Industry News

Bold Gold Media Group Flips WVOS-AM to News/Talk

Bold Gold Media Group announces it’s flipping the AM side of classic hits WVOS-AM/FM, Liberty, New York (along with two FM translators) to news/talk as “Catskills News Talk.” Bold Gold says, “The station will become the new home of the legacy morning show, ‘Ciliberto & Friends,’ starring popular radio personality Paul Ciliberto, which will form the backbone of the station’s programming, along with greatly expanded local news provided by legendary news director Mike Sakell.” Bold Gold Media New York general manager Dawnim Ciorciari says, “Taking a legacy AM radio station and re-imagining it into an additional radio format in a local market is an exciting expansion of Bold Gold’s local broadcast portfolio, and is a testament to an incredible team of local broadcast professionals, a supportive community, and the importance that local radio continues to have to provide local news, talk and information.” Bold Gold Media New York director of programming Chase Daniels comments, “The launch of ‘Catskills News Talk’ marks another BOLD move in our New York market as we expand our programming offerings and bring back the heritage ‘Voice of Sullivan.’ Putting this station together required a lot of well-thought-out decisions and I’m honored to have had the opportunity to bring it all together.” Beyond morning drive, the company has not revealed programming details other than to say, “Popular radio shows covering a variety of topics including financial market updates, investing, lifestyle, health, politics, sports and others will round out the station’s programming.”

Industry News

Mark Kaye Bit Scans Heavy Hundred for Cage Match Opponents

Morning drive talk host Mark Kaye – WKOV-FM, Jacksonville and other Cox Media Group news/talk stations – recently did a bit riffing off the Mark ZuckerbergElon Musk cage match story. Kaye, wondering which fellowim talk hosts he might be able to beat in a cage match, used the recently published 2023 TALKERS Heavy Hundred to muse over potential opponents. Kaye – ranked #81 on this year’s Heavy Hundred – says he’s pretty sure Sean Hannity (#1 on the Heavy Hundred) would kill him. Check out who he thought he could beat in this hilarious bit here.

Industry News

Danny Lipford to Retire from Radio and TV

Home improvement expert and radio & television pro Danny Lipford announces that after 35 years in the media business he is officially announcing plans for his retirement. Lipford – head of the Today’s Homeownerim media franchise – has hosted and produced more than 1,000 TV shows, 800 radio shows, and traveled all 50 states during the course of his media career. Lipford says he’s shifting the business model of his media company, which will now focus on streaming and licensing the brand’s extensive library of home improvement content. Lipford will continue to host his weekly two-hour “Today’s Homeowner” Radio show, and “Tips for Today’s Homeowner” radio features through the end of 2023, with the final show and features airing the week of December 25.

Industry News

LI News Radio Celebrates 500th Airing of “The Nonprofit Voice”

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JVC Media and radio host Ron Gold recently celebrated the 500th edition of Gold’s weekend program, “The Nonprofit Voice,” broadcast on news/talk WRCN-FM, Ronkonko, New York. Gold is CEO of Marketing Works and over the past 10 years has been joined on air by leaders from nonprofit organizations of all sizes to discuss the important work their agencies do and the challenges they face. Pictured above (from l-r) are: Town of Brookhaven supervisor Ed Romaine, Gold, and Town of Islip supervisor Angie Carpenter.

Job Opportunity

Cumulus Seeks Experienced News/Talk Programmer

Cumulus Media is looking for a program director for its Chattanooga, Tennessee news/talk stations. The program director will be responsible for growing and operating strong brands and must have a strong programming background and passion for growing others and a passion for the local community. You willim program two legendary news/talk stations. Energy, enthusiasm, attention to detail and experience in news writing/delivering and talk show hosting is a necessity. You must have the ability to interact with listeners and handle multiple phone calls at one time. You will be responsible for all aspects of programming including managing and motivating on-air staff, imaging, station strategy, developing and executing revenue generating sales & programming promotions, website & social media, digital content and have a strong understanding of the core audience of a news/talk format. The position also requires a daily AM drive air-shift, along with live appearances and live broadcasts! See more and apply here.

Job Opportunity

iHeartMedia Seeks Morning Personality for Nashville

iHeartMedia’s WRVW-FM, Nashville “107.5 the River” has a premier opening for a LIVE, LOCAL morning show host in Nashville. We’re looking for a dynamic storyteller to pair with current pros Ricki Sanchez and Zac Woodward to create can’t-miss radio in America’s fastest growing city. If you’re creative, collaborative, and ready for the next step, send materials to jonathanshuford@iheartmedia.com asap!

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of June 19 – 23

Former president Donald Trump’s legal battles were the most-talked-about story in news/talk media during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the plea deal for unpaid taxes by Hunter Biden, followed by the cast of characters in the 2024 presidential race at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media 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.

Industry News

Kraig T. Kitchin is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Noted talent manager, advisor and chair of the Radio Hall of FameKraig T. Kitchin is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison states, “Kraig is one of the smartest, most-respected and congenial behind-the-scenes movers and shakers in the radio industry. His illustrious career goes back decades and his positive contributions to the radio business – including advising some of its greatest talents including the late Rush Limbaugh – have been indelible and immeasurable.” Kitchin was honored several weeks ago by the TALKERS magazine editorial board with the highly prestigious Jim Bohannon Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement in Radio. Since 2008, he’s been president of the talent management firm, Sound MindLLC. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Oxford Road, a media placement agency with more than 50 clients specializing in audio advertising. Kitchin also serves as chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame to which he was appointed in 2014. Prior to launching his own firm, after working his way up in the industry through local radio and then national agency sales, he was one of the founders of Premiere Radio Networks in 1987. Harrison and Kitchin discuss the quirky role of ego and psychology in the talent business as well as today’s rapidly changing fabric of communications and culture. Don’t miss this! Listen to the entire podcast here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of “Making the Connections Between Local and National Radio and Television” Panel Discussion Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/22) with the panel discussion, “Making the Connections Between Local and National Radio and Television.” The three-way conversation, sponsored by the Michael Berry Show, was facilitated by WPG, Atlantic City (and regular FOX News Radio guest star), Harry Hurley (pictured above and below at center). Participants included president/CEO JVC BroadcastingJohn Caracciolo (pictured above and below at left) and FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel superstar Brian Kilmeade (pictured above and below at right). See video of the session here

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Industry News

Todd Schnitt and Compass End “Schnitt Show”

Radio personality Todd Schnitt announces he’s ending his Compass Media Networks nationally syndicated afternoon drive news/talk program to focus on his “MJ Morning Show” on CHR WRBQ-FM, Tampa. Launched in October of 2001, “The Schnitt Show” was eventually heard in more than 75 markets. Schnitt says, “For over 20im years, I have been working two daily jobs. The time has come for me to focus my full energies on ‘The MJ Morning Show’… This is bittersweet as it has been a joy and privilege to host ‘The Schnitt Show’ and I am forever grateful to our affiliates, sponsors, partners, and most importantly our listeners for supporting the show for so many years.” Compass Media Networks CEO Peter Kosann says, “How many people in the history of radio have hosted two-daily, drive time shows, targeting two completely different audiences, and doing it successfully for over two decades? The answer is virtually no one else. Kudos to Todd for his work ethic, creativity, ingenuity, and talent. It has been an honor to serve as Todd’s syndication partner all these years and we look forward to working with him on this next chapter.”

Industry News

Report: Budget Cuts at Disney Cancel ESPN Radio Morning Show

According to numerous reports, including from the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, the financial scalpel being applied to Disney’s ESPN Radio has dropped the nationally syndicated morning show hosted by Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Max Kellerman. The story also says that this move is just part ofim more “significant on-air layoffs” affecting ESPN personalities that could come as early as next week. Johnson, Williams and Kellerman have other roles with ESPN and their individual status with the company is not certain, but Marchand speculates that contract buyouts by ESPN are a possibility. ESPN will put a morning show back on the network, but the talent will need to make significantly less than the “Keyshawn, JWill and Max” hosts were making. Read the Post story here.

Industry News

KFI, Los Angeles Special Addresses Schools-Parents Conflicts

iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is presenting a special, two-hour news program on Sunday (6/25) at 4:00 pm titled, “He Said, She Said, They Said…,” addressing the conflict between schools and parents over the ongoing introduction of books, curricula, and instruction about alternative lifestyles. This KFI News Special isim being produced by the award-winning team of Steve Gregory and Jacob Gonzalez with associate producer Nick Pagliochini. KFI says, “Parents and protesters continue to gather at school board meetings around the country to express their frustration over districts’ that try to introduce books and language which address the transgender community and other LGBTQ+ issues. Faith-based leaders have also joined the protests along with advocacy groups that represent parents of public-school students. Critics say these issues should be addressed exclusively in the home while supporters say it is critical to be inclusive of all lifestyles to better prepare children for the real world. ‘He Said, She Said, They Said…’ features multiple sides of the issue. There is also a companion podcast with extended content that will be available immediately following the broadcast on the iHeartRadio App.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/21) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The U.S. House votes to censure Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) over investigations into former President Donald Trump; the plea deal agreed to by Hunter Biden for failure to pay income taxes; U.S. Rep Lauren Boebert’s resolution to file impeachment charges against President Joe Biden; Donald Trump’s various legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the matter of Supreme Court ethics and Justice Samuel Alito’s 2008 luxury trip paid for by a conservative billionaire; and the ongoing search for the missing Titan submersible were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of “Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career” Panel Discussion Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/21) with the panel discussion, “Navigating a Radio Talk Showim Hosting Career.” The session, sponsored by C. Crane, was introduced by managing partner, Goldman McCormick PR and syndicated host, Ryan McCormick (pictured at right) and moderated by WPHT, Philadelphia host, Dom Giordano (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Heather Cohen, SVP, the Weiss AgencyMartha Zoller, host, WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA; Frank Morano, host WABC, New York; Rich Valdes, host, Westwood One; and Jeff Katz, host, WRVA, Richmond, VA. See video of the session here.

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Industry News

Audacy Officially Announces New WFAN, New York Lineup

In the aftermath of the announcement of WFAN, New York afternoon drive personality Craig Carton’s exit from the sports talk station to focus on his FS1 show, the media reports of who would replace whom are confirmed by Audacy as it unveils its new program schedule (effective July 24) below:im

5:00 am – 6:00 am ET: “The Warmup Show with Al and Jerry

6:00 am – 10:00 am ET: “Boomer and Gio

10:00 am – 2:00 pm ET: Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata *NEW

2:00 pm – 6:30 pm ET: Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber *NEW

7:00 pm – 12:00 am ET: Keith McPherson

12:00 am – 5:00 am ET: Chris McMonigle *NEW

Chris McMonigle is currently producer of the “Carton & Roberts” show. Additionally, Shaun Morash, who previously produced “The D.A. Show” with Damon Amendolara on CBS Sports Radio, will serve as a producer and on-air contributor for “Evan & Tiki” alongside executive producer Tommy Lugauer. Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero states, “The new lineup card of WFAN continues to exemplify the station’s extraordinary depth of talent with all-star veterans and next-generation voices. This roster, with the additions of Tiki to afternoons and Sal to middays and including the market-leading ‘Boomer & Gio’ morning show, will continue WFAN’s now nearly 40-year dominance of the sports conversation in New York.”

Industry News

FNC’s Baier and MacCallum to Moderate Republican Primary Debate

The first Republican primary debate will take place on August 23 on FOX News Channel with anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum serving as co-moderators. The event takes place live from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pmim from the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. FOX News Media president and executive editor Jay Wallace comments, “We are extremely proud to have Bret and Martha moderating the first debate of the 2024 presidential election season as Americans learn more about the candidates ahead of exercising their constitutional right to vote.”

Industry News

Triton Digital Acquires Manadge Ad Platform

Triton Digital announces it is acquiring Manadge, an advertising intelligence platform that specializes in programmatic advertising. Triton says Manadge will enable its publishers and demand partners to see advertising-related data and analyze performance in real time via an intuitive analytics platform. Triton Digitalim president and CEO John Rosso states, “Through this acquisition, we further demonstrate our commitment to providing robust tools to enable growth in the global audio industry. The Manadge platform will enable Triton’s publisher, sales house, and demand partners to better analyze advertising data and use Manadge’s powerful UI to make data-driven decisions for their business.” As part of the acquisition, the Manadge team will join Triton Digital’s team, bringing a high level of talent and expertise to Triton’s product and engineering efforts.

Industry News

AWM Presents 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon

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The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation presented the 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City yesterday (6/20). Host Elizabeth Vargas, anchor of “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on NewsNation, led the program alongside presenters Judi Franco (pictured above), co-host of the “Dennis & Judi” midday show on Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5”; Sara Haines, co-host, ABC’s “The View”; Maxwell, host, iHeartMedia’s WHTZ, New York “Z100”; Shima Oliaee, CEO and founder of Shirazad Productions; and Brigitte Quinn, creator, host and managing editor of Audacy affiliate Newsline on WCBS-AM, New York. See the full list of honorees here. Photo: Getty Images for AWM

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/20) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Hunter Biden agrees to a plea deal to failure to pay taxes charges; Donald Trump’s legal battles, the 2024 presidential race; the search for the missing Titanic submersible; U.S.-China relations; the Russia-Ukraine war, and the extreme heat hitting the Southwest were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in a Digital World” Panel Discussion Posted

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During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/20) with the panel discussion,im “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in a Digital World.” The session, sponsored by The Ramsey Show, was introduced by syndicated host and radio executive Doug Stephan of the Good Day Show/Stephan Multimedia (pictured at right) and moderated by Lapcom Communications Corp president, Steve Lapa (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media GroupPaul Gleiser, host/owner, KTBB-FM-AM, Tyler, TX; Michael “MZ” Zwerling, host/owner, KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz;  Todd Starnes, host/president, The Todd Starnes Show Syndication/owner, KWAM, Memphis; and Paul Vandenburgh, host/owner, WGDI, Albany, NY. See video of the session here.

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Industry News

Report: Licata Moving to Middays at WFAN

According to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, overnight personality Sal Licata will move to the middayim daypart and join current co-host Brandon Tierney as Tierney’s longtime partner Tiki Barber moves to afternoon drive alongside Evan Roberts. Barber’s new role comes as Craig Carton leaves Audacy’s sports talk WFAN, New York to focus on his morning show at FS1. Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/19) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Juneteenth holiday; the 2024 presidential race; the search for the missing Titanic submersible; China’s Cuba ambitions and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s meetings with Xi Jinping; the Rusian-Ukraine war; and the heatwave hitting Texas and Louisiana were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Video Posted: Fireside Chat with Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw

One of the many highlights of the TALKERS 2023 conference held at Hofstra University on Long Island on June 2 was a fireside chat conducted between Michael Harrison and Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw. The video of that informative conversation is posted here today (6/19). Jeff Warshaw describes himself as a “lifelong broadcaster.” He built his first station while still a student at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1993, he founded Connoisseur Communications Partnersim LP, a 39-station group which he later sold to Cumulus Broadcasting in 2000 for $258 million. At this time, he pioneered notable progress in integrating legacy media with emerging digital technology. In 2004, he formed Connoisseur Media which now operates 13 radio station brands and digital assets in five markets. Highly respected and celebrated industry-wide for his outspoken candor and bullish approach to radio station ownership, Jeff Warshaw serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Broadcasters, the executive committee of the Radio Advertising Bureau, and is chairman of the Nielsen Audio advisory council. Harrison describes Warshaw as “one of the most knowledgeable, emerging forces to be reckoned with among radio industry leaders and a potential leader in the next wave of radio station consolidation.” The two discuss the intersection between ratings, revenue, and corporate culture. Not to be missed. See the video here.

Industry News

Report: Tiki Barber to Fill Craig Carton’s Role at WFAN

According to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, former New York Giants running back, and current midday personality Tiki Barber will assume the afternoon drive co-host role at Audacy’s WFAN, New Yorkim alongside Evan Roberts. This news comes several days after Craig Carton announced that he will leave WFAN on June 30 after agreeing to focus on his FS1 morning program. Barber has been co-hosting the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm show on WFAN with Brandon Tierney. Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Producer Ann Ingold Joins KFI, Los Angeles

iHeartMedia Los Angeles announces it is naming Ann Ingold producer for news/talk KFI-AM 640’s morning shows, “The Bill Handel Show” and “Wake Up Call.” KFI program director Robin Bertolucci says, “Ann’s hadim an illustrious career in LA radio, from LOVELINE’s inception on KROQ through the show’s network syndication and MTV. We’re thrilled to have Ann joining our iHeart LA team.” Ingold was most recently serving as producer on ITV’s weekly live Facebook Watch program and consulted Los Angeles radio shows for Audacy and Meruelo Media. She comments, “I want to thank Robin and everyone at KFI for being so welcoming.”

Industry Views

Pending Business: Recruitment 3.0

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imIt’s that time of year. College graduates are pushing out resumes. Are you open for entry level sellers? Any turnover on your sales team this year?

In April, we reviewed new data impacting today’s college graduate entry-level sellers. 97% are open to jobs unrelated to their new degrees. 56% of Americans, as in their parents, do not believe a college degree is worth it anymore.

There’s more. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, a survey by college healthcare provider Timelycare, shows 53% of (2023) graduates want a full work-from-the-office environment, while only 21% are good with total remote. Are we saying entry-level sellers WANT to work from the office? These young people want the commute, politics, and distractions of the office workplace environment. Are you kidding me? The good old days?

The survey results do make some sense when you stop to realize most of the new grads spent a good part of their COVID-impacted college lives logging into classes, missing several semesters of lecture hall instruction and dorm life.

Now comes the closer: these isolation years caused these new grads a lack of “soft skills” or what we used to call social skills. Recruiters, colleges and universities are now coaching these new grads in everything from “How to Start a Conversation,” to proper in-office dress, to eating at the same pace as your business lunchmate.

Not kidding here, all you 50- and 60-something sellers and managers. This round of recruiting entry-level sellers is totally about “How To…” and you may want to consider video and an eBook once hired.

Let’s face it, with AI coming fast, the future is here and like everything else in sales, there is no clear “How To…” handbook. But recruit we must as nothing happens without a seller. Loyalty is quickly fading as new, younger sellers want a different experience.

Let’s prepare a starter list for recruiting entry-level sellers in today’s world. Here are 10 suggested questions and concepts to cover the basics:

— Why do you want to join our sales team?

— What do you think is the most important quality a seller must have?

— How would you define a sale?

— When was the last time you experienced rejection? What did you do?

— Give me an example of a recent success in a competitive situation.

— If you could do anything professionally, what would it be?

— I am going to hand you my pen. Sell it to me.

— What is the difference between a Winner and a Champion?

— What do you think the most important thing an advertiser wants to hear from a seller?

— Tell me what specifically brings you to sell for _______?

I’m sure you have your own recruitment strategy/profile. Is it current? For the seller, that younger team member may be different from what you expect. The best seller I coached was an Art History major.

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

Harry Hurley Charity Holds Annual Golf Open

The Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation was the beneficiary of last Thursday’s 16th Annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Golf Open held at The Linwood Country Club. Over the past 16 years, WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley‘s Hurley in theim Morning Charity Foundation has raised more than $1.4 million and has written hundreds of grants, including a $ 7,000 donation to the Broadcasters Foundation of America presented on June 2 TALKERS 2023 held at Hofstra University. The Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation also presents an annual Charity Gala at Resorts Casino in Atlantic City. This year’s event takes place on September 29 and this year’s guest of honor and keynote speaker will be FOX News superstar Brian Kilmeade.

Industry News

Urban One Announces Partnership to Operate Richmond Casino

Urban One reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission that on June 13, 2023, Urban One, Inc.’s 50/50 partnership with Churchill Downs Incorporated, RVA Entertainment Holdings, LLC, entered into aim Resort Casino Host Community Agreement with the City of Richmond, Virginia, to be the city’s preferred casino gaming operator subject to certification by the Virginia Lottery Department and a local referendum. The planned project is a $562 million world-class entertainment and gaming venue.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s visit to China to attempt to smooth U.S.-China relations; today’s Juneteenth Holiday; the uneasy truce between House hardliners and Speaker Kevin McCarthy over spending cuts; the heatwave hitting the U.S. South; and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research fromTALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred is Published

The TALKERS magazine editorial board announces that the 2023 edition of its annual feature the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – also known as the Heavy Hundred – is now posted. This annual ranking of talk radio hosts is undertaken by TALKERS editors, with input from industry leaders, and is based on a combination of hard and soft factors including courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, ratings, recognition, revenue, service, talent, and uniqueness. It is as much subjective art as mathematical science and intended to be a dimensional snapshot of the national talk radio industry at this given moment with an emphasis on the news/talk format.  Candidates for the Heavy Hundred must be working a regularly scheduled professional show on the air at a minimum of one terrestrial or satellite radio station at the time of publication. TALKERS magazine executive editor Kevin Casey says, “This feature remains one of the most challenging undertakings for the editors. There are so many quality talk radio hosts working at stations in major markets all the way down to the smallest outlets serving intimate communities. Winnowing that field to the ‘100 most important’ is very difficult, but it is a challenge we take very seriously. We’re excited to publish this year’s Heavy Hundred and to congratulate those fine hosts who’ve made the list.” See the 2023 Heavy Hundred here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of “The BIG Picture” Panel Discussion Posted

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During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/16) with the panel discussion, “The BIG Picture.” The session,im sponsored by Newsmax, was introduced by TALKERS associate publisher and media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison, Esq. (pictured at right) and moderated by TALKERS publisher, Michael Harrison (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Lee Harris, director of integrated operations, NewsNationLee Habeeb, host/producer, “Our American Stories”; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC/chair, Radio Hall of FameArthur Aidala, Esq., founding partner, Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, PC/host, AM 970 The Answer, New York; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York/Big Apple Media; and Dr. Asa Andrew, CEO/host, “The Doctor Asa Show.” See video of the session here.

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Industry News

Dallas-Fort Worth Sports Talk Legend Norm Hitzges Announces Retirement

Cumulus Media announces that KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth “The Ticket” late morning personality Norm Hitzges will retire from the station on June 23 after 48 years in sports media and 23 years with “The Ticket.” Cumulus Media Dallas/Houston regional VP Dan Bennett says, “From the minute Norm hit the airwaves 36im years ago on KLIF and then ‘The Ticket’ you could tell he was a special communicator. He truly is one of Dallas radio’s great storytellers and he kept it going with Susquehanna and then Cumulus all these years. Not many have that kind of staying power. We wish him every happiness in his well-deserved retirement.” Hitzges states, “I’m so proud to be a part of what ‘The Ticket’ has built – a ratings dominator in a fantastic sports city. I shall so miss the daily ‘rush’ of being on the air. But after 48 consecutive years on the air in Dallas doing sports talk, it’s time to move on to the next phase of my life, whatever that may be.”