Industry News

Compass Media Groups Announces Promotions and New Staff

Compass Media Networks announces new hires and promotions throughout its various departments, including Advertising Sales, Affiliate Sales, and Creative Services along with Promotions in Advertising Sales and Finance. Marc Siegel joins the company to serve as director of audio sales/general manager of spoken word sponsorshipsim & activations. Recent Hofstra University graduate Kassandra Faber joins the company as associate director of affiliate sales. Recent Trinity College graduate Sydney Sperling joins as associate director of affiliate sales. Broadcast pro Jim Davison joins the company as project manager creative services subsidiary, Yamanair Creative. Four-year staffer Liane Sousa transitions from director of affiliate sales to account executive, advertising sales, and four-year employee Matt Wallach is promoted to accounting analyst.

Industry News

Cumulus Media Promotes Ann Thomas to Program Director for WJR, Detroit

Cumulus Media announces that it is promoting Ann Thomas to program director for heritage news/talk outlet WJR, Detroit. The company says that Thomas becomes the first female program director in the station’s 101-year history. She rises from her previous role as assistant program director and executive producer. Thomas started at WJR as an intern in 1982 and was then hired full-time as producer of a WJR program called, “The Other Side of the News.” She went on to become a WJR news reporter and anchor, winning several Associated Press, United Press International, and Detroit Press Club awards for Breaking News and Auto Negotiations. In 1999, Thomas was named executive producer of the “Paul W. Smith Show.” Thomas also produced the WJR-MSU tailgate shows for 15 years from 2006-2021. She has hosted WJR programs including “The Healthy Woman Show,” “Opportunity Detroit,” “The WJR Gardening Show,” and “Women Who Lead,” which she launched 11 years ago to highlight Michigan women from all walks of life doing great things in the community. Cumulus Media RVP and market manager Steve Finateri says, “Ann Thomas is the heart and soul of WJR and has been deserving of this move for a very long time. Her fingerprints are already all over this heritage, award-winning radio station, but we are all excited to see what the future holds with Ann in the driver’s seat!” At the same time, Cumulus promotes Mike Wheeler from WJR PD to operations manager for Cumulus Detroit/Ann Arbor. In the newly created position, Wheeler will manage operations for the company’s four Detroit stations and four Ann Arbor stations.

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Charlie O Malonee

Sports media pro Charlie O Malonee is promoted to assistant brand manager for Audacy’s sports talk KIFM-AM, Sacramento “ESPN 1320.” In this role, Malonee will support the station’s content strategy, talent, operations, andim branding. He’s been serving as a producer for the station since 2019. Audacy regional president Stacey Kauffman says, “Charlie O’s experience as a producer and deep understanding of our station’s content has been instrumental in KIFM’s success. With this new role, Charlie O will continue to elevate our content strategy, support our talented team, streamline operations and reinforce our distinctive branding. We are confident that his passion and dedication will help take ‘ESPN 1320’ to the next level.”

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Susan Richard to AM News Anchor

WINS-AM/FM, New York news anchor Susan Richard is promoted to top-of-the-hour morning news anchor. The Audacy all-news outlet says that Richard will be the third person to anchor morning drive and the first woman to hold the position in the station’s 58-year history. Richard comments, “Nothing says New York likeim 1010 WINS, and as both a life-long New Yorker and 25-year WINS veteran, I am thrilled and grateful to be the first woman chosen to fill this key on-air role. The news watch never stops, and I look forward to serving our listeners in the city I know and love with the continuing commitment to broadcast excellence embodied by our entire staff.” WINS brand manager Ivan Lee adds, “Not only is Susan a quintessential New Yorker and a brilliant anchor and journalist, but she will also forever serve as an inspiration and beacon of empowerment for all women who aspire to reach the highest on-air levels in the industry. We are beyond thrilled for her and this history-making moment.” The station says that additional morning team announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

Industry News

Bob Kevoian Returns to Bob & Tom; Promotes Cancer Podcast

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Pictured above is Bob Kevoian (second from left), former co-host of “The BOB & TOM Show,” reunited with Tom Griswold (third from left) and the rest of the nationally syndicated program’s cast. Kevoian retired from the show in 2015 and returned to share his experiences in the wake of a gastric cancer diagnosis and his new podcast, “The Bob and Cancer Show.” In the podcast’s first episodes, Bob and co-hosts Becky Kevoian and Whit Grayson discuss the initial shock and numbness that came with the diagnosis, and then follow up with ways to stay positive and fight cancer with food, as they discuss the importance of setting goals and working to achieve them, while embracing uncertainty.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Promises to Be a Talk Media Historical Video Goldmine

In many ways, TALKERS 2023 will be the setting for a historical video documentary capturing the state of talk media at one of its most colorful and critical junctures. The 26th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important gathering set for Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island is officially sold out. But for those who cannot attend – fear not! The entire event will be captured on video and posted shortly after the event on the TALKERS website as well as other major industry platforms. TALKERS has once again contracted the services of the radio industry’s legendary videographer and historian – Art Vuolo of Vuolo Video – who will capture all sessions and addresses for posting and posterity. In addition, the ace Hofstra student broadcasting staff of the famous Lawrence Herbert School of Communication will be video recording interviews with as many of the conference’s attending luminaries as possible – also for posting and posterity. The TALKERS conventions are treasure troves of memories and insights for history. In order to comply with health and comfort considerations and maintain the intimate, qualitative environment for which this event is known, the absolute registration cutoff point was reached earlier this week. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “Industry professionals who have attended the TALKERS Conference in the past enjoy it and find it to be a valuable experience for a number of reasons beyond the remarkable quality of the speakers and pertinence of the agenda. They appreciate the intimacy of the environment and outstanding ‘who’s who’ in talk media makeup of their fellow attendees. We work diligently to keep this event within those parameters. It is only open to people who work within or are associated in some way with the talk media industry – there is no online open registration – and it all happens within one power-packed day with absolutely no down time.” More than 65 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a content-heavy day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. All in a beautiful indoor/outdoor state-of-the-art environment conducive to one-on-one conversations. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison adds, “People attend this seminar not only to see and hear the speakers… they come to meet them and each other as well! This event offers that opportunity.” The entire agenda of events at TALKERS 2023 will be video recorded and posted for world-wide viewing at a later date. Some sponsorship opportunities still exist. See more about the agenda, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Rosen and Porth at “The Score”

Audacy announces leadership promotions at sports talk WSCR-AM, Chicago “670 The Score” as station programmer Mitch Rosen is upped to vice president and brand manager. Rosen will continue in his role asim vice president of BetQL Network. Audacy Chicago VP of programming and operations Greg Solk says, “Mitch Rosen is ‘The Score’ and has led his team for nearly two imdecades of unprecedented success. He has a keen eye for talent and has the deepest relationships in Chicago sports media. We are all excited about the future of ‘The Score’ with Mitch leading the way.” At the same time, the company promotes assistant brand manager Ryan Porth to program manager, reporting to Rosen. In this role, Porth will assume day-to-day responsibilities of the station’s programming. Rosen comments, “Ryan Porth came into “The Score Clubhouse” in January of 2022 and has fit in like a veteran. We are excited about his next step in helping to guide the future of Chicago’s sports powerhouse.”

Industry News

Woodward Radio’s Steve Brown Promoted to Industry Fellow

The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) elevates Woodward Radio Group chief engineer Stephen Brown to the rank of Fellow. The Fellow honor is the highest membership level in the SBE. Members must have made significant contributions to the broadcast engineering field or the SBE. Candidates are nominated by their peers. Woodward Radio Group general manager Kelly Radandt says, “Steve is an Engineer’s Engineer and non-Engineer’s Engineer. By that, I mean that he is able to interact with all personality types. From sales to programming, he is able to describe the why in very relatable terms and consistently demonstrates patience with people.” Brown states, “I am humbled and very grateful for this honor, but this is also about many other people. So many amazing colleagues, friends and co-workers who have helped me. The great radio stations and a company where I have been privileged to work for almost 50 years. Numerous mentors and teachers who have given me so much. My family, who have encouraged me and allowed me to do the work I love to do. And my beautiful wife Karin, who makes me a better person every single day.”

Industry News

Hubbard Promotes Wolinsky to Publisher of Federal News Network

Hubbard Broadcasting Washington D.C. announces Jeffrey Wolinsky is rising from director of Federal sales to publisher at the company’s Federal News Network. Hubbard says Federal News Network is “an industry leading trusted news and marketing platform that focuses on the issues and topics affecting the federal government and federal government contracting community.” Joel Oxley is vice president and general manager at WTOP News and Federal News Network. He says, “Each time I have brought new opportunities to Jeffrey he has used his creativity and collaborative approach to create success for our audience, our advertisers and our team. His expertise specifically in identifying trends our organization can leverage to better deliver on our mission will take a higher profile. Leading to even greater overall success. Jeffrey’s vision for the future will align directly with our goal of being the go-to source of federal news for employees and contractors and bringing new products and opportunities to market.” Wolinsky has served at Hubbard DC for the past 20 years.

Industry News

SummitMedia Names Jeff Lyons Promotion Director for Omaha

SummitMedia LLC brings Jeff Lyons aboard to serve as promotions director for the company’s Omaha station group that includes sports talk KXSP “AM 590 ESPN” and four music brands. Lyons was most recently with Community Broadcasters in Florence, South Carolina as marketing and promotions director. He’s also served in a similar capacity with Cumulus Media, CBS Radio, and Flinn Broadcasting. Lyons says, “I am excited to join the SummitMedia Omaha team. I have heard great things about the company for years and I look forward to the opportunities these stations present. I’m energized by the great team here and ready to have some fun!”

Industry News

Eric Stanger Promoted to SVP of Operations for Sean Hannity Show

Premiere Networks announces that Eric Stanger is promoted to SVP of operations for “The Sean Hannity Show.” Premiere says, “Stanger, who most recently served as vice president of operations for the program, will continue to serve as brand manager of the program, which reached the 700th affiliate milestone last November and attracts tens of millions of listeners nationwide. He’ll also continue to oversee all daily operations for the top-ranked program, including production, affiliate sales, marketing and staff management.” Premiere Networks EVP of affiliate sales Peter Tripi says, “Eric is a key member of ‘The Sean Hannity Show’ team, and his leadership and collaboration with our affiliate partners have been instrumental in the program’s continued growth and success. I couldn’t be happier to recognize his efforts with this well-deserved promotion.” Prior to joining Premiere when the company began syndicating “The Sean Hannity Show” in 2009, Stanger served as director of talk programming at ABC Radio Networks. He’s also previously served as APD at KABC, Los Angeles as well as at WABC, New York, and at Westwood One as executive producer of “The Tom Leykis Show.” Stanger first joined forces with Hannity during his time at WGST Atlanta, where he served as producer of “The Sean Hannity Show.” Stanger comments, “I want to thank Peter Tripi, Julie Talbott, Sean Hannity, and our amazing studio team. It’s an honor and inspiration to work with this group of radio professionals every day – they are the best of the best!”

Industry News

Curtis Sliwa Promises GOP Will Take on AOC and Caban

77 WABC Radio talk host – and New York City Republican operative – Curtis Sliwa is quoted in the New York Post saying the Republicans will field candidates to challenge U.S. Rep Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Queens councilwoman Tiffany Caban in the next elections. Sliwa tells the Post, “We’re going into the belly of the beast of the Democratic Socialists of America in New York City. We’re going to take on AOC and Caban. This is Concord and Lexington. We’re talking to regular people in Astoria. They don’t support defunding the police and defunding the jails.” Sliwa hosts the daily “Rip ‘n’ Read with Curtis Sliwa” show that airs from 12:15 pm to 1:00 pm on Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM and WLIR-FM. Read the Post story here.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Zanetis to EVP of Sales, Markets Automotive

iHeartMedia promotes Joey Zanetis from his previous role as SVP of automotive business development and partnerships to EVP, sales, markets automotive, effective immediately. In his new role, Zanetis will be responsible for representing iHeartMedia in the industry; developing, leading and owning the iHeartMedia revenue performance for the markets automotive category; and unifying iHeart’s approach to markets automotive across the space. He will oversee an automotive advertising business that consults with thousands of tier 2 and tier 3 automotive clients across the iHeartMedia enterprise. iHeartMedia EVP sales and operations John Karpinski says, “There is no success without a successor, so I’m really excited for Joey to take the reins of the iHeart automotive markets division. Throughout the years, Joey has not only shown himself to be an amazing leader by driving measurable success for clients and iHeart but has also proven to be great at ‘coaching up’ his team. I’m excited for Joey to build on the success he’s had on the West Coast with our entire automotive organization.”

Industry News

Superadio Networks Promotes Three

Superadio Networks LLC announces promotions in three of its offices. In New York, Raphael George is upped to director, affiliate sales and content. In this expanded role George assumes oversight of affiliate relations as well as new programming and content strategy. Chicago-based affiliate sales pro Kimberly Sawyer is promoted to media relations and affiliate sales manager. In her new role, Sawyer adds expanded Radio Media Tour outreach to her station relations duties. And in the Superadio Boston office, Dianne Cook is named operations and distribution manager overseeing both the affiliation process and distribution. Superadio president Eric Faison states, “These appointments are well deserved. Dianne, Raphael and Kim are invaluable contributors to the success of the company and have been integral in maintaining the high standards in customer service and quality programming that are synonymous with Superadio.”

Industry News

Money Matters Radio Promotes Wolfe and Silva

Jason Wolfe is promoted to chief operating officer for Money Matters Radio Inc., the company that produces the syndicated program, “Financial Exchange Radio.” At the same time, the company promotes Tucker Silva from his executive producer post to director of broadcast operations, according to company president and CEO Barry Armstrong. The program is hosted by Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong and is heard on 14 affiliate stations. Wolfe began his tenure with Money Matters in August of 2014 after many years serving as the VP of programming and operations for sports talk WEEI and news/talk WRKO in Boston. Money Matters says, “Since joining Money Matters, Wolfe has led the growth of the show’s radio network as well as creating new content and sponsorship opportunities for current and prospective clients, negotiating all network contracts, and expanding the show’s digital footprint through a daily live video stream which can be seen on Facebook, Twitch and the show’s website.” In his role as COO, Wolfe will oversee all aspects of the company’s policies and procedures, including finance, network operations, sales, and marketing.

Industry News

Salem Promotes Dan Nelson

Salem Media Group, Inc. announces that it is promoting Dan Nelson to vice president, Salem events and marketing. Nelson has been serving as director, Salem events and marketing since 2018. In his new role Nelson will focus on expanding both Salem Media’s brand image and revenue generation in the area of special events and travel experiences. Salem Media CEO Dave Santrella comments, “Dan and I have worked together since my earliest days at Salem. He always impressed me as one of those people that can take an idea and bring it to life. To this day, I can give Danny just the seed of an idea and the next thing you know he has a full-blown working model. I am thrilled to see Danny get this well-deserved promotion.” Salem Media’s president of broadcast media, Allen Power, adds “Dan has consistently set a high standard for everything he has undertaken. His talents are many including creativity, attention to detail, excellence in follow-through, and giftedness in visual marketing and production. Perhaps, his greatest strength is his ability to work with leaders at literally every level of our company to advance Salem’s brand and image. He does all of this with passion, humility, and a great sense of humor. If you look up the definition of ‘go-to’ person, it’s highly likely you’ll see Dan’s smiling face.”

Industry News

Good Egg Promotion

Consultant Holland Cooke cites a very clever radio promotion that ties into inflation and the rising cost of eggs. The wholesale price of a dozen eggs has more than quadrupled as the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that avian influenza has killed nearly 40 million chickens, some 5% of the U.S. flock.  Cooke says, “Applause to WKXY, Cleveland MS owner Larry Fuss, whose station is giving away…EGGS! Text-to-win.”  Cooke adds, “HOW cool was this idea? WCBS, New York reported it in morning drive. Tip: Rip-off this bit ASAP! #MakeRadioFUNagain.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Three to Executive Positions

iHeartMedia announces three executive promotions. Amy Leimbach rises from her SVP of sales position in the Phoenix market to region SVP of sales for the newly created Greater Texas Region. Steve Earnhart is upped from his area president for the Southwest Region to region SVP for the newly created Greater Arizona Region. And Breeanna Malik rises from region SVP of sales for the Greater Texas Region to executive vice president of unified partnerships. Division president Scott Hopeck says, “It’s rewarding when you can promote from within your organization. The strong track records of these leaders combined with their response to ongoing coaching and development have made these promotions easy decisions. I’m excited to see how Amy and Steve transform our organization with their creativity and their commitment to client success.” President of unified partnerships Michael Preacher says, “We’re extremely excited to welcome Breeanna to executive leadership on our team. Given her history of high performance, Breeanna’s creativity, attention to detail and collaborative skills are a perfect fit in our partnerships division.”

Advice

Monday Memo: Promoting Your Podcast with Email

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — You DO regularly communicate with an email list…right? Few opportunities to engage are more powerful than the ongoing conversation you have with followers. It’s a relationship that Pandora and Spotify and SiriusXM can’t emulate and smart radio hosts exploit well.

Send a link to your latest episode, invite feedback, and (of course) “Share with a friend.”

(more…)

Features

Salem Rises to Prominence in Conservative Media

By Kevin Casey
TALKERS magazine
VP/Executive Editor

 

IRVING, Tex. — The last few years have brought enormous change to the media landscape and one of the bright lights in the sea of change is what’s been happening at Salem Media Group. Officials at the company say its rise to prominence in the conservative media arena has been building for more than 10 years. In fact, in April 2019, The Hollywood Reporter published an article titled, “How Salem has Quietly Become a Giant in Conservative Media.” In the three-plus years since, the Irving, Texas-based company has continued that trajectory and in many eyes verifies the claims in that piece. When it comes to conservative media, it’s impossible not to see Salem’s giant footprint.  

(more…)

Industry Views

Monday Memo: TV Wants In – Welcome Them

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgLinear broadcast media have never been more challenged. Internet video now commands far more viewing time than over-the-air TV. And their own networks are hijacking viewers! Your local NBC station tells you to watch Peacock. ABC points you to Disney+. CBS pushes Paramount+. Affiliates are effectively forced to promote their own competition.

Music radio is – at best – holding the line against streaming. News/talk radio’s information staples are more-available on smartphones and smart speakers, and its monologue‑heavy style feels less inviting than social media dialogue. 

Radio has what TV envies. We’re in-car, and still #1 there.  

TV has what radio needs. With more local news HR, they’re in more places. 

Both need more promotion than they can afford.

  • Radio still delivers the most cost-efficient reach and frequency in the local market. When I programmed WTOP, Washington, we and what’s now WUSA9 (the former WTOP-TV) had a handshake deal to grab whatever we wanted from each other, with on-air credit. True story: The news director from NBC4 offered that “you can use OUR stuff and not even SAY it’s ours. Just STOP saying that so-and-so ‘told Channel 9…’”
  • And radio-using-local-TV-meteorologists is a win-win. Weather is the #1 reason people watch local news, so TV stations promote it heavily. Radio using their weather people underlines – and stands on the broad shoulders of – the TV station’s weather image and delivers radio habit-forming content with a pedigree.

Local TV and radio are the last two mass-reach media in town, with neither medium losing to the other. Resourceful collaboration makes all the sense in the world. Brainstorm.

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

Podcaster Jiggy Jaguar Covers AVN Awards in Las Vegas

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Noted talk media personality Jiggy Jaguar (a.k.a. James Lowe) was in Las Vegas last week covering the AVN Adult Entertainment Awards and Expo at the Virgin Hotel in downtown sin city. Jiggy was out doing interviews with adult film stars for his Jiggy Jaguar Show audio and video podcast. He’s pictured here (1/21) with adult film star Silver Foxxey as she was appearing at the STD Hero booth. NOTE: STD Hero, by Better Life Science, featured a prominent, high-traffic booth promoting their at-home STI testing kits with celebrity appearances. The company offered discreet, CLIA-certified, and FDA-cleared, laboratory-based testing for common infections and HPV. 

Job Opportunity

WORT, Madison Seeks Development Director

Community radio WORT, Madison, Wisconsin is looking for an experienced fundraiser to play a key role in shaping the future of the station. You will be responsible for a $895,000 annual fundraising plan that highlights the station’s partnership with listeners and donors. Incumbent will direct on-air fundraising drives to engage with major donors, write monthly donor newsletters, and promote our many income streams. Salary range: $60,000 – $65,000. A detailed position description and complete benefits package are available here. (PDF) To apply, click HERE

Industry News

Good Karma Brands Ups Klimack to Director of Content

Good Karma Brands promotes Jordan Klimack to director of content atimg WKNR-AM “ESPN Cleveland.”  The station says in a social media post, “Since joining the station in 2018, he’s played a key role in shaping programming, managing content across platforms, and helping drive the station’s expanding digital strategy. We’re excited to see Jordan lead our programming and content vision now and into the future. Well deserved!”

Industry News

FCC Issues Guidance on Equal Opportunity Issues

On the heels of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Committee on Energy and Commerce last week in which he reiterated the Commission’s duty to enforce broadcast licensees’ obligations toimg serve in the public interest, the FCC yesterday issued a Guidance on Political Equal Opportunities Requirement for Broadcast Television Stations. While the memorandum is written to television stations, it obvious applies to radio stations as well. The memo ultimately addresses the 1959 order that exempts broadcasters from providing equal time to qualified candidates on any: (1) bona fide newscast; (2) bona fide news interview; (3) bona fidenews documentary (if the appearance of the candidate is incidental to the presentation of the subject or subjects covered by the news documentary); or (4) on-the-spot coverage of bona fide news events (including but not limited to political conventions and activities incidental thereto). Programs such as “The Tonight Show” and “The View” are cited as entertainment shows in which an interview segment can qualify as a bona fide news interview. Regarding this, the memo concludes with two important paragraphs:

“Concerns have been raised that the industry has taken the Media Bureau’s 2006 staff-level decision to mean that the interview portion of all arguably similar entertainment programs whether late night or daytime—are exempted from the section 315 equal opportunities requirement under a bona fide news exemption. This is not the case. As noted above, these decisions are fact specific, and the exemptions are limited to the program that was the subject of the request.

Importantly, the FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption. Moreover, a program that is motivated by partisan purposes, for example, would not be entitled to an exemption under longstanding FCC precedent. Any program or station that wishes to obtain formal assurance that the equal opportunities requirement does not apply (in whole or in part) is encouraged to promptly file a petition for declaratory ruling that satisfies the statutory requirements for a bona fide news exemption.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

AdLarge Acquires Inlet Media. AdLarge is acquiring the assets of technology platform Inlet Media, Inc that it has used for nearly two years to onboard, distribute, and monetize audio and video content through its AI-powered podcast and creator workflows. As part of the transaction, Patrick Cedrowski, co-founder of Inlet Media, has been named chief technology officer of AdLarge and the fwd. network. Brian Egan, co-founder of Inlet Media and longtime AdLarge and fwd. network team member, has been promoted to vice president and head of product.

NHPR Partners with The Podglomerate. New Hampshire Public Radio enters into an exclusive sales partnership with Portsmouth-based podcast agency The Podglomerate,, in which The Podglomerate will serve as the exclusive sales partner for podcasts produced by NHPR. NHPR director of on-demand audio Rebecca Lavoie says,“Partnering with The Podglomerate is a natural next step in our relationship. We’ve worked with them on several marketing campaigns, and are impressed with their steadfast advocacy for our journalism. They also have some of the most innovative approaches to monetization I’ve seen in the industry.”

Edison Presenting “Evolving Ear” Webinar. Edison Research will present, “The Evolving Ear: How New Listeners are Shaping Podcast’s New Chapter,” in a webinar on January 27 at 2:00 pm ET.  Edison says, “The future of podcasting may be unpredictable, but listener trends offer the best clues about where it’s headed. Drawing from over 20 years of Edison Research data, senior research director Gabriel Soto will explore how the next wave of podcast consumers is shaping the medium.” Get more info and register here. 

Radio Mercury Awards Call for Entry. Call for Entry for the 2026 Radio Mercury Awards is officially open. Entrants have the opportunity to be awarded in 17 categories along with the Best of Show recognition. Call for Entry deadline is Monday, April 6, 2026. Finalists for the show will be announced in early May, and winners will be announced at the live Radio Mercury Awards event on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at SONY Hall in New York City. For more information regarding entry categories, guidelines, entry fees and deadlines, available sponsorship information and more, click here.

Industry News

WWO Confirms Return of Bongino Streaming Show and Podcast

Cumulus Media confirms that former FBI deputy director Dan Bongino is back with the company as Westwood One will serve as the exclusive sales partner for his new show that will stream live daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon ET exclusively via Rumble with recorded audio available on all major podcast platforms. The new show launches on February 2. Cumulusimg Media | Westwood One says, “The relaunch marks Bongino’s most extensive digital commitment to date, designed to meet increasing audience demand for long-form and in-depth content. The two-hour format strengthens the show’s position as a major voice in independent media, offering a highly engaging, daily destination for listeners seeking headline analysis, guest interviews, cultural commentary, and special ‘Bongino Army’ segments.” Bongino comments, “I’m excited to get back behind the mic and reconnect directly with the audience. This show has always been about cutting through the noise and talking honestly about what matters. We’re coming back bigger, bolder, and always unfiltered — exactly how people want it.” Westwood One and Cumulus Podcast Network president Collin Jones adds, “Dan Bongino is back! Few voices in talk media command the loyalty and firepower that Dan brings. His audience? Formidable. His influence? Undeniable. This promises to be an incredible journey as Dan drives the national conversation daily on the most important issues at hand, with authority that has been hard-fought and well-earned. Westwood One is beyond proud to help power the next chapter of ‘The Dan Bongino Show.’”

Industry News

Retired Radio Industry Legend Bob Shannon Creates Powerful AI Song About Minnesota Strife

Former 20-year TM Productions creative and marketing executive, Bob Shannon has written and produced – with the help of AI – a compelling ballad about the tragic drama playing out in Minnesota titled, “When theimg Circus Came to Town.”  The Minneapolis-based former DJ, programmer and radio exec tells TALKERS, “In full disclosure, this song was created on suno.com using V5.  The lyrics are all mine, and the orchestration is mine too by virtue of having given all of the instructions to create the track. Regardless of how all the controversy about artificial intelligence plays out, I am releasing this opinionated and highly emotional song purely as an expression of my free speech and artistic expression – not for commercial marketing purposes.”

Shannon continues, “Minneapolis is torn apart, and I see that it’s happening all across the country in relation to the actions of ICE. For the record, I am for a good immigration policy in this country, however the actions of this brutish force neither constitute good policy nor go anywhere towards solving our problem. As a personal note, my housekeeper’s sister-in-law was arrested by ICE at her house yesterday (1/8) morning at 6:00 am with no warrant and no reason… and taken away from her children, who were left alone. For that reason, I was compelled to create this. When my original words were complete, I went to Suno.com, the much discussed Artificial Intelligence music creator, and typed in specific music prompts about instrumentation (piano with bari-saxophones highlights), tempo (slow and evocative; a story song), key and vocal styles (I selected a single male baritone in G major). Then I instructed Suno to create an instrumentation that sonically conveyed a somber sense of sadness, loss, and deep introspection, with instructions to mix the lyrics high in the final mix.”

Shannon concludes, “My words came from a disbelieving head, from a broken heart, and from the pit of my stomach. This was my humanity shining through, and it exposed my raw and real feelings. But AI has no feelings; it’s just an algorithm that provides untrained musicians with a tool to turn original lyrics into songs. Some say that’s cheating, but that’s a discussion for another day.

To listen to “When the Circus Came to Town,” please click here.

Among his many accomplishments in the radio industry, Shannon is the author of the acclaimed book Turn It Up! American Radio Tales 1946-1996,” originally released in 2009 and updated in 2017.  He can be reached by email at bobshannonworks@gmail.com  or phoned at 206-755-5162.  

Industry News

Audacy Goes with Podscribe for Measurement

Audacy names Podscribe its preferred measurement partner beginning in this year. Podscribe will enable attribution across most of Audacy’s digital portfolio, including streaming audio, podcasting, CTV, and display, with client-facingimg dashboards and API access that support automated reporting and portfolio-level insights. The collaboration will also support select broadcast attribution initiatives within Audacy’s radio portfolio, complementing existing measurement partners. Audacy president of digital sales Michael Biemolt says, “Audacy consistently strives to deliver measurable results for advertisers, and our partnership with Podscribe further strengthens that promise. With enhanced attribution and transparency across our portfolio, we’re giving clients even greater confidence in how Audacy drives performance at scale.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: The Myth of Mentorship

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgAdvice columns blanketing sites like LinkedIn, the Skimm, and Forbes 2.0 – aimed at recent graduates – encourage their readers to seek and bond with an at-work mentor.  After years of skimming “5 bullet” articles, I have reached the tipping point and I’m not going to take it anymore: Seeking a mentor as a career strategy is horrible advice. Just horrible.

Here’s what I experienced. My first job out of Syracuse University was at RKO Radio in Manhattan. An FM. OMG. The job was promotional support and a weekend talk show. After that, NBC local, ABC network, NBC corporate, ABC corporate… all before I was 30. No mentor.

Seek-a-mentor articles are usually aimed at women. It is even worse advice for women. Here’s why:

1. No one wants to be your mentor out of kindness and heavenly points. They only want to be your mentor if you are wired to someone powerful. Someone you can tell how wonderful they are to you

2. Your mentor’s reputation becomes yours! If your mentor is thought a jerk or is fired out of general hatred, you will be fired pretty soon. At NBC, the perception was that NBC CEO Fred Silverman was my mentor. I was terminated about a week after Fred left the building. The reason I was given by my direct report was, “You were too closely associated with Fred.” Fact: I spoke to Fred once during my three-year NBC tenure. (Much later Fred and I became close friends and how lucky I was!)

3. The mentee’s expectations are always too broad. Each of us is good at one or two skills. “mentor” implies a much wider menu of advice than is realistic.

4. One day, the mentor will be proven wrong on a key issue and the mentee will be very confused.

Best advice ever: You have no friends at work. Co-workers, yes. Work-wife? Work-husband? No, no, no!

The greatest gift you can give a co-worker is a request for advice. Each co-worker has strengths. Identify those strengths and tap into those. One request of a colleague is flattering. Ten requests for help is a sign of weakness and you will be eaten.

In any business, especially “glamour” businesses, your goal is to not be eaten by people jealous of you.  You could be eaten for any reason because the jobs are sparse and security is mercurial.

Obviously, a job is a job. It is not a social club. Early in a person’s work life, it is tempting to make the workplace a surrogate family. That could get you eaten. Do your job. Go home.

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.

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Industry News

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