New York City radio personality Sid Rosenberg (pictured above) will broadcast his “Sid and Friends” morning drive show heard on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York/WLIR-FM, Long Island live from Israel from Monday, January 29 through Thursday, February 1.
Audacy announces that Spike Eskin will return to sports talk WIP-FM, Philadelphia “SportsRadio 94WIP” as afternoon drive co-host alongside Ike Reese and on-air producer Jack Fritz. Eskin will leave his current position as vice president of programming for WFAN, New York and CBS Sports Radio and
re-join WIP once a successor is named. Audacy says a nationwide search is currently underway. The WIP co-host position opened after Jon Marks announced his exit from the station for personal reasons in December. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “We’re very excited to bring Spike home to Philadelphia and SportsRadio 94WIP. This is a unique opportunity to add a great talent with a long history in our marketplace to one of our most popular dayparts, and we’re looking forward to having Spike reunite with his longtime friend and colleague Ike Reese and Jack Fritz to shape the future of afternoon drive at WIP.” Eskin comments, “I am thrilled to be able to work with Ike and Jack in afternoons at 94WIP. It’s now the third job of a lifetime I’ve had the opportunity to do. Leaving WFAN and CBS Sports Radio is an incredibly difficult decision. I’m surrounded by talented, great people, and it’s been an amazing experience. I’d like to thank David Yadgaroff, Jeff Sottolano and Rod Lakin for this opportunity, and Chris Oliviero for my time in New York.”
Broadcasters Foundation of America chair and former CBS Radio COO Scott Herman will be
inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame on September 26, 2024. A portion of the net proceeds from the Hall of Fame gala is donated to The Broadcasters Foundation. Herman says, “I’m humbled to be in the company of some of the broadcast greats who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and I’m proud to represent radio in the Class of 2024.” The annual Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame pays tribute to the pioneers, innovators and stars of broadcast, cable, broadband and streaming television.
Donald Trump handily wins Iowa Caucuses; the U.S. migrant crisis; Trump’s legal battles; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; U.S. military strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen; Iran bombs Pakistan; and extreme winter weather affecting much of the country were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
The 2024 presidential race and the Iowa Caucuses; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; U.S. military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen; the U.S. migrant crisis; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the World Economic Forum at Davos; the Martin Luther King, Jr holiday; and the severe winter weather affecting much of the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
By Michael Harrison
Founder
TALKERS
The United Nations and its specialized agency, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have given the radio industry all around the globe an invaluable gift. It’s called “World Radio Day 2024.” Now in its 13th installment, WRD takes place annually on February 13 with the purpose of spotlighting the accomplishments, importance, and ongoing relevance of the radio medium as it evolves deeper into the 21st century. This year’s WRD theme is “Radio: A Century Informing, Educating and Entertaining.” By officially designating the platform as worthy of its own officially sanctioned UN International Day, the august world body has recognized, spotlighted, and endorsed radio’s continuing relevance and potential for being a vital force for the betterment of humanity.
On a global level, the scope of radio is huge. However, we, practitioners of radio in America, face formidable challenges keeping the spirit and uniqueness of the platform viable as both a business and iconic connector as it faces stifling debt, exotic competition, a generational divide, creeping censorship, and the growing risk of simply getting lost in the noise and distractions of the ceaselessly evolving digital era. I strongly encourage my American colleagues to embrace WRD 2024 for the fabulous opportunity it offers our industry to make a compelling and inspiring case for the ongoing importance and positive impact of radio to inform, educate and entertain.
Please read and consider any or all of the “13 Ideas to Celebrate World Radio Day 2024” posted on the UNESCO website and in this edition of TALKERS magazine. To see the list of 13 ideas, please click here.
Michael Harrison can be contacted directly via email at michael@talkers.com.
Artificial Intelligence firm OpenAI was denied its Motion to Dismiss the defamation suit filed against it by talk show host Mark Walters, who hosts radio programs produced by his CCW Broadcast Media company. Walters claims the use of OpenAI’s ChatGPT by journalist Fred Riehl that created content
stating the Walters was accused of embezzling funds from the Second Amendment Foundation defamed him. No such accusation ever actually took place. In its Motion to Dismiss, Open AI argued several points, including that Georgia is not the proper jurisdiction, but it summarized its argument that Walters’ claims didn’t meet the burden of defamation when it said, “Even more fundamentally, Riehl’s use of ChatGPT did not cause a ‘publication’ of the outputs. OpenAI’s Terms of Use make clear that ChatGPT is a tool that assists the user in the writing or creation of draft content and that the user owns the content they generate with ChatGPT. Riehl agreed to abide by these Terms of Use, including the requirement that users ‘verify’ and ‘take ultimate responsibility for the content being published.’ As a matter of law, this creation of draft content for the user’s internal benefit is not ‘publication.’”
Townsquare Media promotes Mike Pettis to market president/chief revenue officer for its Sedalia, Missouri media cluster that serves West Central Missouri. That office operates news/talk KSIS-AM
“News Talk 1050” and two music brands. Townsquare regional vice president Robert Wawrzyniec says, “Mike is the ideal executive to lead Townsquare’s broadcast and digital operations in West Central Missouri. Most important, he knows the Sedalia market and what resonates with its listeners and advertisers. His expertise in creating, developing and executing exceptional local multi-platform solutions for advertising and marketing clients, as well as driving new business opportunities and forging important community partnerships, has resulted in deep client relationships and a strong commitment to listeners. I am looking forward to working with him in his new role.”
Joey Hudson, election 2024 correspondent and contributor-at-large for “The Mike Gallagher Show” on the Salem Radio Network, is in Iowa today (1/15) for on-site coverage of the 2024 Iowa Caucuses.
Hudson hosted “The Morning Answer” on former Salem property WGTK, Greenville, South Carolina for close to a decade. In addition to providing live updates during “The Mike Gallagher Show,” Hudson will also report throughout the day on SRN News and TOWNHALL News. SRN VP of news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “Joey Hudson’s unique background in Republican party politics as well as his impressive media credentials makes him the ideal person to provide eye-level coverage of today’s important caucuses.”
Premiere Networks announces the launch of “24,” a weekly election coverage podcast hosted by Clay
Travis and Buck Sexton. The show debuted yesterday (1/14) and will be available as part of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network. Premiere says, “‘24’ is a highlight reel of that week’s most important election news from ‘The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show’ – one of the leading talk radio shows in America reaching millions of listeners on more than 470 stations nationwide. Whether it’s astute political analysis or candidate interviews, ‘24’ is a curated sampling of Travis and Sexton’s comprehensive coverage of the week in politics.”
The 2024 presidential race and today’s Iowa caucuses; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s efforts to avoid a government shutdown; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; U.S. military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Hunter Biden contempt case; Taiwan elects China-named “troublemaker” Lai Ching-te president; the Martin Luther King, Jr holiday; and the brutal winter cold affecting much of the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
By Michael Harrison
Founder
TALKERS
The United Nations and its specialized agency, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have given the radio industry all around the globe an invaluable gift. It’s called “World Radio Day 2024.” Now in its 13th installment, WRD takes place annually on February 13 with the purpose of spotlighting the accomplishments, importance, and ongoing relevance of the radio medium as it evolves deeper into the 21st century. This year’s theme is “Radio: A Century Informing, Educating and Entertaining.” By officially designating the platform as worthy of its own officially sanctioned UN International Day, the august world body has recognized, spotlighted, and endorsed radio’s continuing relevance and potential for being a vital force for the betterment of humanity.
On a global level, the scope of radio is huge. However, we, practitioners of radio in America, face formidable challenges keeping the spirit and uniqueness of the platform viable as both a business and iconic connector as it faces the growing risk of simply getting lost in the noise and distractions of the ceaselessly evolving digital era. I strongly encourage my American colleagues to embrace WRD 2024 for the fabulous opportunity it offers our industry to make a compelling case for the ongoing importance and positive impact of radio to inform, educate and entertain.
Please read and consider any or all of the following “13 Ideas to Celebrate World Radio Day 2024” posted on the UNESCO website and in TALKERS magazine.
1. World Radio Day Minutes. Air the UNESCO package of 20 pre-produced “World Radio Day Minutes”. They are 60-second audios discussing interesting aspects of the radio medium during its first 100 years of service to humanity. The texts figure in their descriptions so that you have the option of producing your own episodes in other languages. These short-form audios can be programmed on a schedule of your choosing leading up to and on February 13, World Radio Day (WRD). You can run them as non-commercial announcements or offer them for local sponsorships.
2. Talk Shows Celebrating Radio. Program (pre-produced or live) talk shows with local and national experts talking about the importance of radio for quality information, highlighting its 100-year history and continuing relevance. Recruit legendary and retired radio personalities known to your audience to participate in these programs supplemented by real clips from the past to be aired leading up to or on February 13.
3. World Radio Day 2024 Live Event. Schedule a live indoor or outdoor event (depending upon climate) on February 13 celebrating World Radio Day 2024. Invite listeners free (or charge admission in conjunction with a charity). Feature a panel discussion about the relevance of the entire audio sector in a changing media world as well as local legends telling stories about their service to the public through radio. Supplement it with display tables presenting local businesses and sponsors. Consider holding it on a local college or university campus in conjunction with the school’s communication department. Organize a group of diverse stations (either under one corporate umbrella/cluster or actual competing ones) to join forces in support of information, entertainment and education through radio in general. The results will be beneficial for everyone involved.
4. World Radio Day 2024 Sponsorship with Local Consumer Electronics Store/Chain. Arrange a sales promotion with a local store or chain of stores within your market to offer listeners a significant one-day discount (February 13) on all AM/FM radios and radio-related equipment.
5. International Dialogue. Schedule interviews/conversations (either live or prerecorded) with your broadcast colleagues from other countries to compare and contrast the history and strength of radio in their respective countries on or leading up to February 13. These shows can be simulcast on both stations or simply be one host interviewing another. For Partnership Opportunities, please check here which stations or partners around the world are interested in collaborative programming and you could contact now.
6. The Greatest “Radio Songs” of All Time. There are songs in almost every pop music format that contain the word “radio” in them or refer to the medium of radio. Highlight the “Greatest Radio Songs of All Time” into your playlist intermittently or as a “countdown show” on February 13 in commemoration of World Radio Day 2024. This is an easy and simple way to highlight World Radio Day and create a fun and entertaining programming element.
7. Visit to a Radio Station. Offer guided tours of your facilities to listeners or local school classes leading up to and on February 13 in celebration of World Radio Day 2024. This will be an effective outreach to a younger generation of new listeners and create community goodwill.
8. Radio and Emergencies. Emphasize radio’s impact as an informational public safety net entering its second century of service. Use World Radio Day 2024 as a reason to talk about and remind listeners of the value of the medium to provide a lifeline to the public when the electricity goes out and the internet goes down. There are numerous examples in just the past year alone to draw from in terms of earthquakes, wildfires, and storms in which radio news helped people in distress in real time. This is also a talking point in the current issue about some automobile manufacturers choosing to not equip new car models with AM radios.
9. Theater of the Mind. Use World Radio Day 2024 as a focal point for radio being the “Theater of the Mind” by producing your own locally produced radio dramas and airing them on February 13. You’ll provide intelligent entertainment, support cultural expression, and stimulate listener interest.
10. Radio, the Original Interactive Mass Medium. Recognize radio’s claim to the title “The Original Interactive Mass Medium” and “The Original Social Media” by using these phrases as often as appropriately possible on February 13. Radio pioneered the concept of taking live calls from listeners on the air to give opinions and receive advice in addition to playing musical requests and announcing dedications in real-time on the air. Highlight the interaction with listeners.
11. Take Me Out to the Stadium. Radio was the first mass medium to provide live, real-time play-by-play coverage of sporting events. The history of radio’s connection to sports is deep and rich. There is a lot of colorful sports broadcasting history to discuss in celebration of World Radio Day 2024 and nourish vibrant conversations.
12. Podcasts. Post several new and timely podcasts featuring quality conversations and panel discussions with experts and leaders in the radio profession from around the world as supplemental World Radio Day 2024 content on your station or network website. You can also generate your own podcasts and programs about radio for placement on your website or general distribution.
13. Positive and Pro-Active – Accomplishment, Pride and Hope. World Radio Day 2024 provides you with a supportive platform and focal point to pursue business, civic and social relationships within your community, and protect free, independent, pluralistic radio. WRD 2024 symbolizes radio’s century of accomplishment, pride in the present and hope for the future. Celebrate World Radio Day 2024 spreading this optimistic perspective leading up to, during and following February 13.
For more information, visit https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio
Michael Harrison is a legendary American broadcaster who has served as executive advisor to UNESCO for World Radio Day 2024. He can be contacted via email at michael@talkers.com.
Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte is hosting a debate between candidates in the Republican primary race for North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District seat on Wednesday, January 31,
at Wingate University’s Batte Fine Arts Center. The event will be moderated by personalities Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman and will feature questions for the candidates presented by the station’s late morning host Vince Coakley, afternoon host Brett Winterble, evening host Brett Jensen, and news director Mark Garrison. It will also include a 30-minute lead-in show hosted by Thompson and Troutman. All six registered candidates for the seat have accepted invitations to take part in the commercial-free broadcast.
The CEO/founder of Benztown, one of the world’s most successful creators and suppliers of radio station jingles and imaging, Andreas Sannemann is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Sannemann is a leading international audio imaging specialist, composer and entrepreneur based at Benztown’s European headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. He joined forces with Dave “Chachi” Denes (who is a past guest on this podcast) and Oliver Klenk in 2008 to form the company. Benztown’s American headquarters are located in Glendale, California. The international production giant provides imaging and other types of programming content and branding to radio stations in the United States, Germany, England, Australia, New Zealand, and more servicing over 2,300 affiliates on six continents. Audio imaging for the 21st Century and beyond – that’s Sannemann’s mission! Michael Harrison says, “I’ve been talking with broadcast industry leaders around the globe, as we lead up to the United Nations ‘World Radio Day 2024’ on February 13, to acquire a greater comprehension of the massive scope of this medium beyond the US. Sannemann and I discuss the state of radio around the world from his knowledgeable perspective in Germany. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for jingles and imaging. The audio jingle has gone through many incarnations over the years, but our modern world has not grown so sophisticated as to relegate them to being a relic of the past. Catchy, ear-wormy jingles are still a major part of product branding, and this continues to be a rich and valued tradition in the radio business where personalities, shows and especially stations regularly present a harmonic group of people singing names and call letters. Jingles and imaging are a key part of the radio ‘esthetic.’ Radio-lovers and audiophiles will find this conversation illuminating.” Harrison is serving as executive advisor to UNESCO for “World Radio Day 2024.” Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas will welcome sports media personality Dan Patrick and “The Dan Patrick Show” to Las Vegas for five days of live “Big Game” coverage leading up to the 58th professional football championship at Allegiant Stadium. Patrick’s show, part of FOX Sports Radio’s 24th annual “Super
Week” coverage, will be staged before a live audience – February 5 through 9 on the Fontainebleau Las Vegas third floor Oasis Pool Deck. Patrick says, “Every year when we plan where to take the show for this week – the biggest week in sports – we look to try something new, something fresh and the Fontainebleau is the newest and freshest spot in Las Vegas. The coolest part of this partnership is that over the past few months the people at the Fontainebleau have sent us pictures and videos of the final stages of development. We got a sneak peek. This place is cutting edge with a big nod to old school Vegas throughout. We can’t wait to get out there to do the show, see the fans and enjoy the property.”
The 2024 presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the U.S. migrant crisis tied with the related move to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, followed by the closing arguments in the Trump Organization civil trial in New York 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.
iHeartMedia Tampa Bay flips WHNZ-AM from Spanish-language news back to English-language talk radio as “1250 WHNZ, Impact Radio.” It is also heard on 105.9 FM in Hillsborough County. iHeartMedia says, “1250 WHNZ’s programming will bring informative content focused on financial talk as well as
national news and entertainment. The station will play host to nationally syndicated programs like “The Ramsey Show,” “The Michael Berry Show,” “The Joe Pags Show,” “Armstrong & Getty” and “Michael DelGiorno” as well as “Bloomberg Radio.” iHeartMedia Tampa Bay SVP of programming Tommy Chuck adds, “Tampa Bay is one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States. As the region’s economy continues to grow, we are pleased to offer programming tailored to the people making that happen. Around the clock, the programming will keep listeners informed on issues affecting their everyday lives and pocketbooks.”
Longtime iHeartMedia Central Florida executive and current area president Barbara Latham will retire, effective March 29. The 39-year iHeartMedia veteran has served as region president for Central Florida that includes talk WTKS-FM and news/talk WFLF-AM in Orlando, plus numerous music brands since April 2021. iHeartMedia division president Tom McConnell states, “Barb has excelled in multiple roles throughout her tenured career at iHeart. Although we will miss her leadership and strategic thinking, we wish her nothing but the best as she begins this exciting new chapter.” Latham says, “I am so excited about this new chapter in my life. Thirty-nine years flew by! I’m happy to have worked for iHeart for almost four decades, and I’m honored to have had the opportunity to work with and lead a tremendous team of professionals and iconic brands.”
The 2024 presidential race, the Nikki Haley–Ron DeSantis CNN debate, and Donald Trump’s FNC Town Hall; today’s Trump Organization civil trial closing arguments; the Israel-Hamas war; Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s ex-husband is arrested following an incident between the two; Hunter Biden attends congressional committee meeting about his contempt of congress: U.S. regulators approve ETFs investing in Bitcoin; House Speaker Mike Johnson under fire for spending deal; Houthi Red Sea attacks; and the Aaron Rodgers–Pat McAfee-ESPN relationship were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Compass Media Networks promotes of Robert Blum to vice president of affiliate sales for sports & news/talk programming. Blum comments, “It is a privilege to work with over 1,200 news/talk/sports affiliates and our awesome array of talent and sports partners. The best part of my job is the meaningful friendships that I have been fortunate enough to build over the years. The best is yet to come.”
Donald Trump’s attorneys argue presidential immunity before DC appeals court; the 2024 presidential race and tonight’s Nikki Haley–Ron DeSantis debate; Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization controversy; the U.S. migrant crisis and the move to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas; the aftermath of Boeing’s 747 Max 9 door plug incident; the Israel-Hamas war; 2023 hottest year on record report; the Jeffrey Epstein list and the related Jimmy Kimmel–Aaron Rodgers spat; and the winter weather affecting much of the Eastern and Southern U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
According to the Times-Free Press, Brewer Media is committed to selling sports talk WALV-FM “ESPN Chattanooga” and FM translator W295BI at 106.9 to Lakeland, Florida-based Radio Training Network for $900,000. Brewer sold two other signals to American Family Association in 2021. Company VP Kira Brewer Headlee tells the paper, “Just like any other business, we have to evaluate our operations and make upgrades and changes in our missions.” The company is also planning to move from its current downtown Chattanooga office space to a smaller space in East Brainerd. See the Times-Free Press story here.
iHeartMedia announces that its iHeartPodcast Awards will take place live and in-person during the SXSW Conference and Festivals in Austin at the Fairmont Hotel on Monday, March 11 at 8:00 pm CT.
The awards “honor the best and most innovative industry podcasts and creators of 2023.” The ceremony will broadcast live on select iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide, through the iHeartRadio app and via a video stream in partnership with YouTube on iHeartRadio’s YouTube Channel. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne comments, “Each year we look forward to celebrating the podcast industry’s most groundbreaking and innovative voices as the medium continues to evolve and explode. Over the past few years, SXSW has become a dynamic and effective setting for us to host many of our interactive podcast panels, discussions, and experiences. There’s no better location to bring this celebratory industry event back, live and in person, than Austin at South by Southwest.”
Cumulus Media announces that Westwood One’s daily news magazine program, “America in the Morning,” is joining the Cumulus Podcast Network. The John Trout-hosted program presents “up-to-the-
minute news reports from around the country and across the globe, with the latest overnight developments in business, breaking news, politics, sports, entertainment, and weather.” This year, “America in the Morning” celebrates its 40th anniversary and adds the “America in the Morning” podcast to its distribution. The program was originally hosted by the late Jim Bohannon beginning in 1984. He hosted the show through December of 2015, when Trout took over. The show has been recognized multiple times as Best News Magazine by the New York Festivals Radio Awards, and John Trout is a two-time recipient of the Achievement in Radio Award.
The Broadcasters Foundation of America will honor two-time, Emmy-winning anchor of “Inside Edition” and 23-year member of the Broadcasters Foundation board of directors Deborah Norville with the 2024 Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award. The Award is given annually to an
individual who has made invaluable contributions to the television and radio industries and will be presented to Norville during the Golden Mic gala and fundraiser on March 4 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. BFoA chair Scott Herman says, “Deborah is an accomplished broadcaster who has selflessly given a tremendous amount of time and energy to the Broadcasters Foundation. She has led the way on several initiatives, including using her talents on the Foundation’s video and serving as host of the Golden Mic Award gala numerous times. It is our privilege to honor Deborah’s achievements and contributions to broadcasting.” For more information or to reserve a seat or table at the Golden Mic Award gala and fundraiser, please contact the Broadcasters Foundation at 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.
Today’s oral arguments before an appeals court over former President Donald Trump’s claim of immunity from prosecution in the 2020 election interference case; the presidential election race; the aftermath of the Boeing 747 Max 9 door plug incident; the Israel-Hamas war; the release of the Jeffrey Epstein documents; Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hiding his illness and hospitalization; Pope Francis calls for international ban on surrogate motherhood; and Sunday evening’s Golden Globes awards were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
On Sunday (1/7) Audacy, Inc entered into a restructuring support agreement (RSA) with a supermajority of its debtholders on the terms of a comprehensive restructuring that the company says will “significantly deleverage its balance sheet and further position Audacy for long-term growth.” Through the restructuring, Audacy and its debtholders will undertake a deleveraging transaction to equitize approximately $1.6 billion of funded debt, a reduction of 80% from approximately $1.9 billion to approximately $350 million. The company does not expect any operational impact from the restructuring, and trade and other unsecured creditors will not be impaired. To implement the deleveraging transaction contemplated in the RSA, Audacy and certain of its subsidiaries commenced prepackaged Chapter 11
proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas and has filed a proposed Plan of Reorganization that incorporates the terms of the RSA and is subject to approval by the Court. Under the terms of the RSA, a supermajority of debtholders committed to vote in favor of the Plan, which, when approved, will reduce Audacy’s funded debt from approximately $1.9 billion to approximately $350 million. Audacy’s debtholders will receive equity in reorganized Audacy. Audacy expects that the Court will hold a hearing to consider the approval of the Plan in February and to emerge from bankruptcy once regulatory approval is obtained from the Federal Communications Commission. Audacy has filed with the Court a series of customary “First Day Motions” to obtain Court authority for the Company to continue operating its business in the ordinary course without disruption to its advertisers, vendors, partners or employees. Audacy expects to operate normally during this restructuring process under its current leadership team. During the Chapter 11 process, certain of Audacy’s existing lenders have committed to provide $57 million in debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) financing, comprised of $32 million of a new term loan and a $25 million upsize of the Company’s existing accounts receivables financing facility from $75 million to $100 million. Subject to the Court’s approval, the DIP financing and the Company’s cash from operations and available reserves is expected to enable Audacy to fulfill commitments to employees, advertisers, partners and vendors. Audacy common stock will continue to trade over-the-counter under the symbol “AUDA” through the pendency of the Chapter 11 process. The shares are expected to be canceled and receive no distribution as part of Audacy’s restructuring. Audacy chairman, president and CEO David J. Field states, “Over the past few years, we have strategically transformed Audacy into a leading, scaled multi-platform audio content and entertainment company through our acquisition of CBS Radio and by building leading complementary positions in podcasting, audio networks, live events, digital marketing solutions and our direct-to-consumer streaming platform. While our transformation has enhanced our competitive position, the perfect storm of sustained macroeconomic challenges over the past four years facing the traditional advertising market has led to a sharp reduction of several billion dollars in cumulative radio ad spending. These market factors have severely impacted our financial condition and necessitated our balance sheet restructuring. With our scaled leadership position, our uniquely differentiated premium audio content and a robust capital structure, we believe Audacy will emerge well positioned to continue its innovation and growth in the dynamic audio business.”
The 2024 presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization mystery; the Israel-Gaza war; Israel’s strikes on Hamas leaders abroad and the ISIS terror bombing in Iran; the Epstein files fallout; the looming government shutdown deadline; the police investigation of the altercation between Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and her ex-husband; and the in-flight fuselage break of a Boeing 737 Max 9 were some of the most-talked-about stories over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
WNRI-AM, Woonsocket, Rhode Island midday talk show host John DePetro is back on the radio after
recovering from prostate cancer surgery last month. DePetro openly discussed his medical condition with listeners, who have applauded him for the right attitude and shining a spotlight on a difficult subject. DePetro says, “I want to thank the incredible outpouring of prayers and support from listeners, and the tremendous team at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Cancer-free in 2024 and it feels great.”
Today (1/5), Podtrac releases its chart of the Top U.S. Podcasts for December 2023 based on Unique U.S. Monthly Audience. Rising three places to the #1 spot is NPR’s “NPR News Now,” followed by The
New York Times’ “The Daily” at #2 and NPR’s “Up First” at #3. News/talk radio-related podcasts finishing in the top 20 include DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show,” down one place to #9, Dan Bongino’s “The Dan Bongino Show” steady at #11, and FOX Audio Network’s “The FOX News Hourly Update” up one place to #15. See the full chart here.
The 2024 presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the state of the U.S. economy, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis and the related move by House Republicans to impeach Biden administration Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas 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.
Salem Media Group agrees to sell Regnery Publishing to Skyhorse Publishing. Salem acquired the company that was founded in 1947 by Henry Regnery in 2014. Salem COO David Evans says, “We are thrilled to pass the torch of the oldest and most respected conservative publishing company in America to free speech advocate Tony Lyons and his incredibly successful Skyhorse Publishing. Salem is committed to the dissemination of conservative ideas and is excited that Skyhorse will both be a powerful steward of this important brand and an engine for its future growth.”