Industry News

Biting Music Video “Idiots” Passes 100k Views on YouTube

Fueled by a tremendous amount of attention and airplay on news/talk radio, the song “Idiots” by the perennial pop music ensemble Gunhill Road, with a worldwide internet following for its provocative songs addressing societal issues, has cracked the 100k plateau in gathering views on YouTube and downloads on various other platforms.  Released in 2022, the song continues to be an extremely active item on both talk radio and the internet.  The catchy pop tune takes a powerful stand with a combination of humor and hard-hitting commentary about the dangers facing American democracy bedeviled by ever-lowering standards of education and intelligence.  “Idiots” can be heard and viewed by clicking here.

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New Gunhill Road song celebrating talk radio dropping soon.  The group is currently in the final stages of production with an anthem celebrating talk radio. Titled “Don’t Stop Talkin’” – the song is an uplifting and infectiously catchy tune about the vital role talk radio plays in serving the cause of American freedom of speech.  With lines that include “As long as you’ve got a voice, don’t ever stop!” and “As long as you’ve got the truth, don’t ever stop!” the original composition co-written by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian Koonin, and Michael Harrison encourages talk radio practitioners to keep up the good work and great service they provide the nation. The images accompanying the music include a dynamic montage of individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows.

Formed in New York back in the late-1960s, Gunhill Road music has received more than a quarter million downloads worldwide in recent years with such songs as “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots were Injured in the Production of this Song)” www.obsoleteslobs.com, “I Know You’re Real” www.IKnowYouAreReal.com, “Damn Scammers” www.ScammersVideo.com,  “I Got a Line in New York City” www.IGotaLine.com, and more.

For more information about Gunhill Road please visit www.GunhillRoadMusic.com.

 

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Evan HaningWTOP Reporter Evan Haning Succumbs to Cancer at 74.  Veteran news reporter Evan Haning, whose 50-year radio career included almost a decade as an anchor and reporter at WTOP, Washington, DC has died at the age of 74 after a long battle with cancer. Haning’s career began well before his stint as a reporter at WTOP, from the early 2000s through 2011, and showed his flexibility as a broadcaster. Born in 1950 in Sydney, Iowa, Haning’s radio career began in 1970, shortly after graduating from Simi Valley High School, in California. Haning was in Los Angeles for the Boss Radio boom. In 1973, Haning joined KRLA Radio as a disc jockey. “He came to Washington when he joined WJOK in 1983,” his daughter said. Long before Comedy Central, WJOK was the first all-comedy radio format in the country. By the mid-1980s, Haning became the production director at WWRC, the talk radio station featuring hosts like Joel A. Spivak, Bob Kwesell, and the morning duo of Bruce Alan and Ed Walker.  Haning is survived by his wife Melissa, daughter Amber, son Garrison, and two grandchildren, Matilda and Seneca. Memorial arrangements are pending.

 

Lori TradupErwin LutzerSRN to Present Special Christian Series.  Salem Radio Network (SRN) is presenting a special series this week spotlighting Dr. Erwin Lutzer (pictured above left).  In interviews with SRN News correspondent Lori Tradup (pictured above right) Lutzer— Pastor Emeritus at Moody Church in Chicago—exposes what SRN describes as “the heart of America’s cultural crisis as it impacts pastors in pulpits nationwide.”  In the series, Dr. Lutzer advises Christians to stay rooted in Biblical truths as they grapple with challenges including abortion, transgenderism and other topics. His newest book is titled The Eclipse of God (Harvest House, 2024)

 

Industry News

EDISON RESEARCH: Trump Reached More Listeners Than Harris in “Podcast Election”

Exposure in election

It seems in every election cycle a new communications vehicle emerges as a pathway to gaining voter engagement. Many media observers are deeming the 2024 presidential campaign as the “Podcast Election” as both candidates appeared on high-profile shows. Edison Podcast Metrics™, a respected service that measures all shows across all platforms, presents a strong indication of the reach achieved by each campaign from their appearances. Per Podchaser – from the time Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race in July until Election Day, she made an appearance on eight shows while former President (and now President-elect) Donald Trump appeared on 20. According to Edison’s report, “While we don’t have access to the number of listeners to the specific episodes on which they appeared, and surely these episodes garnered far higher listening than the average level, we do have the estimates for the average audiences for these shows. And clearly Mr. Trump spoke to a far greater number of listeners than Ms. Harris did. Combining the average reach of each show they appeared on and then de-duplicating the results to account for listeners to more than one, the podcasts Trump appeared on reach approximately 23.5 million Americans 18+ in an average week, while the podcasts Harris appeared on reach only 6.4 million Americans 18+ in an average week. Mr. Trump’s total is of course supercharged by his appearance on what is by far the largest podcast in America, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience.’  But it’s worth noting that even if one removes Rogan from Trump’s calculation, Mr. Trump’s other appearances still would have far outstripped Ms. Harris’s. The weekly reach of many of America’s biggest podcasts outstrips that of many cable tv networks and individual television shows. It is fair to expect that this rapidly growing channel will continue to be used in any national conversations or media strategies.”

Industry News

Audacy Names Dave Sims New PBP Voice of the New York Yankees on WFAN

Dave Sims IDAudacy’s WFAN 101.9 FM / 660 AM announces Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Dave Sims as the new lead play-by-play announcer of its flagship broadcasts of the New York Yankees. Sims replaces recently retired broadcasting legend John Sterling, who held the position from 1989 until his retirement this past season. Dave Sims will join Suzyn Waldman to form the franchise’s new radio broadcast team.  “The radio voice of the Yankees is a storied position in the history of baseball,” said Chris Oliviero, Audacy New York Market president. “From [Mel] Allen and [Red] Barber to [Phil] Rizzuto to Sterling, the names are synonymous with the pinstripes. Dave Sims is a worthy successor to that lineage. We are honored to have Dave join the incomparable Suzyn Waldman in the booth in the Bronx.”   “It’s great to be home,” said Sims. “What an honor to be part of the iconic Yankees franchise. New York is where it all started for me, and I can’t wait for Opening Day and to work with my good friend Suzyn!”  Sims is a Ford Frick Award Baseball Hall of Fame nominee and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and has spent the last 18 seasons as the lead TV play-by-play voice of MLB’s Seattle Mariners. Sims previously hosted talk shows at WNBC-AM, WFAN-AM and the Madison Square Garden Television Network in New York and also spent time at WCBS-TV and the New York Daily News. Beyond baseball, Sims has covered the NFL for Westwood One and college basketball for ESPN. He also launched the “Hey Now! Podcast” with his two sons in July 2024.  WFAN has served as the flagship station of the Yankees since 2014. From 2002 to 2014, games were heard on Audacy’s WCBS 880 (WCBS-AM). Games can be heard on WFAN and streamed via the free Audacy app and website within the team’s geographic region.

Industry Views

Jim Bohannon Tribute Podcast Posted on TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel

November 12 marked the second anniversary of the passing of legendary Westwood One syndicated radio talk show host Jim Bohannon who, after waging a brave battle, succumbed to esophageal cancer in 2022. Bohannon’s stellar career in radio covered a span of almost 63 continuous years during which he was honored with just about every award the industry has to offer including induction in the Radio Hall of Fame, the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He is a recipient of the Radio Television Digital News Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award (which has subsequently been renamed in his honor). TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison conducted the final interview ever recorded with Jim Bohannon one month before the talk show giant’s passing. In it, the two friends and broadcasting industry colleagues engaged in a heartfelt, remarkably candid conversation about life and death, in addition to sharing observations about the changing state of radio. Reflecting on that interview, Harrison states, “For all his accomplishments on and off the air, what I remember most about Jim was the sheer bravery and good-natured wisdom that he publicly displayed during the final months, weeks, and days leading up to his death in 2022. We capture that intimacy and spirit in this interview.” Harrison adds, “Jim Bohannon’s life and work embodied the absolute best aspects of talk radio’s modern era.”  In recognition of the second anniversary of Jim Bohannon’s passing, this new podcast episode honoring the great radio star consists largely of that final interview along with a general remembrance of his outstanding career and legacy.  It has now been posted on the new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel.  To listen to it, please click here.

Industry News

Sammon Named SVP for Editorial at The Hill and NewsNation

Nexstar Media Group appoints Bill Sammon SVP of Washington, D.C., editorial content for The Hill and NewsNation. In this newly created position, Washington-based Sammon will be responsible for directingim Nexstar’s national news content. He says, “I’m grateful for the chance to work with Nexstar’s incredible team of outstanding journalists. Last week they accurately informed the world who would win the presidency, and this week did the same with the House of Representatives – before any other news outlet – demonstrating yet again, Nexstar’s unwavering commitment to accurate, quality journalism.”

Industry News

Talk Media Host Tapped to Serve as Secretary of Defense

Subject to Senate confirmation, FOX News Channel personality Pete Hegseth has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as defense secretary in his forthcoming administration.Pete Hegseth  Hegseth is co-host of  “FOX & Friends Weekend” and a decorated U.S. Army veteran who was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.  He unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Minnesota in 2012, has authored several books supportive of the MAGA philosophy, and has been involved in grass roots conservative political activism.  His selection has come as a surprise to Washington-watchers of all political stripes, and it is expected that his nomination will be met with a strong level of political resistance questioning his experience to take on and manage such an enormous responsibility.  Regardless, his nomination illustrates the continuing growth and influence of talk show hosts in the modern-era political arena.

Industry News

The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation Presents the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts Awards

LABF
The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) paid tribute to distinguished industry leaders for lifetime achievements during the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony yesterday afternoon (11/12) at Gotham Hall in New York City.  The event was emceed by CBS News 60 Minutes’ correspondent and 2018 Giant Bill Whitaker.  The 2024 honorees include:  Al Roker, weather and feature anchor, TODAY and co-host, “3rd Hour” of TODAY; Christine Baranski, two-time Tony and Emmy Award winning actress; Mike McVay, president, McVay Media Consulting; Patricia C. Smullin, president and owner, California Oregon Broadcasting, Inc.; Stephen A. Smith, commentator, ESPN; Steve Jones, president and CEO, Skyview Networks; and Wendy McMahon, president and CEO, CBS News and stations & CBS media ventures (CMV). The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the past, reflecting the present, and informing the future. The awards presentation celebrates the remarkable creators, innovators, leaders, performers, and journalists who have blazed trails in the radio and television broadcasting industry.  Pictured above l-r: LABF co-chair Heidi Raphael, Christine Baranski, Mike McVay, Patricia Smullin, Al Roker, Wendy McMahon, Stephen A. Smith, Steve Jones, LABF co-chair Jack Goodman and 2018 Giant and event emcee Bill Whitaker.  (Photo by Wendy Moger-Bross.)

Industry News

WABC Salutes Veterans with Live Broadcast from the Veterans Day Parade in New York

WABC Parade
Continuing with its policy to be as involved and visible as possible in the community, WABC, New York presented a live broadcast from Monday’s (11/11) Veteran’s Day Parade in the Big Apple. The live broadcast featured WABC air personalities Curtis Sliwa from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm and Greg Kelly from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  In addition, WABC morning host, Sid Rosenberg, stopped by the live broadcast to say hello to fans at the parade, as well as those listening to the station.  Pictured above at the WABC broadcast booth(l-r): Vito Fossella, Staten Island Borough President; John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC; and Greg Kelly, WABC midday air personality.

Industry News

Salem Radio Network Announces Extensive Coverage Plans for Inauguration

Salem Inauguration Day Coverage - Now extended for your listening enjoyment.The Salem Radio Network’s twin 24/7 news networks – SRN News and TOWNHALL News – announce extensive plans for upcoming coverage of Donald J. Trump’s Inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.  SRN’s White House correspondent Greg Clugston will spearhead live broadcast coverage from the West Capitol beginning at 11:30 am ET on Monday, January 20th. He will be joined by U.S. Senate correspondent Bob Agnew and House correspondent Bernie Bennett covering events leading up to Vice President-elect JD Vance’s oath of office around 11:55 am, followed by Trump being administered the oath at 12:00 noon followed by his Inaugural Address. Live coverage will continue until the day’s ceremonies conclude. In addition to the Inauguration itself, throughout the days leading up to January 20th Salem newscasts will provide analysis and perspective from a variety of contributors including Alfredo Ortiz, CEO of Job Creators Network; SRN News military affairs analyst Col. Robert Maginnis; former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum; and TOWNHALL.com columnist Kurt Schlichter among many others. “Donald Trump’s election on November 5th represents the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States,” states Tom Tradup, SRN VP/news & talk programming, adding “Salem Radio Network’s live Inauguration Day coverage is part of SRN’s ongoing commitment to provide affiliates with Breaking News coverage 24/7.”

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

WWO: AM/FM and Podcasts Outperform TV in Auto Aftermarket Category

The latest blog post from the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group looks at data from a study the company commissioned by MARU/Matchbox analyzing the auto aftermarket category.  Some of the key findings from the study include: 1) The segment has recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Annual spend,im number of retailers shopped, retailers shopped most often, brand perceptions, and advertising recall have recovered; 2) Brand equity and shopping patterns for the top two performers (AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts) are stable to up. The second-tier players are slightly off; 3) AM/FM radio and podcasts are the ideal platforms to advertise auto aftermarket. TV underperforms with category usage and brand equity: Heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners visit more retailers in the category, make more shopping trips, and spend far more than the average. Two key consumer segments, do-it-yourselfers and ultra-heavy shoppers are more likely to be heavy AM/FM radio listeners. TV viewers are weak category users. See the blog post here.

Industry News

iHeartMedia’s Jeff Littlejohn Retires; Steve George Promoted

Longtime iHeartMedia executive Jeff Littlejohn, who most recently served as executive vice president of engineering, is retiring from the company. Steve George will step into the role, effective immediately. The company says that Littlejohn will continue in an active consulting role. He retires after 32 years withim iHeartMedia, first starting in 1992 as chief engineer for the Cincinnati cluster. He was part of the team that created the first version of the iHeartRadio App and worked with Toyota and Ford on the first integration of iHeartRadio.  More recently, Littlejohn helped spearhead a modernization of iHeart’s studio facilities and conversion to cloud-based audio systems. iHeartMedia Markets Group president Hartley Adkins says, “There are few people in the industry with the expertise and longevity that Jeff has and we’re grateful for the incredible work he’s done for iHeart. We’ve been fortunate to rely on him for over three decades and I’m so thankful we’ll keep drawing from Jeff in his new consultancy role.”

Industry News

Ewell Named Market Manager for iHeartMedia Wilmington

iHeartMedia Wilmington names Katie Ewell market president for the Wilmington, Delaware group. She hasim been serving the company as market president for the Salisbury, Maryland operations. iHeartMedia Mid-Atlantic Area president Brit Goldstein says, “Katie has done incredible work in Salisbury, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and creativity. By adding the Wilmington market to her purview, she will bring her outstanding approach to partnership and innovative solutions to the entire Delmarva Peninsula.  I’m excited to see Katie and the team flourish in her expanded leadership role.”

Industry News

Former Badgers Coach Alvarez Joins ESPN Madison

Former Wisconsin Badgers head coach and director of athletics Barry Alvarez joins ESPN Madison and Good Karma Brands as an on-air host and brand ambassador. The company says he will be featured acrossim ESPN Wisconsin programming, including weekly appearances on “The Great Dane Huddle” on ESPN Madison with former Badgers Derek Engler and Tarek Saleh. Good Karma Brands founder and CEO Craig Karmazin says, “Barry’s significance to the Wisconsin sports landscape and to Good Karma Brands can’t be overstated. I would not have visited Wisconsin as a college student and eventually started a company here had it not been for the way he and Pat Richter transformed the Wisconsin football program. To add a teammate with his leadership skills, experience, knowledge, and passion is a huge win for our fans, advertising partners, ESPN Madison, and all of GKB.”

Industry News

WRKO, Boston Raises More Than $67,000 for Disabled Veterans

iHeartMedia news/talk outlet WRKO, Boston raised more than $67,000 during the station’s ninth annual DAV Radiothon to benefit the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts. The radiothon took place on Friday (11/8) and featured talk hosts Jeff Kuhner, Chuck Zodda, Mike Armstrong, Grace Curleyim and Howie Carr encouraging listeners to donate and raise funds for the DAV of Massachusetts’ homeless shelter and transportation programs. iHeartMedia Boston director of operations, news, talk and sports Bill Flaherty says, “Once again, the WRKO listeners responded in support of our Veterans. Their generosity provides much needed services for those who sacrificed so much for our country.” Since 2016, the DAV Radiothon has raised over $1,125,000 to benefit veterans in the community.

Industry News

Western Mass “Survivor Stories” Series to Launch on Community Platforms

Westfield Community Programming (WCPC) is launching a new, eight-week series, “Survivor Stories,” which profiles people who have experienced catastrophic circumstances and survive (and thrive). Their stories include recovery from cancer, Bell’s Palsy, suicide of a spouse and more. Mark G. Auerbach, longtime areaim media producer and host of WCPC’s “Arts Beat” and “On The Mark” serves as producer and host. Auerbach, who survived simultaneous kidney failure, a massive heart attack, and complicated surgery in the last year, tells TALKERS, “As I fought to get back on my feet, friends and total strangers reached out to tell me how they had coped, survived, and moved on. Thanks to great healthcare people and friends, I’m here to tell my story and share others’ stories. We can learn and be inspired, as we see people conquer what appears impossible.” “Survivor Stories,” premiers this Friday, November 15, at 7:00 am on Westfield Community Programming, 89.5 FM WSKB, Southwick Community TV, and Agawam Media.  It will be archived on YouTube under WSKB Community Radio.

Industry News

Beasley Media Group Celebrates Veterans Throughout the Month of November

Today is Veterans Day 2024 (11/11) – an extremely important date on the news/talk media calendar.

Saluting Vets

In honor of Veterans Day and to support the veteran community, Beasley Media Group is dedicating the entire month of November to shining a spotlight on the important services available for veterans and their families. Through its Beasley Best Community of Caring initiative, the company will air public service announcements, conduct interviews with veteran organizations, and share stories across its 57 radio stations to raise awareness about resources and services for those who have served.

Beasley Media Group has partnered with organizations such as the Cohen Veterans Network and Home Base Veteran and Family Care to help provide critical information and support. These organizations provide a variety of services ranging from mental health support and family care to employment resources for veterans and their families.

In the Fort Myers market, special public service announcements will air across all five Beasley radio properties throughout Veterans Day, highlighting the valuable programs and services offered by Home Base Florida.

“We would like to thank our valued veterans for their outstanding service and show support to them and their families,” said Beasley Media Group chief communications officer, Heidi Raphael.

Throughout the initiative, Beasley Media Group will encourage listeners to learn more about the services offered by these organizations and to support veterans not just during the month of November, but year-round.

Industry Views

MONDAY MEMO: Optimize Your Brain

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imDo you wish you could get in just one more hour of focused work… but your brain won’t cooperate? You’re not alone.

21st century productivity – especially for those of us in talk media where the action never stops – demands that we work against the way we’re wired. “For the brain to produce work of quality,” physician and neuroscience researcher Dr. Mithu Storoni says, “it needs to work in its own way.”

She observes how we’re expected to solve problems as though we’re feeding an industrial-era conveyor belt. But ideas can’t be manufactured in assembly-line fashion. Her solution? Rather than imposing the rhythms of work on our brains, we should impose the rhythm of our brains on our work.

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Simple tips from her book, Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work:

Keep shifting gears. Our brains function like a car’s engine, different gears for different mental challenges. We’re better-off doing short bursts of intense work followed by longer periods of light work.

• Take a walk. Have you noticed that you have some of your best ideas when you do? Sitting upright in an office chair staring at a computer doesn’t let the mind wander.

Coffee is a friend. Storoni finds “no evidence that caffeine ingestion upon waking is somehow responsible for an afternoon ‘crash’ — or that delaying consumption would somehow prevent this if it did occur.”

Tech can be a foe. Screens are making us jittery. The quantity of information they deliver can hinder the quality of our ideas. Did you ever read an email… see red… then fire-off an ill-advised reply? And social media “has this power to distort space and time,” causing us to feel “that something we are seeing is happening now and near to us. The problem is if this event is taking place halfway around the world, you cannot do anything to make the situation better.”

Practice paying attention. “It takes some effort to focus. If I were to say, ‘Focus on that spot on the blank wall’, you’d need to work at it,” Storoni says. “Now information is cheap and attention is expensive, so everything is competing to grab our attention.”

Never ignore mental fatigue. If you do more than four hours of “mental heavy lifting” every day, Storoni says the mind can’t recover even after a night’s rest, and fatigue drags into the next day.

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

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

Erick Erickson Partners with KRMG on Listener Event

Erikson
Yesterday afternoon (11/7) syndicated talk show host Erick Erickson partnered with 102.3 KRMG  (KRMG-FM) for a listener event in Tulsa, OK. The casual and intimate meet and greet experience was held at the We Street Ice Center and was open to KRMG listeners and Erickson fans. Leading up to the event, listeners had an opportunity to submit questions for Erickson to address during the event.  He touched on some of the questions before taking pictures and interacting with listeners. “This was a great opportunity to get to Oklahoma.  Working with all my affiliates to be present and local with them is a core part of how I do radio,” Erickson tells TALKERS.  “KRMG turned out a giant crowd and, just after this election outcome, it made for a great time.”  The KRMG Erick Erickson Experience brought in about 300 people.  “The turnout at an event like this shows the influence Erick Erickson has in our market and we are thrilled to be able to offer this one-of-a-kind experience to our listeners,” says Levi May, KRMG director of branding and programming.  Erickson broadcasts on KRMG weekdays 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Learn more at krmg.com.

Industry Views

CLIPPING JUSTICE: Fair Use in Media Creation

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imLet’s continue our ongoing series of articles about fair use. A recent case highlights fair use considerations in audio media and podcasting, particularly concerning music and short audio clips used in intros, where some creators assume that brief snippets automatically qualify as “fair use.” Legal experts clarify that using a song clip, even if brief, doesn’t inherently meet fair use criteria. Courts have emphasized that fair use hinges not just on brevity but also on factors like purpose, nature, and market impact on the original work. Music clips, even short ones, are often seen as significant portions of the original content, carrying substantial value, making unauthorized use in podcasts or similar formats legally risky.

The concept of “transformative use” is crucial in fair use evaluations; content must add new meaning or context to the original rather than simply reformatting it. For instance, the landmark 2 Live Crew case involving their parody of Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Woman” underscored that transformative uses might still face challenges if they impact the original’s market value. This demonstrates that merely placing music in a new setting doesn’t automatically render it transformative.

To mitigate risks, media creators often incorporate shorter clips alongside commentary or critique, which tends to align more closely with fair use. Collaboration or seeking permissions can often be a more practical approach to using impactful content without risking costly legal disputes. Legal sources, including Loeb & Loeb, emphasize that while fair use is an evolving area, obtaining permissions—or using royalty-free alternatives—is often the most straightforward route for creators.

A recent example in Thiccc Boy Productions v. Swindelle illustrates these principles in action. Swindelle, a YouTube creator, used clips from Thiccc Boy Productions’ podcast, hosted by Brendan Schaub, in his reaction videos, asserting a fair use defense due to added commentary. The court ruled in Swindelle’s favor, noting his commentary was transformative and unlikely to harm the original podcast’s market. This decision aligns with trends following Warhol Foundation v. Goldsmith, which clarified that “transformative” uses must contribute clear commentary or critique to meet fair use standards rather than merely repurposing the original.

For today’s media creators, consulting legal guidance before integrating copyrighted material is crucial as copyright law adapts to new digital contexts.

Media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison is VP/associate publisher, TALKERS; Senior Partner, Harrison Media Law; and executive producer, Goodphone Communications.  He is available for private consultation and media industry contract representation. He can be reached by phone at 724-484-3529 or email at matthew@harrisonmedialaw.com

Industry News

Hillsdale Radio Performs Big Time Election Night Coverage

HillsdaleJournalism is alive and well within certain college radio circles. On Election Night (11/5), the WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM student broadcast team hosted live coverage from the Searle Center on Hillsdale College’s campus in Hillsdale, MI and invited students, faculty, and staff to attend and watch election results roll in and listen to analysis. Student anchors were joined by the presidents of Hillsdale College Republicans and Hillsdale College Democrats, three members of the Hillsdale faculty, a candidate for the Michigan State House, a candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court, and reporters from the Detroit News, the Daily Caller, the Center Square, and the Daily Signal. Back at the WRFH studios, the station’s news team worked to update listeners with results from state and local races all night long. More than 200 people came out to the broadcast in action. WRFH GM Scot Bertram tells TALKERS, “It was a home-run event!  Students work hard to prep for this quite unpredictable night. There’s an enormous amount of planning and research involved to set everything up. Then the night unfolds, and they realize it’s a ton of fun, as well. I’ve heard from more than a few students who took part in our previous Election Night events that it’s one of their best experiences on campus and really drew them deeper into the journalism program here at Hillsdale.”

 

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

BFoA Launches Annual Year-End Giving Campaign For Donations to Help Colleagues in Need.  imThe Broadcasters Foundation of America has launched its annual Year-End Giving Campaign, which seeks to raise donations from tax-deductible personal contributions to the Guardian Fund and corporate contributions to the Angel Initiative. The Broadcasters Foundation, a 501c3 charity, is the only charity devoted exclusively to helping colleagues who are in dire need of monthly or emergency financial assistance due to life-altering illness or a disaster. “We are devoted exclusively to providing aid to colleagues in broadcasting who are suffering from extreme illness, or hardship from a devastating disaster,” stated Tim McCarthy, president of the Broadcasters Foundation. “We also take care of colleagues who have retired. Grants are supported solely by contributions from individuals and companies within our industry and offer a ‘hand-up’ to our colleagues during trying times. We’re asking everyone in broadcasting to please consider including the Broadcasters Foundation in your 2024 charitable giving.”  Over the past 20 years, the Broadcasters Foundation has distributed over $15 million in aid to colleagues nationwide, across all states and territories, who need it most. “Requests for aid continue to grow exponentially as more of our peers and their families are affected by severe illness or disasters, such as the recent flurry of destructive hurricanes,” explained Scott Herman, chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Whether it’s a monthly grant or one-time aid in response to an emergency, the Broadcasters Foundation is often a refuge and beacon of hope for colleagues whose lives have been upended by unforeseen and tragic circumstances. Please consider a donation. Donations go directly to helping our colleagues who are in desperate need.”  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.

 

Trans Siberian Orchestra
Siberian Orchestra Delivers a Powerful “Star-Spangled Banner” for Radio.  The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), the rock group known for its epic Christmas concerts, has released a special rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” With this interpretation of the national anthem, TSO honors the brave men and women who have served our country, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice. TSO’s music director, Al Pitrelli, tells TALKERS, “I grew up in a military family. Both of my grandparents, my father, and uncles, served. Two of my children are currently serving. The Armed Forces is an important thing in my family and the TSO family. We always make sure to acknowledge all they do for this country.” This powerful performance has been made available for radio to air on Veterans Day and throughout the year.
For more information contact: Mike McVay – mikemcvay@mcvaymedia.com 
Industry News

“Chachi Loves Everybody” Podcast Releases Two New Episodes Featuring 2024 Giants of Broadcasting Honorees, Al Roker of NBC’s “The Today Show” and Patsy Smullin, Owner and President of California Oregon Broadcasting

Benztown, a global leader specializing in radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting and jingles, announces the release today (11/7) of two new episodes of its series “Chachi Loves Everybody,” an original podcast hosted by its president Dave “Chachi” Denes. imThese episodes feature Chachi’s special guests Al Roker, longtime weatherman on NBC’s The Today Show and co-anchor of the iconic morning show’s third hour, and Patsy Smullin, owner/president of California Oregon Broadcasting, and host of the successful television interview series, Up Close and Personal.  Roker and Smullin will be among those honored next week as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City.  To listen to these new “Chachi Loves Everybody” podcast episodes, please click here. For more information about the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony, and for a full list of honorees, please click here.

Industry News

Talk Radio Shines with Election Night Coverage

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It was a late night of extra duty for radio talk show hosts as stations and networks across the nation garnered their human and technical resources to provide listeners with accurate news and insightful analysis of the unfolding drama of Election Night in America. In many cases, coverage was provided by panels of air staffers, contributors and special guests gathered in central studio locations and supplemented by remote audio and video call ins.  Some stations sent their talent to electoral hot spots for live remote reports. Local talk show hosts from the battleground states enjoyed extra exposure making multiple appearances as guests on other shows and platforms around the nation.  Syndication networks used the event effectively to showcase their talent lineups.  And the “special” nature of these programs created a wide variety of advertising package opportunities for radio sales departments locally and nationally. In the broader arena of talk media, a number of popular political YouTube channels from both the left and right also put their best efforts into covering the news and views of one of the most anticipated nights in U.S. election history.  As TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison put it, “Talk radio and its YouTube and podcasting cousins took a back seat to no one – specifically the major TV networks – in their determination to provide their loyal audiences totaling millions of the most politically active citizens with the news and views that make their collective platforms the most accurate bellwether of American public opinion in the media today.”    Pictured above: Election Night coverage live from the state-of-the-art WABC, New York audio/video “Studio 77.”  Shown (l-r) George Pataki, former New York State governor; Judge Richard Weinberg, co-host of “Let The Record Show;” Rita Cosby, host of “The Rita Cosby Show” and co-host of “Cats & Cosby;” John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC, host of “The Cats Roundtable,” and co-host of “Cats & Cosby;” Anthony Weiner, former U.S. Representative, host of “The Middle with Anthony Weiner,” and co-host of “The Left Versus The Right;” Paul Stone, CEO of Colonial Metals Group and economic contributor to WABC Radio; and David Patterson, former New York State governor and political contributor to WABC Radio.

Industry Views

FAIR USE: What Constitutes “Publishing” or a “Publication” on Today’s Media Playing Field?

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imAs the practice of “clip jockeying” becomes an increasingly ubiquitous and taken-for-granted technique in modern audio and video talk media, an understanding of the legal concept “fair use” is vital to the safety and survival of practitioners and their platforms.

When assessing fair use in audio media, courts closely examine the “nature of the copyrighted work,” especially focusing on whether the work is factual or creative, and published or unpublished. Factual content, such as news reports or data, is more likely to be seen as fair use material, as it’s in the public interest to keep factual information accessible. Creative works, like music, fiction, or original performances, often enjoy stronger protection because they embody the creator’s unique expression and should be compensated accordingly.

Unpublished interviews or speeches.  When audio content includes unpublished material – such as a speech or interview that hasn’t been publicly released – courts typically approach it with heightened caution. For example, if a podcast includes clips from an unpublished interview with a politician to enhance commentary, courts might scrutinize this more heavily than they would a published work, as the speaker retains significant control over whether and how the content reaches the public.

Case study insight: Salinger v. Random House (1987).  The landmark case Salinger v. Random House highlighted how unpublished works generally receive stronger copyright protection. In this case, the use of unpublished letters in a biography was ruled as infringing, emphasizing that unpublished materials hold a unique status in copyright law. If a podcaster today were to use a similarly unpublished interview with a public figure without significant commentary or transformation, they might face greater legal challenges.

Redefining “published” in the digital era.  With digital platforms, the meaning of “published” is evolving. Traditionally, a work was deemed “published” when made available for sale, license, or public distribution. Now, sharing content online, even in a limited way – such as within a closed social media group or private online forum – raises questions about whether the content should be considered published. Courts are increasingly aware that limited digital sharing doesn’t necessarily reduce a work’s unpublished protections, but extensive online distribution might.

Modern considerations of online sharing. Courts today analyze factors like control over access and the sharing platform’s nature. For instance, an audio clip shared in a restricted forum might retain its unpublished protections, while a widely posted clip could lose some of those protections. Additionally, when creators post content on platforms like Instagram or YouTube before officially “publishing” it elsewhere, courts may take the creator’s intent and distribution scope into account when determining the content’s legal status.

As online platforms reshape how creators distribute their work, they also impact fair use, pushing courts to reinterpret what it means for a work to be “published.” This evolving understanding means that copyright protections depend not only on whether a work is accessible but also on the level of control over its distribution, especially for audio content.

Media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison is VP/associate publisher, TALKERS; Senior Partner, Harrison Media Law; and executive producer, Goodphone Communications.  He is available for private consultation and media industry contract representation. He can be reached by phone at 724-484-3529 or email at matthew@harrisonmedialaw.com

Industry News

Yesterday’s (11/5) Top News/Talk Media Stories

ELECTION DAY WRAP UP:  The presidential race was supremely dominant on the top talk media stories list yesterday (11/5) on Election Day.  Conversation focused primarily on polls, predictions, and encouragement for voter turnout.  Other top issues of discussion emanating from that included abortion rights, the economy, media bias, war and rising tensions in the Middle East and Central Europe, and the ever-present migrant/border crisis according to ongoing TALKERS research.

Industry News

Beasley Broadcast Group Reports Third Quarter Revenue of $58.2 Million

Beasley Broadcast Group reported $58.2 million in revenue for the third quarter of 2024, down 3.2% from last year.Beasley This drop is partly due to selling their Wilmington station and closing some digital businesses. Despite this, Beasley saw growth in digital and political advertising. They earned $1.2 million in operating income this quarter, a significant improvement from last year’s $85.5 million loss, which included large non-cash impairment costs. This quarter’s net loss was $3.6 million, much lower than last year’s $67.5 million loss, as Beasley reduced expenses and interest costs. Digital revenue continues to grow, now making up 19.4% of total revenue. Beasley’s CEO, Caroline Beasley, noted that digital transformation and political ads helped offset challenges in traditional radio advertising. She emphasized ongoing efforts to streamline operations, improve finances, and focus on their digital platforms. To see the full report please click here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (11/4) Top News/Talk Media Stories

POLLS AND PREDICTIONS:  The presidential race was supremely dominant on the top talk media stories list yesterday (11/4) on Election Eve.  Conversation focused primarily on polls and predictions.  Other top issues of discussion emanating from that included abortion rights, the economy, media bias, war and rising tensions in the Middle East and Central Europe, and the ever-present migrant/border crisis according to ongoing TALKERS research.

 

Industry News

NYTimes: “Interview” With a Dead Luminary on Polish Radio Station Ignites Backlash Against A.I.

According to an article published yesterday (11/3) in The New York Times written by reporter Andrew Higgins, when a state-funded Polish radio station canceled a weekly show featuring interviews with theater directors and writers, the host of the program went quietly, resigned to media industry realities of cost-cutting and shifting tastes away from highbrow culture. But his resignation turned to fury in late October after his former employer, Off Radio Krakow, aired what it billed as a “unique interview” with an icon of Polish culture, Wislawa Szymborska, the winner of the 1996 Nobel Prize for Literature. The terminated radio host, Lukasz Zaleski, said he would have invited Szymborska on his morning show himself, but never did for a simple reason: She died in 2012. The station used artificial intelligence to generate the recent interview – a dramatic and, to many, outrageous example of technology replacing humans, even dead ones. Zaleski conceded that the computer-generated version of the poet’s distinctive voice was convincing. “It was very, very good,” he said, but “I went to her funeral, so I know for sure that she is dead. ”The technology-enabled resurrection of the dead poet was part of a novel experiment by Off Radio Krakow, an arm of Poland’s public broadcasting system in the southern city of Krakow. The aim was to test whether A.I. could revive a moribund local station that had “close to zero” listeners, according to the head of public radio in Krakow. The station also planned from-the-grave interviews with other dead people, including Jozef Pilsudski, Poland’s leader when it regained its independence in 1918. Novelty value – and a storm of public outrage – worked to bolster Off Radio Krakow’s audience, which the head of Radio Krakow said grew to 8,000 overnight from just a handful of people after the introduction of three A.I.-generated Generation Z presenters – Emilia, 20, Jakub, 22, and Alex, 23, each of whom had a computer-generated photograph and biography on the station’s website. Less welcome than the audience surge, however, has been a barrage of abuse directed at the public broadcasting system and accusations that it was sacrificing humans on the altar of technology.  To read the entire article published yesterday in The New York Times, please click here.

Industry News

Jonathan Peterlin Named as Afternoon Show Co-host on 92.3 The Fan (WKRK-FM), Cleveland

The Fan GraphicAudacy names Jonathan Peterlin (pictured above right) as afternoon show co-host on 92.3 The Fan (WKRK-FM) in Cleveland. Peterlin will join co-host Nick Wilson (above left) and be heard weekdays from 2:00 to 7:00 pm ET. Peterlin had previously served as the station’s evening host since 2022.  “We believe Jonathan’s addition and presence on the show will bring a unique passion and energy to afternoon drive,” said Keith Britton, the station’s brand manager. “He has shown both the ability and readiness for this move and we are full speed ahead in our commitment to providing our listeners with the most engaging sports talk and entertainment on a daily basis.”  “92.3 The Fan and its listeners have been with me through every major chapter of my life, and this station has been a constant presence in my world,” said Peterlin. “Afternoon drive in Cleveland is the pinnacle of what I’ve always aspired to, and I truly couldn’t imagine a better person to share this journey with than my good friend, Nick Wilson. I’m extremely thankful for the chance to continue this journey with the listeners and the team at 92.3 The Fan.”