Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/6) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Nikki Haley’s suspension of her campaign and the 2024 presidential race; tonight’s State of the Union address; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Alabama embryo-IVF legislation; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; the Russia-Ukraine war and the attack on Volodymyr Zelensky’s convoy; the spending package to keep the federal government operating; the bill to ban TikTok in the U.S. gains steam; and Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed is found guilty of involuntary manslaughter were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Mary Ayala Named PD for iHM’s San Diego Talkers

iHeartMedia San Diego promotes Mary Ayala to program director for news/talk KOGO-AM “Newsradio 600,” talk KLSD-AM “The Patriot AM 1360,” and sports talk KGB-AM “San Diego Sports 760.” Ayala hasim been serving as assistant program director and executive producer. iHeartMedia San Diego market president Noreen Ippolito says, “Mary has been a part of our cluster for many years and is more than ready to take the lead role of our talk stations. She’s smart, experienced, and incredibly detailed with her work.” Ayala comments, “This is an exciting time to be taking over the program director position for these brands. Each station has its own distinct flavor, and all of them are filled with great talent I’m looking forward to working with.”

Industry News

JVC Expands Florida Man Radio in Orlando and Ocala

JVC Broadcasting expands its Florida Man Radio format to two FM signals – Class C2 WFYY-FM, Windermere in the Orlando market and translator W266DY at 101.1 FM in Dunnellon in the Ocalaim market (fed by WXUS-HD3). Florida Man Radio continues to air on WZLB-FM, Fort Walton Beach. The programming includes Bubba the Love Sponge in morning drive, Don Miller in middays, and Shannon Burke in afternoon drive. JVC president and CEO John Caracciolo says, “Programming like FMR is what makes terrestrial radio relevant and strong. We have to dare to be different and produce content that drives listeners to our platform and that entertains, educates and sometimes just makes us laugh out loud. The vision of a locally based talk station that isn’t afraid to confront the big topics while not taking itself too seriously, screams the mantra of JVC. We need to keep live and local radio working for our clients and listeners.”

Industry News

Podtrac’s February 2024 Podcast Ranker

The New York Times’ “The Daily” remains in the #1 spot on Podtrac’s U.S. Podcast ranker for February (based on unique U.S. monthly audience for participating podcasts) NPR’s “NPR News Now” and “Upim First” are #2 and #3, respectively, with NBC News’ “Dateline NBC” at #4. Other talk radio-related podcasts of note include The Daily Wire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” rising two spots to #7, iHeartPodcasts’ “Stuff You Should Know” up two places to #9, and Dan Bongino’s “The Dan Bongino Show” up one spot to #11. You can see the complete ranker here.

Industry News

FCC Approves WMVP-AM, Chicago Transmitter Move

The Federal Communications Commission approves the transmitter moves and nighttime power reduction requested by Good Karma Brands for WMVP-AM, Chicago. The FCC denied the objectionim filed by Albert Adam David, who claimed the changes would create interference for other licensees. Good Karma proposes to relocate the WMVP facility approximately 31 kilometers to the currently licensed nighttime transmitter site of WCPT-AM, Willow Springs, Illinois. Good Karma proposes to retain WMVP’s Class A designation, operating frequency (1000 kHz), and 50 kW daytime operating power, but reduce nighttime operating power to 37 kW while diplexing nighttime transmissions with WCPT (WCPT broadcasts at 1.5 kW on a different frequency).

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Super Tuesday primary elections and Nikki Haley’s expected exit from the presidential race; Kyrsten Sinema announces retirement from the U.S. Senate at the end of this term; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and the disqualification case against Fulton County DA Fani Willis; the U.S. migrant crisis; attempts to avert the looming government shutdown; the Russia-Ukraine war and Western aid to Ukraine; Miami Beach implements strict rules on spring break crowds; and the Dartmouth men’s basketball team votes to unionize were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WRVA, Richmond’s Jeff Katz Raises Funds for The Friendship Circle

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Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon talk host Jeff Katz (right) alongside former President Donald Trump (left) during Trump’s March 2 visit to Richmond. Katz is presenting Trump with a “Julia Katz Bracelet” created by Emily Morrissey of Emily’s Bracelets.  Morrissey and Julia Katz are young women with a variety of special needs and disabilities who have received services from The Friendship Circle. During the month of March, Morrissey is offering “The Julia Katz Bracelet” as a fundraiser for The Friendship Circle of Virginia in recognition of Julia’s 21st birthday on March 7. Jeff Katz recently helped raise more than $17,000 for The Friendship Circle and to kick off the special Julia Katz bracelet he personally presented one to Trump. They are available at www.emilysbracelets.com

Industry News

KYW, Philadelphia Honors 2024 GameChangers

Audacy’s all-news KYW, Philadelphia awarded its annual GameChangers honors, recognizing 10 people making a difference in communities of color around the Philadelphia region at a ceremony at the company’s Philadelphia office on February 28. KYW Newsradio community impact reporter Racquelim Williams, who has been highlighting the GameChangers honorees throughout February, hosted the ceremony. The 2024 recipients were nominated by audience members, selected by a panel of previous honorees and vetted by KYW Newsradio editorial staff. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “We are delighted to honor the exceptional individuals who are driving positive change and making a profound impact within communities of color across Philadelphia. This yearly program highlights their unwavering dedication to making lasting contributions to this community, and we’re proud to leverage our platform to shine a light on their great work.”  See more about GameChangers here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/4) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Today’s Super Tuesday primary elections; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Fani Willis disqualification case; the Supreme Court temporarily blocks Texas illegal migrant apprehension policy; the Israel-Hamas war and efforts to enforce a cease fire; the Russia-Ukraine war; the attempts in Congress to avoid a government shutdown; France makes abortion a constitutional right; the devastating wildfires in the Texas panhandle; and the gang-led prison breaks creating chaos in Haiti were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Advises College Broadcasters to Cautiously Embrace the Artistic Potential of New Technology at IBS Conference

The 85th annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference took place this past Friday and Saturday (3/1-2) at the Sheraton Times Square hotel in New York City drawing some 800+ student broadcasters, faculty, and administrators from campus stations across the nation.  TALKERS founder and multi-radio format pioneer Michael Harrison was among the event’s featured speakers. Harrison’s one-hour address titled, “The Next 10 Years of Media and Popular Culture is…?” brought up as manyim questions as it did answers about what young broadcasters entering professional media today should be prepared for in navigating the unpredictably turbulent waters of the next decade and beyond. Among the sweeping panorama of topics covered in his address, Harrison told the students, “When looking to the future, don’t be too sure that current events will follow a predictable script. There are always ‘black swan events’ that change the storyline and our expectations in an instant. Plus, there are multiple outcomes, possibilities, and forks in the road for almost every situation.” Regarding the current focus on artificial intelligence, Harrison advised, “All technology is a double-edged sword and AI will prove to be a particularly consequential one with both positive and negative implications. However, don’t fall into the age-old trap of thinking that productions and performances created or enhanced by new technology are necessarily ‘artificial’ or ‘fake.’ New tools not only create new art, they have an irrepressible influence on giving rise to new culture. The immediate years ahead are likely going to provide us with the challenging question of ‘what does it mean to be truly human?’” Harrison concluded, “As young broadcasting students in 2024 looking to make a difference in the world, be prepared to face the challenge of following your dreams, ideals and inspiration while confronting the harsh realities of making a living in a stressed environment of relentless change. We live our lives in this business at the dangerous intersection between art and commerce.”

Since its inception in 1940, IBS has been led by outstanding volunteers who are passionate about student media. Congratulations to Norm Prusslin, chairperson, IBS board and Chris Thomas, president, IBS as well as conference chairperson Shawn Novatt and the entire board upon the success of this year’s gathering.

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Pictured above is  Michael Harrison (c) with two key executives from Backbone Networks at the innovative company’s display among the exhibits at the annual IBS conference. Representing two generations of the legendary Capalbo family of radio groundbreakers are George N. Capalbo, CTO, Backbone Networks (l) and his son George L. Capalbo, marketing communications director, Backbone Networks (r).  They are the son and grandson of the late WRKO, Boston radio satellite innovator George J. Capalbo.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Baked-In?

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imIs that host read you are pitching “baked-in?”

No, I am not talking baked in the content, as in before the break with all the produced commercials. I am talking about “baked-in” the audio that will live on as long as that show is available.

Still confused? You should ask someone who has handled an actual audio podcast avail. Some advertisers and their ad agencies are shaping the future and “baked-in” is a fundamental element of the new-think that is pushing the needle on podcast CPM, while your team struggles to compete for low CPM based on old school models that are dropping like flies.

The good news is that host read is still the gold standard that moves the listener to action. The bad news is radio station sellers are hanging onto older strategies that have little room in a future filled with millions of audio podcasts that contain no music and feature comedy, news, talk, opinion, lifestyle, sports, politics, entertainment, financial, medical, legal, self-help, religion, even foreign language – as in nothing but the human voice and a little production.

Sound familiar? I call it the great sales equalizer: the host read.

So how can this magical host read have such a dramatic impact in this super-crowded environment, yet be so underappreciated on radio stations coast to coast? Let us look at the three legs of the sales stool that have never changed.

1. The seller. Most radio sellers are presenting the host read the same way they did since their first order. What is new, different, and exciting in the way you present your talent today?

2. The audience. Size matters, intimacy matters, performance matters. Can you demonstrate how your host-audience relationship fulfills those criteria and generates a response for your advertisers?

3. The inventory. Why do we still have the same number of host reads in every hour of a show? Anyone have the courage to vary the inventory or pricing throughout a show?

The podcast world is leading the way to a future filled with:

1. Baked-In host reads.
2. Pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll price differences.
3. Commercial inventory limits.
4. Impression delivery options that demonstrate clear accountability.

There is a bright future in audio sales that will look and feel different from what we take for granted today. Make sure you are on the right side of the wave and not stuck in the mud.

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 Views

Monday Memo: The Local Radio Advantage, Part 3

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imIt’s not your imagination. The world has gone daffy. The USA is all-but boots-on-the-ground in rough neighborhoods around the world. Weather is getting even wackier. The next gun nut could open fire, at any moment, anywhere. 2024 campaign? It’s a long way to November. And even in this rebounding economy, supermarket prices still hit-home… if you can get there.

Here in Southern New England that could take up to an hour longer, as tens of thousands are inconvenienced every day, and will be for months – possibly two years we’re told – after an abrupt bridge closure along Interstate 195. Your daily commute is torture if you live here; and an unpleasant surprise awaits when you head to Cape Cod this summer, or if you’re just passing through this intersection where I-195 joins Maine-to-Miami I-95, the main artery through the most densely populated parts of the USA.

The good news for listeners is that serious structural defects were spotted BEFORE a deadly bridge collapse like we’ve seen in Minnesota and Pennsylvania and elsewhere in recent years. The good news for local media is that information changes throughout the day, and day-to-day, as the Department of Transportation continuously modifies lane merges and detours to cope. If you’re driving, you can’t NOT listen.

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Presume that listeners are wondering “What NEXT???” If your station is known-for-knowing, listeners will keep coming back for more. Last week and the week before here, we demonstrated simple tweaks that make local news copy instantly more and helpful and relevant and understandable. This week: setting an expectation and delivering. Two tips:

Invite overtly. Try this imaging statement that has proven effective for setting a listening appointment to on-hour newscasts: “SO much is changing, SO quickly now. Stay close to the news.” Example: If you’re an affiliate, call it “a quick FOX News update, every half hour, throughout your busy day.” Doing so empowers the customers our local advertisers want pulling into the parking lot.

Then, make it sound different than last hour. Advance the story.

Example: news that “The New York Times is buying Wordle” broke in afternoon drive.

Next morning, same copy, word-for-word.

Better next-morning lead: “Wordle will remain free… for now.”

Avoid the listener thinking, “You already told me that,” by leading with a different aspect than last time. Every effort you make to sound fresh is well worth it.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up,” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

SiriusXM Names van Mosel SVP of Podcast Strategy

SiriusXM appoints Sarah van Mosel to the new role SVP, podcast strategy. Van Mosel previously served as chief revenue officer with Stitcher, the aggregator that SXM Media acquired for $353 million back in 2020. In a memo to staff, SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein says, “As podcasting continues to be a major driver of growth in our overall business, we are organizing theim best team in the industry to power our next chapter… A major area of focus is expanding our relationships with top podcasts as we look to grow both our exclusive content portfolio and support our successful advertising business. To help us achieve our goals, we decided to bring in an expert to champion SiriusXM in the marketplace. I am thrilled to welcome Sarah van Mosel back to SiriusXM in a new role as SVP of podcast strategy, reporting directly to me. In this role, Sarah will develop a targeted podcast acquisition strategy as well as source and attract up and coming new talent to the SiriusXM Podcast Network.” Greenstein says van Mosel will work with SVP of podcasting content Adam Sachs.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The Israel-Hamas war and the Biden administration’s pressure on Israel; the presidential race and the weekend’s primary races; the U.S. migrant crisis; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Russia-Ukraine war; Mitch McConnell’s exit from Senate president post and the ensuing power struggle; the devastating wildfires in the Texas panhandle; and the gang-led prison breaks creating chaos in Haiti were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Two-Day IBSNYC 2024 Conference Kicks Off Today (3/1) in NYC – Michael Harrison Set to Speak Tomorrow (3/2)

TALKERS founder/multi-format radio pioneer Michael Harrison will serve as a featured speaker at the national IBS (Intercollegiate Broadcasting System) conference taking place today and tomorrow (3/1im-2) at the Sheraton Times Square hotel in New York City. Harrison’s address titled, “The Next 10 Years of Media and Popular Culture is…?,” is scheduled to take place between 11:00 am and 12:00 noon on Saturday (3/2). Harrison states, “I have always believed that the future of broadcasting, for better or worse, brews on the campuses of America and this observation is truer now than ever before. I am very excited to bring an array of provocative and pertinent observations, predictions and possibilities, born of my perspective as a future-minded immigrant from the 20th century to such a vital and dynamic group of young communicators.” See registration, agenda and hotel information here.

Industry News

John Clay Wolfe Show Adds Palm Springs Affiliate

“The John Clay Wolfe Show” adds Alpha Media’s KCLB-FM, Palm Springs to its affiliates roster of moreim than 65 stations. “The John Clay Wolfe Show” is a Saturday morning program that focuses on Wolfe’s love of cars, comedy, and daily observations along with celebrity guests like Sammy Hagar, Adam Carolla, and Cheech & Chong.

Industry News

Mirta Lourenço is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Mirta Lourenço is the chief of media development and media in emergency for UNESCO based at the agency’s headquarters in Paris. She is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” The name UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization which is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its stated mission is to promote world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. Podcast host and TALKERS founder Michael Harrison served as executive advisor to UNESCO for the recent 13th annual celebration of UN World Radio Day 2024 which gave him the opportunity to work directly with Lourenço, who heads the project each year. According to Harrison, “This year’s theme was a celebration of radio’s first century informing, educating and entertaining with the purpose of bringing global attention to the medium’s continuing importance and vitality in the 21st century while acknowledging the challenges it and all heritage media face in the digital era.” Harrison adds, “Mirta Lourenço is a true champion of global media supporting its potential and responsibility to serve the public good. She is a first responder to the first responders. Her work transcends the boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, and language. It includes media platforms of every structure – commercial, public, community, corporate and governmental. She diligently operates at a smorgasbord of diversity at the center of the media world.” Harrison and Lourenço discuss the state of international radio from her global perspective. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here

Industry News

New Season of Pittman Podcast Debuts

iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman begins production of the sixth season of his podcast,im “Math & Magic: Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing with Bob Pittman,” in which he speaks with leaders, entrepreneurs and visionaries across music, film, live entertainment, marketing and more. The first episode of this season features Kellyn Kenny, AT&T’s chief marketing and growth officer, who has also served with such companies as Microsoft, Hilton, Capital One and Uber.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for February 26 – March 1, 2024

The state of former President Donald Trump’s various legal battles was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the presidential race, 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 on ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

Cox Media Group Cancels Mark Kaye Show

In a surprise move, Cox Media Group cancels “The Mark Kaye Show” based at its Jacksonville news/talk outlet WOKV-FM and syndicated to O&Os WDBO, Orlando; KRMG-AM/FM, Tulsa and WHIO-imAM/FM, Dayton. The program aired in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart and the stations are going to replace the show with “The Erick Erickson Show” based at CMG’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta. The Erickson program is syndicated by Compass Media Networks. It appears that producer Hannah Guile is also exiting as a result of this move. TALKERS reached out to Mark Kaye who requested that all questions and inquiries be directed to his agent Heather Cohen at The Weiss Agency.

Industry News

Taylor Jukes Named SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia San Diego

iHeartMedia names Taylor Jukes SVP of programming for the San Diego station group that includesim news/talk KOGO-AM, talk KLSD-AM, sports talk KGB-AM, and five music brands. iHeartMedia San Diego market president Noreen Ippolito says, “We are so excited to welcome Taylor into our San Diego cluster. Her knowledge of the audio business and track record speak for themselves. We are eager for Taylor to bring her skill set and big ideas from Miami to an already incredible cluster of stations.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/28) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Supreme Court agrees to hear the case of former President Donald Trump’s immunity claim; Mitch McConnell to step down from Senate leadership in November; an Illinois judge rules Trump should not be on primary ballot; the misconduct allegations against Fulton County DA Fani Willis; the U.S. migrant crisis and the death of Georgian nursing student Laken Riley allegedly at the hands of an illegal immigrant; the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and Hunter Biden’s testimony; the looming government shutdown; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; the Russia-Ukraine war and Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threats; and the Texas panhandle wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Civic Media Unveils Permanent Lineup

Civic Media finalizes its new midday program lineup that airs across its 12 Wisconsin stations, including flagship WAUK-AM/W266DR, Waukesha. “Matenaer On Air,” starring Jane Matenaer, airs from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, “The Todd Allbaugh Show” airs from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm, and “The Maggie Daunim Show” airs from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Program director Kathryn Lake comments, “Wisconsinites will play a crucial role this year in determining who represents the state in Madison and in the nation’s capital. The experience Jane Matenaer, Todd Allbaugh and Maggie Daun bring to the midday microphones will provide listeners across the state compelling stories and important updates about what is happening in their communities and throughout Wisconsin.”

Industry News

Cumulus Bloomington Raises $100k-plus for St Jude

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Pictured above are members of the staff of Cumulus Media’s radio stations in Bloomington, Illinois – including news/talk WJBC-AM, CHR WBNQ-FM, and country WBWN-FM – as they helped raise $103,739 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital via its annual two-day Cumulus Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon that took place February 8 and 9.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/27) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and the Michigan primary; the U.S. migrant crisis and the death of Georgian nursing student Laken Riley allegedly at the hands of an illegal immigrant; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and the Fani Willis misconduct case; the Russia-Ukraine war; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and Hunter Biden’s testimony scheduled for today; the Alabama embryo ruling and its effects on IVF treatment; the Supreme Court hears arguments over Texas’ and Florida’s restrictive social media laws; Apple cancels its electric car project; and the Texas panhandle wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Shelby Cassesse Announces Exit from Audacy Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh media personality Shelby Cassesse is leaving her role with Audacy’s news/talk KDKA-AM and sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan,” according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Cassesse had beenim serving as a full-time KDKA Radio reporter since February 2021 and hosted her own Sunday morning talk show on “93.7 The Fan.” She posted to social media, “While news has offered so many opportunities for growth, my heart has always been in sports journalism and it’s time to fully focus on that path.” Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “We are so grateful for all of Shelby’s work in the KDKA newsroom. Her time as a host at ‘The Fan’ will forever be a part of the history of that great radio station. We know the future will bring her great things. We are fortunate to be a part of her journey.” Read the Post-Gazette story here.

Industry News

The Black Effect Podcast Festival Set for April 27 in Atlanta

iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God are bringing the Black Effect Podcast Festival back to Atlanta on April 27 at Pullman Yards. Charlamagne Tha God joins the festival alongside some of the Blackim Effect’s most popular personalities for a day full of live podcast tapings and informative discussions aimed at aspiring podcasters in the Black community. He says, “We are proud to return to Atlanta for the second year in a row to showcase the talent across our network, and some of the biggest shows in podcasting. Through culture-defining storytelling, unique brand partnerships, compelling panel discussions, special live podcast recordings and more, we are inviting everyone to experience the power of The Black Effect and the many ways Black creators are driving the culture forward.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/26) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The U.S. migrant crisis and the death of Georgian nursing student Laken Riley allegedly at the hands of an illegal immigrant; the looming government shutdown; the Russia-Ukraine war; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and Hunter Biden’s testimony scheduled for Wednesday; the presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and the Fani Willis misconduct case; and the Supreme Court hears arguments over Texas’ and Florida’s restrictive social media laws were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: The Local Radio Advantage, Part 2

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imRadio programming is like any business. Our best prospects are existing customers (getting people already listening to listen more often). And – without spending a dime on outside promotion – we can if the station is known-for-knowing. Set the expectation that we have listeners’ backs and optimize the information we deliver.

Last week’s column was Part 1 of this three-part series, demonstrating a simple tweak for making source material more relevant and useful. This week, more addition-by-subtraction: “A-words” to avoid; and Magic Words to use every chance you get.

“Anyone,” and “asked,” and “announced” are red flags. These words scream press release.

Instead-of: “Anyone who has seen a car matching that description is asked to contact the police.”

Say: “If you see that car, call the police.”

Instead of: “Anyone who feels discriminated-against because…”

Say: “If you feel discriminated-against because…”

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“Anyone” (or “those,” both third-person) is someone else. Second-person Magic Words “you” and “your” talk to me, the listener. And instead of telling me THAT something-was-announced, explain WHAT, and what-it-means-to-me:

Example: “Jefferson County has joined Clearfield, Elk and 18 other Pennsylvania counties in the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative. The initiative is a law enforcement-led collaborative program which seeks to direct those who suffer from substance abuse disorders into helpful treatment services.”

Re-write: “If you live in Jefferson County and you or someone you know are struggling with substance abuse, you can now ask police to connect you with a treatment program without being arrested or prosecuted…”

Next week here: THE #1 way to keep listeners coming back for more…

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up,” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Curmudgeons

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imAre you a sales curmudgeon? You know, that old-school, out-of-touch terrestrial radio ad sales rep who is too lazy to learn the new digital/social media sales world?

A recent survey by Borrell and Associates says most radio station managers vote for “new blood” on the sales team to offset those old-school sellers who are oversaturated and have no more room to grow. It’s the evergreen water bottle analogy. Open that off-the-shelf bottled water and just try pouring more water into that fully filled bottle. There is no more room for even another ounce. Is that you? So full of sales knowledge that there is no room to learn? Your boss thinks it’s better to hire another seller than to wait until you decide to push yourself through the comfort zone and become more productive in the digital/social media column.

The top line “hire new sellers” concept here is true. Some living history:

1. AM vs. FM. Are you old enough to remember separate AM and FM sales teams? AM radio stations were the first big income generators. When FM music stations became popular, we first sold AM/FM combo plans. Realizing FM formats were geared to a younger audience, we hired sellers who got it. Sales teams were formed to sell just the FM stations. The internal conflict was a management nightmare, yet somehow, we managed to create two separate teams. The rest is terrestrial radio sales history.

2. Cluster Sales. When the FCC allowed owners to control more than two radio stations in a market, we went through another seismic change. Sellers who sold for one, or in some cases AM/FM combo sales, were soon allowed to pitch multiple stations owned by one owner in a market. Managers were faced with a new round of consolidation conflict. If you worked with an advertiser that needed additional markets, you were able to bring outside markets with commonly owned radio stations to the mix. Somehow, we managed.

3. Digital/Social. What took so long? Today’s terrestrial radio ad seller is an important foundational component in every radio station ad sales department. Yet the ad sales and audience growth aren’t on the AM/FM or satellite band. It hasn’t been for a while. The ad demand and growth in audience and revenue is on your computer, smartphone, apps, and earbuds. Are you ready to adapt to the digital/social media demand curve? Or are you sitting in your comfortable rocking chair.

There is no doubt new sellers plugged into new media platforms will fuel the next level of audio sales growth. But before we give up on those curmudgeons on your sales team, let’s learn how they preserve the buyer-seller relationship long enough to earn the privilege of becoming “curmudgeons.”

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

Round Four of January PPMs Released

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s January 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 January 4 – 31. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN adds 2.5 shares to finish with an 11.5 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) good for its fifth straight month ranked #1, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ does not appear in this survey. (TALKERS has reached out to GKB for clarification.) In Nashville, Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WWTN-FM rises 1.5 shares to finish with a 5.4 share that lifts it to the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLAC adds nine-tenths for a 2.1 share finish good for the #18 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM tacks on a full share to wrap the survey with a 6.9 share, lifting it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WHJJ-AM is up two-tenths for a 1.0 share finish and the #13 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.