TALKERS News Notes
WBEN/Buffalo Adds the Armstrong & Getty Show. The Armstrong & Getty Show has added yet another major market – WBEN, Buffalo. The Audacy-owned outlet is one of the most respected news/talk radio stations in the country having won numerous state, regional, and national awards for its news reporting. It is also one of the country’s heritage stations, tracing its beginning to 1922. WBEN operations director/Audacy news talk format VP Tim Wenger tells TALKERS, “We’re thrilled to have Armstrong & Getty as part of the evening lineup at WBEN. Their entertaining approach to current events and politics is a refreshing way to cap off the daylong programming on the station.” In a joint statement, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty (pictured above left) say, “We’re excited to join the list of great radio voices that have been part of Buffalo and WBEN. Now, more than ever, it’s important that folks get a perspective from outside the mainstream media. We’re here to be that honest voice.” For more information about The Armstrong & Getty Show, contact Eric Weiss at The Weiss Agency: Eric@TheWeissAgency.com or Craig Whetstine at craig@armstrongandgetty.com.
PodcastOne Obtains Rights. LiveOne subsidiary PodcastOne obtains exclusive network distribution/advertising sales rights to “Some More News” and its Cody Johnston & Katy Stoll-hosted spinoff podcast, “Even More News.” PodcastOne president Kit Gray notes, “With ‘Some More News’ and ‘Even More News,’ Cody and Katy host two intelligent, insightful and incredibly funny vodcasts. Their engaged audiences pair well with our existing programming. As we enter into a never-ending cycle of election year news, we’re looking forward to Cody’s and Katy’s comedic take on what promises to be an endless flood of attention-grabbing headlines. We couldn’t be more thrilled to work with this team to grow their shows and their advertiser audience.”
Portnoy Joins ABC News Radio. Here just yesterday (TALKERS, Tuesday, 7/11), it was reported that, “Following an eight-and-a half-year run with CBS News Radio, White House correspondent Steven Portnoy is exiting CBS News ‘for a new opportunity.’ It didn’t take long to learn where he’s landing as ABC Audio vice president Liz Alesse today notes Portnoy is national correspondent for ABC News Radio. In a memo, she writes, “Steven has earned his reputation as an insightful, straightforward journalist with over two decades of reporting on politics and breaking news. His work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. As we embark on another pivotal presidential election season, ABC News Radio is committed to upholding those high ideals; Steven’s integrity and tenacity as a journalist will help us achieve that mission.” It is a homecoming for Portnoy who joined ABC News in 2002 as an intern for the White House unit of “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.” In 2006, he was named Washington correspondent for ABC News Radio, providing coverage of the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections and the 2011 death of Osama bin Laden. Portnoy extensively reported on the recent prisoner swap that led to the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner from Russia.
WSJ: Audacy Initiating Debt Restructuring Discussions. Per a Wall Street Journal report, Audacy is about to initiate discussions with creditors regarding a restructuring of the company’s $1.9 billion of debt. Lawyers representing two different groups of creditors have reportedly signed nondisclosure agreements. The report states that one group of senior lenders has hired one law firm, while another group of second lien bondholders has employed another entity to represent them in confidential negotiations. Audacy executed a thirty-for-one reverse stock split at the end of June to initiate compliance with the New York Stock Exchange.
Alpha Portland Change. Alpha Media Portland (Oregon) content director Keith Abrams exits as his position has been eliminated. The Alpha Media Portland cluster includes news/talk KXL “FM 101 News”; sports talk KXTG “750 The Game”; and news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970.”
Bannister Joins WONE. Starting next Monday (7/17), Marty Bannister will begin hosting a daily 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm show on iHeartMedia Dayton sports talk WONE “Fox Sports 980.” Bannister does play-by-play of Ohio University men’s and women’s basketball for ESPN3 and high school sports for Spectrum. He previously worked in Columbus as an update anchor for sports talk WBNS-FM “97.1 The Fan.”
TN HOF Banquet To Honor Legacy Class. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame awards ceremony and banquet later this month (7/29) in Columbia, Tennessee is a sell-out. The “Legacy Class of 2023” includes: Phil Valentine (Nashville); Sam Phillips (Memphis); E.G. Blackman (Nashville); Johnny Eagle (Chattanooga); Art Gilliam (Memphis); Al “Adams” Johnson (Knoxville); Devon O’Day (Nashville) and Dick Ellis (Tri-Cities). Joining the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame’s board of directors for a two-year term is Jeff Jarnigan from Cumulus Media Knoxville. In addition, Melissa McDonald returns to the board.
Las Vegas Abuzz Over Raiders and Jimmy Garoppolo. Nationally syndicated, Las Vegas-based TALKERS Heavy Hundred host Dr. Daliah Wachs of the Genesis Communications Network met and received a jersey signed by the new Las Vegas Raider‘s quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The two are pictured (right) at an NFL “Salute To Service” event at Nellis Air Force Base. Wachs tells TALKERS, “The region is hopeful that Garoppolo will add that winning spark to the team if only he stays healthy.”
programming and spoken-word radio. Energy, enthusiasm, and experience within the genre is a must. You will be responsible for all aspects of programming including managing on-air staff, imaging, station strategy, developing and executing revenue generating sales & programming promotions, website & social media, digital content and have a strong understanding of the core audience(s). 
program two legendary news/talk stations. Energy, enthusiasm, attention to detail and experience in news writing/delivering and talk show hosting is a necessity. You must have the ability to interact with listeners and handle multiple phone calls at one time. You will be responsible for all aspects of programming including managing and motivating on-air staff, imaging, station strategy, developing and executing revenue generating sales & programming promotions, website & social media, digital content and have a strong understanding of the core audience of a news/talk format. The position also requires a daily AM drive air-shift, along with live appearances and live broadcasts! 
monthly podcast listeners started listening as a child, 57% started listening as a teenager and 25% started listening as an adult. This means 73% of Gen Z monthly podcast listeners began listening before the age of 18; 3) Those who began listening earlier in life, listen longer: Gen Z monthly podcast listeners who started listening as a child consume 10.6 hours of podcasts per week; those who started as a teenager consume 7.5 hours per week, and those who started as an adult consume 6.6 hours of podcasts per week. The average for all Gen Z monthly podcast listeners is 7.7 hours per week; and 4) Gen Z act as a result of podcast ads: 82% of Gen Z monthly podcast listeners have taken any action as a result of hearing a podcast advertisement; 70% have either purchased or wanted to purchase the product or service they heard advertised, 61% have visited a company or product website, 44% have used a promo code or discount code mentioned in the podcast, and 42% have recommended a product to a friend or family member. 
Weiss-Berman, Audacy’s EVP of podcasts. Also, Pineapple Street co-founder Max Linsky is been named senior podcast strategist for Audacy’s podcast division. In this 
role, he will continue to executive produce projects, as well as collaborate on podcast strategy for the company overall, advise Finkel and Berry in their new roles and work closely with key partners. Linsky says, “As everyone who has worked with Bari or Je-Anne knows, they are the perfect team for this job. Bari has been here since day one, and Je-Anne joined once we were part of Audacy — the combination of those two vantage points, plus the shared vision for where podcasting is headed, makes me just so excited for this next era.”
economic empowerment tools and services in the United States. He is also chairman and chief executive officer of John Hope Bryant Holdings, Bryant Group Ventures and The Promise Homes Company, a for-profit minority-controlled owner of institutional-quality, single-family residential rental homes in the U.S. “We are pleased to welcome John Hope Bryant to The Black Effect Podcast Network’s board of directors. John brings a strong track record of business success, broad leadership experience in philanthropy, education, public engagement and innovation, and a deep appreciation for black culture that makes him the perfect choice to help steer and shape the future of the network.”
June 11 with an interview with the former president. Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis says, “Roger’s impressive career has established him as a prominent figure in American politics. His wealth of experience offers an insider’s view into the political landscape, providing listeners with rare behind-the-scenes insights, razor-sharp analysis, unparalleled insights, and dedication to the truth will captivate audiences worldwide,”
Mark Twain reckoned that “the difference between the almost right word and the right word is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”
was a violation of the non-compete portion of his contract. Axios reports that Carlson’s lawyers say, “Any legal action by FOX would violate [Carlson’s] First Amendment rights.” The Axios piece goes on to say that Carlson is accusing FOX News of breach of contract for breaking their promise to not settle the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit in a manner in which it would indicate wrongdoing on the part of Carlson. It’s been reported that firing Carlson was a part of FOX’s settlement agreement with Dominion. 
and sports – who will transition into an innovation-focused consultant role at the end of June. iHeartMedia Boston SVP of programming Dylan Sprague comments, “Rob’s 
vision has helped guide ‘WBZ NewsRadio’ towards becoming a digitally focused news organization. I’m glad that he will continue to be a part of our organization as he moves into the next part of his career.” 
director. Jay is a consummate professional with a strong connection to the community, and we are thrilled to have him to lead our newsroom. I couldn’t be more excited about where ‘WBZ NewsRadio’ is headed with Bill and Jay at the helm.” Flaherty states, “I am excited to work with the best news staff in the business as we keep finding ways to make innovative changes to live local news. WBZ NewsRadio is combining its strong signal with an impactful social media presence to bring news and storytelling to people of all ages,” said Bill Flaherty.
together to further Bonneville’s mission to be a positive influence on the communities we serve. We’ve grown as a company in our reach and impact. I know Tanya will take Bonneville to the next level – I’m thrilled for the future of the company under her leadership.” Vea comments that Brown has been, “an incredible mentor” and she is “so grateful for all that he’s done” for Bonneville. “He has led by example as a steward of the company and its resources. I will miss working with him, and I feel incredibly 
fortunate to take on this role knowing that he has put the company in a position of strength. Bonneville is a special company. I’m committed to building on the foundation of those who have come before me and am focused on fulfilling our mission to be trusted voices in our communities. Our greatest strength is our team of talented people. I’m honored to be able to work with them to grow Bonneville for the future.” Brown’s tenure as Bonneville’s president began in December 2013. Before that, he possessed a similar title for McGraw-Hill Broadcasting Company. During Brown’s 28 years at McGraw-Hill, he worked in various sales and management capacities for ABC and Azteca America television stations. He currently is board chair for the NAB Leadership Foundation. Recently promoted to executive vice president of content and media operations, Vea oversees content strategy for all Bonneville markets. She commenced with Bonneville in 2010 as vice president of program development before being boosted to senior vice president/general manager overseeing the company’s Salt Lake City cluster. Currently on NBC’s affiliate board and executive committee, Vea formerly worked in advertising and public relations.
national levels.” The company adds that the content operations department is also responsible for developing the requirements and business objectives that drive the short and long-term goals and funding for content creation, curation, and operational systems. Walker has been serving the company as director of programming and 
operations for Audacy Greensboro. At the same time, Audacy says SVP of technical operations John Kennedy will oversee a refocused broadcast engineering function. The company says Kennedy “will manage and maintain Audacy’s acquisition, distribution and production equipment and solutions at the local, regional, and national levels, including Audacy’s network operations center. Audacy EVP head of programming Jeff Sottolano comments, “Clay has already proven himself to be an adept and innovative thinker as it relates to the evolution of our content production and distribution systems. I am excited to see him and John partner more closely with our central, regional and local content and technical operations teams.”
Michael Harrison, founder and publisher of TALKERS, and the man who invented the term AOR – let’s not forget – strongly requested that I share this story about a remarkable event we experienced. Michael describes it as the “greatest promotion” he ever witnessed at a non-commercial function involving broadcasters… so I really have no choice but to accommodate him.
biography. I wrote him a letter inviting him to fly to New York to perform the scene live at our anniversary lunch at the National Arts Club. Two appealing prospects: Manhattan and the famous Club on Gramercy Park. Shockingly, he actually called and said if I would also fly his girlfriend in, he would do it! HE WOULD DO IT. Crap, now I had to do everything else. Invite all 200 wedding guests, stage a show, and not tell anyone that it was going to happen. Katie did not know.
help serve our clients, listeners and communities to be the best in the industry. I’m excited for the future.” Fulton comments, “The plan and vision the leadership team at iHeartMedia shared with me, along with the wildly talented teams in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa, has me beyond excited about the days ahead. I can’t wait to collaborate, both internally and externally, to develop market leading content and drive results for the thriving business communities in these three amazing markets.”
hosted by Barbara Askins, president & CEO of the 125th Street Business Improvement District. The title of the show is “125th Street & Beyond” and focuses on the organization’s mission. WHCR general manager Angela Harden comments, “It is also a show about the relationships the 125th St. BID is building with New York City agencies and with BIDs around the world. Perhaps no neighborhood in New York City is as storied as Harlem, long the capital of Black culture in the United States. It’s a name known around the world. And now 125th Street has its own show. I am honored to host the show and look forward to welcoming many voices that support the betterment of Harlem.”
Starnes comments, “When I bought KWAM I promised our listeners that we were going to bring fair and balanced journalism back to the radio. I’m incredibly proud of our dedicated and hard-working team of broadcasters at KWAM.” 
at FOX’s KSAZ, a producer at PBS’s KAET, and whose voice was prominently featured in the 1989 award-winning documentary, Roger and Me. In 2018, Steve joined Skyview Networks’ Arizona and California News Radio teams, where he covered many news stories, including political elections and a recent interview with newly elected Arizona Governor, Katie Hobbs. Skyview Networks VP, news Jeff Scott says, “In addition to being an outstanding broadcaster and journalist, Steve was a wonderful person, with a kind word and a smile for everyone he encountered. I feel incredibly lucky to have known him for more than three decades, and for having worked alongside him at KTAR, KSAZ, and for the past several years at Skyview Networks. Please keep Steve in your thoughts and know that we will do our very best to carry on his tradition of excellence and service.”
Offer will expire at Midnight, New York City time, at the end of the day, on June 9, 2023 (the “Expiration Date”), unless extended or earlier terminated by Cumulus. The “modified Dutch auction” allows shareholders to select the price, within a price range specified by Cumulus, and the number of shares they are willing to sell at that price (or, should a higher price be determined as the “purchase price,” such higher price). The Offer is being made under Cumulus’s previously announced $50 million share repurchase program. The purchase price will be the lowest price per share (in increments of $0.05) of not greater than $3.25 and not less than $2.85 per share, at which shares have been properly tendered and not properly withdrawn, that will enable Cumulus to purchase the maximum number of shares having an aggregate purchase price not exceeding $10 million (or, if the Offer is not fully subscribed, all shares properly tendered and not properly withdrawn). Promptly after the Expiration Date, Cumulus will, on the terms and subject to the conditions described in the offer to purchase, determine the single per-share purchase price that Cumulus will pay, subject to proration and conditional tender provisions, for shares properly tendered at or below the purchase price in the Offer and not properly withdrawn, and accepted for payment, taking into account the number of shares tendered pursuant to the Offer and the prices specified, or deemed specified, by the tendering shareholders.
Westwood One syndicated series “Off The Record With Mary Turner” in which she presented interviews with and personality profiles of some of the biggest musical stars of the day. Turner and Pattiz were married in the early 80s and the two shared what friends described as a happy relationship until his death this past December at 79 due to throat cancer. Turner had her own health issue battling substance abuse in the early 90s, which she bravely overcame. She became a UCLA-certified drug and alcohol counselor and received a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She went on to be appointed chairwoman of the Betty Ford Center at Eisenhower Hospital in Rancho Mirage. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who worked with Turner at both KMET and Westwood One says, “Mary Turner was one of the main pillars upon which the great KMET was built. Nicknamed ‘The Burner,’ she was a pioneer in album rock radio and an iconic role model for women in the industry. She was solid on the air – providing music fans a panoramic window into the culture. She related to artists with an authenticity that engendered trust and they really opened up to her.” As of press time, further details on this story are not available.
Tik-Tok is hot (largely among users too young to be heavy AM/FM listeners) and it’s in-the-news (about its possible ban). And, yes, Facebook remains T-Rex in the social media jungle. But people on Twitter seem to live there.
recently served the company as division vice president of digital. McCrary Mitchell says, “I am honored and thrilled to be market president for Memphis & Tupelo. iHeartMedia is engrained in both communities and my stewardship will embrace our alliances and initiate partnerships to strengthen mutual community interests. It’s a privilege to lead this talented team in sharing the iHeartMedia message.”
that impact so many people on a daily basis. In addition to featuring on-air and online content across the company’s 61 radio properties, the monthlong initiative will include outreach with local community experts and in-car dashboard messaging featuring QUU RDS technology. Beasley Media Group chief content officer Justin Chase says, “Beasley is proud to put a spotlight on the importance of mental health as part of our longstanding Community of Caring program. We want our listeners to know they are not alone; mental health issues are common and there’s no reason to be ashamed. The campaign will promote the skills and tools to help cope and professional support available for treatment.”
Greater Bridgeport Bar Association. Wexler will receive the award at the GBBA’s annual Law Day event on May 1. The Liberty Bell Award is given to an individual who “is really good at providing services to our community, for betterment of our community, and has demonstrated over time a desire to serve our community vis a vis rule of law.” Wexler comments, “I’m very grateful to receive this distinguished award. I try every day to promote respect for the rule of law and encourage civic engagement. It’s the cornerstone of my mission as a talk radio host and a primary value I bring to my role as probate judge.”