working with her.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Jacksonville’s WJCT Public Media and The Florida Theatre announce the debut of their latest partnership, “Untold Stories,” a live oral storytelling series. “Untold Stories” is produced live on stage by The Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and The Florida Theatre. “Untold Stories” offers a platform for Northeast Florida residents to share their unique and inspiring experiences with the world. The radio program airs every Sunday this month at 7:00 pm.

— SiriusXM announces that six-time PGA TOUR winner Rocco Mediate is joining the roster of hosts on its SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel. Mediate will have his own show, “The Rocco Hour,” which he will host exclusively for every Tuesday at 6:00 pm ET beginning March 7. “I have 38 years of PGA TOUR experience. I see and remember everything! I have so much to say and I’m excited to have my own show on SiriusXM where I can share it with our listeners.”

Industry News

Audacy Using Veritone Attribute for Enhanced Data and Analytics

Veritone, Inc announces that Audacy is using its Veritone Attribute to improve and enhance data and analytics reporting for advertising customers. Veritone says, “Through the addition of Veritone Attribute, Audacy will supplement their ability to prove the efficacy of broadcast ad campaigns by sharing directional insights with advertisers as to how their campaigns are performing over a cross section of Audacy’s portfolio of radio brands. With these insights, advertisers will be better able to evaluate campaign performance on Audacy stations in comparison to other mediums. Research has shown that advertisers who receive attribution reporting spend more year-over-year and cancel their ad campaigns less often on average than those who don’t measure performance.” Audacy chief revenue officer Brian Benedik states, “As we aim to best serve our clients, Veritone Attribute will further enable us to optimize advertisers’ campaigns and maximize their ad dollars. There has never been a better time to leverage the power of audio to tap consumers, and this technology will complement our existing capabilities.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

— Salem Media Group, Inc plans to report its fourth quarter 2022 financial results after the market closes on March 8. The company also plans to host a teleconference to discuss its results on that day at 4:00 pm CT.

— iHeartMedia, Inc chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and COO and CFO Rich Bressler will participate in a question and answer session during the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on March 8 at 3:15 pm ET. A live webcast of the session will be available to the general public at the start of the session through a link on the Investors homepage of iHeartMedia’s website. A replay of the webcast will be available in the Events & Presentation section of iHeartMedia’s Investors homepage.

— The “Moments with Marianne” show, hosted by Marianne Pestana and heard on KMET LLC’s KMET-AM, Banning, California each Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, is adding another program to the station’s schedule on Tuesdays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

— The University of Minnesota athletic department and LEARFIELD’s Gopher Sports Properties announce a multi-year contract extension with iHeartMedia Minneapolis through the 2026-27 athletic season. Gopher football games will air on “KFAN FM 100.3.” Men’s basketball will air on a mix of KFAN and KTLK-AM. Gopher men’s hockey will air on KTLK-AM. Women’s basketball game broadcasts will continue to air on KQQL-HD3/K244FE “KFAN+.”

— Wonder Media Network, a women-founded, mission-driven podcast network, announces that their original hit podcast “Womanica,” which tells the often untold stories of iconic women across history, will join the iHeartPodcasts platform. iHeartPodcasts president Will Pearson says, “We’ve been such big fans of Wonder Media Network and the incredible podcasts they’ve produced over the past few years and we’re incredibly excited for this partnership. ‘Womanica’ has already built a big and passionate audience and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce these amazing stories to millions of new listeners across our network.”

Industry Views

The Daily Dance of Affirmation

By Michael Harrison
Publisher
TALKERS

Talkers Magazine - Talk radioThe embarrassing situation and accompanying financial vulnerability being faced by our colleagues at FOX News is a high-profile example of the consequences of audience “targeting” that has become the common positioning strategy in today’s competitive media marketplace.  The process is simple: You give the specifically targeted audience what it wants, not necessarily what it needs, even if what it wants is of dubious quality or unhealthy and – in the case of political talk media – untrue. It is a problematic, unsavory practice that has been brewing in our industry for years and, in the case of FOX, the proverbial toxicity has just hit the fan.

However, those in both the talk and print media, who are sanctimoniously gloating over FOX’s self-imposed misfortune, had better take a real hard look at themselves in the mirror. The strategy of serving up red meat to highly defined core audiences is practiced almost religiously by both the left and the right (not to mention purveyors of sports talk, specialty subjects and even music) – and the tolerance for talent deviation from this course by management has dwindled to almost zero. Today’s overworked and fear-driven managers have no stomach for audience complaints or ratings dips resulting from hosts saying things that do not resonate with the almighty “core.”

Smart programmers over the decades (and I’ve known some) understand that doggedly super-serving the low-hanging fruit of the core eventually yields diminishing returns. You wind up with a happier-but-shrinking audience of increasingly off-kilter zealots who eventually viciously turn on you when you stop feeding them the red meat they crave in what I call the daily dance of affirmation. It is that philosophical gray area between flat out lying or simply being wrong. What it comes down to is this inconvenient truth: programming for ratings, sponsorship support and audience approval isn’t simple.

Heaven help the progressive host who finds fault with Saint Biden or the conservative host who goes against the insidiously pervasive Trump factor. Or the sports talk show host who complains about the downside of betting. Or the music jock who actually engages in music criticism. This is the industry’s elephant in the room.

It’s time to acknowledge the beast.

Michael Harrison is the publisher of TALKERS.  He can be reached by email at michael@talkers.com.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

— PodcastOne announces that it has secured renewals for several tentpole programs that keep top performing and fan favorite podcasts with the network for the foreseeable future. The podcasts include: “The Adam Carolla Podcast,” “The Jordan Harbinger Show,” “LADYGANG,” “Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe,” and “Court Junkies.” PodcastOne president Kit Gray says, “The secret to our success as a network is the strength and longevity of our relationships with our partners in podcasting. In the exciting landscape of digital audio entertainment, being able to continue those relationships with six of our top performing and most beloved programs is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication.”

— SiriusXM announced a new show inspired by The Last Mile (TLM), a unique in-prison program that’s changing lives through technology-based education by preparing currently incarcerated students for careers upon their release. “The Last Mile Radio,” hosted by the program’s co-founder, Chris Redlitz, and formerly incarcerated musician and audio producer, Eric Abercrombie (known as Maserati-E), premieres on Saturday (3/4). Every week “The Last Mile Radio” will amplify the voices of influencers who are helping evolve the U.S. Justice System as we know it.

— iHeartMedia and the NBA unveil a new slate of team-specific shows coming to the iHeart/NBA Podcast Network. The lineup includes original podcasts from six NBA teams – the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “We are proud to leverage iHeart’s unmatched scale, reach and digital platform to continue to deliver compelling NBA content to fans. Together with the NBA and its teams, we look forward to bringing even more one-of-a-kind stories and cultural experiences to fans across the country.”

Industry News

Cumulus Launches Mark Levin YouTube Channel

Cumulus Media announces the launch of talk radio host Mark Levin’s official podcast channel on YouTube. Cumulus says, “The Mark Levin YouTube channel provides fans with a new platform to access each day’s podcast with new insights and unique commentary on the day’s top news events and issues from one of America’s pre-eminent constitutional experts and conservative voices.” Also featuring archived content, the official podcast YouTube channel offers Mark Levin Audio Rewind (complete audio of Levin’s Monday through Saturday podcast episodes), Mark’s Take on History – a collection of Levin’s monologues about key moments in American history, Newsmaker Interviews – Levin’s one-on-one sessions with notable figures, America’s Election Coverage – highlights from Levin’s election coverage over the years, and Shorts – Levin’s 59-second take on hot issues. Levin comments, “I am very excited about being on YouTube with my audio content. Having ‘The Mark Levin Show’ on another platform gives me a chance to connect with new listeners and bring fresh content to my longtime followers. I know there are a lot of different ways people find content, and this enables me to share my audio library in a creative way with a whole new audience.”

Industry News

Jimmy Failla Guest Hosts FOX News’ “Gutfeld!” Show

FOX News Radio host Jimmy Failla served as guest host on last Friday night’s edition of FOX News Channel’s “GUTFELD!” program starring Greg Gutfeld. Failla hosts the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart on FOX News Radio and among his talents is stand-up comedy, making him a more-than-qualified guest host on Gutfeld’s show that offer’s a humorous take on the day’s news.

Pictured above (from l-r) on the set of the “GUTFELD!” show is the cast from Friday’s program: novelist and literary critic Walter Kirn, FOX News analyst and regular GUTFELD! panelist Kat Timpf, Failla, “Bar Rescue” host John Taffer, and FOX News Radio host Guy Benson.

Industry News

WJR, Detroit Raises $1.8 Million During Radiothon

Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR-AM, Detroit raised $1,888,503 to aid The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit combat hunger and homelessness in Metro Detroit via the 36th Annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon held on February 23-24. The 27-hour radio fundraiser featured WJR personalities Paul W. Smith, Sean Baligian,  Marie Osborne, Tom JordanChris Renwick, Lloyd Jackson, Mitch Albom, Ken Brown, Steve Courtney, Guy Gordon, and Bed & Bread Club founder and Radio Hall of Famer Dick Purtan, broadcasting from The Salvation Army Great Lakes Divisional Headquarters in Southfield. The Bed & Bread Club Radiothon has raised a total of more than $43.1 Million over the life of the radiothon.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Software firm vCreative and radio creative service Yamanair Creative announce a deal in which vCreative’s vPro will be the primary operational platform for all of Yamanair’s services. vCreative CEO Mary DelGrande says, “Yamanair is a force in radio creative and we are thrilled that they have chosen our new vPro platform. This partnership will streamline operations for our mutual customers who will see immediate and impactful efficiencies in their creative process.”

— FOX News Audio is expanding its true crime content with a new weekly podcast as well as a True Crime Minute for smart speakers. “Outnumbered” co-host Emily Compagno will debut “The FOX True Crime Podcast with Emily Compagno” today (2/28) with new episodes dropping Tuesdays and Thursdays every week. Compagno will be joined each week by a team of FOX News Digital true crime reporters, legal and law enforcement experts and the FOX News Investigative Team. The first episode of the podcast will examine the Murdaugh trial, while the second will analyze an Alabama hostage situation from 2013 involving the murder of a bus driver and the kidnapping of a kindergartener in Midland City.

— SiriusXM NFL Radio is providing listeners nationwide with coverage of the annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis today (2/28) through Saturday (3/4). SiriusXM NFL Radio hosts in Indianapolis will include former NFL front office executive Pat Kirwan, former NFL coach Charlie Weis, former NFL players Charles Davis, Jim Miller, Kirk Morrison and Solomon Wilcots, and Bruce Murray.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: 5 Ws + $

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Joe Pags - Talkers MagazineLocal news sponsorship is an opportunity to “fish for whales,” institutional advertisers who can associate with something special. And, well-done, local news sure is special, because:

New-tech audio competitors don’t do it, and most AM/FM broadcast hours are now robotic.

Newspapers are in a tailspin swapping print dollars for digital dimes; and their – and TV stations’ – websites aren’t as portable as radio.

And it’s easier to add occasions of listening than to extend duration-per. Translation: There’s very little we do can keep someone in a parked car with the key on Accessories.

First things first: Plan NOW for The Big Story. In a recent column here I outlined the “break the glass” plan you should prep.

 As for day-to-day local news:

Who are you talking to? Habitual radio users – especially news/talk – are older-than-younger. Think Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), who control most retail spending. And report information that matters to people with children of any age living at home (super-spenders) and people driving (what’s happening right now, and what threatens to block their path). Think “car radio” for busy people and you won’t turn-off anyone sitting-stiller.

What: INFLATION, health and safety, “survival information” (weather = news). Jim Farley, my successor managing WTOP, Washington, hung a sign in the newsroom: “WGAS,” his litmus test for relevance, “Who Gives A Shit?”

Where: What’s happening within your signal pattern? And when everyone’s buzzing about a big story elsewhere, localize by asking pertinent sources “if it happened here?” and Man-on-the-Street interviews (local accents) reacting.

When: What JUST happened…what’s happening right NOW…what happens NEXT. When you’re wall-to-wall, do frequent resets, because people believe your promos, and are tuning-in to know. Other times, specific goal: Each newscast sounds different than the last.

Why it matters to your listener: News people I coach will chisel this onto my tombstone: Report consequence, not process. Don’t give me the minutes of the City Council meeting, tell me how what-was-discussed will impact me. Rewrite press releases, which aren’t easy on the ear (“The public is asked…”), tend to be process-laden, and are often self-congratulatory.

Longtime ABC News executive Av Westin, one of two industry icons we lost in 2022: “I believe the audience at dinner time wants to know the answers to three very important questions: Is the world safe? Is my hometown and my home safe? If my wife and children are safe, what has happened in the past 24 hours to make them better off or to amuse them?”

Tips:

— Emulate your network’s writing style.

— HIGHLY recommended reading: “Writing Broadcast News: Shorter, Sharper, Stronger” by Mervin Block.

— Rewrite to favor The Magic Words “you” and “your” and avoid third-person-plural (words like “residents”). Instead of “Business owners interested in applying for these loans should contact…” say “If you’re a business owner…”

— Arrange with a local TV station (“our news partner NBC28”) to use their sound, in exchange for attribution (which will enhance their standing and serve to promote their newscasts).

I am encouraged by how much 2022 work sought me out, asking that I review stations’ local news copy, and work with the local newscasters whose work can habituate listeners and make money.

Make your work count twice.

— When you’re covering a meeting or event, ask people there something else too. “How are YOU feeling inflation?”

— Say WHERE you gathered comments. “We spoke to shoppers leaving Star Market in West Springfield.”

Al Primo, inventor of “Eyewitness News,” who also passed away last year: “People can tell their stories better than we can write them.”

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

TALKERS News Notes

Salem Media Group, Inc announces it is issuing an irrevocable notice of redemption to the trustee of its outstanding 6.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2024. The Notice calls for the redemption – set for March 27, 2023 – in full of the remaining $36.5 million in outstanding aggregate principal amount of 2024 Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2024 Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. Salem expects to pay the redemption price for the 2024 Notes by issuing an additional $44.685 million in aggregate principal amount of its 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 to certain holders of its 2028 Notes pursuant to a purchase agreement entered into with such holders in connection with the initial issuance of the 2028 Notes.

Major League Soccer’s D.C. United announce that it and iHeartMedia Washington D.C. are extending their partnership for iHM to handle local radio broadcasts for the team’s regular season matches on WTSD-AM, WWDC-HD2, and W284CQ and the iHeartRadio App. Dave Johnson, who has called matches for D.C. United since the club’s inception in 1996, will lead the production as the play-by-play commentator. Bruce Murray, former United States National Team player and DMV native, will accompany Johnson to begin the season.

Bloomberg Radio – syndicated nationally by Key Networks – announces that it welcomes new affiliate Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta. “95.5 WSB” says it will broadcast Bloomberg business content that is geared towards the burgeoning Atlanta market.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

— Saga Communications, Inc. will release its fourth quarter and year end 2022 financial results at 9:00 am ET on Thursday, March 9. The company will also hold a conference call on the same day at 11:00 am ET.

— SiriusXM renews the weekly program “Let’s Go!” that stars Tom Brady, Larry Fitzgerald and Jim Gray. It will air each week on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio and SiriusXM NFL Radio channels. Following those airings, the full-length podcast versions of Gray’s extended conversations with Brady and Fitzgerald will be available in the SXM App.

— Audacy’s Cadence13 and Parallel are producing a 15-part podcast series “This Little Light,” created and hosted by Red Hot Chili Peppers founding member Flea. The series is about falling in love with music, music education, and finding beauty in the chaos of the creative process. Flea, co-founder of the nonprofit Silverlake Conservatory of Music, invites musical guests from all genres to talk about how they fell in love with music, including the teachers that guided them, the influences that inspired them, and how the lessons they learned as young musicians have shaped their creativity, resilience, and careers. Guests range from legends to rising stars, and include Rick Rubin, Patti Smith, Thundercat, Margo Price and Cynthia Erivo.

— iHeartMedia and the NBA announce the new podcast, “Maxey On The Mic,” hosted by Philadelphia 76ers guard and 23-year-old Texas native Tyrese Maxey. Maxey says, “I’m thrilled to tip off my new podcast and can’t wait to tap in with my lineup of amazing guests. I’ve always wanted to do something like this and I’m grateful to the NBA and iHeartMedia for giving me this amazing platform.”

Industry News

AWM/F Announces 2023 Board and Officers

The Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation announce the 2023 National Board of Directors and Officers. AMW/F president Becky Brooks says, “The role of the AWM and Foundation boards is to lead our organizations and industry as we recognize, connect and educate women in all facets of media. With our mission to advance all women in media, it is as vital as ever to have insightful, diverse leadership.  This year’s directors are dedicated to investing their time and resources to guide us and foster growth for AWM and each of our programs.” The officer roles are: Annie Howell, chair, chief communications officer, Hallmark Media; Katina Arnold, incoming/vice chair, vice president, communications, ESPN; Heather Cohen, immediate past chair, EVP, The Weiss Agency; Brenda Hetrick, treasurer, president, Matrix Solutions; and Monica Bloom, treasurer-elect, VP of marketing for First Look Media. New directors serving on the board are: Cori Abraham, SVP, Entertainment Unscripted Development, Crime and Documentary Development, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming; Jayne Bussman-Wise, creator acquisition & growth, Amazon AMP; and Chesley Maddox-Dorsey, CEO, American Urban Radio Networks. The following leaders will continue serving on the AWM Foundation Board of Directors: Tim Clarke, SVP, digital audio content, Audacy; Vicki Lins, president and CEO, CTAM; Mike McVay, president, McVay Media; Deborah Parenti, publisher, Radio Ink, RBR, and TVBR; Josie Thomas, former EVP, chief diversity and inclusion officer, CBS (Retired); and Christine Travaglini, president, Katz Radio Group.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartMedia’s news/talk WIOD, Miami reports that Florida Republican State Senator Blaise Ingoglia wants to designate a stretch of Cortez Boulevard between U.S. 41 and State Road 50 in Brooksville, Florida as “Rush Limbaugh Way.” He’s filed a name change bill for the regular legislative session that would take effect in July if passed.

Audacy, Inc. will report its 2022 fourth quarter financial results on Wednesday, March 15 before markets open. It will host a conference call and webcast at 10:00 am ET that morning to review the results and recent progress against its strategic initiatives.

Townsquare Media, Inc. will release fourth quarter 2022 financial results before the markets open on Thursday, March 9. It will host a conference call to discuss certain fourth quarter 2022 financial results at 8:00 am ET on that day.

SiriusXM announces its annual MLB Network Radio Spring Training Tour begins today (2/23) and run through March 11. SiriusXM says, “MLB Network Radio’s experts and insiders visit each MLB team camp, and Team USA as they prepare for the World Baseball Classic, to give listeners a comprehensive preview of every club. The MLB Network Radio Spring Training Tour will consist of one-hour shows, each dedicated to a single team. SiriusXM’s hosts – many of whom are former general managers or players – will interview players, managers and executives on location at various spring training ballparks and share an inside view of each club in preparation for the upcoming season.”

Industry News

KBLA, Los Angeles Talk Host Areva Martin Wins Anthem Award

Areva Martin – host of the afternoon drive “Areva Martin in Real Time” on KBLA, Los Angeles – is honored with the Silver Award in the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards for her podcast “The Special Report – Spotlighting Racial Disparities and Social Inequities in America” in the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Social Media Content, Campaign or Channel category. The Anthem Awards were launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards to recognize social impact work across the globe. A noted civil rights attorney, Martin is also president and CEO of Special Needs Network, Inc, a nonprofit organization that responds to the crisis of autism and other developmental disabilities in underserved communities. She says, “Giving birth should be safe and joyous for everyone, but Black women are more than three times likely to die from childbirth than white women. We are thrilled to have our episode on ‘Black Maternal Health’ win Silver in competition of the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards. ‘The Special Report’ production team has spent countless hours producing powerful programming that spotlights social injustice in America to encourage social and systemic change. Every day at the Special Needs Network in Los Angeles, we live the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. This award recognizes our work.”

Industry News

Curt Schilling Joins Outkick for Baseball Show

Former MLB pitcher Curt Schilling is joining Clay TravisOutKick to host a twice-weekly baseball video podcast that will debut on Friday (2/24). Outkick says “The Curt Schilling Baseball Show” will feature Schilling’s vast baseball knowledge, expert analysis, and unvarnished opinions on the most-talked-about issues and stories in the game. Clay Travis comments, “Curt Schilling is one of the best baseball analysts in the country. His hall-of-fame career and love for the game are evident to anyone who has ever followed him. OutKick is and will always be the strongest proponent for smart, original, funny and authentic voices in all of sports. He’s a perfect fit for the brand and I’m thrilled to welcome him to our team.” Outkick also reports that its January 2023 digital performance, where the platform saw 311% growth year-over-year in unique visitors, marked the most growth over 2021 among its competitive set. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the platform attracted 9.1 million multi-platform average unique visitors, up 235% from the fourth quarter of the prior year, according to Comscore.

Industry News

Cumulus Bloomington Raises $101,705 for St. Jude’s

Pictured below are staffers from Cumulus Media Bloomington, Illinois’ showing the final tally of the 15th Annual Radiothon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that raised $101,705. The company’s three stations – news/talk WJBC-AM and its music-formatted sisters – produced the two-day fundraising event on Thursday and Friday (2/9-10).

Cumulus Bloomington promotions director and event planner Dana Bell says, “Year after year, our listeners and sponsors show an unbelievable amount of support for the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We thank them for their generosity as they join with us to make a difference in the lives of children and families fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases. There are so many families in our community who directly benefit from what these Partners in Hope do when they donate money, and it’s great to see our community come together for such an important cause.”

Industry News

BFoA Renames Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Ed McLaughlin

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the renaming of its annual Lifetime Achievement Award to the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, in honor of the iconic broadcaster, who passed away in 2018. The Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has made invaluable contributions to the television and radio industries. As previously announced, this year’s award will be presented to Richard Wiley during the Golden Mike Award gala on Monday, March 6, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. McLaughlin — a former ABC Radio Networks president — is widely recognized for syndicating talk host Rush Limbaugh, a move considered instrumental in the evolution of the modern news/talk radio format. McLaughlin was a longtime supporter of the Broadcasters Foundation and its mission to provide aid to people in radio and television who are in acute need. He served as the Foundation’s chairman for many years and held the title of chairman emeritus when he passed away in 2018. BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “Ed was known as a leader and innovator. He recognized talent and daringly pushed forth new ideas that propelled network and AM radio forward. It’s fitting that the Lifetime Award be named in his honor.”

Industry News

MIW Releases 2022 Gender Analysis Study

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. reveals the results of the 2022 edition of its MIW Gender Analysis Study that compiles and analyzes the number of women in radio broadcasting who are rising to the ranks of management, either as general manager, sales manager or program director/brand manager.  MIW says the results represent the calendar year 2022 and are reflective of 11,215 AM and FM radio stations across America, as accounted for by PrecisionTrak. Regarding general managers, 20.65% had women holding the GM position in 2022. This is basically flat from last year but has shown consistent growth from 2004, when the percentage of female general managers was only 14.9%. MIW calls the sales manager position “the best management opportunity for women in radio.” Last year, 33.45% of stations had a woman sales manager (basically flat from 33.59% in 2021). The greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of program directors/brand managers, according to MIW. Women currently program 11.72% of stations, versus 12.09% in 2021. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff comments, “Historically we have celebrated modest to very modest gains. But this year we’re calling out to industry leaders to recognize the leadership, creativity and dedication of women broadcasters, particularly programmers, and put them to work improving your content, your culture and your cash flow.” MIW points out that a study conducted in late 2022 by The WICT Network, Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology indicates that women working in the media, entertainment and tech industries have increased over the past few years from 33% in 2019 to 38% in 2022. “It is the hope that the radio industry will better begin to mirror the continued growth of women in the general media space and provide an encouraging future for women in radio.”

Industry News

Howard Simon to Retire from WGR, Buffalo

Sports talk WGR, Buffalo announces that its longtime morning drive host Howard Simon is retiring from his position with the station on March 3, after a radio career of more than 33 years. After attending college in Buffalo, Simon launched his radio career in 1989 on WJJL, Niagara Falls. He eventually left to work in Toledo, Ohio but returned to Western New York and has spent the last 18 years with Jeremy White as his co-host in mornings on Audacy’s WGR. Simon says, “I’ve been very lucky to have worked alongside some wonderful people at WJJL, WBEN, Empire Sports Network and finally at WGR. I wish I could list everyone by name, but that isn’t possible. Let me just say, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my many co-workers over the years. I’ve made some great, lifelong friendships, while getting a chance to do something I truly loved. I would like to mention my co-host for the last 18 years at WGR, Jeremy White. That is the longest I worked with anyone by far! Jeremy is super talented, extremely creative, and has a great feel for what topics will be of most interest to our listening audience.”

Industry News

Audacy Announces New Season of “Back Issue”

Audacy’s Pineapple Street Studios announces the debut of the third season of “Back Issue,” the award-winning, original series hosted by Pineapple Street Studios senior producer Josh Gwynn in which he “reminisces on formative moments in pop culture’s past that have shaped our present, rewinding on the things forgotten or things we can’t seem to ever forget with personal reflections, incredible guests, and plenty of deep belly laughs.” He adds, “I’m so excited that this season, we’re going to be able to get into all sorts of formative pop culture moments because we’re bringing on guests to expand the range of things we cover.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Unveils New Season of “How to Citizen with Baratunde”

A new season of “How to Citizen with Baratunde” is set to launch on the iHeartPodcasts Network. Baratunde Thurston is executive producer and host of PBS’s “America Outdoors with Baratunde.” This podcast series is described as the program “for people tired of tuning in to bad news and looking for new and better ways to ‘citizen’ – as a verb. Through meaningful conversations and insightful moments, Baratunde shows listeners how to wield their collective power to make the world a better place.” iHeartMedia says, “This season, Baratunde focuses on how to create a culture of democracy in communities, workplaces, homes and within the listener themselves. Guests will include adrienne maree brown, Priya Parker, NBA legend Steve Kerr and more.”

Industry News

Erick Erickson Inks Extension with CMG’s “95.5 WSB”

Talk radio host Erick Erickson and Cox Media Group announce that Erickson will continue hosting his popular show for three more years from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm on WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta “95.5 WSB.” His program is also heard on CMG news/talk stations WDBO, Orlando; WGAU, Athens, Georgia; KRMG-FM, Tulsa; WOKV-FM, Jacksonville, and WHIO-AM/FM, Dayton. WSB director of branding and programming Ken Charles says, “For more than a decade, Erick has done a great job of entertaining and informing the WSB audience about the biggest news stories of the day. I’m proud we’ll continue our partnership for another three years, and I’m excited about what new things we can create moving forward. The best is yet to come!” Erickson says, “‘95.5 WSB’ is not just home, it’s the gold standard of talk radio, with incredible leadership from Ken Charles and Jaleigh Long. I fell into the role by accident 12 years ago. It’s not just the longest job I’ve had, it’s three hours of joy every day working with the best people in radio. I simply cannot imagine doing anything else anywhere else with any team other than the hard-working talent at ‘95.5 WSB.’”

Industry News

FOX News Digital Continues Dominance in Total Views and Minutes

FOX News Digital reports that according to data from Comscore, it finishes January 2023 as the “top-performing news organization in the competitive set in both multiplatform minutes and views.” FOX News Digital closed out January reaching over 3 billion total multiplatform minutes – compared to CNN.com’s 2.4 billion – and 1.8 billion total multiplatform views – compared to CNN.com’s 1.5 billion. FOX adds that the FOX News Mobile App reached 6.5 million unique visitors in January, surpassing the CNN Mobile App for the first time since October 2021, which saw 5.6 million unique visitors. When it comes to multiplatform unique visitors, FOX News Digital came in second with 109 million, compared to CNN.com’s 140 million.