Industry News

Vince Coglianese Broadcasts Trump Interview

Talk host Vince Coglianese – host “The VINCE Show” syndicated by Westwood One and the “VINCE” podcast broadcast an interview with President Donald Trump yesterday afternoon. Coglianese’s programimg is being distributed in the same daypart – 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET – as Dan Bongino’s show prior to the latter’s giving up his media role to take on the deputy director at the FBI. Trump addressed the issue of Greenland and Vice President J.D. Vance’s trip there this week, saying, “We have to have that land because it’s not possible to properly defend a large section of this Earth – not just the United States – without it.” The president also addressed the Signal group chat matter, telling Coglianese that it was possibly an innocent error made by a lower-level staffer for national security advisor Mike Waltz. He noted that it did not impact the success of the attack, but that they would determine how the error happened so it would not happen in the future.

Industry News

Urban One Reports Q4 ’24 Net Revenue Down 2.7%

Urban One, Inc reports its operating results from the fourth quarter of 2024 and reveals net revenue was approximately $117.1 million, a decrease of 2.7% from the same period in 2023. The company reported an operating loss of approximately $1.9 million for the quarter, compared to operating income of approximately $6.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Broadcast and digitalimg operating income was approximately $38.6 million, an increase of 1.7% from the same period in 2023. Net loss was approximately $35.7 million for the quarter, compared to net loss of $11.0 million for the same period in 2023. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III states, “Our Adjusted EBITDA of $103.5 million came in at the mid-point of guidance, helped by strong political advertising revenues in the radio division. The radio outperformance was offset by declines in both advertising and affiliate revenues at the cable TV segment, as audience delivery continued to underperform expectations. We are however seeing some stabilization in the first quarter cable TV delivery, which should help to mitigate the continuing decline of linear TV subscribers. First quarter core radio revenue demand weakened, with pacings down 13.6%, although the second quarter is showing signs of improvement, with core pacings currently down 1.7%.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/26)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/26) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Signal Group Chat Contoversy
2. New Trump Tariffs on Autos and Parts
3. Trump Demands Defunding of Public Media
4. SCOTUS Upholds Ghost Guns Ban
5. Gazans’ Anti-Hamas Protests

Industry News

Audacy Philadelphia Raises $117,198 for Veterans

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Audacy’s WPHT, Philadelphia “Talk Radio 1210” announces that it raised $117,198 benefiting the Travis Manion Foundation during its 8th annual “Talk Radio 1210 WPHT Radiothon.” The funds raised will go towards benefit programs, training opportunities and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen. Pictured above is the staff of Audacy Philadelphia that participated in the radiothon.

Industry Views

How to Get a Media Job Right Out of College

Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
Host, “Sterling On Sunday,” TMN

imgThank you, TALKERS for placing me on two panels at the IBSNYC conference. All student conferences have one underlying goal: Attendees want to know how to land a starter job in media. Here’s the information I shared with the eager crowd.

1. Decide where you want to live. Until you have a strong, positive reputation in the industry, no company will sponsor a move. It’s not just the cost of moving, it’s the emotional responsibility. If the job doesn’t work out, the company has lost money plus it will have the added burden of taking the recruit from their homeland.

Hiring a local eliminates the risk of an on-air talent not “getting” the city. If, for example, a DJ in New York announces that the store is on “YOUS TON” street rather than HOUSE-TON street, there is all sorts of trouble. In-town candidates have established relationships that will benefit the sales, news and programming departments.

2. Don’t write a resume, you don’t have one. You have a college degree, stories, and opinions. Fresh, new opinions. A good employer will respect a graduate’s perspective on their on-air product or marketing plans. Study the station where you want to work. Listen to elements you hear that are great and those that you could improve. Write it down. Prepare a good-looking WHITE PAPER about what you think works and what could be better. You don’t have to be “right” you just have to demonstrate an understanding of the station and your willingness to do work. No one else is going to write a paper and present defensible ideas. You will win.

3. Flatter. Select the exact company you want to work for and learn every single thing you can about it. It is astonishing how many times I’ve interviewed a prospect and found out that they knew nothing about the company or the station. They just want a job. Needing a job is not a career path. The people whom you will meet have giant egos. Know what that person has accomplished for their company, express your admiration for it, express your deep desire to be a part of it. Signal that you have no desire to work for any other company in town.

Have your goals lined up in your head and be flexible. Your mission is to get in the door. An employee ID is the win. BUT when asked what you would like to do in your career have a thoughtful response. Aimless=mindless.

4. Avoid answering job postings. Companies are often legally obligated to post jobs and 95% of those jobs are already taken. Instead, search deep into your personal and student network to find any associate or friend who may have a pipeline to the higher-ups in your target company.  HR is a bad place to start. Let the CEO of the company send you to HR after they have been impressed by their conversation with you! A courtesy call to HR following the blessings of the CEO – that’s the best strategy.

5. Once you get the job, do anything, learn everything. Tips: Show up 15 minutes before your day starts, don’t leave until you ask your manager if they need you to do anything else. At first, you will be asked to wash the morning show’s dishes! Log recordings! Take in feeds! Respond to listener calls and emails! You will look for ways to showcase your skills and be given a chance to excel. Take your vacation, call in when really sick, but DO NOT take a “personal day.” Yes, that’s how it really works. Welcome to show business.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com

Industry News

NewsTalkSTL Announces Programming Changes

NewsTalkSTL announces programming changes on its trio of signals in the St. Louis metro that includes KNBS-FM, Bowling Green; KLJY-HD2, St. Louis; and translator K270BW, Bellefontaine in Missouri. Theimg “NewsTalkST” brand is filling the hole in middays due to the end of the “Dan Bongino Show” by moving “The Allman Report” with Jamie Allman to the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm daypart and expanding the “The Vic Porcelli Show,” hosted by Porcelli and Ken Williams to 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. NewsTalkSTL president of programming Jeff Allen says, “This is the first major change to our prime time weekday lineup since we launched nearly four years ago, which speaks to how important this expansion is for our station and our listeners. Listener feedback over the past few weeks made it clear this was the lineup they wanted, and we’re excited to deliver it.”

Industry News

Democrat Starks to Leave the FCC

Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Geoffrey Starks announces he is resigning from the Commission. He issued the following statement: “Today I sent a letter to the president and leader Schumer indicating that I intend to resign my seat as a commissioner this spring. Serving the American people as aimg commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission has been the honor of my life. With my extraordinary fellow commissioners and the incredible career staff at the agency, we have worked hard to connect all Americans, promote innovation, protect consumers, and ensure national security. I have learned so much from my time in this position, particularly when I have heard directly from Americans on the issues that matter to them. I have been inspired by the passion, engagement and commitment I have seen from colleagues, advocates, and industry. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to working with the chairman and my fellow commissioners, and all FCC staff, to further the mission of the agency.” Starks is one of two Democrats currently serving on the Commission.

Industry News

Black Information Network Launches Altadena Podcast Series

iHeartMedia and BIN: Black Information Network announced a new podcast series set to debut on March 24 titled, “To Altadena, With Love.” The five-part series focuses on the devastating impact of the Eatonimg fires on the historic Black middle-class community of Altadena, California. The company says, “This groundbreaking series will explore the significance of Altadena, its legacy and the personal stories of survivors and community members who lived through one of the region’s most destructive natural disasters.” The series is hosted by Black Information Network journalist Mimi Brown.

Industry News

Audacy Gives KMOX, St. Louis a Full Market FM

Audacy does a frequency swap in St. Louis giving news/talk KMOX-AM the full-market Class C2 FM atimg 104.1 that had been the home to hip hop WHHL-FM “HOT 104.1.” In return, KMOX gives up translator K254CR at 98.7 to the hip hop outlet. These changes become effective on March 24. Audacy St. Louis and Wichita SVP and market manager Becky Domyan says, “We’re thrilled to expand KMOX’s reach and bring the trusted news and entertainment our listeners rely on, as well as Cardinals baseball, on an enhanced FM signal that covers the greater St. Louis region.”

Industry News

The Last Show Expands to Six Canadian Markets

New York City-based comic and former Silicon Valley engineer David Cooper strikes a deal to get his talk show, “The Last Show with David Cooper” on six Canadian signals: CKNW, Vancouver; CFIQ, Toronto;img CHQR, Calgary; CHED, Edmonton; CJOB Winnipeg; and CFPL, London. Cooper is focusing on Canadian markets because he was born in Toronto and was heard in Canada on the iHeartRadio talk network. Cooper says, “It’s what happens when you mix relationship advice, scientific breakthroughs, and the world’s weirdest headlines into one show. Somehow, it all makes sense.” Cooper says the show targets the 25-54 demographic. He also serves as technical director and host at Burning Man Radio during his annual Nevada festival pilgrimage. He adds, “What do I know? Talk radio programmers call it a strategic counterprogramming solution, designed to capture audiences from alt-rock or NPR stations.”

Industry News

MIW Releases Gender Analysis Study Data

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc annually compiles and analyzes the number of women in radio broadcasting who are rising to the ranks of management. Data gathered for this annual MIW Gender Analysis Study specifically tracks the progress of female professionals holding general manager, sales manager, and program director/brand manager positions. The raw data for this study was collected by PrecisionTrak and is from all U.S.-based commercial radio stations and is for the calendar year 2024.img 21.67% of stations had women in the general manager position, a decline of half a point from last year, but a large increase from 2004 when 14.9% of stations had a female GM. MIW says the best management opportunities for women in radio continues to be in sales management as 35.67% of stations had a woman sales manager in 2024, up more than a full percentage point from 2023. When it comes to programming, MIW says the greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of program directors/brand managers. Women currently program 12.38% of stations, a slight gain from 11.50% in 2023. MIW board president Sheila Kirby comments, “While we are encouraged by the progress in sales management and programming, the overall numbers show that there is still significant work to be done. Leadership opportunities for women in radio must continue to grow, and our mission at MIW remains steadfast – empowering, mentoring, and advocating for more women to rise into key decision-making roles across the industry.”

Industry News

BIA Advisory: Local Ad Revenue to Rise 6.1% in 2025

BIA Advisory Services is estimating that U.S. local advertising revenue in 2025 will reach $171 billion, excluding political spending, an increase of 6.1% over 2024. BIA vice president of forecasting and analysisimg Nicole Ovadia says, “Our latest forecast indicates that local advertising is showing resilience, despite the ongoing changes in the economic landscape. Although we expect core advertising to remain stable, we’ve adjusted our outlook to account for various market factors like interest rates and consumer sentiment and significant changes in media consumption patterns that are driving digital growth.” The forecast indicates strong growth in several sectors: Real Estate at 9.3%, Restaurants at 9.2%, and Retail at 6.8%. The Education and Automotive verticals are also experiencing substantial growth, with increases of 5% each.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Chief Legal Officer Jordan Fasbender to Exit

iHeartMedia announces that Jordan R. Fasbender, the executive vice president, chief legal officer andimg secretary is resigning from her positions with the company, effective on or around April 1. She is taking another position outside of the company. Fasbender will remain in her current position through April 1. iHeartMedia notes that Fasbender’s exit “is not the result of any disagreement with the company on any matter relating to the company’s operations, policies or practices.”

Industry News

WWO: The Effects of Nielsen’s Three-Minute Qualifier

The Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog post this week looks at the effects of the changes to Nielsen’s PPM ratings system that has provided significant increases in listening across demographics and time periods. This audience growth is due to Nielsen’s three-minute qualifier modernization which provides a significantly more comprehensive and realistic definition of AM/FM radio’s audience and their listening behavior. The post notes that Nielsen found 23% of PPM listening occasionsimg were three or four minutes. Under the old five-minute listening qualifier rule, none of this tuning would have received listening credit. Effective with the January 2025 PPM survey, Nielsen is now crediting tuning occasions that are three minutes or greater. What are the results so far? First, drive times and weekends experience the greatest growth. Comparing January 2024 to January 2025 for persons 12+ and 25-54 reveals double-digit growth for all dayparts. Weekends and drives times have the greatest increases. Second, AM/FM radio’s listening profile now skews younger: Every major buying demographic has a higher composition of listening. Persons 65+ is the only demographic where AM/FM radio’s audience composition is reduced. Persons 25-54, AM/FM radio’s most popular buying demographic, experiences the largest increase in audience composition. Persons 18-49 have the next largest growth. And third, format shares remain stable. Versus October 2024, PPM January 2025 format shares are very consistent. An uptick in news/talk AQH composition is most likely more due to a heavier news cycle (major weather stories and a new president) than a PPM methodology enhancement. In local markets, there is more share variation. See the complete blog post here.

Job Opportunity

Lotus Seeks General Sales Manager in Seattle

Lotus Communications is seeking an experienced and results-driven broadcasting general sales manager to lead their sales team and drive revenue growth across our diverse broadcasting portfolio. The GSM directsimg the team to develop, sell and service local business. The position is responsible for delivering assigned revenue targets through managing sales team efforts, developing sales talent and monthly business planning. The GSM develops relationships with businesses, engages with networks such as chambers, business alliances etc. to uncover opportunities within the local market. The GSM will maintain an account list while helping the sales team sell and develop cohesive campaigns for new direct businesses. Send your resume here.

Industry News

Cumulus to Employ Quu’s Dashboard Visual Messaging

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Cumulus Media says it is expanding its ability to help advertisers connect with consumers on the go via Quu’s in-dash messaging technology across its 400 radio stations. The company’s stations will leverage Quu’s content management system, 24/7 dashboard display monitor, Xperi’s Rapid technology and DTS AutoStage, and more, to enhance in-car listening experiences and help drive ratings and revenue. Some markets will also offer Quu’s patented Content Partnership sponsorship, bringing fresh opportunities for advertisers. Cumulus president of operations Dave Milner states, “Visual content solutions generate sustainable revenue growth and significantly enhance in-car engagement, where listeners spend the most time with our stations. This expansion underscores Cumulus’s commitment to delivering premium content and sales experiences that meet the evolving needs of our audience and clients.”

Industry News

Matt Jones Inks New Deal with iHeartMedia Kentucky

Air personality Matt Jones and iHeartMedia sign an exclusive five-year agreement for Jones to continue his current role as host of “Kentucky Sports Radio” on NewsRadio 630 WLAP-AM in Lexington, SportsTalk 790img AM in Louisville and 51 other stations around Kentucky. iHeartMedia Kentucky/Memphis area president Kristy Beebe states, “We are incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Matt Jones and ‘Kentucky Sports Radio.’ Matt’s unique insights and engaging style have made him a beloved figure in the sports community, and we are proud to continue bringing his show to our dedicated audience. This renewal underscores our commitment to delivering top-notch sports content and maintaining our position as the leading audio company in the region.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Now, the Advanced Course

By Walter Sabo
CEO Sabo Media Advisors
Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night,” WPHT Philadelphia
“Sterling On Sunday,” TMN Syndication

imgJim Gearhart is a remarkable on-air talent who was the AM drive host on New Jerey 101.5 for 20-plus years. In the 1960’s he was a star on WCBS-AM and WNEW. The illustration is an ad for his 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm show on WNBC circa 1968.

At first glance the ad presents a normal appeal to listen to Jim. Take another look. The message is: “Listen to Jim, he’s back,

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“AND, you can talk to the biggest stars.”

One-on-one conversation between a listener and a newsmaker was BRAND NEW. All of the WNBC ads at the time stress that listeners could talk directly with celebrities. Listeners had to be “taught” that radio took phone calls!

There are two different types of talk radio cities: legacy cities and expansion cities.

Until the mid-1980s there were approximately 48 full-time talk stations. Their host cities had embraced talk radio since the dawn of radio. Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Miami. When satellites made it possible for more cities to have a talk station, expansion talk outlets had a serious challenge. A challenge I witnessed at WHBQ, Memphis.

WHBQ was the first telephone talk station in the hometown of Elvis. It was not doing well despite strong talent, signal and RKO money. Very few calls. Focus group participants revealed the answer: “Oh, I can call in? I thought those were actors.” The people of Memphis had never heard a telephone talk station and therefore didn’t know how it “worked.”

WNBC had the same challenge. It was the first TELEPHONE talk station in New York. Dominant WOR was #1 for decades but never took a listener phone call. The ad for Jim sold the innovation that listeners could talk to the radio.

To evolve the format, collectively we desperately need new programming features. Features as compelling as the power of one listener talking one-on-one to a newsmaker.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com

Industry News

Trump Executive Order Demands Federal Agencies Answer to the President

An executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday (2/19) titled, “Restoring Democracy and Accountability in Government requires that all federal agencies – those set up by Congress as independent agencies – run all action through the White House before it becomes official. The order implies that the agencies in question – including the Federal Communications Commission – are under the purview of theimg executive branch and must therefore: “(1) submit draft regulations for White House review—with no carve-out for so-called independent agencies, except for the monetary policy functions of the Federal Reserve; and (2) consult with the White House on their priorities and strategic plans, and the White House will set their performance standards. The Office of Management and Budget will adjust so-called independent agencies’ apportionments to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely. The President and the Attorney General (subject to the President’s supervision and control) will interpret the law for the executive branch, instead of having separate agencies adopt conflicting interpretations.” The order also argues that since the president is elected by the people and all agencies are accountable to the American people, therefore the president represents the will of the people. Critics of the move are questioning the constitutionality of the order and some expect this matter will be decided by the courts.

Industry News

RTDNA Requests White House Reinstate AP Reporters

The Radio Television Digital News Association is requesting that Associated Press reporters and photographers be reinstated in their access to the Oval Office and Air Force One. The administration revoked the AP’s press pool designation for events occurring in the Oval Office and the president’s aircraft because of the organization’s use of the AP Stylebook. That criticism includes that news organizations are referencing the Gulf of Mexico instead of the Gulf of America. The administration also said the AP isimg “weaponizing language through their stylebook to push a partisan worldview in contrast with the traditional and deeply held beliefs of many Americans and many people around the world.” RTDNA president and CEO Dan Shelley states, “The current White House moves targeting one of the world’s oldest and most respected news outlets are outrageous and unacceptable. It is the Trump administration, and not the Associated Press, that is trying to contort facts so that they align with its often divisive, and sometimes completely erroneous, version of the truth. We protest the administration’s actions in this instance and object to its effort to shape shift legitimate fact-based journalism to better resemble its alternative versions of the truth.”

Industry News

Cumulus/Westwood Studies: Audio Listeners are a Rich Source of In-market Financial Consumers

CumulusSeven consumer studies commissioned by the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® over an eight-year period find audio listeners are a rich source of in-market financial consumers and drive significant top and bottom funnel impact. The key findings from the studies are outlined on this week’s blog.

Key takeaways:

• Compared to TV viewers, audio listeners are far more likely own investment assets, to be in the market for financial services, and be interested in the category.
• Despite massive TV spending by financial service marketers, TV viewers exhibit low brand equity for financial service brands and weak interest in the category due to the older skew of TV audiences.
• MRI-Simmons: Heavy podcast and AM/FM radio listeners are the ideal audiences for financial brands as they are more likely to be premium clients willing to pay for financial services.
• Case study #1: MESH Experience: Among consumers with $500K+ of investable assets, heavy AM/FM radio listeners are three times more likely than heavy TV viewers to be in the market for a new or additional financial services company.
• Case study #2: AM/FM radio drives strong growth in top funnel measures such as awareness, favorability, and consideration.
• Case study #3: A MARU/Matchbox study of consumers with $1M+ of investable assets found over a six-month period, an AM/FM radio campaign generated double-digit lifts in most measures of brand equity.
• Case study #4: Heavy AM/FM radio listeners are more likely to be active investors and more engaged with the financial category versus heavy TV viewers.
• Case study #5: Heavy AM/FM radio listeners are +44% more likely to be financial ‘thrivers,’ those who like taking investing risks and agree that investing is important.
• Case study #6: Compared to TV viewers, audio listeners are much more likely to have investments across a broad array of assets classes and more likely to invest in major financial brands.
• Case study #7: Harris Poll Brand Tracker: A Westwood One NFL AM/FM radio campaign generates significant brand equity impact far stronger than among TV viewers.

Check out today’s blog post.

View a 15-minute video of the key findings here.

Industry News

WDAY-AM, Fargo Sale Overcomes Informal Objection

The proposed sale of news/talk WDAY-AM/K226CL, Fargo, North Dakota from Forum Communications Company to Bakken Beacon Media LLC’s subsidiary Flag Family survived an informal objection from private citizen Leann Wolff. Flag Family has been operating the station for the past four years and when the proposed sale was announced, Wolff filed an objection with the FCC citing social media comments from Flag Family co-owner Scott Hennen about the state of journalism in the U.S., including the statement, “journalism is dead.” Wolff questioned Flag Family’s fitness to operate the station in light of the comments but theimg Commission stated that Hennen was expressing “his own individual opinion on the current state of journalism,” but “even if it was assumed that such an opinion might be expressed on WDAY under BBM’s ownership, that is not a ground for the FCC to deny or withhold consent to the instant assignment.” The Commission further states, “We reject the assertion that Hennen’s social media comments justify a denial of the proposed assignment applications. The Objection does not cite to any provision under the Act or the rules, any cases, or any Commission policy for its argument that Hennen’s social media comments are pertinent to our review of the Applications. We disagree with Wolff’s argument that Hennen’s viewpoint on the state of journalism, as expressed in his social media comments, is in any way relevant to our determination of BBM’s qualifications to hold a license or whether the proposed assignment would serve the public interest. As the Commission has stated, licensees have broad discretion based on their First Amendment right to free speech to choose, in good faith, the programming they believe serves the needs and interests of their communities. Indeed, the Commission does not interfere with the programming decisions of licensees, nor does it consider issues of programming choice when reviewing an application for the assignment or transfer of a broadcast license.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

RADIO HITS DIGITAL MILESTONE. The radio industry has reached a significant milestone in its digital transformation, hitting $2.1 billion in digital revenue in 2024, according to the latest annual digital benchmarking report from RAB and Borrell Associates Inc. The 13th annual report highlights the increasing role of digital advertising in stabilizing the industry’s financial outlook, with digital revenue now accounting for nearly 25% of the average radio station’s total income…..SPEAKING OF YOUTUBE.Shelly Palmer reports: Shortly after it launched, YouTube changed the way we consumed video. It grew powerful in tandem with the evolution of smartphones as it redefined our video viewing experiences. Now, YouTube has transcended its original form factors to officially become a television-first platform. CEO Neal Mohan revealed that viewers now watch more than one billion hours of content on their TVs every day, surpassing mobile viewing. For the past two years, YouTube has been the most-watched streaming service in the U.S., according to Nielsen. The shift toward TV screens is no accident. YouTube has redesigned its TV app to function more like a traditional streaming service…..SUPER BOWL AUDIENCE HITS HISTORIC HIGH. An estimated 127.7 million viewers tuned in for Super Bowl LIX (2/9) according to Nielsen, making it the largest audience for a Super Bowl and for a single-network telecast in TV history. Super Bowl LIX aired on FOX, FOX Deportes and Telemundo and streamed on Tubi from approximately 6:42 PM ET to 10:16 PM ET.  This flies in the face of all other pop culture media trends which follow a pattern of fractionalization…..AAR CONTINUES TO GROW. Armed American RadioThe syndicated “Armed American Radio” live stream hosted by successful broadcaster-Second Amendment defender Mark Walters is now available Monday through Friday 4:00-5:00 pm ET and Sundays 8:00-11:00 pm ET on You Tube at Armed American Radio, on Rumble at Armed American Radio, on Facebook Live at Facebook.com/armedamericanradio, on X (Twitter) @aarmark and www.armedamericanradio.com. Now streaming the live video feed on multiple platforms for viewers, the show’s podcast just crossed 20 million downloads last week.

Industry News

Outstanding Speakers Joining “GENERATIONS 2025” Agenda

The lineup of industry speakers set to speak at the forthcoming GENERATIONS 2025 conference being presented by TALKERS at the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) convention – IBSNYC 2025 – continues to grow.

Conference Mast

A stellar line-up of speakers have already signed up to speak at this groundbreaking industry event including (in alphabetical order): Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia; Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism; Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago; Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS; Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner; Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA; Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group; John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY; Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network; Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One; and Lisa Wexler, talk show host, WICC, Bridgeport; with several more to be announced in the next few days. See agenda and accompanying stories below.

Sheraton Times Square New York Hotel
New York East Room
Saturday March 8, 2025
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

AGENDA

12:30 – 1:00 pm Keynote Address “Welcome to the Brave New World”

Speakers:
Michael Harrison
, Publisher, TALKERS
Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner

1:10 – 1:40 pm Fireside Chat “Setting the Stage”

Facilitator: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Special Guest: Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group

1:50 – 2:20 pm Discussion: “Launching and Managing a Career in Talk Radio / Talk Media”

Moderator: Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia
Speaker: John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Speaker: Paul Vandenburgh, owner / talk show host, WGDJ Talk 1300 AM & 98.7 FM, Albany, NY
Speaker: TBA

2:30 – 3:00 pm Discussion: “Old School/New School/Next School – Learning from Each Other”

Moderator:  Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City
Speaker:  Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group
Speaker: Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism
Speaker: Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network

3:10 – 3:40 pm Discussion: “Radio’s Place in a Diverse, Digital World”

Moderator: TBA
Speaker: Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network
Speaker: Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One
Speaker: TBA

3:50 – 4:20 pm Discussion: “Finding Truth in an Age of Misinformation”

Moderator: Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago
Speaker:  Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia
Speaker: Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA
Speaker: Lisa Wexler, talk show host, WICC, Bridgeport

4:20 – 4:30 pm Wrap Up:  Group Chat

For more information, please see story below.

 

Industry News

BREAKING NEWS: AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Approved to Head for Vote in Senate

After having to start over in a new Congress, the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” designed to stop car manufacturers from eliminating AM radios from the dashboards of new automobiles sold in the U.S.  has been approved this morning (2/5) by the Senate Commerce Committee.  It will now head to the U.S. Senate for a full vote.  It is receiving bi-partisan support as well as an endorsement by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt.  

Industry News

MIW Announces 2025 Management Mentees

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Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio announces the MIW Erica Farber Mentorship in Management Class of 2025. The program selects four candidates from across the radio industry – spanning sales, marketing, programming, and digital – to participate in an exclusive mentorship opportunity designed to foster career growth and leadership development. This year’s mentees are (pictured above from l-r) : Alyssa Salisbury, digital solutions manager, Townsquare Media Group; Kim Stead, promotions director/on-air, NRG Media; Sheri Fermoyle, sales manager, Hubbard Radio; and Tiffany Cobb, director of sales, Hampton Roads Media Group. MIW mentoring committee chair Jenna Miller says, “The MIW Erica Farber Mentorship in Management program exemplifies our commitment to empowering women in radio broadcasting. Each of these talented mentees brings a unique perspective and passion to the industry, and I am thrilled to see how this program will support their growth and success.”

Industry News

KBLA, Los Angeles to Kick Off Black History Month Tomorrow (2/1) with Major Climate Justice and Black Health Campaign Aimed at CA Communities of Color

imSmileyAudioMedia, Inc. announced today (1/31) that its flagship Los Angeles-based radio station, KBLA Talk 1580, will launch year two of its Climate Justice work. This $2 million, 12-month campaign will link and combat the relationship between climate change and poor health outcomes for African Americans, other people of color, and the poor. The campaign was recently named a national semifinalist for the American Climate Leadership Awards 2025 by ecoAmerica. Climate inequities have taken a toll with multiple health triggers in the Black community, such as extreme heat and poor air quality, made worse by the recent wildfires.

Building on the success of last year’s campaign, KBLA will tailor brand-specific health messaging to the Black community, use strategic alliances to create a healthful behavior pipeline, create culturally and socially sensitive health education opportunities, and enhance knowledge and awareness among Black community stakeholders.

KBLA lineup

The initiative plans a robust schedule of climate/Black health-themed broadcasts and special programming during the next 12 months, free community events each quarter, a one-of-a-kind Black health online portal, two town halls broadcast nationally from Los Angeles, and a savvy social media and marketing campaign. Last year, KBLA Talk 1580 hosted a national conversation live on C-SPAN. It will do so again this year with the theme, “Narrowing the Gap: Addressing Health Disparities Among African Americans.” KBLA is being joined in this effort by an array of public and private partners.

“The harsher impacts of climate change weigh heavily on communities of color, as we can see with the impact of the wildfires on historic Black communities like Altadena where lives were lost, property was destroyed, and these toxic air pollutants are likely to cause even greater harm in the months and years to come,” stated Tavis Smiley, KBLA’s chief visionary officer, host of the nationally syndicated “Tavis Smiley Show,” and 2023 recipient of the coveted “Freedom of Speech” Award from TALKERS.  “There is real concern that these wildfires may leave even more inequity in their wake.”

As a Black-owned and operated major media company focused on these underserved communities, and as the most ‘trusted, credible and reliable’ media source in Southern California for African Americans and beyond, we are committed to doing more than talk in these troubled times,” added Smiley. “KBLA assigns itself the task of elevating the climate conversation connected to Black health outcomes by amplifying the voices of those who are most impacted by the climate catastrophes we are all witnessing in real-time.”

Industry News

Outstanding Speakers Joining “GENERATIONS 2025” Agenda

The lineup of industry speakers set to speak at the forthcoming GENERATIONS 2025 conference being presented by TALKERS at the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) convention – IBSNYC 2025 – continues to grow.

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A stellar line-up of speakers have already signed up to speak at this groundbreaking industry event including (in alphabetical order): Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia; Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism; Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago; Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS; Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner; Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA; Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group; John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY; Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network; Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One; with several more to be announced in the next few days. See agenda and accompanying stories below.

Sheraton Times Square New York Hotel
New York East Room
Saturday March 8, 2025
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

AGENDA

12:30 – 1:00 pm Keynote Address “Welcome to the Brave New World”

Speakers:
Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner

1:10 – 1:40 pm Fireside Chat “Setting the Stage”

Facilitator: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Special Guest: Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group

1:50 – 2:20 pm Discussion: “Launching and Managing a Career in a Changing Media Industry”

Moderator: Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia
Speaker: John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Speaker: TBA
Speaker: TBA

2:30 – 3:00 pm Discussion: “Old School/New School/Next School – Learning from Each Other”

Moderator:  Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City
Speaker:  Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group
Speaker: Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism
Speaker: Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network

3:10 – 3:40 pm Discussion: “Radio’s Place in a Diverse, Digital World”

Moderator: TBA
Speaker: Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network
Speaker: Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One
Speaker: TBA

3:50 – 4:20 pm Discussion: “Finding Truth in an Age of Misinformation”

Moderator: Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago
Speaker:  Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia
Speaker: Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA
Speaker: TBA

4:20 – 4:30 pm Wrap Up:  Group Chat

Industry News

David Field Exits Audacy CEO Role

Audacy, Inc. announces that David J. Field is stepping down as president and CEO of the company and is leaving his seat on the board of directors. Named interim president and CEO is current board member Kelli Turner. The board will conduct a search for a permanent CEO. Meanwhile, Field will serve as a special advisor to the CEO and the board. Audacy board chairman Michael Del Nin states, “David has left animg indelible mark on the industry, growing Audacy from a few small radio stations into a scaled multi-platform audio content and entertainment powerhouse. He has built a great company with leading positions across the country’s largest markets and an outstanding portfolio of exclusive, premium audio content. Under David’s dedicated leadership, Audacy has been positioned for longterm success, and we look forward to working with Kelli and the entire team as the company begins its next exciting chapter.” In a statement, Field says, “Since I joined Audacy, then Entercom, we have grown from $10 million in revenues with ten niche radio stations into a $1.2 billion, multi-platform audio leader with one of the country’s two scaled radio broadcast groups, one of the largest podcast networks and the unrivaled top position in sports audio. Audacy recently completed a very successful 2024, delivering industry-leading EBITDA growth of more than 70% through the third quarter and significant revenue share gains across our radio and digital businesses. With the company in a strong competitive and financial position, now is the optimal time to pass the baton to new leadership. I am deeply proud of our extraordinary team and everything we have accomplished for our listeners, customers, partners, and communities. The company is in great hands, and I look forward to seeing the next chapter of Audacy’s success.”

Industry News

Senator John Kennedy Urging FCC to Review Soros’ Audacy Debt Acquisition

U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) wants the Federal Communications Commission to review the approval of billionaire George Soros’ acquisition of $400 million of Audacy’s debt that makes him the largest shareholder of the company that exited Chapter 11 restructuring last year. New FCC chairman Brendan Carr has promised to “take a very hard look” at a petition to reconsider the license transfer to the newimg Audacy. Before he was chairman, Carr had argued that the FCC should not allow a “Soros shortcut” but must follow FCC procedure. In June of last year Carr said the FCC had never previously used the “Soros-shortcut” procedure to approve licenses to a firm with significant foreign ownership. But Audacy argued in its opposition to the Petition to Deny (filed last summer) that there is nothing unique about this request, saying that the FCC “granting a limited waiver deferring its foreign ownership review to facilitate a licensee’s prompt emergence from bankruptcy is consistent with the Communications Act.” Audacy added that the notion that the limited waiver is new “completely ignores longstanding precedent establishing the Commission-approved special warrant process used in a number of prior transactions to allow licensees to emerge from bankruptcy promptly, while affording the Commission sufficient opportunity to review foreign ownership issues post-emergence.”

Industry News

WWO: Data Reveals the Cost of Dull Ads

This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One AudioActive Group blog looks at the creative side of audio ads. The Institute for Practitioners in Advertising produced data that reveals brands must spend significantly more media money on dull ads compared to interesting, non-dull ads. Looking at key findings from “Another Dullimg Whitepaper: The Extraordinary Cost of Dull,” the analysis notes that 1) Neutrality, the absence of emotion, is the most common reaction to ads; 2) Business-to-business ads are even duller with greater neutral “feeling nothing” responses; and 3) Marketers have two jobs: Converting existing demand and creating future demand. Only about 5% of customers are in-market and “rational and dull copy using tightly target media” has its purpose here. But for the 95% of the customers not in-market and thinking about the category, “The objective is to create ads that produce positive feelings, especially happiness. If an ad makes people feel good, it’s more memorable and more effective at building positive associations with a brand.” See the complete blog post here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (January 20-24, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (1/20-24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories/Topics

1. Inauguration of Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk Controversial Gesture
3. Pete Hegseth Confirmation Hearings / Marco Rubio Confirmation
4. Episcopal Bishop Prayer Breakfast Remarks
5. Trump Executive Order Signings
6. Trump Migrant Crackdown / Trump Climate and Foreign Affairs Policies
7. Trump DEI policies / Trump DOGE Activities – The Economy
8. Big Tech Government Influence
9. Russia Ukraine War / Israel-Hamas War
10.Sean Hannity Trump Interview

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Pete Hegseth / Marco Rubio
4. Joe Biden
5. Mariann Edgar Budde
6. Vivek Ramaswamy
7. Jeff Bezos / Mark Zuckerberg
8. Benjamin Netanyahu / Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Xi Jinping
9. JD Vance
10.Sean Hannity

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.