TALKERS 2023 Agenda Update
TALKERS 2023
June 2, 2023 – Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Presented by TALKERS in association with WRHU Radio
Sponsored by (in alphabetical order):
The Doctor Asa Show – Backbone Networks – Benztown – The Michael Berry Show – Broadcasters General Store – C. Crane – Collette – Comrex – The Epoch Times –- Goldman McCormick PR – Guestbooker.com – The Sean Hannity Show – Newsmax – Our American Stories – Premiere Networks – Radio America – The Ramsey Show – Dr. Murray Sabrin – Stephan Multimedia – The Todd Starnes Show – Talk Media Network – Visit Atlantic City
AGENDA
Registration Desk Open – 7:30 am to 6:00 pm – Lobby of John Cranford Adams Playhouse
Registration Director: Barbara Kurland, Business Manager, TALKERS
Assistant Registration Director: Olivia Mannarino, Associate, TALKERS
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Breakfast – 8:00 am to 8:55 am – Reception Tent next to John Cranford Adams Playhouse
Breakfast Emcee: David Bernstein, GM/Broadcast Operations, TALKERS
“Woman of the Year Award”
Recipient: Martha Zoller, Host WDUN-FM-AM, Gainesville, GA
“Lifetime Achievement Award”
Recipient: Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC
Sponsored by Sean Hannity / Premiere Networks
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Exhibits Open – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm – Lobby of John Cranford Adams Playhouse
Backbone Networks – Representative: Richard Cerny, President/CEO
Broadcasters General Store – Representative: Buck Waters, Marketing Executive
Collette – Representatives: Jim Edwards, VP, US Affinity Development; Paul Holly, Partnership Marketing Manager
Comrex – Representative: Chris Crump, CBNE, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing
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Morning Greetings – 9:00 am to 9:45 am – John Cranford Adams Playhouse
TALKERS 2023 Emcee: Kevin Casey, VP, Executive Editor, TALKERS
“National Anthem”
Performed by: TBA
“Morning Wakeup”
Speaker: Jimmy Failla, Host, FOX News Radio
“Setting the Stage: Triple Perspective”
Official Greeter: Todd Starnes, Host/President, The Todd Starnes Show Syndication/Owner, KWAM, Memphis
“Welcome to TALKERS 2023”
Introduction: Victoria Jones, Executive Director, DC Radio Company
Speaker: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Special Guest (by remote): Bob Pittman, CEO, iHeart Media
Sponsored by The Doctor Asa Show
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Panel Discussion – 9:50 am to 10:25 am – John Cranford Adams Playhouse
“Programming News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era – Part 1”
Introduction: TBA
Moderator: Mike McVay, President, McVay Media Consulting
Panelists:
Michael Czarnecki, VP, Programming, Binnie Media
Tom Cuddy, Program Director, WOR, New York
Kevin DeLany, VP, News & Talk Programming, Westwood One
Eric Stanger, SVP, Operations, Sean Hannity Show, Premiere Networks
Joe Thomas, Host/Program Director, WCHV – Charlottesville, VA/PD, WRAD, River Valley, VA
Brett Winterble, Host, WBT, Charlotte
Sponsored by Premiere Networks
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Fireside Chat Part 1 – 10:30 am to 10:50 am – John Cranford Adams Playhouse
Guest: Christopher Ruddy, Founder/CEO, Newsmax Media
Host: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Sponsored by Collette
Fireside Chat Part 2 – 10:55 am to 11:15 am – John Cranford Adams Playhouse
Guest: Jeff Warshaw, Founder/CEO Connoisseur Media
Host: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Sponsored by Benztown
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“Freedom of Speech Award” – 11:20 am to 11:40 am – John Cranford Adams Playhouse
Recipient: Tavis Smiley, Host/Owner, KBLA, Los Angeles
Presenter: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Sponsored by The Todd Starnes Show
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Four-Way Discussion – 11:45 am to 12:10 pm – John Cranford Adams Playhouse
“The State of Sports Talk Radio”
Introduction: TBA
Facilitator: John T. Mullen, General Manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University
Panelists:
Grace Blazer, VP, National NTS Brand Coordinator, Director of News and AM Programming Florida Region, iHeart Radio
Mark Chernoff, Sports Reporter, 107.1 The Boss, Long Branch, NJ/Sports Radio Talent Coach
Spike Eskin, VP, Programming, WFAN, New York and CBS Sports Radio
Sponsored by Backbone Networks
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Lunch – 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm – Reception Tent next to John Cranford Adams Playhouse
Lunch Emcee: David Bernstein, GM, Broadcast Operations, TALKERS
“Welcome to Hofstra University”
Speaker: Mark Lukasiewicz, Dean, Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, Hofstra University
“Special Lunch Greetings”
Speaker: Carl Higbie, Host, Newsmax TV
“Humanitarian of the Year Award”
Presenter: Harry Hurley, Host, WPG, Atlantic City
Recipient: Jim Thompson, Former President, Broadcasters Foundation of America (posthumously)
Accepter: Renee Cassis, Broadcasters Foundation of America
Sponsored by Newsmax
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Panel Discussion – 1:20 pm to 1:55 pm
“Talk Radio and Podcasting”
Introduction: Guy Benson, Host, FOX News Radio
Moderator: Lisa Wexler, Host, WICC, Bridgeport, CT
Panelists:
Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss Agency
Steve Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media
Ron Hartenbaum, Managing Member, WYD Media
Chris Oliviero, Market President, Audacy New York
David Pakman, Host, The David Pakman Show
Larry Young, Host, The Larry Young Podcast
Sponsored by Visit Atlantic City
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Panel Discussion – 2:00 pm to 2:35 pm – John Cranford Adams Playhouse
“Generating Talk Radio Revenue in a Digital World”
Introduction: Doug Stephan, Host, Good Day Show/Founder Stephan Multimedia
Moderator: Steve Lapa, President, Lapcom Communications Corp
Panelists:
Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group
Paul Gleiser, Host/Owner, KTBB-FM-AM, Tyler, TX
Todd Starnes, Host/President, The Todd Starnes Show Syndication/Owner, KWAM, Memphis
Paul Vandenburgh, Host/Owner, WGDJ, Albany, NY
Michael Zwerling, Host/Owner, KSCO-FM-AM/KOME, Santa Cruz
Sponsored by The Ramsey Show
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Panel Discussion – 2:40 pm to 3:15 pm – John Cranford Adams Playhouse
“The Big Picture”
Introduction: Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., Associate Publisher, TALKERS/President, the Harrison Legal Group
Moderator: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Panelists:
Arthur Aidala, Esq. Founding Partner, `Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, PC/Host, AM 970 The Answer, New York
Dr. Asa Andrew, CEO/Host, The Doctor Asa Network
Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media
Lee Habeeb, Host/Producer, Our American Stories
Lee Harris, Morning Co-Anchor, WINS, New York
Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC
Sponsored by Newsmax
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Panel Discussion – 3:20 pm to 3:55 pm – John Cranford Adams Playhouse
“Programming Talk Radio – Part 2”
Introduction: Alex Fife, VP Operations, Southeast, iHeartMedia – Total Traffic & Weather Network
Moderator: Walter Sabo, CEO, Sabo Media/Host/Producer, Sterling on Sunday
Speakers:
Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group; Ops VP, New York region/WMCA/AM 970 The Answer
Ross Kaminsky, Host, KOA, Denver
Josh Leng, CEO, Talk Media Network
Dan Mandis, Host/Program Director, WTN, Nashville
Matt Meany, Program Director, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio
Greg Stocker, Brand Manager, WPHT, Philadelphia
Sponsored by Our American Stories
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Panel Discussion – 4:00 pm to 4:35 pm – John Cranford Adams Playhouse
“Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career”
Introduction: Ryan McCormick, Managing Partner, Goldman McCormick, PR
Moderator: Dom Giordano, Host, WPHT, Philadelphia
Speakers:
Mandy Connell, talk show host, KOA, Denver
Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond
Frank Morano, talk show host, WABC, New York
Martha Zoller, talk show host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA
More TBA
Sponsored by C. Crane
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Three-Way Chat – 4:40 pm to 5:00 pm – John Cranford Adams Playhouse
“Making the Connections Between Local and National, Radio and Television”
Facilitator: Harry Hurley, Host, WPG, Atlantic City, NJ
Speakers:
John Caracciolo, President/CEO, JVC Broadcasting
Brian Kilmeade, Host, FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel
Sponsored by The Michael Berry Show
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Closing Reception – 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Reception Tent next to John Cranford Adams Playhouse
Sponsor TBA
Program subject to changes
March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).
Silvy will also host the halftime show that Good Karma says “will provide a fresh, fan-focused take on what fans expect from a typical halftime show. The new Network Halftime Show will incorporate fan reactions to the first half of each game, as well as a new segment called ‘The Celebrity Spotlight,’ highlighting a conversation with a well-known celebrity guest with Chicago ties.” The post-game show will be hosted by John “Jurko” Jurkovic and Peggy Kusinski. Coverage will also include a daily podcast hosted by Chicago-based YouTube personality Pat the Designer with station personalities joining him on a rotating basis. ESPN Chicago director of content Danny Zederman says, “I am ecstatic for ESPN Chicago to enter a new era for exclusive Bears content 365 days a year while bringing together a diverse, energetic, and passionate group of talent with a deep knowledge of Chicago sports. Our talent has a real understanding of the importance of the Chicago Bears and what the team means to the fans because our team is made up of fans. We are counting down the days until kickoff!”
The first thing we heard was an earful from NAB president & CEO Curtis LeGeyt regarding automakers dropping AM receivers from new cars: “This is an issue we consider to be absolutely existential.”
Welcome to the NAB edition of Pending Business.
forward by a Phoenix trial court judge. Harris and iHeartMedia appealed, arguing the case should be dismissed as Harris’ statements “were rhetorical hyperbole incapable of being proved false and protected by the First Amendment, and were therefore not actionable.” The State Supreme Court agreed unanimously. Justice William Montgomery wrote, “Under the First Amendment, apparently factual statements must be considered in light of the nature in which the speaker uttered them and the relationship of the statements to the overall context. Here, the nature of the words is colored by the context of an overtly political talk show.” But he also stated, “We do not suggest that the First Amendment provides categorical protection to anything that may be said on a political talk show,” adding a ruling from another case saying, “Candidates cannot make defamatory assertions they hope voters will believe, then, when sued for defamation, seek refuge in the defense that no one believes what politicians say.” 
Broadcasting in Hudson Valley, New York and as national sales manager for Pamal’s stations in Albany, Glenn Falls and Rutland, Vermont. 
vignettes that are offered to radio stations on a no-cost basis at this time. Emerson says, “‘The Making of America’ is original content programming from people who love America FOR people who love America. Paramount to us is the unwavering, steadfast support for America’s fundamentals such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These are just some of the many principles that we as a people cherish as Americans.” In addition to work directing, writing and producing for film and television, Emerson was host of the “Face to Face” radio news program distributed by CBS. 
“They have the time and tools to listen, they like spoken word contest,” and Edison Research president Larry Rosin reminds us, they’re big-money consumers.
content like additional news, interviews or songs, all while remaining in sync with the live broadcast.’… The survey asked Audacy listeners to choose how much they’d be willing to pay for commercial-free radio, with the prices starting at $1 per month and going as high as $11 a month, according to a copy of the survey reviewed by The Desk. A follow-up question presented a similar list of options, but asked users to weigh in on the maximum price they’d be willing to pay before they thought a premium radio subscription was too expensive.” 
billion and overall revenues increased $20.4 billion YoY. Q1 saw the highest growth of 21.1% followed by Q2 at 11.8%, resulting in ad revenues for the first half of the year surpassing $100 billion for the first time. Revenues slowed in Q3 (8.4%) and Q4 (4.4%).” IAB CEO David Cohen comments, “After unprecedented growth in 2021, we expected more moderation in 2022. Economic uncertainty, geo-political unrest, a shifting regulatory environment and addressability changes have all contributed to revenue growing at a slower pace. Looking ahead, there is definitely still growth to be had, but it will be harder to achieve and likely less than we have become accustomed to.” 
immersive Weathercon experiences at Frontiers of Flight Museum, Texas’ premier air and space museum.” Included in the May 6 event is the opportunity for families to experience what it is like to be a meteorologist with a green screen, see storm chaser vehicles, and visit the interactive kids’ zone. WBAP meteorologist Brad Barton and WFAA-TV’s Pete Delkus will deliver presentations to visitors. 
dividend of PodcastOne shares to between 12% and 16%. After completion of the successful spin-out – which the company notes is not guaranteed to happen – LiveOne will own approximately 86.3% of the PodcastOne common stock. LiveOne also reports that PodcastOne has repaid $1 million of its debt convertible at $3 and expects to repay an additional $1 million to $2 million. LiveOne intends for PodcastOne stock to be traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol PODC.
Theory vs. practice is always a fun exercise. What happens when someone is bold enough to step out and break the mold to achieve their goals? Do you stop and learn, or do you simply stay in your comfort zone and take a pass?
and play-by-play announcer for the University of Arizona. Kelly’s won five Associated Press first place honors for his work in radio. Cumulus Tucson operations manager Herb Crowe says, “I couldn’t be happier to welcome David to the Cumulus family. His experience covering all of the University of Arizona athletic programs for television, combined with his years of radio experience, make him the perfect person to lead ‘Wildcats Radio 1290.’” Kelly comments, “When I came here to Tucson 15 years ago, my hope was that I’d have the chance at some point to lead coverage of the high-profile collegiate sports program at UA. The opportunity to head programming for ‘Wildcats Radio 1290’ gives me the chance to do that, as well as set the pace for delivering the best sports, news and information to our listeners in Southern Arizona.”
order): Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss Agency; Steve Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media; Ron Hartenbaum, managing partner, WYD Media; Chris Oliviero, market president, Audacy New York; David Pakman, talk show host/commentator, The David Pakman Show; and Larry Young, talk show host, The Larry Young Podcast.
content through financial resources, direct or indirect political pressures, and/or control over production and distribution.” Twitter owner Elon Musk replied to NPR’s protestations with two words – “Seems accurate.” NPR president and CEO John Lansing said the company was disturbed to see the “state-affiliated Media” tag slapped on its tweets and calls it “unacceptable for Twitter to label us this way.” 
close out Women’s History Month, it is important to remember the legacy of Gracie Allen, the inspiration behind these esteemed awards. This year’s recipients exemplify Gracie Allen’s spirit through their exceptional talent, innovation, and vision. Their steadfast dedication to their craft and their tenacious resolve to break boundaries serve as a compelling testament to the essential role women play in molding the cultural landscape. We eagerly anticipate celebrating their outstanding accomplishments.” Winners in the radio category (national and local) in commercial news or talk formats include: Jai Kershner, “Good Day Show,” Outstanding News Anchor; Mandy Connell, iHeartMedia, Host Non‐Morning Drive; Christina Musson, KMJ AM/FM Fresno, Co‐host (Talk/Personality) Small/Medium Market; Marcy Williams, WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta, Outstanding News Reporter; “Talking Golf with Ann Liguori,” WFAN, New York, Talk Show ‐ Sports; and “The Gee and Ursula Show,” KIRO-FM, Seattle, Talk Show ‐ Talk. 
them. I was making a seventh of what I made three or four years ago.” As is often the case when a host is let go, they wish they’d had a chance to say good-bye and Harris is no different. He says he’d liked to have said thanks. “Just tell them that they have been great to me over the years. They are what I will miss most.” Harris had been hosting the first two hours of morning drive – from 5:00 am to 7:00 am. “The Ryan Gorman Show” had been airing from 7:00 am to 10:00 am but will absorb the early hours and shift to the 5:00 am to 9:00 am daypart. Harris and the late Ted Webb co-hosted “AM Tampa Bay” for almost 30 years. About his future, the 81-year-old Harris says, “I might look for part-time work on the radio somewhere. Or maybe I will retire. I am an old geezer, after all.” 
welcome such a talented and experienced individual to our team. Mark is an impactful leader who has a strong track record of building and developing great teams, serving the community, and delivering results. His background and experience make him a perfect match for CMG Tulsa’s high-performing team.” Shecterle comments, “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to join CMG, work with the very talented team in Tulsa, and continue the legacy of success for these powerful brands.”
says, “This position has been a long time coming for us here at WRG. Our audiences are consuming our brands in many different ways now. I have no doubt that Kaytie will be exceptional in this role!” Kelly comments, “I’m excited to work with our talented team to build the digital arm of Woodward. There are so many incredible opportunities that lie ahead and I can’t wait to get started!” WRG owns and operates news/talk WHBY/W292FA and sports talk WSCO-AM/W256DD in the Appleton-Oshkosh market as well as four music brands. 
and news in the growth and development of new original podcast content for podcast studio 2400Sports and across Audacy’s 28 local newsrooms in top U.S. markets. Audacy chief digital officer and president, podcast and streaming J.D. Crowley says, “As we commit to accelerating our digital growth and enhancing performance, we’re thrilled to expand Jenna’s role to further unify and streamline our content and business efforts across our leading podcast portfolio, enabling even more rapid development of new and original IP and better leveraging our talent across the entire Audacy portfolio. Jenna’s strong leadership and deep industry relationships will propel us forward on our mission to be a leading partner of audio creators, while super-serving listeners of all backgrounds and interests and enabling our sales teams to better serve our customers and partners with unique and compelling podcast opportunities.” 
Rich Zeoli, Nick Kayal, Dom Giordano, Dawn Stensland and special guest Ryan Manion, Gold Star Sister and president of the Travis Manion Foundation, along with the team at the organization. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff states, “Our WPHT listeners are extremely passionate and generous and it’s so gratifying when our friends, neighbors and advertisers rally together for a great cause. Our Philadelphia brands are long supporters of Travis Manion Foundation and the great work they do for veterans and families of the fallen in our local community and we’re pleased to team up with them once again to support their mission.”
combined with total day and primetime viewers and the A25-54 demo for the seventh consecutive quarter. FOX News Channel reports that its total primetime viewers for March 2023 was 2,094,000 (down 27% from March 2022), while CNN’s total primetime viewers was 473,000 (down 61% from March 2022) and MSNBC’s total primetime viewers was 1,135,000 total viewers (down 12% from March 2022). 
February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
On a scale of one to 10, where would you rank yourself on planning and organization?
reports every 10 minutes on WTOP News. WTOP director of news Julia Ziegler says, “WTOP listeners rely on our traffic and weather reports on the 8s. We are excited to begin this partnership with our colleagues at WJLA and bring unprecedented live weather coverage to the DC region, especially on those days when it matters most.” The collaboration with WJLA restarts a longtime partnership between the two news stations. WJLA previously provided weather coverage on WTOP for more than 10 years.
Hofstra – the site of our very successful 2022, 2021 and 2016 events – and enjoy the remarkable resources that its Lawrence Herbert School of Communication brings to the table.” As was the case last year, this event will be held in a COVID-19 compliant environment based upon the circumstances at the time of the convention. TALKERS 2023 will boldly address key issues – some existential – facing the talk radio and talk media industries at this dramatically critical juncture of rapidly accelerating technological and societal change as well as identifying the remarkable opportunities inherent in these developments. It will also provide participants with unique and powerful networking opportunities.
million. NPR CEO John Lansing says, “We literally are fighting to secure the future of NPR at this very moment by restructuring our cost structure. It’s that important. It’s existential.” The report notes that “NPR intends to cut back its workforce from approximately 1,200 to about 1,050 employees. The nonprofit network’s layoffs represent its largest reduction in staff since the 2008 recession.” In other moves, NPR is bringing its newsroom and programming divisions together as Lansing notes the “current separation artificially cleaved NPR’s journalism and editorial creations.” At this time, none of the NPR radio programs have been canceled. 
entrepreneur Pat Costa. Halper is also receiving the Hall of Fame Pioneer Award, given “to individuals who have distinguished themselves over decades for lasting contributions made to the broadcast industry and through a leadership role in their particular craft.” Other inductees are WCVB-TV, Boston sports anchor Mike Lynch, the late and beloved WHDH-TV videographer Therman Toon, late WBZ-TV reporter Bill Shields, and WBZ Radio’s heralded news reporter and “poet laureate” Carl Stevens.