Industry News

Community Broadcasters Raises $127,098 in South Carolina Pee Dee Region Radiothon to Benefit McLeod Children’s Hospital

Live 95The 22nd annual Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon benefitting McLeod Children’s Hospital was recently held in Florence, SC. During the Radiothon, Community Broadcasters’ stations WWKT 99.3 The Cat, (news/talker) WFRK Live 95.3, WPDT Almighty 105.1 and WSIM 93.7 Frank FM hosted live broadcasts from McLeod Children’s Hospital. Pictured above: former SC Lt. Gov. Ken Ard and station VP operations Dave Baker (r) during broadcast on news/talk Live 95.  “As always, at Community Broadcasters, we are always doing our best to live up to our name, and stand for the communities that we broadcast in,” company VP Wayne Mulling tells TALKERS. “And we are proud of what we have been able to do in hosting the Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon each year to raise funds for McLeod Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network. We are humbled by the amount of people that have been helped directly through the years by these organizations, and glad to play a small part in keeping this active and ongoing to continue to help others every year. We invite you to be a part as well.” DJs and talk show hosts asked listeners for donations in support of the programs and technology that McLeod offers to families in the Pee Dee. Listeners also had the opportunity to hear real stories from those who have benefited directly from the McLeod Children’s Hospital, in addition to interviews with doctors, nurses and employees who all share the same passion. “What an exciting Radiothon we had this year raising more than $127,000 for the McLeod Children’s Hospital!” says Davis Sawyer, Children’s Hospital fund manager. “The hard work and dedication from all involved truly make a difference in the lives of the children treated in McLeod Children’s Hospital. I value the partnership and friendship we have with Community Broadcasters and look forward to growing this partnership as we continue to impact the children we serve.”  There was also a live auction throughout the week, with some bids surpassing $500. Auction items were donated from collegiate and professional sports teams, nationally known musicians and local businesses. At the conclusion of the Radiothon, this year’s donations equaled $127,098. All donations will remain here in the Florence area to help fund life-saving McLeod programs, and purchase new technology to better serve the Pee Dee families. To learn more about the annual Radiothon, check out this year’s sponsors, or make a donation, visit myradiothon.com

Industry News

Hubbard Radio Welcomes Daniel Bortnick as New Director of Sales for South Florida Cluster

Hubbard Radio has announced the appointment of Daniel Bortnick as the new director of sales for its South Florida cluster. Daniel Bortnick Bortnick is a successful industry veteran who most recently served as regional vice president of sales at iHeart Media in Washington, DC. Elizabeth Hamma, market president tells TALKERS, “We are fortunate to welcome Danny Bortnick as director of sales for Hubbard South Florida. With his extensive and successful track record of driving revenue growth as well as fostering strong client relationships, we are confident Danny will make a big impact on our team and our advertising partners.”  Bortnick states, “I couldn’t be more excited to be joining Hubbard South Florida. I’m humbled to be representing such powerful brands, as well 2060 Digital. Looking forward to helping the Hubbard South Florida team reach new levels of success.”Hubbard Logo In his new role, according to the company, Bortnick will oversee sales operations for Hubbard’s South Florida stations, as well as 2060 Digital, focusing on driving revenue growth, building strong relationships with advertisers, and creating innovative solutions to meet client needs.

Industry News

Audacy Announces Relaunch of 105.7 FM The Fan in Milwaukee

Audacy announced 1250 AM The Fan (WSSP-AM) in Milwaukee will return to FM and will once again be heard on 105.7 FM beginning today (10/14). The Fan LogoThe station will continue to be heard on 1250 AM.  Concurrent with the FM relaunch, the station will introduce two new local weekday shows. “The Pack-A-Day Radio Show” will air weekdays from 8:00 am to 9:00 am CT. Hosted by Green Bay Packers insider Andy Herman, the show will serve as a destination for all things green and gold. Herman currently hosts the “Pack-A-Day Podcast” and “Packer Report.”  The station will also launch “The Mason Crosby Show,” starring 17-year NFL kicker, Super Bowl champion and Packers all-time leading scorer Mason Crosby, weekdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am CT. The show will also feature Mitch “Thunder” Nelles as co-host and veteran producer Tommy Wortz.  “We couldn’t be more excited to bring The Fan back to FM and expand the reach of the best sports talk in Milwaukee,” said Jason Bjorson, SVP/market manager, Audacy Madison and Milwaukee. “Milwaukee has long been a premier market for football coverage, and through the addition of ‘The Pack-A-Day Radio Show’ and ‘The Mason Crosby Show,’ coupled with our existing must-listen programming, we’re elevating the listening experience and keeping fans connected to their favorite teams.” The station’s weekday lineup rounds out with “The Jim Rome Show” from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm CT and “Wisconsin Sports Daily” with station APD Steve “Sparky” Fifer from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm CT.

Industry News Uncategorized

CBS Evening News Gives AM Radio Props for NC Disaster Relief

Industry Views

Can Radio Talk Show Hosts Be Replaced By AI?

imTALKERS publisher Michael Harrison addressed a packed house of New Jersey political, civic, and business leaders at last Friday’s Hurley in the Morning Foundation Charity Dinner in Atlantic City (10/4) discussing the biological and sociological impact of modern era communications technology. In this clip, he discusses the potential influence of AI on the talk show host job market. One of the many highlights of Harrison’s 48-minute keynote address was his observation that it is very possible for robots powered by artificial intelligence to be able to hold multi-faceted on-air conversations with each other or with guests or callers by tapping into their ability to instantaneously access every talking point already out there in cyberspace – left, right, or center – and to present them with an endless array of voices and attitudes. To protect their jobs and future against this formidable competitor, Harrison advises talk show hosts to significantly “up their game” and operate with more originality outside the realm of hackneyed talking points.  To see a brief clip of Harrison’s comments please click here.

Industry News

Podtrac Releases September Podcast Ranker

According to data from Podtrac’s ranking of the top U.S. podcasts for September 2024 based on U.S. unique monthly audience, the top three shows remain unchanged from the August ranker: #1 is The New Yorkim Times’ “The Daily,” followed by NPR’s “NPR News Now” at #2 and NPR’s “Up First” at #3. Some moves of note include Dan Bongino’s “The Dan Bongino Show” sliding from #4 to #5, The DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” dipping two spots to #11, and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” rising to one spot to #12. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Audacy Shares Creativity, AI and Measurement Trends to Accelerate Brand Success

Industry News

Keith Britton Named Brand Manager of 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland

Job Opportunity

Federal News Network Seeks New Host and Anchor for its Flagship Program

DC-based Federal News Network, the premier source of news and information for federal employees and contractors, is seeking a new host and anchor for its flagship program, “The Federal Drive.”  Federal News NetworkFNN is looking for someone who brings excitement, passion, and interest in providing federal and industry executives with news and information about the policies, people and programs that drive the mission of the federal government. The ideal candidate MUST have knowledge of, and high degree of interest in, information technology, acquisition, human resources, financial and program management as they operate within the federal government.  The current managing editor and anchor of the Federal Drive, Tom Temin, is retiring in April 2025 after 17 years of leading the program and more than 45 years in journalism. For this position, experience in developing ideas, conducting, and managing interviews is strongly preferred, but consideration will be given for the right person with the right background in federal issues. The host is primarily responsible for show content and adherence to Federal News Network editorial niche of serving federal employees and contractors. Federal News Network (first called WTOP2), the world’s first, Internet-only, all-news radio station was created in February 2000 with a focus on the federal community. Federal News Network is owned by Hubbard Radio.  Federal News Network can be heard on a clear channel 50,000 watt station on 1500 AM.  If you are interested in applying, contact Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller and check out the job posting.

Industry News

“The Benny Show” Joins Cumulus Podcast Network

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One announces that “The Benny Show” – hosted by award-winning creator, streamer, and podcaster Benny Johnson – joins the Cumulus Podcast Network. WWO says that Johnsonim has amassed “a combined 12 million subscribers across platforms. ‘The Benny Show’ has become a go-to platform for the next generation of news consumers and creators alike. The program features commentary and exclusive interviews with special guests including presidential candidates, world leaders, cultural icons and Hollywood actors.” Under Westwood One’s leadership, the Cumulus Podcast Network distributes, markets, and monetizes “The Benny Show” exclusively with this new partnership. WWO president Collin R. Jones says, “As the Cumulus Podcast Network further expands into video, ‘The Benny Show’ is a natural addition to our portfolio of personality-driven talk shows. Benny is well known on YouTube as a strong and independent voice in conservative talk. He challenges mainstream opinions with cutting-edge insight and straightforward questions, capturing both listeners and partners with his streamlined, frank approach.”

Industry News

HARROWING ADVENTURE: WOR’S Michael Riedel Gets Stranded by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina For Three Days

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TALKERS News Notes

 

SummitMedia Names Mike Hogan to Lead Omaha Market. SummitMedia, LLC has announced Mike Hogan as the new president and GM to oversee operations in the Omaha, Nebraska cluster. Hogan brings more than 25 years’ experience in management, sales, and marketing which, according to the company, positions him to achieve results for Summit’s Omaha team and regional clients. Most recently, he oversaw clusters in Sioux City, Iowa, and Ogallala, Nebraska. He served there for more than a decade, developing key partnerships with clients, growing revenue, building relationships within the business community, and executing plans to drive sales growth. “We’re excited to have an executive of Mike’s caliber running our Omaha cluster,” said Summit chairman and CEO Carl Parmer. He brings incredible experience, expertise, and leadership to our team.”

Industry News

Seasoned Radio Journalist Veronica Carter is the New Co-Host of San Diego’s Morning News on KOGO-AM

Industry News

WABC Owner John Catsimatidis is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Video

Industry News

Monday Memo: Plan Now… or Ghost

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

im

Job Opportunity

WOSH, Appleton-Oshkosh, WI Looking for Morning Show Host

WOSHCumulus Media Appleton-Oshkosh, WI is looking for a dynamic morning show host for its legendary conservative talk and news station WOSH-AM (with FM translator). The station just celebrated its 83rd anniversary and is looking for an engaging presence to guide it to its next milestone.  Station officials tell TALKERS, “The WOSH host shares the community voice and opinions and encourages listeners in the Fox River Valley to engage with the topics of the day, whether they agree (or even disagree) with us. Our talent, news, the sound of the station, and promotions are all forward thinking. If you are as well, maybe Wisconsin should be on your radar!”  For more details and contact information, please click here.

Industry News

Nikki Haley to Host New Radio Show on SiriusXM.

Industry News

Monday Memo: Are You Boring?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

im

Lately, life is anything-BUT. Examples: the 2024 presidential race, extreme weather, the consumer economy, recurring gun violence. We’re all wondering, “What NEXT???”

So being-known-for-knowing will earn your station more occasions of tune-in. “Stay close to the news.” And exploit your network by offering, for example, “a quick FOX News update, every half-hour.”

Admittedly, what your network is reporting is also available on smartphones, smartwatches, and smart speakers. But your station may also be, as my clients tout, “Your Only Local News Radio.”

Simply doing local news is a start… BUT… I wish there was a more diplomatic way to say this: Are your newscasts boring?

im

Too often, local news copy doesn’t enable the listener by telling what a news item means to him or her. I heard a local news voice seeming to read a press release, announcing that: “The [name of] County government’s new website has gone live. The revamped site [URL] was unveiled at this week’s [name of] County commissioners meeting. The board’s chairman said the revamped site has a much more professional appearance, and offers quick, user-friendly navigation. The county’s IT director added that the feedback she’s received so far from county employees and residents has been positive.”

Zzz…

Don’t just recite process. Explain consequence. To Larry & Lisa Listener, typically self-congratulatory source material like that copy is irrelevant blah-blah-blah.

Bothering to actually explore the website, I found how it enables listeners to get help with: “potholes, damaged curb, traffic signals, weeds, dogs barking, abandoned vehicles, chemical discharge, water leaking, litter, road striping, ADA compliance, blocked drainage channel, street lights, damaged sidewalk, traffic/road signs, overhanging trees/shrubs, noise nuisance, hazardous parking, storm sewer leaking/blockage, water leaking on roadway, loose/protruding manhole cover, discrimination complaint, Fair Housing complaint.”

Unwrap the package.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working 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

Charlotte’s WBT AM/FM, Radio One, and The Carolina Journal partner to present “The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT”

Industry Views

STERLING STATES: Get Rush Right!

Walter M. Sterling
By Walter M Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
“Sterling on Sunday”
Talk Media Network

BLIND QUOTE TEST: Who said, “We don’t have to worry about oil spills, the ocean is a big place. What do we care about dolphins? I don’t see dolphins building super-highways at the bottom of the ocean.” That’s Rush Limbaugh at one of his more compelling moments.

Mr. Limbaugh and I shared a mentor: Ed McLaughlin.  When Rush launched, he did an interview with this publication where he stated that his mission was to INFORM-INFORM-INFORM. I was with Ed Mclaughlin when the article was published and Ed became distracted and slightly annoyed,

“I’m going to have to talk to Rush when he gets off the air. That’s not his mission. His mission is to ENTERTAIN-ENTERTAIN-ENTERTAIN,” said Mr. McLaughlin. Rush followed the guidance from McLaughlin, who was the founding GM of KGO San Francisco and president of the ABC Radio Networks.

The reason Rush was a success was not that he attacked Democrats, it was because he was entertaining.  Tragically, it appears that most of his copycats only steal Rush’s stage rather than his performance.

Rush’s show was heavily prepped to generate an entertaining package. Yes, he’d attack Democrats – and he initially attacked Donald Trump. But the show was everything else, and everything else won the ratings.

EVERYTHING ELSE:

• Every single day Rush brought BRAND NEW proof for his argument on any subject. He delivered revealing stories, anecdotes, jokes, observations. All shows were fresh and UNPREDICTABLE. While his conclusions on a given topic may have repeated day after day, his evidence was always new and often surprising.

• He liked cats. He talked a lot about his cats.

• Radio wrestling. If a caller presented hard, cold facts that refuted one of Rush’s arguments, facts that busted Rush, Rush would say, “So what of it sir? I’m right.” He never, ever changed his opinion and that is a show.

• He liked football, he talked a lot about football.

• TV shows, Florida, hating New York City, his weight and dumb fails of the characters of our country were often the majority content of a three-hour show.

• A lactating mom caller pleased him when she said it was her responsibility to find a place to express her milk during the workday – not her employer’s. At first Rush didn’t understand, then he realized, with her help that a nursing mom either shares her milk with the baby or she must “save” it. Bonus track, she was a Native American who adored Rush. But you didn’t expect any of that!

He was very savvy about who he became. He rarely did TV interviews because his audience was bigger than any cable channel he might bless. Why should he promote those channels?

Rush had been a top 40 jock. A Top 40 background matched KGO general manager Mickey Luckoff’s criteria for hiring hosts: “The main hosts must have top 40 experience because I can teach them ‘talk,’ but I can’t teach them how to do RADIO.” Howard Stern said on air, “My job is to get to the next thing.” Top 40 is all about the next thing.

His arguments against the Democrats were a stage for presenting daily surprises. If you want Rush’s ratings, SURPRISE!

Walter M Sterling’s nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at waltermsterling@gmail.com.

Industry News

Bill O’ Reilly is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Video Podcast

Click Heree
Is the new communications technology a threat to free speech and privacy?  Has the presidency become too much of a media and cultural focal point in our society?  How important is character versus competency in judging public officials?  What impact is AI having on academic honesty?  Is YouTube creating a sea change in the national media landscape?  These questions and more are tackled in a fascinating interview conducted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison with radio, TV, and online talk icon, Bill O’ Reilly on this week’s installment of “Up Close Far Out” presented by the new TALKERS Media YouTube channel.  In addition to being a major cable news/talk TV pioneer and a successful cross-platform talk media commentator still going and growing in the digital era, O’ Reilly is the author of 18 consecutive #1 New York Times best sellers.  Harrison and O’ Reilly discuss his new release, Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden among an array of topics.  Don’t miss this!  To view the program in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Talk Media Had a Dynamic Night – FOX and Other Networks Propose Additional Debate in October

Debate Illustration generative AIAcross the nation, talk media hosts from radio, television, cable, podcasting, and YouTube channels were literally working overtime immediately before, during, and after the historic ABC News presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia.  TALKERS received reports from across the talk industry that, unlike so many events of this nature that prove disappointing, this debate delivered an edge-of-the-seat, non-stop drama that evoked comparisons to an emotional sporting event like a 12 round heavyweight championship bout during the golden age of boxing. Legendary WPHT, Philadelphia midday host Dom Giordano was in attendance reporting for his station as well as hundreds of others across America that tapped into his swing state perspective on an ad hoc basis.  Dom GiordanoGiordano tells TALKERS,  “Being in the Spin Room was like being in the middle of multiple simultaneous rugby scrums while trying to discuss the most sensitive issues for our country.”  During post-debate coverage, lead election anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum announced that FOX News Media sent letters to both the Harris and Trump campaigns around 7:30 pm before last night’s debate requesting the opportunity to host an additional debate in October. Here’s an excerpt from the letter:

We propose to host a debate in October while early in-person voting gets underway in multiple battleground states. We’d like to offer the following options:

  • Wednesday, October 9 in Arizona
  • Tuesday, October 15 in Georgia
  • Wednesday, October 16 in North Carolina

 Media critic Brian Stelter of CNN reports, “Multiple TV networks are eager to host a presidential debate in October. The Harris campaign, exuding confidence after Harris baited Trump on stage Tuesday night, immediately said she would agree to a second debate with the ex-president. But Trump is not committing, and his overnight comments suggest he is not serious about a sequel.”  On Fox & Friends this morning Trump rejected Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, the aforementioned anchors that FOX suggested as potential debate moderators in October proposing Sean Hannity, Jesse Watters or Laura Ingraham instead.

The next big event in this World Series of politics will be the VP debate between Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance to be hosted by CBS on October 1.

 

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

imOne More Debate Story Out of Philly.  We must share this with you.  Last night’s spectacular was a bonanza of activity for Audacy’s swing state news/talk giant WPHT (as is this entire election).  The station is the home of Walter M Sterling’s idiosyncratic “Sterling Every Damn Night” 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight.  Sterling (a.k.a. Walter Sabo) aired the entire debate followed by probing analysis from a male entertainer, “Donald Trunk,” in addition to “Steven a baker and bakery owner,” “Thea Landen, a smutty book author,” “Celena Ballerina a senior in college” and the station’s real midday host Dom Giordano. For one hour, they discussed how crappy their food and electrical bills are as well as how confusing the debaters were. A caller thanked Thea for her nightly smutty book readings stating, “She reminds me of my wife.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Industry News

iHeart Atlanta Names Jill Strada SVP of Programming

Jill StradaiHeartMedia announced today (9/6) that Jill Strada has been named Senior Vice President of Programming for Atlanta, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Atlanta has six radio stations in the market comprised of talk, news, and music formats.  Estrada will be responsible for oversight of all the Atlanta stations. She will report to market president Spencer Bynes who tells TALKERS,  “We are thrilled to welcome Jill Strada to the iHeart Atlanta team. Jill has a remarkable talent for launching, developing, and elevating brands in fiercely competitive markets.  Her proven track record of success and unwavering dedication to excellence make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team.” Strada joins the Atlanta market from Cox Media Group Miami, where she most recently served as director of operations.

Industry News

Hubbard’s “myTalk 107.1” to Tackle Domestic Violence in Special

My TalkHubbard Radio’s innovative Twin Cities talk outlet, “myTalk 107.1” (KTMY, Minneapolis-St. Paul)  is teaming up with noted filmmaker/author/social activist Justin Baldoni Justin Baldoniand two domestic violence agencies to host a roundtable to discuss the pain and trauma of domestic violence.  myTalk 107.1’s Brittany Arneson, Kendall Mark and Colleen Lindstrom will lead the conversation live on the radio from 3:00 to 4:30 pm CT tomorrow (9/5).  The program will also be available on demand.  Station officials tell TALKERS, the goal of the discussion is “to create an open dialogue to help remove unwarranted shame from victims and bring the issue into the light to work toward a solution.” Justin Baldoni produced, directed, and played a leading role in the film “It Ends With Us” which has brought domestic violence to the forefront,Colleen Lindstrom spurring honest and open conversations about an issue that is too often not discussed. The film has grossed over $275 million worldwide.  Joining the conversation will be representatives from two agencies – No More Foundation and Tubman.  Brittany and KendallNo More Foundation is a national agency with a mission to “end domestic and sexual violence by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling culture change.”  Tubman is a Minneapolis-St. Paul-based domestic abuse agency with a mission “to advance opportunities for change so that every person can experience safety, hope, and healing.”  myTalk 107.1 has hosted a series of award-winning roundtable discussions about important issues inspired by current events and pop culture news. Past roundtables have tackled teen suicide, sexual harassment, and transgender issues.

Industry News

Hybrid Talk/Music Personality TJ Taormina Returns to NYC with First Ever “Pop-Up” Radio Station

TJ Pop Up StationHere’s an industry experiment worthy of widespread attention. United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) has launched an exclusive radio “pop-up” station on 98.7FM WEPN, the former home of ESPN Radio in New York City.  This past weekend  (8/31), the Emmis Corporation station became “TJ98.7: A Pop-Up Station” as a limited engagement, and features an ambitious mix of contemporary programming, including the rapidly growing morning program, “The TJ Show,” hosted by Z100 Alumni, TJ Taormina. TJ TaorminaThe innovative project marks TJ Taormina’s return to the NYC radio market with the mission of offering listeners a fresh blend of music and what is described as “joyful talk” content, aiming to redefine what’s possible for the radio experience by blending traditional broadcasting with modern, interactive elements. The station also features voices from YES Network and Inside Edition’s Steve Kamer, and former “Good Day” talk show co-host, Jai Kershner. Radio.Cloud powers the project with its leading-edge cloud-based automation platform, allowing the network to customize local and national content. United Stations COO Charles Steinhauer tells TALKERS, “I want to thank Emmis Corporation for helping us continue our long-standing commitment to fun and new ideas in the audio space. The TJ Show has been growing in each market of operation – it’s unique and joyful and I’m looking forward to the reaction of the NYC audience.” The pop-up station will be available for a limited time. TJ Taormina, is a multi-dimensional radio talent who deserves the attention of talk stations looking for new directions as well as those with music formats. Now reaching over 60 markets, the TJ Show continues to grow and it will be interesting to see how this adventurous experiment develops.  For more information, click here www.thetjshow.com and for radio affiliation, click here. www.thetjshowdemo.com

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

KAB

Sirius XMSiriusXM to Open Technology Center of Excellence in Ireland.  SiriusXM Satellite Radio has opened of a new state-of-the-art technology facility in Dublin, Ireland. The Company’s Dublin-based employees are expected to play a critical role in the audio entertainment company’s continued digital transformation and will function as a “center of excellence” for SiriusXM’s Product and Technology organization. SiriusXM is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland.  SiriusXM’s Dublin workforce will primarily focus on software development, automotive technology and engineering, adtech, data science, and analytics. Talent based in the new technology hub will be charged with developing and implementing best-in-class standards for high-quality, scalable software deliveries for SiriusXM’s streaming and in-vehicle audio entertainment platforms.  Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke tells TALKERS, I congratulate SiriusXM on their expansion. Our team had the pleasure of meeting the SiriusXM management team recently, and I am pleased that they are opening a new Technology Center of Excellence in Dublin and availing of the wealth of professional talent available here.

Industry News

Progressive Radio’s Civic Media Acquires Political News Publication

The Wisconsin progressive radio company Civic Media announces that it adds the progressive political news digital publication The Recombobulation Area to its holdings. Civic Media notes that this is the first non-radioim acquisition since its founding in 2022. Additionally, The Recombobulation Area founder Dan Shafer is joining Civic Media as political editor. Civic Media says, “The Recombobulation Area has thousands of subscribers, has been read in 50 states and 66 countries and, to date, has reached more than 1.5 million readers. The publication has won 13 Milwaukee Press Club Excellence in Journalism awards in four years for opinion writing, feature stories, multi-story coverage, and public service journalism. Shafer has been active as a radio personality as a regular guest on Civic Media’s ‘Matenaer on Air’ and several other shows.” Civic Media CEO Sage Weil comments, “Dan Shafer and The Recombobulation Area exemplify the type of thoughtful, in-depth, and locally focused reporting that is so important to Wisconsin. We can’t wait to bring his voice to the rest of the Civic Media network, both on and off the air. It is local journalism, with an emphasis on local issues and an understanding of what is important in local communities, that will rebuild trust in our media ecosystem and, ultimately, our democracy.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WCBSWCBS 880 Final Tribute.  Radio videographer and historian Art Vuolo has provided the industry with an aircheck of the three-hour WCBS 880 special from when it was repeated yesterday 8/25.  With digital spot remover, he got it down to a total running time of 2:11:20.  Reflecting on the special and the legendary station’s times, Vuolo tells TALKERS, “It was well done with a lot of news memories.  Another great AM goes away.  Sad.”  The special can be heard by clicking here.  

 

Roger Cooke IDThis Old House” Personality Roger Cook Dies.  TV Personality Roger Cook, a longtime landscape contractor on “This Old House,” passed away last week at the age of 70 after bravely waging a long battle with illness. “This Old House” got its start at Boston public media producer GBH in 1979.  GBH president/CEO Susan Goldberg tells TALKERS, “Roger was a beloved mainstay of “This Old House” and he fully embodied the spirit of public television in his dedication to educating his audience in plain language about all nuances of landscaping. Roger leaves behind an unforgettable legacy for so many ‘This Old House’  fans and for GBH. He will be missed.”  Please click here for more information.

 

 
“The Boss & The Gloss” Returns to Houston.  The long running network show “The Boss & The Gloss” returns this football season locally in Houston on ESPN 97.5 FM. The show hosts are David Gow and Carla Dawson.  The program is a comprehensive recap of Texans and all NFL and college storylines from the weekend. The show debuts on Monday 9/9 from 6:00 -8:00 pm CT and will be produced in studio by long time radio executive/programmer, Craig Larson Jr.
Industry News

Will AI-Powered Robots Take Jobs from Talk Show Hosts?

A big question bouncing around the industry: Will AI-generated voices take jobs away from radio talk show hosts?  Michael Harrison ID
In the opinion of TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, we are entering an era in which it is possible – even likely – for robot voices generated by artificial intelligence to replace at least some human talk show hosts, especially in the wake of relentless corporate cost-cutting by radio’s largest companies. On the music radio side, the process of “voice tracking,” although initially controversial, has become a widely employed budget-tightening process.  However, voice tracking still employs organic talent to generate the verbal content.  AI, on the other hand, bypasses the human element completely.  In a guest appearance yesterday (8/22) on the Manny Munoz mid-morning show on WIOD, Miami, in which the subject of AI was being discussed, Harrison said, “AI is upping the bar. If talk show hosts don’t stay on their game and avoid relying too heavily on the talking points – if they are not creative thinkers and leaders – they can easily be replaced by computer operators.” Harrison continued, “It won’t be too long from now – actually, it is already possible – that two robots could be having a plausible conversation if both have been fed all the talking points.”  Harrison explained, “Each robot will have instant access to all the existent talking points at the speed of light.  Robots are already beating human experts at Jeopardy or chess. The only thing a robot can’t do – at least for now – is to be creative outside the realm of what already exists in cyberspace.  That’s the challenge facing anyone who wants to be a live traditional radio talk show host in this coming brave new world.” Harrison’s appearance on WIOD was part of his ongoing talk radio “Obsolete Slobs” tour in which he’s been promoting the Gunhill Road music video “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots Were Injured in the Production of this Song” (www.ObsoleteSlobs.com).  To listen to the conversation between Munoz and Harrison, please click here.