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

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartMedia Treasure Coast announces a new, multi-year deal to become the Miami Dolphins radio broadcast partner for the Fort Pierce market. Beginning this season, live gameday broadcasts will air on WAVE 92.7 (WAVW) and Real Radio 101.7 (WCZR).

Throughout Major League Baseball’s 2023 All-Star Week, SiriusXM will deliver extensive audio coverage to baseball fans around the country. Subscribers will get live broadcasts of the 93rd All-Star Game, the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, the MLB Draft, and more special programming from Seattle.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video Posted of “The State of Sports Talk Radio” Panel

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/28) with the panel presentation, “The State of Sports Talk Radio.”im The presentation, sponsored by Backbone Networks, was introduced by John Fredericks, host/owner of the John Fredericks Radio Network (pictured above) and facilitated by WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, GM, John T. Mullen (pictured at right). The panelists (pictured below left to right) included Mark Chernoff, sports reporter, “107.1 The Boss,” Long Branch, NJ/sports talent coach; Grace Blazer, VP, national NTS brand coordinator, director of news and AM programming Florida region, iHeart Radio; and Spike Eskin, VP programming, WFAN, New York and CBS Sports Radio. See the video here.

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Industry News

BIA Advisory: U.S. Local Ad Revenue Estimate Lowered

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Due to “a mixed start in the economy this year and the tempered growth in digital advertising,” BIA Advisory Services is lowering its estimated U.S. local advertising revenue for 2023 to $161.7 billion – down from its original estimate of $165.7 billion. The company says that after looking at the first six months of the year, it decided the reduction was necessary. Vice president of forecasting and analysis Nicole Ovadia says, “After years of double-digit growth, we are seeing some headwinds that will have a significant impact on digital local advertising.” BIA is now expecting digital media revenue for 2023 to be $78 billion (down from its earlier estimate of $81 billion). Radio digital revenue – ex political – is expected to rise by 4.1% over 2022. “When examining the top spending sub-verticals, BIA advises that later in the year, growth is expected in Auto, and the company is raising expectations for Tier 3 – New Car Dealers, and Automotive Repair Services. Other important verticals for local advertising where BIA is raising expectations include Savings/Credit Institutions and Other Loan Services, Plumbers and HVAC, and Realtors.”

Industry News

SiriusXM Shutting Down Stitcher Platform

SiriusXM announces that it is shutting down the Stitcher audio platform on August 29 as it moves to integrate podcasts into its SiriusXM subscription business. SiriusXM acquired Stitcher in 2020 for $325 million. Theim company says that it expects to continue podcast creation via the Stitcher Studios and Earwolf, but the availability of third party podcasts on the SiriusXM app will be determined by the creators/producers of those programs.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Airs FOX Sports Radio on KTZN-AM, Anchorage

iHeartMedia Anchorage unveils the new KTZN-AM “FOX Sports 550 – The Zone.” The station is airing the full network 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,” “The Doug Gottlieb Show,” “Covino & Rich,” “Theim Odd Couple with Chris Broussard & Rob Parker,” “The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon” and “The Ben Maller Show.” The station also features FOX Sports Radio around the clock on weekends. iHeartMedia Anchorage SVP of programming Mark Murphy says, “‘FOX Sports 550 – The Zone’ is very excited to be a part of the FOX Sports family, all day, every day. It’s great to have the biggest names in sports talk radio like Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd jump start the day, followed by an impressive lineup that will keep listeners engaged 24/7!”

Industry News

FOX News Channel Unveils New Primetime Lineup

Two months after the controversial exit of prime time star Tucker Carlson from the FOX News Channel lineup, the cable news/talk channel announces its new prime time schedule that takes effect on July 17. Taking over the 8:00 pm ET hour formerly held by Carlson is Jesse Watters, who moves from the 7:00 pm hour. Lauraim Ingraham’s program moves from 10:00 pm to the 7:00 pm hour, and Greg Gutfeld’s show moves from 11:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Sean Hannity stays in the 9:00 pm slot, and “FOX News @ Night” with Trace Gallagher slides up one hour to start at 11:00 pm. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “FOX News Channel has been America’s destination for news and analysis for more than 21 years and we are thrilled to debut a new lineup. The unique perspectives of Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, Sean Hannity, and Greg Gutfeld will ensure our viewers have access to unrivaled coverage from our best-in-class team for years to come.”

Industry News

Hosts Jim Leach and Frank McNeil Exit WMAY-FM, Springfield

Longtime Springfield, Illinois air personality Jim Leach is leaving Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s news/talk WMAY-AM/FM to take on role of public information officer for the Illinois Department of Public Health. The progressive talk host – who’s been hosting the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm show – admits to the State Journal Register that he feels “incredibly fortunate to have been given the platform and latitude” to express his views on his talkim show on the station for nearly three decades. Leach tells the news outlet that his role as “a smart, local progressive-leaning talk show on a commercial radio station is going the way of the dinosaur. ‘It was certainly my hope to make sure that we had a wide array of viewpoints and to make sure a lot of people’s views and opinions were heard, and I feel like we accomplished that. I find that a really gratifying part of the job. We opened up that platform and that ability to be heard to a wider audience.’” Additionally, the new lineup does not include current early evening host Frank McNeil, who tells the State Journal Register that station management suggested another time for his program that “wasn’t acceptable at this point in time.” See more from the State Journal Register here.

Industry News

Salem Receives Delisting Notice from Nasdaq

On Friday (6/23), Salem Media Group, Inc received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market that Salem’s Common Stock failed to comply with the $1 minimum bid price required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market based upon the closing bid price of the Common Stock for the 32 consecutive business daysim prior to the date of the notice. Salem now has a compliance period of 180 calendar days in which to regain compliance for the minimum bid price requirement. That expires on December 20, 2023. To regain compliance, the minimum bid price of the Common Stock must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days at any time prior to the compliance date. In its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Salem says it intends to monitor the closing bid price of the Common Stock and may, if appropriate, consider implementing available options to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

Industry News

Dom Giordano Day in Wildwood, New Jersey

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Pictured above is WPHT, Philadelphia talk host Dom Giordano (left) with Wildwood, New Jersey Mayor Pete Byron (center), and Curtis Di Domizio of the Real Diamond Tribute Band (right) at Mulligan’s Shore Bar and Grill for a remote broadcast to celebrate Dom Giordano Day. The annual event was created four years ago by Mayor Byron and is celebrated every June 22. The show was broadcast live on WPHT from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm.

Industry News

FOX’s “Kennedy Saves the World” Expands

FOX News Audio’s “Kennedy Saves the World,” hosted by Lisa “Kennedy” Montgomery, expands from aim weekly podcast to a daily podcast. FOX says, “The program, also now available in video format, will showcase discussions on politics, parenting and culture with fan favorite segments like Party Swap, Kennedy’s Court and Happy Hour. Special guests including Jimmy Failla, Kat Timpf, Dagen McDowell and many more will appear regularly on the program.”

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

TALKERS News Notes

Public media outlet WYPR, Baltimore 88.1 FM has been recognized by the Washington, D.C., Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists for journalism excellence as part of its 2023 Dateline Awards. Of the radio division, the station and its reporters were named the winner of three categories and were recognized as finalists in an additional four. WYPR was honored with the following SPJDC 2023 Dateline Awards for work completed in 2022.

Boston public media outlet WBUR unveils a new climate series. WBUR says, “’Here & Now’ — the live, national midday news program from NPR and WBUR — just debuted a new series to spotlight people and places across the U.S. with solutions that are making a difference to stem climate change. ‘Reverse Course: Individual action to combat climate change’ delivers stories from the field, introducing listeners to people whose projects are succeeding and helping to shape climate smart communities.” The series is led by senior editor Peter O’Dowd and producer Chris Bentley.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of Jimmy Failla’s “Morning Wakeup” Routine Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstraim University will be posted, continuing today (6/23) with the comedy presentation, “Morning Wakeup.” The standup routine, sponsored by the Doctor Asa Show, was delivered for the third consecutive year by FOX News Radio midday star Jimmy Failla. Sporting his trademark flashy jacket and ultra-cool boots, Failla – one of the rapidly rising stars on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred – satirically poked fun at political correctness as well as himself. Check it out here!

Industry News

Mark Kaye Bit Scans Heavy Hundred for Cage Match Opponents

Morning drive talk host Mark Kaye – WKOV-FM, Jacksonville and other Cox Media Group news/talk stations – recently did a bit riffing off the Mark ZuckerbergElon Musk cage match story. Kaye, wondering which fellowim talk hosts he might be able to beat in a cage match, used the recently published 2023 TALKERS Heavy Hundred to muse over potential opponents. Kaye – ranked #81 on this year’s Heavy Hundred – says he’s pretty sure Sean Hannity (#1 on the Heavy Hundred) would kill him. Check out who he thought he could beat in this hilarious bit here.

Industry News

LI News Radio Celebrates 500th Airing of “The Nonprofit Voice”

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JVC Media and radio host Ron Gold recently celebrated the 500th edition of Gold’s weekend program, “The Nonprofit Voice,” broadcast on news/talk WRCN-FM, Ronkonko, New York. Gold is CEO of Marketing Works and over the past 10 years has been joined on air by leaders from nonprofit organizations of all sizes to discuss the important work their agencies do and the challenges they face. Pictured above (from l-r) are: Town of Brookhaven supervisor Ed Romaine, Gold, and Town of Islip supervisor Angie Carpenter.

Industry News

Elvis Duran Show Attends Alan Freed Broadway Musical Rock & Roll Man

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Recently, members of Premiere Networks’ “Elvis Duran Show” attended the new Broadway production based on rock ‘n’ roll radio pioneer and Cleveland DJ Alan Freed. The Duran show trio’s review of the show is simple: “If you’re in radio, you must see this show. ” Pictured above are (from l-r) Constantine Maroulis, former “American Idol” contestant as Alan Freed; Joe Pantoliano, revered character actor and member of the Elvis Duran Group’s Character Actor Hall of Fame, plays Leo Mintz and Morris Levy; Skeery Jones, “Elvis Duran Show” cast member; David Katz, partner and CEO of the Elvis Duran Group; and Nate Marino, “Elvis Duran Show” producer, a.k.a. “straight Nate.”

Job Opportunity

Cumulus Seeks Experienced News/Talk Programmer

Cumulus Media is looking for a program director for its Chattanooga, Tennessee news/talk stations. The program director will be responsible for growing and operating strong brands and must have a strong programming background and passion for growing others and a passion for the local community. You willim program two legendary news/talk stations. Energy, enthusiasm, attention to detail and experience in news writing/delivering and talk show hosting is a necessity. You must have the ability to interact with listeners and handle multiple phone calls at one time. You will be responsible for all aspects of programming including managing and motivating on-air staff, imaging, station strategy, developing and executing revenue generating sales & programming promotions, website & social media, digital content and have a strong understanding of the core audience of a news/talk format. The position also requires a daily AM drive air-shift, along with live appearances and live broadcasts! See more and apply here.

Job Opportunity

iHeartMedia Seeks Morning Personality for Nashville

iHeartMedia’s WRVW-FM, Nashville “107.5 the River” has a premier opening for a LIVE, LOCAL morning show host in Nashville. We’re looking for a dynamic storyteller to pair with current pros Ricki Sanchez and Zac Woodward to create can’t-miss radio in America’s fastest growing city. If you’re creative, collaborative, and ready for the next step, send materials to jonathanshuford@iheartmedia.com asap!

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

TALKERS 2023: Video of “Making the Connections Between Local and National Radio and Television” Panel Discussion Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/22) with the panel discussion, “Making the Connections Between Local and National Radio and Television.” The three-way conversation, sponsored by the Michael Berry Show, was facilitated by WPG, Atlantic City (and regular FOX News Radio guest star), Harry Hurley (pictured above and below at center). Participants included president/CEO JVC BroadcastingJohn Caracciolo (pictured above and below at left) and FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel superstar Brian Kilmeade (pictured above and below at right). See video of the session here

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Industry News

Harrison and Madison Tackle a Variety of Issues on Sirius Show

Heavy Hundred titan Joe Madison interviewed TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison Tuesday morning (6/20)im on his long-running “Urban View” channel program on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. The two legendary radio figures took a deep-dive into the subjects of podcasting, AM radios in cars, the role of boomers in today’s culture and the way in which the annual TALKERS Heavy Hundred list is compiled. Don’t miss this conversation! Listen to the audio here.

Industry News

Report: Budget Cuts at Disney Cancel ESPN Radio Morning Show

According to numerous reports, including from the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, the financial scalpel being applied to Disney’s ESPN Radio has dropped the nationally syndicated morning show hosted by Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Max Kellerman. The story also says that this move is just part ofim more “significant on-air layoffs” affecting ESPN personalities that could come as early as next week. Johnson, Williams and Kellerman have other roles with ESPN and their individual status with the company is not certain, but Marchand speculates that contract buyouts by ESPN are a possibility. ESPN will put a morning show back on the network, but the talent will need to make significantly less than the “Keyshawn, JWill and Max” hosts were making. Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Tavis Smiley’s KBLA, Los Angeles Celebrates Second Anniversary

On Monday (6/19), Tavis Smiley’s SmileyAudioMedia, Inc celebrated the two-year anniversary of the launch of talk KBLA-AM, Los Angeles. The company says the station was built to “give disenfranchised citizens a voice in current political, social and cultural issues with empowering, sustainable and restorative language.” Tavisim Smiley adds, “We launched KBLA Talk 1580 on Juneteenth, two years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 health crisis. We’re extremely proud that in two short years, KBLA Talk 1580 has become a trusted community resource in Los Angeles and beyond. Our mission to enlighten, empower and encourage, resonates with our growing audience.” Additionally, over the past two years the company has launched SAM Digital, its own brand of white label products that are designed to help businesses and service providers reach an even wider audience, grow brand awareness, and increase sales by targeting specific audiences with direct messaging and by measuring the performance of their outreach campaigns. It also recently debuted the SmileyAudioMedia Podcast Network to expand beyond traditional radio broadcasting.

Industry News

“104.5 The Zone” in Nashville Renews “3HL” Afternoon Show

Cumulus Media sports talk outlet WGFX-FM, Nashville “104.5 The Zone” renews its afternoon drive show “3HL” starring Brent Dougherty, Dawn Davenport, and Ron Slay. The company says, “Brent Dougherty is known as ‘The Mayor of Middle Tennessee Sports’ and is a well-known fixture in Nashville’s sports scene.im Dawn Davenport is seen every Saturday on the college football sidelines, and her relationships and knowledge of the SEC are huge assets for ‘104.5 The Zone’ listeners. Ron Slay is an SEC Player of the Year for the Tennessee Volunteers Men’s Basketball team and is a beloved natural entertainer.” Cumulus Nashville VP/market manager Allison Warren and program director Paul Mason say, in a joint statement, “Today, we celebrate the powerhouse trio Brent Dougherty, Dawn Davenport and Ron Slay. They have proven time and again to be a driving force behind 104.5 The Zone’s success, dominating the ratings and capturing the hearts of our listeners. They have an undeniable chemistry—a lightning in a bottle connection that brings our audience together. We are grateful to our clients, who have become our biggest fans, for choosing this remarkable station and these influential personalities to support their local businesses.”

Industry News

KFI, Los Angeles Special Addresses Schools-Parents Conflicts

iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is presenting a special, two-hour news program on Sunday (6/25) at 4:00 pm titled, “He Said, She Said, They Said…,” addressing the conflict between schools and parents over the ongoing introduction of books, curricula, and instruction about alternative lifestyles. This KFI News Special isim being produced by the award-winning team of Steve Gregory and Jacob Gonzalez with associate producer Nick Pagliochini. KFI says, “Parents and protesters continue to gather at school board meetings around the country to express their frustration over districts’ that try to introduce books and language which address the transgender community and other LGBTQ+ issues. Faith-based leaders have also joined the protests along with advocacy groups that represent parents of public-school students. Critics say these issues should be addressed exclusively in the home while supporters say it is critical to be inclusive of all lifestyles to better prepare children for the real world. ‘He Said, She Said, They Said…’ features multiple sides of the issue. There is also a companion podcast with extended content that will be available immediately following the broadcast on the iHeartRadio App.”

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

TALKERS 2023: Video of “Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career” Panel Discussion Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/21) with the panel discussion, “Navigating a Radio Talk Showim Hosting Career.” The session, sponsored by C. Crane, was introduced by managing partner, Goldman McCormick PR and syndicated host, Ryan McCormick (pictured at right) and moderated by WPHT, Philadelphia host, Dom Giordano (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Heather Cohen, SVP, the Weiss AgencyMartha Zoller, host, WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA; Frank Morano, host WABC, New York; Rich Valdes, host, Westwood One; and Jeff Katz, host, WRVA, Richmond, VA. See video of the session here.

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Industry Views

Talk Radio’s $4 Billion Mistake

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling on Sunday

imIn the early 1980s, talk radio made a $4 billion mistake. Prior to then, there were approximately 50 full-time talk stations in America. They were predominantly found in major markets and had been in the format since Marconi. The original talk stations had two key traits: They were dominant in ratings and much of their popularity was driven by women hosts.

Mary Margaret McBride hosted an NBC, then ABC Network show based from WOR, New York at 12:00 noon.  From 1938-1957 she led midday radio listening. Nope, not a cooking show. She featured the most powerful, newsworthy guests and grilled them. She prepped for 23 hours a day and sweated every minute. Her popularity was so great that she required five secretaries just to answer her mail. Her 10th anniversary was held at Yankee Stadium. McBride’s 15th  anniversary filled Madison Square Garden, hosted by Eleanor Roosevelt. Correct, Mary Margaret and her listeners were honored by Mrs. Roosevelt.

How about the money? During many early years, it was believed that no advertiser would buy daytime radio.im Then Mary Margaret read live copy. OR Mary Margaret had her guests read live copy. Sales for advertisers exploded. (Source: It’s One O’ Clock, Time for Mary Margaret McBride by Susan Ware https://a.co/d/iHShiad)

The historic galaxy of remarkable women talk show hosts is vast: WOR (Always number one through most of its history) Martha DeaneDora McCannPatsy McCannMary HealyPegeen FitzgeraldArlene FrancisSherrye HenryJoan Hamburg — yes, all at the same time. Throughout the country the stars include: Sally Jessy Raphael (20+ years on major market radio), Dr. Ruth WestheimerDr. Tony GrantAnnie AielloMimi BenzellDorothy KilgallenJohnnie Putman and the most powerful broadcaster in Ireland, Marian Finucane. (Worth the listen: https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/21683976/)

The audience for the content featured by those hosts is thriving and watching daytime TV. Before 1982, daytime TV was the happy land of soap operas and game shows. Then, as content delivered by women hosts left radio, it was embraced by TV. Sally! Dr. Ruth! Oprah! Ellen! The View, The Chat, The Chew, Jenny JonesJoan RiversQueen LatifahKelly ClarksonRicki Lake.

Today daytime talk TV is a $4 billion business. I take credit for… a lot. I am proudest of the fact that few execs have hired as many women managers and women hosts.

Question to talk radio chieftains, where are the women hosts?

Walter Sabo was the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of NBC. The youngest VP in the history of ABC. He was a consultant to RKO General longer than Bill Drake. Walter was the in-house consultant to Sirius for eight years. He has never written a resume. Contact him at walter@sabomedia.com. or mobile 646-678-1110. Hear Walter Sterling at www.waltersterlingshow.com.

Industry News

Audacy Officially Announces New WFAN, New York Lineup

In the aftermath of the announcement of WFAN, New York afternoon drive personality Craig Carton’s exit from the sports talk station to focus on his FS1 show, the media reports of who would replace whom are confirmed by Audacy as it unveils its new program schedule (effective July 24) below:im

5:00 am – 6:00 am ET: “The Warmup Show with Al and Jerry

6:00 am – 10:00 am ET: “Boomer and Gio

10:00 am – 2:00 pm ET: Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata *NEW

2:00 pm – 6:30 pm ET: Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber *NEW

7:00 pm – 12:00 am ET: Keith McPherson

12:00 am – 5:00 am ET: Chris McMonigle *NEW

Chris McMonigle is currently producer of the “Carton & Roberts” show. Additionally, Shaun Morash, who previously produced “The D.A. Show” with Damon Amendolara on CBS Sports Radio, will serve as a producer and on-air contributor for “Evan & Tiki” alongside executive producer Tommy Lugauer. Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero states, “The new lineup card of WFAN continues to exemplify the station’s extraordinary depth of talent with all-star veterans and next-generation voices. This roster, with the additions of Tiki to afternoons and Sal to middays and including the market-leading ‘Boomer & Gio’ morning show, will continue WFAN’s now nearly 40-year dominance of the sports conversation in New York.”

Industry News

AWM Presents 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon

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The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation presented the 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City yesterday (6/20). Host Elizabeth Vargas, anchor of “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on NewsNation, led the program alongside presenters Judi Franco (pictured above), co-host of the “Dennis & Judi” midday show on Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5”; Sara Haines, co-host, ABC’s “The View”; Maxwell, host, iHeartMedia’s WHTZ, New York “Z100”; Shima Oliaee, CEO and founder of Shirazad Productions; and Brigitte Quinn, creator, host and managing editor of Audacy affiliate Newsline on WCBS-AM, New York. See the full list of honorees here. Photo: Getty Images for AWM

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartPodcasts and Imagine Entertainment, the global entertainment company founded by Ron Howard and Brian Glazer, unveil “Big Sugar,” a new investigative podcast about the multimillion-dollar sugar industry. iHeartPodcasts says, “‘Big Sugar’ is a true crime story unlike any other that centers on the epic legal battle pitting the multimillion-dollar sugar industry against the migrant laborers who harvest sugarcane, while revealing corporate malfeasance, human rights violations, DC lobbying, nutrition downfalls and the destruction of the environment.” The series is hosted by Celeste Headlee, an award-winning, internationally recognized journalist and author who has hosted shows for NPR, WNYC and PBS.

SiriusXM announces it is launching a special pop-up channel dedicated to the world-famous Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and the Principality of Monaco itself, one of the world’s most glamorous locales and home to one of auto racing’s most prestigious events. The special channel will be available on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25. In a special SiriusXM broadcast event, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco sits down for a rare and wide-ranging one-on-one conversation in which he shares his insights into the Principality of Monaco, what makes Monaco’s Formula 1 Grand Prix so captivating for millions around the globe, Monaco’s future in F1, as well as some of the Prince’s other personal passions.

The nationally syndicated talk show “Free Talk Live” welcomes new weekend affiliate WNOS-AM, New Bern, North Carolina.