Industry News

MIW Names First Mentee in Newly Launched Digital Sales Mentorship Program

Nikki K Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) tells TALKERS they are thrilled to introduce Nikki Kuniej as the first mentee for the non-profit’s newly launched Digital Sales Mentorship Program. As director of digital strategy at Saga Communications’ Charleston Media Solutions, MIW states, “Nikki exemplifies the spirit of this program with her dedication to growth and community service. She brings a passion for driving strategic growth for local businesses.” Beyond her career, Kuniej is deeply involved in her community, serving as a Big Sister and board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry. She is active with the Charleston Chamber, where she contributes to the Regional Policy Committee, Thrive Ladies Networking, and the Regional Housing Coalition. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed; she was honored as a 2023 “One to Watch,” a Charleston Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient, and a 2024 recipient of the RAB’s “Rising Thru the Ranks” award. Supported by its sponsor, Beasley Media Group, this program will provide Nikki with invaluable mentorship from top digital leaders. As the 2024-2025 mentee, Kuniej will engage in monthly coaching sessions with a Digital Mentor and leading digital experts, gaining valuable insights and guidance to drive her career forward. MIW Beasley DIG Mentorship “I am overjoyed to be selected as the MIW Digital Mentee,” says Kuniej. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to have personal access to such accomplished and high achieving women for a year. Heading into 2025, I set a personal goal to focus on professional development, and this is the ideal way to start the year.”  “We are thrilled to support such an impactful mentoring program that underscores the critical role of digital innovation in our industry,” said Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff adds, “Nikki’s dedication to her professional growth and community service truly embodies the spirit of this mentorship. We’re eager to see the impact she’ll make as she continues to thrive in her career. With leaders like Nikki, the future of radio is promising – and with the support of companies like Beasley Media Group, our ability to offer meaningful mentorship opportunities is stronger than ever.” For more information on all MIW mentorship programs, please visit www.radioMIW.com.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (11/12) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President-elect Donald Trump’s initial cabinet and government power-job appointments was the top subject discussed yesterday (11/12) in the talk media.  That was followed by continuing and growing speculation over Trump’s promised migrant deportation, his expected pardons for January 6 convicts, and the economy according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (11/11) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of the presidential election and President-elect Donald Trump’s potential cabinet appointments; speculation over Trump’s promised migrant deportation; Wall Street’s ongoing post-election rally; the rise in anti-Semitic activity in the U.S. and Europe; Trump’s expected pardons for January 6 convicts; and the Veterans Day holiday were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

IHeartMedia Names Lisa DiMartini President for Allentown and Reading

iHeartMedia announced today (11/11) that Lisa DiMartini has been appointed market president for the Allentown and Reading markets, effective immediately. Lisa DiMartiniThe iHeartMedia Allentown and Reading markets include seven iconic station brands across both broadcast and digital formats, offering a diverse lineup of music, talk and news programming. In her new role, DiMartini will oversee sales, programing, promotions, and operations for both the Allentown and Reading markets. She will report to Brit Goldstein, president of the iHeartMedia Mid-Atlantic area.  “Lisa is the consummate professional –  unflappable, positive, and centered.  She has rejuvenated the Allentown market with her unique approach to fostering culture and partnerships,” said Goldstein.  “I’m very excited to see Lisa apply her business principles to the Reading market and beyond.” DiMartini most recently served as the VP of sales for iHeartMedia Allentown, where she played a pivotal role in driving growth and fostering innovation. Prior to that, she served successfully as account executive for iHeart Allentown. Her career began at The Morning Call in Allentown and she is a graduate of Millersville University.  “I am honored to expand my role to lead both the Allentown and Reading markets,” DiMartini tells TALKERS.  “I look forward to working with the talented teams in both locations to drive continued success and growth while delivering value to our partners and listeners.”

Industry News

IHeart Media Appoints New Region Presidents for New York and Chicago

iHeartMedia announced today (11/8) that Steve DeLusant has been named region president for the New York market and Adam Kurtz region president for the Chicago market, effective immediately. Steve DeLusant DeLusant and Kurtz will report to Bernie Weiss, division president, iHeartMedia.  DeLusant and Kurtz will be responsible for managing multiple platforms across New York and Chicago iHeartMedia brands. In these newly appointed positions, both region presidents will work closely with the sales, programming and digital teams for all station brands in the New York and Chicago markets and will also have direct oversight of the respective sales teams.  “I’m thrilled to promote both Steve and Adam. It’s especially rewarding to find the best candidates for key leadership roles in your own buildings,” Weiss tells TALKERS. “They’re extremely knowledgeable about our ever-evolving business and have built some of the best media sales teams in the country. I’m confident that they will continue to elevate our New York and Chicago operations to even greater heights and continue to drive revenue.” Prior to his new role, Steve DeLusant has held the position of SVP of sales for iHeart New York since January 2020. Adam Kurtz Earlier in his career, DeLusant was senior account executive for Emmis Communications and a sales associate for WLTW.  Adam Kurtz is a seasoned media veteran with 23 years of sales experience at iHeartMedia including 14 years in sales management.  Kurtz began his media career at WLIT in Chicago where he was an account executive for nine years.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WURDWURD Radio Endorses Kamala Harris for President.  For the first time in its 20+ year history, Philadelphia’s only Black-owned radio station, WURD Radio has endorsed a political candidate — Kamala Harris for President of the United States. Prompted in part by the decision from owners of the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post to overrule planned endorsements by their editorial boards, sources at the station tell TALKERS, this decision underscores the importance of independent media ownership. From the endorsement: “Our founder, Walter P. Lomax Jr., M.D., understood that the media has the power to shape perceptions, images, narratives and, most importantly in this election, to tell the truth. He understood that the media can demonize or humanize, destroy or exalt, diminish or elevate. Dr. Lomax knew that mainstream media often marginalizes, caricatures and maligns Black people. WURD is in a unique position to speak honestly and emphatically about what matters most to our community because we are independently owned.”  To read the entire text of the endorsement, please click here.

 

imSiriusXM Tips Off College Basketball Coverage with 74 Games on Opening Night, November 4.  SiriusXM will deliver college basketball fans an extensive schedule of live games throughout the 2023-24 college basketball season, starting with a slate of 74 women’s and men’s matchups to choose from when the season tips off this Monday (11/4).  The men’s schedule includes all 19 teams from the Associated Press Top 25 that are in action on Monday night, including the season’s first matchup of Top 25 ranked teams – #8 Baylor @ #6 Gonzaga (11:30 pm ET). The opening day schedule of women’s games on SiriusXM includes 12 teams from the Associated Press Top 25 and features a couple of Top 25 matchups – #20 Ole Miss @ #3 USC (noon ET) and #5 UCLA @ #17 Louisville (2:30 pm ET).  Throughout the season SiriusXM listeners will get access to dozens of game broadcasts each week involving teams from the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, Pac-12, Big East and more.

 

NewsMaxNewsmax Launches in France on Molotov.  Newsmax TV, one of America’s most popular news channels, just launched on Molotov, one of France’s leading TV platforms, as U.S. voters go to the polls to pick their next president.  The Newsmax channel went live on Molotov’s platform on October 24, 2024, expanding its global footprint with 19 million Molotov users in France and French-speaking territories.  Molotov is one of France’s main TV services offering streaming television to internet users across the nation and its territories. Molotov subscribers can tune to Newsmax via the platform’s free tier.

 

Industry Views

TALKERS Legal Series on Fair Use (Part 5): The Balance Between “Exposure” and “Value” in Copyright Law

Industry News

Radio Spokesmodel Marks First Anniversary with “75 Radio” Show

 Danila Rodrigues

The “75 Radio” Show announces the one-year anniversary of its association with what the program’s producers describe as “the world’s first radio spokesmodel,” Danila Rodrigues. Rodrigues is literally the face of “75 Radio” as her photos grace the podcast archives, YouTube, as well as all promotional material. Rodriguez helps promote “75 Radio” and its stated principles of smaller government and individual liberty. She made her debut as a member of the “75 Radio” team on October 28, 2023, when she appeared with hosts Walter Yurkiw, Peter “Scoop” Stanton and Pulitzer Prize winner and host of the “No BS Newshour,” Charlie LeDuff. Besides a radio personality, Rodrigues is also a model who has been featured in Moevir, Latinos Today, Pump, and even TALKERS. Besides modeling, Danila Rodrigues is a nurse, business owner, champion bodybuilder, fitness expert, and a mother.  “75 Radio” is a conservative talk show syndicated by Liberty News Radio Network from its flagship station WMQM-AM/W227DQ 1600 AM, Memphis. The show is also carried online via the Roku Player, Tune In app and on LibertyNewsRadio.com. All shows are uploaded to most major podcasting services including Spotify and Apple as well as archived on its website 75Radio.org all free of charge. The show is hosted by Walter Yurkiw and Peter “Scoop” Stanton. Both are former members of the New York Police Department. They can be contacted at info@75Radio.org.

Industry News

TRAVELIN’ MAN: Salem Radio Network’s Greg Clugston to Channel Charles Kuralt “On The Road”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

CRN ReunionOld Friends and Colleagues Gather for CRN International Reunion.  Some 50 long-ago colleagues gathered at a warm weekend reunion at a cozy restaurant in the Nutmeg State for what, in the 1970s, began as “Connecticut Radio Network.” It evolved into CRN International, a major advertising promotion agency, which ceased operations a decade ago. CRN SkiWatch reports aired across the USA, customized for each affiliate, and based on conditions reported by CRN’s army of spotters. Pictured above (l-r): consultant Holland Cooke; CRN International founder Barry Berman; and WABC, New York news personality, Joe Connolly. (NOTE: CRN International is not to be confused with long-active CRN Digital Talk Radio.)

 

Circle ThisAdLarge Adds Innovative “CIRCLE THIS” Podcast to Client Stable.  AdLarge, a pioneering podcast advertising agency, has announces the addition of “CIRCLE THIS with Andrea ‘Dre’ Bendewald” to the fwd. network, an innovative media brand championing female creators. “CIRCLE THIS” is described as a series of deep, playful, and intimate conversations shedding light on how to create magic and meaning in your everyday life. Bendewald invites her close circle of friends which include innovators, authors, entrepreneurs, healers, and artists, to share their stories and practices for building and nurturing authentic relationships. Adding “CIRCLE THIS” to the fwd. network, represents a “bold step forward” in what AdLarge describes as its “ongoing effort and dedication to amplifying female creators as crucial voices in the modern media landscape.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Patty Hixson, regional vice president, Cumulus Fresno/Stockton/Modesto, was honored during the Marjaree Mason Center’s 41st Annual Top 10 Professional Women and Leading Business Awards (10/16). Patty HixsonThe hallmark awards ceremony, presented by CalViva Health in the New Exhibit Hall of the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center. The awards paid tribute to 10 Central Valley women who have excelled professionally, served as role models, and given back to their communities, as well as one business honored for its support of women and women’s issues. Patty Hixson’s successful radio career spans 32 years serving the Central Valley. An active leader in the community, she has been a member of the Fig Garden Rotary Club for 30 years, serving as president in 2018, and was a longtime member of the California State University-Fresno’s Bulldog Foundation. Hixson also served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. Patty Hixson said: “I’m honored and humbled to be recognized among this astute group of leaders. Giving back to the community is a central part of my DNA, and I thank the Marjaree Mason Center for this award and for its important efforts supporting all women in our community.”

Edison Research to present the Sports Audio Report: Demographics at Play.  Edison Research today announces that the Sports Audio Report: Demographics at Play with SiriusXM Media will be presented in a webinar on Tuesday, October 29 at 2:00 PM ET.  This third and final installment from the Sports Audio Report, from Edison Research, SiriusXM Media, and GroupM, will explore the diversity in sports fandom, examine sports fans’ interaction with sports audio, and discuss how to reach different groups of sports fans when it comes to advertising. The webinar will be presented by Salma Aly, manager of research at Edison Research and MaryKate Breslin, senior manager, sales research at SiriusXM Media.  Registration for the webinar is now open.  For more information: Daniella Peter Paul-Loor, dpeterpaulloor@edisonresearch.com

 

Jeff Lewis Signs New Multi-Year Agreement with SiriusXM, Expands Hit Talk Show “Jeff Lewis Live” to Two Hours Daily. SiriusXM announced today that Jeff Lewis has signed a multi-year agreement extension with SiriusXM.Sirius The agreement extension will feature Jeff Lewis expanding his popular show, “Jeff Lewis Live” to two hours a day giving listeners more of Jeff Lewis promoted as “just the way you want him…live and uncensored.”  Lewis tells TALKERS, “SiriusXM has given me the freedom to build a show that is unfiltered, unapologetic, and morally corrupt. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow my show and my cult…I mean, listeners.” The show will now air Monday through Fridays from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm ET on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy (ch. 102) and on the SiriusXM app. SiriusXM’s Radio Andy features 24/7 content produced and curated by Andy Cohen, and features the latest in pop culture, celebrities, lifestyle, news and more. SiriusXM’s Radio Andy lineup includes “Andy Cohen Live,” “Jeff Lewis Live,” “Smith Sisters Live (Lauren, Rachel, and Mariah Smith),” “Gayle King in the House,” “The Jess Cagle Show with Julia Cunningham,” “It’s Me, Tinx,” and more.

Industry News

2024 Presidential Race Taking on Historic Role as Nation’s First “Podcast Election”

Tyrus and Trump

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Broadcasters Foundation Asks Broadcasters in Affected Areas to Spread the Word To Colleagues That Help Is Available for Those in Greatest Need.  The Broadcasters Foundation of America is delivering emergency financial assistance to qualifying colleagues in the radio and TV industry who have been personally hit hard by Hurricane Helene. The Foundation’s Emergency Grant Program is set up with a streamlined vetting process that enables the charity to get emergency funds to those in desperate need quickly. “Broken pipes, power outages, displacement, and more have brought devastation to many of our colleagues,” noted Tim McCarthy, president of the BFoA.  “We’ve already approved over half a dozen requests and that’s just the beginning. Based on the number of requests from previous disasters, we know that figure will grow significantly as those impacted by the storm assess their damage and determine the costs. “We’ve also reached out to groups and state associations in the areas impacted by Hurricane Helene and asked them to inform their employees and members that we are here to provide aid to those who need it most,” McCarthy added. “Our colleagues cannot be left alone to struggle.”  Individuals in radio and television may apply for emergency aid to see if they qualify by clicking here. For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.

 

Lifestyle Show with Frankie Boyer Debuts on WGCH Radio, Greewich, CT.   Veteran award-winning radio talk show host for 24+ years, Frankie Boyer has announced the addition of her new broadcast, “The Frankie Boyer Lifestyle Show,” which airs on WGCH, News Talk AM 1490, Greenwich, CT. Frankie Boyer The one-hour show is live weekdays from 6:00 -7:00 pm. WGCH covers Fairfield County, CT as well as neighboring Westchester County, NY. The station serves the community with extensive local news, sports and talk programming. Boyer tells TALKERS, “My show will be fast paced, very informative, full of joy and very uplifting, for my listeners.”  Boyer hosts two other syndicated shows – “Cannabis Talk A-Z” and “Frankie Boyer Radio.”  For more information contact 508-878-1782 or frankieboyer@aol.com

 

PodcastOne Appoints Jim Lally Head of Business Development.  PodcastOne announced today that Jim Lally has joined the company as its head of business development. Jim LallyHe will report directly to PodcastOne’s president Kit Gray and will leverage his industry expertise to expand internal sales and publishing synergies, increase talent revenues and the company’s prominence with both media buyers and content creators. Lally, an industry veteran, joins from Libsyn Ads, where he served as director of brand partnerships.

Industry News

EXCLUSIVE DEBUT: Richard Neer’s New Radio Short Story, “Invisible Airwaves”

Invisible Airwaves

Legendary WFAN, New York personality Richard Neer, an accomplished author as well as a radio broadcasting pioneer in both the album rock and sports-talk genres, has written a fascinating short story that takes place in a contemporary radio setting. TALKERS is proud to publish its world debut today (9/30) marking the first time in its 34-year history that the trade journal is presenting a work of literary fiction based on the media.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Our talk media industry readers will find this short story relatable, dramatic and compelling.”

Kelly Sterling, a lifestyle reporter for The Washington Post, sets out to find Greg Campbell, a once-prominent DC radio talk show host who vanished from the airwaves more than two decades ago. His search leads him to a small town in rural Virginia, where Campbell broadcasts from a tiny station with little reach. Now in his nineties, Campbell continues to deliver thoughtful, reasoned commentaries, offering a rare voice of moderation in an increasingly polarized media landscape. Sterling meets Campbell and his daughter, Grace, who cares for him and supports his passion for broadcasting. Despite the station’s humble setting, Campbell’s love for radio and dedication to the principles of journalism shine through as he prepares for each broadcast. As Sterling digs deeper, he discovers there’s more to the story of Campbell’s life and career than he initially expected, revealing layers of resilience, purpose, and the enduring impact of one man’s voice.

To read the story in its entirety, please click here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Advertisers, Explaining

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

im

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Industry News

TALK MEDIA INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE: Trump Bites the Hand that Feeds Him

At a rally in Indiana, PA yesterday (9/23) former President Donald Trump, working largely impromptu without a teleprompter, wandered off whatever script he was working with and took a shot at the FOX News Channel that should raise a few eyebrows across the talk media industry regardless of political position.  After complaining about FOX’s practice of having some guests or sources on that are not pro-MAGA, which itself is a breach of journalistic boundaries, he stated, “You ever notice on FOX… they put me on… I do a great job… and then they follow me with a horrible commercial?  I say what the hell is the good of me doing it. Roger Ailes never allowed bad commercials.  What’s the purpose of me doing a nice show and they put nine horrible commercials on which are all lies.”

Industry News

Audacy Announces Weekday Programming Changes for 670 The Score, Chicago

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Salem Radio Network and the Salem News Channel Will Simulcast CBS News VP Debate.   Beginning at 9:00 pm ET on Tuesday (10/1), Salem will simulcast the 90-minute debate between U.S. Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz that will be moderated by “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan, host of “Face the Nation.”  Immediately prior to the simulcast, SRN and SNC will broadcast a two-hour Salem “Pre-Debate Special” beginning at 7:00 pm ET. Salem’s Larry Elder will host the program and will be joined by SRN’s Mike Gallagher, Dr. Sebastion Gorka, Dennis Prager, and Tony Perkins. Phil Boyce, SVP for Spoken Word at Salem Media Group, tells TALKERS, “Who better to host our Pre-Debate coverage than Larry Elder who ran for Governor of California and then for President. He’s been in that chair before, so he knows what to say. Stations who sign up for coverage are in for a treat!” Interested stations in the East Coast and Central regions can contact Jim Bligh at  jbligh@srnradio.com or 212-419-4663.  On the West Coast or in the Midwest region (North Dakota to Texas) contact Kelli DeShan at  kdeshan@srnradio.com or 972-707-6882.

Job Opportunity

WOSH, Appleton-Oshkosh, WI Looking for Morning Show Host

WOSHCumulus Media Appleton-Oshkosh, WI is looking for a dynamic morning show host for its legendary conservative talk and news station WOSH-AM (with FM translator). The station just celebrated its 83rd anniversary and is looking for an engaging presence to guide it to its next milestone.  Station officials tell TALKERS, “The WOSH host shares the community voice and opinions and encourages listeners in the Fox River Valley to engage with the topics of the day, whether they agree (or even disagree) with us. Our talent, news, the sound of the station, and promotions are all forward thinking. If you are as well, maybe Wisconsin should be on your radar!”  For more details and contact information, please click here.

Industry News

Today is Constitution Day

Industry News

Charlotte’s WBT AM/FM, Radio One, and The Carolina Journal partner to present “The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT”

Industry Views

STERLING STATES: Get Rush Right!

Walter M. Sterling
By Walter M Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
“Sterling on Sunday”
Talk Media Network

BLIND QUOTE TEST: Who said, “We don’t have to worry about oil spills, the ocean is a big place. What do we care about dolphins? I don’t see dolphins building super-highways at the bottom of the ocean.” That’s Rush Limbaugh at one of his more compelling moments.

Mr. Limbaugh and I shared a mentor: Ed McLaughlin.  When Rush launched, he did an interview with this publication where he stated that his mission was to INFORM-INFORM-INFORM. I was with Ed Mclaughlin when the article was published and Ed became distracted and slightly annoyed,

“I’m going to have to talk to Rush when he gets off the air. That’s not his mission. His mission is to ENTERTAIN-ENTERTAIN-ENTERTAIN,” said Mr. McLaughlin. Rush followed the guidance from McLaughlin, who was the founding GM of KGO San Francisco and president of the ABC Radio Networks.

The reason Rush was a success was not that he attacked Democrats, it was because he was entertaining.  Tragically, it appears that most of his copycats only steal Rush’s stage rather than his performance.

Rush’s show was heavily prepped to generate an entertaining package. Yes, he’d attack Democrats – and he initially attacked Donald Trump. But the show was everything else, and everything else won the ratings.

EVERYTHING ELSE:

• Every single day Rush brought BRAND NEW proof for his argument on any subject. He delivered revealing stories, anecdotes, jokes, observations. All shows were fresh and UNPREDICTABLE. While his conclusions on a given topic may have repeated day after day, his evidence was always new and often surprising.

• He liked cats. He talked a lot about his cats.

• Radio wrestling. If a caller presented hard, cold facts that refuted one of Rush’s arguments, facts that busted Rush, Rush would say, “So what of it sir? I’m right.” He never, ever changed his opinion and that is a show.

• He liked football, he talked a lot about football.

• TV shows, Florida, hating New York City, his weight and dumb fails of the characters of our country were often the majority content of a three-hour show.

• A lactating mom caller pleased him when she said it was her responsibility to find a place to express her milk during the workday – not her employer’s. At first Rush didn’t understand, then he realized, with her help that a nursing mom either shares her milk with the baby or she must “save” it. Bonus track, she was a Native American who adored Rush. But you didn’t expect any of that!

He was very savvy about who he became. He rarely did TV interviews because his audience was bigger than any cable channel he might bless. Why should he promote those channels?

Rush had been a top 40 jock. A Top 40 background matched KGO general manager Mickey Luckoff’s criteria for hiring hosts: “The main hosts must have top 40 experience because I can teach them ‘talk,’ but I can’t teach them how to do RADIO.” Howard Stern said on air, “My job is to get to the next thing.” Top 40 is all about the next thing.

His arguments against the Democrats were a stage for presenting daily surprises. If you want Rush’s ratings, SURPRISE!

Walter M Sterling’s nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight. 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 waltermsterling@gmail.com.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

98.5 The Sports Hub Names Ryan Johnston as New Boston Bruins Play-By-Play Announcer.  Beasley Media Group’s 98.5 The Sports Hub, WBZ-FM, Boston has named Ryan Johnston to take over play-by-play duties for the Bruins NHL broadcasts. Johnston replaces Judd Sirott, who recently left the radio seat to move over to TV. The sports radio veteran has been with The Sports Hub since 2009. He’s been the PBP fill-In on 98.5 and the Boston Bruins Radio Network since 2010. Johnston has also been the main host of the station’s Saturday morning “Sports Hub Hockey Show” since 2012. For the past three years he’s been a regular fill-in for the “Toucher & Hardy” (Fred Toucher and Rob “Hardy” Poole morning program.)

 

Joe Thomas Morning Show Now in Syndication by TMN.  2024 has been quite a year for talk broadcaster Joe Thomas of Charlottesville, VA. imHe purchased his own station – WTON, Staunton, VA after serving the Charlottesville market for years as morning host of WCHV. Now he has put his morning talk show into syndication through Talk Media Network. It has already been cleared on WZXI in Lancaster, KY and WTTB on Florida’s ‘Treasure Coast’ (as well as his own WTON in Central Virginia). Joe tells TALKERS, “This is such an honor to work with people like Josh Leng and Willis Damalt at TMN. We’re up every morning to help the new listeners get their day started just like we have been for over 20 years!” He adds, “Just like that ‘other’ guy named Thomas [Jefferson] from Charlottesville, my show promises free speech and independence and I hope that it too spreads across America.”  For information about “Joe Thomas in-the-morning,” contact Willis Damalt at TMN. 917-603-7148 or willis@talkmedianetwork.com.

Industry News

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Announces Free Virtual Digital Sales Webinar

Digital Sales Webinar
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to advancing female leadership in radio broadcasting, in conjunction with Beasley Media Group, has announced an upcoming Digital Sales Webinar. This productive and valuable event will feature three of the industry’s most respected leaders and innovators in the digital space: Tina Murley, chief revenue officer of Beasley Media Group; Jenny Sutton, SVP of digital media sales and operations for Audacy; and Shannon Knoepke, market president of Townsquare Media, Minnesota. The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, September 19th at 4:00 pm ET. Topics will include:

• The growing importance of Digital Audio, with a focus on streaming and podcasting.

• Leveraging Social Media as a powerful tool for audience engagement and revenue generation.

• Maximizing the potential of Local Digital initiatives.

• Best practices for Impression-Based Selling, including pricing strategies and performance metrics.

• The role of Third-Party Partnerships in driving success.

• Strategies for enhancing Advertiser ROI through innovative digital approaches.

• The synergistic value of combining Over-the-Air (OTA) and Digital platforms to boost client returns.

“This webinar is a unique opportunity to learn from the top minds in digital sales and gain insights that can help navigate the complexities of today’s media landscape,” said Ruth Presslaff, MIW board president. “We encourage everyone to join us for what promises to be a compelling and educational event, beautifully arranged by Sheila Kirby and generously sponsored by Beasley Media Group.”  Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley adds, “We are thrilled to support this important MIW webinar that underscores the vital role digital plays in our business today.”

Register for the webinar here. To learn more about Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc., visit radiomiw.com.

 

 

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Mark KayeCanceled (WOKV-FM, Jacksonville) Talk Radio Host Returns With Political Podcast “Mark Kaye Saves the Republic!”Radio talk show host and Newsmax TV personality Mark Kaye tells TALKERS that he’s launching an entertaining new political podcast, “Mark Kaye Saves the Republic!”Lara Trump and Mark Kaye The new daily podcast and livestream promises to deliver fun and informative takes on breaking news and political headlines. Mark approaches the show with his trademark high energy and quick wit to create what he describes as “a cool atmosphere for all his loyal listeners affectionately called Kayetriots.”  Kaye states, “I am beyond excited to create entertaining and informative daily content again. Since I was canceled [by WOKV-FM, Jacksonville], my audience has been struggling to find real news and true conservative values on the radio or anywhere else. This is not just another news podcast. It’s an online world where patriotic Americans come together to get the daily information and inspiration they need to keep fighting for this great country. My listeners and I are going to save the republic and we’re going to have a lot of fun doing it!”  The show kicks off this week with live coverage from the Presidential Debate in Philadelphia. “Mark Kaye Saves The Republic!” is produced by Kayetriot Media.

 

 

 

Heidi HarrisHeidi Harris Inducted Into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame.  After 26 years in radio including stints at KXNT and KDWN in Las Vegas, veteran talk show host Heidi Harris was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame this past weekend (9/7).  Harris tells TALKERS, “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Nevada Broadcasters Association, which works tirelessly on behalf of the broadcasting community, and awards generous scholarships every year to the next generation of broadcasters.”  Harris continues to be a trailblazer presenting “The Heidi Harris Show” as an online streaming and video podcast production.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Cumulus/Westwood One Study:  Sports Listeners More Engaged than Sports Viewers. According to a brand-new season-long Nielsen analysis of Portable People Meter tuning for the 2023-2024 season, a total of 64 million people listened to the NFL on Westwood One. This week’s Cumulus Media/Westwood One Audio Active Group blogs break down the findings which indicate among other talking points that the sports listener is more passionate than the TV viewer, giving audio commercials greater impact;  that audio is usually closest to the point of purchase reaching busy on-the-go people whose “best available screen” is their in-car AM/FM radio; and that audio reaches desirable consumers – young, employed, upscale, and with greater spending power.  Just in time for the NFL 2024-2025 season, click here for the full study:  Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® blog

 

WIP Extends PNC Bank Advertising Contract with Eagles in Philly.  Audacy Philadelphia and PNC Bank have extended their longtime relationship with PNC continuing as the presenting sponsor of the Eagles Radio Network on SportsRadio 94WIP (WIP-FM), the flagship radio station of the Philadelphia Eagles. The sponsorship also includes on-air promotional reads and collaboration for client events throughout the year.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Watch Your Language

By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Action Partners
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
Daily host, WPHT Philadelphia
Weekly host, Talk Media Network

Walter Sabo - ID for Walter not SterlingAs an industry, radio has a peculiar modesty. We diminish our magic and power in relating to listeners and colleagues by using the wrong slang terminology. May I suggest new “labelling” of commonly used radio terms?

Board Op. To a non-radio person that could be a game, piece of wood or diver. Let’s call it something romantic such as “Sound Shaper” or specific, “Audio Technician.”

Legacy Media. The worst. Sounds like an Ohio mall. Own our success, the reason radio has existed for 100+ years is that it moves product off the shelves. Call it what radio actually is: “Proven Media.”

Fill-in Host/Jock.  Do you watch TV? A fill-in host is called a “Guest Star.” Radio presents a show – a show starring a remarkable host who can create entertainment without a writer or prompter. Only a “Guest Star” could be a worthy replacement. Yes, when I take time off from my WPHT daily show, they are introduced as “Guest Star.”

Account Executive. Learn from Apple: “Radio Evangelist.”

Air Shift. Good at the Ford plant or Amazon warehouse. Radio is not shift-work. Radio is show-business. Call your time-period what it is: “Show.”

I’m sure you can think of more.

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

Will AI-Powered Robots Take Jobs from Talk Show Hosts?

A big question bouncing around the industry: Will AI-generated voices take jobs away from radio talk show hosts?  Michael Harrison ID
In the opinion of TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, we are entering an era in which it is possible – even likely – for robot voices generated by artificial intelligence to replace at least some human talk show hosts, especially in the wake of relentless corporate cost-cutting by radio’s largest companies. On the music radio side, the process of “voice tracking,” although initially controversial, has become a widely employed budget-tightening process.  However, voice tracking still employs organic talent to generate the verbal content.  AI, on the other hand, bypasses the human element completely.  In a guest appearance yesterday (8/22) on the Manny Munoz mid-morning show on WIOD, Miami, in which the subject of AI was being discussed, Harrison said, “AI is upping the bar. If talk show hosts don’t stay on their game and avoid relying too heavily on the talking points – if they are not creative thinkers and leaders – they can easily be replaced by computer operators.” Harrison continued, “It won’t be too long from now – actually, it is already possible – that two robots could be having a plausible conversation if both have been fed all the talking points.”  Harrison explained, “Each robot will have instant access to all the existent talking points at the speed of light.  Robots are already beating human experts at Jeopardy or chess. The only thing a robot can’t do – at least for now – is to be creative outside the realm of what already exists in cyberspace.  That’s the challenge facing anyone who wants to be a live traditional radio talk show host in this coming brave new world.” Harrison’s appearance on WIOD was part of his ongoing talk radio “Obsolete Slobs” tour in which he’s been promoting the Gunhill Road music video “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots Were Injured in the Production of this Song” (www.ObsoleteSlobs.com).  To listen to the conversation between Munoz and Harrison, please click here.

Industry News

Bill O’ Reilly Independently Flourishing in Digital Era

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

CumulusWestwood One Cumulus Media’s Westwood One Presents National Audio Coverage of the 2024 College Football Season. Westwood One will present national audio coverage of the 2024 college football season. Highlighting Westwood One’s schedule of 16 regular season games will be matchups with top-20 teams including the University of Georgia, Ohio State University, the University of Texas, the University of Oregon, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), the University of Alabama, the University of Missouri, the University of Tennessee, Clemson University, and defending national champion, the University of Michigan as well as the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic between Virginia State University and Benedict College. Postseason games will include the SEC Championship Game, the annual Army vs. Navy Game, and the FCS Championship. In his first year with Westwood One, Nate Gatter will serve as play-by-play announcer. He will be joined by former University of Minnesota tight end and eight-year NFL veteran Derek Rackley, in his 11th season with Westwood One.

 

Dom GiordanoEric Trump Tells WPHT, Philadelphia Host Dom Giordano the DNC is “Dark.”  With Pennsylvania being such an important swing state in the presidential race, WPHT, Philadelphia 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm host Dom Giordano’s program has been a major destination for prominent Republicans on the campaign trail.  On Monday (8/19), Giordano (“the dean of Philadelphia talk radio”) hosted GOP VP nominee J.D. Vance and yesterday (8/20), he was visited by Eric Trump.  Trump, whose wife Lara Trump is co-chair of the Republican National Committee, told Giordano, “Compared to the positivity of the RNC, the DNC was all so dark, depressing and unbearable [for Lara and I] to watch.”

 

Sports Betting Network, VSiN Adapts Management Structure to Support Rapid Expansion.   VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, has announced updates to its leadership, including the promotion of Miles Gwyn to COO. In this new role, Gwyn will manage the network’s day-to-day operations, overseeing content production, distribution and advertising partnerships, technology, compliance, and infrastructure.Stephanie Kamerschak As part of this new management structure, Brian Musburger takes the role of president/chief business officer and Bill Adee becomes CEO.  In addition, VSiN has promoted Stephanie Kamerschak to executive producer, responsible for overseeing talent schedules, managing producers and associate producers, and arranging promotional content across platforms. Most recently, Kamerschak was coordinating producer at VSiN and previously held senior producer roles at DraftKings and ESPN.