Industry News

WPHT, Philadelphia Raises $109k for Veterans Charity

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Pictured above is the staff of Audacy’s news/talk WPHT, Philadelphia at the seventh annual “Talk Radio 1210 WPHT Radiothon” last Friday (3/22) that raised more than $109,000 for the Travis Manion Foundation which supports “programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation and the community at large.” Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “Our WPHT listeners and advertisers are extremely passionate and generous, and we are so grateful for their contributions. Audacy Philadelphia is a strong supporter of the Travis Manion Foundation and the great work they do for veterans in our local community.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump gets bond reduction from an Appeals Court; the aftermath of the deadly ISIS attack on Moscow; Israel rebuffs UN Security Council’s Gaza ceasefire vote; the presidential race; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Supreme Court to hear arguments on a Texas court’s suspension of the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill; the U.S. and U.K. sanctions against China over alleged Chinese government-backed cyberattacks; Florida bans social media for children under 14; and Sean “Diddy” Combs the subject of a Homeland Security investigation into human trafficking were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Gunhill Road Attacks Fraudsters with a Powerful New Rocker, “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone)”

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Gunhill Road, the timeless band that has been creating multi-genre rock and pop music spanning more than five decades, has released a stunning new song and video titled, “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone).” The piece – which is a no-holds-barred attack on the rise of scams and fraud in our society – is an advance release from the band’s forthcoming fifth album. Gunhill Road has developed a unique niche in recent years attracting tens of thousands of internet followers powered, in large part, by the attention and airplay given it on talk radio. New songs by the group typically debut on hundreds of radio talk shows sparking conversation about today’s pressing topics of news and social concern. The compositions feature clever, candid lyrics delivered in a highly musical and original way. The band consists of co-founding member/pianist/vocalist Steve Goldrich, longtime guitarist/vocalist Paul Reisch, noted Broadway theater instrumentalist/guitarist/vocalist Brian Koonin, and TALKERS publisher/vocalist Michael Harrison. The provocative video for “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone)” was produced by Matthew B. Harrison. The song, a powerful rocker marked by driving guitars, riveting keyboards, an exuberant group chorus and a compelling lead vocal by Brian Koonin, expresses the frustration we all face in an increasingly dangerous environment marked by the rising corruption of identity theft, charity scams, grandparent scams, imposter scams, mail fraud, romance scams, lottery scams, crypto scams, blackmail, phishing, and disingenuous institutions. Click here scammersvideo.com to see the video.  To arrange an interview with Michael Harrison to discuss the scam crisis, please email info@talkers.com.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Will Video Save the Radio Star?

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWill video save the radio star? I hope so.

The tea leaves have become abundantly clear. Start understanding the impact of stand-alone video offered by your radio station or forever consider yourself outdated. Are you listening, all you great programming and production gurus out there in talk radio land. The up-and-coming generation is in line to take over and we had better start shifting the development wheels into hyper-gear today.

Everything new is new and everything old is suspect. Think about this:

1. How many times have you logged into Facetime or your favorite video platform purely for the sake of staying in touch? An entire generation is being raised on video calls and remote work. Can linear talk radio carve out a future in this video intense environment?

2. I can hear the old school managers barking, “There will always be in-car listening.” True, but commute times and days are changing regularly with remote work becoming the norm. In-car audio listening is changing before your very ears.

3. Have you digested the most recent research metrics? Sorry old schoolers, the days of 95% of homes listening to terrestrial radio are over. Ever watch the preschoolers ask Alexa or Google to read them a book?

4. Young parents under 40 are now limiting “screen time.” The key word is “limit.” Doesn’t that speak volumes?

How do we turn video integration into a sales winner for radio?

1. Stop denying the trend. Embrace the wave and ride it to profitability.

2. Focus on what sells. That “security camera” look in the on-air studio is embarrassing. Start having a real dialogue internally about what it takes to win dollars in this newly competitive world.

3. Reinvent yourself. Do not be slow to move forward. This video world moves at hyper speed and leaves laggards in the dust.

4. Not everyone will make the cut. Some of your talent will work better in the video world than others. Remember this is all relatively new to terrestrial radio. As your team navigates the way through these uncharted waters communication is critical.

The foundation is still solid. Many advertisers are comfortable with radio/audio that delivers the results they expect. Those advertisers are the rock-solid foundation every radio station needs. But eyes on the future are important as we all deal with single digit growth in competitive sales markets around the country.

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry News

Audacy Files Final 2023 Fiscal Report with SEC

Audacy filed its 10-K annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday (3/22) as it prepares to emerge from Chapter 11 reorganization. The company is waiting on FCC approval. Inim reporting is operating results for 2023 it reveals net revenue of $1.16 billion, a decrease of 6.75% from the full year 2022. The company was hampered by an impairment loss of $1.3 billion in 2023, compared to the impairment loss of $180 million reported in 2022. That and other factors led to total operating expense soaring to $2.5 billion, compared to the total operating expense of $1.32 billion in 2022. The company posted a net loss of $1.13 billion in 2023, compared to the net loss of $140 million reported for 2022.

Industry News

Talk Host Dan Parsons Exits KLIN-AM, Lincoln, Nebraska

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Dan Parsons exits NRG Media’s news/talk KLIN-AM, Lincoln, Nebraska after just 10 months. Parsons hosted the 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm hour between Premiere’s “Seanim Hannity Show” and the “Sports Nightly” program. KLIN general manager Ami Graham tells the paper that Parsons was not terminated for cause, “We’ve just chosen to go in a different direction.” For his part, Parsons tells the Journal Star that “he tried cutting against the grain by hosting a talk radio show that stressed ‘lifting up instead of tearing down — and truth over tribalism. I thought we were taking radio in a different direction.’” Read the Journal Star story here.

Industry News

Audacy Names Tatjana Deegan VP of Sales in Austin

Audacy announces the appointment of Tatjana Deegan as VP of sales for the Austin, Texas cluster that includes news/talk KJCE-AM and three music brands. Audacy regional president Doug Abernethy says,im “It’s much better working with Tatjana than against her. She is a powerhouse seller and a dependable colleague. Audacy’s Austin sales team is set to have a successful future with her influence.” Deegan comments, “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the incredibly talented sales team at Audacy in Austin under the leadership of Doug. For the second time in my career, I am eager to learn from him and cannot wait to bring everything I’ve got to the table!”

Industry News

“New Jersey 101.5” to Present Youth Sports Town Hall

This Thursday (3/28) at 7:00 pm, Townsquare Media’s news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” is presenting a town hall titled, “Don’t be a Bad Sport,” that looks at problems facing youth sports, including parents behaving badly on the sidelines and kids feeling pressured to play through injuries.im Station senior political director Eric Scott will moderate the town hall and he says, “Participating in youth sports can benefit our kids in so many ways. Unfortunately, the actions of just a few parents can spoil the experience for everyone.” The program’s on-air panel will feature Dr. Jason Krystofiak, division chief of sports medicine at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center; Colleen Maguire, executive director of New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association; Dr. Mike Gross, a clinical and sport psychologist and head of sport psychology at Princeton University; and Robert Everett, a former president of Berkeley Little League.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The ISIS attack on a Russian concert hall kills more than 130 and Vladimir Putin’s implicating Ukraine in the attack; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and today’s bond deadline; the presidential race; the legislation to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year and Republicans critical of House Speaker Mike Johnson; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Israel-Hamas war and the U.S. plan for hostage exchanges; the Supreme Court to hear arguments on a Texas court’s suspension of the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill; the violence and chaos in Haiti; and the Justice Department’s anti-trust case against Apple were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

The State of Journalism in 2024: Why Talk Media Needs Investigative Reporting Now More Than Ever

By Ted Bridis
University of Florida
Professor

imThe headlines haven’t been kind to journalism lately. That recent New York Times piece declaring its demise? It wasn’t exactly a morale booster. The Messenger, created to revitalize journalism in the digital age, shut down after just one year. Sports Illustrated was on the cutting block until Minute Media came onto the field with a Hail Mary to save the 70-year-old publication. The Wall Street Journal laid off a slew of talented reporters despite record profits. Yet, some of these decisions have nothing to do with the state of journalism but are based on balance sheets, declining advertising buys, and changing tastes in media consumption.

David S. Levine of the Times of Israel has written, “Journalism is dead. You are on your own.” But here’s the thing: I’m not buying it.

As a journalism professor at the University of Florida with more than 35 years in the industry, I’ve seen my fair share of ups and downs. Remember the rough economic patches of 2001 and 2008? The internet’s constant disruption? We’ve weathered those storms, and we’ll weather this one, too.

In fact, universities like mine are leading the charge in a new era of journalism. The investigative, political journalism and public policy reporting classes that I teach feed directly into something near and dear to me: credibly holding powerful institutions accountable. And we’re building partnerships to help sustain the industry.

Our Fresh Take Florida news service distributes significant reporting by our undergraduate journalism students to major news outlets across Florida. Newsrooms receive high-quality content for their readers, viewers, and listeners. Students earn real-world experience covering challenging subjects and gain exposure with editors and news directors who hire them when they graduate. Every semester, sadly, my classes of young reporters dwarf the size of many professional newsrooms in some of Florida’s biggest cities.

Talk media is especially vulnerable as our journalism industry works its way through these latest challenges. It relies on journalists to unearth those hard-hitting stories, identify credible sources, and separate fact from fiction.

Here’s the truth: Talk media can’t function without a healthy investigative journalism ecosystem. They need that next generation of journalists I’m training — reporters who are not just trustworthy and credible, but efficient and effective in getting the story out quickly. After all, in today’s fast-paced world, talk radio often relies on journalists for its content.

This is precisely why investigative journalism programs around the country and the Collier Prize for State Government Accountability are so crucial. The $25,000 Collier Prize, established at the University of Florida with a generous gift from Nathan Collier, a descendent of the family that founded the pioneering investigative journalism magazine Collier’s in the late 1880s, is one of the largest journalism awards in the country. It recognizes and celebrates the very kind of investigative reporting that underpins strong talk media.

We’re fostering a new breed of investigative journalists who can seamlessly serve the needs of both traditional and talk media. They understand the importance of speed and accuracy, the ability to distill complex issues into digestible segments, and the value of unearthing stories that spark conversation and hold power to account.

The future of journalism isn’t about flashy headlines or clickbait. It’s about dedicated professionals committed to truth, transparency, and giving a voice to the voiceless. It’s about investigative reporting that illuminates injustice and empowers citizens. And it’s about demonstrating to readers, viewers, and listeners that objective, hard-hitting journalism is worth paying for, after a generation where we gave it away free online.

Talk media is dependent to a degree on the success of the rest of the ecosystem, which is an important point. We highlight and identify credible sources who then become guests on programs that can go into a lot more depth than they can with a quote in a 1,000-word story. Talk radio very much has a stake in the success of journalism. They need this next generation of journalists to be better than ever — credible, trustworthy, and ethical but also efficient and effective — working expediently to get the story told because in a lot of cases talk radio is getting its content from journalists.

We are never not going to need journalists. That’s the silver lining — democracy needs journalists. It needs trustworthy, independent, independently minded journalists who seek the truth and report it. That sentiment is alive and well, and talk media needs this kind of journalism now more than ever.

Award-winning investigative journalist Ted Bridis led the Associated Press’ Pulitzer Prize-winning team before joining the University of Florida. He’s known for his expertise in source protection, FOIA law, and uncovering high-profile stories like the Clinton email server and Paul Manafort’s foreign lobbying. Previously, he analyzed national elections for the AP and covered technology, hackers, and national security.

Industry News

Round Four of February PPMs Released

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey covered February 1 – 28. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Austin, Waterloo Media’s news/talk KLBJ-AM drops six-tenths to finish with a 5.1 share (6+, weekly AQH share) but remains ranked #5, while Audacy’s news/talk KJCE-AM rises two-tenths for a 0.3 share and stays ranked #28. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM rises half a share to finish with an 8.0 share that lifts it to the #3 rank, while Curtis Media’s news/talk WPTF loses two-tenths for a 0.8 share finish good for the #19 rank. In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM tacks on three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 5.7 share and inches up to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLAC is steady with a 2.1 share but moves up one spot to the #17 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Talk Hosts Kilmeade and Katz Catch Up in Richmond

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Pictured above are FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio talk personality Brian Kilmeade (left) with WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (right) at the historic McLean’s Restaurant in downtown Richmond. Kilmeade – whose show recently joined the lineup at WRVA – was in town broadcasting live and Katz joined Kilmeade to offer insight on the issues of the day.

Industry News

Fulscado Named SVP of Sales for iHeartMedia Philadelphia

Anthony Fuscaldo is named SVP of sales for iHeartMedia’s Philadelphia station group that includes sports betting outlet WDAS-AM “FOX Sports The Gambler” and five music brands. Fulscado, who wasim most recently serving as division sales manager for Carvertise, previously held SVP, GSM, and national sales director roles with the cluster. Philadelphia markets group president Jeff Moore says, “We are fortunate to welcome Anthony Fuscaldo back to iHeartMedia Philadelphia as senior vice president of sales. With his proven track record of driving revenue growth, attracting top talent and fostering strong client relationships, we are confident he will lead our sales team to new heights of success. Welcome home, Anthony!”

Industry News

Audacy Reorganizes Podcast Units

According to a piece in The Hollywood Reporter, Audacy is consolidating its podcast segment by doing away with the Cadence13 and 2400Sports brands for the production units and will rebrand them asim Audacy Podcasts. The story notes that there are no staff reductions as a result of this. The goal of the change is to “streamline the brands for advertisers and to put a further emphasis on the Audacy brand.” The story also says that “Pineapple Street Studios, which primarily works with third-party partners such as HBO, Netflix and Spotify, will retain its branding as it moves under the Audacy Podcasts umbrella.” See the Hollywood Reporter story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of March 18 – 22

The presidential race and this week’s primary election races combined as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was former President Donald Trump’s legal battles including his need to raise funds for a bond in the E. Jean Carroll case, followed by the Trump legal team’s efforts to disqualify Fulton County DA Fani Willis 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 magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imFebruary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 survey period (February 1 – February 28) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are January 2024 – February 2024 (6+). 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 5.7 – 5.1, #5 – #5

KJCE .1 – .3, #28 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KVET-AM .8 – .9, #22 – #21

KBPA-HD2  1.1 – .5, #19 – #24

KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 6.9 – 7.4, #3 – #2

KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 7.5 – 8.0, #4  – #3

WPTF 1.0 – .8, #18 – #19

News

WRAL-HD3 .3 – .3, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.4 – 2.2, #11 – #15 (Carolina Hurricanes)

WCMC-FM HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #25 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 9.0 – 8.5, #2 – #2

Note: Sports talk WCMC-FM’s -1.2 (3.4 – 2.2) represents Raleigh’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 5.1 – 4.9, #7 – #10

News

WOLT-HD2 .2 – .2, #25 – #25

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  3.7 – 3.0, #13 – #16

WNDE .5 – .5, #22 – #21

WXNT DNA – .2, DNA – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 4.6 – 4.6, #8 – #11

Sports talk WFNI (DNA – DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 11.5 – 9.0, sixth consecutive month at #1

WLIP .1 – .1, #26 – #27

WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 3.7 – 2.1, #11 – #15

WOKY .2 – .2, #23 – #20

WSSP .2 – .2, #23 – #20

WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.2 – 2.6, #14 – #13

WHAD 1.2 – 1.2, #16 – #17

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Notes: News/talk WISN’s -2.5 (11.5 – 9.0) represents Milwaukee’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

Sports talk outlets WOKY and WSSP are part of a seven-way tie at #20

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 5.4 – 5.7, #6 – #5

WLAC 2.1 – 2.1, #18 – #17

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 8.0 – 4.9, #2 – #9

WPRT 2.3 – 1.5, #17 – #19 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 4.9 – 4.9, #8 – #9

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .2, #23 – #24 

Note: Sports talk WGFX’s -3.1 (8.0 – 4.9) is the largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease by any station in the 48 PPM-markets.

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.9 – 6.8, #4 – #4

WHJJ  1.0 – 1.1, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WVEI 2.1 – 1.7, #9 – #11

WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.1 – 2.4, #9 – #8

WNPN 1.5 – 1.4, #12 – #12

WCAI .1 – .1, #18 – #18

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  2.3 – 2.0, #14 – #14

WGH-FM HD2  .2 – .2, #23 – #23

News

WNOH .3 – .3, #21 – #22

Sports Talk

WVSP 1.9 – 1.4, #15 – #16

WGH-AM .2 – .2, #23 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 8.0 – 8.9, #3 – #3

News

WJBT-HD2 .2 – DNA, #24 – DNA

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .4 – .2, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 1.6 – 2.2, #16 – #13   

Note: News/talk WOKV-FM’s +.9 (8.0 – 8.9) represents Jacksonville’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 3.0 – 2.3, #7 – #9

WZZR 1.3 – 1.4 #14 – #13

WJNO .9 – 1.1, #15 – #14

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .7 – .5, #16 – #16

WBZT .4 – .4, #18 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.8 – 2.1, #9 – #10

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 3.5 – 3.2 #9 – #10

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 5.3 – 4.7, #6 – #6

WUNC 2.8 – 2.6, #11 – #12

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 1.4 – 1.5, #11 – #10

KWAM .5 – .4, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 3.2 – 2.5, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #14 – #14 (Grizzlies)

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.9 – 1.7, #9 – #9

WKNO-HD2  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 6.6 – 5.7, #4 – #6

WDRC-AM 1.8 – 1.6, #14 – #14

WTIC-AM Stream .4 – .4, #18 – #18

WPOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 2.0 – 1.4, #13 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 4.1 – 5.1, #8 – #7

WFCR .6 – .4, #17 – #18 

Note: Public radio news/talk WNPN’s +1.0 (4.1 – 5.1) represents Hartford’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.

Contact Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

BIA Advisory: ’24 Political Ad Spend to Hit $11.1 Billion

BIA Advisory Services reveals its forecast for the political ad spend in the U.S. for the 2024 election cycle and it expects the total to be just over $11 billion – that’s $1.5 billion more than was spent in the 2020 elections. BIA states, “While local ad spending on digital is growing, traditional advertising isim forecast to account for 70.2% of political ad spend in 2024, down from 77.9% in 2020. As with past presidential elections, in 2024 over-the-air TV (TV OTA) will get the largest share of political ad dollars in local with an estimated $4.6 billion in forecast spending. Add in TV Digital, and the number rises to $4.9 billion. PC/Laptop will be the second highest at $1.3 billion, followed by Cable TV at $1.1 billion. Cable TV is the only media channel forecast to be down from 2020 in this category, by nearly $183 million. Coming in fourth is relative newcomer Connected TV/Over-the-top TV (CTV/OTT), which is forecast to grow to $1.0 billion in 2024 from only $74 million in 2020. Over-the-air radio remains steady with $536 million in 2024, up 16% from 2020.”

Industry News

Sports Talk “105.7 The Fan” in Baltimore Celebrates 15 Years

Audacy sports talk outlet WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” is celebrating 15 years as a sports talker with its “Fanniversary.” Through May 31, the station will launch special “FAN 15” content to honor the past 15 years by highlighting key interviews, contributors’ top moments, vignettes that capture the mostim important sports moments and “105.7 The Fan” personalities’ favorite memories. Celebratory programming includes two live broadcasts of the “Big Bad Morning Show” hosted by Ed Norris, Rob Long and Jeremy Conn. The celebration begins tonight (3/21) with a 15th Anniversary Kick-Off Party at Ryleigh’s Oyster House. Audacy Baltimore SVP and market manager Tracy Brandys comments, “105.7 The Fan’s beloved personalities have consistently delivered high-quality sports coverage fueled by passion. We’re ready to replay 105.7 The Fan’s history on and off the air and recognize the programming, personalities and listeners that have helped serve up the best in sports talk to Baltimore.”

Industry News

Phil Hendrie Documentary Now Streaming

A new video documentary of radio maverick Phil Hendrie is currently streaming on Amazon Prime andim other platforms. Titled, Hendrie, and produced by Freestyle Digital Media and directed by Patrick Reynolds, the film features people like Hendrie’s one-time program director David Hall as well as comedians and Hollywood figures talking about the unique radio program Hendrie launched in 1990 in which he held kooky conversations with offbeat characters – all played by Hendrie himself – in real time. Hendrie tells KCAL-TV, “It was completely original… and it satirized something that I thought needed satirizing – talk radio.” See the trailer here.

Industry News

Round Three of February PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The survey period covered February 1 – 28. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM slips one-tenth to finish with a 6.9 share (6+, weekly AHQ share) but remains ranked #2 in the market, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM adds three-tenths for a 1.5 share finish good for the #21 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI sheds three-tenths to finish with a 2.7 share and falls one spot to the #14 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA is steady at a 2.3 share but rises two spots to the #16 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM rises nine-tenths for a 6.4 share finish but remains ranked #2, while iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM/FM dips four-tenths to a 3.1 share but stays put at the #13 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Edison Research: Which Podcasts Women Listen To

Based on data from Edison Research’s Q4 2023 Share of Ear study, the podcast most listened to by women (13+) is audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie,” hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat. Edison notes, “Podcasts with women hosts take five of the top 10 spots, including “Crime Junkie,” “The Daily”im with Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise (#4), “Call Her Daddy” with Alex Cooper (#5), “Morbid” with Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley (#7), and “My Favorite Murder” with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark (#8). And Dateline NBC’s (#3) 20-year veteran Andrea Canning is part of the team of correspondents on the true crime pod.” However, women to listen to male-hosted shows as the study reveals “The Joe Rogan Experience” was #2 on the most recent chart. “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce” was #6 on the chart and was lifted to this “new height” by the obvious Taylor Swift connection.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/20) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and his bond problem; the economy, including the record high financial markets and the Fed keeps interest rates on hold; the Israel-Hamas war and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Egypt for ceasefire talks; the $1.2 trillion funding package to keep the federal government operating; the U.S. migrant crisis; California passes Proposition 1 to tackle homelessness; the U.S. conducts tests on hypersonic missiles; the clashes between violent gangs and civilians in Haiti were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imFebruary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 ratings period (February 1 – February 28) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are January 2024 – February 2024 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 7.0 – 6.9, #2 – #2

KEX 1.2 – 1.5, #22 – #21

KUFO .5 – .8, #26 – #24

KPAM .1 – .1, #32 – #34

News

None

Sports Talk

KFXX 1.6 – 1.6, #19 – #20

KXTG 1.9 – 1.2, #18 – #22

KPOJ .6 – .6, #25 – #26 (Trailblazers)

KMTT .1 – .1, #32 – #34

KFXX Stream  .1 – DNA, #32 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 6.0 – 5.1, #4 – #4

KOPB Stream  1.2 – 1.0, #22 – #23

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM 4.3– 4.6, #10 – #8

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 3.3 – 3.4, #13 – #14 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 5.7 – 4.9, #5 – #6

WNSC 1.2 – .8, #18 – #18

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 3.0– 2.7, #13 – #14 (Spurs)

KTSA 2.3 – 2.3, #18 – #16

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.5 – .9, #21 – #25

KTKR .8 – .5, #26 – #30

KZDC .3 – .3, #35 – #33

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.9 – 2.3, #14 – #16 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk

KFBK-AM 7.6 – 7.3 #3 – #3

KSTE-AM 3.5 – 2.9, #9 – #12

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.9 – 1.4, #18 – #18 (Kings)

KIFM .9 – .9, #25 – #23

KIFM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.8 – 2.8, #14 – #13

KQEI .3 – .3, #28 – #27

KQED .3 – .1, #28 – #29

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 4.3 – 4.5, #9 – #9

KDKA-AM Stream  .4 – .3, #21 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM 8.3 – 7.6, #3 – #3

KDKA-FM Stream  .4 – .6, #21 – #19

WBGG DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 5.5 – 5.2, #6 – #8

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM 5.5 – 6.4, #3 – #3

KNRS-FM 3.5 – 3.1, #13 – #13

KKAT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL .8 – .8, #24 – #23

KZNS-FM .7 – .7, #25 – #24 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM .4 – .1, #27 – #28 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM Stream  .1 – .1, #28 – #28 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Utah Jazz)

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 3.6 – 2.8, #11 – #15

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .1 – .3, #28 – #27

KUMT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 .8 – .9, #28 – #26

KXNT .3 – .6, #32 – #29

KXNT Stream .1 – .1, #35 – #36

KMZQ .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN .9 – .6, #26 – #29

KKGK .5 – .3, #29 – #32 (Golden Knights)

KRLV .3 – .2, #32 – #34

KENO .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.4 – 1.6, #24 – #22

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 4.3 – 5.0, #10 – #7

WDBO 3.5 – 3.1, #13 – #13

WFLF .6 – .8, #21 – #19

WFYY-HD3 DNA – .3, DNA – #24

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM 1.0 – .8, #19 – #19 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 3.4 – 2.4, #14 – #14

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 12.1 – 10.2, #1 – #2

WKRC 6.1 – 6.1, #5 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.5 – 1.1, #18 – #19

WSAI .7 – .6, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.8 – 3.1, #8 – #10   

Note: News/talk WLW’s -1.9 (12.1 – 10.2) represents Cincinnati’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 5.6 – 5.8, #10 – #9 (Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WKRK 5.9 – 3.7, #8 – #11

WKRK Stream .9 – .4, #19 – #21

WARF .2 – .2, #22 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 6.1 – 6.4, #7 – #6

WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

Note: Sports/talk WKRK’s -2.2 (5.9 – 3.7) is the largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.0 – 4.4, #4 – #6

KCMO-AM 2.2 – 2.3, #15 – #14

KMBZ-AM 1.7 – 1.8, #17 – #17

KMBZ-FM Stream 1.0 – .8, #21 – #22

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 3.1 – 3.0, #14 – #12

KCSP Stream  .2 – .3, #27 – #25

KWOD .1 – .1, #29 – #28

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 3.2 – 2.9, #12 – #13

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 5.2 – 5.3, #7 – #7    

News

WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 7.8 – 7.2, #2 – #2 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-AM .3 – .3, #21 #21 (Blue Jackets)

WMNI .1 – .1, #22 – #22

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 4.7 – 5.6, #8 – #6

Up next: February 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Reach Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Audacy Names Hartman to Lead Memphis Stations

Sales and management pro Nichole Hartman is named market manager for Audacy’s Memphis station group that includes sports talk WMFS-AM/FM, sports betting WMC-AM “The Bet 790,” and two musicim outlets. Hartman currently serves in the same role for the company’s Chattanooga stations, a position she will continue to hold. In Memphis, Hartman succeeds Dan Barron, who was recently named SVP and market manager in New Orleans. Audacy regional president Claudia Menegus comments, “Memphis and Chattanooga are lucky to have Nichole’s leadership as a vital building block to local market success. She continues on a path of consistent career growth and will elevate our Memphis market by delivering exceptional performance for our team, partners, and audiences.”

Industry News

Round Two of February PPMs Released

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 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 February 1 – 28. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM is steady at a 4.5 share (6+, weekly AQH share) and remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, sheds seven-tenths for a 7.6 share but stays ranked #2 in the market. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share that lifts it to the #13 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-FM rises three-tenths for a 4.9 share but remains ranked #6. In Detroit, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR tacks on four-tenths to finish the survey with a 2.5 share and moves up to the #14 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WWJ loses three-tenths, wrapping the survey with a 5.3 share and falling one spot to the #9 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

FOX News Digital Beats CNN.com in Multiplatform Unique Visitors

FOX News Digital finished February leading CNN.com with total digital multiplatform unique visitors for the first time ever, according to Comscore. FOX News Digital had 115.4 million (up 18% over last year)im unique visitors and CNN.com had 110.9 million (down 6% from last year). FOX News Digital has led CNN.com and NYTimes.com in multiplatform total views and multiplatform total minutes in recent years but CNN.com relinquishes the lead in multiplatform unique visitors (similar to radio’s cume) for the first time since Comscore has been reporting digital ratings.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/19) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and Tuesday’s primary elections; the legal back-and-forth over Texas’ migrant apprehension law; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and his efforts to post bond in the E. Jean Carroll judgement; Congressional leaders announce deal to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; federal law enforcement’s warning about cyberattacks on U.S. water systems; Alabama legislators pass anti-DEI policy; and the lawlessness in Haiti were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings – Part Two

imFebruary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 ratings period (February 1 – February 28) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are January 2024 – February 2024 (6+). 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 4.5 – 4.5, #7 – #7

WFED .1 – .1, #29 – #30 (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 8.3 – 7.6, #2 – #2

WDCH .6 – .7, #23 – #22

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.8 – 2.3, #15 – #16 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream 1.0 – .8, #20 – #21 (Capitals)

WTEM .4 – .4, #25 – #24 (Wizards)

WTEM Stream .3 – .3, #26 – #27 (Wizards)

WJFK-AM .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA (Capitals)

WSBN .1 – .1, #29 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 12.7 – 13.0, 28th month in succession at #1 

Note: News WTOP & WTLP’s -.7 (8.3- 7.6) represents Washington, DC’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease. 

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 2.8 – 3.2, #15 – #13

WXKS-AM .7 – .8, #23 – #23

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.6 – 4.9, #6 – #6

Business news WRCA .1 – .2, #28 – #26

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 11.2 – 9.1, second straight month at #1 (Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 3.9 – 3.3, #11 – #12

WEEI-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #30

WEEI-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 6.0 – 6.1, #3 – #3

WGBH 4.2 – 4.6, #9 – #8

Note: Sports talk WBZ-FM’s -2.1 (11.2- 9.1) represents Boston’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.4 – 1.2, #23 – #25

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 1.2 – 1.2, #25 – #25 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .5 – .6, #27 – #28

WMEN .2 – .1, #33 – #36

WQAM Stream .1 – .1, #36 – #36 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 4.1 – 5.1, #6 – #5

WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #36    

Note: Public radio news/talk WLRN’s +1.0 (4.1- 5.1) represents Miami’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.2 – 4.1, #7 – #10

KTTH 1.9 – 1.6, #21 – #22

KVI 1.3 – 1.0, #24  – #24

KPTR DNA – .1, DNA – #28

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.6 – 2.5, #19 – #17

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KJR-FM 4.2 – 2.4, #7 – #18 (Kraken)

KIRO-AM 3.3 – 2.3, #14 – #19

KJR-AM .8 – .7, #25 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 6.9 – 7.2, #2 – #1

KSWS DNA – .1, DNA – #28

Note: Sports talk KJR-FM’s -1.8 (4.2- 2.4) represents Seattle’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease. 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 2.1 – 2.5, #16 – #14

WFDF .5 – .6, #23 – #22

WJR Stream .1 – .1, #29 – #29

News

WWJ 5.6 – 5.3, #8 – #9 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .4 – .4, #24 – #25 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #29 – #29

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 9.8 – 7.1, #1 – #3 (Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.8 – 1.1, #17 – #21 (Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .3 – .2, #28 – #28

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.6 – 1.8, #19 – #18

WUOM 1.1 – 1.2, #21 – #20 

Note: Sports talk WXYT-FM’s -2.7 (9.8- 7.1) is the largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decreaseby any station in the 24 PPM-markets analyzed thus far.

PHOENIX

News/Talk

KFYI 3.1 – 3.5, #10 – #9

KTAR-FM 2.6 – 2.7, #14 – #12 (Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 1.9 – 2.2, #20 – #18 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KGME .1 – .1, #31 – #34

KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #31 – #34 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 3.0 – 2.3, #11 – #15

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.7 – 4.7, #10 – #8 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 2.9 – 3.0, #14 – #14

KTLK-AM 1.8 – 2.2, #19 – #15

WCCO Stream .1 – .3, #31 – #29 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #31 – #31

Sports Talk

KFXN 7.5 – 7.1, #2 – #3 (Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .2 – .1, #27 – #31

KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #31 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 6.6 – 7.4, #4 – #2

KNOW Stream .8 – .7, #23 – #23

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk

KOGO 4.9 – 4.6, #5 – #7

KLSD .4 – .5, #25 – #25

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 3.9 – 3.0, #10 – #16

KGB-AM .8 – .8, #21 – #21

KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 6.2 – 7.3, #2 – #1 

Note: Sports talk KWFN’s -.9 (3.9- 3.0) represents San Diego’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 5.3 – 4.9, #3 – #6 (Lightning)

WFLA 4.1 – 4.2, #11 – #10

News

Business news WHNZ .1 – .2, #34 – #28

Sports Talk

WDAE 2.1– 1.7, #17 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 2.3 – 1.9, #16 – #16

WMNF-HD3 Stream .4 – .2, #26 – #28

WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 3.0 – 2.6, #14 – #17

KDFD 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KHOW 1.4 – 1.2, #22 – #24

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 4.0 – 3.7, #10 – #10

KKSE-FM 3.0 – 2.2, #14 – #18 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KAMP .1 – .1, #35 – #36

KEPN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KKSE-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 4.5 – 3.7, #7 – #10

KUNC 1.0 – 1.1, #25 – #27

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 4.3 – 3.3, #9 – #10

WCBM 1.9 – 2.0, #15 – #14

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.4 – 1.3,  #17 – #18

WDCH  .9 – .6,  #19 – #20

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 4.8 – 3.1, #6 – #12

WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 3.4 – 3.2, #12 – #11

WYPR HD2 Stream DNA – .3, DNA – #26 

Note: Sports talk WJZ-FM’s -1.7 (4.8- 3.1) represents Baltimore’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 3.7 – 2.8, #13 – #14

KFTK 2.2 – 2.1, #15 – #17

KTLK-FM 1.3 – 1.1, #18 – #18

KMOX Stream .4 – .2, #23 – #24

KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #28 – #24

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .3 – .2, #25 – #24

Sports Talk

WXOS 5.7 – 5.0, #7 – #9 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 5.1 – 4.9, #9 – #10

Up next: February 2024 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Reach Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com. 

Industry Views

Sabo Sez: Five Predictions

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

im1. Financial solvency laws. Consolidation is not the problem; it actually saved the radio industry. The problem is the 1986 rule change that dropped financial solvency requirements for station ownership. Prior to 1986, stations could not be purchased with debt. A potential owner had to prove that they could meet the expenses of a station through the duration of its license. Once the financial efficacy rule was dropped and stations could be purchased with debt, the industry was financially decimated. Prediction: Financial solvency laws will be re-instated.

2. Ratings change. Ratings giant Nielsen will change its system of measurement of audio. The PPM was created over 20 years ago by a company that no longer exists. For a station to earn proper audience levels, Nielsen must measure all audio distribution platforms including radio sets, in car, cell phone streaming, computer streaming, satellite, public address systems and ear pods and whatever comes next. Now you choose one – over the air or the stream. This will change or more companies will follow the recent lead of Good Karma Brands radio which just cancelled Nielsen.

3. New leadership. Who’s in charge? Most radio companies are run by very sharp and very senior CEOs and Boards. The Boca effect — I don’t want trouble, just get me to my retirement and condo on Boca. The primary reason FM grew from 10% household usage in 1968 to 60% in 1981 was the “kids” were put in charge – and caused “trouble.” Allen Shaw at ABC FM, Walter Sabo at NBC FM (forgive me), Jerry Lyman at RKO FM and the sons and daughters of the owners of thriving AMs paired with orphaned FMs (think Beau Woods at WEBN, Cincinnati and Bart McClendon in Dallas) were given free range to create and implement brand new formats. While the AM management played golf, those 20-somethings aired daring, new, shocking, amazing radio that drew listeners to FM. No, not stereo or low commercials, it was the FM package of subversiveness. For radio to level up and serve the joy of an audience born with iPhones in their cribs, it will be led by today’s 20-somethings without suffering interference by bosses sharing really interesting stories about their time at CBGBs.  The essential leadership will come from younger programmers and executives who have only known a world with online video stars, a thousand cable channels, and on-demand video and audio entertainment.

4. New sales paradigm. Digital entertainment companies – audio and video – are fueled by stupid money. Venture capitalists launch new businesses with the goal of claiming a stake and then selling the business for their ROI. VCs have no interest in operating profit. Really. That means start-up media companies pay much more for sales executives than radio companies. Start-ups are shinier goals than radio stations to a media advertising seller. There will be a revolution in the way salespeople are identified, recruited, managed, and paid or the decline in radio revenue will accelerate.

5. Renovated voice tracking. Voice tracking is not horrible, it’s an opportunity that has not been realized. Today voice tracking is a poor imitation of being live – without benefits. No time, temp, urgent news. Here’s the miss: Every station has a stunning, amazing production library. Don’t have one? Swipe from YouTube. Rather than pretending to be live, admit to being recorded. Use that production freedom to produce. Tap the production library to create a running drama, comedy, mood, listening environment. Make the show between the songs to be as compelling as Taylor Swift. That’s the future of music radio.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. HITVIEWS clients included Pepsi, FOX TV, Timberland, Microsoft, and CBS Television. He can be reached at walter@sabomedia.com www.waltersterlingshow.com

Industry News

Audacy Names New Afternoon Show at “The Fan Upstate”

Starting next Monday (3/25), “WIRE 2 WIRE,” starring Greg “Diesel” Abee (left)and Cole Bryson (right), fills the afternoon drive daypart on Audacy sports talk outlet WYRD-AM/W249DL/W246CV,im Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina “The Fan Upstate.” The program takes over for “Offsides with Marc Ryan,” as Ryan moves to the company’s WXYT-FM, Detroit “97.1 The Ticket.” Audacy Greenville-Spartanburg SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi states, “‘WIRE 2 WIRE’ allows us to elevate Diesel, who has worked alongside Marc for years, and Cole, who has done a great job with every sports assignment we’ve given him. ‘WIRE 2 WIRE’ will be a live, local sports show with knowledgeable, well-known local talent, and I know sports fans will love it.”

Industry News

Round One of February PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 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 February survey covered February 1 – 28. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC adds three-tenths to finish the survey with a 3.8 share (6+, weekly AQH share) but remains ranked #11, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR loses one-tenth for a 1.6 share finish and falls to the #20 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN tacks on four-tenths to finish with a 3.5 share that lifts it to the #8 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM adds two-tenths for a 2.0 share finish and remains ranked #18. Audacy’s crosstown all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM fell eight-tenths to a 5.4 share but only regressed one spot to the #3 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

BMI Pays Tribute to Erica Farber

im

Erica Farber, the retiring CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau, is pictured above (right) receiving a BMI gold record from the performing rights organization in appreciation of the support she’s provided BMI’s songwriters and publishers over the years. Presenting the record to Farber is BMI VP of industry relations Dan Spears (left). The inscription reads: “Congratulations on your retirement, Erica! BMI celebrates your 12 years of service leading the RAB and 52 years serving the broadcasting industry. Thank you for many years of friendship and for your continuous support of BMI songwriters and publishers. You will be greatly missed. Your BMI Family”