Industry News

SuperTalk Mississippi Media Offers News Via Spotify and Apple

SuperTalk Mississippi Media is making hourly newscasts from SuperTalk Mississippi News available via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The company’s news is aired across the more than 45 talk and music stations. SuperTalk Mississippi Media president and CEO Kim Dillon says, “SuperTalk Mississippi News now beingim available through both major podcast platforms is a testament to SuperTalk Mississippi Media’s commitment to keeping more and more listeners up to date with what’s going on across the state. I’m very proud of our news team and their ability to not only broadcast accurate news but deliver it to the masses in more ways than just the radio dial.” SuperTalk Mississippi Media news director J.T. Mitchell adds, “While radio is still incredibly effective in delivering news and I don’t believe that’s ever going to change, we want to offer more ways for our listeners to have news at their fingertips. I am so thankful for the team’s willingness to adapt and thrive as we find more ways to reach Mississippians and keep them informed on a daily basis.”

Industry News

ESPN Chicago Announces Third Annual Football Fest Event

Good Karma Brands’ WMVP-AM “ESPN Chicago” is presenting the third annual “Football Fest” at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on August 25. GKB says, “The highly anticipated event, now in its third year, is back with even more excitement, special guests, and unique experiences for fans. We are thrilled toim welcome back ESPN NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Field Yates, who will be sharing their expert insights and engaging with fans throughout the event.” ESPN Chicago director of content Danny Zederman states, “‘Football Fest’ is the unofficial kickoff of the NFL season, and I am excited about this year’s fest, from the stars we’ll have in the room to the show we have planned. We listened to fan feedback, and we’ve added new ways for fans to interact with their favorite ESPN Chicago and Bears Radio Network personalities, as well as a live onstage version of our fan-favorite, unfiltered podcast ‘Crosstalk Unhinged’ with Carm, Jurko, Waddle, and Silvy.”

Industry News

Damon Amendolara Makes News with YouTube Show in Oakland

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Veteran sportscaster Damon Amendolara (pictured above with A’s fans) made news in Northern California when he interviewed Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao at a recent Oakland Athletics’ fan convention on his live YouTube program “Watch D.A. Live.” Amendolara has been a champion for Athletics’ fans who want their team to stay in Oakland instead of moving to Las Vegas.  Mayor Thao said, “It’s frustrating… and it’s f***d up. I have warned the legislators in Vegas to watch out for John Fisher and Dave Kaval… and the majority have not listened. And that’s what pisses me off. If you just wanted a ballpark (and not the property around it), that could’ve been done.”

Industry News

Katz Takes Pie in the Face for Charity

WRVA, Richmond talk host Jeff Katz is pictured here getting a pie in the face as the Fatherhood Foundationim of Virginia teamed up with the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team for an awareness campaign and fundraiser called, “Pie Dad in the Face,” which takes place during home games at The Diamond. Katz says, “I ‘volunteered’ knowing full well that my kids were unavailable, but my best friend Jamal offered the services of his son Judah who was more than happy to lay the whipped cream down on Uncle Jeff.”

Industry News

Outkick Adds Ricky Cobb as Host of New Daily Show

National multimedia sports platform OutKick announces that Ricky Cobb, the personality behind @Super70sSports, signs on to host a new daily show launching later this summer. Outkick says Cobb’sim show will be an extension of his humor and expansive knowledge in sports and culture that’s highlighted every day on @Super70sSports. In addition to the show, Cobb will also make appearances across OutKick programs, including “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,” “OutKick The Morning with Charly Arnolt,” “OutKick The Show with Clay Travis” and “Hot Mic with Jonathan Hutton & Chad Withrow.”

Industry News

WGAE and iHeart Reach Collective Bargaining Agreement

Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) members at iHeart Podcast Network ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. The 100-member bargaining unit overwhelmingly ratified a three-year contract that came after more than two years of negotiations. Included in the CBA are: A minimum starting salary ofim $63,000 for unit members in New York or Los Angeles and  $58,000 for members in other locations; Annual minimum salary increases of 3% in the first year of the contract, and 2% in the second and third year of the contract; Continued 401(k) match, after the company cut the match for non-union employees; and the right to bargain over any implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. In a statement, the iHeart Podcast Network’s bargaining unit states, “We are incredibly proud to announce the ratification of our first contract. After two long years of bargaining, we’ve landed on a contract that we feel greatly improves our working and everyday lives. We are excited to begin life under a union contract and to continue to advocate for our entire unit.”

Industry Views

Pending Business: “Go F-Yourself”

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWhen it comes to advertisers who cancel, Elon Musk said it loud and clear at the NY Times Dealbook Summit, “Go F-Yourself.” He claimed advertisers who objected to content on X were “blackmailing him with money” by canceling ad campaigns on his X platform.

C’mon, Elon. I guess you never made the sales calls many of us have made pitching Rush Limbaugh, Howard Stern, or any of the many in talk radio who made the dreaded “no buy” list because an advertiser was alienated by their political lean, or content. Maybe Elon forgot that many advertisers feel the feedback of their customers and reflect customer input in their marketing dollars.

Many of us who made those sales calls tried to work alongside the content objections voiced by advertisers. The goal was to earn the advertiser’s dollars, not consider a cancellation as “blackmail.” A loud and clear, “Go F-Yourself,” was and still is the best way to kill the customer, torch the relationship, as your general manager, owner, stockholders, and about everyone including the wife and kids are amazed at your out-of-control rant.

Michael Richards, a.k.a. Kramer of Seinfeld fame, calls it “canceling yourself.” He should know. It seems after careful review Musk may be feeling the pain of his famous F-bomb message to “X” advertisers. Elon is now repackaging his pitch to include an A.I. component that could blunt those content objections. Will A.I. step in and keep the content compatible with the goals and objectives of those advertisers who cancelled X?

Wow, why didn’t I think of that? Eliminate good old-fashioned human judgement to understand the content the advertiser is identifying as incompatible with their goals. Maybe or maybe not. Think about how many of your advertisers listen to your talent and offer you, the seller, content feedback. Like the saying goes, many advertisers buy where they listen.

Back to the F-bomb comment. It is hard to be critical of one of the wealthiest people on the planet, but in this one instance, even a billionaire learned from his missteps. As time passed, perhaps cooler heads prevailed and those at X learned what those of us who made those early “no buy” list sales calls learned:

1. Advertisers who control budgets do not like to be told to “Go F-yourself”

2. Content cancellations are not “blackmail.” Those cancellations are based in:

a. Customer feedback

b. Advertiser culture

c. Misaligned goals

Next time you get the urge to blurt out your frustrations, remember a basic tenet of sales, “Never say anything that is too big to eat.”

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: NOW What?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Cost cuts continue. If you’re still working, it is, unfortunately, only prudent to wonder for-how-long. If your position is safe, are you being given additional responsibility without additional compensation? And/or have you had-it-up-to-here with the hours?

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The skill set you have accrued working on-air can open lots of doors elsewhere, especially because you are a local brand. Here are 18 options, most of which I, personally, have exploited. Which of these fit you?

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Ongoing Coverage of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond

The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national event took place on Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was an advance sellout. The power-packed, one-day agenda featured a roster of more than 60 speakers from all ends of the talk radio and related talk media industries including talent, station owners, CEOs, programmers, technical experts, journalists, syndicators, and a wide variety of visionaries. The annual talk media industry tradition was presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Key discussions included “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World,” “The Case for AM Radio,” “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era,” “The State of Sports Talk Radio,” “The Brave New World of Technological and Generational Change,” “Programming News/Talk Radio,” “Perspectives on Hosting Television Talk,” “Philanthropy and Community Service,” “The Art of Story Telling,” “Talk Radio Programming Opportunities Beyond Politics,” “Meeting the Challenges of Being a Talk Talent,” “The Big Picture of Radio’s Role in a Rapidly Changing World,” and “The State of the First Amendment” among others. As the volumes of data generated by this gathering are sorted out, TALKERS will provide in-depth, detailed coverage of the conference in the days and weeks ahead including posting videos of its key segments.  See a selection of photos from TALKERS 2024 Radio and Beyond below.

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Salem Radio Networks star Mike Gallagher gives the TALKERS camera a big thumbs up from the halls of Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. In addition to broadcasting his show that day from the state-of-the-art studios of the university’s acclaimed WRHU, Gallagher participated in the TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond “Great Debate” representing the conservative viewpoint in a refreshingly civil exchange with progressive host Thom Hartmann.

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WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Network star Frank Morano (standing); WDUN, Gainesville, GA midday force Martha Zoller (seated r); and WBT, Charlotte afternoon drive personality Brett Winterble (seated l) are pictured during an informal moment at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond.

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Noelle Huizenga, VP public policy/communications, National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) was among the attendees at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond.

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Nationally syndicated Talk Media Network (TMN) radio personality Kate Delaney (l) captured a cozy selfie with (l-r) Ryan McCormickMichael Harrison, and Mark Goldman at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond. Goldman and McCormick are the managing partners of Goldman McCormick Public Relations.

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John Sardelis (l) is pictured at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond with Westwood One affiliate sales manager, Laura Martinez.  

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Broadcasters General Store (BGS) marketing executive Buck Waters attended TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond dispensing sage advice about the latest equipment and technology available to conference registrants. Waters, along with BGS tech wizard David Antoine, provided oversight to the process of video recording the sessions at the event which will soon be posted here and on YouTube.

Industry News

Beasley Signs Up for SPECai

ENCO Systems, Inc, Benztown, and Compass Media Networks announce that they have entered into an agreement with Beasley Media Group to provide their SPECai product to Beasley’s local advertisingim executives companywide. Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “We are very excited to be among the early users of SPECai. The technology is a game-changing tool for our sales teams to quickly and easily produce great-sounding spec spots for clients in minutes that don’t sound AI-generated, making them very compelling for advertisers. It’s amazing technology for our industry.”

Industry News

Audacy Names Chris Kinard Sports VP

Audacy names Chris Kinard sports format vice president. Kinard takes over for Spike Eskin, who recently returned to Philadelphia to serve as afternoon show co-host on SportsRadio 94WIP. In this role, Kinard will lead brand and format strategy and execution for the company’s sports portfolio and collaborate closely withim vice president of sports Danny Freisinger on the company’s multiplatform content strategy and production. Kinard will continue to serve as vice president of sports programming and cluster director of operations for Audacy Washington DC that includes WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan,” WTEM-AM “The Team 980,” and WIAD-FM “94.7 The Drive.”  Audacy EVP and head of programming Jeff Sottolano comments, “We are privileged at Audacy to benefit from the best local sports content thought leaders in the country and Chris has distinguished himself through his leadership of WFJK-FM and WTEM-AM in D.C. over many years. I am excited to see Chris take on this new role and partner with our local and central leadership on further strengthening our unrivaled position in sports.”

Industry News

Ongoing Coverage of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond

The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national event took place on Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was an advance sellout. The power-packed, one-day agenda featured a roster of more than 60 speakers from all ends of the talk radio and related talk media industries including talent, station owners, CEOs, programmers, technical experts, journalists, syndicators, and a wide variety of visionaries. The annual talk media industry tradition was presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Key discussions included “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World,” “The Case for AM Radio,” “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era,” “The State of Sports Talk Radio,” “The Brave New World of Technological and Generational Change,” “Programming News/Talk Radio,” “Perspectives on Hosting Television Talk,” “Philanthropy and Community Service,” “The Art of Story Telling,” “Talk Radio Programming Opportunities Beyond Politics,” “Meeting the Challenges of Being a Talk Talent,” “The Big Picture of Radio’s Role in a Rapidly Changing World,” and “The State of the First Amendment” among others. As the volumes of data generated by this gathering are sorted out, TALKERS will provide in-depth, detailed coverage of the conference in the days and weeks ahead including posting videos of its key segments.  See a selection of photos from TALKERS 2024 Radio and Beyond below.

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Keynote speaker: Premiere Networks syndicated star Glenn Beck, (l) who served as keynote speaker at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond, is pictured with Julie Talbott, president of Premiere Networks (l) and conference producer/director Michael Harrison (c). Shown at far left is Hosea Belcher, SVP affiliate marketing, Premiere Networks.

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A gathering of friends and colleagues: Pictured (l-r), Rich McFadden, VP/operations, Radio America; Doug Stephan, CEO, Stephan Multimedia; Michelle Jerson, host/producer, “Passport Mom”; Asa Andrew, MD, host, “The Doctor Asa Show”; and Mike Paradiso, CEO, Radio America

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Loving liberty and technology: TALKERS was pleased to welcome Sam Bushman (l) and Zak Gillies (r) of excellent content supplier LovingLiberty.net to TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond.

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Old friends: Lots of reunions take place at the TALKERS conference.  Pictured (l-r) in the buzzy halls of Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communications are Scott Lakefield, APD, WOR, New York and legendary affiliate relations marketer, Willis Demalt of Talk Media Network. These two go back to their days together at the old WOR Radio Network. Scott Lakefield was a speaker on the “Programming News/Talk Radio” panel.

Industry Views

Kim Komando is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Talk media megastar Kim Komando is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Komando is a syndicated talk radio star, newspaper columnist, and internationally renowned technology expert. She’s known to her millions of listeners and readers as “America’s Digital Goddess,” For more than three decades, she has been burning up talk media as the leading authority on the evolving technology and sociological impact of the digital era. She is a Radio Hall of Fame inductee and past recipient of the TALKERS Woman of the Year award. This outstanding broadcaster and modern-day thinker produces, hosts, and distributes a weekend three-hour radio talk show, with a recently expanded fourth hour designed to stand on its own. This extra hour was recently added to the Friday evening lineup at WLS-AM, Chicago where it is exploding with ratings success. And now WSB-AM, Atlanta has added it to their Saturday menu where it is showing immediate audience traction. Komando also hosts a couple of short-form daily shows about computers and digital technology heard on stations across America including such giants as WABC, New York and WTOP-FM in Washington, DC. Harrison and Komando engage in an extraordinary conversation about AI and its looming impact on Homo sapiens. Don’t miss this! Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Good Karma Brands and ESPN Los Angeles 710 AM announce a new partnership with the University of Southern California to become the official broadcast home of USC Athletics, including USC Football, USC Men’s Basketball, and USC Women’s Basketball. ESPN Los Angeles market manager Sam Pines comments, “We are thrilled to partner with USC Athletics and bring game coverage to our passionate audience in Los Angeles on ESPN LA 710 AM and beyond with the opportunity for fans to tune in on the ESPN LA app. USC has a rich tradition of excellence in sports, and we are committed to delivering the high-quality coverage for Trojans fans.”

PodcastOne podcast, “Gals on the Go,” is teaming with skincare band fresh beauty for a live podcast recording event in New York City tomorrow (6/22) as part of the Second Annual fresh Beauty Rose Pop-Up. Hosts Danielle Carolan and Brooke Miccio will bring their lively banter and engaging conversation to a live audience gathered to celebrate fresh beauty’s Rose Collection. PodcastOne chief revenue officer Sue McNamara says, “At PodcastOne we strive to find pivotal brand associations that resonate with our hosts and their audiences. Our desire to amplify and highlight products and partnerships with out-of-the-box concepts, ideas and innovations allow us and our shows to align with market leading companies like fresh beauty.”

New England Public Media names John Sutton, currently serving as the NEPM interim chief content officer, to the newly established position of vice president of content and audience strategy. NEPM president Matt Abramovitz says, “In this pioneering role, John will develop the strategy and plan to make NEPM the indispensable guide to Western Mass. After months of searching, John stood out because of his many years of strategic and programming consulting in the public radio system, as well as his experience in-house at NPR and Pittsburgh’s WESA.”

Industry News

Beasley Promotes Two in Philadelphia

Beasley Media Group promotes two leaders at its Philadelphia radio group that includes sports talk WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” and four music brands. First, Jim Antes is promoted to director of sales for the cluster. He most recently served as director of new business development. Second, Greg Beran is named as digitalim sales manager. He most recently served as a senior digital account executive. Beasley Philadelphia cluster manager Paul Blake says, “Jim Antes’ leadership and passion have been a driving influence within our company, making him the perfect imchoice for director of sales. Jim’s ability to inspire and motivate his team, combined with his deep understanding of the market, positions him to lead our sales division to new heights. His exceptional ability to build strong relationships with both advertisers and employees has been instrumental in our success and will continue to drive our growth. We are equally excited to highlight Greg Beran’s rising star status as a digital leader. Greg has grown within our company, consistently demonstrating innovative thinking and a keen understanding of the digital landscape. His commitment to excellence and ability to drive digital sales initiatives have set him apart as a dynamic and influential leader. Greg’s promotion to digital sales manager is a testament to his hard work, creativity, and strategic mindset, all of which will play a crucial role in our continued success in the digital arena.”

Industry News

CMG’s WGAU, Athens, Georgia Cuts Tim Bryant

According to a Facebook post by the Oconee Enterprise, Cox Media Group news/talk WGAU-AM/W254CJ, Athens, Georgia has let Tim Bryant go. Bryant hosted the station’s morning drive show “Classic City Today,”im as well as serving as news director for the Athens stations and anchor/reporter for sister news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta. The Oconee Enterprise says Bryant “is known for not just delivering the news of Athens and Oconee on the airwaves but also interviewing political candidates, public figures and citizens who do something newsworthy, as well as hosting candidate forums.” See the Oconee Enterprise post here.

Industry News

Ongoing Coverage of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond

The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national event took place on Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was an advance sellout. The power-packed, one-day agenda featured a roster of more than 60 speakers from all ends of the talk radio and related talk media industries including talent, station owners, CEOs, programmers, technical experts, journalists, syndicators, and a wide variety of visionaries. The annual talk media industry tradition was presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Key discussions included “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World,” “The Case for AM Radio,” “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era,” “The State of Sports Talk Radio,” “The Brave New World of Technological and Generational Change,” “Programming News/Talk Radio,” “Perspectives on Hosting Television Talk,” “Philanthropy and Community Service,” “The Art of Story Telling,” “Talk Radio Programming Opportunities Beyond Politics,” “Meeting the Challenges of Being a Talk Talent,” “The Big Picture of Radio’s Role in a Rapidly Changing World,” and “The State of the First Amendment” among others. As the volumes of data generated by this gathering are sorted out, TALKERS will provide in-depth, detailed coverage of the conference in the days and weeks ahead including posting videos of its key segments.  See a selection of photos from TALKERS 2024 Radio and Beyond below.

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Super-agent, Heather Cohen, president of the Weiss Agency (l) pictured with her super-client Fred Toucher, morning co-host on WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” Boston (r) at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond. Cohen spoke on the “Brave New World” panel and Toucher was the fireside chat guest on “The State of Sports Talk Radio.”

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New England power couple: Howie and Kathy Carr played important roles at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond. Howie Carr, host, the Howie Carr Radio Network (l) was this year’s recipient of the Jim Bohannon Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement (2024 TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award) in addition to speaking on the “Behind the Mic” panel discussion. Kathy Carr, president, the Howie Carr Radio Network (r) appeared on the “Generating News Talk Revenue in the Digital Era” panel.

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This great shot of Chris Oliviero, market president, Audacy New York was captured in the ever-buzzing hallway of Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication – home of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond. Oliviero spoke on the panel, “The Big Picture.”

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Former recipient of the TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year award, Larry Young, host, WOLB, Baltimore (l) is pictured with his assistant Vernon Streeter (r). Young presented a stirring tribute to the late talk radio legend Joe Madison of SiriusXM Satellite Radio, who passed away earlier this year.

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Kraig T. Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LCC and co-chair, Radio Hall of Fame (l) is pictured right outside Hofstra University’s “Studio A” soundstage with TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond producer/director Michael Harrison (r). Kitchin – last year’s recipient of the TALKERS Lifetime Achievement award – spoke on the “Big Picture” panel which was moderated by Harrison.

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Longtime WPHT, Philadelphia superstar, Dom Giordano smiles for the TALKERS camera during one of the very quick breaks between sessions at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond.  Giordano, the “dean of Philadelphia talk radio” spoke on the “Behind the Mic” panel.

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Under the lights: Another segment of the capacity crowd of attendees at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond is pictured in the Hofstra University Lawrence Herbert School of Communication “Studio A” TV soundstage where the entire event was captured on video. TALKERS will begin posting the video recordings of the conference next week bringing its exciting content to a worldwide audience.

More pictures from TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond — as well as videos of panels and presentations — still to come!

Industry News

WABC, New York Wins 5 NYSBA Awards

Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC Radio takes home five Excellence in Broadcasting Awards from New York State Broadcasters Association. The station won for the following: “The News of the Day” – Bestim Regularly Scheduled Newscast; James Golden a.k.a. Bo Snerdley – Best Editorial/Commentary; “Back the Blue – A Tribute to the NYPD” – Best Live On Scene; Curtis Sliwa on Instagram – Best Use of Digital Platforms; and WABC Trolley and Broadcast From Columbus Day Parade – Best Live Local Coverage – Streaming on Social Media. Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis says, “When I bought WABC Radio, I said we were going to do things differently. We were going to tell the truth, and we were going to have fun. We have achieved both. I want to thank the New York State Broadcasters for this recognition.”

Industry News

KMJ, Fresno Documentary Wins Regional Emmy

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The documentary film that chronicles the origins and century of success of Fresno radio station KMJ titled, “KMJ: 100 Years in the Valley,” was honored with a regional Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Historical/Cultural News or Long-Form Content at the Northern California Area Emmy Awards Gala on June 15, at the San Francisco Hilton in San Francisco. KMJ-AM/FM program director and producer Blake Taylor accepted the Emmy Award, along with director/producer Jeff Aiello and producer Laura Goodreau and their team. Cumulus Media Fresno RVP and market manager Patty Hixson comments, “So proud of all of those talented individuals past and present that contributed to the greatness of the KMJ brand. It’s humbling to be recognized by our peers for this honor. And a very special thank you to the Bill Tatham family for underwriting this massive project. They are truly central California and Fresno’s gem!”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Remote News Service adds new affiliate stations as WWJB-FM, Brooksville, Florida; WIRY-FM, Plattsburgh, New York; and Champling Broadcasting in Oklahoma City subscribe to the service for local newscasts.

National multimedia sports platform OutKick reports that it finished May 2024 with 5.5 million total desktop and mobile unique visitors, up 3% versus April 2024, which is the second highest month-over-month growth compared to its custom competitive set. The platform also saw 23 million total multiplatform views and 20 million total multiplatform minutes, according to data from Comscore.

Industry News

Ongoing Coverage of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond

The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national event took place on Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was an advance sellout. The power-packed, one-day agenda featured a roster of more than 60 speakers from all ends of the talk radio and related talk media industries including talent, station owners, CEOs, programmers, technical experts, journalists, syndicators, and a wide variety of visionaries. The annual talk media industry tradition was presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Key discussions included “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World,” “The Case for AM Radio,” “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era,” “The State of Sports Talk Radio,” “The Brave New World of Technological and Generational Change,” “Programming News/Talk Radio,” “Perspectives on Hosting Television Talk,” “Philanthropy and Community Service,” “The Art of Story Telling,” “Talk Radio Programming Opportunities Beyond Politics,” “Meeting the Challenges of Being a Talk Talent,” “The Big Picture of Radio’s Role in a Rapidly Changing World,” and “The State of the First Amendment” among others. As the volumes of data generated by this gathering are sorted out, TALKERS will provide in-depth, detailed coverage of the conference in the days and weeks ahead including posting videos of its key segments.  See a selection of photos from TALKERS 2024 Radio and Beyond below.

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Like father, like son… Heavy Hundred member John Curley, afternoon star of KIRO 97.3 FM Newsradio, Seattle (r) and his son Ry Curley, sports reporter for KOZI, Chelan, WA (l) were among the attendees at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond.  John Curley was this year’s recipient of the TALKERS Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Community Service (“Humanitarian of the Year”).

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Compass Radio Networks syndicated talk radio Heavy Hundred goliath Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo (l) was a major presence at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond delivering the kick off breakfast address “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World” and moderating the “Behind the Mic” panel.  He is pictured here accompanied by his daughters Jia “Pags” Pagliarulo (c) and Sam ”Pags” Pagliarulo (r). Sam serves as executive producer of “The Joe Pags Show.”

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Two of talk media’s long-running mainstays were photographed in the hallways of Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at TALKERS 2024: Radio and BeyondChris Krok, evening star of WBAP, Dallas (l) and recent Radio Hall of Fame inductee Lee Harris, director, integrated operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago.  Lee Harris served as moderator of the conference’s “Great Debate.”

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Heavy Hundred member Paul Vandenburgh, owner/host, WGDJ (Talk 1300) Albany (l), who spoke on the “Programming News/Talk Radio” panel is pictured with Kevin Casey, VP/executive editor, TALKERS (r) who served as master of ceremonies for TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond.

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Up from the Sunshine State with very long titles… Grace Blazer, VP, national NTS brand coordinator, director of news and AM programming, Florida region, iHeartMedia Miami (l) and Alex Fife, VP/operations, Southeast, iHeartMedia, Total Traffic & Weather Network (r) played significant roles at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond. Grace appeared on the “Programming News/Talk Radio” panel and Alex introduced the “Case for AM Radio” address.

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Deck the halls with major broadcasters: WAQY (Rock 102), Springfield, MA morning co-host Mike “Bax” Baxendale (l) and Deborah Parenti, publisher Radio Ink / RBR+TVBR (r) were captured in one frame entering Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication to participate in TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond.   Bax spoke on the “Beyond Politics” panel and Deborah was a participant in “The Big Picture” discussion.

More pictures from TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond — as well as videos of panels and presentations — still to come!

Industry News

NYPost: FCC’s Carr Warns of “Soros Shortcut”

Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr commented to the New York Post about liberal billionaire investor George Soros’ acquisition of $400 million of Audacy’s debt (and a potential controlling interest) and the company’s hope the FCC will greenlight its exit from Chapter 11 reorganization. At issue isim the FCC’s requirement to do a foreign ownership review and Audacy’s request that the FCC grant a limited waiver of that review in order to more speedily exit Chapter 11. This request is under heavy scrutiny due to the political aspects of the case. Carr recently told the Post that the FCC should not allow a “Soros shortcut” – a term used by the Media Research Center in its Petition to Deny filed with the Commission – but must follow FCC procedure. Audacy argued in its opposition to the Petition to Deny that there is nothing unique about this request, saying that the FCC “granting a limited waiver deferring its foreign ownership review to facilitate a licensee’s prompt emergence from bankruptcy is consistent with the Communications Act.” Audacy adds that the notion that the limited waiver is new “completely ignores longstanding precedent establishing the Commission-approved special warrant process used in a number of prior transactions to allow licensees to emerge from bankruptcy promptly, while affording the Commission sufficient opportunity to review foreign ownership issues post-emergence.” See the Post story here.

Industry News

Salem Announces Presidential Debate Coverage

Salem Media Group announces that its Salem Radio Network and Salem News Channel are presenting aim two-hour special prior to the June 27th presidential debate from Atlanta. From 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Salem talk hosts Mike Gallagher, Dr. Sebastian Gorka, and Hugh Hewitt will “provide scene-setting commentary and analysis” and will interact with a live Atlanta audience. (The debate itself will have no in-studio audience and CNN is not giving Salem permission to broadcast the actual debate.) Mike Gallagher will host a 30-minute debate wrap-up beginning at 10:30 pm ET.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

FOX News Digital reports that it finished May as the top news brand with multiplatform minutes and multiplatform views, according to Comscore. FOX News Digital closed out the month with 3.2 billion total multiplatform minutes, 1.7 billion total multiplatform views, and 100 million total digital multiplatform unique visitors.

Good Karma Brands adds a third station, WBEV-AM, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin “ESPN Beaver Dam” as a broadcaster for all University of Wisconsin women’s volleyball games starting in the 2024-2025 season. The station joins WTLX-FM “100.5 ESPN Madison” and WTMJ, Milwaukee is carrying the games.

Industry News

Ongoing Coverage of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond

The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national event took place on Friday (6/7) at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was an advance sellout. The power-packed, one-day agenda featured a roster of more than 60 speakers from all ends of the talk radio and related talk media industries including talent, station owners, CEOs, programmers, technical experts, journalists, syndicators, and a wide variety of visionaries. The annual talk media industry tradition was presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Key discussions included “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World,” “The Case for AM Radio,” “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era,” “The State of Sports Talk Radio,” “The Brave New World of Technological and Generational Change,” “Programming News/Talk Radio,” “Perspectives on Hosting Television Talk,” “Philanthropy and Community Service,” “The Art of Story Telling,” “Talk Radio Programming Opportunities Beyond Politics,” “Meeting the Challenges of Being a Talk Talent,” “The Big Picture of Radio’s Role in a Rapidly Changing World,” and “The State of the First Amendment” among others. As the volumes of data generated by this gathering are sorted out, TALKERS will provide in-depth, detailed coverage of the conference in the days and weeks ahead including posting videos of its key segments.  See a selection of photos from TALKERS 2024 Radio and Beyond below.

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TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond took place on the ultra-modern TV soundstages of Hofstra University’s magnificent Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. This photo is of the stage during the 8:00 am breakfast which was attended by what was already a packed house. TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey is seen at the podium. The breakfast was sponsored by the Sean Hannity Show and Premiere Networks.

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TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was attended by some of the most important players in talk radio programming. Pictured (l-r) are two key members of the Audacy team: Lisa Polizzi, brand manager of WBEN, Buffalo and Greg Stocker, brand manager of WPHT, Philadelphia. Stocker appeared as a speaker on the “Programming News/Talk Radio” panel.

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All segments of the talk media industry were represented at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond. Pictured (l-r) mingling in the halls of Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication are Dave Gorab, VP/GM of talk programming at SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Steven Portnoy, ABC News Radio national correspondent. Gorab presented a touching tribute to Sirius legend the late Joe Madison and his widow (and executive producer) Sharon Madison who was the 2024 recipient of the TALKERS “Woman of the Year” award.

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The dean of Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, Mark Lukasiewicz addressed the attendees at the TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond luncheon.

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Widely respected talk radio programmer/host Joe Thomas (r) and his wife Elaine Thomas (l) celebrated the new co-ownership of their recent acquisition of WTON, Staunton, VA by attending TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond. Joe Thomas served as introducer of the panel discussion, “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era.”

Industry News

“The Chad Benson Show” Joins KRLD-AM, Dallas

Audacy welcomes the Radio America nationally syndicated program “The Chad Benson Show” to KRLD-AM, Dallas-Fort Worth, airing in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart. Audacy news/talk format VP and KRLDim brand manager Drew Anderssen states, “We know our listeners trust KRLD for news updates, and now more than ever, where you get your information matters. We’re excited to bring Chad and his wildly popular show to KRLD and deliver trusted news and insights to our listeners. His conversational, informative, and funny takes on issues will be a refreshing addition to our weekday programming.” Benson comments, “I’m so excited to be a part of KRLD, a legendary station with a long history in DFW and North Texas. I look forward to connecting with listeners about the biggest issues we’re facing today.”

Industry News

FOX News Promotes Heinrich and Doocy

FOX News Media promotes Jacqui Heinrich to senior White House correspondent. FOX News Media president and executive editor Jay Wallace says Heinrich will continue covering all facets of the Whiteim House beat, the President of the United States’ national and international activities and the issues impacting the administration. She will also continue co-hosting FOX News Audio’s “FOX News Rundown” podcast. At the same time, the company promotes Peter Doocy to senior White House correspondent. In this role, he’ll continue to provide coverage of the President of the United States’ domestic and international activities as well as the issues that affect the administration.

Industry News

BFoA Holds Third Media Mixer

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The Broadcasters Foundation of America held its third Media Mixer on June 13 at the New York City studios of iHeart Media. Approximately 150 people – from CEOs to those interested in the business – attended the soiree designed to give up-and-coming professionals in broadcasting “unprecedented access to talent, managers, and executives and to bring awareness of the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation to those that are new to the industry.” Pictured above are (from l-r): Heather Cohen, president of the Weiss Agency; Tim McCarthy, president of the Broadcasters Foundation; Gandhi, a member of the nationally syndicated “Elvis Duran And The Morning Show”; Scott Herman, chair of the Broadcasters Foundation; Maxwell, from Z-100; and Mark Simone, from WOR.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

PodcastOne unveils its newest podcast, “Tactful Pettiness,” a cultural comedy podcast from friends and co-hosts Cody Rigsby and Andrew Chappelle. PodcastOne president and co-founder Kit Gray states, “Cody and Andrew won us over from our very first conversation about developing a podcast. Their enthusiasm and energy are infectious, and their quick takes are hilarious. We cannot wait to introduce some ‘Tactful Pettiness’ into the world of podcasting.”

The Newsweek syndicated radio program “The Josh Hammer Show” joins the program schedule at iHeartMedia’s NewsRadio 610 WIOD Miami where it will air Saturdays at 5:00 pm.

Industry News

Ongoing Coverage of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond

The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national event took place this past Friday (6/7) at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was an advance sellout. The power-packed, one-day agenda featured a roster of more than 60 speakers from all ends of the talk radio and related talk media industries including talent, station owners, CEOs, programmers, technical experts, journalists, syndicators, and a wide variety of visionaries. The annual talk media industry tradition was presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Key discussions included “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World,” “The Case for AM Radio,” “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era,” “The State of Sports Talk Radio,” “The Brave New World of Technological and Generational Change,” “Programming News/Talk Radio,” “Perspectives on Hosting Television Talk,” “Philanthropy and Community Service,” “The Art of Story Telling,” “Talk Radio Programming Opportunities Beyond Politics,” “Meeting the Challenges of Being a Talk Talent,” “The Big Picture of Radio’s Role in a Rapidly Changing World,” and “The State of the First Amendment” among others. As the volumes of data generated by this gathering are sorted out, TALKERS will provide in-depth, detailed coverage of the conference in the days and weeks ahead including posting videos of its key segments.  See a selection of photos from TALKERS 2024 Radio and Beyond below.

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One of the exciting sessions of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was titled “The Big Picture.”  It sparked a dialogue about the state of talk media and radio in general in the face of tremendous technological and sociological change.  It put forth the premise that for “radio” to succeed in the multiplatform arena of the digital age, its health and survival will depend upon its practitioners having a clear understanding what the term “radio” means and how that definition differs from the word “audio.” The stellar panels included (l-r): Tavis Smiley, host/owner, KBLA, Los Angeles / Smiley AudioMedia; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC; Deborah Parenti, publisher, Radio Ink / RBR+TVBRChris Oliviero, market president, Audacy New York; Lisa Wexler, host, WICC, Bridgeport; and Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Network. (Not pictured, moderator Michael Harrison.)

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Westwood One host Rich Valdes, host of “America at Night,” introduced “The Big Picture” panel eloquently pointing out that for radio to successfully serve the big picture of American society it will have to grasp the demographic and ethnic changes that are rapidly taking place within the nation’s shifting population.

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The “Beyond Politics” panel explored the programming options available to talk radio stations – particularly news/talk – to expand programming possibilities that enhance ratings and revenue beyond reliance on the popular paradigm of pure, targeted 24/7 partisan politics.  Panelists included (l-r):  Asa Andrew, MD, host, “The Doctor Asa Show”; Danielle Lin, C.N., producer/host, “The Art of Living and the Science of Life”; Lee Habeeb, CEO/host/producer, “Our American Stories”/American Private Radio; Daliah Wachs, MD, host, “The Dr. Daliah Show”; Mike “Bax” Baxendale, co-host, morning show, WAQY (Rock 102), Springfield, MA; and Walter Sabo (A.K.A. Walter M Sterling), consultant, Sabo Media Partners / host, “Sterling On Sunday,” TMN / “Sterling at Night,” WPHT, Philadelphia. (Not pictured, moderator David Bernstein.)

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Talk radio programming legend David BernsteinTALKERS director of broadcast operations, served as moderator of the “Beyond Politics” panel session.

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Kevin Casey, TALKERS VP/executive editor (l) served as TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond master of ceremonies and John Fredericks, owner/host, the John Fredericks Radio Network (r) delivered the introduction to the “State of Sports Talk Radio” fireside chat. 

Industry Views

Pending Business: Summertime Blues

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWhen market leaders drop rates, what comes next?

We have all been there. A market leading radio station will review sales, income, profits, pacing, costs and determine the best path to increasing income and reversing a negative sales trend is to strategically reduce, repackage or simply drop rates.

Assume the position of being downstream in audience delivery, which should mirror most reading this column. This is the time of year when many news/talk operators face this never-ending strategic pricing dilemma. Unless you are fortunate enough to sell or manage for the market leader, the trickle-down effect of the market leader dropping rates in a knee-jerk reaction to slow sales can be a 90–120-day revenue and income killer for those living downstream. It can happen in any business, but ad sales are particularly vulnerable as cancellations, market business conditions and weather can often impact the delicate ecosystem of radio ad sales.

Like it or not, very few if any business decision makers wake up shouting, “Gotta buy some radio ads right now!” With Father’s Day behind us (hope you had a good one) and Labor Day in front of us, let us review some basics to help keep our collective eye on the prize and focus on delivering performance through year end.

1. Summer Sales. Like or not, the American retail world we grew up and live in today conditioned us to anticipate and respond to those great summer sales events. July 4th, Labor Day, Back to School, these are all themed marketing opportunities that most of us expect and celebrate. That “Summer Sizzler” sale is not limited to steaks, barbeques, fashion, and vacations. Be creative, go with the flow and work with your teams to be a front runner in the creative packaging opportunities department.

2. Plan to adjust. Keep an idea or two on hold until it is “break the glass” time, then pull the trigger on your adjustment and move fast!

3. Expand your prospecting universe. New business opportunities are the lifeblood of sales. That email you send asking if there is anything happening this season is a necessary evil and without anything compelling to add it is deleted as quickly as you hit send. Be different!

4. Balance your short-term sales panic button with a long-term plan. We all must deal with the uncontrollable competitive variables in our sales environment. But success belongs to those who anticipate, adjust, accommodate, and answer the challenge!

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: “Cart This Up”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Talk host: Hot-key this SFX: stopwatch – TV’s iconic “60 Minutes” sound – 60 seconds of tick-tick-tick, then some sort of time’s-up sound. Play it underneath callers who vehemently disagree with you, or each other.

By giving them uninterrupted time, you will seem more welcoming than rude controlling caricature hosts. (The most compelling shows are those that sound nearly-out-of-control.)

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If the caller’s beef is with you, you’ll likely “win,” because even the most PO’d caller can’t fill the allotted :60.

Another SFX: tap dancing. Play this underneath callers or sound bites of newsmakers who sound like they’re on-the-spot… or under interviews that sound humorously all spin.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn