Industry News

Bob Kevoian Returns to Bob & Tom; Promotes Cancer Podcast

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Pictured above is Bob Kevoian (second from left), former co-host of “The BOB & TOM Show,” reunited with Tom Griswold (third from left) and the rest of the nationally syndicated program’s cast. Kevoian retired from the show in 2015 and returned to share his experiences in the wake of a gastric cancer diagnosis and his new podcast, “The Bob and Cancer Show.” In the podcast’s first episodes, Bob and co-hosts Becky Kevoian and Whit Grayson discuss the initial shock and numbness that came with the diagnosis, and then follow up with ways to stay positive and fight cancer with food, as they discuss the importance of setting goals and working to achieve them, while embracing uncertainty.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The intense smoke and haze blanketing much of the East from wildfires in Quebec; the 2024 presidential race and former Vice President Mike Pence’s CNN Town Hall; the Justice Department informs former President Donald Trump that he’s the target of a federal investigation into the mishandling of classified documents; the stalemate between far-right House Republicans and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy; CNN parts ways with chief executive Chris Licht after a little more than a year; the Russia-Ukraine war and the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam allegedly by the Russians; and the controversial partnership of PGA Tour and LIV Golf were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WFLI, Chattanooga Flips to News/Talk

Tri-State Radio’s WFLI-AM/W262DQ launches a news/talk/sports format, flipping back to spoken-word from the classic hits format it’s been airing. The station’s lineup includes a simulcast of WTVC-TV’s “Good Morning Chattanooga” from 4:30 am to 7:00 am, followed by the syndicated “Rick & Bubba” show from 7:00 am to 10:00 am. Real estate expert Del Walmsleyim hosts “Lifestyles Unlimited” from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, followed by Premiere Networks’ “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, “The Sean Hannity Show” from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Outkick’s “Hot Mic” with Chad Withrow and Jonathan Hutton from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tri-State Radio president Evan Stone says, “We felt like there was a void for more regional and local news, talk and sports – that was the motivation behind putting this lineup together. The ability to add the two biggest shows in conservative talk in Hannity and Clay and Buck was a no-brainer. It’s hard to find a bigger name in news talk than Sean Hannity and Clay Travis with his connection to the state of Tennessee… aligns us very well for success. Throughout the day we’ll feature local and regional newscasts and sportscasts every hour.”

Industry News

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

Mike Pence and Chris Christie officially enter the GOP primary race for president in 2024; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the GOP lawmakers turning against House Speaker Kevin McCarthy over the debt ceiling deal; the transportation of migrants from Florida to Sacramento and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s threats against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis; the investigation into the Biden family’s finances and the removal of IRS whistleblowers from the case; the ongoing pushback against LGBTQ activism; the devastating flood resulting from Russia’s alleged destruction of Ukraine’s Kakhova dam; and the air quality over much of the Eastern U.S. due to wildfires in Quebec were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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TuneIn Offers Free Digital Transmission to AM Radio Stations

Audio content aggregator TuneIn is offering FCC-licensed AM broadcasters in the U.S. access to its analytics service Amplifier and increase the sound quality of their digital broadcasts for free with TuneIn On-Air. The company says, “With the accessibility of terrestrial radio on the decline, from electric vehicles without receivers to smart home systems that rely entirely on digitallyim streaming content, the industry is at a critical crossroads. TuneIn On Air digitally optimizes the reach of audio content to over 30 million TuneIn users across the country. Accessibility of AM content also increases to over 200 connected devices that partner with TuneIn, including, but not limited to, Amazon Alexa; Google Home; Sonos and Bose speakers; all iPhones and Android-based phones; and Tesla, Fisker and VinFast electric vehicle integrations.” TuneIn CEO Rich Stern adds, “The future of AM Radio is on the top of all of our minds. TuneIn is committed to helping AM radio thrive in the digital world. It offers such a vast and rich library of audio programming that is integral to millions of Americans’ daily lives. Offering AM broadcasters the opportunity to digitize through TuneIn On Air for free is one way we can build a brighter future together.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/5) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The 2024 presidential race and Mike Pence and Chris Christie join the GOP primary race; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the investigation into the Biden family’s finances and the House Oversight Committee’s unfulfilled request for information from the FBI; the consumer backlash against Anheuser-Busch and Target for its LGBTQ-friendly marketing plans; the status of CNN CEO Chris Licht in the wake of a profile piece about him published in The Atlantic; Ukraine accuses Russia of destroying the Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power station; immigration and the transporting of migrants from Florida to Sacramento; and GOP presidential candidate and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott’s appearance on “The View” were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Lives Up to High Expectations

For 10 exciting hours on Friday, June 2, Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York became the center of the talk media universe as some 250 professional broadcasters and dedicated students of communications gathered to hear more than 60 speakers in addition to networking with each other at TALKERS 2023. It was the 26th annual installment of the talk show field’s longest running and most important national conference. Speakers included such luminaries as WABC, New York/Red Apple Media CEO, John CatsimatidisNewsmax Media CEO, 

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Christopher RuddyConnoisseur Media CEO, Jeff Warshaw; KBLA Talk 1580, Los Angeles CEO (and Freedom of Speech Award recipient) Tavis SmileySound Mind, LLC CEO (and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient) Kraig T. Kitchin; and WDUN, Gainesville, GA talk show host (and Woman of the Year recipient) Martha Zoller. There was a special, exclusive video appearance by iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman. The iconic conference included panel discussions addressing such topics as programming news/talk and sports talk radio, podcasting, generating revenue, artificial intelligence in broadcasting, navigating a talk show hosting career, AM radio and automobiles, the challenges facing the ratings process, and the future of technology and media. Speakers included major talk show hosts, program directors, brand managers, agents, syndicators and radio station owners. Look for extensive stories and photos from the conference in TALKERS over the next days and weeks including full video coverage of every speech, panel and presentation. All of us at TALKERS are grateful to the talk media industry for making TALKERS 2023 a tremendous success!

Industry News

Flaherty and Borselle Rise at WBZ-AM, Boston

iHeartMedia all-news WBZ-AM, Boston announces that Bill Flaherty is being promoted to director of programming and operations and Jay Borselle rises to news director, effective July 1. Flaherty takes over for Rob Sanchez – current program director and vice president of news, talkim and sports – who will transition into an innovation-focused consultant role at the end of June. iHeartMedia Boston SVP of programming Dylan Sprague comments, “Rob’s imvision has helped guide ‘WBZ NewsRadio’ towards becoming a digitally focused news organization. I’m glad that he will continue to be a part of our organization as he moves into the next part of his career.” Sprague adds, “Bill’s experience paired with his shared vision of the future makes him the obvious choice to succeed Rob as programim director. Jay is a consummate professional with a strong connection to the community, and we are thrilled to have him to lead our newsroom. I couldn’t be more excited about where ‘WBZ NewsRadio’ is headed with Bill and Jay at the helm.” Flaherty states, “I am excited to work with the best news staff in the business as we keep finding ways to make innovative changes to live local news. WBZ NewsRadio is combining its strong signal with an impactful social media presence to bring news and storytelling to people of all ages,” said Bill Flaherty.

Industry News

Fred Toucher Returns to “98.5 The Sports Hub” and Reveals Detox Stint

Morning drive personality Fred Toucher was back on the air on Friday (6/2) on Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” after missing the first four days of the week and told his listeners that he checked himself into a detox facility on May 28 to deal with his alcohol issues. CBS News Boston reports that Toucher explained on air, “I was voluntarilyim locking myself up so I wouldn’t drink anymore, so I knew I wouldn’t drink. That’s how I felt like, I was like, all right, I’ve lost control, I’ve lost control of alcohol, I’ve lost control, I’m not thinking like me, I need to make sure that I’m in a position where I do not have the opportunity to drink. Was it fun? It was the worst five days of my entire life.” Toucher says he intends to continue the outpatient therapy treatments. “The setup I have right now is by far the most gnarly setup I’ve had. I’m talking about like four hours a day of intense therapy for alcohol and intense therapy for anxiety… Got out yesterday morning and immediately went to an outpatient facility, then went to a therapist. Right after the show today, I’m going back to that outpatient facility. So, I’m taking this recovery very, very seriously.” Read the CBS News story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The 2024 presidential race and the expected entrance of Mike Pence and Chris Christie into the GOP primary race; the near collision of Chinese and U.S. warships in the Taiwan Strait; President Joe Biden’s fitness for office after his latest fall; the crash of a private plane in Virginia that prompted U.S. jet fighters to intercept it after it violated restricted DC airspace; LGBTQ activism and the blowback against Anheuser-Busch over the Bud Light-Dylan Mulvaney promotion; the expected release of a “mixed reality” headset at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference this week; and the deadly Indian train wreck were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media this weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

The 2023 Heavy Hundred to Be Published on June 14

The TALKERS magazine editorial board announces that the 2023 edition of its annual feature the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – also known as the Heavy Hundred – will be published on Wednesday, June 14. This annual ranking of talk radio hosts is undertaken by TALKERS editors, with inputim from industry leaders, and is based on a combination of hard and soft factors including courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, ratings, recognition, revenue, service, talent, and uniqueness. Candidates for the Heavy Hundred must be working a regularly scheduled professional show on the air at a minimum of one terrestrial or satellite radio station at the time of publication. TALKERS magazine executive editor Kevin Casey says, “This feature remains one of the most challenging undertakings for the editors. There are so many quality talk radio hosts working at stations in major markets all the way down to the smallest outlets serving intimate communities. Winnowing that field to the ‘100 most important’ is very difficult, but it is a challenge we take very seriously. We’re excited to publish this year’s Heavy Hundred and to congratulate those fine hosts who’ve made the list.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of May 29-June 2

The negotiations between the White House and Republicans in congress to approve an extension of the debt ceiling was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the 2024 presidential race, including the expected entrance of Mike Pence and Chris Christie into the GOP primary race, followed by the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine, it is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

Status of WBZ-FM, Boston’s Fred Toucher Unknown

On Wednesday’s program, WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” morning drive host Rich Shertenlieb spoke about the absence of co-host Fred Toucher on this week’s programs after Toucher’s concerning social media posts last weekend. Those posts have since been deleted but they made references to wishing to die. Shertenlieb told listeners that their desire to know what’s going on with Toucher is understandable but that hisim hands are tied as anything he could say has to be approved by management. The Boston Globe reports that Shertenlieb said, “The last time he was out for an extended period, I gave an update and was gently asked for a lot of different reasons that any statement regarding him has to be approved by management. There have been statements that have been submitted, some have been approved, some haven’t been. It just turns into asking, ‘What can I say? What can I say?’ Listen, no one wants to be in this position. Fred doesn’t want to be in this position, the station doesn’t want to be in this position, I certainly don’t want to be in this position, but as of now, all I’ve been approved to tell you, because you’re such great listeners and we love you, is that he’s not here today, I’m not sure exactly when he’ll be back, but I’ve been a friend of Fred’s for years and I hope the best for him.” Read the Boston Globe story here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (5/31) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The U.S. House passes legislation to suspend the debt ceiling for two years; former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie plan to enter the GOP primary race with announcements next week; special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into former President Donald Trump’s attempts to remain in office and the issues surrounding Trump’s possession of classified documents; the drone attacks on Russian targets and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war; the pushback against LGBTQ activism; NASA to hold hearing on UFOs; and actor Danny Masterson is convicted of two counts of rape among top news/talk media stories yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Westwood One: Audio Personalities Highly Effective Connection to Listeners

This week’s blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group reveals data from studies indicating that audio personalities – both AM/FM and podcast hosts – are highly effective in connecting listeners to advertisers. According to Jacobs Media Techsurvey 2023, DJs/hosts/shows are the main reasonim for listening for 60% of consumers. According to a study by MARU/Matchbox, there are a number of reasons listeners gravitate to AM/FM. First is comedic relief: 90% strongly or somewhat agree that their favorite DJs make them laugh. Second is local feel: 73% say personalities understand what makes my city/town unique. And third is thought-provoking: 64% agree that they make them think.  Additionally, Magna and Vox Media surveyed 2,028 weekly podcast listeners and asked, “Whose influence matters most?” A stunning 75% cited podcast hosts while only 15% named social media influencers or TV/movie celebrities (10%). See the complete blog post here.

Industry News

Triton Digital Releases April Streaming Rankers

Triton Digital publishes its latest ranking of digital audio publishers for April of 2023, based on Average Active Sessions (AAS can be calculated by dividing Total Listening Hours by the number of hours within the reported time period). iHeartRadio remains the #1 streaming publisher in the U.S. (299,103 AAS), followed by NPRim Member Stations at #2 (75,116 AAS), and Audacy at #3 (66,485 AAS). Cumulus Streaming Network is ranked #4 (40,662 AAS). Beasley Broadcasting Corporate is #6 (19,040 AAS), followed by Hubbard Broadcasting at #8 (14,953 AAS), Urban One at #10 (9,743 AAS), and Salem Communications at #12 (8,297 AAS). See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (5/30) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The debt ceiling deal works its way through congress; the 2024 presidential race and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visits Iowa; global AI leaders call for regulation of AI development to limit possibility of mistakes; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the strained U.S.-China relationship and the countries’ interdependent economies; Ukraine attacks Moscow in ongoing Russia-Ukraine war; UK politicians work to control the country’s soaring inflation; a mob attacks three U.S. Marines in San Clemente, California; and the Los Angeles Dodgers-Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence flap were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Audacy Shareholders Approve Reverse Stock Split

Audacy filed a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday (5/26) that details the actions taken during the company’s annual shareholders meeting on May 24. Among the actions shareholders approved was the “approval of an amendment to the company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to permit the company to effect a reverse stock split of its outstanding Class A and Class Bim Common Stock, at a ratio with a range between one-for-two and one-for-30, subject to and as determined by a committee appointed by the board of directors.” This action comes after Audacy received notice from the New York Stock Exchange that it is commencing proceedings to delist the company’s Class A Common Stock from the exchange due to Audacy’s stock reaching “an abnormally low selling price.” Trading of Audacy’s Class A Common Stock was halted on May 16 after the share price fell about 12% to $0.09 per share. Now, the NYSE will apply to the Securities and Exchange Commission to delist the company’s common stock pending completion of applicable procedures. Trading of Audacy’s common stock on the NYSE is suspended but the common stock will continue to be able to be traded over the counter. With the value of Audacy’s Class A Common Stock at less than $0.10 per share, the reverse stock split would have to be at least more than a 1-for-10 split in order for the share price to be over $1.00 per share.

Industry News

The Weekend’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reach an agreement over the debt ceiling; the 2024 presidential race and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ entrance into the GOP primary; the legal issues facing former President Donald Trump; drone strikes hit Moscow in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war; the Memorial Day holiday weekend and the spate of shootings that took place over the three days; the Texas legislature votes to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton; Target, Bud Light, and the backlash against LGBTQ activism were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Promises to Be a Talk Media Historical Video Goldmine

In many ways, TALKERS 2023 will be the setting for a historical video documentary capturing the state of talk media at one of its most colorful and critical junctures. The 26th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important gathering set for Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island is officially sold out. But for those who cannot attend – fear not! The entire event will be captured on video and posted shortly after the event on the TALKERS website as well as other major industry platforms. TALKERS has once again contracted the services of the radio industry’s legendary videographer and historian – Art Vuolo of Vuolo Video – who will capture all sessions and addresses for posting and posterity. In addition, the ace Hofstra student broadcasting staff of the famous Lawrence Herbert School of Communication will be video recording interviews with as many of the conference’s attending luminaries as possible – also for posting and posterity. The TALKERS conventions are treasure troves of memories and insights for history. In order to comply with health and comfort considerations and maintain the intimate, qualitative environment for which this event is known, the absolute registration cutoff point was reached earlier this week. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “Industry professionals who have attended the TALKERS Conference in the past enjoy it and find it to be a valuable experience for a number of reasons beyond the remarkable quality of the speakers and pertinence of the agenda. They appreciate the intimacy of the environment and outstanding ‘who’s who’ in talk media makeup of their fellow attendees. We work diligently to keep this event within those parameters. It is only open to people who work within or are associated in some way with the talk media industry – there is no online open registration – and it all happens within one power-packed day with absolutely no down time.” More than 65 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a content-heavy day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. All in a beautiful indoor/outdoor state-of-the-art environment conducive to one-on-one conversations. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison adds, “People attend this seminar not only to see and hear the speakers… they come to meet them and each other as well! This event offers that opportunity.” The entire agenda of events at TALKERS 2023 will be video recorded and posted for world-wide viewing at a later date. Some sponsorship opportunities still exist. See more about the agenda, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

PodcastOne to Host Adam Carolla Pay-Per-View Event

PodcastOne is producing a live, pay-per-view event starring its leading podcast talent Adam Carolla. The June 4 show titled, “Adam Carolla & Friends,” airs at 9:30 pm ET from the Belly Up Tavern outside of San Diego and features Carolla plus comics Brad Williams, Kimbles Hume and other special guests. PodcastOneim says that in 2020, “Carolla made history when he partnered with LiveOne and PodcastOne for a livestream event that garnered an impressive 1.1 million views.”  PodcastOne president Kit Gray comments, “We are excited that PodcastOne and LiveOne have partnered with Adam to produce and distribute Adam’s very first headlining pay-per-view event. Very few comedians are as entertaining in an intimate club environment as Adam. Each show he performs is unique and tailored and to be able to bring this to a worldwide audience exemplifies how we’re able to create opportunities for our podcast hosts outside of the traditional audio driven mediums.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of May 22-26

The official, glitchy Twitter announcement of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ bid for the GOP nomination for 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 negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders over the debt ceiling, followed by the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

“98.9 WORD” to Host Immigration Broadcasts from U.S.-Mexico Border

Audacy news/talk WYRD-FM, Greenville, South Carolina “98.9 WORD” is presenting a two-day, live special from Yuma, Arizona at the U.S.-Mexico border in partnership with Americans for Prosperity on May 30 and 31 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET. The programs are being moderated by WORD afternoon drive host Charlieim James. The focus on illegal immigration will feature local and national law enforcement officials, along with local community leaders and migrants in answering questions about recent developments, technology advancements, cross-border traffic control systems, border and citizen security, quality of life in the border region, and economic opportunities. James comments, “On this trip, we’re ripping up the talking points and bringing you actual observations and conversations with those directly affected by the crisis at our southern border. I look forward to delivering these real-time moments to the WORD audience.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (5/24) Top News/Talk Stories

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces his bid for the White House via a glitchy Twitter event; the negotiations between President Joe Biden and congressional leaders over the debt ceiling; IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley removed from the Hunter Biden investigation goes public; Microsoft IDs Chinese hackers targeting U.S. infrastructure; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; Target pulls some Pride merchandise after blowback; and music legend Tina Turner dies at 83 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Beasley’s Deal with Waymark Brings AI Video Ads to Local Radio Markets

Beasley Media Group enters into an agreement with Waymark to use its generative AI technology to provide local advertisers with “high-quality commercials with professional voice-over in five minutes or less.” Beasley will roll out the technology across its 12 markets. The press release says, “The Waymark partnership givesim Beasley Media Group the advantage of offering their local advertising partners instant and affordable video creative that overcomes traditional barriers to video advertising… The pact with Beasley Media Group is Waymark’s first major step into radio, following recent national video deals with both Spectrum Reach and Gray Television stations. With imthe rise of connected TV and free ad-supported streaming TV channels, this opens a host of new marketing opportunities for local advertisers. Beasley’s local sales teams are already using Waymark to win small business clients by providing customized sample creative for CTV and digital opportunities.” Beasley Media Group VP of operations Kevin Rich comments, “Local advertisers are looking for more effective and cost-efficient ways to stand out and attract customers across multiple media platforms. Our partnership with Waymark allows us to help local advertisers accomplish this goal and maximize the audience that will see and hear their message.”

Industry News

Blake Fulton Named President for iHeartMedia Alabama Markets

iHeartMedia promotes Blake Fulton to market president for the Alabama markets of Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Huntsville. Fulton has been serving with the company as a regional SVP of sales. iHeartMedia Midsouth Area president Ronnie Bloodworth says, “Blake will bring his energy and leadership skills to our teams andim help serve our clients, listeners and communities to be the best in the industry. I’m excited for the future.” Fulton comments, “The plan and vision the leadership team at iHeartMedia shared with me, along with the wildly talented teams in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa, has me beyond excited about the days ahead. I can’t wait to collaborate, both internally and externally, to develop market leading content and drive results for the thriving business communities in these three amazing markets.”

Industry News

Brian McGhee Named Director of Sales for Urban One in DC

Urban One brings Brian McGhee aboard as director of sales for its Washington, DC station group that includes urban talk WOL-AM and four music brands, effective June 20. McGhee comes to Urban One fromim Townsquare Media where he was market president and general manager for its Rockford, Illinois station group. Urban One regional VP & general manager Jeffery Wilson Sr. says, “Brian has a track record of taking leadership, customer service, and community service to the highest levels, while working with his teams to reinvent themselves. That’s how we do things at Radio One-DC.  We’re thrilled to welcome Brian as we craft historic success on the horizon.”

Industry News

Spotify Tops Edison Research Top Podcast Networks Chart

Edison Research releases its latest ranking of the Top Podcast Networks in the U.S. based on total network reach for Q4 2022 – Q1 2023 among weekly podcast listeners age 13+. They are ranked by the reach of theim producer or network that represents the advertising for the show, not the platform or app that the listener uses to access the podcast. For this period, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast Network, and iHeartRadio take the top three spots, respectively. Other commercial radio-related networks making this ranker include: Audacy (#8), Cumulus Podcast Network (#10), The Ramsey Network(#25), and Blaze Podcast Network (#28).

Industry News

WTOP-FM, Washington Wins Regional Murrow Award

Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington takes home a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award from the RTDNA in the Breaking News Category for its coverage of the Roe v. Wade decision.  WTOP director of newsim and programming Julia Ziegler says, “This award is one that we really won as team for our collective work as journalists committed to making a difference in our community. We are so honored to be recognized with this regional Edward R. Murrow award.” WTOP now advances to the national round of the competition where it will compete against regional winners from across the country.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (5/23) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders over the debt ceiling; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expected to announce presidential bid with Elon Musk via Twitter; Ford announces it will keep AM radio available in 2024 models; anti-Putin Russians attack Russia’s Belgorod region from positions in Ukraine;  the surgeon general issues a report warning of the dangers of social media for children; Donald Trump’s legal battles; and South Carolina legislature approves six-week abortion ban were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WBZ-AM, Boston Takes Home Four Regional Murrow Awards

iHeartMedia Boston’s all-news WBZ-AM wins four Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the RTDNA in the categories of Excellence in Innovation, Breaking News Coverage, Best Newscast, and Excellence in Sound. Inim 2022, WBZ NewsRadio won three Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence Breaking News Coverage, Best Newscast and Continuing Coverage. WBZ NewsRadio director of operations Bill Flaherty comments, “To be singled out in these important categories is such an honor. I couldn’t be prouder of our team and the hard work they put in over the past year.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (5/22) Top News/Talk Stories

The negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders over the debt ceiling; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the 2024 presidential race and the entrance of Senator Tim Scott into the GOP primary; reports that a second IRS whistleblower has been removed from the Hunter Biden investigation; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis versus the LGBTQ community; the three-state pact to reduce use of water from the Colorado River; and the NBA and NHL playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.