Cumulus Launches “The Game Sports Radio Network” Across Three Markets
Cumulus Media announces that it is launching “The Game Sports Radio Network” across three South Carolina markets. The network originates from the company’s WNKT-FM, Columbia “107.5 The Game” – which serves as the flagship for South Carolina Gamecocks sports. Network content is also now heard on former classic
country WWFN-FM, Florence – now branded “100.5 The Game” – and sports talk WSEA-FM, Myrtle Beach, which re-brands as “100.3 The Game.” WNKT program director Terry Ford says, “‘107.5 The Game’ Columbia, has been keeping the Midlands sports fans informed, engaged, enlightened, entertained, and sometimes enraged for 16 years! Our live and local team of sports specialists interviews coaches, players, and fans, and invites listeners to participate via call, social media, and on-location events. At our core are the teams, coaches, players, and fans of the South Carolina Gamecocks. We are very excited about growing the ‘107.5 The Game’ brand into two markets in South Carolina and making our great content available to almost half of the state.”
It’s time to start planning your holiday strategy.
Super Bowl will include the Lions, “There is nothing like an NFL run and nothing like knowing your team has a legitimate chance to get to the Super Bowl. I don’t know if they do, but I think it could be the start of a yearly thing. Them getting to the Super Bowl in my last year of doing the morning show, it would be unbelievable. I’d consider myself the lucky charm.” The 64-year-old Stone has been on Detroit sports radio since helping launch the format on WDFN-AM, Detroit in the early 1990s. Stone says he’ll stay with the station as a fill-in host for two more years.
Greenwich Country Club. The Sips & Tips includes a two-hour golf lesson from a pro followed by access to the invitation-only reception and dinner and costs $300. BFoA president Tim McCarthy comments, “With these events, we open doors for junior professionals that can lead to long and fulfilling careers in broadcasting. We also bring awareness about our charitable mission to tomorrow’s broadcast leaders, helping to ensure that the Foundation will continue to provide aid for those in our business who need it most.” 
Westwood One’s “Dan Bongino Show” and the “Chris Plante Show,” plus Ben Shaprio and FNC’s Guy Benson. KTUC program director Herb Crowe states, “We’re thrilled to unveil ‘Freedom 1400,’ Tucson’s Conservative Talk Station. As we embark on this exciting journey, we’re committed to providing a platform for open dialogues, diverse viewpoints, and robust discussions that matter to our community. With our esteemed lineup of talk show hosts, we’re confident that ‘Freedom 1400’ will become an essential source of information and insight for our listeners.”
Bulletin: “Linear TV” is no longer the winner.
ET. SiriusXM vice president of sports programming Eric Spitz says, “Michelle and Cody bring a tremendous level of energy and passion to the mic, which our listeners will love. ‘Beadle & Decker’ is an outstanding addition to Mad Dog Sports Radio and their strong personalities and opinions will help us continue to deliver the best all-sports talk channel to listeners across the country.”
listing on Nasdaq. “PODC” has been reserved as the trading symbol for PodcastOne’s common stock. LiveOne senior management will host a live conference call and audio webcast to provide business developments and details of the planned spinout of PodcastOne at 1:30 pm ET tomorrow (8/17).
inked in 2021 and included Cadence13 and APM developing and producing new shows and made Audacy the exclusive podcast sales rep for APM. The piece further notes that Audacy CEO David Field referenced the deal during his Q2 2023 earnings commentary saying, “In June, we successfully negotiated an early exit to an onerous Podcast ad representation contract, which resulted in a restructuring charge of $5.9 million in the quarter and the accelerated recognition of $4.5 million of prepaid content expense. We believe exiting this agreement will have a positive impact on our podcast margins, without materially impacting our future podcast revenue growth opportunity.” 
Radio station personnel could be facing the worst environment – ever!
Those are the two consultant buzzwords that hosts I coach are hearing in their sleep. And a couple more “E” words: Empathy and Empower.
10:00 pm to 1:00 am slot. Additionally, the station adds new weekend shows including Compass Media Networks’ “The Erick Erickson Show” (Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm), FOX News Radio’s “FOX Across America” with Jimmy Failla (Saturdays, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm), and Todd Herman (Sundays, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm). Audacy Gainesville-Ocala SVP and market manager Peter Rothfuss states, “These strategic changes mark the most significant additions to the station’s talk show roster in years, reinforcing its position as North Central Florida’s premier news and opinion-leading station. The fresh lineup showcases the most influential voices in the region and is designed to propel ‘The Sky’ towards unprecedented growth, especially as the station approaches the highly anticipated election season.”
hosts of the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm program, effective Monday (8/14). They have been the interim hosts since February. Additionally, Jake Skorheim has assumed hosting duties for the evening program “KIRO Nights.” Skorheim was the producer for the Dori Monson show from 2009 through 2016. Bonneville Seattle director of news and talk 
programming Bryan Buckalew says, “I’m thrilled about these new shows, and I hope our audience will be too. Listeners can expect dynamic conversations based on the top news stories of the day, keeping our community informed and entertained. Jack and Spike have good chemistry and a keen sense of humor. They do a great job of blending informative discussions with lighthearted banter. In an era marked by divisiveness, Jack and Spike emphasize common ground over polarizing debates. Their show demonstrates the power of dissecting complex issues rather than simply magnifying superficial differences.” Buckalew adds, “I couldn’t be more excited to have Jake back in the building. He is thoughtful, creative, and has a great sense of humor. I look forward to listening as Jake develops his distinct voice and builds an audience across a diverse range of digital platforms.”
a proven track record of driving success for digital clients across broad spectrum of media, including broadcast television, newspaper, and radio. He brings with him a 
passion for developing digital strategy that delivers results for local businesses.” Tyler Toti comes to Tulsa from CMG San Antonio to serve as digital client performance manager. CMG Tulsa VP and market manager Mark Shecterle comments, “Ben and Tyler have an impressive history of working collaboratively to develop successful digital media strategies for their client partners. Their expertise, coupled with CMG’s vast array of topline digital products, will create a powerful resource for Tulsa businesses. I’m thrilled to have them join our veteran team of market-leading media consultants.” CMG Tulsa operates news/talk KRMG-FM and three music-formatted stations.
the history making adventure of a lifetime, blowing the lid off the Iran-Contra scandal and almost taking down the Reagan presidency.” Former New York Times bureau chief Stephen Kinzer states, “During the 1980s and 1990s, Cookie Hood was the single driving force behind the most successful television coverage of Central America that appeared across the United States. ‘Journalista’ is a series of stories over four decades in the making and will entrance each listener to the realities of what really happened during that time.”
Congressman to support the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act, Senate Bill 1669…stopping automakers from removing the AM band from new models they are manufacturing. SRN hosts Mike Gallagher, Charlie Kirk, Sebastian Gorka, Hugh Hewitt, Brandon Tatum and Dennis Prager are featured in the PSAs. SRN VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup comments, “This action is one way the 80-million people who depend on AM radio for news, critical weather updates and vigorous debate on issues can peacefully and patriotically approach their lawmakers directly to share their views.”
No, this isn’t about college football or New Year’s Eve. Wait, maybe it is.
Committee passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. This legislation will ensure that the tens of millions of AM radio listeners across the country retain access to local news, diverse community programming and emergency information. Moreover, this legislation enables AM radio’s continued role as the backbone of the nation’s Emergency Alert System. We thank Sens. Markey and Cruz, Chair Cantwell and the bipartisan cosponsors of this bill for their leadership to safeguard AM radio’s pivotal role in keeping the public informed when disaster strikes. We urge swift passage of this important legislation.” 
1999. Beasley says that in his new role, he will report directly to chief content officer Justin Chase and will work directly with the company’s production directors to help foster high quality creative production by leveraging the talented producers within the company and developing systems to reduce friction and redundant work. Chase comments, “Over the past 10 years, I’ve relied on Tom for many important corporate initiatives and special projects. No matter what he tackles, I’ve always been impressed with his professionalism, performance, and leadership. We look forward to leveraging Tom’s skills for the benefit of our overall company.”
world-famous architect and the mass murders that took place at his home; how bathing suits went from 30 pounds of wet wool to the thong; the original Olympics with athletes competing completely in the nude; and an iconic inventor who actually stole his masterpiece. Steele says, “My fascination with these kinds of stories is all about a fun peek behind the curtain of what we think we know about famous folks, events and lifestyles. When we discover these incredible backstories, it’s a blast worth repeating to friends! I look forward to helping listeners deepen their connection to the past, so we can understand how we got to the present, and how to better map out our future.”
format phases including a full color magazine and eventually a daily online operation geared to providing news, advice and opinions to professionals involved in programming, managing, marketing and operating an array of related platforms in what has come to be known as talk media. This includes most popular forms of spoken-word AM and FM radio, plus online programming, podcasting, cable television and satellite broadcasting. During this period, TALKERS has produced and presented 26 national conventions in New York and another three in Los Angeles. Add to that more than 35 regional, national and international forums about the field and countless radio rows including several at the White House in conjunction with both the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. TALKERS remains and will continue to be a non-partisan proponent of the First Amendment with a great love and passion for talk media’s roots in the century old medium of radio.
When was the last time you went shopping for a quality living room rug? Not an oriental, because that is just too easy. We’re talking high quality living room rug that will blend in and stand the test of time… and the dog. Next to fighting with a credit card company, it’s the worst shopping experience ever.
THE Best Bit I’ve Heard This Month was by Gene Valicenti, morning host, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence.
By 2009, I had been making my living consulting and coaching talk hosts for 14 years, but I myself had not yet hosted a talk show. Like Rush Limbaugh before he went-talk, I had lots of on-air time under my belt as a music DJ. And that same skill set contributes to talk radio success: “Play the hits” (topics) and convert Cume to AQH (technique).
Former President Trump Effectively Working Talk Radio. Syndicated Newsmax Radio star Rob Carson conducted an exclusive interview with former President Donald Trump yesterday morning (6/13) for his popular midday radio show (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm EDT). Newsmax played it at 12:00 noon and then repeated it during the 2:00 pm hour to the delight of the show’s national roster of affiliates. According to a Newsmax spokesperson, “President Trump called Rob this morning and we were supposed to have 15 minutes. After 20 minutes, the former President’s people started asking us to wrap up but Trump said to ignore them, stating that he wanted to spend more time with Rob, and that he is a fan of Rob’s TV and radio shows. The two ended up speaking for a half hour.” The interview covered topics including the White House cocaine controversy, Trump’s criticism of the Dept. of Justice, the 2024 campaign, the border, human trafficking, the economy and even Elvis Presley. The full interview can be heard by clicking here: 
Lynn Montemayor Promoted to Director of Sales at Beasley Media Group Detroit. The Beasley Media Group announces sales pro Lynn Montemayor has been promoted to director of sales at the company’s Detroit-based radio properties. Montemayor most recently served as the GSM of 101 WRIF-FM, 94.7 WCSX-FM, 105.1 The BOUNCE, 105.9 KISS-FM, Detroit PRAISE Network, and Motor City Sports Talk The ROAR. Beasley Media Group Detroit VP/market manager Patti Taylor tells TALKERS, “Lynn is one of the most passionate and adept leaders I have ever worked with. She is thoughtful and fair, a creative teammate and a tenacious partner. I feel lucky and grateful to be working alongside Lynn in this next chapter of the Beasley Detroit cluster.” Montemayor is stepping up to fill the shoes of Taylor who was also recently promoted to her current position.
As TALKERS noted yesterday (Thursday, 7/13), Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “104.9 The Horn” will be dropping its sports talk format in just over two weeks (8/1). For the past seven years, “The Horn” was the home of University of Texas football, men’s basketball and baseball broadcasts; however, that will change owing to the upcoming format flip. Taking over as new flagships for the Texas Longhorns are iHeartMedia Austin sports talk KVET-AM “AM 1300 The Zone Austin’s Sports Talk” and its country cluster-mate, KVET-FM. The two outlets will simulcast football and men’s basketball. 
According to iHeartMedia sports president Kevin Legrett, “The Texas Longhorns is one of the leading college sports brands in the country. Longhorn Nation continues to be recognized for their pride and dedication to their home team. We are excited to be the broadcast home to these passionate sports fans, providing great programming and play-by-play coverage not only in Austin, but everywhere via iHeartRadio.” University of Texas vice president/director of athletics Chris Del Conte comments, “The move of our network’s flagship radio station to KVET is a huge win for our fans in Austin and central Texas. The powerful signals of ‘AM 1300 The Zone’ and [KVET-FM] will give our Longhorn faithful access to crystal-clear radio game broadcasts from the northern tips of Williamson County down to the southern regions of Caldwell and Hays counties and out east to our friends in Bastrop and west into the beautiful Hill Country. No matter where you are in that footprint, you’ll get your Horns loud and clear from kickoff, tipoff or first pitch. Then you add the cherry on top to this deal with our network’s partnership with the mighty brand of iHeartMedia, and we’ve hit a home run in every way.” This will be Craig Way’s 23rd year as play-by-play voice of the Longhorns. The deal was negotiated by rightsholder Learfield’s Longhorn Sports Properties.
In celebration of Chicago Cubs play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes’ induction next week into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the team’s flagship – Audacy sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” – will air a series of special programming. WSCR vice president and brand manager Mitch Rosen opines that, “Pat’s induction into baseball’s Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional broadcasting career and unwavering dedication to the Cubs and ‘670 The Score.’ For 28 seasons, Pat’s voice has captured the essence of Cubs baseball. We’re delighted to recount the franchise’s cornerstone moments sound-tracked by his unforgettable calls and honor a fixture in Chicago sports.” Next Friday (7/21), WSCR will air “Pat’s Call to the Hall,” a three-hour (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm) audio retrospective of Hughes’ career. Hosted by Hughes’ radio booth partners Ron Coomer and Zach Zaidman, the special will feature interviews with – among others – former Cubs manager Joe Maddon; current Cubs skipper David Ross; sports broadcaster Bob Costas; and musician/songwriter Eddie Vedder. Next Saturday (7/22) following its broadcast of the Cubs game, the station will air Hughes’ induction speech from Cooperstown (New York) and will rebroadcast “Pat’s Call to the Hall.” In addition, WSCR is airing vignettes saluting Hughes’ career. The Baseball Hall of Fame named Hughes this year’s winner of the Ford Frick Award, which recognizes excellence in broadcasting. A nine-time Illinois Sportscaster of the Year, Hughes won the award three times in Wisconsin as the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers.