Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Heather Cohen, executive vice president of The Weiss Agency, is appointed president of the Hofstra Alumni Organization. Cohen says, “It is a privilege to continue serving the University that I am so proud of. In my new role as president, I look forward to working with the executive board, our incredible alumni, and the entire Hofstra family.”

The GCN-syndicated “Dr. Daliah Wachs” program is added to the program schedule at KGEZ-AM, Kalispell, Montana in the 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight daypart.

Industry News

British Record Collector and Author Jonathan Scott is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Get ready for a journey back to the earliest days of sound recording as British author and music historian Jonathan Scott is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Scott is the author of the fascinating book, INTO THE GROOVE: The Story of Sound from Tin Foil to Vinyl (Bloomsbury, 2023). He tells the story of recorded sound – the technological developments, the humans that made them happen – and their impact on society, from the phonograph to LPs, EPs and the recent resurgence of vinyl. Harrison and Scott dissect a mind-blowing feat that we all take for granted today –  the domestication of soundThomas Edison’s phonograph, the first device that could both record and reproduce sound, represented an important turning point in the story of recorded sound, but it was only the tip of the iceberg, and came after decades of invention, tinkering and experimentation. Scott traces the birth of sound back to the earliest serious attempts in the 1850s, celebrating the ingenuity, rivalries and science of the modulated groove. And, of course, the conversation raises the controversial question, in which medium does music actually sound better? Vinyl or digital? Listen to the podcast in its entirety here

Industry News

Tim Wenger Leading Audacy’s Buffalo Stations

Audacy promotes Tim Wenger to SVP and market manager of its Buffalo market. In this role, Wenger will oversee the market’s portfolio of stations that includes news/talk WBEN-AM, sports talkers WGR-AM and WWKB-AM, plus three music brands. Wenger is taking over for Tim Holly who recently announced his retirement. Wenger worked his way up to this role from the programming side of the business. He launched his radio career as a news reporter and anchor at WBEN in 1986. He subsequently rose to news director, program director and brand manager/operations director for the spoken-word stations. Wenger is a recent inductee into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Audacy regional president Mark Hannon states, “Tim has been a leading presence in our building for nearly 40 years, and it seems only fitting that he now takes over the reins of the market. He has intimate knowledge of our local brands, and I can think of no one better to pick up the mantle from Tim Holly and lead us into the future.” Wenger comments, “As a lifelong Buffalonian, it’s surreal to be assuming the leadership role for Audacy Buffalo’s group of stations. The unique content and personalities on the brands, combined with strong client and sports play-by-play partnerships, positions Audacy for growth and success in Buffalo.”

Industry News

WDET Imports Fox As PD

Having thus far spent his entire broadcasting career north of the border, native Canadian L. Adam Fox relocates to Detroit to program Wayne State University public radio news/talk WDET. He will report to WDET general manager Mary Zatina who states, “Adam’s experience and skills in programming L Adam Fox
are exceptional. He also brings a leadership style that will enhance both staff and listener experiences. WDET is on a fast-track to excellence in all areas; Adam will be steering our sound in a way that fully maximizes the community service we deliver.” Fox comments, “I’m thrilled to be joining the team to support the critical mission of WDET. This station has always been a beacon for me, reflecting the stories and culture of my favorite city in the world, and bringing the news of the world with a Detroit perspective.” For the past ten years, Fox has been program director for Calgary-based National Music Center. Prior to that, he programmed Toronto’s CHRY; was content director for CKUA Radio Network, Alberta; and was station manager of Windsor’s CJAM-FM. After registering a 1.0 in February and March, WDET has repeated a .9 in April and May (#22, 6+, Nielsen Audio).

Industry News

JAM, Lemonada Cook Up Ad Sales & Distribution Deal

Owing to a partnership between podcast network Lemonada Media and celebrity chef/humanitarian José Andrés’ JAM Media, the former will manage ad sales and distribution for JAM’s audio content; Andrés’ “Longer Tables” and “Pressure Cooker” will now be part of Lemonada Media’s line-up. Lemonada Media chief executive Lemonada Logoofficer Jessica Cordova Kramer opines that, “When you think of making life suck less, you think [of] chef José Andrés. He and the JAM team work tirelessly to make the world a better place; we are so grateful to get to be a small part of their work by serving as partners to JAM for these two shows.” José Andrés Group president Sam Bakhshandehpour proclaims that, “Working with Lemonada Media is an exciting new chapter in the evolution of José Andrés Media. Joining their dynamic network will allow ‘Longer Tables’ and ‘Pressure Cooker’ to reach new audiences, sharing powerful stories that explore the many ways that food connects us all.” Introduced last year, Andrés’ “Longer Tables” engages with eminent figures across various fields. Previous guests have included Anderson Cooper; Secretary of State Antony Blinken; actress Eva Longoria; primatologist Jane Goodall; and French chef Eric Ripert. Meanwhile, “Pressure Cooker” is hosted by food journalists Jane Black and Elizabeth Dunn. It explains challenges of feeding families in our age of anxiety. Lemonada Media’s roster includes “Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus”; “Choice Words with Samantha Bee”; “Funny Cuz It’s True with Elyse Myers”; and Gracie award-winner “Last Day.”

Industry News

iHP, Lea Pictures Announce Audio Deal

A multi-year collaboration between iHeartPodcasts and Bradley Cooper’s production company, Lea Pictures, will include several co-produced shows including Lea Pictures’ first audio project “The Good Stuff Podcast,” which debuted last month. Cooper will serve as executive producer for the entire slate which will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts. iHeartMedia Audio Group chief executive officer Conal Byrne comments, “Bradley is one of the great creators of our time, inventing and reinventing again and again how great stories are told across multiple genres and formats. We could not be more proud and excited to introduce his expertise, vision and approach to the exploding podcast medium with this partnership.” Hosted by One Tribe Foundation chief executive officer Jacob Schick and his wife, two-time Emmy award winning-storyteller Ashley Schick, the weekly “Good Stuff Podcast” delves into inspiring stories of success and perseverance.

Industry News

Disney Takes Budget Axe to ESPN

Heading into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Disney made approximately 20 cuts to ESPN’s on-air staff, laying off Keyshawn Johnson and Max Kellerman from the recently cancelled ESPN Radio morning driveim show, as well as NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN television personality Suzy Kolber, and others.  These layoffs come as little surprise as Disney had announced earlier this year that it would be eliminating some 7,000 positions across the entire company.

Industry News

Gray Radio Launches FOX Sports 94.7 FM in Augusta, Georgia

Gray Radio, LLC partners with FOX Sports Radio to bring the network’s programming to its new sports station WAAW-FM, Augusta “FOX Sports 94.7 FM,” effective July 3.  The station will carry the entire FOX Sports Radioim lineup including “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn & Jonas Knox,” “The Dan Patrick Show,” “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” and more. Gray president Tony Gray says, “WAAW is extremely excited to bring FOX Sports to local Augusta sports fans. We’re confident that the home of the Masters Tournament will embrace the station’s new format.”

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Susan Richard to AM News Anchor

WINS-AM/FM, New York news anchor Susan Richard is promoted to top-of-the-hour morning news anchor. The Audacy all-news outlet says that Richard will be the third person to anchor morning drive and the first woman to hold the position in the station’s 58-year history. Richard comments, “Nothing says New York likeim 1010 WINS, and as both a life-long New Yorker and 25-year WINS veteran, I am thrilled and grateful to be the first woman chosen to fill this key on-air role. The news watch never stops, and I look forward to serving our listeners in the city I know and love with the continuing commitment to broadcast excellence embodied by our entire staff.” WINS brand manager Ivan Lee adds, “Not only is Susan a quintessential New Yorker and a brilliant anchor and journalist, but she will also forever serve as an inspiration and beacon of empowerment for all women who aspire to reach the highest on-air levels in the industry. We are beyond thrilled for her and this history-making moment.” The station says that additional morning team announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: “A Pepper & Egg Sandwich on American Bread”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Recommended interview: The author is retired radio host and newsman Joe Taylor, a voice you might remember from KDKA and elsewhere.

His story is the sort of interview Jim Bohannon used to love, a reminiscence of growing up in the 1950s, what life was really like in that “Great” America that Donald Trump romanticizes.

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Joe recalls a time when many people still considered Italians “not-quite-real Americans, traversing two very different worlds, attending school with kids whose last name didn’t end in a vowel.”

Joe writes – and speaks – with affection, respect, humor, and humanity, and new relevance. Contact joetaylor43@comcast.net

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

Industry News

Kraig T. Kitchin is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Noted talent manager, advisor and chair of the Radio Hall of FameKraig T. Kitchin is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison states, “Kraig is one of the smartest, most-respected and congenial behind-the-scenes movers and shakers in the radio industry. His illustrious career goes back decades and his positive contributions to the radio business – including advising some of its greatest talents including the late Rush Limbaugh – have been indelible and immeasurable.” Kitchin was honored several weeks ago by the TALKERS magazine editorial board with the highly prestigious Jim Bohannon Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement in Radio. Since 2008, he’s been president of the talent management firm, Sound MindLLC. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Oxford Road, a media placement agency with more than 50 clients specializing in audio advertising. Kitchin also serves as chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame to which he was appointed in 2014. Prior to launching his own firm, after working his way up in the industry through local radio and then national agency sales, he was one of the founders of Premiere Radio Networks in 1987. Harrison and Kitchin discuss the quirky role of ego and psychology in the talent business as well as today’s rapidly changing fabric of communications and culture. Don’t miss this! Listen to the entire podcast here.

Industry News

Audacy and TuneIn Renew Distribution Agreement

Audacy announces it is extending its digital distribution deal with TuneIn that provides streaming of its 250-plus stations and entire podcast library to the content aggregator. Audacy says the partnership expands the reach of its content to more than 200 additional platforms and connected vehicles and devices, including Tesla, Rivian,im Lucid, Bose, Samsung and Xbox, as well as on the TuneIn mobile app and TuneIn.com. The agreement also gives Audacy access to TuneIn’s advertising supply and brings select TuneIn original content to the Audacy digital platform. Audacy chief digital officer J.D. Crowley imcomments, “Streaming of AM/FM Radio is one of the fastest growing segments of all digital audio today. As consumer demand for Audacy’s best-in-class local audio content continues to increase, we’re committed to meeting the listener wherever they wish to consume, and we’re delighted to expand the availability of our unique live sports, news, and personality-driven audio content to over 200 new TuneIn-supported platforms. We’re equally thrilled to welcome TuneIn’s premium exclusive content to the Audacy digital platform.”

Industry News

Townsquare Media Executes Stock Buyback

Townsquare Media reports to investors that it has repurchased, and subsequently retired, 1.5 million shares of Class C common stock held by MSG National Properties, LLC, for $9.70 per share. The purchase price reflects an 8.5% discount from the closing price of the Class A common stock on June 15, 2023. Following this transaction, MSG will own 1,708,139 shares of Common Stock in the Company (comprising 583,139 shares ofim Class A Common Stock and 1,125,000 shares of Class C Common Stock). The purchase price of $14.6 million was funded with cash on hand. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson states, “We could not be more pleased to share that given our strong cash position, we were able to repurchase approximately 8.5% of our total shares outstanding (and nearly half of MSG’s ownership in Townsquare), capturing a positive return for our shareholders. Due to our strong cash flow generation, we have demonstrated Townsquare’s ability to support a high-yield dividend and repurchase debt and equity, while also simultaneously investing in the future of our digital growth engine. This repurchase is immediately accretive to shareholders and we thank our board of directors for their vote of confidence in our medium and long-term business plan to grow revenue and profits.”

Industry News

Larry Young Interviews Maryland Governor Wes Moore

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Legendary Baltimore talk broadcaster Larry Young (left) is pictured above interviewing Maryland Governor Wes Moore on June 14 at the Greater Baltimore Chapter gathering of the National Action Network. Young, who retired from his long career at WOLB-AM, Baltimore last year, will feature the interview on his podcast, “In Conversation with LY.”

Industry News

Karen Knotts is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Author/actress/stand-up comic and aspiring talk radio host Karen Knotts is this week’s guest on the PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” According to Harrison, “You never know who you are going to meet at the TALKERS conference. I had the good fortune of crossing paths with the delightful, articulate and notably talented daughter of one of the 20th century’s most beloved show business icons and immediately booked her for the podcast. We had a great conversation!” Karen Knotts is the daughter of the legendary actor/comedian Don Knotts of the Andy Griffith Show and Three’s Company fame who passed away in 2006 at the age of 81. Karen Knotts is an actress, author, stand-up comic, former librarian and, as Harrison describes, “an all-around positive, fun person with lots to say about lots of things.” During the pandemic, Knotts finally had the opportunity to pen the book everyone’s been telling her to write about her memories of life growing up in California as the daughter of one of America’s funniest and most iconic entertainers – Tied Up in Knotts: My Dad and Me (Chicago Review Press, 2021). She’s been touring the country with an informative and funny one-woman show based on the book and her experiences growing up with a famous father. Harrison and Knotts discuss her life with a show biz dad, along with anecdotes about her encounters with celebrities and her interest in talk radio, covering topics such as the evolution of public libraries in the digital era, changes in TV over the years and dealing with the present-day cultural abuse of the name “Karen.” Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Well Said!

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imMark Twain reckoned that “the difference between the almost right word and the right word is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”

Examples, from dueling commercials in a hyper-competitive, hyper-growth industry:

“Draft Kings has so many ways to bet on baseball you’re going to feel like a winner all summer.”

“Every at-bat is a chance to win big on FanDuel.”

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Craft copy for local retailers THAT well-written, and they will get results and you will get renewed.

Station promo copy this enabling and user-friendly will earn you tune-in and clicks: “The Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, all day tomorrow, anywhere you are, on the platforms of CNBC.”

The American Association of Retired Persons still advocates for them, but it no longer restricts membership to seniors. Otherwise, its base would, literally, die-off (radio take note). So…

“The younger you are, the more you need AARP.”

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

Industry News

Class of 2023 Inducted into MBA Hall of Fame

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The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association inducted the Class of 2023 into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame at a ceremony attended by almost 300 broadcasters, friends, and fans last Thursday (6/8). The six inductees are: retired long-time former sports anchor Mike Lynch from Boston’s WCVB-TV; the late and beloved videographer Therman Toon from Boston’s Channel 7; the late WBZ-TV, Boston, reporter, the gifted storyteller Bill Shields; from WBZ NewsRadio 1030, Boston, the heralded news reporter and “poet laureate” Carl Stevens; Spanish-language radio station entrepreneur Patrick Costa; and Lesley University communications professor and former rock and roll DJ Donna L. Halper. Halper also received the Hall of Fame Pioneer Award, given, as HOF committee chair Peter Brown explained, “to individuals who have distinguished themselves over decades for lasting contributions made to the broadcast industry and through a leadership role in their particular craft.”

Industry News

Lee Davis to Lead Audacy’s Reorganized Sports Sales Team

Audacy announces a new “sales and enablement team dedicated to accelerating growth within the company’s sports vertical” to be led by the company’s Lee Davis, who is named senior vice president of the team. Audacy says Davis’ team is “charged with developing high-value, high-return programs leveraging the power of Audacy’s sports platform across its broadcast,im streaming, podcasting, and wagertainment properties. Under Davis’ leadership, the team will be responsible for sales and execution, managing the entire client lifecycle.” Audacy chief revenue officer Brian Benedik comments, “No medium delivers more value for sports than audio. People are spending more time than ever with broadcast radio, streaming and podcasts, and the demand for compelling sports content across these channels is growing exponentially. Through our best-in-imclass sports audio portfolio, powered by over 150 flagship team partnerships, iconic local broadcast brands, award-winning podcasts and sports betting content, Audacy is uniquely positioned to capitalize on a new sales strategy in this arena.” Audacy says, “From 1990 to 2005, Davis was key in building WFAN into America’s #1 sports radio station, overseeing local and national sales, programming and marketing, helping shape it into the highest-grossing station in the country.” Davis rejoined Audacy in 2018 to lead the reboot of Traffic Weather Information Network’s on-air content and ad operations teams.

Industry News

Bob Kevoian Returns to Bob & Tom; Promotes Cancer Podcast

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Pictured above is Bob Kevoian (second from left), former co-host of “The BOB & TOM Show,” reunited with Tom Griswold (third from left) and the rest of the nationally syndicated program’s cast. Kevoian retired from the show in 2015 and returned to share his experiences in the wake of a gastric cancer diagnosis and his new podcast, “The Bob and Cancer Show.” In the podcast’s first episodes, Bob and co-hosts Becky Kevoian and Whit Grayson discuss the initial shock and numbness that came with the diagnosis, and then follow up with ways to stay positive and fight cancer with food, as they discuss the importance of setting goals and working to achieve them, while embracing uncertainty.

Uncategorized

TuneIn Offers Free Digital Transmission to AM Radio Stations

Audio content aggregator TuneIn is offering FCC-licensed AM broadcasters in the U.S. access to its analytics service Amplifier and increase the sound quality of their digital broadcasts for free with TuneIn On-Air. The company says, “With the accessibility of terrestrial radio on the decline, from electric vehicles without receivers to smart home systems that rely entirely on digitallyim streaming content, the industry is at a critical crossroads. TuneIn On Air digitally optimizes the reach of audio content to over 30 million TuneIn users across the country. Accessibility of AM content also increases to over 200 connected devices that partner with TuneIn, including, but not limited to, Amazon Alexa; Google Home; Sonos and Bose speakers; all iPhones and Android-based phones; and Tesla, Fisker and VinFast electric vehicle integrations.” TuneIn CEO Rich Stern adds, “The future of AM Radio is on the top of all of our minds. TuneIn is committed to helping AM radio thrive in the digital world. It offers such a vast and rich library of audio programming that is integral to millions of Americans’ daily lives. Offering AM broadcasters the opportunity to digitize through TuneIn On Air for free is one way we can build a brighter future together.”

Industry News

Lou Mellini Dies at 82

Former Colorado Springs radio executive Lou Mellini passed away yesterday (6/5) at the age of 82. Mellini had retired from his position as vice president and general manager at KILO-FM and KRXP-FM in Colorado Springs in 2017. During his career he served with news/talk KRDO-AM/FM, Colorado Springs and, in the early 1990s, served as president and CEO of Business Radio Network. Read his obit in The Gazette here.

Industry News

Fred Toucher Returns to “98.5 The Sports Hub” and Reveals Detox Stint

Morning drive personality Fred Toucher was back on the air on Friday (6/2) on Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” after missing the first four days of the week and told his listeners that he checked himself into a detox facility on May 28 to deal with his alcohol issues. CBS News Boston reports that Toucher explained on air, “I was voluntarilyim locking myself up so I wouldn’t drink anymore, so I knew I wouldn’t drink. That’s how I felt like, I was like, all right, I’ve lost control, I’ve lost control of alcohol, I’ve lost control, I’m not thinking like me, I need to make sure that I’m in a position where I do not have the opportunity to drink. Was it fun? It was the worst five days of my entire life.” Toucher says he intends to continue the outpatient therapy treatments. “The setup I have right now is by far the most gnarly setup I’ve had. I’m talking about like four hours a day of intense therapy for alcohol and intense therapy for anxiety… Got out yesterday morning and immediately went to an outpatient facility, then went to a therapist. Right after the show today, I’m going back to that outpatient facility. So, I’m taking this recovery very, very seriously.” Read the CBS News story here.

Industry News

Bonneville’s Brown Bowing Out

Bonneville’s Brown Bowing Out. Effective August 1, Tanya Vea will become Bonneville International’s president and chief operating officer, succeeding Darrell Brown, who announces his retirement. Brown states, “I’ve loved my time at Bonneville and it’s not easy to leave, but it’s the right time for me and my family. I’m grateful for the opportunity that I’ve had to associate with so many wonderful employees as we’ve workedim together to further Bonneville’s mission to be a positive influence on the communities we serve. We’ve grown as a company in our reach and impact. I know Tanya will take Bonneville to the next level – I’m thrilled for the future of the company under her leadership.” Vea comments that Brown has been, “an incredible mentor” and she is “so grateful for all that he’s done” for Bonneville. “He has led by example as a steward of the company and its resources. I will miss working with him, and I feel incredibly imfortunate to take on this role knowing that he has put the company in a position of strength. Bonneville is a special company. I’m committed to building on the foundation of those who have come before me and am focused on fulfilling our mission to be trusted voices in our communities. Our greatest strength is our team of talented people. I’m honored to be able to work with them to grow Bonneville for the future.” Brown’s tenure as Bonneville’s president began in December 2013. Before that, he possessed a similar title for McGraw-Hill Broadcasting Company. During Brown’s 28 years at McGraw-Hill, he worked in various sales and management capacities for ABC and Azteca America television stations. He currently is board chair for the NAB Leadership Foundation. Recently promoted to executive vice president of content and media operations, Vea oversees content strategy for all Bonneville markets. She commenced with Bonneville in 2010 as vice president of program development before being boosted to senior vice president/general manager overseeing the company’s Salt Lake City cluster. Currently on  NBC’s affiliate board and executive committee, Vea formerly worked in advertising and public relations.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 is an Advance Sellout. However, Standby List Placed in Operation

TALKERS 2023, the 26th annual installment of the talk media industry’s iconic gathering, is an advance sellout. However, at the suggestion of several industry professionals still wanting to attend, there will be a standby list in operation until 12:00 noon ET on Thursday, June 1 which will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, as (and if) cancellations occur. Potential attendees in the New York area interested in being put on the list should call Barbara Kurland at TALKERS at 413-565-5413 or email her at info@talkers.com.  According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “Industry professionals who have attended the TALKERS Conference in theim past enjoy it and find it to be a valuable experience for a number of reasons beyond the remarkable quality of the speakers and pertinence of the agenda. They appreciate the intimacy of the environment and outstanding ‘who’s who’ in talk media makeup of their fellow attendees. We work diligently to keep this event within those parameters. It is only open to people who work within or are associated in some way with the talk media industry – there is no online open registration – and it all happens within one power-packed day with absolutely no down time.” More than 65 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a content-heavy day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. All in a beautiful indoor/outdoor state-of-the-art environment conducive to one-on-one conversations. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison adds, “People attend this seminar not only to see and hear the speakers… they come to meet them and each other as well! This event offers that opportunity.” The entire agenda of events at TALKERS 2023 will be video recorded and posted for world-wide viewing at a later date. Some sponsorship opportunities still exist. See more about the agenda, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Promises to Be a Talk Media Historical Video Goldmine

In many ways, TALKERS 2023 will be the setting for a historical video documentary capturing the state of talk media at one of its most colorful and critical junctures. The 26th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important gathering set for Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island is officially sold out. But for those who cannot attend – fear not! The entire event will be captured on video and posted shortly after the event on the TALKERS website as well as other major industry platforms. TALKERS has once again contracted the services of the radio industry’s legendary videographer and historian – Art Vuolo of Vuolo Video – who will capture all sessions and addresses for posting and posterity. In addition, the ace Hofstra student broadcasting staff of the famous Lawrence Herbert School of Communication will be video recording interviews with as many of the conference’s attending luminaries as possible – also for posting and posterity. The TALKERS conventions are treasure troves of memories and insights for history. In order to comply with health and comfort considerations and maintain the intimate, qualitative environment for which this event is known, the absolute registration cutoff point was reached earlier this week. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “Industry professionals who have attended the TALKERS Conference in the past enjoy it and find it to be a valuable experience for a number of reasons beyond the remarkable quality of the speakers and pertinence of the agenda. They appreciate the intimacy of the environment and outstanding ‘who’s who’ in talk media makeup of their fellow attendees. We work diligently to keep this event within those parameters. It is only open to people who work within or are associated in some way with the talk media industry – there is no online open registration – and it all happens within one power-packed day with absolutely no down time.” More than 65 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a content-heavy day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. All in a beautiful indoor/outdoor state-of-the-art environment conducive to one-on-one conversations. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison adds, “People attend this seminar not only to see and hear the speakers… they come to meet them and each other as well! This event offers that opportunity.” The entire agenda of events at TALKERS 2023 will be video recorded and posted for world-wide viewing at a later date. Some sponsorship opportunities still exist. See more about the agenda, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Officially Sold Out

The 26th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important gathering set for Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island is officially sold out. In order to comply with health and comfort considerations and maintain the intimate, qualitative environment for which this event is known, the absolute registration cutoff point was reached yesterday at 5:00 pm ET. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “Industry professionals who have attended the TALKERS Conference in the past enjoy it and find it to be a valuable experience for a number of reasons beyond the remarkable quality of the speakersim and pertinence of the agenda. They appreciate the intimacy of the environment and outstanding ‘who’s who’ in talk media makeup of their fellow attendees. We work diligently to keep this event within those parameters. It is only open to people who work within or are associated in some way with the talk media industry – there is no online open registration – and it all happens within one power-packed day with absolutely no down time.” More than 65 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a content-heavy day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. All in a beautiful indoor/outdoor state-of-the-art environment conducive to one-on-one conversations. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison adds, “People attend this seminar not only to see and hear the speakers… they come to meet them and each other as well! This event offers that opportunity.” The entire agenda of events at TALKERS 2023 will be video recorded and posted for world-wide viewing at a later date. Some sponsorship opportunities still exist.  See more about the agenda, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Get Your Head Straight

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imAre you a multiplatform juggler? If you sell or manage for a radio station, the answer is yes.

Why? Because it’s been part of the radio ad sales DNA since radio advertising shrunk to single digit growth.

Maybe someone reading this column can research or remember the last time radio industry pre-pandemic ad sales grew at double digits. It’s a tough putt, for sure.

Radio sellers were the first to reach across the aisle and “cross-sell” event sponsorships, concert tie-ins, publications, prize catalogues, bridal fairs, recruitment fairs, half-off fairs, sports and leisure tie-ins, hurricane guides, meet and greets, and it all started with a simple concept called a “remote.”

Radio ad sales strategy has come a long way since the first five-year plan had no projected double-digit growth. Even worse was the negative growth forecast for many markets. I remember that famous local market slogan “last one out, please turn off the lights.”

Those simple, linear, fun-to-present packages that required nothing more than easy-to-follow graphics, reasonable pricing, and a testimonial letter required little training, re-skilling, and new technical understanding. The toughest questions were about electrical outlets, display details, and when do we load in?

Covid killed some of those income generators, but you can add in pre-pandemic tired, low-energy sellers and managers taking concepts for granted as the final nail in the coffin.

Wait a minute. Aren’t brides still making decisions? Is inflation driving us back to coupons and looking for daily deals? Seems like sports-related advertising always thrives, right?

Some concepts will return, others will be reimagined, and a few are gone forever. Back to the future. Digital and social media sales will shape your sales future whether you like it or not. The digital/social media growth trend is moving at a non-stop, double-digit pace, pushing every competitive sales team to learn more and sell faster.

Smart, energetic thinkers are planning the next move, reshaping the past for what will sell tomorrow. It’s been almost 25 years since the first Blackberry phone. Sometimes innovation leaves iconic concepts in the dust. Here is where all of this goes. Get your attitude ready to learn and earn.

— Your glass is never full. The next time a manager introduces a new opportunity open your thinking

— Ask questions. Remember “new” is a powerful sales world door opener. Be sure YOU know how this new opportunity works. Leave your ego outside the sales meeting.

— Local advertisers like a competitive edge. Procter & Gamble built the most successful package goods marketing in the world with “New and Improved.” Learn from the legacy winners.

Managers and sellers want to win new business. Are you prepared to learn how?

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. Steve Lapa will be moderating the “Generating Revenue” panel at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University.

Industry News

Lee Habeeb of Our American Stories is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Going all the way back to the beginnings of language, meaningful communication between human beings has been built on the foundation of storytelling. One of modern talk radio’s greatest storytellers, Lee Habeeb, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Habeeb is the hostim and founder of “Our American Stories,” a storytelling radio show and podcast featuring narratives that represent the best of America: history, sports, music, free enterprise, charity, faith, family and more. It can be heard five days a week, two hours a night, on well over 250 affiliates, including many heritage outlets, across the country. And archives of the show are available as an evergreen series of podcasts. In 2021, “Our American Stories” was signed to a syndication deal with Premiere Networks, giving it an added layer of distribution muscle as the property continues to show non-stop growth and display tremendous compatibility with more traditional forms of news/talk radio programming. According to Harrison, “Lee Habeeb is one of the most positive, as well as successful, players in the news/talk radio community with a compelling message of goodness and unity. He is a shining light of hope and growth for our industry and America.” Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Job Opportunity

Salem Media New York Looking for Sales Pro Seasoned in the Digital Space

Salem Media has an outstanding opportunity for a digital sales rep in the company’s New York market clusterim that includes AM 570 WMCA and AM 970 The Answer. Radio broadcasting background is preferred – especially applicants with an already existing book of business and contacts – but not entirely necessary for the right candidate. Interviewing now! Find out more and apply here. Salem Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Apple Heaven and Hell

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imEver lost your phone? It’s an instant sick, sinking feeling. It’s quaint to even call it a “phone,” because it’s…everything. Including us. Like the transistor radio Boomers toted in our youth, it’s audio in your pocket.

For broadcasters and podcasters, a smartphone can be the whole toolbox. MOVIES are being shot on the newest iPhone. The cameras and editing apps are that good. TV and radio can go live, anywhere there’s a signal. And, like Alexa, Siri is conversant. Dictation isn’t just a convenient voice-to-text appliance. It makes lots of apps lots handier, and safer while driving. So, when, suddenly, my phone couldn’t hear me anymore, I went Code Red.

“Testing…testing…”

First triage: Google. But when I satisfied myself that all my settings were as they should be, I needed a person. As expected, the patient expert on Apple’s Support line had a thick foreign accent and great people skills. She had me repeating all the steps Google recommended, and told me I had to update my OS. When repeated attempts failed, I needed in-person handholding, a/k/a The Genius Bar.

Just TRY calling an Apple Store. The local number for the Providence Place Mall location rings in Texas I was told, after I cheated by reaching out to a friend who works for Apple and got me in the door. The irony is painful: They sell telephones but can’t answer one.

im

Antiques Roadshow

I’ll seem my age if it’s 2023, and I’m still toting iPhone 8. Hey, it worked…until it didn’t. And the Genius Bar person explained that it had missed too many OS updates to ever catch-up. And when she ran diagnostics, enough other issues warranted the handoff to sales.

Dazzling as the latest-greatest are, I went with SE, same size/shape/appearance as the 8 being retired. It snapped right into the decorative Block Island cover case that had saved the old phone from so many drops. In the survey Apple emailed later that day, I couldn’t say enough about Matty, the sales guy who walked me through setting-up the new phone. All better now, and although it’s now sans SIM card, the retired 8 phone is a spare tire. If I want to talk to it, I’ll need earbuds. But it’s an otherwise functional iPod that will Facetime, Email, you-name-it, via WiFi.

So then?

With most AM/FM broadcast hours now automated or syndicated, stations that make local human connections will be conspicuous; and niche-topic podcasts will ooze “community.”

I write lots of commercials, and – where pertinent – we assure that “you won’t land in voicemail.” And we’ll emphasize one-on-one support. Here’s how one client – the voice you hear is the owner, whose stations are 100 miles from Dallas – sells expensive cameras, at a store in Dallas: http://getonthenet.com/CompetitiveCameras.mp3

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

Industry News

iHeartMedia Expands Branded Podcast Studio

iHeartMedia announces that it is launching Ruby, the first dedicated team of its kind from a major media company committed entirely to the production, sales and marketing of branded podcasts. The company says it has “built one of the fastest-growing slate of branded podcasts globally with 30 original series from major brands such as T-Mobile, IBM, Intuit QuickBooks and Mattress Firm,” and that the “launch of Rubyim represents an expanded commitment to one of iHeartMedia’s most premium products allowing advertisers to engage audiences with creative, longform native content.” iHeartMedia goes on to say, “Ruby’s branded podcasts allow advertisers and their brand partners to spend upwards of 30-45 minutes with their target audience in a unique environment, with opportunities for storytelling that are not possible anywhere else in their media mix including social video. With distribution across the iHeartRadio app and all other major platforms, native podcasts from Ruby connect brands to audiences by translating brand messaging, products and services into original and engaging stories that audiences love.” See more about Ruby here.

Industry News

Jayne Miller to Host Weekend Show on WBAL-AM

Baltimore investigative reporter Jayne Miller – who retired from WBAL-TV, Baltimore last year after 40 years – is hosting a talk show on Hearst Television’s WBAL “NewsRadio 1090 AM and 101.5 FM.” The Saturday 11:00im am to 1:00 pm program will “take a closer look at a variety of issues important to the greater Baltimore area, leaning on her extensive network to bring Saturday listeners interviews with key newsmakers.” WBAL director of programming Jeff Wade states, “Jayne brings a wealth of knowledge to the microphone built on decades of experience asking the tough questions and holding those in power accountable. I’m excited for her to bring that same tenacity, inquisitive nature and passion to WBAL’s Saturday lineup.”