The most discussed stories yesterday (7/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Audacy has entered into a deal with SiriusXM to bring 42 of its sports talk, all-news and news/talk stations from 29 markets to the satellite radio platform. The first group of stations to be available on SiriusXM are 23 sports talk outlets, including WFAN, New York; WSCR, Chicago; WIP, Philadelphia and more. All-news and news/talk stations – including WINS, New York; WBBM, Chicago;
and KCBS, San Francisco – will become available “later this year.” Audacy CEO and president Kelli Turner states, “Audacy’s sports brands are deeply connected to the cities, teams and fan communities they serve, and being able to extend our reach nationally through SiriusXM is a natural fit. We look forward to working together with 
SiriusXM to bring our outstanding talent and content to sports fans and news and talk listeners wherever they are, providing our audiences with more ways to stay connected to the conversations that matter most to them.” SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein adds, “We also recognize the unique role local personalities play in connecting fans with their teams every day. By adding Audacy’s extensive lineup of sports stations, we’re making those trusted hometown voices available to fans wherever they are across North America. Together, we’re delivering an even more complete audio experience – bringing live games, premier national sports talk, and hometown conversations together in one place.”
Red Apple Audio Networks’ Worldwide News Network announces entry into its first European market as it begins a distribution partnership with BLR, a Germany leading radio news and content syndicator based in Garching near Munich. Worldwide News Network’s top- and bottom-of-the-hour newscasts and special reports are now available to German broadcasters. Red Apple
CEO John Catsimatidis states, “Audiences around the globe deserve the facts about what is going on in our world and that is why we created the Worldwide News Network. We’re delighted to partner with BLR and look forward to working with them as we continue to expand our reach into more European markets and around the world.” Worldwide News Network SVP of news and programming Lee Harris comments, “Expanding beyond the U.S. is an important milestone for Worldwide News Network. We’re excited to partner with BLR to bring an authentic American perspective on world events. This is the first step in building an international network of partners who value trusted, high-quality radio journalism.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Last week, Cumulus Media announced its new deal with Xperi to use its DTS AutoStage service to get “near–census-level insights into in-car radio consumption.” DTS AutoStage is reporting in-car AM/FM radio audiences in more than 300 local U.S. markets from 6 million vehicles and Cumulus Media | Westwood One says in what is a first for the radio industry, the new data includes overnight ratings in all 300 markets. So, what does this mean?
The key takeaways include: 1) AM/FM radio’s “big data” moment has arrived with massive sample sizes that grow each month: TV has long had cable set top data and smart TV data to generate large samples of tuning data. It’s now radio’s turn! Just like cable set top data, there are no demographics but all markets have large samples. Overall, sample sizes are 5-10X bigger than current ratings samples; 2) Overnight ratings in over 300 markets: In an industry first, every market now has audience shares from yesterday. See your station’s daily audience trends refreshed each day; 3) All listening occurs with humans present: 25% of TV viewing occurs to an empty room but AM/FM radio listening in traveling vehicles always has humans present!; 4) Large samples mean stable listening trends: In all sized markets and for all sized stations, daily share trends are stable and consistent; and 5) AM/FM radio now has modern, cutting edge, timely measurement, which does not rely on a consumer’s memory or require a consumer to do something (like wear a gizmo). See the Audio Active Group blog post here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
On this evening’s edition (7/20) of FOX News Channel’s “Hannity,” Sean Hannity will conduct the first exclusive interview with
Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), sister of late Senator Lindsey Graham. FNC says, “During the interview Senator Graham will reflect on her brother’s legacy, the shared values that shaped their family and upbringing and her decision to carry on his public service representing the people of South Carolina following his passing.”
Rapper Lil Wayne and WFAN, New York afternoon sports talk host Craig Carton are teaming up for a new, weekly video podcast titled, “The Joint Venture Show.” Produced by Magilla
Entertainment, it debuts on Wednesday (7/22) on YouTube and other podcast platforms. Carton comments, “There’s nothing better than swapping takes with Wayne on sports, pop culture and a whole host of other topics. ‘The Joint Venture Show’ gives us a great excuse to keep doing what we’ve been doing for years, while also having some famous friends stop by and chop it up with us. There’s no better job in the world.” See the Music Universe story here.
Saga Communications announces the promotion of Paul O’Malley 
to SVP of revenue development after having served as president and general manager for the company’s Charleston, South Carolina cluster for the past eight years. O’Malley says, “I’m honored by the opportunity to help lead Saga’s next phase of growth by developing innovative revenue strategies, strengthening client partnerships, and working alongside our exceptional fulfillment partners and corporate team.”
The most discussed stories over the weekend (7/18-19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The asset purchase agreement recently filed with the FCC 
indicates that St. Louis-based Hoffman Media Group will pay Audacy $20 million for its six-station cluster that includes news/talk stations KMOX-AM/FM, KFTK-FM, and four music outlets. Hoffman Media Group is a subsidiary of Hoffman Family Companies and recently acquired the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/13-17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Beasley Media Group promotes Jose Alberto Roldan to head of technology and infrastructure. In this newly created position, Roldan will oversee the company’s technology strategy, information technology operations, infrastructure, cybersecurity, 
and enterprise systems. Beasley says Roldan, who most recently served as vice president of IT, joined Beasley Media Group in 2019 and has played an instrumental role in modernizing the company’s technology environment, enhancing cybersecurity, improving operational efficiency, and advancing strategic technology initiatives across the organization. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Jose has been an exceptional leader and trusted member of our technology team since joining Beasley Media Group. His expertise, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to innovation have helped strengthen our technology infrastructure and position the company for continued growth. We are pleased to recognize his many contributions with this well-deserved promotion.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Yesterday (7/14), broadcasters from 31 states, along with representatives from AARP, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and local emergency managers were on Capitol Hill pushing Congress to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. According to the National Association of Broadcasters, the legislation, which would ensure AM radio remains available in new vehicles, has united an extraordinary coalition of support, including an overwhelming number of bipartisan cosponsors in Congress, 
the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump and backing from first responders, emergency managers, public safety organizations and community leaders nationwide. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “The time for Congress to act is now. Hundreds of broadcasters from across the country alongside nearly one million AM radio listeners have reached out to their members of Congress to support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and protect this essential public safety resource. We are grateful to our congressional champions who have led this bipartisan effort every step of the way. Congress has everything it needs to act. It is time to finish the job and send this bill to the president’s desk.”
Cumulus Media announces that it is the first commercial licensee to sign up for Xperi’s AutoStage Broadcaster Portal Premium, the radio audience intelligence platform that Xperi says “delivers near–census-level insights into in-car radio consumption, where the majority of radio listening occurs, providing unprecedented visibility into actual, nearly-real-time listener behavior.” Cumulus says that 
for advertisers, “the platform supports more informed media planning through observed audience behavior, large next-day samples, and market-level consumption trends, enabling more precise audience- and market-level planning and better alignment between campaigns and listening trends.” Cumulus Media president of operations Bob Walker says, “We’re proud to be the first broadcaster to deploy AutoStage Broadcaster Portal Premium as part of our broader effort to bring new sources of audience insight to radio. The platform gives us access to a level of audience intelligence that hasn’t previously been available, creating new opportunities for content creators, sales teams, and advertisers alike. The AutoStage heat maps are a particularly compelling example, visually illustrating where listening is concentrated, on an aggregated basis, relative to advertiser locations. By giving advertisers a richer understanding of audience distribution and listening trends, the platform helps them plan more effective campaigns, optimize audience-level planning, and maximize the impact of their radio investments.”
FOX Sports Radio broadcast live from last week’s American Century Celebrity Golf Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. Both “The Dan Patrick Show” and “Stugotz and Company LIVE!” broadcast live on location, covering the 37th annual star-studded tournament. Pictured above is Dan Patrick (right) interviewing Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The New York State Broadcasters Association appoints Heidi Raphael its next president and chief executive officer, succeeding longtime president and CEO David Donovan. Western New York native Raphael is currently chief communications officer for Beasley Media Group. She also served for 20 years in a similar 
role with Greater Media. NYSBA board chair Chris Musial says, “We are thrilled to welcome Heidi Raphael as the next president and CEO of the New York State Broadcasters Association. Heidi brings an exceptional combination of leadership experience, industry knowledge, and passion for broadcasting. We are confident she is the right leader to guide NYSBA into its next chapter while continuing the outstanding work David Donovan has led over the past decade and a half.”
Audacy’s sports talk KILT-AM, Houston “SportsRadio 610” recently completed its second annual “Reggie and Ron Radiothon,” raising more than $24,000 for the Houston Food Bank. Pictured (l-r) are station personalities Reggie Adetula (“In the Loop”) and Ron Hughley (“The Drive”). Station brand manager Parker Hillis says, “What we do is powerful, and our listeners jumped at the chance to rally around our station and city, which is just further proof of the impact we make for our fellow Houstonians. I’m grateful we have a team here at Audacy Houston who are committed to campaigns like this year-round.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Cumulus Media promotes John Lewis to regional vice president in which he’ll oversee the company’s stations in Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola, Florida (including news/talk WCOA-AM/FM) in 
addition to his current role overseeing the Huntsville and Chattanooga operations. Lewis comments, “I’m honored and excited to work with the Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach teams. Having spent a couple of years early in my career with Cumulus Pensacola, it’s especially meaningful to return. With outstanding teams, great brands, and a strong track record of success, I look forward to building on that momentum and helping both markets reach their full potential.”
The most discussed stories over the weekend (7/11-12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Connoisseur Media appoints Lorraine Hirsh to the newly created position of vice president of human resources. Hirsh comes to 
Connoisseur from marketing agency IMRE where she was chief people officer. Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw comments, “As we continue to grow our company, investing in our people remains one of our highest priorities. Lorraine brings an exceptional combination of strategic vision, leadership, and genuine passion for developing talent. She understands that great companies are built by great people, and her experience helping organizations strengthen their culture and invest in employee success makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We’re excited to welcome Lorraine as we continue building an environment where our employees can thrive and do their best work.”
Bonneville’s sports talk KIRO-AM “Seattle Sports” is the new Seattle home for Washington State University Athletics including Cougar Football and Men’s Basketball broadcasts. The Cougar Sports Network, managed by Playfly Sports, remains the official 
radio and digital broadcasting network for Washington State Athletics. “Seattle Sports” program director Kyle Brown says, “We’re thrilled to partner with Washington State University Athletics at such an exciting time, as the new Pac-12 takes shape and the Kirby Moore era begins. This renewed and expanded partnership allows us to deliver even more coverage for Cougar fans through enhanced on-air programming, original video content, and the Seattle Sports app.”