Among the employees of Audacy terminated in its ongoing reduction in force is Rick Dayton, the former
KDKA-TV personality who became afternoon drive host at news/talk KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh in December of 2020. Colin Dunlap appears to be set to continue hosting the afternoon drive show solo. Audacy has stated that these staff cuts will amount to “less than 2%” of the company’s workforce.
On April 12, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago celebrated its 100th year of service with an anniversary party and videographer Art Vuolo of Vuolo Video – a.k.a. Radio’s Best Friend – put together a historical and celebratory video of the event. Watch the video here.
The latest duo of podcasts hosted by Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes have dropped. Joining Denes on the “Chachi Loves Everybody” podcast are new Radio Advertising Bureau CEO Mike Hulvey and Epic Media founder Brad Samuel. The two programs were recorded at the recent 2024 NAB Show in Las Vegas. Listen to them here.
Beasley Media Group’s Southwest Florida radio stations – including sports talk WBCN-AM, Fort Myers – joined forces with Children’s Miracle Network to shine a spotlight on Golisano Children’s Hospital and raised more than $50,000 for pediatric healthcare during a radiothon held on April 4. Beasley Soutwest Florida VP and market manager AJ Lurie comments, “We have an amazing team, and I am grateful to work with them. I am grateful to everyone who made this event a success. We are proud to partner with Children’s Miracle Network and Golisano Children’s Hospital. Thank you to each person who donated and every sponsor who supported our efforts.”
iHeartMedia is seeking a talented talk show host in a rare opportunity to join one of America’s great radio
stations… the legendary WHO in Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines is a wonderful place in which to live with terrific amenities. You will work with strong local management invested in your success. WHO is a ratings and revenue leader that is looking for opportunities to grow and win. You could be the next chapter in the second century of WHO serving Iowa! Find out more and apply here.
A heritage radio station in Baltimore, MD is seeking a creative, hands-on manager with a passion for helping account executives develop their skills and meet and exceed company goals.
Candidates should have a record of success in media sales and management, experience selling a conservative talk format, and a strong background in digital sales. The ideal candidate should be an expert in coaching and developing all levels of sellers.
This is a full-time position with compensation to include salary, overrides, and incentives.
Please send your resume or contact information to radiosalesmanager@gmail.com.
The pro-Palestinian protests on numerous U.S. college campuses was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Donald Trump “hush money” trial, followed by the Supreme Court presidential immunity case at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
As it prepares to emerge from Chapter 11 reorganization, Audacy is embarking on a staff reduction program that it says will affect “less than 2%” of the company’s workforce. WEEI, Boston sports reporter
Mike Kadlik is one former Audacy staffer who took to social media to announce that he’s now a free agent. He posted to X, “My time with @WEEI has come to an end due to company-wide reductions. Very tough to swallow right before the NFL Draft, but I’m looking forward to continuing covering the #Patriots in some way.” Though the total number of people being let go is not known, it’s expected that more former employees will use social media to let the industry know they are available.
According to a story in The Hollywood Reporter, the Writers Guild of America East has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company’s management alleging that it has intimidated workers and encroached on their rights to discuss their working conditions and share union literature during break periods. iHeartMedia and the iHeart Podcast Union have been in negotiations for two years over the
workers’ first contract. The union says iHeartMedia has “violated Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act ‘by restricting protected Section 7 speech, by engaging in intimidating conduct and by interrogating employees about their support for the union.’” 
The union’s complaint adds, “When we have posted flyers about the union, management has removed these materials within the day, often within minutes… union members have received emails discouraging this activity, pointing out company policies about distributing literature in working areas, without acknowledging our federally protected right to discuss our working conditions or to distribute information about our union to our colleagues. Non-bargaining-unit employees and managers have used common work areas to openly disparage our union literature and efforts to inform unit members.” iHeartMedia has not responded publicly to the grievance. Read THR’s story here.
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc names Corinne Baldassano, the 2024 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer. Baldassano most recently served as SVP of programming & marketing at Take On The Day, LLC/“The Dr. Laura Program.” The Trailblazer Award is named after music industry pioneer and longtime BMI president and CEO Frances Preston and is presented annually to a woman who,
through her leadership and accomplishments in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff comments, “Corinne’s remarkable career firmly establishes her as a Trailblazer. In addition to all she’s accomplished, her selfless devotion to mentoring women and men, and absolute delight in helping them achieve their goals, is the essence of who she is. She is truly a mentor of mentors. We are thrilled to recognize her with our highest award.” Baldassano says, “I am honored to accept this year’s Trailblazer Award from MIW. As I built my career, it was natural for me to offer guidance to others who also wanted to take a similar path. And it’s turned out to be one of the most important and satisfying things I’ve ever done. I’m proud of those I have mentored, and I’m humbled to be recognized by an organization committed to fostering the growth of broadcasting’s next generation of women. I’m happy to see my work and theirs come full circle. Thank you!”
The pro-Palestinian protests taking place on numerous college campuses; the Supreme Court to hear arguments on former President Donald Trump’s claim of presidential immunity; the Trump “hush money” trial in NYC; the presidential race; the Arizona abortion law battle; Arizona indicts Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani in 2020 fake elector scheme; the GOP’s Marjorie Taylor Greene problem; the Russia-Ukraine war; and the bird flu virus found in cows and questions about the safety of the milk supply were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
The conservative media watchdog organization Media Research Center has filed a Petition to Deny with the FCC the case of Audacy’s Chapter 11 reorganization, which must be approved by the Commission before the company’s radio stations’ licenses can be transferred to the New Audacy. The MRC notes in its Petition to Deny that Soros Fund Management, operated by liberal activist and billionaire George
Soros, would become the largest shareholder in New Audacy and that Soros would “control these radio stations to advance their particular brand of activism.” Further, MRC objects saying that the FCC has an obligation to complete a full and thorough review and that the Commission is being asked to approve the change in ownership without this review, specifically regarding the foreign ownership issue which the MRC says would not be handled as required by Section 310(b)(4) of the Communications Act of 1935 if the Soros Group gets what it wants. It’s asking the FCC “to waive that process and put it off until sometime down the road – indicating that those foreign stakeholders will be given ‘special warrants’ in the meantime. The Soros group says that putting off the required foreign ownership review will enable the FCC to expedite its approval of the Soros applications and thus allow them to more quickly realize their ownership interests in and take over the hundreds of local radio stations across the country.” The MRC argues that the Communications Act of 1935 “does not contain a special Soros shortcut.” Read the entire filing here.
iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment announce a new partnership to launch the Women’s Sports Audio Network (WSAN), an audio platform dedicated exclusively to women’s sports. The companies say WSAN is a free, ad-supported network that will include podcasts, daily sports reports, spotlights and audio vignettes, social content, promotion and industry event presence, and will be
available across iHeartMedia’s broadcast, digital and podcast platforms and everywhere podcasts are heard. Talent to be heard on the platform include sports media personality Sarah Spain and WNBA legend & three-time Olympic gold medalist, Sheryl Swoopes, with more talent to be announced in the coming weeks. Deep Blue is led by agency veteran Laura Correnti as founder and CEO and WNBA legend Sue Bird as chief strategy officer. iHeartMedia chief marketing officer Gayle Troberman states, “Women’s sports are on fire and so is audio. The timing is perfect to deliver on the massive fan excitement today and most importantly use the power of iHeart’s massive audience reach to ensure women’s sports gets the attention it deserves.
Audacy Sports is hosting its own Radio Row at Buffalo Wild Wings in Detroit for the 2024 NFL Draft starting today (4/24) with shows from five of its leading sports brands. Taking part this week will be
WEEI, Boston’s midday show “Gresh & Fauria” with Andy Gresh and Christian Fauria, and night host Rich Keefe; WSCR, Chicago’s “Parkins & Spiegel” with Danny Parkins and Matt Spiegel; WXYT-FM, Detroit’s “Karsh & Anderson” with Doug Karsch and Scott “Gator” Anderson, and “The Mike Valenti Show with Rico”; WJFK-FM, Washington’s midday host Brian Mitchell and evening host Craig Hoffman.
SiriusXM announces a collaboration with audiochuck and its founder Ashley Flowers to create Crime
Junkie Radio, its first-ever full-time true crime channel. The channel will feature the new series, “Crime Junkie AF,” hosted by Flowers. The 24/7 channel will present episodes from the deep archive of audiochuck’s flagship show “Crime Junkie” along with selections from its other top-rated shows, such as “The Deck.”
The Virginian-Pilot reports that longtime Hampton Roads sports talk host Tony “Blastman” Mercurio died last weekend at age 75 after battling a number of illnesses, including diabetes. According to the obit, during his career, Mercurio served with WGH-AM, Newport News and WVSP-FM, Yorktown, Virginia “ESPN Radio 94.1 FM.” Read the complete obit here.
The Donald Trump “hush money” trial in NYC; the aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan that includes the demand that ByteDance sell TikTok within a year or it is banned in the U.S.; the pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. campuses and Israel’s plans to invade the city of Rafah; the Supreme Court to hear arguments on Idaho’s abortion law and arguments over former President Donald Trump’s contention he has “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution; the U.S. migrant crisis; and Tennessee passes law allowing teachers to carry concealed handguns were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Talk show host Jesse Kelly and Premiere Networks agree to an exclusive long-term agreement that extends his relationship with the company. Kelly will continue his role as host of “The Jesse Kelly Show,”
heard on more than 200 affiliate stations. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott says, “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Jesse Kelly. Since joining our industry-leading talk lineup three years ago, we’ve watched him build a loyal following of passionate fans who value his authentic, bold and relatable brand of entertainment. We look forward to many years of continued success together.” Kelly comments, “As blessed as I am to be part of Premiere, I know they’re twice as blessed to have me. I can’t wait for three more years of being the Da Vinci of the airwaves.”
Audacy announces that it is launching Audacy Sports, a move that will aggregate its broadcast, digital, and podcast inventory under the banner that “unleashes a market-differentiating opportunity for advertisers to connect with 43 million monthly listeners across the company’s sports portfolio while continuing to build equity in the Audacy brand.” The company says this follows its recent unveiling of Audacy Podcasts, a move to consolidate its podcast production and go-to-market monetization approach. Audacy SVP of sports monetization Lee Davis states, “We’re thrilled to bring together our unrivaled sports portfolio under Audacy Sports. Consolidating our cross-platform sellable assets under one name creates a compelling opportunity for brands to connect with listeners at scale – through our digital and broadcast network platforms or locally, through our owned sports stations – wherever and whenever they tune into Audacy content.” Audacy Sports is powered by the company’s 40 owned-and-operated all-sports stations and affiliates, 160 sports streaming channels on the Audacy app, a sports podcast network featuring over 600 titles and live events, 150 professional and collegiate teams – including play-by-play broadcasts, the Infinity Sports Network (formerly CBS Sports Radio) and BetQL Network.
This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog post looks at the results of an ongoing study by Advertiser Perceptions that surveys brands and media agencies on the sale contribution of five advertising effectiveness factors: Brand, Creative, Reach, Recency, and Targeting.
Interestingly, marketers and media agencies massively underestimate the immense sales effect power of creative. NCSolutions says that creative drives half of sales, about two-and-a-half times what advertisers perceive. The Advertiser Perceptions February 2024 study reports brands and media agencies say creative only represents 19% of total sales effect. NCSolutions science reveals creative generates an eye-popping 49% of incremental sales. According to System1 chief customer officer Jon Evans, “Creative is the number one factor in explaining the performance of your advertising and yet most marketers still don’t realize it. That means that those who focus on getting the creative right have a huge competitive advantage. Firstly, marketers need to wake up to the importance of creative and secondly realize it isn’t some dark art but something you can measure and improve to give you an advantage over the competition who haven’t realized this yet.” Read the blog post here.
Longtime FOX Business anchor Liz Claman was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame at a ceremony at the Ziegfield Theatre in New York on April 19. Claman is host of “The Claman Countdown” and was joined at the event by show executive producer Brad Hirst and senior producer Milanee Kapadia. Also attending in support of Claman was FBN SVP of programming Ralph Giordano and vice president Charlie Brady. Claman stated, “I value this award more than you’ll ever know.”
The nationally syndicated program “Free Talk Live” announces that it will continue operating as a completely independent program after Genesis Communications Network ceases operations on May 5.
Program founder Ian Freeman – who is currently in federal prison after a crypto-currency fraud conviction – thanked GCN and CEO Ted Anderson for 20 years of great syndication service. Freeman says the change will mean no recorded network inventory for affiliates and the elimination of the middleman means no more affiliate agreements. He adds that the current hosts of the program are dedicated to keeping “Free Talk Live” on the air.
The nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show” adds new affiliate station KJCE, Austin. Erickson received a welcome to Austin message from Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
SiriusXM will present coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft, with live announcements of every selection from every round and in-depth analysis on the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel, as well as additional NFL Draft-focused programming on the SiriusXM College Sports Radio channel. The draft begins Thursday night from Detroit.
The Donald Trump “hush money” trial in NYC; the pro-Palestinian protests on several U.S. campuses over the Israel-Hamas war; the presidential race; SCOTUS hears arguments over Oregon city’s ban on sleeping overnight in public spaces; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s job security; Earth Day and climate change; the foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan; the Russia-Ukraine war; and the U.S. migrant crisis were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
The forthcoming 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering will be meticulously documented on video for posterity. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Because the entire agenda of this year’s event will take place on the state of the art television soundstage ‘A’ at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and a special staging area for individual interviews will be set up on the adjacent TV soundstage ‘B,’ the opportunity to create an in-depth video time capsule of this remarkably transitional moment in talk media history will be unprecedented.” Harrison adds, “The number of heavyweight players from all ends of the business gathered in one place for one day on a television soundstage will be of tremendous historical significance. We will grab the opportunity to save everything we can for posterity. This conference will be more than just another industry ‘convention.’ It will be a ‘symposium’ for the ages reflecting and preserving a remarkably colorful and historic era in American media and culture. People all over the world and for years to come will bear witness to this ‘happening.’”
All TALKERS 2024 activities take place in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on the campus of Hofstra University
REGISTRATION DESK OPEN
7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Registration Director: Barbara Kurland, Business Manager, TALKERS
Assistant Registration Director: Debbie Bernstein, Associate, TALKERS
EXHIBITION DISPLAYS OPEN
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Backbone Networks
Representatives: George N. Capalbo, CTO; George L. Capalbo, Marketing Communications Director; Richard Cerny, President
Broadcasters General Store
Representatives: David Antoine, CBRE/CBNT, Sales Engineer; Buck Waters, Outside Sales Rep
Comrex
Representative: Chris Crump, CBNE, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing
BREAKFAST
8:00 am to 9:00 am
“Studio A” Television Sound Stage
Master of Ceremonies: Kevin Casey, VP/executive editor, TALKERS
Special Conference Kickoff: “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World”
Speaker: Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, Host, “The Joe Pags Show”
Presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award
Presenter: Mark Goldman, Co-founder/Media Relations Specialist, Goldman McCormick Public Relations.
Recipient: Howie Carr, Host, Howie Carr Radio Network
Sponsored by Sean Hannity / Premiere Networks
OPENING SESSION
9:00 am to 9:40 am
“Studio A” Television Sound Stage
Singing of the National Anthem
Performed by: Daliah Wachs M.D., Host, “The Dr. Daliah Show”
Welcoming Greetings: “Radio and Beyond”
Speaker: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Presentation of the Woman of the Year Award
Special Remarks: Dave Gorab, VP/GM Talk Programming, SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Presenter: Larry Young, Host, WOLB, Baltimore
Recipient: Sharon “Sherry” Madison, Executive Producer, the Joe Madison Show, SiriusXM Satellite Network
Award Acceptance: TBA
Special Presentation: The Case for AM Radio
Introducer: Alex Fife, VP/Operations, Southeast, iHeartMedia, Total Traffic & Weather Network
Speaker: Bill Brady, Owner/Host, KFNX, Phoenix
Sponsored by the Doctor Asa Show
PANEL DISCUSSION: “GENERATING NEWS/TALK REVENUE IN THE DIGITAL ERA”
9:45 am to 10:25 am
“Studio A” Television Sound Stage
Introducer: Joe Thomas, Owner/PD/Host, WTON, Staunton, VA
Moderator: Steve Lapa, President, Lapcom Communications Corp.
Panelists: Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; John Caracciolo, President/CEO, JVC Broadcasting; Kathy Carr, President, Howie Carr Radio Network; Ron Hartenbaum, Managing Member, Crossover Media; Julie Talbott, President, Premiere Networks
Sponsored by The Martha Zoller Show
FIRESIDE CHAT: “THE STATE OF SPORTS TALK RADIO”
10:30 am to 10:55 am
“Studio A” Television Sound Stage
Host: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Guest: Fred Toucher, Co-host, Morning Show, WBZ-FM (98.5 The Sports Hub), Boston
Sponsored by Backbone Networks
PANEL DISCUSSION: “BRAVE NEW WORLD”
11:00 am to 11:35 am
“Studio A” Television Sound Stage
Moderator: Harry Hurley, Morning Host, WPG, Atlantic City
Panelists: Scot Bertram, GM, WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM; Heather Cohen, President, The Weiss Agency; Steven Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media; Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP, associate publisher TALKERS / Senior Partner, Harrison Media Law; John T. Mullen, GM, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University.
Sponsored by Premiere Networks
PANEL DISCUSSION: “PROGRAMMING NEWS/TALK RADIO”
11:40 am to 12:20 pm
“Studio A” Television Sound Stage
Introducer: Paul Vandenburgh, Owner/Host, WGDJ (Talk 1300), Albany
Moderator: Mike McVay, President, McVay Media Consulting
Panelists: Grace Blazer, VP, National NTS Brand Coordinator, Director of News and AM Programming Florida Region, iHeartMedia Miami; Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group; Ops VP, New York region/WMCA/ AM 970 The Answer; Bill Hess, Corporate PD, News/Talk, Cumulus Media / PD WMAL, Washington, DC; Scott Lakefield, APD, WOR, New York; Doug Stephan, CEO/founder, Stephan Multimedia/host “Good Day” morning show; Greg Stocker, Brand Manager, WPHT, Philadelphia.
Sponsored by The Ramsey Show
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: GLENN BECK
12:25 am to 12:55 pm
“Studio A” Television Sound Stage
Speaker: Glenn Beck, Host, “The Glenn Beck Show” / Premiere Networks
Sponsored by Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City
LUNCH
1:00 pm to 2:25 pm
“Studio A” Television Sound Stage
Lunch Master of Ceremonies: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Dean’s Message: “Welcome to Hofstra”
Speaker: Mark Lukasiewicz, Dean, Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, Hofstra University
Special Greeting: “In Front of the Camera”
Speaker: Rob Finnerty, host, “Wake Up America,” Newsmax TV
Presentation of the Humanitarian of the Year Award
Recipient: John Curley, Host, KIRO, Seattle
Broadcasters Foundation of America Donation/Spotlight
Presenter: Harry Hurley, Morning Show Host, WPG, Atlantic City
Acceptance: Scott Herman, Chairman, Broadcasters Foundation of America
Sponsored by Newsmax TV
SPECIAL PRESENTATION: “THE GREAT DEBATE”
2:30 pm to 3:00 pm
“Studio A” Television Sound Stage
Debaters: Mike Gallagher, Host, Salem Radio Networks; Thom Hartmann, Host, WYD Media
Moderator: Lee Harris, Director, Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago
Sponsored by Our American Stories
PANEL DISCUSSION: “BEYOND POLITICS”
3:05 pm to 3:40 pm
“Studio A” Television Sound Stage
Moderator: David Bernstein; GM, Broadcast Operations, TALKERS
Panelists: Asa Andrew, M.D., Host, the Doctor Asa Show; Mike “Bax” Baxendale, Co-host, Morning Show, WAQY (Rock 102), Springfield, MA; Lee Habeeb, CEO/Host/Producer, “Our American Stories”/American Private Radio; Danielle Lin, Producer/Host, “The Art of Living and the Science of Life”; Walter Sabo, consultant, Sabo Media Implementers/Host “Sterling On Sunday”; Daliah Wachs, M.D., Host, “The Dr. Daliah Show.”
Sponsored by Doug Stephan’s “Good Day”
PANEL DISCUSSION: “BEHIND THE MIC”
3:45 pm to 4:20 pm
“Studio A” Television Sound Stage
Moderator: Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, Host, “The Joe Pags Show”
Panelists: Howie Carr, Host, Howie Carr Radio Network; Dom Giordano, Host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Jeff Katz, host, WRVA, Richmond; Chris Krok, Host, WBAP, Dallas; Frank Morano, Host, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Networks; Martha Zoller, Host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA
Sponsored by Radio America
PANEL DISCUSSION: “THE BIG PICTURE”
4:25 pm to 5:05 pm
“Studio A” Television Sound Stage
Moderator: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Panelists: Kraig T. Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC; Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Network; Chris Oliviero, Market President, Audacy New York; Deborah Parenti, Publisher, Radio Ink / RBR+TVBR; Tavis Smiley, Host / Owner, KBLA, Los Angeles/Smiley AudioMedia; Lisa Wexler, Host, WICC, Bridgeport.
Sponsored by The Michael Berry Show
CLOSING RECEPTION
5:10 pm to 6:15 pm
“Studio A” Television Soundstage
Presentation of Freedom of Speech Award
Closing Reception Master of Ceremonies: Harry Hurley, Host, WPG, Atlantic City
Special Guest Speaker: Brian Kilmeade, Host, FOX News Radio / FOX News Channel
Presenter: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Recipient: John Catsimatidis, CEO/Owner, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Network
Sponsored by C. Crane
More TBA
Program agenda subject to change without notice
Attendance at the conference is limited to members of the working media and directly associated industries as well as communication students enrolled in accredited learning institutions. All attendees will be required to register in advance on the phone payable by credit card. Because attendance will be limited and the agenda outstanding, the conference is again expected to be an early sellout. The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $379. Because space will be limited and a sellout is anticipated, all registrations are non-refundable. To register for TALKERS 2024 or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. The closest hotel to the conference is the nearby Long Island Marriott-Uniondale but it is nearly sold out. For a list of area hotels within a short drive to Hofstra, please click here.
Beasley Broadcast Group announces that it sought and has received approval from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC to transfer the listing of its Class A common stock from the Nasdaq Global Market to the Nasdaq Capital Market. If you recall, Beasley was notified by Nasdaq last October 13 that its stock had
traded below the $1.00 per share minimum bid price requirement for 30 consecutive days and it was being given 180 days to regain compliance. This move gives Beasley another 180 days to come into compliance by having its stock price trade at the $1.00 threshold or above for 10 consecutive days. The company announces that it has notified Nasdaq that it intends to cure its deficiency in satisfying the minimum bid price requirement by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. It would require the approval of current shareholders to do so. A reverse stock split reduces the number of shares in a company, thereby increasing the value of the existing shares.
Cumulus Media releases preliminary operating results for the first quarter of 2024 (January 1 – March
31). The company says it expects to report net revenue in a range of $199 million to $201 million – change of between 3.3% and 2.3%. It also expects to report a net loss in a range of $(14.9) million to $(13.4) million and Adjusted EBITDA in a range of $7.65 million to $9.15 million. The company will report its actual first quarter 2024 operating results on Friday, May 3.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
Time to thank the lawyers in the Donald Trump trial for once again proving beyond any doubt the power of talk radio.
1. Sellers – Get ready for Mother’s Day and Christmas rolled into one.
2. Managers – Prepare a fresh new page in your talk radio media kit.
3. On-air talk radio talent – Don’t throw away that lottery ticket, your number could come in.
4. Media consultants – Hit the brakes on making TV as an automatic first choice for your political campaigns, we’ve got a story for you.
5. Owners – Play your cards right and that talk radio format may have jumped in value.
It has been widely reported that jurors selected for the Donald Trump-Stormy Daniels trial were presented a questionnaire with the following question, “Do you listen to talk radio?” “If so, which programs?” Now wait just a minute all you jury profilers out there or fans of the TV show “Bull.” This is big, but I have a few questions of my own:
1. Why would any lawyer be interested in the radio listening habits of a (potential) juror?
2. Why specify “talk radio?”
3. What’s with the need to know about specific programs?
4. What’s the definition of “listen?” Daily? How long?
Maybe it’s time to recognize just what all this means to great talk radio talent and marketers.
I’m sure by now you have figured out where this goes – influence – as in talk radio hosts, the original influencers.
The very nature of a jury selection questionnaire screening for talk radio listening and specific programs is fascinating. Did an attorney conclude that talk radio shows influenced a potential juror’s feelings, opinions, perceptions (the very currency of talk radio) when it comes to Donald Trump or Stormy Daniels or any other key player on the legal stage?
As every seller knows, talk radio talents were the original influencers and continue to drive sales every day. To the local sellers and managers in the New York DMA pitching Sid Rosenberg, Joe Piscopo, Mark Simone and the other great local talents, imagine experienced legal teams evaluating the influence of their daily shows on potential jurors. Same for the nationally syndicated talent heard in the New York DMA. Talk radio lives and is influencing in the Big Apple!
“Do you listen to talk radio?” “If so, which programs?” that line of questioning should now become part of your daily marketing testimonial. After all, if teams of well-respected lawyers feel talk radio listening can influence the decisions of jurors in one of the most historic cases ever to be tried in our country, imagine what talk radio can do for your advertisers!
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.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
I asked ChatGPT: “Vendors are now offering radio stations a service that delivers advertising commercial copy generated by AI. Because AI draws from what’s already been done, this risks sound-alike scripts. Is there a list of commercial clichés users should instruct AI to exclude?”
Instantly, the robot replied: “While there isn’t a definitive list of commercial clichés, as they can vary depending on industry, audience, and cultural context, here are some common examples to consider instructing AI to avoid:
1. Don’t miss out!
2. Limited time offer!
3. One-of-a-kind deal!
4. Act now!
5. For a limited time only!
6. Unbeatable prices!
7. Revolutionary product!
8. Best in class!
9. Cutting-edge technology!
10. Guaranteed satisfaction!
11. Change your life today!
12. Once in a lifetime opportunity!
13. Hurry, while supplies last!
14. Get yours today!
15. New and improved!
These are just a few examples, and there are many more clichés that could be included in such a list. It’s also important to consider the specific audience and context when identifying and excluding cliches from AI-generated advertising commercial copy.”
Skynet has become self-aware.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins,” and “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up,” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn.
Longtime WIP, Philadelphia sports talk host Glen Macnow announces that he’ll retire from the Audacy
sports talk outlet where he’s been an on-air personality for the past 31 years. Currently, Macnow hosts the Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm shows and the Eagles pre-game show. Macnow says his last weekend program (which he co-hosts with Mike Sielski) will be July 13. Get more on this story and Macnow’s career at WIP from Crossing Broad here.
PodcastOne announces that its award-winning podcast “The Adam Carolla Show” is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Carolla launched his world-famous show in 2009. PodcastOne co-founder and president Kit
Gray states, “Longevity in podcasting is a testament to how well loved the host is and there are few hosts who have had an impact across a multitude of generations as Adam Carolla. We are so proud to be Adam’s longtime partner on this journey and to celebrate 15 years in podcasting together is a wonderful achievement. We look forward to 15 more years as podcasting partners.”
The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces The Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award to be presented annually at the Golden Mic Award Gala beginning in 2025. The BFoA says the Spirit Award will be bestowed upon an individual who exhibits the spirit of dedication and relentless drive to the
Broadcasters Foundation charitable mission exemplified by its former longtime chairman, Phil Lombardo, who passed away earlier this year. Board members, officers, supporters, contributors, and sponsors with a long history of demonstrating Lombardo’s commitment to the Foundation will be candidates for this special recognition. BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “Phil brought the sense of urgency that is often needed to give donors an understanding of why they need to donate to our charitable purpose. He led the board for many years, overseeing significant advancements that brought in more funds, and thereby allowing us to continue to distribute financial aid to broadcasters in need.”