Job Opportunity

AUN Television Network Seeking Ground Level Entry Executive

Rick Trader, president/CEO of the AUN Television Network informs TALKERS that he is looking to expand his two-year-old ultra-conservative audio and video talk media platform. He’s looking for a sales and management executive (as well as acquiring additional programming). Over the past two years, AUN (American Uncensored Network) – which is billed as a “conservative/faith-based network” – has gained clearance on some 11 TV stations in California and Nevada. Its shows are hosted by an array of well-known commentators as well as up-and-comers. Trader tells TALKERS he “honestly believes AUN is one of the fastest growing TV and streaming networks in the country.” He states, “Now it is time to expand once again. Our goal is to be broadcasting in every major market in the next two years! This is maybe where an ambitious, hard-working manager can become part of this dream. I am looking to develop a management team to make it happen. If a candidate has expertise in managing finances and accounting, recruiting, human resources, overseeing and developing technologies, as well as creating company policy, sales and marketing, then such an individual might be looking for the challenge of a lifetime.” Trader continues, “I am looking to work with conservative/faithful, passionate ideologs like myself who are concerned with the direction our great republic is heading and want to return it to the Judeo-Christian, faith-based patriotic roots our founding fathers created! Here is the catch: all our progress and success has been achieved on a very tight budget! In fact, we cannot offer salaries. What we can offer is incentives for those who produce to be rewarded.” Interested candidates can contact Rick Trader, president/CEO, AUN TV Network at auntv@yahoo.com.

Industry News

Kraig T. Kitchin to Receive 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award

The TALKERS editorial board has announced the selection of renowned radio industry executive Kraig T. Kitchin as the 2023 recipient of the newly renamed Jim Bohannon Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement. Mr. Kitchin will be presented the honor at the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 convention on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island, NY.  In making the announcement, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison stated, “Although still a relatively young man, Kraig Kitchin’s illustrious career goes back decades and his positive contributions to the radio business – including the spoken word formats and some of its greatest talents including the late Rush Limbaugh – have been indelible and immeasurable.” Since 2008, Kitchin has been president of the talent management firm, Sound Mind, with a focused effort toward managing the businesses of high-profile radio and podcast personalities as well as production companies. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Oxford Road, a media placement agency specializing in audio advertising, with a focus on podcasts and audio integrations. The nine-year-old agency is a leader in the audio space on behalf of more than 50 clients. Kitchin also serves as chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame to which he was appointed in 2014. Since assuming the role, he has reinstituted national public voting for two of the six categories of induction and has doubled the voting participant panel. Under his leadership, more than 75 radio icons have been inducted. Prior to launching his own firm, Kitchin was one of the founders of Premiere Radio Networks, Inc., in 1987. The company grew to be the number one radio network in the country syndicating 90 radio programs and services to more than 4,600 radio affiliates, reaching 190 million listeners weekly. He started as executive vice president of sales and by 1998 at the age of 37, he assumed the role of president/COO, one of the youngest in the country to run a $300 multi-million-plus radio company. During his 10-year tenure at Premiere, Kitchin directed and oversaw all talk and music programming and services featuring the nation’s most popular personalities like Limbaugh, DelilahJim RomeGlenn BeckCasey KasemBill HandelRyan SeacrestBob (Kevoian) and Tom (Griswold)Steve HarveyWhoopi GoldbergBlair GarnerGeorge NooryMaria BartiromoJim CramerMatt Drudge, the late Art BellDonald TrumpBob Costas and others. In addition, he supervised Premiere Radio’s other properties: Mediabase 24/7, the industry’s leading music monitoring service, MJI Programming, and FOX Sports Radio. Kitchin started his career in station management at WFMK-FM in Lansing, MI, and KTYD-FM in Santa Barbara, CA before serving as sales manager of the Katz Radio Group Network in Los Angeles. Kitchin will be one of 60 industry leaders speaking at TALKERS 2023.  For more information, see story below.

Industry News

Wayne Allyn Root Publishes New Book

Las Vegas-based, nationally syndicated talk radio host Wayne Allyn Root has published his latest book titled, The Great Patriot BUY-cott Book. Root says, “Our nation is headed for a ‘National Divorce.’ That phrase was my original idea for over two years now on my national radio and TV shows. Then Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene picked it up and ran with my idea.” Root says the idea is to build a “parallel conservative patriot economy” consisting of conservative-owned businesses and his book lays out the plan. Root adds, “My co-author Nicky Billou (an Iranian immigrant) and our team of researchers spent over a year researching and identifying the 123 most patriotic companies in America to buy from and to invest your savings and retirement accounts in (some are publicly traded).”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/21) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The potential indictment of former President Donald Trump in the Stormy Daniels hush money matter and Trump’s call to his base to protest; the sniping between former President Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis; the U.S. economy, the Fed’s interest rate hikes, and the aftermath of the failure of Silicon Valley Bank; Xi Jinping’s trip to Russia to meet with Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit with Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine; the latest climate change report issued Monday concluding the planet is on pace for severe damage as a result of rising temperatures; the legal battle between Dominion Voting Systems and FOX News in the former’s $1.6 billion suit against the media outlet; and high winds and rain hit Southern California as the 12th atmospheric river hits the region were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/20) Top News Talk Media Stories

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s investigation into former President Donald Trump’s alleged hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels and his likely indictment; the latest climate change report issued Monday concludes the planet is on pace for severe damage as a result of rising temperatures; China’s Xi Jinping visits Vladimir Putin for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank failure and concerns about global banking troubles; Wyoming outlaws the abortion pill; the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War; and Miami Beach struggles with crowds and violence during Spring Break were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Who? When?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care? YES.

— Myth: Call letters are less important in PPM markets than in diary markets, where that diary is a memory test.

— Fact: Call letters and timechecks are MORE important in metered markets, because there aren’t enough meters. Every…single…one…matters a LOT. And awareness drives use.

Sure, listeners wear watches, and tote smartphones, and there’s a clock in the dashboard. We’re not timechecking because they don’t know.

— Timechecks help make the station habit-forming. They teach listeners what-we-do-when.

— Timechecks imply that busy people (the ones advertisers want as customers) will be on-time if they listen. “WINS News Time…” on New York’s iconic All-News station sets a tempo.

— And timechecks are local information. Syndicated hosts forced to say “[minutes] before the hour” remind us that they’re somewhere else.

Graphics - Logo

In its 1960s Top 40 heyday, WABC’s promos boasted that more people listened every week “than any other station in North America!” And shortly before his untimely death, retired PD Rick Sklar told me the simple secret of his success.

— He compared the Arbitron ratings diary to “that little blue book you got in school when there was a quiz. There are two questions on the quiz: What did you listen to? And when did you listen?”

— Back then, most stations used turntables, but WABC already played music on carts. And right there, at the end of the song, there was a WABC jingle, and an ear-splitting “DING!” because timechecks were “WABC Chime-Time.”

— So “we gave them the answers to the quiz,” by DJ-proofing the station. Even if the jock was going song-to-song, he had to jump-in and timecheck.

And you are…?

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

Industry News

Black Business Beat Clears Audacy’s Hip Hop WXBK-FM, New York

Bloomberg Radio announces that its clearing of “Bloomberg Black Business Beat” content on Audacy’s hip hop WXBK-FM, New York “94.7 The Block” represents its “breakout into music radio formats, with business and money stories of interest to Black Americans that complement and enhance the music programming they love.” Bloomberg Radio is distributed and repped by Key Networks. The “Bloomberg Black Business Beat” is hosted by journalist Justin Milliner and topics addressed range from the latest trends in Black-owned businesses and profiles of Black entrepreneurs, to a continuing look at diversity in the workplace and an inside look at the business of entertainment. Bloomberg Radio Syndication head Michael Lysak says, “‘The Block’ is such an important part of the soundtrack of New York City. We are proud to be a part of it. Justin Milliner does a masterful job of sharing stories of vital importance to Black Americans, without The Block’s music missing a beat. Here’s to Audacy for recognizing that reports like this don’t interrupt the programming – they enhance it.”

Industry News

FOX News Digital Again Tops in Multiplatform Views

According to the latest data from Comscore, FOX News Digital finished February 2023 as the top-performing news organization in the competitive set in both multiplatform minutes and multiplatform views. This marks five consecutive months as the top news brand with multiplatform views and two straight years as number one with multiplatform minutes. While FOX News Digital – as well as NYTimes.com – still lags behind CNN.com in multiplatform unique visitors (97.4 million to CNN.com’s 117.7 million), it has improved 23% in that category since February of 2022 while CNN.com is down 8% during that period.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The aftermath of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the state of the global banking system; Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s case against former President Donald Trump in the Stormy Daniels matter and Trump’s suggestion his supporters “take to the streets” in protest; Wyoming outlaws the abortion pill; the GOP race for the nomination in ’24; Vladimir Putin visits Mariupol, Ukraine as the Russian invasion continues; China’s Xi Jinping travels to Moscow to visit Putin for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; and the first rounds of the NCAA basketball tournaments were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

According to Research…

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling on Sunday

Oh, excuse me, hold on. Here it is! The hourly report from quasi research companies or real research companies like Nielsen declaring that radio is just fine, thank you! Massive surveys (choose one) reveal that radio works! Radio appeals to younger demos! Radio moves product! Radio has more listeners in AM drive than the “Tonight Show” has viewers! A landslide of data proves that after 100 years of success, radio is a viable medium.

Crazy stuff.

As both a radio executive and host, I don’t need to know that radio works. I see the sales results from your show and from “Sterling On Sunday.” No advertiser gives us money for the heck of it. The checks clear; there’s your proof. The research that is desperately needed would support innovative, disruptive programming. Radio will grow its place in American media by surprising listeners with new formats, new forms of presentation and things that are… new.

Radio exists today because of innovations like Top 40! Urban! Progressive Rock! AOR! Modern Country! FM Talk! and The Seven-Second Delay!

Today, however, there is nothing harder than selling a radio executive a new idea. Any new idea. It is hard for a very good reason. Radio stations are major investments and failure is expensive. In 1977, the most expensive radio stations in history sold for $11 million. (WMAL/WRQX-FM, Washington DC.) In absolute dollars, experimentation was a minor financial risk. Risk would be manageable if owners had sophisticated research tools to test new ideas.

State-of-the-art new product research is required to take radio safely onto the golden path to innovation. How’s your research and development budget? Oh.

Each television network invests about $100 million a year in developing and testing new shows. Those networks deploy stunning techniques to find and test new ideas. There will be new formats and techniques when the collective “we” is finally convinced that radio is a success. Then our research investments can be focused on cutting-edge product research tools that can guarantee a successful pilot season and future.

Walter Sabo, consultant, can be contacted at Sabo Media: walter@sabomedia.com. Direct phone: 646-678-1110.  Check out www.waltersterlingshow.com. Meet Walter Sabo at TALKERS 2023 on June 2 at Hofstra University.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/13) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank, concerns about other banks and the controversy over bank regulation; the government’s inflation report and whether the Fed will hike interest rates or stand pat; U.S.-Mexico border troubles and Texas’ move to create its own border police force; President Joe Biden approves a new oil drilling project in Northern Alaska; the GOP contenders for the ‘24 GOP nomination; Russia’s aggressive assault on eastern Ukraine; China warns U.S. over nuclear sub deal with Australia; former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen set to testify before Manhattan grandy jury investigating the Stormy Daniels hush money allegations; and the atmospheric river dumping more rain on Northern California and the Nor’easter piling snow on the Northeast were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Pending Business: What’s a Sale?

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

Let’s take a lesson from arguably the greatest college basketball coach of all time: John Wooden.

The coach wanted every UCLA player on the same page, so he took time in meetings to explain the proper way to put on those old school basketball socks. You know, the ones that came up to mid-calf, usually double stripped at the top. There was a clear method to Wooden’s genius. Taking meeting time to show budding superstars like Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Bill Walton something so fundamental achieved several goals.

 — Fundamentals count. There is nothing more basic than how to properly put on your socks and mastering the basics wins.

— Short cut the basics and you will suffer. Having worn those socks through thousands of school yard games myself, rush the process and painful blisters follow.

— Every player starts every practice, every game the same way.

Every year I would conduct one sales meeting asking my team to answer the question, “Can you define a sale?” I know, that’s way too basic for sellers earning six figures. It’s an embarrassing waste of time for the tenured sellers who had proven themselves in the field every day. Was I wasting the time of those newer team members who were looking forward to the highest commission rate in the market?

Try it. Chances are you will get so many different answers your sales team will seem like a Cirque du Soleil act.

There IS a simple, legal definition of a sale. It all starts with an “exchange.” Once you dissect the definition and focus on the dynamics of the “exchange” you will understand how and why a sale is a process that needs constant care.

Most sellers and managers move right past that critical dynamic. You know the one that requires confidence from both the buyer and the seller. That one dynamic, the exchange between confident buyer and seller goes back to 1626 when it was rumored Peter Minuit bought Manhattan Island for 60 guilders or $24.

There is something to be said for getting all sellers on the same page by starting with the basics.

John Wooden’s record 11 national championships still stands. I figured if it worked for the greatest college basketball coach of all time, it could work for me. Emphasizing the basics should work for you too!

Enjoy the Madness this March.

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

The Weekend’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

The fallout from the failure of Silicon Valley Bank; the attempts by large groups of people to enter the U.S. by overwhelming border guards in El Paso and other border crossing locations; the 2024 presidential race; former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen set to testify before Manhattan grand jury investigating the Stormy Daniels hush money allegations; Russia’s ongoing assault on the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut; the atmospheric river event destined for Northern California that will bring more rain and potential flooding to the region; and Sunday evening’s Academy Awards show were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

iHeartPodcast Network to Present Influencer Summit

The iHeartPodcast Network announces what it is calling “an industry-first Influencer Summit where some of the most successful podcast creators will open the mic and teach marketers the art of podcast advertising” on Wednesday, April 26, at the iHeartMedia executive offices in New York City. The company says, “The hands-on educational event will feature diverse podcast authorities such as the wildly popular media personality and founder of The Black Effect Podcast Network, Charlamagne tha God; the woman behind the successful ‘Stuff You Missed in History Class’ podcast, Holly Frey; and esteemed journalist, author and co-founder of Pushkin Industries, Malcolm Gladwell, joined with today’s biggest marketers to explain why podcasting is growing rapidly and how brands need to adapt, invest and create audio advertising that resonates with podcast fans.” iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “Podcasters are the most creative, fastest-growing, diverse wave of influencers to hit content and marketing in years – just as influencer marketing more generally was becoming a key new way to reach audiences. This event came together because our podcast creators are deeply invested in the brands and advertising that become part of their shows, that they asked us to give them a chance to sit down with marketers at scale and talk about what makes host-read creative work. What really differentiates podcasting and our iHeartPodcast Network from other mediums is that creators and fans expect the advertising to be endemic to the shows, often voiced by the hosts and authentic to the listening experience. This is a chance to roll up our sleeves and co-create, collaborate and showcase the simplicity, speed and creative potential of podcasting.”

Industry News

Syndicated Radio Physician Dr. Asa Andrew Expands TV Footprint

Asa Andrew, M.D. – known to his growing audiences on radio and television as Doctor Asa – has just filmed his fifth reality health series. Titled, “Reversed,” the program focuses on the global challenges of diabetes and weight-related issues. Doctor Asa serves as the program’s executive producer as well as one of the lead talents. The latest installment was filmed in Costa Rica and will be released on Discovery later this year. Doctor Asa, in addition to his array of media products and roles, recently signed a deal with Impact Wrestling as a ringside physician “character.” He tells TALKERS, “The word ‘doctor’ is derived from the Latin word for ‘teacher’ and I view my varied roles in talk media as extensions of that concept.”

Pictured at the filming of “Reversed”: Doctor Asa (left) interviewing Tony Jimenez, M.D. (right) a leading cancer doctor. Doctor Asa will be one of 60 talk media speakers at the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 at Hofstra University on Friday, June 2. To register or obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

Industry News

Audacy Names Chase Daniels OM for Cleveland Stations

Audacy announces that programming pro Chase Daniels is the new operations manager for the Cleveland station group that includes sports talk WKRK-FM “92.3 The Fan” and four music stations. Daniels moves to Cleveland from the company’s Madison, Wisconsin cluster where he served in a similar role. He takes over for Dave Popovich, who recently retired. Audacy Cleveland SVP and market manager Tom Herschel says, “Having Chase join us from our stations in Madison is a testament to the depth of talent at Audacy and the work he’s done there. We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Chase to Cleveland.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Fed chair Jerome Powell tells the Senate Banking Committee the Fed is likely to raise interest rates much higher to curb inflation; China’s foreign minister Qin Gang threatens the U.S. with “conflict and confrontation” for trying to “encircle and suppress” China; the proposed ban on TikTok gains support from the White House; two Americans are dead after being kidnapped by Mexican drug gangs; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s cozying up to Vladimir Putin; the protests in Paris over the raising of the retirement age; controversy over FOX News’ Tucker Carlson portraying January 6 as a “mostly peaceful” event; and California’s severe weather threat changes from snow to floods were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/6) Top News/Talk Media Stories

China’s new foreign minister Qin Gang defends China’s relationship with Russia and warns the U.S. about interfering; Russia’s efforts to take the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut; former Vice President Mike Pence asks a judge to block a subpoena for his January 6 testimony; the battle in Congress over the U.S.’s debt ceiling; the U.S. economy and Fed chair Jerome Powell’s scheduled testimony today (3/7) before the Senate Banking Committee; the Biden administration’s immigration policies and its consideration of reinstating the detention of migrants; four Americans are kidnapped in Mexico by an armed gang; the severe winter weather hitting California; and tennis star Novak Djokovic seeks a COVID vaccine exemption to play in the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

Former President Donald Trump speaks at CPAC; the race for the GOP nomination in ’24; U.S.-China relations and warnings from the West that China should not assist Russia in its invasion of Ukraine; President Joe Biden visits Selma, Alabama and promotes voting rights legislation; a second Norfolk Southern train derailment happens this time in Springfield, Ohio; Russia’s battle to take control of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut; the U.S. Energy Department’s conclusion that COVID-19 was the result of a Chinese lab leak; the testimony from FOX News executives and personalities in the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit; and Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington dies were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Jacksonville’s WJCT Public Media and The Florida Theatre announce the debut of their latest partnership, “Untold Stories,” a live oral storytelling series. “Untold Stories” is produced live on stage by The Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and The Florida Theatre. “Untold Stories” offers a platform for Northeast Florida residents to share their unique and inspiring experiences with the world. The radio program airs every Sunday this month at 7:00 pm.

— SiriusXM announces that six-time PGA TOUR winner Rocco Mediate is joining the roster of hosts on its SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel. Mediate will have his own show, “The Rocco Hour,” which he will host exclusively for every Tuesday at 6:00 pm ET beginning March 7. “I have 38 years of PGA TOUR experience. I see and remember everything! I have so much to say and I’m excited to have my own show on SiriusXM where I can share it with our listeners.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/1) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Attorney General Merrick Garland testifies before the Senate Judiciary oversight committee; Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid as crime in the city becomes chief election issue; the U.S. Energy Department’s conclusion that COVID was the result of a Chinese lab leak; the G-20 meeting in New Delhi, India; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine; Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko visits Xi Jinping in Beijing; testimony from the Dominion Voting Systems suit against FOX News; the numerous legal issues facing former President Donald Trump; the deadly Greek high-speed train crash; and Harry and Meghan are ousted from Frogmore Cottage by King Charles III were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

— PodcastOne announces that it has secured renewals for several tentpole programs that keep top performing and fan favorite podcasts with the network for the foreseeable future. The podcasts include: “The Adam Carolla Podcast,” “The Jordan Harbinger Show,” “LADYGANG,” “Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe,” and “Court Junkies.” PodcastOne president Kit Gray says, “The secret to our success as a network is the strength and longevity of our relationships with our partners in podcasting. In the exciting landscape of digital audio entertainment, being able to continue those relationships with six of our top performing and most beloved programs is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication.”

— SiriusXM announced a new show inspired by The Last Mile (TLM), a unique in-prison program that’s changing lives through technology-based education by preparing currently incarcerated students for careers upon their release. “The Last Mile Radio,” hosted by the program’s co-founder, Chris Redlitz, and formerly incarcerated musician and audio producer, Eric Abercrombie (known as Maserati-E), premieres on Saturday (3/4). Every week “The Last Mile Radio” will amplify the voices of influencers who are helping evolve the U.S. Justice System as we know it.

— iHeartMedia and the NBA unveil a new slate of team-specific shows coming to the iHeart/NBA Podcast Network. The lineup includes original podcasts from six NBA teams – the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “We are proud to leverage iHeart’s unmatched scale, reach and digital platform to continue to deliver compelling NBA content to fans. Together with the NBA and its teams, we look forward to bringing even more one-of-a-kind stories and cultural experiences to fans across the country.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/27) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The U.S. Energy Department’s conclusion that the cause of COVID was likely a lab leak and renewed speculation the Chinese government knew about it; Ron DeSantis’ takeover of the Disney district; the Supreme Court hears arguments over President Joe Biden’s student debt relief program; the intensifying fighting in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s issuing January 6 footage to FOX News Channel’s Tucker Carlson; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the aftermath of the toxic train wreck in East Palestine, Ohio; the record snowfall in California and the tornadoes that swept through Oklahoma; the released testimony from the Dominion-FOX News lawsuit; and this week’s CPAC taking place in Maryland were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: 5 Ws + $

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Joe Pags - Talkers MagazineLocal news sponsorship is an opportunity to “fish for whales,” institutional advertisers who can associate with something special. And, well-done, local news sure is special, because:

New-tech audio competitors don’t do it, and most AM/FM broadcast hours are now robotic.

Newspapers are in a tailspin swapping print dollars for digital dimes; and their – and TV stations’ – websites aren’t as portable as radio.

And it’s easier to add occasions of listening than to extend duration-per. Translation: There’s very little we do can keep someone in a parked car with the key on Accessories.

First things first: Plan NOW for The Big Story. In a recent column here I outlined the “break the glass” plan you should prep.

 As for day-to-day local news:

Who are you talking to? Habitual radio users – especially news/talk – are older-than-younger. Think Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), who control most retail spending. And report information that matters to people with children of any age living at home (super-spenders) and people driving (what’s happening right now, and what threatens to block their path). Think “car radio” for busy people and you won’t turn-off anyone sitting-stiller.

What: INFLATION, health and safety, “survival information” (weather = news). Jim Farley, my successor managing WTOP, Washington, hung a sign in the newsroom: “WGAS,” his litmus test for relevance, “Who Gives A Shit?”

Where: What’s happening within your signal pattern? And when everyone’s buzzing about a big story elsewhere, localize by asking pertinent sources “if it happened here?” and Man-on-the-Street interviews (local accents) reacting.

When: What JUST happened…what’s happening right NOW…what happens NEXT. When you’re wall-to-wall, do frequent resets, because people believe your promos, and are tuning-in to know. Other times, specific goal: Each newscast sounds different than the last.

Why it matters to your listener: News people I coach will chisel this onto my tombstone: Report consequence, not process. Don’t give me the minutes of the City Council meeting, tell me how what-was-discussed will impact me. Rewrite press releases, which aren’t easy on the ear (“The public is asked…”), tend to be process-laden, and are often self-congratulatory.

Longtime ABC News executive Av Westin, one of two industry icons we lost in 2022: “I believe the audience at dinner time wants to know the answers to three very important questions: Is the world safe? Is my hometown and my home safe? If my wife and children are safe, what has happened in the past 24 hours to make them better off or to amuse them?”

Tips:

— Emulate your network’s writing style.

— HIGHLY recommended reading: “Writing Broadcast News: Shorter, Sharper, Stronger” by Mervin Block.

— Rewrite to favor The Magic Words “you” and “your” and avoid third-person-plural (words like “residents”). Instead of “Business owners interested in applying for these loans should contact…” say “If you’re a business owner…”

— Arrange with a local TV station (“our news partner NBC28”) to use their sound, in exchange for attribution (which will enhance their standing and serve to promote their newscasts).

I am encouraged by how much 2022 work sought me out, asking that I review stations’ local news copy, and work with the local newscasters whose work can habituate listeners and make money.

Make your work count twice.

— When you’re covering a meeting or event, ask people there something else too. “How are YOU feeling inflation?”

— Say WHERE you gathered comments. “We spoke to shoppers leaving Star Market in West Springfield.”

Al Primo, inventor of “Eyewitness News,” who also passed away last year: “People can tell their stories better than we can write them.”

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

Industry News

Cumulus Media Q4 2022 Revenue Dips; Up 4% for Full Year

Reporting its operating results for the fourth quarter of 2022 and for the full year, Cumulus Media says Q4 net revenue was $251 million, a decline of 0.4% over the same period in 2021. For the full year of 2022, net revenue was $953.5 million, an increase of 4% over all of 2021. While Cumulus reported a small loss for Q4 of 2022 ($54,000), the company is reporting net income of $16.2 million for the full year, a decline of 6% from the full year of 2021. For the full year of 2022, Cumulus’ broadcast radio revenue was basically flat (-0.1%) at $709.6 million and its digital revenue was $142.3 million, an increase of 12.2%. Breaking down the broadcast radio segment, spot revenue was $479.8 million – up 4.9% over 2021 – but network revenue was off 9% for the year at $229.7 million. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “Despite considerable economic turbulence, we delivered fourth quarter financial performance in the upper half of our guidance range, continuing a multi-year period of significant accomplishments. Operating through a series of difficult macroeconomic environments, including the pandemic, we successfully executed a strategic plan under which we developed and drove new areas of growth, right sized the balance sheet, improved the company’s operating leverage and returned capital to shareholders. As a result, we have delivered consistent revenue growth, built several digital businesses to a $150+ million revenue run-rate, reduced our net leverage to its lowest level in more than a decade, and boosted our liquidity to give ourselves optionality regarding capital allocation.” Looking ahead to 2023, we continue to face substantial economic headwinds. However, our battle-tested skill in performing during challenging times, as well as our very strong financial position, gives us substantial confidence in our ability to not only weather this depressed ad environment but take full advantage of opportunities that may arise over the coming quarters.”

Industry News

SiriusXM Names Gail Berger SVP/GM of Automotive Partnerships

SiriusXM promotes Gail Berger to SVP and general manager of automotive partnerships, taking over for the retiring Rodney Pickett. SiriusXM chief commercial officer Joe Verbrugge says, “Gail is a proven leader with extensive relationships and experience in the automotive community and whose programs have delivered significant, positive results for our organization. We are excited for Gail to lead our automotive teams and to continue to drive growth of SiriusXM’s dominant in-car presence.” Berger comments, “SiriusXM’s strong and deep relationships with every major automaker and tens of thousands of dealers and remarketing organizations across the United States are a testament to our team’s talent and capability. I am excited to step into this leadership position and continue to grow our business and deliver the best customer experiences in the vehicle.”

Industry News

Edison: SXM Podcast Network Tops Based on Reach

Edison Research’s latest ranking of the Top Podcast Networks in the U.S. based on total network reach for Q3-Q4 2022 among weekly podcast listeners age 13+ is released and SiriusXM Podcast Network (formerly SXM Media), Spotify, and iHeartRadio take the top three spots, respectively. This ranker – measuring reach as a percentage of the weekly podcasting audience – is based on total audience reach from Edison Podcast Metrics, and Edison says the Q3-Q4 ranker includes increased sample size implemented last year and is based on surveys of 10,579 weekly podcast listeners age 13+. The rest of the top 10 are: 4) Wondery/Audible/Amazon Music, 5) Audioboom, 6) The New York Times, 7) NPR, 8)Audacy, 9) Acast Creator Network, and 10) Cumulus Podcast Network.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/20) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President Joe Biden’s trip to Europe including a surprise visit to Ukraine; Vladimir Putin announces Russia is suspending participation in the latest nuclear arms treaty; the Supreme Court begins hearing arguments against Section 230 that gives internet publishers immunity from postings by users; Jimmy Carter enters hospice; the aftermath of the toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio and criticism of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s response; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy gives January 6 Capitol security camera footage access to FOX News’ Tucker Carlson; and the winter storm affecting much of the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Being Realistic About Podcast Revenue

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

It looks like the podcast business is hitting those ever-present speedbumps.

No, I am not predicting a demise. I’m just asking why there weren’t a few more hardball questions.

If you sell or manage with eyes wide open, you’ve already read what the February 15 New York Times article chronicled. The cutbacks, drops, and hiring freezes hitting the double-digit-growth podcast business has some in the radio business saying, “Told ya so.”

Who has the chutzpah to say that to Tom Brady and Michael Strahan of Religion of Sports, or Michelle Obama of “The Michelle Obama Podcast?” When your bank account is on fumes, you speak the economic truth. The formula of star power driving unique audio content didn’t instantly convert to super-sized audience levels attracting super-sized revenue. What did VOX, Spotify, Amazon, NPR and other well-respected players miss?

— Never assume, (because assuming…) An out-of-the-box assumption listeners would pay for content to create a separate income stream, didn’t really take. Even the most aggressive marketer would think twice before assuming that listeners generating millions of downloads of free podcasts would suddenly pay to listen. Maybe a select few passionate followers would, but could you change the historic perceived value of the masses? When it comes to paywalls for play, be sure to test, adjust, and re-test before you project income.

— Ad sales sell out levels. A typical podcast has about a quarter of the inventory available in a typical hour of most news/talk and sports talk programs. Yet despite podcasts with limited inventory and higher CPM for host-read ads inside the podcasts, the projections from those well-respected companies tanked. The reason is elegantly simple. Too much podcast inventory chasing too few dollars.

— It’s the economy, stupid. Thank you, political strategist James Carville. The story goes the phrase was on a sign in Bill Clinton’s campaign headquarters and helped Clinton beat Geroge Bush in 1992. Did any of the gurus consider the economy?

— Who would have thought print newspaper sales have something in common with podcasts? Did anyone consider the impact of endless ad inventory becoming a commodity despite celebrity content? Never easy to predict which celebs will convert from the big screen or TV to podcast audio.

I had the privilege of producing cast members of Discovery’s “American Chopper” in a 39-episode podcast series. Even those crazy motorcycle dudes were challenged bringing their millions of TV and online fans to the podcast world. Hindsight is 20/20. Let’s never stop learning so we can always aim for higher earnings.

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

The Weekend’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

President Joe Biden’s trip to Europe and his surprise visit to Ukraine; China’s top diplomat visits Russia; the rumors that CNN’s Don Lemon is in hot water with network brass in the wake of his calling GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley “past her prime”; the 2024 presidential contest; former President Jimmy Carter enters hospice; the aftermath of the toxic train wreck affecting residents of East Palestine, Ohio; the ongoing search and recovery after the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria; the deadly shootings at a Mardis Gras parade in New Orleans and in rural Mississippi; and actor-comedian Richard Belzer dies at 78 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

MIW Releases 2022 Gender Analysis Study

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. reveals the results of the 2022 edition of its MIW Gender Analysis Study that compiles and analyzes the number of women in radio broadcasting who are rising to the ranks of management, either as general manager, sales manager or program director/brand manager.  MIW says the results represent the calendar year 2022 and are reflective of 11,215 AM and FM radio stations across America, as accounted for by PrecisionTrak. Regarding general managers, 20.65% had women holding the GM position in 2022. This is basically flat from last year but has shown consistent growth from 2004, when the percentage of female general managers was only 14.9%. MIW calls the sales manager position “the best management opportunity for women in radio.” Last year, 33.45% of stations had a woman sales manager (basically flat from 33.59% in 2021). The greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of program directors/brand managers, according to MIW. Women currently program 11.72% of stations, versus 12.09% in 2021. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff comments, “Historically we have celebrated modest to very modest gains. But this year we’re calling out to industry leaders to recognize the leadership, creativity and dedication of women broadcasters, particularly programmers, and put them to work improving your content, your culture and your cash flow.” MIW points out that a study conducted in late 2022 by The WICT Network, Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology indicates that women working in the media, entertainment and tech industries have increased over the past few years from 33% in 2019 to 38% in 2022. “It is the hope that the radio industry will better begin to mirror the continued growth of women in the general media space and provide an encouraging future for women in radio.”

Industry News

The Joe Rogan Experience Tops Edison’s 2022 Q4 Podcast Metrics

Edison Research releases the 2022 fourth quarter results of its Edison Podcast Metrics that ranks the most listened-to podcasts in the U.S. Keeping the hold on the #1 spot is “The Joe Rogan Experience.” Podcasts with a commercial radio connection that made the top 50 include The Daily Wire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #6, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” at #19, and The Ramsey Network’s “The Ramsey Show” at #22. This latest ranker shows the Top 50 Podcasts based on weekly audience reach and reflects two significant updates to the service. Edison says the sample has been expanded to include weekly podcast listeners age 13-17. This measurement allows podcast producers and networks to understand the teen segment of the Gen Z podcast listeners. The Q4 ranker includes increased sample size implemented last year, which allows for more recency in reporting and robust cuts of data. The latest ranker includes measurement from the previous two quarters with a total sample size of 10,597 weekly podcast listeners age 13+.