Industry News

Swagler Set To Depart CBS News Radio

Craig SwaglerAfter a 22-year run with CBS News Radio, vice president/general manager Craig Swagler will leave the company this Friday (7/14). In an internal memo sent to employees this past Friday (7/7), Swagler stated that he intends to relocate to the Baltimore area to be closer to family. “As such, I have made the hard decision to step away from my role at CBS News Radio. I am incredibly thankful for my time here and all the amazing people I have had the honor to work with at CBS News. There are far too many individuals to name, but I know you all have made the last 22 years one of the most fulfilling parts of my professional journey.” Prior to being elevated to CBS News Radio’s VP/GM, Swagler was a desk assistant; production coordinator; and special events producer. He previously worked at “Saturday Night Live,” ABC Sports, and The MSG Channel.

Industry News

Joe Madison Reverses Role with MH on This Week’s Harrison Podcast

Heavy Hundred titan Joe Madison recently interviewed TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (6/20) on his long-running “Urban View” channel program on Sirius XM Satellite Radio.  The two legendary radio figures took a deep-dive into the subjects of podcasting, AM radios in cars, the role of boomers in today’s culture, happenings at TALKERS 2023 and the way in which the annual TALKERS Heavy Hundred list is compiled. Now, that compelling conversation is the basis of this week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  Don’t miss this conversation! Listen to the audio here. 

Industry News

Urban One Files 2022 Q4 and Full Year Operating Results

If you’ve been following this story, you are aware that Urban One is late with this Securities and Exchange Commission filing because of accounting issues related to the valuation of its investment interest in MGM National Harbor, which the company sold for cash proceeds of approximately $136.8 million on April 21, 2023. Re-evaluation of the accounting required adjustment to the company’s filings for the four quarters of 2021 andim Q3 of 2022. For the fourth quarter of 2022, net revenue was approximately $132.6 million, an increase of 1.6% from the same period in 2021. The company reports operating income of approximately $14.3 million for the period, compared to approximately $20.3 million for Q4 of 2021. Broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $47.6 million, an increase of 7.9% from the same period in 2021. Net income was $856,000 compared to approximately $5.3 million in net income for the same period in 2021. The company has yet to file its operating results for Q1 of this year, but its preliminary results from the quarter show same station radio segment revenue up 2.0% on a same station basis.

Industry News

KHTK, Sacramento Unveils New Midday Show

Bonneville’s KHTK, Sacramento “Sactown Sports” announced the new midday show starring Kevin “Whitey” Gleason and Chris Watkins. The 10:00 am to 2:00 pm “Whitey & Watkins” program debuts on Monday (7/10). Bonneville Sacramento SVP and market manager Steve Cottimgrim says, “We are very excited to welcomeim Whitey Gleason back to Sactown Sports. The credibility that Whitey has with the sports audience in Northern California coupled with Chris’ passion and knowledge of the Sacramento Kings will certainly make this show a perfect fit for our ever-expanding ‘Sactown Sports’ brand.” Gleason most recently served with Audacy’s KGMZ-FM, San Francisco “95.7 The Game,” and prior to that he was part of the “Rise Guys” show on KHTK. Watkins has been with “Sactown Sports” for nine years, most recently as the host of “Chris & Co” and co-host of the “Return of the Roar” podcast.

Industry News

O’Shaughnessy Family Selling New Rochelle Station for $8.15 Million

Several publications, including trade RBR/TVBR, are reporting that the family of the late William O’Shaughnessy is selling WVIP-FM, New Rochelle, New York, owned by O’Shaughnessy’s Hudson-imWestchester Radio, Inc to religious broadcaster Hope Media Group for $8.15 million. WVIP-FM has been airing programming brokered to Caribbean broadcasters. The O’Shaughnessy family still owns the company’s other station – news/talk WVOX-AM. O’Shaughnessy died in May of 2022 at the age of 84.

Industry News

Broadcasters Foundation to Hold Media Mixer This Month

The Broadcasters Foundation of America launches a series of networking Media Mixers, with the first one scheduled for July 20 at the New York City studios of iHeartMedia. The event will be hosted by nationally syndicated radio air personality Angela Yee, who will be joined by other radio and TV on-air talent. BFoA says, “The purpose of the Media Mixers is twofold: to give up-and-coming professionals in broadcasting anim opportunity to mix and mingle not only with their peers, but with talent, managers, and executives; and to increase their awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation charitable mission.” BFoA president Tim McCarthy adds, “We’re very excited about this new initiative. It’s imperative that we reach the next generation of broadcast industry leaders with our message of help and hope, while giving them an opportunity to network with higher level professionals who they may not otherwise have an opportunity to meet.” The two-hour event is free, but space is limited, and advance registration is required. Register here.

Industry Views

Pending Business: You’re Halfway Home

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imCongratulations! You’ve made to the halfway point this year.

Stand by to prepare for the second half of the year like you never have before. This upcoming second half could be so confusing even WAZE may not get you home.

The economy is sending so many mixed signals it is almost impossible to distinguish flashing warning signs from healthy growth curves. From home sales to new car sales, prices are holding as mortgage rates are at a 15-year high and new car prices redefine sticker shock.

Hiring in many categories was robust over the last few months, signaling a better economy ahead. Here comes the tricky part. For most in the news/talk sales world, the next quarter isn’t exactly on fire and as usual precious few sellers and managers are working on Q4 as they wrestle with the headwinds they now face.

Sorry to report there is no fast fix or instant solution. But let’s at least try to review some basic game planning:

— Are you still spraying and praying, or have you zeroed in on growth targets? Every survey says, “revenge travel” and dining out are big factors in local economies this year. What’s on your target list?

— Open your eyes. What’s hot and what’s not? Here in Florida, there are two Peloton stores in two major malls as well as a full display in our local Dick’s Sporting goods. All three venues are forever uncrowded – as in empty. Yet have you checked out the price of bicycles, golf clubs, or leisure wear? The consumer is spending, but not where you may think.

— Back to the basics. Medical, dental and general wellness should always be on your radar as most of us are ready to invest in health and happiness. Does the category profile show on your target list?

— Unpredictable economies require smarter financial and legal plans. Are your listeners ready for a financial check-up? Laws change and staying current with tax and estate laws is always a challenge. The news/talk audience always over-indexes on financial qualitative.

— How is your competitive periscope? Are you aware of any new media competition that may be carving into budgets? Have you come to terms with the growth in local digital marketing or is your head still in the sand?

The second half of this year is up to you. Make it or break it, it’s your call.

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry News

SRN’s Dennis Prager Addresses Moms For Liberty

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Pictured above Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk host Dennis Prager addressing the annual summit of “Moms For Liberty,” a conservative group advocating parental rights, education reform, and other political/social issues. Also attending the event were 2024 presidential candidates former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Industry News

Audacy Announces 1-for-30 Reverse Stock Split

Audacy announces that it is effecting a 1-for-30 reverse stock split of its Class A and Class B common stock today (6/30). Audacy’s Class A common stock will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis at the opening of the market today, under a new CUSIP number, 05070N 202. At the annual meeting of shareholders held on May 24, Audacy’s shareholders approved a reverse stock split of the company’s outstanding Class A and Class B common stock at a ratio within a range between 1-for-two and 1-for-30, as determined by a committeeim appointed by the company’s board of directors. This committee established the ratio on June 5. The 1-for-30 reverse stock split reduced the number of outstanding shares of the company’s Class A common stock from approximately 137.5 million shares (excluding unvested restricted stock) to approximately 4.6 million shares (excluding unvested restricted stock) and reduced the number of outstanding shares of the company’s Class B common stock from approximately 4.0 million shares to approximately 135 thousand shares. Proportional adjustments were made to the number of shares of Audacy’s Class A common stock subject to outstanding equity awards, as well as to the applicable exercise prices. Trading of Audacy’s Class A common stock was halted on May 5 on the New York Stock Exchange after the share price fell about 12% to $0.09 per share. The NYSE is moving to delist the stock but Audacy is currently appealing that determination.

Industry News

Nationally Syndicated Michael Berry of KTRH, Houston is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Talk radio superstar of iHeartMedia’s KTRH, Houston and independent national syndication, Michael Berry is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Berry – heard daily locally 8:00 am to 11:00 am CT on KTRH and afternoons 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm CT on his independently syndicated show – is ranked a lofty #7 on the new TALKERS Heavy Hundred list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. Michael Harrison describes Berry as “one of the most original and compelling conservative voices on the air and industrious players in the business. He’s an incredibly interesting person.” He began his talk radio career in 2005 while still Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Houston. Berry has earned two law degrees. He has a background in real estate and politics in addition to law. He’s married to the former Secretary of State of Texas, who is from India (and also a lawyer). They are parents of two adopted teenage sons from Ethiopia. His dad was a maintenance worker for a chemical plant, which he says gives him an insight into a broad demographic of listeners. Berry’s programs tackle much more than politics, covering a lot of lifestyle issues including health and wellness both physical and mental, adoption, parenting, and small business advice. On this podcast, Harrison and Berry discuss a variety of topics ranging from Donald Trump and the state of GOP politics to the role of integrity in media, and multi-platform broadcasting. Don’t miss this. Listen to the podcast here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video Posted of “The State of Sports Talk Radio” Panel

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/28) with the panel presentation, “The State of Sports Talk Radio.”im The presentation, sponsored by Backbone Networks, was introduced by John Fredericks, host/owner of the John Fredericks Radio Network (pictured above) and facilitated by WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, GM, John T. Mullen (pictured at right). The panelists (pictured below left to right) included Mark Chernoff, sports reporter, “107.1 The Boss,” Long Branch, NJ/sports talent coach; Grace Blazer, VP, national NTS brand coordinator, director of news and AM programming Florida region, iHeart Radio; and Spike Eskin, VP programming, WFAN, New York and CBS Sports Radio. See the video here.

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Industry News

SiriusXM Shutting Down Stitcher Platform

SiriusXM announces that it is shutting down the Stitcher audio platform on August 29 as it moves to integrate podcasts into its SiriusXM subscription business. SiriusXM acquired Stitcher in 2020 for $325 million. Theim company says that it expects to continue podcast creation via the Stitcher Studios and Earwolf, but the availability of third party podcasts on the SiriusXM app will be determined by the creators/producers of those programs.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video Posted of John Catsimatidis Addressing “AM Radio and the Automobile Industry”

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During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/27) with the closing reception presentation, “AM Radio and the Automobile Industry.” The presentation, sponsored by The Ramsey Show and C. Crane, was delivered by WABC, New York/Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis. The extremely popular broadcasting, supermarket and energy mogul discussed the current AM radio/car issue rallying broadcasters to stand up to the auto industry and fight its current move to eliminate AM radios from cars.  He also discussed the importance of adhering to the tenets of “Freedom, Justice and the American Way” in talk radio broadcasting. He began his speech extolling the merits of “having fun” with your work. Check it out here! Pictured above is Catsimatidis joined at the podium by his wife and WABC co-owner Margo Catsimatidis at the conclusion of his address at TALKERS 2023.

Industry News

Hosts Jim Leach and Frank McNeil Exit WMAY-FM, Springfield

Longtime Springfield, Illinois air personality Jim Leach is leaving Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s news/talk WMAY-AM/FM to take on role of public information officer for the Illinois Department of Public Health. The progressive talk host – who’s been hosting the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm show – admits to the State Journal Register that he feels “incredibly fortunate to have been given the platform and latitude” to express his views on his talkim show on the station for nearly three decades. Leach tells the news outlet that his role as “a smart, local progressive-leaning talk show on a commercial radio station is going the way of the dinosaur. ‘It was certainly my hope to make sure that we had a wide array of viewpoints and to make sure a lot of people’s views and opinions were heard, and I feel like we accomplished that. I find that a really gratifying part of the job. We opened up that platform and that ability to be heard to a wider audience.’” Additionally, the new lineup does not include current early evening host Frank McNeil, who tells the State Journal Register that station management suggested another time for his program that “wasn’t acceptable at this point in time.” See more from the State Journal Register here.

Industry News

JVC Media Closes on Long Island AM and FM Translator

On Monday (6/26), JVC Media closed on its acquisition of WLIM, Medford, New York and its FM translatorim W227CL at 93.3, licensed to Port Jefferson, New York. Pictured above is JVC president and CEO John Caracciolo (left) with seller Commercial Assets Inc president Mike Celenza (right) at the transmitter site. JVC is airing a classic hits format on the frequencies but says that a new format is coming to the station soon. The broker on the transaction was Mark Jorgenson of Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage, Inc.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/26) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Hunter Biden plea deal on failure to pay taxes and whether or not he got a “sweetheart deal”; the Supreme Court rules a new Louisiana congressional map can be redrawn to include another Black majority district; the aftermath of the Wagner Group’s short-lived advance toward Moscow in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the latest January 6 report from Senate Democrats that criticizes the FBI and Homeland Security for failure to take potential violence seriously; the discovery of malaria cases in Florida and Texas; and the Southern heatwave affecting some 45 million Americans were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Pending Business: What Will You Focus on Today?

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imSimple question, tricky answer. Unless you are organized.

If you are a professional athlete, you are paid to put points on the board or stop the opponent from scoring. Did you ever watch a competitive body builder work in the gym? Some have a journal and a tripod to mount their mobile phones recording technique as they work through their routine, carefully blending form and precision. The professional entertainer? Paid to sell tickets. Professional politicians? Easy, get the most votes.

Professional ad seller? You get paid to close business.

Is the better question, “What business will you close today?” Of course, it is. Wait, most sellers never start every day with the stomach-churning question, “What business will I close today?” Maybe that question is a little too focused. After all it drills down the process to the very measurable result of being organized, skilled, and focused. Just like that high achieving athlete or getting a ticket to that sold-out performance, someone was ready to answer that elegantly simple question, “What will you focus on today?”

Let’s start the process of learning how to better sharpen our focus skills. Suppose we start with an easy how-to, as in how-to prioritize your call activity. Your sales calls will fall into five major categories:

— New Business. The lifeblood, the very oxygen of the radio business. Remember this: radio advertising, when measured honestly (political ads, COVID economics adjusted) is a single digit growth business. Unless you are making developmental calls, attrition, competition, and the wobbles in the economy will overwhelm you. Make the developmental calls a priority.

— Renewals. The most efficient sale you will make is the business you currently have. Work on renewals when timely.

— Service. My experience is this is the number #1 weakness of most radio ad sellers. Learn how to follow-up, check-in and listen without looking for a transaction. It’s about making sure your rapport is healthy and ready.

— Collections. Do you need an explanation? Just be sure of your numbers and documentation before you make the call or send the email.

— Internal. Collaboration with management, programming, production, or biz ops starts here.

Simple enough. Five columns to list, prioritize and budget your daily call activity. Owners and managers who are reading this, help your sellers when they get distracted. What will you focus on today?

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of Todd Starnes Addressing Conference Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/26) with the morning greetings presentation, “Setting the Stage:im Triple Perspective.” The presentation, sponsored by the Doctor Asa Show, was delivered by multi-platform talk media star Todd Starnes. Starnes brings a lot to the table. He is the owner/operator of a heritage news/talk radio station – KWAM, Memphis. He hosts a local show on the station. He is also a national radio syndicator delivering his own midday radio show to a rapidly growing number of affiliates. Starnes effectively shares his experiences and view of the industry from all three perspectives. Check it out here! 

Industry News

Salem Receives Delisting Notice from Nasdaq

On Friday (6/23), Salem Media Group, Inc received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market that Salem’s Common Stock failed to comply with the $1 minimum bid price required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market based upon the closing bid price of the Common Stock for the 32 consecutive business daysim prior to the date of the notice. Salem now has a compliance period of 180 calendar days in which to regain compliance for the minimum bid price requirement. That expires on December 20, 2023. To regain compliance, the minimum bid price of the Common Stock must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days at any time prior to the compliance date. In its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Salem says it intends to monitor the closing bid price of the Common Stock and may, if appropriate, consider implementing available options to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

Industry News

Dom Giordano Day in Wildwood, New Jersey

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Pictured above is WPHT, Philadelphia talk host Dom Giordano (left) with Wildwood, New Jersey Mayor Pete Byron (center), and Curtis Di Domizio of the Real Diamond Tribute Band (right) at Mulligan’s Shore Bar and Grill for a remote broadcast to celebrate Dom Giordano Day. The annual event was created four years ago by Mayor Byron and is celebrated every June 22. The show was broadcast live on WPHT from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: “A Pepper & Egg Sandwich on American Bread”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Recommended interview: The author is retired radio host and newsman Joe Taylor, a voice you might remember from KDKA and elsewhere.

His story is the sort of interview Jim Bohannon used to love, a reminiscence of growing up in the 1950s, what life was really like in that “Great” America that Donald Trump romanticizes.

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Joe recalls a time when many people still considered Italians “not-quite-real Americans, traversing two very different worlds, attending school with kids whose last name didn’t end in a vowel.”

Joe writes – and speaks – with affection, respect, humor, and humanity, and new relevance. Contact joetaylor43@comcast.net

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features “Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;“and Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

The D.A. Show’s Kickoff to Summer Party

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Pictured above (at center) is Damon Amendolara, host of the CBS Sports Radio syndicated program, “The D.A. Show,” at the show’s annual Kick Off to Summer Party broadcast live from the West Babylon, New York childhood home of Mraz, the show’s producer. Mraz’s father, Bob, built an outdoor bar in his backyard that rivals those at beach resorts. More than 50 “D.A. Show” listeners flew or drove from near and far for the party. Amendolara says, “I know, ridiculous, but we’re like a big family. We’ve built a real community. Every year, more listeners join us. We may be the only syndicated radio show in America that invites listeners into our own home!”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Public media outlet WYPR, Baltimore 88.1 FM has been recognized by the Washington, D.C., Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists for journalism excellence as part of its 2023 Dateline Awards. Of the radio division, the station and its reporters were named the winner of three categories and were recognized as finalists in an additional four. WYPR was honored with the following SPJDC 2023 Dateline Awards for work completed in 2022.

Boston public media outlet WBUR unveils a new climate series. WBUR says, “’Here & Now’ — the live, national midday news program from NPR and WBUR — just debuted a new series to spotlight people and places across the U.S. with solutions that are making a difference to stem climate change. ‘Reverse Course: Individual action to combat climate change’ delivers stories from the field, introducing listeners to people whose projects are succeeding and helping to shape climate smart communities.” The series is led by senior editor Peter O’Dowd and producer Chris Bentley.