Industry News

Audacy’s 830 WCCO Raises over $348,000 for Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities

WCCOAudacy Minneapolis’ 830 WCCO raised over $348,000 to provide meals and care for those in need for Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities during the 22nd annual “Hunger Mission Radiothon.” This brings the total amount raised to $4.6 million since the radiothon’s inception in 2003. Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities helps people rebuild their lives and aims to break the cycle of poverty.  “We are deeply grateful to our fans who always show such tremendous generosity,” said Brad Lane, brand manager of WCCO. “This outpouring of support will continue helping UGMTC do the tremendous and necessary work they are engaged in every day here in the Twin Cities. It also demonstrates the power and relevance of this legacy station in the community!”  “Our partnership with WCCO for the Hunger Mission Radiothon 2024 reflects the heart of our mission at Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities – coming together as a community to extend hope and transform lives,” says Pam Stegora Axberg, CEO, Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. “We are deeply grateful for WCCO’s unwavering support in amplifying the stories of resilience and redemption that inspire us all to make a difference and bring the community together to give.” 830 WCCO’s 22nd annual “Hunger Mission Radiothon” was broadcast live (11/19) from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm inside the Mall of America Huntington Bank Rotunda.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Morning JoeNielsen Media Research: Morning Joe Ratings Plummet After Co-hosts Meet with Trump. Nielsen numbers indicate that the MSNBC “Morning Joe” show ratings suffered a significant drop on Tuesday (11/19) after co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski announced that they met with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. “Morning Joe” delivered one of its lowest-rated programs of 2024 with just 680,000 viewers and 76,000 in the 25-54 demo on Tuesday. Tuesday was the show’s third lowest broadcast of 2024. Compared to the show’s 2024 average, Tuesday’s broadcast plummeted 38% with viewers and 37% in the 25-54 demo. And compared to Monday’s broadcast, the show was also down double digits seeing a 12% decline with both viewers and A25-54.

Harry HurleyWPG, Atlantic City Morning Legend Harry Hurley Makes Prestigious List. The InsiderNJ.com Annual New Jersey Power List 2024 has again placed longtime WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley as one of the Garden State’s most politically influential citizens (11/20). It is always released on the Wednesday of the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference. Hurley placed in the #48 position on this year’s list. Power lists are nothing new for Hurley who came in at #25 on the 2024 TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says of Hurley, “If talk radio were boxing, Harry Hurley would be its ‘pound-for-pound’ champion.”

 

 

Jeff Katz and Kevin SorboHercules, Hercules! Yup that is Hollywood Legend Kevin Sorbo and WRVA, Richmond Afternoon Mainstay Jeff Katz. Actor Kevin Sorbo was in town to deliver a speech and he took the time to appear on the Jeff Katz Show. Katz presented Sorbo with a Julia Katz bracelet which is made by Emily Morrissey, a local artist with special needs, who sells her work at http://www.emilysbracelets.com  and then donates the profits to a variety of charities including The Friendship Circle of Virginia which benefits from the sale of each Julia Katz bracelet. Julia Katz is the adult daughter of Jeff Katz who has faced special needs challenges since birth and has been the inspiration for the radio star’s enormous humanitarian contributions over the years to money- and consciousness-raising in the Richmond market.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (11/20) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial (some more than others) ongoing department head nominations topped the list again in yesterday’s conversations across talk media in America. The focus has turned to the allegations of sexual misconduct being raised against nominees Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth. There is still a growing fascination – to the point of entertainment – among hosts and callers with the complicated relationship unfolding between Trump and Elon Musk. The economy and escalation of war in the Middle East and Central Europe were again among the most-talked-about stories followed closely by the migrant crisis and health care/abortion rights, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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

SABO SEZ: How to Get a Job

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter Sterling, Host
Sterling Every Damn Night, WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling On Sunday, TMN

Walter M. SterlingChris Licht was executive producer of the Steven Colbert show. Then he took the job of CEO of CNN. There was unpleasantness. Thanks to our shared position on the Newhouse School Advisory Board at Syracuse University, I learned how he is advancing his career while seeking the right job.

Chris isn’t brushing up his CV or tracking down references, he is taking a strategic action that will enhance his career and his life!

Everyday he cold calls people he would like to meet or talk to. He reaches out to executives and decision makers at all levels of corporate decision making. Yes, dozens of people are happy to meet him, talk with him and share the introduction. It’s mutual. Chris thinks the people he is calling are powerful, useful, smart, positive. They also think the same of Chris. There is no downside or risk to this adventure.

No, he doesn’t pitch them for a job. He doesn’t have to. The “pitch” is in the call, the conversation, unspoken. After the call, Chris is top of mind to another decision maker, another ally, another peer. PEER.

Licht says he has contacted about 150 people who have become new friends, new colleagues.  He might take a job with one of them, but more importantly when he does accept a new position he will have a new, sizable network of pros to help him achieve his goals

 
Consultant Walter Sabo A.K.A. Walter M Sterling has a nightly show “Sterling Every Damn Night” heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 10:00 pm – 1:00 am. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs Sundays 10:00 pm – 1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at waltermsterling@gmail.com or Sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Jon Hull Named Vice President Emeritus at Hope Media Group.  Jon Hull PhotoHope Media Group (HMG) – a ministry of Christian-oriented media brands – announces Jon Hull as its new vice president emeritus, effective January 1, 2025.  In his new position, Hull will use his extensive experience to help lead and encourage the on-air donor acquisition teams, while also working with those teams that engage existing and lapsed donors off-air. In addition, Hull will join the leadership team that strategizes support drives and programming initiatives. “I’m so grateful Jon Hull will become Hope Media Group’s vice president emeritus. This title is one of distinction and honor – something Jon has more than earned in his 28 years of service to God through this ministry. I consider Jon a national treasure, as does the Christian radio industry,” shared Joe Paulo, CEO of Hope Media Group.

 

Canada’s Rogers Sports & Media Lays Off Dozens of Radio and Podcast Employees. RSMAccording to an article by reporter Manuela Vega in the Toronto Star (11/19), Canadian broadcasting giant Rogers Sports & Media – reflecting major cutbacks taking place in the U.S. radio industry – has laid off more than two dozen employees in the company’s radio and podcasting divisions, citing declining revenue and challenges in advertising.  “With the radio industry continuing to feel the pressure of an uncertain advertising market, we made some difficult but necessary changes in our audio business impacting roles in several markets,” a Rogers Sports & Media spokesperson told the Star in a statement last night. The company said the job losses included a “handful” of journalists, as well as some managerial and administrative positions, but noted there would be no closures or terminations of stations, programming or podcasts. “We recognize and thank the team members who are leaving us for their dedication to our listeners and advertisers,” the statement read.  To read the complete article, please click here.

Industry News

Lotus Seeks Radio/Digital F/T Account Executive in Seattle

LotusLotus Seattle Corp in Seattle, Washington is seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated Account Executive/Radio Sales-Account Executive. The company is looking for someone who can connect with clients and help them achieve their business objectives through effective Broadcast and digital advertising. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, have an enthusiastic and outgoing personality, along with a drive to succeed. Most importantly – they are looking for hard-working salespeople who want to have FUN at work, make money, and help local businesses grow.  Compensation: · $55,000 – $70,000. Salary plus commission which varies by product and platform.  This role is also eligible for various benefits, including the following:  medical and dental insurance, vision, basic life insurance, 401K plan, plus more.  Lotus Seattle Corp. is a subsidiary of Lotus Communications Corp. and is a media, entertainment and digital marketing services company that owns and operates radio properties. Lotus Communications Corp. operates 48 radio stations in the Western United States including stations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Sacramento, Boise, Tucson, Fresno, Seattle and Bakersfield.  To apply, please send your resume to hr@lotuscorp.com.  For more information about the position and its requirements, please click here

Industry News

Yesterday’s (11/19) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial ongoing department head nominations topped the list again in yesterday’s conversations across talk media in America. There is a growing fascination among hosts and callers with the complicated relationship unfolding between Trump and Elon Musk.  The economy and escalation of war in the Middle East and Central Europe were also among the most-talked-about stories followed closely by the migrant crisis and health care/abortion rights, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

FOX Issues Statement About Duffy.  Former congressman Sean Duffy is now the second FOX TV personality to leave the network to pursue a role in the forthcoming Donald Trump administration following Pete Hegseth who was named as the president-elect’s choice to be Secretary of Defense.  Duffy – a FOX Business host – has received the Trump nod to be Secretary of Transportation.      Sean DuffyDuffy is married to Rachel Campos-Duffy, who co-hosts “FOX & Friends Weekend” alongside – until last week – Pete Hegseth.  FOX put out the following statement per Duffy’s departure: “Sean Duffy provided valuable insights and analysis in co-hosting the FOX Business Network program, ‘The Bottom Line.’ As Duffy departs FOX News Media effective today (11/18), we wish him the best of luck in his return to Washington. Moving forward, ‘The Bottom Line will continue with Dagen McDowell joined by rotating co-hosts.”

Dr. Daliah Wachs and a Mammogram MachineRaising Awareness All Year Long.  Nationally syndicated, Nevada-based TALKERS Heavy Hundred personality Dr. Daliah Wachs (pictured) never stops teaching and promoting health causes that lead to everything from prevention awareness to blood drives.  SDMI Steinberg DiagnosticShe tells TALKERS, “Where breast cancer awareness happens every October but education around this common disease needs to continue year-round.  Mammograms save lives and I’m grateful to Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging for helping make my mammogram and ultrasound testing easy and painless.”  The Steinberg facility has been serving South Las Vegas outpatients for more than 30 years.

 

Industry News

International Radio Exchange Program Offers New Perspectives on Media and Democracy

Andy GladdingBy Andy Gladding, Ed.D.
WMCA 570 / WNYM 970 Radio, New York
WRHU 88.7 FM, Hofstra University
Chief Engineer

Following the 2024 election cycle, there has been a flurry of conversation and speculation over the diminishing role linear media played in deciding the outcome of high-profile national races. With both the Trump and Harris teams choosing to heavily engage with social media influencers, digital media outlets and podcasters, campaign operatives have demonstrated that they are willing to shift their political ad spending into newer forms of broadcast messaging. This has called into question just how much influence and effectiveness legacy media has over audiences in the current media market.

However, not every country shares this perception. In 2020, WRHU Radio Hofstra University in New York formed an alliance with 89.5FM Bush Radio in Cape Town, South Africa. Bush Radio is the oldest community radio station in South Africa, having long been an established voice for the Cape Town area since the early 1990s. With programming in three languages and a highly diverse staff, the station is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Cape Town media space. The parallel goals of WRHU and Bush Radio, specifically emphasis on local journalism, community programming and educational radio training, provided a strong foundation for the stations to build this joint venture. The purpose of this partnership was to explore the power and reach of community radio in each station’s respective broadcast area. Since the inception of this relationship, both stations have enjoyed a continuous flow and exchange of ideas, goals and programming, even co-producing a weekly show called “1World Radio,” which highlights news, talk and music content featured WRHU and Bush Radio.

Bush People at Radio HofstraBush Radio journalists Jasnine Roberts, Lydia Marwanqana, Renato Van Schalkwyk, and Adrian Louw tour the Salem Radio New York facilities with chief engineer Andy Gladding (pictured in rear) and assistant production manager Alex Garrett (pictured in front).

As part of this alliance, the stations were able to engage in a radio exchange program commencing just before the 2024 U.S. elections. With monies gained from a cultural grant, Bush Radio sent five radio journalists abroad to New York and Washington, DC to cover the national elections. The purpose of this trip was for the Bush Radio journalists to have the opportunity to see the American democratic process up close and later report their findings back to the Cape Town listening audience.

To continue to the entire special feature article, please click here.

Dr. Andrew Gladding is the chief engineer of the Salem Media stations in New York City – WMCA 570 / WNYM 970 – as well as WRHU 88.7 FM, Hofstra University, where he also serves as a lecturer on communications. He can be reached at 516-527-0764 or andyg@nycradio.com.

Industry Views

International Radio Exchange Program Offers New Perspectives on Media and Democracy

Andy GladdingBy Andy Gladding, Ed.D.
WMCA 570 / WNYM 970 Radio, NY
WRHU 88.7 FM, Hofstra University
Chief Engineer

Following the 2024 election cycle, there has been a flurry of conversation and speculation over the diminishing role linear media played in deciding the outcome of high-profile national races. With both the Trump and Harris teams choosing to heavily engage with social media influencers, digital media outlets and podcasters, campaign operatives have demonstrated that they are willing to shift their political ad spending into newer forms of broadcast messaging. This has called into question just how much influence and effectiveness legacy media has over audiences in the current media market.

However, not every country shares this perception. In 2020, WRHU Radio Hofstra University in New York formed an alliance with 89.5FM Bush Radio in Cape Town, South Africa. Bush Radio is the oldest community radio station in South Africa, having long been an established voice for the Cape Town area since the early 1990s. With programming in three languages and a highly diverse staff, the station is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Cape Town media space. The parallel goals of WRHU and Bush Radio, specifically emphasis on local journalism, community programming and educational radio training, provided a strong foundation for the stations to build this joint venture. The purpose of this partnership was to explore the power and reach of community radio in each station’s respective broadcast area. Since the inception of this relationship, both stations have enjoyed a continuous flow and exchange of ideas, goals and programming, even co-producing a weekly show called “1World Radio,” which highlights news, talk and music content featured WRHU and Bush Radio.

Bush People at Radio Hofstra
Bush Radio journalists Jasnine Roberts, Lydia Marwanqana, Renato Van Schalkwyk, and Adrian Louw tour the Salem Radio New York facilities with chief engineer Andy Gladding (pictured in rear) and assistant production manager Alex Garrett (pictured in front).

As part of this alliance, the stations were able to engage in a radio exchange program commencing just before the 2024 U.S. elections. With monies gained from a cultural grant, Bush Radio sent five radio journalists abroad to New York and Washington, DC to cover the national elections. The purpose of this trip was for the Bush Radio journalists to have the opportunity to see the American democratic process up close and later report their findings back to the Cape Town listening audience.

During the New York leg of their journey, I had the pleasure of offering our colleagues from WRHU’s “sister station” an up close and personal look at some of the New York’s finest broadcast institutions. The Bush Radio journalists, using WRHU as their base of operations, had the chance to visit New York Public Radio, Salem Media of New York, Long Island News Radio and fellow NCE broadcasters at WHPC and WCWP. Bush Radio members had the opportunity to interview local politicians, interface with student journalists and even participate in some radio broadcasts, including AM970’s “The Arthur Aidala Power Hour” “The One Leg Up Podcast” with Alex Garrett and WRHU’s Hofstra’s Morning Wake Up Call.

At the beginning of their visit, the Bush Radio team had a number of pre-conceived notions about the American electoral process, national media and cultural ideals. They were all aware of the large impact that American media has had on the rest of the world, with most of their impressions of the USA generally rooted in older idioms of American pop culture, specifically things they had seen on MTV, NBC, ABC and other international network programming originating from the United States. They believed the American elections were similar to the south African cycle, with campaigns lasting only for a few months and a generally receptive population to the post-election outcomes.

However, after spending some time in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Long Island conducting interviews and analyzing news reporting during their visit, their perspective was much different. The Bush Radio journalists were amazed at the drastic differences in reporting they saw across different news outlets. They observed that different stations were geared to provide favorable reporting to targeted audiences, which was something they noted didn’t happen back in South Africa. They were also surprised at how divided and polarized Americans were, summing the experience to how people would choose sides as if they were rooting for a favorite football or soccer team. Finally, they noticed that while the national media seemed to be coalescing around Harris as their preferred candidate, the polling was pointing towards a Trump victory. The stark differences between the bias of the media verses the national momentum was also surprising to them.

According to the Bush Radio journalists, they felt that linear network and community broadcasting carried a much larger influence back home than it did in the United States. They believed that this was partially because much of their domestic population does not have access to broadband internet, which meant that many still relied on terrestrial broadcasting to receive their information. However, they also observed that many people they spoke to had developed a distrust of the media. The South African journalists believed that much of this sentiment stemmed from apparent media bias, since the national reporting didn’t seem to accurately reflect the polling trends. They also pointed out that due to the wide array of media outlets and digital content providers that were available to the public, there seemed to be a dilution of credibility across all media sources, as the sheer volume of stories made it difficult for people to fact check all of the decentralized information.

However, the Bush journalists also observed that many Americans held the First Amendment in high regard. Freedom of speech and expression is a relatively young concept in post-apartheid South Africa. The journalists were amazed at the confidence and accessibility Americans presented when it came to sharing personal opinions or thoughts. This, according to the Bush Radio journalists, was not a widely accepted practice back home.

Many of the journalists were also amazed at the willingness of different groups to cross “traditional cultural lines” to vote for candidates that were from different ethnic backgrounds. They noted that back home, voters from specific racial backgrounds would generally align with candidates that were of a similar race. According to the journalists, this demonstrated that the idea of being “American” alongside the marketing of a candidate was a unique force that could work against ingrained or learned racial stereotypes and biases.

Despite the contentious nature of the elections and the high level of emotion generated by the outcome, the Bush Radio folks believed that the American democratic process was indeed intact and that their role as community radio journalists was now more important than ever. They noted that if they could be the “standard-bearers” of the news and produce reliable and credible content, it would draw greater listenership to their linear programming. According to the journalists, credibility was the most important element a radio station could have, especially as people around the world look for new ways to consume information. They acknowledged the fact that regardless of our cultural differences, they saw a similar passion for broadcasting and community service among their radio counterparts in New York, especially after interfacing with the students at WRHU. They also learned a very valuable lesson during their visit, specifically that New York pizza has the power to bring opposing groups together, as it was their observation this celebrated cuisine seemed to be served at every management meeting that required uncomfortable discussions or decision making. As one of the Bush journalists exclaimed after enjoying his first slice, “this pizza could solve all of the world’s problems.”

As a continuation of the WRHU-Bush Radio partnership, members of WRHU have been invited to travel to Cape Town in February and participate in the reporting on the results of the South African elections. Based on the feedback from the South African journalists, I am confident that this experience will be just as rewarding and exciting as it was for the Bush Radio participants.

1World Radio airs every Tuesday between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm on WRHU, Radio Hofstra University.

Dr. Andrew Gladding is the chief engineer of the Salem Media stations in New York City – WMCA 570 / WNYM 970 – as well as WRHU 88.7 FM, Hofstra University, where he also serves as a lecturer on communications.  He can be reached at 516-527-0764 or andyg@nycradio.com.

 

 

Industry News

Yesterday’s (11/18) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial department head nominations topped the list again in yesterday’s conversations across talk media in America. The economy and escalation of war in the Middle East and Central Europe were also among the most-talked-about stories followed closely by the migrant crisis and health care/abortion rights, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Trump Selects Brendan Carr to be FCC Chairman

Brendan CarrLast night (11/17), President-elect Donald Trump announced his selection of Brendan Carr to be the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  Trump praised Carr as a “warrior for free speech” and someone who has “fought against the regulatory lawfare that has stifled Americans’ Freedoms and held back our Economy.”  Trump further stated, Carr will “end the regulatory onslaught that has been crippling America’s Job Creators and Innovators and ensure that the FCC delivers for rural America.”  Carr is currently the leading Republican in the FCC. He is one of five commissioners leading the agency, all of whom are appointed by the president pending Senate confirmation.  In response to the nomination, Carr thanked Trump in a post on X, saying, “I am humbled and honored to serve as chairman of the FCC. Now we get to work.”  In a follow up post, Carr stated, “We must dismantle the censorship cartel and restore free speech rights for everyday Americans.”  Carr was the central figure in the complaint against NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” for having VP Kamala Harris in a skit on the program without extending a similar opportunity to Donald Trump to remain in accordance with FCC rules to ensure equal time is granted on networks.  At that time, Carr posted to X, “This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCC’s Equal Time rule,” he said on X. “The purpose of the rule is to avoid exactly this type of biased and partisan conduct – a licensed broadcaster using the public airwaves to exert its influence for one candidate on the eve of an election.”  (EDITOR’S NOTE:  Some of the recent information being disseminated about broadcasting “networks” being licensed by the FCC has been misstated or misinterpreted by politicians and the media alike.  For the most part, TV networks are non-licensed content providers.  The licenses are held by the individual stations, groups of stations and their owners with whom they affiliate.)

NAB response to selection of Carr:  In response to the announcement that Commissioner Brendan Carr will be named Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman, the following statement can be attributed to National Association of Broadcasters (NAB president and CEO, Curtis LeGeyt: “NAB congratulates Commissioner Carr on his selection as the next chairman of the FCC. Commissioner Carr has been a steadfast leader in holding Big Tech accountable and supporting policies that will allow local broadcast stations to better compete with these behemoths and thrive. We are excited to continue our work with the chairman-designate to level the playing field and remove regulatory barriers that impede investment in local broadcast newsrooms. Together we will ensure local television and radio stations can innovate and continue to serve communities across the country.”

 

Industry News

Cumulus San Francisco Announces Strategic Operating Moves

Cumulus Media Logo

Cumulus Media today (11/18) announced strategic operating moves to its San Francisco market with stations including 104.5 FM/680 AM KNBR The Sports Leader; KSFO, The Bay Area’s Exclusive Hot Talk, and Classic Rocker KSAN-FM/107.7 The Bone.  Next week, KNBR begins the rollout of a new weekday programming line-up featuring new on-air talent teams in middays and afternoons. Joining the KNBR full-time roster is new midday co-host and producer Greg Silver, who will join popular midday host and San Francisco 49ers play-by-play announcer Greg Papa. The duo can be heard on KNBR Monday through Friday from 10:00 am-2:00 pm beginning today (11/18).  Adam Copeland, current KNBR afternoon co-host, welcomes a new on-air partner, Derek Papa. The new duo of Adam Copeland and Derek Papa can be heard weekdays from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm beginning Monday, December 2nd.  KNBR will also move its primary broadcasts from offices at 750 Battery Street, San Francisco, to its studios at San Francisco’s renowned Levi Stadium, home of KNBR and KSAN broadcast rights partner, the San Francisco 49ers. The move, accordg to Cumulus, will bring even more insight, access and “best-seat-in-the-house” opinions to Bay Area sports fans. Cumulus San Francisco further announced that KNBR sister station, KSFO, now heard at 560 AM, a 5,000-watt signal, will increase its signal and reach substantially with the news/talk station’s move to 810 AM, a 50,000-watt signal beginning today (11/18).  Larry Blumhagen, regional VP and market manager, Cumulus San Francisco, tells TALKERS, “We make these moves as Cumulus San Francisco is experiencing an exceptionally successful year. We continue to evolve as an organization committed to excellence and to growing for the future. With these changes, we say goodbye to some of our most storied and influential talent and we extend our gratitude for their countless contributions.”

 

Industry News

iHeartMedia Names Mark Glynn Area President for Washington State

Mark GlynniHeartMedia announced today (11/18) that Mark Glynn has been appointed area president for Washington, effective immediately. The iHeartMedia Washington markets include sixteen iconic station brands across both broadcast and digital formats, offering a diverse lineup of music, talk and news programming. In his new role as area president, Glynn, who is currently market president in Seattle, will add oversight of the Spokane market operations to his responsibilities. He will report to Nick Gnau, division president for iHeartMedia. “Mark is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of success in the media industry. Since the day I met him, his passion for his team and his ability to foster a collaborative and creative work environment has been effective and impressive, making him the perfect person to lead Spokane to the success he’s achieved in Seattle,” Gnau tells TALKERS.  “I’m honored to lead iHeartMedia Washington. In an era where audio thrives as a powerful medium, our brands in Seattle and Spokane stand at the forefront, poised to continue our legacy of success. I am grateful for the support of our dedicated sales teams and leaders in both markets,” says Glynn.

 

 

Industry Views

MONDAY MEMO: Phone-it-in

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

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Pick a market, any market, in which one local TV station’s newscasts crush the competition. Experience that station’s – and its competitors’ – smartphone apps. You will find the winner’s app more helpful and user-friendly that competitors’ apps.

Nine-in-ten Americans own a smartphone, up from 35% in Pew Research Center’s first such survey in 2011.

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So, although not mathematically in-tab to ratings, online content contributes to on-air numbers. Local TV’s linear broadcast product earns your trust, and the station empowers you with on-demand convenience. It won’t confine its use case to living room consumption, and radio shouldn’t settle for in-car + listen-at-work.

Chunks

That TV station likely live-streams its local newscast, just as radio station apps play what’s sent to the transmitter. And in my experience, radio station apps that autoplay when launched get more traffic than apps that ask you to click more than once to listen live. No need to explain portability to Baby Boomers who are lifelong AM/FM listeners, and whose first radio fit in the pocket (and whose annual USA retail spend is a demographically disproportionate $548.1 billion). And anyone younger already lives on a smartphone.

TV has a head start fitting its work into the phone, because 6:00 and 11:00 pm newscasts are already stacks-of-stories, easily repurposed online as short, searchable, single-topic videos. But too often, a news/talk radio station’s on-demand content is merely hourlong airchecks, not the moment within that hour that somehow enables listeners. Got “three ways to avoid [dilemma]” or “…to save big on___?” If you isolate those clips for easy access on apps, use your air to say it’s there, and link that mp3 to your social media, it gets shared, and you earn more Time Spent Listening.

Another opportunity to make the audience the show.

Recently, one of the stations I monitor had a technical glitch with its text system. Normally, listeners can use that same call-in number to text OR send a voice text. But for several days, the text function malfunctioned, so hosts explained that listeners could leave voice messages, and what they got was GOLD.

“Use the QR code on your screen…”

Another TV advantage. Radio doesn’t have a screen, but should put its QR code everywhere it can. Link it to your app install.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

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

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

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

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

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

 

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

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

 

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

 

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories this Past Weekend (11/16-17)

The transition of presidential power dominated this past weekend’s conversation (11/16-17), highlighted by buzz over highly controversial appointments to cabinet and department head positions in the forthcoming Trump Administration. Speculation over the coming massive migrant deportation was the top story followed closely by speculation over what incoming Trump policies will have on inflation and a growing chorus of threats about a recession. There was also a lot of talk about how the new administration will impact the wars in the Middle East and Central Europe as well as abortion rights and health care according to the ongoing research of TALKERS.

Industry News

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

Exposure in election

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

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories this Past Week (11/11-15)

The aftermath of the election and a “postmortem” of the circumstances leading to its results were the dominant topics of conversation on talk media programs this past week (11/11-15).  In addition, here’s how the stories stacked up: Trump Controversial Appointments; The Economy; Migrant-Border Crisis; Abortion / Health Care; Russia-Ukraine War; U.S.-Israel Relations; Climate Change / Race Relations /Gender Relations; Big Tech / Media Corruption-Bias; and Crime / Homelessness.  To see the complete chart of the most talked about stories and people, please click here.

Industry News

Edison Research Reports Q3 Top 50 Podcasts

Nothing changes at the top of the Edison Research Top 50 Podcasts chart for the third quarter of 2024 –im “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “Crime Junkie,” and “The Daily” remain in the top three spots, respectively. This chart is based on total audience reach for weekly podcast listeners 13+ in the U.S. Other news/talk podcasts of note on this quarter’s chart include: “The Dan Bongino Show” at #17; “The Tucker Carlson Show” at #20; “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #22; “The Ramsey Show” at #30; and “The Megyn Kelly Show” at #50. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Urban One Reports Net Revenue Down 6.3%

Urban One reveals its financial data for the third quarter of 2024 and reports net revenue of $110.4 million, aim decrease of 6.3% from the same period a year ago. Revenue from radio advertising was $36.4 million during the quarter, down 3.6% from the same period in 2023. Urban One reports a net loss of $31.4 million, a substantial decline from the $53.7 million net loss it reported in Q3 of 2023. Urban One owns and operates news/talk outlets WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte and WIBC-FM, Indianapolis. 

Industry News

Tolbert, Lund and More Exit KNBR, San Francisco

According to a report from SFGate.com’s Alex Simon, Cumulus Media’s Bay Area sports talk outlet KNBR has parted ways with a number of staffers in a wide-ranging, budget-related downsizing. Afternoonim personality Tom Tolbert – who co-hosted the “Tolbert & Copes” show with Adam Copeland – and midday personality John Lund – co-host of “Papa and Lund” are both out. Additionally, the San Francisco Chronicle reports that the company also cut producer Danny Dunn, executive Lee Hammer, morning show producer Erik Engle and digital team members Jake Hutchinson, Danny Emerman, Austin Scott and Maureen Mahoney.

Industry Views

Jim Bohannon Tribute Podcast Posted on TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel

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

Industry News

FOX News Channel Tops News Set in Primetime During Election Week

FOX News Channel reports that according to data from Nielsen, it was the “number one network in all of television” in weekday primetime. In that daypart, FNC had 5.4 million viewers, beating ABC’s 4.9 millionim viewers, and CBS and NBC which saw 4.1 million viewers. On Election Day, FOX News Media’s primetime coverage of election night across FNC, FOX Network, FOX Business Network and FOX News Digital topped all television networks with nearly 13.6 million viewers and 4.4 million in the 25-54 demo. FNC’s “Democracy 2024” primetime coverage averaged nearly 10.3 million in total viewers and 3.1 million in the 25-54 younger demographic beating ABC, NBC, CBS and all cable news networks.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (11/13) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Matt Gaetz as attorney general and Gaetz’s resignation from his House seat; the GOP takes the majority of seats in the U.S. House giving Trump support from the Senate and the House; Trump’s promised migrant deportation; the expected pardons for January 6 convicts; and the economy were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Talk Media Host Tapped to Serve as Secretary of Defense

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

Industry News

Salem Radio Network Announces Extensive Coverage Plans for Inauguration

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

Industry News

MIW Names First Mentee in Newly Launched Digital Sales Mentorship Program

Nikki K Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) tells TALKERS they are thrilled to introduce Nikki Kuniej as the first mentee for the non-profit’s newly launched Digital Sales Mentorship Program. As director of digital strategy at Saga Communications’ Charleston Media Solutions, MIW states, “Nikki exemplifies the spirit of this program with her dedication to growth and community service. She brings a passion for driving strategic growth for local businesses.” Beyond her career, Kuniej is deeply involved in her community, serving as a Big Sister and board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry. She is active with the Charleston Chamber, where she contributes to the Regional Policy Committee, Thrive Ladies Networking, and the Regional Housing Coalition. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed; she was honored as a 2023 “One to Watch,” a Charleston Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient, and a 2024 recipient of the RAB’s “Rising Thru the Ranks” award. Supported by its sponsor, Beasley Media Group, this program will provide Nikki with invaluable mentorship from top digital leaders. As the 2024-2025 mentee, Kuniej will engage in monthly coaching sessions with a Digital Mentor and leading digital experts, gaining valuable insights and guidance to drive her career forward. MIW Beasley DIG Mentorship “I am overjoyed to be selected as the MIW Digital Mentee,” says Kuniej. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to have personal access to such accomplished and high achieving women for a year. Heading into 2025, I set a personal goal to focus on professional development, and this is the ideal way to start the year.”  “We are thrilled to support such an impactful mentoring program that underscores the critical role of digital innovation in our industry,” said Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff adds, “Nikki’s dedication to her professional growth and community service truly embodies the spirit of this mentorship. We’re eager to see the impact she’ll make as she continues to thrive in her career. With leaders like Nikki, the future of radio is promising – and with the support of companies like Beasley Media Group, our ability to offer meaningful mentorship opportunities is stronger than ever.” For more information on all MIW mentorship programs, please visit www.radioMIW.com.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (11/12) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President-elect Donald Trump’s initial cabinet and government power-job appointments was the top subject discussed yesterday (11/12) in the talk media.  That was followed by continuing and growing speculation over Trump’s promised migrant deportation, his expected pardons for January 6 convicts, and the economy according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Gary Sutton Exits WSBA, York

According to a report from WHTM-TV, WSBA, York, Pennsylvania morning host Gary Sutton was let go fromim the Cumulus Media news/talk station on November 7.  Sutton began working full time at the station in 1997. He tells WHTM that he does not plan on retiring. “Tomorrow is the first time in 52 years that I don’t have to work, but I hope that doesn’t last long because I am not retiring. God is in control, and I know there are new opportunities ahead and a new chapter in my life.” Sutton says he and producer Mark McKenzie were dismissed due to budget cuts.