Industry News

Beasley Sports Talkers Partner with Soccer Clubs

Beasley Media Group sports talk stations announce partnerships with Major League Soccer clubs. First, WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” and the New England Revolution extend their partnership to make “98.5 The Sports Hub” the flagship home of the Revolution for years to come. Longtime Revolution play-by-play voice Brad Feldman returns to the call alongside former Revolution and U.S. Men’s National Team forward Charlie Davies. Additionally, “98.5 The Sports Hub” will introduce “The Soccer Show” – a weekly one-hour program to air on Saturday mornings from 6:00 am to – 7:00 am. In Philadelphia, Beasley’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” announces a new partnership with the Philadelphia Union to serve as the club’s official radio broadcast partner. Primary hosts of Union match broadcasts will be Dave Leno and Sheanon Williams.

Features

Ruddy Speaks Out as Talk Hosts Support Newsmax Versus DirecTV

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison and Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy engaged in a phone conversation this week (2/8) to discuss the bruhaha buzzing through conservative news/talk radio triggered by AT&T’s recent decision to remove the popular conservative channel from its subsidiary, DirecTV. Ruddy, grateful for the support Newsmax is receiving from radio hosts, wanted to speak out directly to the medium further explaining his position. (NOTE: Newsmax also has a footprint in the news/talk radio space as syndicator of the daily Rob Carson midday program.)

Late in January, DirecTV, owned by AT&T, “deplatformed” Newsmax from more than 13 million of its subscriber homes calling it a “business decision.”

News of this stunned Washington, fueling GOP lawmakers with more evidence that big tech media was closing down conservative voices for political reasons.

This was the second time in just the past year AT&T moved to cancel a conservative channel, taking OAN off their platforms last April.

However, Newsmax is not OAN. Newsmax has, in breathtaking time, became the fourth-highest-rated cable news channel reaching 25 million Americans, according to Nielsen.

Major Members of Congress, Senators and newsmakers dot its programming lineup every day. Even First Lady Jill Biden made a prime-time appearance to discuss her cancer initiative last October and former President Donald Trump is a regular participant.

According to Ruddy, “The fact that AT&T was willing to take down Newsmax as Republicans take control of the House was yet another sign for America’s right that ‘wokeness’ remains in high gear.”

In the conversation, Ruddy described AT&T’s decision a “blatant act of political censorship” and “effort to restrict conservative voices before the ’24 election.”

Here are some takeaways from Chris Ruddy:

Government Collusion

“We know from ‘The Twitter Files,’ that Twitter worked in collusion with federal agencies, including the FBI, to censor and restrict the speech of news media and public figures,” said Ruddy.

“Why,” he asked,” would we not think that was happening” in Newsmax’s case, too?

(During testimony on February 8 before the House Oversight Committee, former Twitter executives admitted they handled the Hunter Biden matter poorly, but also said they were not in contact with government officials over the matter.)

Ruddy points to a 2021 letter penned by Democratic Members of Congress Anna Eshoo and Jerry McNerney, addressed to AT&T’s CEO and other cable operators, clearly aimed at removing OAN, Newsmax and FOX News Channel for spreading “misinformation.”

Harrison asked, “With two channels down, is FOX News a target next?”

Ruddy said it clearly is a target, but that cable operators will have a more difficult time “deplatforming” it.

Cutting Costs

Harrison asked, “When AT&T dropped OAN and Newsmax, didn’t the company say both moves were the result of cost-cutting?”

Ruddy responded that this claim makes no sense when Newsmax is concerned, “because they keep over 100 channels that have far less ratings and are more costly than Newsmax.”

A business approach, he said, would be for DirecTV to remove low-rated channels that are costly, not highly rated channels like Newsmax that are inexpensive.

He said AT&T’s unusual decision to cut Newsmax demonstrates a “political motive.”

Newsmax has produced a chart that shows 22 liberal-leaning news and information channels. Almost all have lower ratings than Newsmax – and all get fees higher than Newsmax was seeking.

Ruddy says Newsmax sought a very modest license fee of $1 per year per subscriber. CNN gets $14 a year from DirecTV. And almost every channel in the top 100 gets a multiple of the $1.

Harrison asked, “So, what’s the problem for DirecTV, which I understand raked in $2.7 billion last year in profits?”

Ruddy’s response: “DirecTV says that Newsmax is simply ineligible for any license fee, not one penny let alone $1.”

And here he seems to make a strong case AT&T is targeting Newsmax – by denying it any fees when almost everyone else gets paid a fee, especially liberal channels.

“AT&T DirecTV is being super clever,” Ruddy explains. “They tell Newsmax they’ll carry us for free, but we can’t get a license fee.”  But, Ruddy adds, “Since all cable agreements, according to industry standards, get the lowest rate, that means all go to zero fees with no license fee for Newsmax.

“Since cable news channels need license fees to operate, DirecTV is effectively putting Newsmax out of business,” he said.

Political Bias

“This claim that Newsmax alone can never get a fee simply doesn’t seem to work for a lot of people in the public as well as Congress,” Ruddy said.

“Many conservative leaders in America – and some fair-minded independents and liberals – have already concluded that AT&T’s motives with Newsmax were largely driven by politics, and not by dollars and cents.”

New House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he called AT&T and informed the company that “Newsmax should not be treated any differently based upon them being a conservative news outlet.” McCarthy has vowed there will be hearings on the removal of Newsmax.

Even Alan Dershowitz, one of America’s famed liberal lawyers, agrees with McCarthy that Newsmax’s removal doesn’t pass the smell test.

“Clearly, they used economic reasons as a cover for political reasons,” Dershowitz told Newsmax’s Greta Van Susteren last week.

Dershowitz said he believes AT&T’s decision “had elements of partisan and ideological and political bias directed at stations that don’t adhere to the views of the company.”

“Anybody who believes that this was purely an economic decision should buy a bridge in Brooklyn,” he said, adding that A&T DirecTV “ought to reconsider and put Newsmax back on.”

 Fighting Back

When AT&T DirecTV deplatformed OAN, a relatively hard-right channel with a relatively small viewership, it received little attention. But the executives at AT&T may have awoken a sleeping giant by taking on Newsmax.

Newsmax’s reach is extensive, reaching 40 million Americans through online, apps, emails, and a huge social media network – not to mention that its content is highly utilized by many radio talk show hosts and producers.

Ruddy told Harrison, “For a long time Newsmax’s audience has been aligned and interconnected with the talk radio audience. We are seeing tremendous synergies across all media platforms, including talk radio.” Ruddy has been speaking out on this subject on a number of radio talk shows across America.

On the same day of the Ruddy-Harrison conversation, the Newsmax CEO appeared on Mark Simone’s top-rated show on powerhouse WOR in New York to discuss the censorship of his channel. Demand is so great for interviews, Newsmax analysts Dick Morris and Hogan Gidley are also doing interviews about the AT&T matter.

The End Game

Ruddy said he’d like Newsmax to be back on DirecTV. Initially, DirecTV said they had no intention to bring Newsmax back on air. But last week, the company reversed course and said they are open to do so.

However, according to Ruddy, so far DirecTV has not changed their position that Newsmax is not entitled to any license fees.

“We are willing to negotiate but DirecTV has to do so in good faith,” Ruddy said, adding “We’re waiting.”

He said even if Newsmax stays off DirecTV, his media empire will continue to grow.

“This episode has made us stronger and AT&T is a good company for us to build against in the months and years ahead,” he said. “Everyone knows AT&T and they’re not well-liked for engaging in politics, targeting conservatives – and they even owned CNN during its worst years,” Ruddy said.

“We’ve been in business for 25 years and no matter what the controversy, Newsmax has always come out ahead. It will this time too,” he concluded.

After speaking with Ruddy, Harrison stated, “We all know that the First Amendment only applies to government censorship and privately-owned platforms have the right to present or not present whatever opinions conform to their positions. However, when government officials use the influence and prestige of their office to pressure high-level media executives to deplatform legitimate players for obvious political ends – as seems to be the case in this Newsmax scenario – that becomes a major concern for all Americans who value free speech. And even if the government wasn’t involved, massive power requires equal responsibility and even-handedness. Although in many cases the picture remains murky – for the most part, it is clear to me that conservatives claiming an ongoing imbalance of bias against them, by the informationally-vital venues of big tech, have an abundance of growing evidence to support their complaints. And that should be a major worry of all fair-minded Americans trying to negotiate the turbulent waters of this new digital era without losing at least the spirit of the First Amendment let alone the letter of the law.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartMedia, Inc. announces that it will report its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2022 and the full year on February 28. The company will also conduct a conference call at 4:30 pm to discuss its financial results and business outlook. A live audio webcast of the call will be available on the Investors homepage of iHeartMedia’s website.

FOX Sports Radio unveils its plans for its 23rd annual Super Week coverage that begins Monday (2/6). Its sports talk programming will emanate from Arizona during the week, with “The Dan Patrick Show” originating from Scottsdale Stadium, “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” live from State Farm Stadium (2/9-10), and the rest of its lineup broadcasting from Radio Row at the Phoenix Convention Center.

SiriusXM is also broadcasting from Arizona during Super Week and will also broadcast the game itself, with subscribers able to hear the Kansas City Chiefs team broadcast, the Philadelphia Eagles team broadcast, the Westwood One national radio broadcast and a Spanish-language broadcast. SiriusXM NFL Radio hosts will broadcast during the week from Radio Row at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Industry News

SiriusXM Adds Three Talk Shows to Urban View Channel

The satellite service announces that it is adding three new weekend programs to the schedule on its Urban View channel. Political consultant, writer, and commentator Shermichael Singleton hosts the Saturday 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm show. He’s a former contributing host of Vox Media’s “Consider It” and the host of “ScreenShare” on MSNBC’s Peacock. The program features diverse guests and conversations that “tackle the biggest issues in culture, entertainment, media, and politics.” Best-selling author, advocate, speaker, and strategist Reecie Colbert hosts the Saturday 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm program that addresses politics, culture, current events, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. And broadcaster, news analyst, business executive, college dean, university professor, lecturer, entrepreneur, and advocate Dr. Rashad Richey is host of the Sunday 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm hour that SiriusXM calls “your one-hour Sunday ‘all things’ political, social, and economic empowerment show!”

Industry News

WLS-AM, Chicago to Air Larry Kudlow Sunday Evening Show

Cumulus Media’s Chicago news/talk WLS-AM is launching a new Sunday night talk radio show hosted by Larry Kudlow who – in addition to his previous media experience served as Director of the National Economic Council of the United States during the Trump administration from 2018-2021. “The Larry Kudlow Show” debuts on February 5 from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. WLS says, “In the weekly one-hour show, Kudlow shares with 890 WLS-AM listeners his perspective on the state of the markets, the economy, and politics. An unapologetic supporter of capitalism and free markets, he shares his insight and expertise to better navigate tomorrow’s evolving economic and political terrain.” Kudlow also currently hosts the FOX Business television show “Kudlow” weeknights from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm ET and is the host of “The Larry Kudlow Show” on WABC, New York, heard Saturdays from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. WLS program director Stephanie Tichenor says, “We are delighted to welcome back to 890 WLS-AM, a listener favorite, Larry Kudlow. Larry’s financial expertise will be a perfect addition to our weekend lineup.”

Industry News

Salem Adds Pérez Castellón to Miami Spanish Talker

Salem Media Group announces that South Florida radio host and activist Ninoska Pérez Castellón is joining the lineup of its new Spanish-language talk format on WWFE-AM, Miami “La Nueva Poderosa 670 AM.” Salem recently acquired the signals that will comprise “La Nueva Poderosa 670 AM.” Pérez Castellón served with Univision Radio for 26 years, leaving WAQI “Radio Mambi 710 AM” after its recent change of ownership. Pérez Castellón, a well-known South Florida media personality who was born in Cuba and raised in Miami and is an activist in the fight for freedom in Cuba, has appeared in national and international media outlets including “Nightline,” CNN, “Hannity,” “The O’Reilly Factor,” Al Punto Univision, and MSNBC as an expert on Cuban issues. Salem Media Miami VP and general manager Monica Rabassa comments, “We are extremely happy and honored to have Ninoska Pérez Castellón join Salem Media Miami. Ninoska’s unrelenting voice in support of freedom and just causes now has a new home at ‘La Nueva Poderosa 670 AM.’” Pérez Castellón states, “I am thankful that Salem Media, a powerhouse in conservative thought, has stepped up and given Hispanic conservative voices a home at a time when we have been under attack for the sole purpose of silencing us. I am extremely happy to be back on the airwaves connecting with the audience I love.” In addition to Ninoska’s program, the station’s revised lineup will also feature Father Albert Cutié, a.k.a. Padre Alberto, who currently hosts a television talk show produced and transmitted by Mega TV in South Florida, and nationally on DirectTV and AT&T U-verse.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Audacy’s Cadence13 podcast studio launches, “WEAPONIZED with Jeremy Corbell & George Knapp,” a multi-platform, investigative podcast series hosted by investigative filmmaker Jeremy Corbell and award-winning investigative journalist George Knapp in which they “pull back the veil on the world of the known to explore the world of the unexplained. They break news and share never-before-seen footage, previously suppressed documents, original recordings, and hard evidence related to UFOs, the paranormal, cutting-edge science, cover-ups, conspiracies, and big-time crimes.”

The nationally syndicated travel show “RMWorldTravel” starring Robert and Mary Carey officially surpasses the 500-station mark and is now heard on 510 affiliate stations across the U.S.

The Weather Channel and Skyview Networks announce the expansion of their partnership with the inclusion of SnoCountry Ski Reports. With this expansion, The Weather Channel and SnoCountry will utilize Skyview Networks’ network audio sales platforms and regionalization capabilities to provide winter ski reports to unique geographic audiences, giving listeners valuable ski resort conditions through the winter season.

SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio is broadcasting from this year’s PGA Show in Orlando today (1/24) through Friday (1/27). The PGA Show is not open to the public and SiriusXM’s hosts will share with their audience insight into the latest in golf instruction, equipment, apparel and more. Listeners will also hear one-on-one interviews with many of the PGA Professionals in attendance at the event.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

— The Akron Beacon Journal reports that former WNIR-FM, Akron evening talk host Jim Isabella is running for mayor of Akron. Isabella exited the Media-Com news/talk station last year. Isabella is running as a Republican and it’s been 40 years since the city’s been led by a GOP mayor.

— The National Association of Broadcasters is celebrating its 100th year as an advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. The 2023 NAB Show Centennial Celebration is scheduled to take place April 15 – 19 in Las Vegas and will commemorate 100 years since the first NAB Show in 1923. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “This year marks our century-long legacy of advocating on behalf of America’s broadcasters and driving global innovation and industry growth through NAB Show. We invite the entire NAB community, including broadcasters and content professionals from around the world, to join us for the Centennial Celebration as we honor our rich history, recognize our unparalleled impact and celebrate our next 100 years.”

Audacy, via its partnership with BetMGM and the BetQL Network, will broadcast live from the newly opened BetMGM Sportsbook located next door to State Farm Stadium during the week of February 6-10 leading up to the NFL’s Super Bowl XLVII.

— Tomorrow (1/17), Podbean hosts the free webinar “Creating a Podcast Network For Your Niche with The Pharmacy Podcast Network” with guest Todd Eury, CEO of The Pharmacy Podcast Network. The program will discuss how The Pharmacy Podcast Network started, best practices and tips for starting your own podcast network, how to build audience trust and hone in on your podcast niche.

Industry News

Steve Gorman Takes Over Morning Show Hosting Duties at KQRS, Minneapolis

Founding member of rock group The Black Crows, Steve Gorman, is joining Cumulus Media to take over the heavily talk-driven morning show hosting duties from retiring Twin Cities legend Tom Barnard on classic rock KQRS-FM, Minneapolis. Gorman started his radio career in 2011 as host of “Steve Gorman SPORTS!” on Cromwell Media Group’s WPRT-FM, Nashville “102.5 The Game” in 2011. That show was eventually syndicated by FOX Sports Radio. He currently hosts the Westwood One-syndicated rock evening show “Steve Gorman Rocks!” and will continue in that role. Gorman began his KQRS-FM duties this morning (1/9) and will relocate to the Twin Cities. Cumulus Minneapolis VP and market manager Shelly Malecha Wilkes tells TALKERS, “We are very excited that Steve has decided to join the ‘KQ Morning Show.’ Steve is intelligent, authentic, funny – everything we were looking for and more. I am very much looking forward to our next chapter.” KQRS program director and Cumulus VP of classic rock James Kurdziel adds, “When looking for someone to drive ‘The KQ Morning Show,’ we needed a big personality with quick wits, brilliant storytelling, strong work ethic, will to win and most importantly, someone who wants to be a part of our community. We found all those things in Steve Gorman. Adding him to our established team of [Brian] Zepp, Tony [Lee] and Candice [Wheeler] makes our show energetic, dynamic, topical, and all about Minnesota. We’re fortunate to have landed our big fish.”

About TALKERS

TALKERS (commonly referred to as “TALKERS magazine”) is the leading trade publication serving the talk media industry in America. It was dubbed “The Bible of Talk Radio” by Business Week as it initially focused on news/talk, all news, all sports, and a variety of spoken work genres emerging on the radio dial. As technology and media trends evolved over the years, the publication expanded to serve the forms of talk media beyond just talk radio — which includes talk content distributed digitally, via satellite and on cable television.

TALKERS was launched as a print publication during the Summer of 1990 by its founder Michael Harrison, a multi-format radio broadcasting innovator and industry trade journalist who has been at the center of many of the exciting pop radio revolutions of the past half-century, both on air and behind the scenes.

TALKERS is published in digital-only formats and features news stories, photos and videos relevant to the non-stop happenings in talk media with a focus on top hosts and stations, developments at the networks, interviews with movers and shakers, the opinions of industry leaders, advertising sales trends and fast-breaking developments in technology.

TALKERS also conducts ongoing research of the topics and opinions discussed and expressed on hundreds of talk stations and programs across America and compiles them into surveys and graphs which have become the standard of the industry.

In addition to talk broadcasters using TALKERS research as a guideline to see where they fit into the industry landscape, the consumer press also regularly turns to the publication to capture the mood of the public as it is expressed in talk media in addition to learning about what’s happening in the business. Hardly a week goes by in which TALKERS is not cited in a major publication or TV broadcast dealing with news stories, public opinion or talk media specifically.

According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, “Talk media is collectively the most accurate bellwether of American public opinion in the mass media today.”

Since 1990, the growth of TALKERS magazine has been parallel to that of the talk radio industry – which includes its many sub-formats – with many observers crediting the publication with not just chronicling the talk radio phenomenon, but playing a significant role in supporting and fueling the medium’s spectacular rise to prominence. Talk radio is the most-listened to radio genre today and certainly the most important.

TALKERS has an international readership in the English-speaking world that includes the key participants at most talk radio stations and networks in the United States and Canada (plus the U.K, Ireland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong), including the most important talk show hosts on air, online, on satellite and in podcasting.

TALKERS magazine readers also include the top executives of TV networks, management at the largest entertainment companies, editors of major publications, members of congress, governors of states, and even the President of the United States. And, the hardcore fans of talk radio — its most dedicated listeners — are consumers of the content on Talkers.com and its affiliated products.

TALKERS magazine advertisers include radio program suppliers, broadcast equipment manufacturers and distributors, book publishers, record companies, political action committees and more.

Because of the phenomenal growth of talk media, its impact on society, and the colorful nature of both its personalities and its listeners, TALKERS magazine emerged in the 1990s as one of the most important trade journals in American industry and on the contemporary cultural scene. Now, with the industry headed boldly into the third decade of the 21st century, and with the exponential growth of the many spoken-word formats and delivery systems, TALKERS magazine’s potential for expansion is unlimited.

TALKERS magazine’s writers include some of the most respected media professionals in the country and it has published exclusive print, audio and video interviews with some of the nation’s most important newsmakers. These include Presidents of the United States, key broadcasting executives, business and government leaders, as well as show business figures.

TALKERS magazine has expanded into an array of media beyond its writings. It has organized and presented the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention – now in its 25th consecutive year in addition to countless individual forums, seminars and radio rows around the country on subjects that include politics, foreign policy, domestic violence, health care and economics.

TALKERS magazine and the talk media are very much a part of each other and on the move toward playing an even larger and increasingly more important role in digital-era America!

Advice

Monday Memo: Can News Save Talk?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Twenty years ago, at the TALKERS conference in New York, publisher Michael Harrison declared that “talk saved AM radio and it will save FM.”

Now, can news save FM from talk?

The biggest blade in the Swiss Army Knife?

Non-music stations give listeners plenty of reasons to tune-in.

(more…)

Advice

Monday Memo: Is Your Show the Dog? Or the Tail?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Lots of response to last week’s “Weekend Warriors, Renegotiate.” SOME stations were horrified by what I’m telling their brokered ask-the-expert hosts. SMART stations already offer the win-win template I outlined. ICYMI: https://www.talkers.com/2022/03/21/monday-memo-weekend-warriors-renegotiate/

 FMs are scrambling. AMs? Ugh.

As if AM wasn’t already suffering listener demographics, technical interference, caricature programming, and too little local content, now comes the proposal to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. From November through February – when local sunrise would come between 8:00 am and 9:00 am – later pattern and power change times would cripple full-time stations. Daytimers would be utterly screwed if smart ones with translators hadn’t already rebranded as FMs (as have so many full-time AMs).

(more…)

Sales

Pending Business: Reimagining How News/Talk is Sold

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Maybe it’s time take a minute and reimagine how news/talk radio is sold. I am serious. Because your company is offering audio options like:

1) Fight clutter with less inventory.

2) Offer host-read endorsements.

3) On-demand.

(more…)

Advice

Monday Memo: Talk Topic Two-fer

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Barring the unforeseeable, today’s callers are talking about Super Bowl commercials. Next Monday, Presidents Day, is a holiday for some, disrupting habit listening. So here are two timely topics, which lit-up-the-phones when I myself used them guest-hosting “The Jim Bohannon Show” and elsewhere.

“Your Most Monumental Presidents?” 

On Mount Rushmore, there is room for four: “If we were carving it today, who do YOU think deserves to be there? [phone number]”

(more…)

Advice

Monday Memo: Talk Radio 101 – LISTEN

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Talk radio isn’t just different than music radio. It’s better. Talk radio is never on in the background. And streaming has music radio on its heels, because The Sentence Never Spoken is “Alexa, please play six commercials.”

Yet talkers should avoid taking false comfort that we’re less vulnerable to digital competitors, because people are using social media to talk to each other without us. So joining the conversation there is now table stakes. But defending the towers remains Job One.

(more…)

Features

L.A. Talk Radio Legend Michael Jackson Passes

By Lyle Gregory
Spokesperson/Producer

 

LOS ANGELES — Legendary KABC radio and Los Angeles talk radio personality Michael Jackson died today peacefully at his home in Los Angeles with his beloved children at his bedside, according to a family spokesperson.

One of the most treasured media personalities in Los Angeles, Jackson’s radio career spanned five decades. With his British accent, playful demeanor and keen intellect, Jackson was respected by his peers, politicians, and celebrities and admired by his vast radio audience.

(more…)

About TALKERS

TALKERS magazine is the leading trade publication serving the talk media industry in America. It was dubbed “The Bible of Talk Radio” by Business Week Magazine.  As technology and media trends have evolved over the years, the publication expanded to serve the forms of talk media beyond just talk radio — which includes talk distributed digitally, satellite radio, as well as talk programming on television.

TALKERS magazine was launched as a print publication during the Summer of 1990 by Michael Harrison, a radio broadcasting innovator and trade journalist who has been at the center of many of the exciting pop radio revolutions of the past 50-plus years, both on air and behind the scenes.

TALKERS magazine is now published in digital-only formats and features news stories, photos and videos relevant to the non-stop happenings in talk media with a focus on top hosts and stations, developments at the networks, interviews with movers and shakers, the opinions of industry participants and leaders, and fast-breaking developments in technology.

TALKERS magazine also conducts ongoing research of the topics and opinions discussed and expressed on hundreds of talk stations and programs across America and compiles them into surveys and graphs which have become the standard of the industry.

In addition to talk broadcasters using TALKERS magazine research as a guideline to see where they fit into the industry’s scheme of things, the consumer press also regularly turns to the publication to capture the mood of the public as it is expressed in talk media in addition to learning about what’s happening in the business.  Hardly a week goes by in which TALKERS magazine is not cited in a major publication or TV broadcast dealing with news stories, public opinion or talk radio specifically.

According to TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison, “Talk media is collectively the most accurate bellwether of American public opinion in the mass media today.”

Since 1990, the growth of TALKERS magazine has been parallel to that of the talk radio industry – which includes the sub-formats news/talk, talk, sports talk, all-news, non-commercial talk, and more – with many observers crediting the publication with not just chronicling the talk radio phenomenon, but playing a significant role in supporting and fueling the medium’s spectacular rise to prominence. Talk radio is the most-listened to radio genre today and certainly the most important.

TALKERS magazine has an international readership that includes the key participants at most talk radio stations and networks in the United States and Canada (plus the U.K, Ireland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong), including the most important talk show hosts on air, online, on satellite and in podcasting.

TALKERS magazine readers also include the top executives of TV networks, management at the largest entertainment companies, editors of major publications, members of congress, governors of states, and even the President of the United States.  And, the hardcore fans of talk radio — its most dedicated listeners — are consumers of the content on Talkers.com and its affiliated products.

TALKERS magazine advertisers include radio program suppliers, broadcast equipment manufacturers and distributors, book publishers, record companies, political action committees and more.

Because of the phenomenal growth of talk media, its impact on society, and the colorful nature of both its personalities and its listeners, TALKERS magazine emerged in the 1990s as one of the most important trade journals in American industry and on the contemporary cultural scene. Now, with the industry headed boldly into the 21st century, and with the exponential growth of the many spoken-word formats and delivery systems, TALKERS magazine’s potential for expansion is unlimited.

TALKERS magazine’s writers include some of the most respected media professionals in the country and it has published exclusive interviews with some of the nation’s most important newsmakers.  These include Presidents of the United States, key broadcasting executives, business and government leaders, as well as show business figures.

TALKERS magazine has expanded into an array of media beyond its writings. It has organized and presented the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention – now in its 23rd consecutive year in addition to countless individual forums, seminars and radio rows around the country on subjects that include politics, foreign policy, domestic violence, health care and economics.

TALKERS magazine and the talk media are very much a part of each other and on the move toward playing an even larger and increasingly more important role in 21st century America!

 

Industry News

WISN, Milwaukee’s Jay Weber to Transition from Mornings to Podcast Host

WISN, Milwaukee morning drive host Jay Weber will leave his role as morning drive host at the iHeartMedia news/talk station later this month and will begin hosting a twice-weekly podcast beginning in the spring of 2026. Weber has been a talk host with the station for 35 years, the last 18 years in morningimg drive. The station says Weber will remain a contributor to WISN programming and station initiatives. Weber says, “It has been an incredible honor to wake up Wisconsin for the past 35 years, and I’m grateful to every listener who has made this show part of their morning routine. I’m not retiring – just shifting formats – and I’m excited to continue the conversation in a new twice-weekly podcast.” WISN program director Jerry Bott comments, “Jay Weber has been one of the best talk show hosts in America for a long time. He’s built a bond of trust and credibility with his listeners, and after 35 years on the daily morning clock, transitioning to a twice-weekly podcast is much-deserved while still delivering for his loyal listeners. We fully support Jay with his decision and are proud to help him continue his legacy on the iHeart podcast platform.”

Industry News

Industry Mainstay Dom Giordano Launching Weekly Podcast Addressing Education and Parental Rights

Longtime Philadelphia-based radio talk show host Dom Giordano is launching a new weekly podcast today (5/27) devoted to exploring America’s politically charged education system with a focus on protecting the rights of parents to engage in school choice and select the best school for their child. The show will feature a blend of commentary from Giordano on the hottest aspects of the evolving issues plus interviews with leaders from the American education system.

A presentation of Giordano Productions, LLC, the program is titled, “Old School, New School, Nextimg School with Dom Giordano” – a phrase inspired by the recent TALKERS conference “Generations 2025” held earlier this year in conjunction with IBS NY 2025. The podcast will be carried on the industry’s major platforms.

Long referred to as the Dean of Philadelphia News/Talk Radio, Giordano, the seasoned midday (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm) host of Audacy’s WPHT, has been a mainstay of local Philadelphia talk radio since 1987 where he has developed a national reputation in the industry for his knowledge and even-handedness. He offers an intelligent “guy next door” sensibility on the full spectrum of contemporary issues with a particular strength in education that goes back to his local roots in Pennsylvania.

Born and raised in South Philly, Giordano began his unique path to broadcasting as a high school teacher in the Delaware Valley, where he received widespread media coverage for his innovative teaching and motivational techniques. He was hired at WWDB Radio in 1987, becoming one of the nation’s first teachers-turned-talk show hosts. In 2000, he joined CBS-owned-and-operated (now Audacy) WPHT where he has been ever since. A perennial fixture on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” – the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – he is a frequent guest commentator on the national cable news/talk TV channels and writes frequent columns for newspapers throughout the region.

The podcast’s debut installment today features a conversation with special guest Ryan N. Boyer, business manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Consortium – an aggregation of more than 50 labor unions and 40,00 workers. Giordano tells TALKERS, “We focused on how and why this major labor leader could be such a strong supporter of school choice.” Boyer states, “I’d be a hypocrite to oppose school choice – because I’ve exercised it myself.”

Next week’s second installment will feature an interview with Stacy Garrity, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The discussion will address the cost savings of school choice and how the issue will play out in the upcoming governor’s race against one of the Democrats’ leading presidential candidates, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

To listen to “Old School, New School, Next School with Dom Giordano,” please click HERE.

Industry News

Lee Habeeb is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Video Podcast

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Lee Habeeb, the host and founder of the popular syndicated news/talk radio series “Our American Stories,” is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel production “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Habeeb is one of the most accomplished and influential storytellers in news/talk radio. He is the creator and host of one of the most innovative and well-received syndicated talk radio shows to come down the pike in many years. It’s called “Our American Stories” – one of the premiere storytelling shows and podcasts in America. It’s a standout show listeners can go to for comfort and inspiration and hear positive, redemptive stories about a good and great country. Two hours a day, five days a week, our guest and his amazing team of broadcast professionals tell the story of America to Americans. There’s no debate. No opinion. No politics. No news. Just stories that bring people together around common values, themes, and the founding principles and ideals of our nation. Stories that create a space for listeners to escape the news and noise of the day and be moved and informed. Habeeb’s talk show credentials are formidable. He co-founded Laura Ingraham’s national radio show in 2001, moved to Salem Media in 2008 as VP of content, and launched “Our American Stories” in 2016. He’s a University of Virginia Law School graduate, a Newsweek essayist, and lives in Oxford, Mississippi with his wife Valerie and daughter Reagan. He is currently ranked #11 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. Harrison and Habeeb engage in an illuminating conversation about the importance of history and the power of storytelling. Don’t miss this! Watch the podcast in its entirety here

Industry News

Mike Gallagher Honored on Food for the Poor Podcast

Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk host Mike Gallagher is honored on the newest episode ofimg international nonprofit relief organization Foor for the Poor’s podcast, “Beyond the Plate.” Gallagher is feted for the philanthropic spirit and the millions of dollars raised by him and his listeners – inspired by his late wife, Denise. Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup states, “In addition to being one of America’s best talk show hosts, Mike Gallagher is literally second to none in tapping the generosity of his nationwide audience in fighting hunger and malnutrition by generating donations to nonprofits like Food for the Poor.” Listen to the podcast here.

Industry Views

Lee Habeeb is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Lee Habeeb, the creator and host of the super-successful, syndicated program, “Our American Stories,” is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Habeeb is one of the most accomplished and influential storytellers in news/talk radio. “Our American Stories”img (distributed by Premiere Networks) which runs two hours per day, five days per week on stations across the nation, is one of the most innovative and well-received syndicated talk radio shows (as well as podcasts) to come down the pike in many years. It is described by Habeeb as follows: “There’s no debate or opinion. No imgpolitics. No news. Just stories that bring people together around common values, themes, and the founding principles and ideals of our nation. Stories that create a space for listeners to escape the news and noise of the day and be moved and informed. To listen and learn.”  Habeeb’s talk show credentials are formidable. He co-founded Laura Ingraham’s national radio show in 2001, moved to Salem Media in 2008 as VP of content, and launched “Our American Stories” in 2016. He’s a University of Virginia Law School graduate, a Newsweek essayist, and lives in Oxford, Mississippi with his wife Valerie and daughter Reagan. He is currently ranked #11 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. Harrison and Habeeb engage in an illuminating conversation about the importance of history and the power of storytelling. Don’t miss this! Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

Audacy Extends K-Dawn (KDWN) Las Vegas Steve Sanchez Contract Through 2025

Steve SanchezAudacy has extended the contract of talk show host Steve Sanchez for another year through 2025. Sanchez is heard weekdays 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm and hosts a “carefully curated best-of” program Sundays 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm.  KDAWNSanchez was recently featured on Soledad O’ Brien‘s documentary with Scripps Media regarding Latinos in talk radio and how they were swaying the election in the swing state of Nevada (“In Real Life: War on La Radio).   Sanchez says, “It is a thrill to be dominating my daypart in format and I feel my audience growing exponentially right now. It’s a pleasure serving the Las Vegas market with the legendary station KDWN.”  Sanchez has been named one of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America with his inclusion in the TALKERS 2022 Talkers Heavy Hundred. In 2020, this rising talk radio star was named #25 of the top 30 influencers in Las Vegas by LV magazine.

Industry News

Sean Hannity to Host Sixth Annual FOX Nation’s Patriot Awards Ceremony December 5

Sean Hannity Patriot Awards

FOX Nation will host its sixth annual Patriot Awards on Thursday, December 5th at the Tilles Center for Performing Arts in Brookville, New York on Long Island. Emceed by Long Island native and FOX News Channel (FNC) top-rated primetime host Sean Hannity, The Patriot Awards will be streamed live on FOX Nation that evening beginning at 8:00 pm ET.  An encore presentation will air on FNC on Sunday, December 8th at 10:00 pm ET.

In partnership with advertisers Tunnel 2 Towers, Patriot Mobile, Golden Corral and Belfor, the awards show will honor and recognize what are being described as “America’s finest patriots,” including military veterans, first responders and other inspirational everyday heroes. FOX News Media personalities, including Will Cain, Rachel Campos-Duffy, Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, Harris Faulkner, Bill Hemmer, Abby Hornacek, Lydia Hu, Laura Ingraham, Johnny Joey Jones, Lawrence Jones, Brian Kilmeade, Martha MacCallum, Dana Perino, Judge Jeanine Pirro, Jesse Watters and more will make appearances throughout the night and serve as presenters.

Throughout the evening, heroes will be honored in a number of categories, including the T2T Stephen Siller Back the Blue Award, FOX Weather Ultimate Patriot Award, FOX Nation Award for Service to Veterans, FOX Nation Salute to Service Award, FOX Nation Young Patriot Award, FOX Nation Culture Warrior Award, FOX Nation Award for Bravery and FOX Nation Award for Courage.

Leading up to the event, FNC’s “The Five” (5:00 – 6:00 pm ET) and “FOX & Friends” (6:00 – 9:00 am ET) will present live audience shows from the venue and attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet the network’s top personalities.

Known for his trademark monologues and thought-provoking interviews, Hannity’s eponymous program has reigned as number one in its timeslot with viewers and the younger 25-54 demographic for more than 15 consecutive years, dominating the cable news competition. Throughout his tenure at FNC, he has interviewed numerous key newsmakers and political figures. A superstar of both talk TV and radio Hannity is currently ranked #1 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America

FOX Nation is a direct-to-consumer on-demand streaming service designed to complement the FOX News Channel experience with a members-only destination for its most passionate and loyal super fans. Featuring nearly 10,000 hours of content, the subscription service includes lifestyle, and entertainment content, as well as historical documentaries and investigative series from a multitude of FOX News personalities.

 

 

Industry Views

Part 2: Understanding Fair Use

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

Matthew B. Harrison, Esq.Incorporating copyrighted material, such as video clips or actualities, can enhance your content, but understanding fair use is critical to avoid legal trouble. Fair use permits limited use of copyrighted material for purposes like criticism, commentary, news reporting, or parody without needing permission. Courts assess fair use based on four factors: purpose and character of the use (is it transformative?), nature of the work (factual vs. creative), amount used, and the effect on the market. Learn practical tips on safely navigating fair use, including using brief excerpts, transforming content, and considering market impact.

This is the second in a series of articles addressing the broader topic of fair use for media creators. Click here for the first installment.

Understanding Fair Use: Purpose and Character of the Use. When using copyrighted material belonging to others in the creation of your own media content, it is important to understanding the concept of fair use. Fair use allows copyrighted material to be used without permission for purposes like criticism, commentary, news reporting, education, or parody. It’s not an absolute right but rather a defense you can claim if challenged. Courts assess fair use based on four key factors, all which broadcasters should carefully consider.

The first factor of fair use that courts consider is the purpose and character of the use. Specifically, is the use of the material transformative? Transformative use is a key concept that can often determine whether your content qualifies as fair use or not – and really is the heart of the inquiry.

What Does Transformative Mean? In legal terms, a use is considered transformative when it adds new expression, meaning, or message to the original work. This is different from merely copying the work or using it for the same purpose as the original creator. By transforming the material, you’re creating something that serves a different purpose or offers new insights, rather than simply replicating the original content.

Example: Auto-Tune the News. One of the most famous examples of transformative use is the Gregory Brothers’ viral “Auto-Tune the News” series, which turned news clips into catchy, auto-tuned songs. In 2010, they took an interview clip with Antoine Dodson, who was describing an attempted home invasion, and turned it into the widely popular “Bed Intruder Song.”  In this case, the original news segment was purely factual—a straightforward broadcast of a local news report. However, by remixing the clip with auto-tuned vocals and adding music, the Gregory Brothers transformed the clip into a piece of entertainment and social commentary. This new purpose—entertainment and humor—was distinct from the original intent of simply delivering news, making it a classic example of transformative use. Although the raw news footage was copyrighted, the remix was so different in tone, presentation, and purpose that it was protected under fair use. The transformation added new creative elements and reframed the original material as a humorous, catchy song.

How Does This Apply to Radio? Let’s take this concept and apply it to radio, a medium that often uses clips from other sources. Imagine you’re running a talk show, and you want to use excerpts from a political speech to make a satirical point about current events. If you simply play the speech on air without any changes, it may not qualify as fair use because you haven’t transformed the original material – you’re just rebroadcasting it. However, if you take portions of the speech and then critique, analyze, or poke fun at it, you’re more likely to be in the clear. For example, if your show involves playing clips of political speeches interspersed with humorous commentary or parody, you’re repurposing the original work in a new and transformative way—much like “Auto-Tune the News.”

Another example could be a radio show that plays clips from popular songs but recontextualizes them within a larger discussion of musical trends or cultural history. If the song clips are used to illustrate a point and not simply for entertainment value, the new purpose—educational or critical analysis—can qualify the use as fair. In cases involving parody or political commentary on radio, the fair use defense has sometimes been successful. For instance, radio shows that use short clips from speeches, interviews, or news broadcasts for commentary, satire, or criticism can invoke fair use if the content is transformed for a new purpose.

One example is when talk radio shows play brief excerpts of copyrighted works (e.g., speeches, news clips) to critique or analyze them. If the use is transformative and doesn’t replace the original work in the marketplace (i.e., people wouldn’t listen to the radio show as a substitute for the original), courts have shown a willingness to accept fair use in such contexts. However, detailed legal battles involving radio stations using copyrighted material for parody or commentary are less common than those involving music licensing.

Example: Rogers v. Koons (Rebroadcast of News Content). While not as widely reported as music-related cases, one example of a copyright infringement suit involving the rebroadcast of talk content was a case where a news organization sued a radio station for replaying portions of its copyrighted interviews and reports without permission. In cases like this, radio stations or broadcasters may try to claim fair use based on the purpose of the rebroadcast, such as using a portion of an interview for commentary, satire, or news reporting. However, if the content is used purely to replay the original, as opposed to being transformed into a new, critical, or educational piece, the fair use defense may not succeed.  For example, news stations may license their talk content (like interviews or original reporting) through syndication deals. If a radio station broadcasts this content without securing the necessary licensing agreement, they may face a copyright lawsuit.

Example: Talk Show Hosts and Syndicated Content. A real-world scenario can involve syndicated talk shows or podcasts that are copyrighted. Radio stations can face lawsuits if they replay this content without proper authorization. An example would be stations rebroadcasting popular talk radio shows or political commentaries (such as those by syndicated hosts like Rush Limbaugh or Howard Stern) without purchasing broadcast rights. This unauthorized use can lead to legal action from the copyright holders. For example, if a station replays clips of an interview conducted by NPR or a news network for entertainment or even news purposes, and it doesn’t transform the content for criticism or commentary, it may be violating copyright law. Radio companies might try to claim fair use, but the courts will look closely at whether the replay served a new, transformative purpose or was simply a verbatim rebroadcast.

Key Considerations for Broadcasters. To better understand whether your use of copyrighted content is transformative, ask yourself:

• Are you adding new meaning or message? The more your work transforms the original content – such as using it for commentary, criticism, or satire – the more likely it qualifies as fair use.

• Does your use serve a different purpose? If you’re using the content for a new purpose, like entertainment, education, or social commentary, rather than simply duplicating the original, it can be seen as transformative.

• Are you just using the original for its own sake? If the copyrighted material is used in a way that does not add new expression or meaning, it’s less likely to fall under fair use. Transformative use is a powerful defense in fair use claims, but it’s not a guarantee. Always make sure your purpose and character are different from the original intent of the work, and when in doubt, seek legal counsel.

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

Community Broadcasters Raises $127,098 in South Carolina Pee Dee Region Radiothon to Benefit McLeod Children’s Hospital

Live 95The 22nd annual Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon benefitting McLeod Children’s Hospital was recently held in Florence, SC. During the Radiothon, Community Broadcasters’ stations WWKT 99.3 The Cat, (news/talker) WFRK Live 95.3, WPDT Almighty 105.1 and WSIM 93.7 Frank FM hosted live broadcasts from McLeod Children’s Hospital. Pictured above: former SC Lt. Gov. Ken Ard and station VP operations Dave Baker (r) during broadcast on news/talk Live 95.  “As always, at Community Broadcasters, we are always doing our best to live up to our name, and stand for the communities that we broadcast in,” company VP Wayne Mulling tells TALKERS. “And we are proud of what we have been able to do in hosting the Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon each year to raise funds for McLeod Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network. We are humbled by the amount of people that have been helped directly through the years by these organizations, and glad to play a small part in keeping this active and ongoing to continue to help others every year. We invite you to be a part as well.” DJs and talk show hosts asked listeners for donations in support of the programs and technology that McLeod offers to families in the Pee Dee. Listeners also had the opportunity to hear real stories from those who have benefited directly from the McLeod Children’s Hospital, in addition to interviews with doctors, nurses and employees who all share the same passion. “What an exciting Radiothon we had this year raising more than $127,000 for the McLeod Children’s Hospital!” says Davis Sawyer, Children’s Hospital fund manager. “The hard work and dedication from all involved truly make a difference in the lives of the children treated in McLeod Children’s Hospital. I value the partnership and friendship we have with Community Broadcasters and look forward to growing this partnership as we continue to impact the children we serve.”  There was also a live auction throughout the week, with some bids surpassing $500. Auction items were donated from collegiate and professional sports teams, nationally known musicians and local businesses. At the conclusion of the Radiothon, this year’s donations equaled $127,098. All donations will remain here in the Florence area to help fund life-saving McLeod programs, and purchase new technology to better serve the Pee Dee families. To learn more about the annual Radiothon, check out this year’s sponsors, or make a donation, visit myradiothon.com

Industry Views

Steve Weisman is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Noted attorney and respected talk media commentator Steve Weisman is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” A prolific author and lecturer who teaches White Collar Crime and Media Law at Bentley University in Boston, Weisman is one of the nation’s leading experts on scams, identity theft and cybersecurity.  His widely read blog, Scamicide, provides daily updated information about the latest scams, identity theft schemes and cybersecurity developments. He recently testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging about the dangerous proliferation of scams being targeted to America’s senior population. Harrison – a longtime outspoken foe of digital-era corruption – states, “Our podcast this week is aimed at shedding light on the dark corners and back alleyways of our modern society in which scammers, fraudsters and cyber criminals are flourishing… they steal our identities, our money and our peace of mind. Our loss of privacy and security is a loss of freedom and our legislators on both sides of the aisle remain basically clueless. In an era in which talk show hosts are rightfully obsessed with street crime, terrorism and immigration run amok, it is surprising there is not more attention being paid to this insidious social cancer born of advanced technology and civic decay.” Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

Industry and Nation Mourn Death of Joe Madison

Talk radio host Joe Madison – also known for much of his career as The Black Eagle – died on Thursday (2/1) at 74 after a battle with cancer. His family released the following statement: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Joe Madison. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Joe dedicated his life to fighting for all those who are undervalued, underestimated, and marginalized. On air he often posed the question, ‘What are you going to do about it?’ Although he is no longer with us, we hope you will join us in answering that call by continuing to be proactive in the fight against injustice. The outpouring of prayers and support over the last few months lifted Joe’s spirits and strengthened us as a family. We continue to ask for privacy as we gather together to support each other through this difficult time.” Madison had been hosting the morning drive program on SiriusXM’s Urban View channel since 2008. Before he went into radio, Madison had become the youngest Detroit NAACP chapter leader at 24 years old. While Madison dabbled in radio while at Washington University in St. Louis, he first worked in commercial radio at Detroit’s WXYZ. From there he hosted a show on WWDB-FM, Philadelphia before moving to Washington, DC for a long stint at WWRC. He moved across town to Radio One-owned WOL, Washington where he hosted the afternoon drive show and served as program director. At this time, Radio One began syndicating his show nationally and it was simultaneously added to the lineup at SiriusXM. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison issued the following statement: “Joe Madison was one of the greatest of the greats among radio talk show hosts of the modern era. He transcended the role of ‘talent’ to rise among the ranks of America’s most influential civil rights thought leaders. His devoted following crossed the boundaries of race, age, gender, and politics. During his illustrious career, in addition to receiving countless awards in the fields of broadcasting and activism, he was a recipient of TALKERS magazine’s two most important honors, the Freedom of Speech Award and the Humanitarian of the Year Award. I am humbled to have had the privilege of this great man’s friendship for more than three decades and will treasure his inspiring memory for the rest of my days.”

Industry Views

Pending Business: One Billion and Counting

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communucations Corp
President

imLet’s talk streaming because I don’t get what is happening. Maybe you do.

Talk shows place decent cameras in the radio studio, maybe one in the control room, possibly a third at a “producer’s” desk, a flat screen or two with cool visuals in the background to fulfill the coolness quotient, push the video stream to YouTube or another platform and wait for the throngs of followers to find the talk radio show, view, subscribe and stay with it until the numbers are staggering.

Sometimes the video stream is promoted on air or your station’s website and the expectation is the online audience will skyrocket. After several months, the viewer numbers don’t skyrocket, or maybe the numbers develop modestly, but sales becomes the art of packaging. Because the scale necessary to move the sales needle is still not happening.

This is not a hypothetical. This is happening today at some of the best radio stations delivering high-level radio programming in markets of all sizes around the country. Why do we struggle with how to turn the best radio programming in the world into competitive online video content?

The short answer is great talk radio programming is just that: great radio programming. But herein lies the dilemma. Great talk radio talent, in any format, are natural masters of the foundational elements that can make their YouTube, Rumble, and other social media video platforms gain audience and successfully generate revenue.

Let’s identify the most important reason why:

1. Authentic. Show me one successful talk radio host in any talk radio format who does not exude “authentic.” Agree or disagree with the host on politics, sports, finances or fishing, great talk show hosts are authentic, and their audience can sense the passion coming through in every show. Now, let’s identify the nasty four-letter word, stopping many great talk talents and their content from performing competitively on current social media video platforms. That four-letter word?

2. Show. Most great talk radio talents understand what it takes to put on a great “show.” Mechanics, formatics, and unique skills are developed over time designed to maximize Nielsen performance. But often, many of these – forgive me here – old media “show” skills are not relevant to the huge audience now consuming 1 billion hours of YouTube video every day. Yet we persist and video stream the radio “show” with the expectation an online audience will skyrocket, sales will explode, and the future is as easy as hitting the send button. It just does not work that way.

The radio industry has developed many of the greatest “authentic” talents in the world. How will we plan for a future that has billions of hours of consumption?

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

Industry News

KTUC-AM, Tucson Relaunches as “Freedom 1400”

Cumulus Media announces it is flipping KTUC-AM, Tucson to talk as the all-new “Freedom 1400,” Tucson’s Conservative Talk Station. It had been airing an adult standards format. It is now airing syndicated talk radio shows including FOX News Radio’s “Brian Kilmeade Show” and the “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla,”im Westwood One’s “Dan Bongino Show” and the “Chris Plante Show,” plus Ben Shaprio and FNC’s Guy Benson. KTUC program director Herb Crowe states, “We’re thrilled to unveil ‘Freedom 1400,’ Tucson’s Conservative Talk Station. As we embark on this exciting journey, we’re committed to providing a platform for open dialogues, diverse viewpoints, and robust discussions that matter to our community. With our esteemed lineup of talk show hosts, we’re confident that ‘Freedom 1400’ will become an essential source of information and insight for our listeners.”

Industry Views

Radio to the Rescue: Maui KAOI Radio Stations Air 24/7 Disaster Coverage

As Southern California radio is currently diving into the process of serving its communities with supportive coverage of Hurricane Hilary’s devastating floods and wind damage, Hawaiian radio stations have stepped up the plate and offering vital support to its listeners. Once again, the medium of radio provides reliable and accurate information to populations under the threat of natural disasters.

The KAOI Radio Group on Maui consists of six legacy Maui County stations, four FMs – KAOI-FM, KDLX-FM, KNUQ-FM, KHEI-FM, and two AM stations, Maui’s only news/talk station KAOI-AM, and Hawaiian music KEWE-AM. The group has translators further solidifying its coverage all of Maui County.  The group is locally owned by Visionary Related Entertainment, based on Maui since 1988.

Coverage of the fires began when the first alert was issued for the Lahaina fire and later confirmed as “contained” only to have it restart later. Local coverage of the “up country” fire in the Kula area continued non-stop with intensive service to Lahaina as soon as the fire was confirmed as having restarted. The stations relied on coverage by AM station morning newsman Jack Gist, afternoon and evening host Garry Forsberg, and group president/GM/owner John Detz. Live reports around the Island were supplied by local talk show hosts including head of the Maui Chamber of CommerceMaui Humane Society, local attorney David Cain, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, and many others. All stations have remained on the air 24/7 reporting breaking news and community resource information.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison obtained an exclusive interview with group owner John Detz conducted yesterday (Sunday 8/20). Listen to their conversation here.

Industry News

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

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