Industry News

“Rich on Tech” Show Added to WOR, New York Lineup

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Nationally syndicated technology expert Rich DeMuro is going to be heard on iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR, New York. His weekly program, “Rich on Tech,” will air Sunday nights from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and he’ll join WOR morning personality Larry Mendte for a weekly segment every Thursday. WOR program director Tom Cuddy says, “We are excited to welcome ‘Rich on Tech’ to the new WOR Sunday lineup. Rich’s expertise and passion for technology make him a perfect fit for our audience, and we look forward to providing our listeners with Rich’s valuable and entertaining content, including hidden features of your iPhone, Androids, how AI can help around your home, the best new smart TVs, cybersecurity tips and much more.” In addition to his Premiere Networks radio show, DeMuro is a tech reporter for KTLA-TV, Los Angeles. Pictured above are Larry Mendte (left) and Rich DeMuro (right). 

Industry News

Bob Mackay Named Market Manager for Audacy Dallas

Audacy names Bob Mackay SVP and market manager for its Dallas operations that includes news KRLD-imgAM, sports talk KRLD-FM, six music brands and the Texas State Networks. Mackay will continue to serve as vice president of sales for Audacy Dallas. He succeeds Brian Purdy, who continues as regional president with oversight of 16 markets.

Industry News

NAB Files 80 Pages of Comments for FCC Deregulation

The National Association of Broadcasters says it filed comprehensive comments with the Federal Communications Commission in response to the agency’s call for public input under its “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative. NAB says its filing “urges the FCC to seize this moment to fundamentally modernize itsimg regulatory framework, beginning with long-overdue reforms to the national television ownership cap and the local radio and TV ownership rules. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “This is a moment for bold ideas, and NAB is proud to lead the charge. The FCC’s rules should reflect today’s media landscape, not one from decades past. Our filing lays out a clear, actionable path to modernize regulations and empower local radio and TV stations to better serve their communities. We appreciate the Commission, especially Chairman Carr, for launching this important effort. Reforming outdated ownership rules is the essential first step to strengthening local journalism and ensuring broadcasters can continue to survive.” See the entire filing here.

Industry News

Mike Gallagher Posts Updates from Plane Trapped on Montgomery Tarmac

Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher was a passenger on one of the two Delta flights from Mexico that were diverted to Montgomery, Alabama due to severe weather in their destination city of Atlanta. By law, passengers must go through customs and since Montgomery is not an international airportimg there are no customs agents there and the passengers were forced to remain on the planes for more than six-and-a-half hours. The Daily Mail reported the story and included some of Gallagher’s social media posts that he made throughout the night, including this one: “After 12 hours at the overwhelmed Montgomery, Alabama airport – 7 hours trapped on the plane on the tarmac, 5 hours stuck in a cordoned-off area of the airport – they are now boarding people 10 at a time. They are checking off names by pen, one by one. So hey, 16 hours after our original departure, there’s hope! I’m thinking it will take at least an hour to board.” See the Daily Mail story here.

Industry News

KFBK, Sacramento Names Sam Shane Early PM Host

iHeartMedia Sacramento announces that effective June 2, air personality Sam Shane will transition from co-hosting “The KFBK Morning News” to host of the 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm show that’s been held by Tom Sullivan for more than 30 years. Sullivan recently announced his semi-retirement. Shane says, “I’mimg humbled and honored to be taking over the time slot occupied by Tom Sullivan at KFBK, a radio station with a rich history of producing superior news/talk programs. Never have I enjoyed producing and delivering a program more than these last six years as I have co-hosted the morning news show on KFBK with Cristina Mendonsa. I’m very proud of our accomplishments and grateful for the opportunity imgto have worked with Cristina and everyone behind the scenes who made it happen. Now it’s on to a new chapter.” Mendonsa continues as host of “The KFBK Morning News” and will be joined by Mark Demsky, who will serve as news anchor and present special report segments. Demsky joined KFBK last year after serving as a sports anchor and reporter at KTXL-Fox 40 in Sacramento. Mendosa says, “This next chapter is about helping listeners wake up to what really matters, stories that affect their lives. After 30 years in journalism and a multi-generational connection to Northern California, our goal is to bring listeners smart, relevant news with a balanced perspective, cutting through the noise to bring more insight.”

Industry Views

HC at the NAB: Radio, One Way or Another

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgThese conventions used to be about making-the-most-of those towers behind radio stations that played in several rooms at home and occupied two knobs and six buttons in the dashboard. Back to the future…

“Take every available opportunity to connect with audiences.”

 Longtime programmer turned podcaster Buzz Knight moderated the session, “Cross-Platform Content Wins – Radio and Podcast Success Stories.” And here’s one now, a radio news guy I’d like to clone, WBZ-AM, Boston’s Matt Shearer, the next-gen’ talent whose skill set and perspective yields the sort of content that takes radio beyond those towers.

Shearer told us he “had been making video from my radio pieces. Now, I’m making radio from my video.” Whereupon Alpha Media EVP of content Phil Becker urged broadcasters to “focus on THAT they use you, not WHERE they use you.” And noting that – as “streaming services have divided audiences” – South Carolina Public Radio director Sean Birch recognizes that “We have to hit a bunch of audiences all at once.”

Common thread in panelists’ remarks: Broadcast and podcast listeners “are very different audiences;” and “we have to be where people are.” Still, revenue stacks-up in two piles: broadcast bucks and digital dimes. And Hubbard Radio EVP/programming Greg Strassell reckons, “Any engagement you do is an opportunity to promote the mothership.” Hubbard’s WTOP, Washington simulcasts its on-air programming via YouTube, and Greg says average Time Spend Listening there is 17 minutes.

“Using Social Media to Develop Community”

In this session, Beasley Media Group’s Dave Snyder recommends a Basic Success Framework:

— Understand your community. Rather than thinking platform (“We need to be on TikTok”), limit your reach to platforms that offer the most engagement potential. “Not all platforms will be a fit for your content.”
— Set your goals. What does success look like? Gauge value by engagement counts like Comments and Likes, rather than mere Views.
— Be authentic. Build brand guidelines, and have a moderation policy, and a style/tone guide. AI is a useful tool, “but it’s not authentic.”

Develop Engagement. Social media gives broadcasters a unique potential to:

— Share a behind-the-scenes view as content is created, “how the sausage is made,” giving your community a different perspective.
— Expose the community to content creators’ personalities. Building community is only possible if people feel like they actually “know” you.
— Interact with the audience. “Community building can’t just be about pushing content. Engagement flows two ways.”

Keep it going. “Once you have your Framework and Content plan, then comes the hard part.”

— “Consistency and cadence is probably the most important part of growing a consistently engaged community.”
— “Use ‘the whole buffalo.’ Optimize your content for cross-platform use.”
— Use analytics to “build on what works and chuck what doesn’t.”

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Manda Factor Named KIRO-FM, Seattle Morning Co-Host

Bonneville announces that award-winning journalist Manda Factor is joining news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle as co-host of “Seattle’s Morning News” alongside Charlie Harger, who assumed the role of host in January. Bonneville Seattle director of news and talk programming Bryan Buckalew says, “We’re thrilledimg to have Manda Factor join ‘Seattle’s Morning News.’ Her reputation in the Pacific Northwest and genuine enthusiasm for connecting with our community make her a fantastic addition. With Manda and Charlie Harger at the helm, we’re excited to bring our listeners a morning show that’s both informative and engaging.” About her new position, Factor says, “I am beyond excited to join Charlie and the KIRO Newsradio team. Charlie has been an integral part of the Seattle community, and I look forward to collaborating with him to bring important news and meaningful conversations to our listeners every morning. There is so much happening in the world, and I am passionate about delving into those stories to share with our community.”

Industry News

Tom Sullivan Announces Semi-Retirement from Daily Radio Show

Nationally syndicated talk radio host Tom Sullivan announces that he is going to semi-retire from the business and his daily talk radio program distributed by Talk Media Network will end on May 30. Sullivanimg says, “I am going to hang up the microphone… not completely… this show will come to a screeching halt on May 30. After that going to dabble in world of podcasting… I feel fine, feel healthy, and want to go out on top. I’ve been doing radio for 45 years… how grateful I am for each and every one of you. It’s time to move down the road and take the microphone from radio to podcast.” Sullivan – a successful financial services advisor – began his radio career in 1980 on KFBK, Sacramento doing daily business news reports. He expanded to hosting a general topic talk show first as a fill-host before getting his own program. He would often fill in for Rush Limbaugh on his syndication show and Sullivan later became one of the original hosts on FOX Business Network.

Industry News

Thom Brennaman Named New WLW, Cincinnati Morning Host

Numerous media outlets in Cincinnati are reporting that iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLW, Cincinnati isimg naming Thom Brennaman the station’s new morning drive host. Late last week, Mike McConnell told his listeners that he was retiring from the station and that Monday (4/7) would be his last day. Brennaman worked for WLW calling Cincinnati Reds games but stepped down after being caught on a hot mic uttering a homophobic slur during an MLB game on August 19, 2020. Brennaman has been working for the CW calling football games.

Industry News

KSEV, Houston Owner Dan Patrick Profiled on KPRC-TV

Regular TALKERS readers and talk media industry watchers probably know that news/talk KSEV-AM, Houston owner Dan Patrick is also the Texas Lieutenant Governor. In fact, Patrick gave up his daily regular talk show to take on the lieutenant governor role. But that doesn’t prevent the veteran broadcasterimg from using his radio and TV skills to raise awareness of issues that are important to him. In a piece by KPRC-TV, Houston, Patrick’s efforts to draw attention to courier service lottery sales and legal marijuana in Texas via “amateur investigative-style videos” are highlighted. Patrick tells the station that his efforts are just for the sake of theatrics. “It’s not theatrics to say, ‘look at me.’ It’s theatrics to tell a story, so that people can connect with what we’re doing here and why we’re doing it.” He adds that most people are busy and don’t pay attention to the day-to-day goings-on at the state capitol. “Our job is to break through that.” See the entire piece here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: “Kill The Feed!”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgCorporate cost cuts continue. In a recent column here, I described 18 non-radio career options for which your skill set as a broadcaster could qualify you. In just the last couple years, several longtime TV news people I know – who had-it-up-to-here with the hours – reinvented themselves accordingly.

“But radio is all I’ve ever done!” you say? No. Radio is (or was) your platform. And – as clients are accustomed to hearing me say – “Everything we do is storytelling.” So where else can you tell yours?

Tools are available, many free. To illustrate, I wrote a novella (shorter than a novel, longer than a short story). It’s the first fiction I’ve written since a high school homework assignment, and you can download it, also free.

I had an idea for a John Grisham/James Patterson-style thriller. ChatGPT and MS Copilot were my co-authors, suggesting plot twists and critiquing, chapter-by-chapter. After ChatGPT reviewed each one, I ran it through Copilot – like having a team of writers. Both AI tools also created the images you will see on the landing page. Tell either app how you want your web page to look, and it will write the HTML code! And Google Search helped with details.

Every one of those functions was completed in five seconds or less, free. As is Audacity, if you’d rather not spend for your own copy of the Adobe Audition you use (or used) at the radio station. And before you subscribe to Microsoft Office 365, peruse the suite of lookalike tools at OpenOffice.org. Video? Premiere Pro is pricey, but Adobe Express is free and there are shareware alternatives.

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Seen those TV ads TikTok is running to stave-off a USA ban? Storytellers share how they’re making a living there. Could you?

I hope you like my story. But even if you don’t, I hope you will experiment with new ways to tell yours. I’m not saying any of us will write a best-selling novel. But if you do, you can also voice the audiobook version.

Now, grab the armrest, for chilling intrigue, and a damning narrative about the corporate consolidation that plagues broadcasting, set in the beguiling place where we live, populated by pseudonyms (including the author’s) which some will find thinly-veiled: http://getonthenet.com/TalkersPreview.html

That’s your sneak peek. It drops on April Fool’s Day.

Next week, I’ll be reporting here from The NAB Show in fabulous Las Vegas. If you’re going, wear comfortable shoes! But even if you do – and you plan on walking from where shuttle busses drop you off at the Convention Center to the West Hall where most radio and podcasting sessions will be – pack a lunch. It’s a hike!

Better idea: Let Elon Musk give you a free ride… UNDERGROUND, in “The Loop.” He has 100 Teslas zooming through what seems like a high-tech Batcave that his Boring Company is…boring. Here’s video I shot at CES: https://youtu.be/wqqQd9vZnM0

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Radio Pro Jim Quinn Dies at 82

Radio personality Jim Quinn died on Sunday (3/30) at the age of 82. Pittsburgh’s TribLIVE reports about the career radio host who worked for much of his career as a music jock and morning show host beforeimg transitioning to a conservative talk host in the early 2000s. Quinn started his radio career at KQV, Pittsburgh in the 1960s. Quinn partnered with Don Jefferson for the popular “Quinn and Banana” show on WKTQ in Pittsburgh from 1983 to 1992. The TribLIVE story notes that Quinn took a position at WRRK, Braddock, PA where he honed his conservative talk chops. He partnered with Rose Tennent and had a successful run with “The Warroom with Quinn and Rose” on iHeartMedia’s WPGB-FM, Pittsburgh as well as on satellite radio. See the TribLIVE story here.

Industry News

Trump Restores Funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

The executive order from President Donald Trump to shutter the Voice of America includes radio services Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that were launched in 1950 to counter Soviet propaganda in Europe. Theimg radio services report in 27 languages serving audiences in 23 countries. On Thursday (3/27), the Trump administration reversed course and restored funding for the news organization two days after a federal judge temporarily blocked the closure saying the president can’t dismantle the organization created by Congress. According to a report in The New York Times, the administration also reinstated 33 employees at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting that targets Cuba’s Communist government. See the Times story here.

Industry News

Public Broadcasters Grilled at Subcommittee Hearing

PBS CEO Paula Kerger and NPR CEO Katherine Maher testified before the House Subcommittee on Delivering On Government Efficiency yesterday (3/26) during hearing titled, “Anti-American Airwaves: Holding the Heads of NPR and PBS Accountable.” The Hill reports that Maher faced “intense questioning from Republican members over NPR’s ignoring of the Hunter Biden laptop scandal during the 2020img election, its reporting on the origins of the coronavirus in China, and the investigation into Trump’s ties to Russia during his first term. U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) told Maher, “You guys were 0-for-3 on three of the biggest stories in the country.” Maher was also pressed by U.S. Rep. William Timmons (R-SC) about comments she made before she was CEO of NPR in which she called Donald Trump a sociopath, a racist and deranged and asked how she could helm a news organization with that kind of inherent bias. She replied, “There is strong firewall between me and the newsroom,” and said her political thinking and personal worldview have changed in recent years, adding, “I regret those tweets; I would not tweet them again today.” The story notes that Maher said she “respected” the lawmakers’ concerns and promised NPR is doing more under her watch to “beef up our editorial standards” and “make sure we have more points of view reflected in every story.” Read The Hill’s coverage here.

Industry News

RTDNA Announces Scholarship and Fellowship Recipients

The RTDNA Foundation announces the recipients of the 2025 scholarship and fellowship program that is awarding more than $35,000 to 14 students and early career journalists. Scholarship and fellowship winners will attend RTDNA25, taking place June 11-13 in New Orleans. RTDNA says, “Since itsimg establishment in 1970, the RTDNA Foundation has provided more than $1 million in scholarships and fellowships to about 600 aspiring journalists, fulfilling its role as the educational and charitable wing of the Radio Television Digital News Association. Some have gone on to become reporters, producers and news directors, covering local and national issues that matter to their communities. Others have ventured into related professions, such as White House speechwriters, media regulatory attorneys and journalism educators. Several former recipients have also contributed to RTDNA’s leadership by serving as board members, while many have been honored with prestigious Murrow Awards.” You can see more about the 14 winners here.

Industry News

WGN, Chicago to Air Final “Walter Jacobson’s Perspective”

Thursday (3/27) will be the final airing of WGN Radio’s “Walter Jacobson’s Perspective” hosted by legendary news broadcaster and personality Walter Jacobson (pictured here). WGN notes that Jacobson’s commentaries covering local politics and news have been heard on the station since 2014. Jacobson hasimg had a storied career in Chicago media. First at newspapers, he moved to television in 1963 working at WBBM as a news writer, reporter and political editor. From 1973 to 1982, Jacobson co-anchored WBBM-TV’s “The 10 O’Clock News” with Bill Kurtis and the two dominated the ratings for nine years. His “Perspective” pieces date to those newscasts when Jacobson would deliver them live from his office. WGN Radio VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle comments, “I ‘knew’ Walter Jacobson mostly for his TV news work virtually all my life. He and Bill Kurtis revolutionized the look and feel of television news broadcasts in Chicago at CBS 2 and it’s still talked about by those who watched them in the 70s. Working with him at WGN Radio and getting to know him in-person has been an honor. After seeing firsthand his uncompromising devotion to his craft, it’s easy to see why he is the media legend that he is. Walter’s personality, contributions and ever unique ‘Perspective’ will be greatly missed.”

Industry News

Salem Media Group to Sell Remaining Hawaii Stations

Salem Media Group is selling its remaining Hawaii broadcast properties and digital assets to Malama Media Group. Malama is acquiring country KHCM-FM, sports talk KGU-AM and KHCM-AM/K236CR,img Christian KGU-FM, classic hits KKOL-FM, and news/talk KHNR-AM/K232FL. Salem CEO David Santrella says, “While Salem closes our chapter in Honolulu, I am thrilled to know that these stations are going to a buyer that has a shared passion for the formats we have there and plans to keep those formats intact, particularly the Christian teach and talk and conservative news/talk formats.”

Industry News

Cumulus Media Shuts Down Stations in Cost Saving Move

Cumulus Media is undergoing a corporate mandate to shutter underperforming stations across the country. As reports of dark stations tickle in TALKERS can report that according to the Fulton Sun, Cumulus Mediaimg has ended operations of news/talk KLIK-AM and its translator K278CT. The station ceased broadcasting on March 14. Read the Sun story here. The company also ended operations at sports talk WLZR-AM, Melbourne, Florida and its translator W300DL at 107.9 FM. Last week it was reported that Cumulus ceased operations at KZAC-AM, formerly KSFO-AM.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Matter, and Money Will Follow

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgThere has never been more news. And news has never been more quotable. It costs two-plus cents to make a penny.

Events impacting everyday life are unfolding around-the-corner, around-the-world, around-the-clock. The listeners our advertisers want as customers are in “What NEXT???” mode.

There have never been more places to get news. And the broadcasters that monetize information best have evolved what we used to call “a radio station” into a multiplatform source of content pertinent to its target listener. Trusted call letters are the surname shared by digital siblings.

Being known for helpful information is key. My client stations image relentlessly as “Your Only Local News Radio.” If you are too, rip me off, and burn-it-in.

But imaging merely talks-the-talk. All the promos in the world won’t walk-the-walk. We become habit-forming by delivering information that is relevant and useful and enabling and easily understood and seems up-to-date.

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Accordingly:

  • When we report information-given-to-us (press releases, etc.), rewrite to succinctly convey what the story means. Typically, press releases are about the sender. Our lead sentence needs to be about how-it-matters-to the listener.
  • Keep it fresh. The second and third time someone hears a story word-for-word, the little voice in his/her head says, “You already told me that.” Every effort we make to update copy is worth it.
  • Listen to your on-hour network, for three reasons: Emulate their crisp copy style, which conveys the consequence of items being reported. And emulate their delivery. Note how FOX News Radio morning anchor Dave Anthony sounds like he’s talking, not reading. And listen for opportunities to localize big national/international stories.

What is being reported by national media, how does it hit home, and who locally can comment or explain?

  • How is DOGE government downsizing impacting people in your state, in your city? Most of the federal workforce does not live in Washington/Maryland/Virginia.
  • We pray for ailing Pope Francis. When he passes, who from your diocese or parish can you interview? “The Conclave” won an Oscar and was nominated for eight.

Music radio is in the fight of its life with streams, and too much talk radio is an angry caricature. Matter most, and money will follow.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Cumulus Names Gilbert Baez Host of WFNC’s “Good Morning Fayetteville”

Cumulus Media names veteran broadcast journalist Gilbert Baez host of news/talk WFNC, Fayetteville, North Carolina’s “Good Morning Fayetteville,” effective March 17. Baez has been a fixture on WRAL-TV, in Raleigh but served as WFNC’s morning news anchor from 2000 through 2001. Cumulus Fayetteville VPimg and market manager Tish Boden says, “Team Cumulus Fayetteville is excited to have Gilbert Baez join our team as the new host for ‘Good Morning Fayetteville’ on WFNC News Talk. When you say the name Gilbert Baez in the market it is synonymous with news. I look forward to Gilbert’s success on Good Morning Fayetteville.” WFNC program director Kelvin Culbreth adds, “Gilbert Baez brings a deep desire to report the news and a true sense of devotion to Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and Cumberland County. He’ll bring his wealth of knowledge about our area and his vast cache of connections. We have heard, ‘Everyone knows Gilbert and Gilbert knows everyone.’ He is the perfect host to carry GMF into the future.”

Industry News

KNBR Re-Ups Host Brian Murphy

Cumulus Media’s San Francisco sports talk outlet KNBR is reportedly extending morning sports talk host Brian Murphy’s deal for another four years. SFGate reports that KNBR program director Mike Hohlerimg announced the news on-air on Tuesday. Murphy is one half of the “Murph and Markus” show. Murphy tells SFGate, “I’ve just really enjoyed my time talking to the Bay Area every morning and talking to my partners – whether it was Paulie Mac or my original partner Tim Liotta or my current partner Markus Boucher. Always enjoyed it, enjoyed the banter with our producers and board ops. I never wanted to leave ever, so it was just going to come down to could we come to an agreement and fortunately we did.” See the SFGate story here.

Industry News

Edison’s Infinite Dial Webinar Scheduled for March 20

Edison Research will present a webinar on March 20 at 2:00 pm ET to reveals its latest Infinite Dial data. The company says it is presenting the report with support from Audacy, Cumulus Media, and SiriusXMimg Media. “The Infinite Dial 2025 will be unveiled by Edison Research vice president Megan Lazovick alongside special guest James Cridland, editor of Podnews. With 35 years in the audio business, Cridland will offer unique analysis into the numbers and global context. Together, they will provide attendees expert insights on the latest digital audio consumption trends and their implications for the industry.”

Industry News

Hillsdale College Student Wins First Place Honors at IBSNYC 2025

Among the winners of the college awards given out at the IBSNYC 2025 conference last weekend (of which TALKERS was a participating sponsor), was Hillsdale College junior Emily Schutte. She takesimg home first place for Best Newscast.  in the annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System College Media Awards. Winners were announced on March 8 in New York City. WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM general manager Scot Bertram says, “I’m proud of Emily and all of our WRFH students for their work. There were thousands of submissions from college stations across the country, and it is exciting to see one of our students accept top honors in a very important category.” WRFH had finalists in eight categories. You can hear Emily Schutte’s winning submission here.

Industry News

TALKERS Generations 2025 at IBSNYC

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Pictured above is Bold Gold Media Group and Bold Gold Media Foundation CEO Vince Benedetto (left) with WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (right). Hurley is presenting Benedetto’s Foundation with a $5,000 grant from Hurley’s own charitable organization. Benedetto also delivered the keynote address and Hurley served as a moderator at the TALKERS Generations 2025 program on Saturday (3/8) at the IBSNYC 2025 conference.

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Pictured above is WRFH, Hillsdale general manager and lecturer in journalism at Hillsdale College Scot Bertram (right) and Vince Benedetto (left). Both took part in the “Old School/New School/Next School — Learning from Each Other” panel discussion. The panel was sponsored by Comrex.

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Pictured above are (from l-r) Texas-based talk radio host Chris Krok; consultant and WPHT, Philadelphia and Talk Media Network syndicated talk host Walter Sabo; WGDJ, Albany owner and talk radio host Paul Vandenburgh; and TALKERS VP/associate publisher and Harrison Legal Strategies senior partner Matthew B. Harrison sitting on the “Launching and Managing a Career in a Changing Media Industry” panel. The panel was sponsored by Dr. Asa

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Pictured above are Harry Hurley (left) and Red Apple Media Group and WABC, New York owner John Catsimatidis (right) during a one-on-one fireside chat titled, “Setting the Stage.” This segment was sponsored by The Ramsey Show.

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Pictured above are (from l-r): Westwood One talk radio host Rich Valdes; WABC, New York journalist and talk host Dominic Carter; and Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher on the “Radio’s Place in a Diverse, Digital World” panel, sponsored by Radio America and Our American Stories.

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Pictured above are (from l-r): WICC, Bridgeport talk host Lisa Wexler; iHeartMedia VP news/talk/sports Chris Berry; and WRVA, Richmond, Virginia talk host Jeff Katz on the “Finding Truth in an Age of Misinformation” panel, sponsored by Premiere Networks.

TALKERS will present more coverage from Generations 2025 at IBSNYC 2025 throughout this week.

All photos by Olivia Mannarino

 

Industry News

WCCO Brings “The Henry Lake Show” Back

Reversing course after the reduction if force that saw several hundred Audacy employees lose their jobs last Thursday, the company’s news/talk WCCO, Minneapolis is bringing evening host Henry Lake and co-host Chris Tubbs back. BringMetheNews reports that the show returned to the air on Friday. Lake openedimg Friday’s show saying, “Has the last 36 hours been a little bit awkward? Not gonna sit here and lie. I am thankful. I am happy to be here. Happy to be speaking with you. Happy to be doing a show to all of you on this iconic radio station.” Lake added, “We know that there were some national layoffs yesterday, and I want to note that because we know that industries all over the country are going through some rough times – and radio is not immune to that. I’ve got colleagues in other markets that unfortunately lost their jobs, and for a short time yesterday, it looked like me and Chris were in that same situation. I feel gratitude. I’m thankful that we’ve got good leadership here at WCCO, and the higher-ups appreciate me and Chris.”

Industry News

Audacy Lays Off Several Hundred Staffers in Post-Chapter 11 Move

The radio industry knew these cuts were coming as the rumors of a company-wide RIF were plentiful. On Thursday (3/6), Audacy made the staff reduction that affects people across all departments – corporate, on-air, and off-air. An Audacy spokesperson issued the following statement: “Audacy has made workforceimg reductions to ensure a strong and resilient future for the business. We are streamlining resources to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape and to best position Audacy to continue serving listeners and advertisers with excellence.” The Desk is reporting a list of those affected by the cuts and in the spoken-word formats, those people include: WINS, New York sports director Marc Ernay; KNX, Los Angeles reporter Charles Feldman; WWL, New Orleans news staffer Mark Menard; KMOX, St. Louis digital content producer Wilson Truong; and others. Read The Desk’s coverage here.

Industry News

Radio Station Owner Dies in Alaskan Avalanche

David Linder, owner of Sub Arctic Media, died in an avalanche in Alaska while on a ski trip. Linder’s Sub Arctic Media owns and operates news/sports/talk KTOE, Mankato, Minnesota, news radio KMHL, Marshall, Minnesota and a number of other stations in those markets. Linder, who was described as an expert skier, leaves behind his wife and three children.

Industry News

WWO: The Effects of Nielsen’s Three-Minute Qualifier

The Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog post this week looks at the effects of the changes to Nielsen’s PPM ratings system that has provided significant increases in listening across demographics and time periods. This audience growth is due to Nielsen’s three-minute qualifier modernization which provides a significantly more comprehensive and realistic definition of AM/FM radio’s audience and their listening behavior. The post notes that Nielsen found 23% of PPM listening occasionsimg were three or four minutes. Under the old five-minute listening qualifier rule, none of this tuning would have received listening credit. Effective with the January 2025 PPM survey, Nielsen is now crediting tuning occasions that are three minutes or greater. What are the results so far? First, drive times and weekends experience the greatest growth. Comparing January 2024 to January 2025 for persons 12+ and 25-54 reveals double-digit growth for all dayparts. Weekends and drives times have the greatest increases. Second, AM/FM radio’s listening profile now skews younger: Every major buying demographic has a higher composition of listening. Persons 65+ is the only demographic where AM/FM radio’s audience composition is reduced. Persons 25-54, AM/FM radio’s most popular buying demographic, experiences the largest increase in audience composition. Persons 18-49 have the next largest growth. And third, format shares remain stable. Versus October 2024, PPM January 2025 format shares are very consistent. An uptick in news/talk AQH composition is most likely more due to a heavier news cycle (major weather stories and a new president) than a PPM methodology enhancement. In local markets, there is more share variation. See the complete blog post here.

Industry News

Montague Upped to Promotions Director for iHeartMedia NYC Stations

iHeartMedia New York promotes David Montague to promotions director for New York City stations news/talk WOR-AM and music outlets hip hop WWPR-FM and classic rock WAXQ-FM. iHeartMedia Newimg York director of marketing and promotions Emily Magelof says, “David’s creativity, vision, and dedication have been instrumental in driving our brands. We are excited for him to continue elevating our promotional efforts, ensuring even greater success in the future.” Montague comments, “I am truly honored for this accomplishment and excited for the future. I want to thank my support system at iHeartMedia, friends and family for their continued confidence and believing in me.”

Industry Views

Sabo Sez: Promoting Doom

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter M Sterling
Host, Sterling Every Damn Night
WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling On Sunday, Syndicated, TMN

imgDuring my tenure at NBC, once a month the division heads would meet at the behest of the CEO to report on their progress and trends in their sector. As the executive vice president of the FM division, I took a seat in that formidable group and tried to keep my remarks as brief as possible. What could I possibly say that would be more damn important than the words of the president of NBC News or the NBC Television network? In addition to NBC’s CEO, the CEO of owner RCA would often join the fun.

Cable TV was flourishing, and CNN had just launched. I was at least 15 years younger than everyone in that meeting and had a different perspective on cable. Therefore, I was shocked by this exchange:

The CEO asked the president of NBC News what he thought of CNN. The President of NEWS said these exact words:

“It might do well for breaking news but otherwise it will not take the place of our news.”

Next on the staff meeting agenda was a discussion of HBO. Should NBC run spots for HBO? Again, the group did not think HBO would be much of a factor on the entertainment menu. They agreed to run the spots promoting HBO. Yes, I objected but lost.

In its first three decades, CNN was a serious factor for news, ratings, and revenue. CNN brilliantly made partnership deals with local TV stations to exchange stories and carriage. Independent TV stations could tap CNN feeds for breaking news coverage. Those deals, requiring no cable, established CNN at viewer level in every city.

HBO last year won more Emmys than NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX combined. In fact only one Emmy went to a traditional network last year: “Abbott Elementary,” ABC.

Radio’s inherent advantage over all other mass media is its distribution system. Elegant and free, it just works! A decision was made about 10 years ago by many radio companies to use radio’s power, clout, and credibility to promote podcasts. Podcasts… hard to find, hard to hear, and requiring expensive equipment that suffers from buffering now.  The hidden reason for the podcast push is that Wall Street doesn’t love legacy media. They like new things even if the new thing is deeply flawed. When needing money or liquidation, legacy media companies proudly point to their listening STREAMS.

Commercial broadcasters have proven to be not so great at podcasting.  Of course not. It’s a different medium: On-demand audio that can be paused and reviewed. Radio DJs and talk hosts were never trained or attracted to audio creation that is blind to time of day and repeated. It’s different. Why promote it? It’s like NBC promoting HBO.

The good news? Wall Street is realizing the proven appeal of legacy media: The George Soros Funds invested in Audacy. Apollo Advisors, the first-in money for Sirius, now owns Cox Broadcasting. Time to stop throwing our time spent listening and creative energy at podcasts that price their audience lower than legacy media. Bad business.

The wise way to benefit from the podcast revenue opportunity is to buy what works. Acquire existing, successful podcasts and aggregators.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. 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 sabowalter@gmail.com

Industry News

Audacy Expands Podcast Partnership with CBS

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Audacy announces it is expanding its exclusive, multi-year sales and distribution partnership with CBS to include CBS Entertainment, CBS Media Ventures, CBS News, and CBS Studios podcast slates. The CBS News & Entertainment portfolio has 39 titles including “The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert,” “60 Minutes,” and “CBS Evening News.” Audacy chief digital officer and president, podcast and streaming J.D. Crowley says, “CBS Sports is a thriving part of our business, and we are thrilled to expand our partnership with CBS’ storied news and entertainment slate. This stellar lineup of talent and podcasts offers a compelling slate of premium content and new scaled opportunities for our advertising partners.”

Industry News

KYW-AM/FM, Philadelphia Recognizes 10 “GameChangers”

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Audacy’s all-news KYW, Philadelphia “Newsradio” is honoring 10 leaders making a difference and uplifting the lives of people in and around Philadelphia’s communities of color. This year’s honorees were recognized at a ceremony hosted by KYW Newsradio community impact reporter Racquel Williams at Audacy’s headquarters last night (2/27). Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff states, “KYW Newsradio’s annual GameChangers is a meaningful honor given to the community by the community. We are proud to spotlight the unsung heroes whose contributions shape and elevate us all. It’s a privilege to amplify their stories and the lasting impact they have through our platforms.”