Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/8) Top News/Talk Media Stories

FOX News host Tucker Carlson’s airing January 6 video attempting to prove what happened at the Capitol was “mostly peaceful”; a House committee begins hearings in which it suggests an investigation into the lab leak theory of COVID-19’s origins should be investigated; U.S.-China relations as China accuses the U.S. of trying to “encircle and suppress” China’s progress; Russia’s intensifying fighting to take the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut; President Joe Biden’s plan to present his budget proposal including tax hikes that would cut the federal deficit by $3 trillion; two Americans are killed in Mexico traveling for a medical procedure; Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is hospitalized after falling; and Central and Northern California prepare for another powerful snow and rain storm were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

KMG Networks to Distribute “Podcast Radio” to U.S. Stations

U.S. firm KMG Networks is partnering with UK-based broadcaster Tindle Media Group to serve as distributor for the American version of the radio station format “Podcast Radio” that is expected to commence in the spring of this year. Tindle Media Group says, “Podcast Radio launched three years ago in the UK and uses the trust and familiarity people have for their local radio stations to help them sample and choose from curated podcasts. Podcast Radio broadcasts 24/7 online and via app and smart speakers. It is monetized by selling traditional on-air advertising and sponsorships, inserting commercials into its online audio stream, partnering with international content makers, and making original podcasts and bespoke audio content that resonate with audiences.”

Industry News

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

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

Industry News

NAB Crystal Finalists Revealed; KTAR-FM to Receive Heritage Award

The National Association of Broadcasters announces the finalists for the 36th annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards that recognize radio stations for their year-round commitment to community service. The finalists will be celebrated, and the winners announced during the We Are Broadcasters Awards ceremony at 10:00 am on April 18 on the Main Stage at NAB Show in Las Vegas. NAB will also present Bonneville International’s news/talk KTAR-FM, Phoenix with the esteemed Crystal Heritage Award during the ceremony. The Heritage Award recognizes radio stations that have won a total of five Crystal Radio Awards for exceptional year-round community service efforts. Only 10 other stations have received this honor. See the finalists for this year’s awards here.

Industry News

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

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

Industry News

Noam Laden Returns to WABC, New York as News Director

New York City news pro Noam Laden joins Red Apple Media Group’s 77 WABC as news director. He was most recently serving with iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR as morning news anchor. In his new role with WABC, Laden will host the daily 5:00 am “WABC News Hour with Noam Laden” and will anchor the top-of-the-hour news during the “Sid & Friends Morning Show.” He’ll also be responsible for all WABC news content and distribution, on-air and online. Laden served with WABC from 2003 to 2018 in which he was news director, news anchor on the “Imus In the Morning” show, and co-host on the Geraldo Rivera show. Laden says, “I’m very excited to join the new 77 WABC. The station has a terrific lineup of hosts and the ratings are soaring. It’s great to be part of a winning team with passionate owners. We’ve got lots of exciting plans for distribution of our news.” Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez says, “New Yorkers need to be in-the-know first thing in the morning and throughout their busy day. Our goal at WABC Radio is not only to deliver the news but to include all sides of the story.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

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

Industry News

WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte and Host Brett Winterble Agree to Extension

Urban One’s WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte signs afternoon drive talk host Brett Winterble to a multi-year contract extension. WBT says, “Winterble arrived at WBT in February of 2020 at a critical time in the U.S. The country was in the middle of one of the most news-worthy election cycles in history and the early stages of a global pandemic. His expertise in national and global affairs was immediately recognized and appreciated by the WBT audience, but it was his fair analysis of the day’s news and his whole-hearted support of the Charlotte community in those difficult times that allowed him to become a welcomed part of the lives of the audience.” Winterble comments, “From the moment I walked into the legendary WBT Radio it felt like home. I am so thankful for the welcome and support I received from our clients, listeners, and incredible staff over these past three years. I am truly honored to continue this relationship with the best creators in the business. I am particularly grateful for the support of Urban One/Radio One, and Marsha Landess, Alfred Liggins, David Kantor, Mike Schaefer, and Kraig Kitchin in helping me to realize this professional dream. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for February 27 – March 3

Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the UN General Assembly vote condemning the invasion and Vladimir Putin’s threats against the West combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was U.S.-China relations in the wake of the spy balloon matter and China’s cozying up to Russia, followed by the U.S. Energy Department concluding that COVID-19 was the result of a Chinese lab leak 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.

Industry News

CPAC Underway in Washington, DC with Active Media Row

CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference), the annual national meeting of leading conservatives, is underway in the nation’s capital at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. The event (March 1-4) draws active participants in the American conservative movement from politics, radio, TV, print and the general public. As is customary, the event features a sizable “media row” which includes a variety of live talk radio broadcasts presenting interviews with luminaries on the scene.  Pictured (above) at the event (l-r) Joe Wang, The Epoch Times/NTD TV; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Lisa Wendl, The Epoch Times; and Todd Starnes, owner/KWAM, Memphis/nationally syndicated radio talk show host.

Pictured above is Nan Su of The Epoch Times with talk show host Dan “Ox” Ochsner, host of KNSI, St. Cloud, MN’s “Ox in the Afternoon.” Victoria Jones, one of the nation’s leading talk media PR specialists, tells TALKERS, “In spite of some of the negative press and public relations problems associated with this year’s installment, the atmosphere is optimistic and the media row is extremely vibrant.”

Above is a shot of Media Row at CPAC.

Industry News

Eric Stanger Promoted to SVP of Operations for Sean Hannity Show

Premiere Networks announces that Eric Stanger is promoted to SVP of operations for “The Sean Hannity Show.” Premiere says, “Stanger, who most recently served as vice president of operations for the program, will continue to serve as brand manager of the program, which reached the 700th affiliate milestone last November and attracts tens of millions of listeners nationwide. He’ll also continue to oversee all daily operations for the top-ranked program, including production, affiliate sales, marketing and staff management.” Premiere Networks EVP of affiliate sales Peter Tripi says, “Eric is a key member of ‘The Sean Hannity Show’ team, and his leadership and collaboration with our affiliate partners have been instrumental in the program’s continued growth and success. I couldn’t be happier to recognize his efforts with this well-deserved promotion.” Prior to joining Premiere when the company began syndicating “The Sean Hannity Show” in 2009, Stanger served as director of talk programming at ABC Radio Networks. He’s also previously served as APD at KABC, Los Angeles as well as at WABC, New York, and at Westwood One as executive producer of “The Tom Leykis Show.” Stanger first joined forces with Hannity during his time at WGST Atlanta, where he served as producer of “The Sean Hannity Show.” Stanger comments, “I want to thank Peter Tripi, Julie Talbott, Sean Hannity, and our amazing studio team. It’s an honor and inspiration to work with this group of radio professionals every day – they are the best of the best!”

Industry News

Audacy Using Veritone Attribute for Enhanced Data and Analytics

Veritone, Inc announces that Audacy is using its Veritone Attribute to improve and enhance data and analytics reporting for advertising customers. Veritone says, “Through the addition of Veritone Attribute, Audacy will supplement their ability to prove the efficacy of broadcast ad campaigns by sharing directional insights with advertisers as to how their campaigns are performing over a cross section of Audacy’s portfolio of radio brands. With these insights, advertisers will be better able to evaluate campaign performance on Audacy stations in comparison to other mediums. Research has shown that advertisers who receive attribution reporting spend more year-over-year and cancel their ad campaigns less often on average than those who don’t measure performance.” Audacy chief revenue officer Brian Benedik states, “As we aim to best serve our clients, Veritone Attribute will further enable us to optimize advertisers’ campaigns and maximize their ad dollars. There has never been a better time to leverage the power of audio to tap consumers, and this technology will complement our existing capabilities.”

Industry News

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

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

Industry News

Talk Host Mark Kaye Creates Biden “Top Secret” Gag Memo Pads

WOKV-FM, Jacksonville-based talk radio host Mark Kaye is selling notepads that he designed to look like top secret government documents found at President Joe Biden’s home and he says they’ve been “selling like hotcakes and have been found inside the offices of several congressional republicans.” Kaye says, “When we found out Joe Biden was keeping top secret documents in an old cardboard box in his garage, we just couldn’t believe it. I turned to my producer and said, ‘He’s treating them like scrap paper. I bet he uses them to take notes, or write out grocery lists, or doodle!’ That’s how I got the idea for the notepads. Two days later we had a prototype ready to go and began selling them like crazy!”

Pictured above is U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) showing off her note from Kaye and to the right is what the notepads look like.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/28) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Supreme Court hears arguments over the constitutionality of President Joe Biden’s student debt forgiveness plan; the escalating military action in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s threats against the West; Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko meets with Xi Jinping in Beijing; Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid as mayor of Chicago after criticism over city’s crime spike; the U.S. Energy Department’s conclusion that COVID was likely the result of a Chinese lab leak; Attorney General Merrick Garland goes before a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing today (3/1); the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; and the record snow and rain hitting California were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Debuts Podcast Brand Safety Tool

iHeartMedia is launching new brand safety technology for podcast advertising powered by Sounder. iHeartMedia says it is the first to go live with Sounder’s AI and Machine Learning (ML) technology, giving brands episode-specific safety assurance, a level of precision previously unavailable in podcast inventory, at scale. Sounder says its technology is the first to help advertisers deem if a podcast episode is brand safe before an ad runs, enabling advertisers to plan and execute campaigns with confidence. iHeartMedia chief data officer Brian Kaminsky says, “Audio had been without a truly operative brand safety tool that gave advertisers the ability to run without risk at a national scale. The process was labor intensive, fragmented, and often failed to deliver the level of protection brands truly needed. We looked at every potential solution in the industry, and Sounder’s technology is far ahead when it comes to brand safety and suitability. This new tool changes the future and opens up endless possibilities. Brands are now able to opt out of content they deem unsafe and inappropriate. Our partnership with Sounder has set a new benchmark for transparency in audio advertising that has been long overdue.”

Industry News

Triton Digital Reveals Top Streamers for January

Triton Digital published the data for its ranking of the top streaming publishers for January of this year, based on Average Active Sessions. iHeartRadio remains #1 with 293,362 AAS, followed by NPR Member Stations at #2 (77,602 AAS), and Audacy at #3 (58,527 AAS). Other commercial broadcasters making the top 30 include Cumulus Streaming Network at #4 (40,999 AAS), Beasley Broadcasting Corporate at #6 (18,862 AAS), Hubbard Broadcasting at #8 (14,792 AAS), Urban One at #11 (9,601 AAS), and Salem Communications at #12 (8,244 AAS). See the complete top 30 here.

Industry News

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

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

Industry News

The Weekend’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the UN General Assembly votes calling for an end to the war; the U.S. Energy Department concludes COVID outbreak was likely caused by lab leak; the blowback against “Dilbert” creator Scott Adams after his tirade calling Black Americans a “hate group”; the snowy weather hitting Southern California; the aftermath of the toxic train wreck in East Palestine, Ohio; the GOP race for the nomination in ’24; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan goes before the Supreme Court this week; and Sunday evening’s SAG Awards ceremony were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Multiplatform Star Doctor Asa Debuts as Ringside Physician

TALKERS Heavy Hundred radio personality, Dr. Asa Andrew (known as “Doctor Asa”) founder of the Dr. Asa Network and perennial star of the TALKERS annual convention, is fulfilling a lifelong ambition by entering the world of professional wrestling. From his years as assistant strength and conditioning coach of the national championship Florida State Seminoles football team under legendary coach Bobby Bowden, he developed a passion for sports medicine and athletic performance. An athlete himself, Doctor Asa first entered the space of professional wrestling in 2000 being trained by the WCW Power Plant and the “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. However, this lasted a short time as life took him into a chance meeting with Dave Ramsey which inspired the launch of his highly successful health talk radio career. But fate has again intervened and Andrew was given a second chance when his old friend WWE Hall of Fame legend “Diamond” Dallas Page challenged him to compete again in the field he worked so hard to enter for years… by getting back in the “squared circle” at age 50. Doctor Asa re-trained this past year with Dusty Rhodes’ son, Cody Rhodes, who is set to go against Roman Reigns for the undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania in Hollywood, California on April 1 and 2.  In signing with Impact Wrestling, one of the top three wrestling promotions in America, Doctor Asa has taken on the role as head of medical and sports performance for the company. His new title? “Doctor Asa, Ringside Physician.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, an avid fan of wrestling, boxing and MMA, says, “Don’t be surprised if the doctor in scrubs sitting at ringside doesn’t wind up in the midst of the action should things get out of hand.”

Industry News

Boston Globe and NESN Partner for “Boston Globe Today” Show

Boston Globe Media and cable sports channel New England Sports Network (NESN) are partnering for a jointly produced, in-depth news and sports program debuting across multiple platforms in Spring 2023. The half-hour show will air Monday through Friday at 5:00 pm on NESN and will stream on the NESN 360 app, the Globe’s app, and on Globe.com. The two sides say, “‘Boston Globe Today’ will provide an in-depth perspective on stories from the Globe’s newsroom, offering a deeper dive of major news, politics, business, and entertainment stories and how they impact New Englanders.” Boston Globe Media CEO Linda Henry adds, “We are continuously improving the ways that we deliver vital news and information to our community and are excited to build a television show that will bring the Globe’s award-winning journalism to a broader audience. ‘Boston Globe Today’ reflects our commitment to serve our community, invest in local journalism, and for Boston Globe Media to be an innovative news leader.” The program will be hosted by national media personality Segun Oduolowu and will air from a new, state-of-the-art broadcast studio in The Boston Globe’s downtown newsroom. It will focus on news Monday through Thursday and devote Friday to sports. On Friday, Globe sports columnist Christopher Gasper will anchor.  Oduolowu comments, “I’m thrilled to join the ‘Boston Globe Today’ team, working on this exciting collaboration between the Globe and NESN. I look forward to diving into the stories affecting this historic city and New England at large, drawing on the considerable talents of the Globe newsroom.”

Industry News

San Jose Earthquakes to Air on “810 AM The Spread”

Cumulus Media announces that Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes matches will air on KGO-AM, San Francisco “810 AM The Spread,” which will serve as the club’s new English-language flagship radio station. Matches were previously aired on sports talk KNBR. The Earthquakes will also continue to be heard in Spanish on “La Kaliente” 1370 AM/KZSF-AM. KGO program director Kevin Graham says, “Cumulus San Francisco is thrilled to continue our partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes for the seventh straight year and broadcast their matches this season on the all-new KGO-AM. With The Spread’s powerful signal and strong digital assets including the station’s app, more Quakes fans in Northern California will be able to listen and engage than ever before.” Ted Ramey – KCBS-AM reporter and host of KGO-AM’s “The Soccer Hour” – will serve as the primary play-by-play voice for home and away broadcasts and Joe Cannon will serve as the color analyst for home matches.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of February 20-24

President Joe Biden’s trip to Europe and his surprise journey to Ukraine was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin’s threats against the West and his exiting the nuclear arms treaty, followed by the strained relations between the U.S. and China over China’s spy program and its growing alliance with Russia 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.

Industry News

KNX-FM, Los Angeles Produces Town Hall on Post-Pandemic Learning

Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM, Los Angeles produced a live town hall on Tuesday (2/21) titled, “A Generation Lost,” that brought together students and experts to illuminate the unseen impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on education and the workforce. The one-hour event was held in the Audacy SoundSpace on Los Angeles’s Miracle Mile. Mike Simpson, host of “LA’s Morning News” on KNX, and Charles Feldman, host of “KNX In Depth” and “LA’s Afternoon News” served as moderators. Audacy Southern California regional president Jeff Federman says, “There is no issue of more universal importance to our communities. It was important that we use our platform at KNX News to ensure parents and teens know they’re not alone in adjusting to a new reality.” Panelists included students Montserrat Hidalgo, Sarah Mian, and Alex Bielanski who discussed their first-hand experiences of how the pandemic shutdowns affected their education, social development, and mental health. Other panelists were Long Beach Unified School District superintendent Jill Baker, UCLA director of undergraduate admissions Gary Clark, Los Angeles Trade Tech College dean Chito Cajayon, and Stanford University professor Sean Reardon. You can see it on demand here.

Industry News

“98.5 The Sports Hub” Host Tony Massarotti Serving Suspension

WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” afternoon drive co-host Tony Massarotti is off the air this week serving a suspension for his racially insensitive comments made on last Friday’s program. As TALKERS reported on Tuesday (2/21), Massarotti – who co-hosts the show with Mike Felger – on Monday (2/20) apologized for his comments. You can see TALKERS coverage of that here.