The presidential race; the U.S. migrant crisis; financial markets activity and predictions for a recession; Israel faces threats from Iran and Hezbollah; the U.K. anti-immigrant riots; the Paris Olympics; Ukraine enters Russian territory; ISIS threats cancel Vienna Taylor Swift shows; and the flooding from Tropical Storm Debby were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
July 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
No share or rank thresholds are required to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk
KXL 5.0 – 5.5, #5 – #4
KEX 1.8 – 2.2, #18 – #17
KUFO .7 – 1.0, #23 – #22
KPAM .3 – .3, #31 – #28
News
None
Sports Talk
KFXX 1.1 – 1.1, #21 – #21
KXTG 1.1 – .8, #21 – #23
KPOJ .4 – .4, #26 – #27
KMTT .2 – .1, #33 – #34
KFXX Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #34
Public Radio News/Talk
KOPB 5.3 – 5.3, #3 – #5
KOPB Stream .7 – .5, #23 – #24
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk
WBT 5.0– 4.5, #5 – #9
News
WRFX-HD2 Black Information Network .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA
Sports Talk
WFNZ-FM 3.0 – 2.5, #14 – #16
Public Radio News/Talk
WFAE 2.9 – 3.1, #15 – #13
WNSC .7 – .9, #21 – #20
WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk
WOAI 3.1– 4.2, #13 – #11
KTSA 1.4 – 1.2, #22 – #21
News
None
Sports Talk
KTFM 1.2 – 1.1, #23 – #22
KTKR .4 – .3, #28 – #30
KZDC .4 – .3, #28 – #30
Public Radio News/Talk
KSTX 2.4 – 3.3, #16 – #13
Note: News/talk WOAI’s +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2) represents San Antonio’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk
KFBK 7.2 – 7.3 #3 – #3
KSTE-AM 2.3 – 2.4, #15 – #15
KSAC-AM .6 – .8, #26 – #24
News
None
Sports Talk
KHTK 1.0 – .9, #21 – #21
KIFM .8 – .5, #23 – #26
KIFM Stream .1 – .1, #30 – #28
Public Radio News/Talk
KXJZ 3.1 – 2.9, #11 – #12
KQED .1 – .1, #30 – #28
KQEI .3 – .1, #28 – #28
KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk
KDKA-AM 4.5 – 4.4, #8 – #8
KDKA-AM Stream .5 – .4, #18 – #18
News
None
Sports Talk
KDKA-FM (Pirates) 7.0 – 6.9, #5 – #5
KDKA-FM Stream (Pirates) .3 – .4, #19 – #18
WBGG DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WESA 3.2 – 3.5, #10 – #10
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk
KSL 6.1 – 6.2, #2 – #3
KNRS 3.1 – 4.1, #12 – #11
KKAT .1 – .1, #27 – #28
News
None
Sports Talk
KZNS-FM .5 – .9, #24 – #22
KALL .5 – .4, #24 – #25
KZNS-AM .1 – .4, #27 – #25
KZNS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KZNS-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUER 2.5 – 2.0, #17 – #18
KBYU-HD2 Stream .1 – .1, #27 – #28
KUMT .1 – .1, #27 – #28
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk
KMXB-HD3 1.8– 1.1, #20 – #25
KMZQ .3 – .4, #34 – #29
KXNT .4 – .3, #31 – #33
KXNT Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
KWWN .4 – .8, #31 – #28
KKGK .3 – .3, #34 – #33
KRLV .3 – .3, #34 – #33
KENO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KNPR 1.3 – 1.8, #23 – #19
ORLANDO
News/Talk
WDBO 3.6 – 4.7, #10 – #9
WTKS 5.6 – 4.3, #5 – #10
WFLF .8 – 1.1, #18 – #17
WFYY .5 – .3, #21 – #22
WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
WYGM .8 – .6, #18 – #21
WDYZ .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA
WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WMFE 2.0 – 2.4, #14 – #14
WMFV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: Whereas news/talk WDBO’s +1.1 (3.6 – 4.7) represents Orlando’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, similarly-formatted WTKS’ -1.3 (5.6 – 4.3) is tied for the market’s greatest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.
CINCINNATI
News/Talk
WLW 10.3 – 9.9, #2 – #2 (Reds)
WKRC 5.4 – 6.0, #6 – #4
News
None
Sports Talk
WCKY .6 – .5, #20 – #20
WSAI .4 – .3, #21 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
WVXU 3.4 – 4.1, #9 – #9
CLEVELAND
News/Talk
WTAM 7.0 – 7.0, #5 – #5 (Guardians)
News
WMMS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WKRK 4.4 – 4.4, #10 – #10
WKRK Stream .6 – .3, #19 – #20
WARF .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WKSU 6.6 – 7.0, #6 – #5
WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk
KMBZ-FM 5.5 – 5.2, #4 – #5
KCMO-AM 1.7 – 1.9, #17 – #17
KMBZ-FM Stream 1.0 – 1.4, #23 – #18
KMBZ-AM 1.2 – 1.3, #20 – #20
KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
KCSP 3.2 – 2.4, #10 – #16 (Royals)
KCSP Stream 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23 (Royals)
KWOD DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCUR 2.2 – 3.0, #16 – #10
KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
COLUMBUS
News/Talk
WTVN 5.2 – 5.7, #6 – #6
News
Black Information Network WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WBNS-FM 7.8 – 6.7, #2 – #4
WMNI .1 – .4, #22 – #21
WBNS-AM .1 – .3, #22 #22
WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WOSU 4.6 – 5.1, #7 – #7
Note: Sports talk WBNS-FM’s -1.1 (7.8 – 6.7) is Columbus’ largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.
Up next: July 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Townsquare Media reports its financial operations for the second quarter of 2024 and reveals net revenue of $118.2 million, a decline of 2.5% from the same period in 2023. The company also reports a net loss of $48.9 million in Q2, compared to the net loss of $2.7 million that it reported in the second quarter of 2023. Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson states, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s momentum is building as demonstrated by another quarter of sequential net revenue improvement, primarily due to our local focus
and our unique and differentiated digital platform… In the second quarter, the Company reported a net loss of $48.9 million, in large part due to non-cash impairment charges. Our Q2 performance was driven by stabilizing and/or improving trends across segments: Townsquare Interactive returned to sequential revenue growth in each month of the quarter, as a result of positive subscriber trends that have improved dramatically compared to previous quarters; Digital Advertising net revenue growth continued at +1% year-over-year; and Broadcast Advertising net revenue was approximately flat as compared to the prior year, an improvement from first quarter declines. In total, Digital represented 52% of Townsquare’s net revenue in the first six months of the year. Additionally, we continue to generate strong cash flow, granting us the ability to invest in our digital growth engine while preserving financial flexibility, as evidenced by our ongoing debt and share buybacks in the open market… Most importantly, due to our current cash position and our strong cash generation, we retain financial flexibility moving forward and we are confident in our ability to build shareholder value for our investors through long-term net revenue and cash flow growth, net leverage reduction, future dividend payments, and potential future share repurchases.”
Salem Media Group reports net revenue of $60.6 million during the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of 
7.8%. The company says net broadcast revenue was $47.1 million (-5.1%), while net digital media revenue was $11.9 million (+9.9%), and net publishing revenue was $1.56 million (-70.3%). It should be noted that Salem sold Regnery Publishing in December of 2023. The company reports net income of $2.3 million during the quarter, compared to that net loss of $7.1 million it reported in Q2 of 2023.
Beasley Media Group announces new RVP roles for managers overseeing multiple markets across the country. The company says that under the new leadership structure, cluster and market managers will report directly to the regional vice president responsible for overseeing their market. Ron deCastro will be
responsible for overseeing the Fort Myers and Tampa, Florida markets. In addition to serving as Ft. Myers market manager, AJ Lurie will now oversee sales across the state. Mac Edwards will oversee the Charlotte and Fayetteville markets. Kent Dunn will continue to lead the Augusta market. Mary Menna will lead the company’s Boston, Philadelphia, and New Jersey markets. Kevin Rich, who currently serves as Beasley Media Group vice president of operations, will now also be responsible for overseeing the company’s Las Vegas and Detroit-based operations. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “These changes reflect the company’s continuous commitment to streamline our sales efforts and drive revenue in an efficient manner across multiple platforms throughout the company.”
The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #11, while Hubbard Radio’s all- news WTOP-FM rises 1.2 shares for 10.7 share finish that lifts it to the #1 rank in the market. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.3 share and climbs to the #10 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM is flat with a 4.7 share but rises one spot to the #6 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFYI tacks on three-tenths to finish with a 3.8 share that lifts it to the #6 rank, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM adds eight-tenths for a 3.1 share finish good for the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
There’s no movement among the top five podcasts from June to July on Podtrac’s Top U.S. Podcasts ranker.
The New York Times’ “The Daily” remains #1, followed by NPR’s “NPR News Now” at #2 and “Up First” at #3, with NBC News’ “Dateline NBC” at #4. Dan Bongino’s “The Dan Bongino Show” leaps four spots to the #5 rank and the DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” jumps two spots to the #6 rank, while FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” falls two places to #8. See the full ranker here.
The presidential race and Kamala Harris’ choice of Tim Walz as vice presidential candidate; U.S. Rep. Cori Bush loses Missouri Democratic primary; the world’s financial markets activity and questions about a U.S. recession; Israel’s war against Hamas and the terrorist organization’s naming Yahya Sinwar its new political leader; Pakistani Asif Merchant is charged with plotting to assassinate American politicians; X files anti-trust suit against Global Alliance for Responsible Media; the Paris Olympics; Tropical Storm Debby drenches the East Coast; and the California wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
July 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk
WMAL 3.6 – 3.6, #11 – #11
WFED .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Nationals)
News
WTOP & WTLP 9.5 – 10.7, #2 – #1
Business News WDCH .6 – .8, #23 – #20
Business News WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WMZQ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WUST DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJFK-FM 1.4 – 1.7, #17 – #17 (Nationals)
WJFK-FM Stream .6 – .7, #23 – #22 (Nationals)
WTEM .2 – .4, #27 – #26
WTEM Stream .2 – .1, #28 – #30
WSBN .1 – .1, #30 – #30
WTSD DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WJFK-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Nationals)
Public Radio News/Talk
WAMU 11.3 – 10.4, after 32 months in succession at #1, slips to #2
Notes: Not only is WTOP & WTLP’s +1.2 (9.5 – 10.7) Washington, DC’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, the all-news outlet advances to #1, thus ending public radio news/talk WAMU’s consecutive string of consecutive months on top at 32.
BOSTON
News/Talk
WRKO 2.9 – 3.3, #13 – #10
WXKS-AM .6 – .8, #23 – #23
News
News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.7 – 4.7, #7 – #6
Business news WRCA .1 – .2, #28 – #25
Black Information Network WJMN-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 9.9 – 7.7, seventh straight month at #1
WEEI-FM 3.5 – 4.1, #10 – #8 (Red Sox)
WVEI-AM DNA – .2, DNA – #25
WEEI-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)
WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)
Public Radio News/Talk
WBUR 5.4 – 5.1, #5 – #5
WGBH 3.1 – 3.1, #11 – #13
Notes: Whereas sports talk/Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM’s +.6 (3.5 – 4.1) is Boston’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, similarly-formatted WBZ-FM’s -2.2 (9.9 – 7.7) represents the most significant (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease by any station in the 24 PPM-markets analyzed thus far. Nonetheless, WBZ-FM is #1 for the seventh month in a row.
MIAMI
News/Talk
WIOD 1.9 – 1.9, #21 – #21
WFTL DNA – .1, DNA – #37
News
WXBN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WQAM Stream .4 – 1.3, #32 – #23
WQAM 1.1 – 1.0 #23 – #24
WINZ .5 – .5, #31 – #30 (Marlins)
WMEN .1 – .1, #38 – #37
WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 4.3 – 4.5, #7 – #7
WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #37
WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #37
SEATTLE
News/Talk
KTTH 2.0– 2.7, #22 – #16
KVI 2.1 – 2.5, #21 – #20
KPTR .1 – .1, #29 – #29
KIRO-FM 4.9 – DNA, #5 – DNA
News
KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.5 – 3.6, #18 – #10
KHHO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KIRO-AM 3.9 – 3.7, #10 – #9 (Mariners)
KJR-FM 1.6 – 1.7, #23 – #22
KJR-AM .6 – .3, #26 – #26
Public Radio News/Talk
KUOW 6.6 – 7.7, #2 – #1
KSWS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Notes: The +1.1 by public radio news/talk KUOW (6.6 – 7.7) and all-news KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM (2.5 – 3.6) is Seattle’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
News/talk KIRO-FM was ranked fifth in June 2024 (4.9, 6+), but is unlisted in July 2024.
DETROIT
News/Talk
WJR 1.9 – 2.6, #16 – #16
WFDF .5 – .5, #22 – #22
WJR Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WWJ 4.7 – 5.0, #9 – #9
WWJ Stream .3 – .4, #24 – #24
WDFN Black Information Network .1 – .1, #26 – #27
Sports Talk
WXYT-FM 7.5 – 7.8, #2 – #2 (Tigers)
WXYT-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.1, #20 – #20 (Tigers)
WXYT-AM .1 – .1, #26 – #27 (Tigers)
WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Tigers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WDET 1.8 – 2.1, #17 – #17
WUOM 1.4 – 1.5, #18 – #19
Note: News/talk WJR’s +.7 (1.9 – 2.6) is Detroit’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
PHOENIX
News/Talk
KFYI 3.5 – 3.8, #9 – #6
KTAR-FM 2.3 – 3.1, #18 – #11
News
None
Sports Talk
KMVP-FM 2.6 – 3.1, #14 – #11 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
KTAR-AM .2 – .1, #31 – #33 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
KDUS .1 – DNA, #33 – DNA
KGME DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Diamondbacks)
KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KJZZ 2.5 – 2.5, #15 – #15
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk
WCCO 4.5 – 4.8, #9 – #9 (Minnesota Twins)
KTLK-AM 2.2 – 2.3, #14 – #14
KTMY 2.2 – 1.7, #14 – #17
WCCO Stream .5 – .5, #24 – #24 (Minnesota Twins)
News
KQQL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KFXN 6.7 – 6.7, #3 – #4
KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #30 – #29
KQQL-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KNOW 6.0 – 6.7, #8 – #4
KNOW Stream .6 – .6, #23 – #23
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk
KOGO 3.5 – 3.8, #11 – #10
KLSD .5 – .4, #23 – #23
News
KSSX-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KWFN 4.6 – 4.2, #7 – #7 (Padres)
KGB-AM .4 – .3, #24 – #24
KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Padres)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPBS 7.4 – 7.2, #1 – #2
TAMPA
News/Talk
WFLA 3.5 – 3.7, #11 – #11
WHPT 3.6 – 3.0, #9 – #14
News
Business news WHNZ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WBTP-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WDAE 1.6 – 1.5, #18 – #20 (Rays)
Public Radio News/Talk
WUSF 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #17
WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WMNF-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
DENVER
News/Talk
KOA 2.6 – 2.4, #14 – #14 (Colorado Rockies)
KDFD 1.2 – 1.4, #22 – #20
KHOW 1.3 – 1.1, #21 – #23
News
None
Sports Talk
KKFN 1.8 – 1.9, #18 – #17
KKSE-FM 1.1 – .8, #23 – #26
KAMP .1 – .1, #32 – #33
KEPN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KKSE-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCFR 3.0 – 2.9, #13 – #13
KUNC 1.0 – .7, #26 – #29
KRCC .1 – .1, #32 – #33
BALTIMORE
News/Talk
WBAL 3.0 – 2.9, #12 – #12 (Orioles)
WCBM 2.0 – 2.4, #14 – #14
News
WTOP & WTLP 1.0 – 1.2, #17 – #17
Business News WDCH .5 – .5, #22 – #22
WQLL Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJZ-FM 3.3 – 3.3, #11 – #10
WJZ-AM .1 – DNA, #26 – DNA
WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WYPR 3.6 – 4.6, #10 – #8
WYPR HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk
KMOX 4.2 – 4.6, #11 – #10 (Cardinals)
KTLK-FM 1.7 – 1.8, #16 – #15
KFTK 1.6 – 1.6, #17 – #16
KMOX Stream 1.0 – 1.1, #19 – #19 (Cardinals)
KFTK Stream .1 – .2, #29 – #25
News
KATZ-FM HD2 Black Information Network .1 – .1, #29 – #27
Sports Talk
WXOS 3.0 – 2.7, #14 – #13
Public Radio News/Talk
KWMU 4.9 – 5.1, #9 – #9
Up next: July 2024 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
Hubbard Radio appoints John Goforth vice president/general manager of podcasts. Goforth most recently served as chief revenue officer for Magellan AI, where he led sales strategy and business development. His industry experience includes leadership roles at HowStuffWorks, iHeartPodcasts, Midroll Media, and CBS
Radio. The company says that in his new role, Goforth will collaborate closely with local Hubbard Radio markets to enhance sales strategies for existing podcasts. And as part of the Hubbard Radio corporate team, he will create new podcast initiatives and strategic partnerships, to build an even more robust podcast network. Hubbard EVP and chief financial officer Dave Bestler says, “We fully understand and embrace the evolution in our business from radio to audio. We are creating must-hear content in all eight of our Hubbard Radio markets, and listeners are increasingly accessing our content on-demand. John will help expand our podcast offerings, while growing revenue with the podcasts we already have.” Goforth comments, “I couldn’t be more excited to join the amazing team at Hubbard and help grow their already impressive portfolio. It’s thrilling to be at the intersection of local and national in the podcast space. As we’ve seen in other channels, cracking the code on local is the key to explosive growth.”
Salem Media Group announces that Larry Elder is rejoining the Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel and Salem Podcast Network. Elder will return to hosting the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET program that he anchored before exiting the company in April of 2022. He bumps Brandon Tatum from his position as the
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm host. Tatum filled in for Elder during his run for governor of California in 2021 and subsequently assumed the role full time. Elder joined the 2024 Republican presidential primary race but dropped out last fall and threw his support behind Donald Trump. Since then, he’s been hosting his podcast, “Larry Elder – We’ve Got a Country to Save.” He’ll continue the podcast with Salem handling sales and marketing for the it. Salem SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce says, “Larry is one of a rare breed who actually grew in popularity and influence AFTER he departed the radio. Now we get to hear his sage words of wisdom daily on radio stations across the country, on Salem News Channel, and the Salem Podcast Network.”
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The survey period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC rises a half share to finish with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and climbs to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR tacks on two-tenths for a 1.7 share finish good for the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share keeping it locked in the #7 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM rises two-tenths to a 3.3 share, lifting it to the #10 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN is flat with a 2.5 share but rises two places to the #13 rank, while Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.2 share, staying in the #25 spot, and Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips two-tenths to a 5.2 share good for the #5 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
Good Karma Brands’ urban talk WGKB-AM/W269DL, Milwaukee “101.7 The Truth” is presenting the second “Truth Family Fest,” August 17 at Riverside University High School. The 10:00 am to 2:00 pm event will allow
fans to engage with “Truth” hosts, enjoy delicious food, take in local entertainment. “Truth” hosts Tory Lowe and Melanie Ricks will broadcast live from 11 am to 1:00 pm. Station general manager Cherie Harris says, “We are thrilled to bring back Truth Family Fest for the second year in a row! This event is a celebration of family, community, and partnership. Truth Family Fest will provide valuable resources on healthcare, recreation, and back-to-school support, all aimed at making the transition to the upcoming school year smoother.”
The presidential race; the global stock sell-off and predictions of a recession; a judge rules Google is a monopoly; former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis flips in Arizona election subversion case; the Israel-Hamas war and Iran’s threat to strike Israel; the Paris Olympics; Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas accused of not disclosing more Harlan Crow-funded travels; Tropical Storm Debby hits Florida; and the California and Colorado wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
July 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.
No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk
WABC 3.3 – 3.8, #11 – #10
WOR 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19
WKXW .9 – 1.1, #22 – #22
WLIR .1 – .2, #43 – #40
WKXW Stream .3 – .1, #36 – #44
News
WINS-FM 4.2 – 4.3, #7 – #6
WCBS-AM 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .4 – .5, #33 – #29
Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #33 – #31
WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #37 – #40 (Mets)
WWRL & WWPR-HD3 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WFAN FM & AM 2.3 – 2.6, #13 -#13 (Yankees)
WFAN FM & AM Stream .6 – .7, #27 -#25 (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
WNYC-FM 3.7 – 3.5, #9 – #11
WNYC-AM .7 – .8, #26 – #24
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk
KFI 3.7 – 4.0, #7 – #7
KRLA .7 – .7, #33 – #31
KEIB .5 – .4, #34 – #34
News
KNX-FM 3.1 – 3.3, #11 – #10
KNX-FM Stream .3 – .3, #37 – #36
KRRL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KLAC 1.5 – 1.4, #27 – #28 (Dodgers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPCC 1.6 – 1.7, #26 – #24
Note: The Angels’ flagships are sports talk KLAA (DNA) and sports talk KSPN (DNA).
CHICAGO
News/Talk
WGN 2.5 – 2.5, #15 – #13
WLS-AM 1.1 – 1.2, #25 – #25
WVON .2 – .3, #37 – #34
WLS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #41 – #37
WLIP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #4 – #5
WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #39
WVAZ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WSCR 2.7 – 2.2, #13 – #18 (Cubs)
WSCR Stream .3 – .4, #33 – #31 (Cubs)
WSHE-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WBEZ 1.7 – 1.9, #22 – #21
Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk
KSFO 1.0 – .9, #23 – #24
KSFO Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #36
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.4 – 5.8, #3 – #4
KNEW .2 – .3, #30 – #29 (Oakland A’s)
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #35 – #36
KKSF Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KNBR 4.5 – 4.0, # 5 – #7 (Giants)
KGMZ 1.5 – 1.6, #21 – #20
KNBR Stream .3 – .3, #28 – #29 (Giants)
KGO .1 – .1, #35 – #36
KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTCT .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KQED 7.1 – 7.1, #2 – #1
KALW .3 – .6, #28 – #26
DALLAS
News/Talk
WBAP 3.0 – 2.9, #12 – #14
KSKY .7 – .7, #33 – #32
KLIF-AM .4 – .2, #35 – #39
KFXR-AM .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.2, #27 – #28
News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
KKGM Black Information Network .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
Sports Talk
KTCK 5.1 – 4.2, #2 – #7
KRLD-FM 2.3 – 2.0, #20 – #22 (Texas Rangers)
KRLD-FM Stream .9 – .1, #30 – #42 (Texas Rangers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KERA 2.5 – 2.9, #17 – #14
HOUSTON
News/Talk
KTRH 3.3 – 4.6, #13 – #7 (Astros)
KPRC .3 – .6, #27 – #27
News
KXYZ Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #31
Sports Talk
KBME .8 – 1.1, #26 – #23 (Astros)
KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #23 – #24
KILT-AM Stream .3 – .1, #27 – #31
KFNC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUHF 4.1 – 4.3, #7 – #9
Note: News/talk KTRH’s +1.3 (3.3 – 4.6) represents Houston’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
ATLANTA
News/Talk
WSB-AM & WSBB 7.2 – 9.1, #3 – #1
WFOM .3 – .4, #29 – #26
WGKA .2 – .2, #31 – #32
WAOK .1 – .1, #33 – #33
WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #33
WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBIN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WCNN 4.2 – 3.7, #8 – #9 (Braves)
WZGC 2.8 – 2.9, #17 – #15
WZGC Stream .3 – .3, #29 – #30
Public Radio News/Talk
WABE 3.6 – 3.9, #11 – #8
WRAS .4 – .4, #26 – #26
WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: News/talk WSB-AM & WSBB’s +1.9 (7.2 – 9.1) represents the largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk
WPHT 2.2 – 2.8, #16 – #13
WPHT Stream .7 – 1.0, #26 – #24
WKXW .8 – .9, #25 – #26
WURD .3 – .4, #28 – #28
WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #33
WURD Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #33
WKXW Stream .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA
News
KYW & WPHI 5.0 – 5.0, #6 – #5
KYW & WPHI Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #27
WTEL & WDAS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #33
Sports Talk
WIP 7.5 – 7.7, #3 – #2 (Phillies)
WIP Stream 1.7 – 2.1, #19 – #16 (Phillies)
WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.4, #22 – #22
Public Radio News/Talk
WHYY 3.1 – 3.2, #11 – #12
Note: News/talk WPHT’s +.6 (2.2 – 2.8) is Philadelphia’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)
News/Talk
WABC 1.8 – 2.1, #16 – #15
WOR 1.3 – 1.5, #20 – #19
WLIR .2 – .5, #27 – #25
News
WINS-FM 5.2 – 5.0, #2 – #3
WCBS-AM 1.7 – 2.3, #18 – #13 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .5 – 1.0 #24 – #21
WCBS-AM Stream .3 – .4, #25 – #26 (Mets)
Business News WBBR .3 – .2, #25 – #27
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.6, #10 – #12 (Yankees)
WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #27
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk
None
News
KFOO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KPWK .2 – .1, #24 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
KVCR .4 – .1 #19 – #23
KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
SAN JOSE
News/Talk
KSFO 1.4 – 1.5, #21 – #21
KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 4.1 – 4.3, #5 – #6
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25
KNEW .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Oakland A’s)
Sports Talk
KNBR 3.2 – 2.0, #11 – #15 (Giants)
KGMZ 1.4 – 1.9, #21 – #18
KNBR Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Giants)
KGO .2 – DNA, #26 – DNA
KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTCT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
None
MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION
News/Talk
WKXW 6.3 – 6.9, #2 – #2
WOR 3.0 – 3.4, #9 – #9
WKXW Stream 1.0 – .1, #18 – #20
News
WINS-FM 2.0 – 2.6, #14 – #11
WCBS-AM .8 – .9, #20 – #17 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #23 – #18
WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #25 – #20 (Mets)
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.3 – 2.4, #30 – #12 (Yankees)
WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Note: Seven (7) stations are tied at #20 with a .1 (6+).
Up next: July 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Bonneville’s Salt Lake City news/talk KNRS-AM/FM “Talk Radio 105.9 KNRS” transitions the afternoon drive program to “The Rod and Greg Show,” starring incumbent talk host Rod Arquette and Greg Hughes, effective today (8/5). The station says, “On August 5th, a new era of talk radio begins in Utah as Arquette’s Wingman Wednesday co-host, ‘Citizen’ Greg Hughes, joins him for the inaugural flight of the ‘Rod and Greg Show.’” Hughes is a former Utah state lawmaker, Speaker of the Utah House and one time candidate for
governor who’s been a frequent contributor, guest host, and weekly co-host on the Rod Arquette show since 2018. Arquette says, “Greg has been a passionate contributor of political commentary in Utah on TV and radio dating back to 2012. His extensive experience and background in public service and public policy allows him to pull back the curtain on what’s really happening in Utah and national politics. Our goal is to bring common sense and fair mindedness to the issues that are impacting Utah families in an entertaining and informative way.” Hughes states, “I am beyond grateful and excited to join 105.9 KNRS and the iHeartRadio family. I am especially excited, to partner with Rod every day to inform and entertain the greatest listening audience in Utah. We are living in uncertain, but historic times. There is a real need for thought leaders today who can reach out and dialogue with public servants, business, and community leaders but most importantly, with everyday Utahns. ‘The Rod and Greg Show’ will be the place where that happens… and then some. I’m ready to go!”
Newsmax Inc. announces it is hosting an online Special Investor Webinar conversation with CEO Christopher Ruddy tomorrow at 12:00 noon ET. The company is currently holding a private placement offering ahead of its planned Public Offering and expected Listing and “this online event will provide accredited investors with insight into the Company’s vision, strategy and growth prospects.” (Accredited
investors are defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Rule 501(a) as individuals with a net worth greater than $1 million – excluding their primary residence – or incomes in excess of $200,000 in the last two years with the expectation of the same in the current year – or $300,000 with a spouse.) Last month, Newsmax announced that it would seek to become a public company later in 2024 or in early 2025 with a listing on the NYSE or Nasdaq. In preparation for this contemplated public offering, Newsmax has launched a private placement offering seeking to raise up to $225 million. Ruddy states, “We are excited to connect with the tens of thousands of investors nationwide who have already shown interest in investing in Newsmax. There is much to be enthusiastic about Newsmax, including significant growth in our audience, a surge in interest in conservative media and our expanding portfolio of platforms and distribution. Now more than ever — especially in this election year of 2024 — America needs Newsmax. We look forward to sharing more details with everyone who tunes in to the webinar.” Find information about the webinar here.
The presidential race; Japan’s stock crash and global investors’ reactions to the U.S. economy; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Olympics and gender controversies; Israel’s war on Hamas and Iran’s vow to avenge the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh; Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin undoes 9/11 plea deal; anti-immigrant violence in England; the California & Colorado wildfires; and Hurricane Debbie approaches Florida were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Historian, author, and investigative journalist Mark Shaw joins TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison in a revealing discussion about the preponderance of conspiracy theories and flimsy sourcing currently flooding the nation’s talk and print media under the guise of researched reporting. Shaw, the author of dozens of critically acclaimed books including the 2016 best seller, The Reporter Who Knew Too Much, is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel video series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison” (see it here) as well as the award winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview” (listen here). Harrison and Shaw examine the important role responsible journalism and critical thinking play in maintaining a healthy, functioning democracy. Have we entered a “post-truth” era? Harrison says, “There’s a growing tendency in the rapidly unfolding digital age for the media, the politicians, and the intellectually dishonest from all strata of society to seek victory at the expense of truth.” Don’t miss this provocative thought-starter!
Saga Communications’ Spencer Radio Group is seeking a full-time weather director and news reporter for the cluster including news/talk KICD-AM/W237DD and music brands “BIG Country 107.7,” “MORE 104.9,” and “PURE Oldies 98.3/98.5.” The company says, “We’re looking for someone with the ability, talent and
passion to continue SRG’s long tradition into the future. The person for this position will need to live in Spencer, Iowa (or surrounding area). We need someone who understands small-market, local radio and is willing to be involved in the community. Knowledge of radio automation software, adobe audition, word press, and general computer experience is preferred. We value creativity and the desire to win! Duties for this position include (but not limited to): 1) Gathering, writing and reading local news stories; 2) Covering some meetings/events; 3) Conducting on-air interviews; 4) Anchoring LIVE, local, severe weather coverage; 5) Compiling/recording local weather data for National Weather Service; 6) Read LIVE market updates on air; 7) Posting local content on our websites/social media platforms. Send your resume and demo to operations manager Kevin Tlam at ktlam@spencerradiogroup.com. No phone calls. No voice-track inquiries. EOE.
The 2024 presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the economy and inflation, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
iHeartMedia announces that it will launch a new sports talk station on Monday (8/5) in the Raleigh market on
the HD2 channel of talk WTKK-FM. It will be branded “FOX Sports 106.1 FM HD2” and feature the full lineup of the FOX Sports Radio network. iHeartMedia Multi-Platform Group – Raleigh president Michael Burger says, “Raleigh/Durham has long been a market that has celebrated the best in athletics. Partnering with FOX Sports Radio is an incredible opportunity to share the news and stories that shape the sports world daily. This partnership will also bring unique sponsorships and marketing engagement for existing and new clients. We are incredibly excited to add FOX Sports Radio to our already strong lineup.”
The presidential race; Iran vows to strike Israel after the killing of Hamas political leader Ismael Haniyeh; U.S. agrees to plea deal with 9/11 mastermind and two others; the ecomony; the U.S. migrant crisis; the validity of Nicolas Maduro’s reelection in Venezuela; the California and Colorado wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
On the heels of the resignation of Paul Dans, who served as the director of the Heritage Foundation’s controversial Project 2025, talk radio host and broadcasting entrepreneur John Fredericks is calling Project 2025 “an unauthorized grifter sh*t show that was generated by The Heritage Foundation for the sole purpose of raising money.” Fredericks is a dyed-in-the-wool Donald Trump supporter and operator of 10 conservative
news/talk stations plus the John Fredericks Radio Network. He adds, “This undertaking was never authorized, sanctioned, or endorsed by President Trump or his campaign. Despite several very direct public communications disavowing any affiliation by Trump campaign senior staff, the fake news continued to propagate phony stories, which The Heritage Foundation and their Project 2025 leaders were willing and happy to substantiate. Sources say President Trump made the decision to shut it down himself. Good riddance to yet another grift charade using Trump to raise money.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison commented on Fredericks’ statement saying, “It has been disturbing watching the once-honored think tank known for its even-handed academic fastidiousness devolve into what is now perceived as just another fund-raising propaganda machine in the mud-slinging political wars. This is the kind of credibility squandering that damages the true American conservative moment and people’s confidence in all political organizations.”
Cumulus Media’s Detroit news/talk outlet WJR AM 760 will debut a new weekend program on Sunday, August 25 at 3:00 pm titled, “School Talks,” hosted by longtime respected educator Dr. Robert Livernois.
The station says, “After a distinguished 36-year career in public education that included serving as a classroom teacher, school principal, and most recently, Superintendent of Warren Consolidated Schools, Dr. Livernois brings to WJR AM 760 and its listeners a wealth of experience and perspective on teaching and learning, technology, social-emotional learning, school safety, social media, and many other areas of interest to both parents and educators alike.” Dr. Livernois continues to serve as an adjunct faculty member of the College of Education at Wayne State University. WJR program director Ann Thomas comments, “Education is the key to a great future for our children and WJR is proud to partner with Michigan’s top educators to help them tell their stories about the great work they do in our communities.”
Magnum Broadcasting chief of podcasts Pat Ryan announces a new marketing tool for podcasters called Power Up My Podcast (PUMP) that uses broadcast radio to improve podcasts’ exposure to new listeners. Ryan, who also serves as PUMP CEO, says, “There are so many good podcasts that have no traction.
Here’s a cost-effective way to see if you’ve got what it takes. I’m tired of podcasters coming to me in tears after they sign up for services that market their work ‘wherever podcasts are available.’ That’s not a marketing campaign. Don’t you want to be more than a ‘wherever?’ PUMP is your answer.” He says that with PUMP, a selection of the podcaster’s episodes will be broadcast across five states via six prominent radio stations, helping tap into new listener bases, turning casual listeners into dedicated subscribers. Ryan adds, “If you want to turn your DUDcast into a serious PODcast with marketing power, this is how you do it.”
The presidential race; potential Kamala Harris running mates; Hamas political chief Ismael Haniyeh is killed in Iran; the economy; the U.S. migrant crisis; Olympics “Last Supper” blowback; congressional hearing over Secret Service failure in Donald Trump assassination attempt; Simone Biles and USA gymnasts win gold in Paris; the UK stabbing attack; and the Park Fire in California were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
The Boston-based program “The Financial Exchange with Michael Armstrong and Chuck Zodda” joins the program lineup at financial talk KBNP-AM, Portland, airing in the 7:00 am to 9:00 am slot. The independently
syndicated program is heard on 14 affiliate stations throughout New England. Money Matters Radio COO Jason Wolfe comments, “The growth of ‘The Financial Exchange’ throughout New England has attracted interest from stations outside of the region and I’m thrilled to be able to add the show to KBNP. Keith Lyons has had 30-plus years of success in the Portland market and I’m looking forward to bringing our brand of business and financial talk to his station.”
TALKERS vice president and executive editor Kevin Casey attended the annual shareholders meeting of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers held on July 22 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The team debuted as the Acme Packers (funded by the Green Bay-based Acme Meat Packing Company) in 1919 – several years before commercial radio stations took to the airwaves. WTMJ, Milwaukee was the first station to broadcast a Packers game in 1929. The first stock sale was held in 1923 to establish the team as a corporation and raised $5,000. There have been several stock sales since then and registered shareholders now number more than half a million. In the image above, Casey – a shareholder since 1997 – squares off against a replica of the late Reggie White at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
The presidential race; the Democratic VP possibilities; Joe Biden’s Supreme Court reform proposal; the Donald Trump assassination attempt investigation and Secret Service scrutiny; the Olympics “Last Supper” controversy, the Venezuelan protests over Nicolas Madura’s victory; Israel’s wars against Hamas and Hezbollah; the NRA-Wayne LaPierre corruption case; and the California wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
According to a report in the New York Post, longtime WIP, Philadelphia personality Howard Eskin returned to his regular Saturday show on the Audacy sports talk station and addressed the incident that happened at Citizens Bank Park in late June that got him banned from the ballpark in late June. Eskin was banned from the
Citizens Bank Park and from the 76ers’ practice facility in Camden, New Jersey after an unwanted advance on an Aramark employee at the ballpark. Eskin was off WIP since that time. He said, in part, “I’d like to briefly address the recent reports about an incident at Citizens Bank Park. Now I’m not going to get into specifics other than to say that I recognize my actions have offended and upset her. I feel awful about that. I really do. I apologized to her at the time of the incident, and I apologize again now. I’m truly sorry that this did occur. I know a lot of you want me to say more about this, but I don’t intend to comment on this any further and hopefully you understand.” See the Post story here.
Philadelphia talk radio veteran Mary Mason died on July 25 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mason, a.k.a. Beatrice Turner, was a pioneering talk host in the urban talk radio format when she transitioned from a Gospel music host – beginning in 1958 – to anchor of the “Mornings with Mary” program on WHAT, Philadelphia in 1970. Thera Martin was Mason’s former program director at WHAT and tells WPVI-TV, “Reverend Louise Williams Bishop and Mary Mason are the two African American women who really broke the barrier in Philadelphia radio for us to come behind them. People used to hang onto her every word, every morning, with her very popular radio show.” The story notes that “the show catapulted Mason’s career, leading her to interviews with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Oprah.” See the WPVI-TV story here.