SABO SEZ: Learn the Habits of Power and Success
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”
As a media consultant, my team has had the privilege of being engaged extensively by members of the C-Suite. Becoming a member of the C-Suite is a common goal. To get into any group, acceptance often depends on acting and appearing like established members. Here are some of the actions observed of business masters whom we consulted:
Arrive First
Let’s start with Walter Anderson, CEO PARADE magazine. PARADE was then owned by Newhouse and was the most-read publication in the English language with 30-million-plus readers. Walter Anderson was a rock star. For years he was an award-winning editor and proud of his publication. He was a gifted leader. Smart writers and graphic designers want to work for Anderson. He’s that guy! It was an honor to have lunch with him… always at the Four Seasons.
Lunch at 12:30 pm. I’d arrive at 12:25 pm – Anderson was well seated. Lunch at 12:30, I’d arrive at 12:15 pm and Anderson was well seated. I had to arrive at 11:30 am to “beat” him to the 12:30 pm table. When I finally arrived at 11:30, he was startled that I arrived first. Score! I shared this story with the manager of the Four Seasons, Julian Niccolini. Julian smiled and said, “The most powerful person always arrives first.”
Arriving first is control, preemptive and, yes, powerful. Arrive first in all actions. The first one in a room can rearrange the chairs and name plates. Arriving first for a meeting gives a person a moral upper hand!
Answer Emails Fast
Our clients have included a long list of CEOs, presidents, and CBOs. Who answers their emails first? The most powerful: Bob Pittman, CEO, iHeartMedia; Julie Talbott, president, Premiere Networks; Kelli Turner, CEO, Audacy; Bob McAllan, CEO, Press Broadcasting; Joe Clayton (deceased), CEO Sirius; Scott Greenstein, president, SiriusXM; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Soundmind; Tim McCarthy, CEO, Broadcasters Foundation; Alan Shaw, CEO, Centennial Broadcasting; and Chris Oliviero, CBO, Audacy all answer their email super fast. (There are other contacts who answer fast, but this is the CEO/president list.) Most of the other CEOs and presidents who answer late or not at all are bankrupt.
Thank You First
Powerful people send thank you notes – fast. After an event, they send thank you to the host before going to bed. Powerful execs study when people in their industry get an award or promotion and then write notes of congratulations – and stamp it. No emails. Those real letters are saved – forever. Thank you, Cathy Black!
Know Thy Numbers
Powerful executives are never vague about numbers. Vagueness invites suspicion and erodes confidence. BUT, the powerful are not driven by the numbers. The numbers are not front and center in conversations.
RKO chairman Tom O’Neil hired my company to consult all of their radio stations. Tom was charming, in charge, and larger than life. RKO owned Frontier Airlines. Over lunch, he casually mentioned the passenger load on Frontier that day. He knew those numbers and the ratings for WOR midday. Pass the bread.
Once a year, PARADE and all Newhouse pubs presented their business plans to the Newhouse brothers directly. Participating in that meeting, I saw that the Newhouses expected the CEOs to know their numbers. The CEOs of their pubs presented the numbers. No CFOs, no accountants, and no business managers were allowed in the business plan meetings. CEO direct to owner.
C-Suite members show up first, answer emails fast, know their numbers cold and send thank you notes.
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.
number of issues based on data from Edison Research’s ongoing Share of Ear study. One aspect of AM/FM radio’s strength is its ability to reach the country’s political segments. The post notes, “Among registered voters, AM/FM radio has a 67% share of ad-supported audio, followed by podcasts (20%). Whether the target is Independents, Republicans, or Democrats, AM/FM radio shares are in the mid-60s to low 70s.” 
Jimmy Kimmel’s first monologue back after the recent suspension had the audience laughing and gasping, and, in the hands of countless radio hosts and podcasters, replaying. Within hours, clips of his bit weren’t just being shared online. They were being chopped up, (re)framed, and (re)analyzed as if they were original show content. For listeners, that remix feels fresh. For lawyers, it is a fair use minefield.
Democrats in Congress have lashed out at FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for his statements about ABC/Disney and Jimmy Kimmel’s Charlie Kirk bit that got Kimmel suspended from “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Last week, Carr appeared on the Benny Johnson podcast and called Kimmel’s statements “some of the sickest conduct possible” and added, “This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney… We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” ABC/Disney has television affiliates owned by both Nexstar and Sinclair, which objected to Kimmel’s comments and threatened to pull Kimmel’s show from the air. Nexstar has a $6.2 billion 
merger with Tegna in the works and needs FCC approval and critics of Carr’s comments are calling him out for appearing to threaten ABC. Republican Senator Ted Cruz, on his Premiere Networks podcast ‘The Verdict,’ disagreed with Carr saying, “Let me tell you if the government gets in the business of saying, ‘We don’t like what you the media says. We’re going to ban you from the airwaves if you don’t say what we like.’ That will end up bad for conservatives.” President Trump – who’s publicly mused about investigating his media critics – weighed in after being asked about Cruz’s response by saying, “I think Brendan Carr’s a courageous person. I think Brendan Carr doesn’t like to see the airwaves be used illegal and incorrectly and purposefully horribly.”
House version contains an eight-year sunset provision on the law requiring all cars manufactured in the U.S. to have an AM radio at no extra cost. The Senate version has no sunset provision. WABC, New York owner John Catsimatidis has been very vocal supporting the bill without the sunset provision. “77WABC and all AM radio stations across the country provide life-saving information and emergency alerts to the public. While the committee’s action may be a step forward, a ridiculous last-minute change sunsets the law in eight years. AM is the backbone of the emergency alert system and tornados, hurricanes, and other disasters won’t go away.”
Charlie Kirk’s tragic assassination shook the talk radio world. Emotions were raw, and broadcasters across the spectrum tried to capture that moment for their audiences. Charles Heller of KVOI in Tucson 
In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder, one would expect every company that owns a talk radio station, every network that syndicates conservative voices, and every corporation that employs talk radio hosts to issue a unified statement of defiance. This was not just an attack on Charlie; it was an attack on the entire industry of talk radio, on the free exchange of ideas, and on the First Amendment itself. Yet, shockingly, most of these companies have remained silent. That silence is unacceptable. At a moment like this, the industry should stand shoulder to shoulder and declare to the world: we will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will never abandon the microphone.
least $3.4 million from the university to operate the station. TribLive reports, “Penn State officials said they proposed transferring the operating assets of WPSU to WHYY and provide a $17 million subsidy structured to decrease over five years, to give WHYY an opportunity to help WPSU reach a financial break-even point and continue broadcasting across central Pennsylvania.” That proposal was not accepted by the trustees. 
From my teenage years to today, radio has been the career of my adult life. When I first began listening in my teens, I was drawn less to the music and more to the conversation. I tuned into stations not for my favorite songs, but because I enjoyed hearing people talk, debate, and share ideas. Over my lifetime, I have seen many changes in the medium. The news/talk format, in particular, has always fascinated me for its mix of news, commentary, and immediacy.
New York’s Cipriani 42nd Street once again played host to one of radio’s most anticipated annual events of the year: the annual “77 WABC Gala,” held this past Friday (9/5). The spectacular evening blended star-studded entertainment, heartfelt tributes, and plenty of radio family camaraderie – all while raising funds for three cornerstone charities: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Police Athletic League, and Shriners Children’s Hospital.
radio spots across 192 media markets, generating more than 1 billion impressions and $43 million in airtime from TV and radio stations. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “Local stations are serving communities with live sports, trusted local news and life-saving emergency coverage – all available for free to every American. But outdated rules are shackling these stations from growing and innovating at a time when Big Tech operates with limitless scale and zero public interest obligations. Consumers deserve more – not fewer – local journalists on the ground and live sporting events accessible without a subscription. The FCC must act quickly to level the playing field so broadcasters can continue investing in the content communities rely on most.”
significant role in shaping Salem’s growth and direction. Under his leadership, Salem launched and developed four major digital properties: Salem Web Network, Salem Church Products, Townhall Media, and Eagle Financial Publications. Salem CEO David Santrella says, “David has been an important part of Salem’s journey, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication, professionalism, and leadership over the years.” Salem co-founder Ed Atsinger adds, “David’s impact on Salem has been profound. From his early days as CFO to his leadership in building our digital media presence, his contributions have helped define who we are today. We thank him for his many years of service and wish him continued success in the future.”
in the U.S. House of Representatives and a filibuster-proof 61 in the U.S. Senate. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “We thank the growing, bipartisan group of lawmakers standing up for their constituents who depend on AM radio. This support demonstrates a deep understanding that AM radio remains an essential lifeline for emergency alerts, local news and community connection. With significant momentum behind this bill, NAB urges House leadership to bring it to the floor without delay and preserve this vital service for the American public.”
election. About returning, Spadea says, “I’m excited to be returning to the airwaves with ‘New Jersey 101.5’ and the largest audience in the state. I’m looking forward to continuing our mission of fighting for common-sense solutions to save New Jersey. Our show has always been about the listeners, and I’m ready to keep amplifying the voices of small business owners, parents, teachers, first responders, nurses, and everyone else committed to digging in and staying in New Jersey. Stay tuned – there’s more to come!” Townsquare Media regional VP Brian Lang says, “Bill’s audience and the team at ‘New Jersey 101.5’ are looking forward to his return. There’s no doubt he’ll have great stories to share. I also want to thank Eric Scott and the entire morning show team for doing an outstanding job while Bill was away.”
hosted the weekend edition of “All Things Considered” since May of 2023. He says, “I’m really excited and honored to step into this role. I’m mindful of just how important All Things Considered’s legacy is for listeners, and I also know just how much I’ve loved working with the show’s team these past two years on weekends. I can’t wait to bring listeners the news five days a week now. And at this moment where we are all focusing on strengthening the entire public media network and working together more closely than ever before, I’m proud that I started out as an ‘All Things Considered’ host at a NPR Member station, and now will be doing that job nationally.”
breathe, peel back layers, and allow a person to reveal their truth. I’m also an obsessive – and my wife would say, annoying – sports fan who will joyously listen to hours of loud Pittsburgh sports talk radio. What’s missing in my life? A show that honors the best of what we do in public media and also brings the spark and energy sports fans relish. We’ve nailed it with ‘Sports in America.’ And what better time than now, as sports are one rare thing we all still show up for together.” Greene hosted NPR’s “Morning Edition” for more than a decade and hosted NPR’s morning news podcast, “Up First.” He also serves as the host of public radio’s politics program “Left, Right & Center” from KCRW and PRX.
An annual physical is a wise idea. Doc asks, “How are you doing?”. Then he or she asks some detailed questions based on your medical history. Then “how have you been feeling? Any issues?” Doc always orders blood draws to see what might be lurking. Is the statin drug keeping your cholesterol in check? Are you getting plenty of exercise, plenty of sleep? How’s your diet? Over the years, I’ve visited about my health with at least a dozen different doctors. I’m convinced that the good ones always ask good questions and then listen carefully. Good questioner – good listener. That’s the doc I can respect and put my trust in.
As TV touts its perennial New Fall Season, our DVR is already set to “record series” so we can pick-up where the “Matlock” sequel left-us-hanging; and for a third season of quirky “Elsbeth” (a closet reboot, the female “Columbo”). And where I live – where everyone seems to know everyone – we are salivating for “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”
WPEN-FM 97.5 The Fanatic on August 8 after almost a year back behind the mic at the station. Missanelli joined sister rock WMMR’s Kathy Romano – a cast member of the “Steve and Preston Show” – was also let go. Beasley issued the following public statement: “We are very grateful for his contributions to the station and our listeners, and we wish him all the best.”
Artificial intelligence now makes it possible to replicate a human voice with striking accuracy. For broadcasters, podcasters, and content creators, the central question is: When does using or imitating a voice become a legal problem? The answer depends on the person being imitated, the purpose of the use, and the rights attached to that voice. Below is a six-bucket framework to help evaluate the risk.
pursuit of pure profit. It embraced this Administration’s radical notion that discriminatory behavior should be tolerated and even embraced, while efforts to expand opportunity for everyone should be rejected.
You did everything right – or so you thought. You used a short clip, added commentary, or reshared something everyone else was already posting. Then one day, a notice shows up in your inbox. A takedown. A demand. A legal-sounding, nasty-toned email claiming copyright infringement, and asking for payment.
South Florida viewers are confused. WPLG, which brands as “Local 10,” was an ABC-TV affiliate for 69 years… until yesterday. Now it’s more local than ever, after divorcing its network, whose programming moved to the FOX affiliate’s digital channels 18.1 and 7.2, now branded “ABC Miami.” Among courteous FAQs about this change on WPLG’s web site: “How do I rescan my TV?” to find ABC programming.