Industry News

Audacy Names Ed Egros to Co-Host of “BetQL Daily”

Audacy adds Ed Egros as co-host of “BetQL Daily” on the company’s BetQL Network. Egros joins co-hosts Joe Ostrowski and Erin Hawksworth on the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET show beginning April 3. BetQL Network VP Mitch Rosen says, “Ed has become a leading voice on sports betting and analytics over the course of his career and we’re pleased to add him and his perspective to our weekday ‘BetQL Daily’ program alongside Joe and Erin. Through his wealth of experience in sports reporting and analysis, Ed will provide valuable insights to our listeners as they make their betting decisions, while using his expertise to break down games, analyze players and teams, and provide valuable betting tips, strategies and Wagertainment.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of March 27-31

The indictment of former President Donald Trump by a Manhattan grand jury and the other legal battles he’s facing was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the race for the GOP nomination for the 2024 presidential contest, followed by the deadly shooting at a Nashville Christian school and the larger topic of gun control 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

Wayne Allyn Root Book Selling Well Thanks to Talk Radio

Las Vegas-based, nationally syndicated talk radio personality Wayne Allyn Root tells TALKERS magazine his latest book, The Great Patriot BUY-cott Book, is doing very well on several Amazon book charts, and he says talk radio is the main reason why. He says, “My new book is out for 48 hours and already it’s a #1 bestseller in many categories at Amazon. And to what do I credit my success at going so quickly to #1? Talk radio. In past 48 hours I’ve been a guest on 30 talk radio shows… plus of course, I’ve promoted my book on my own national radio show. Talk radio works!” Root is an ardent Donald Trump supporter who says the former president linked to his recent opinion piece titled, “Democrats Want to Indict & Arrest President Trump. They Want a War? Let’s Give it to Them” in one of his recent posts on Truth Social.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/29) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of the Nashville school shooting that took the lives of six; the various legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the battle for control of Bakhmut in the Russia-Ukraine war; bank regulators are grilled during a House Financial Services Committee hearing; the fire at a migrant facility in Mexico that left 38 dead; the warning from tech leaders to halt the creation of AI systems due to “profound risks to society and humanity”; Arkansas sues social media companies claiming their products are harmful to users; and protests over Israel’s plan to reboot its judicial system were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Shecterle to Lead Cox Media Group Tulsa

Longtime radio executive Mark Shecterle is named market manager for Cox Media Group’s Tulsa station group that includes news/talk KRMG-FM and three music-formatted outlets. Shecterle was most recently market manager of NRG Media’s Omaha station group. CMG Radio EVP Rob Babin says, “We’re thrilled to welcome such a talented and experienced individual to our team. Mark is an impactful leader who has a strong track record of building and developing great teams, serving the community, and delivering results. His background and experience make him a perfect match for CMG Tulsa’s high-performing team.” Shecterle comments, “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to join CMG, work with the very talented team in Tulsa, and continue the legacy of success for these powerful brands.”

Industry News

Kelly Named Digital Department Director for Woodward Radio

Wisconsin’s Woodward Radio Group (WRG) announces that it is promoting employee-owner Kaytie Kelly to director of the newly formed Digital Department, effective April 3. WRG says that in this position Kelly will lead digital content creation and digital advertising solutions for customers. WRG general manager Kelly Radandt says, “This position has been a long time coming for us here at WRG. Our audiences are consuming our brands in many different ways now. I have no doubt that Kaytie will be exceptional in this role!” Kelly comments, “I’m excited to work with our talented team to build the digital arm of Woodward. There are so many incredible opportunities that lie ahead and I can’t wait to get started!” WRG owns and operates news/talk WHBY/W292FA and sports talk WSCO-AM/W256DD in the Appleton-Oshkosh market as well as four music brands.

Industry News

Jenna Weiss-Berman Rises to EVP of Podcasts for Audacy

Audacy promotes Jenna Weiss-Berman to EVP of Podcasts, taking over for Chris Corcoran, who leaves the company to pursue other opportunities. In this role, Weiss-Berman will oversee Audacy’s podcast network and studios, including Pineapple Street Studios and Cadence13, along with strategy and development of new podcast content and distribution partnerships. She will also collaborate with programming leadership in sports and news in the growth and development of new original podcast content for podcast studio 2400Sports and across Audacy’s 28 local newsrooms in top U.S. markets. Audacy chief digital officer and president, podcast and streaming J.D. Crowley says, “As we commit to accelerating our digital growth and enhancing performance, we’re thrilled to expand Jenna’s role to further unify and streamline our content and business efforts across our leading podcast portfolio, enabling even more rapid development of new and original IP and better leveraging our talent across the entire Audacy portfolio. Jenna’s strong leadership and deep industry relationships will propel us forward on our mission to be a leading partner of audio creators, while super-serving listeners of all backgrounds and interests and enabling our sales teams to better serve our customers and partners with unique and compelling podcast opportunities.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/28) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The deadly shooting at a Christian school in Nashville and the larger topic of gun control legislation; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump and the ruling that former Vice President Mike Pence must testify before a grand jury in the DOJ’s investigation into the efforts to overturn the 2020 election; 38 migrants die in a fire at an immigration detention facility in Northern Mexico; U.S.-Taiwan-China relations as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy plans to meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in Los Angeles; the ongoing investigation into the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the U.S. banking system; the Russia-Ukraine war and debate over U.S. assistance to Ukraine; and the political upheaval in Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to over haul the judicial system were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Speakers Added to Powerful Agenda

Registration and Hotel Information Available

TALKERS 2023, the 26th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest running and largest convention is shaping up to be one of the storied event’s most important installments.  The power-packed, one-day event will be presented by TALKERS on Friday, June 2, 2023 on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “We are delighted to be able to join forces again with our colleagues at Hofstra – the site of our very successful 2022, 2021 and 2016 events – and enjoy the remarkable resources that its Lawrence Herbert School of Communication brings to the table.” As was the case last year, this event will be held in a COVID-19 compliant environment based upon the circumstances at the time of the convention. TALKERS 2023 will boldly address key issues – some existential – facing the talk radio and talk media industries at this dramatically critical juncture of rapidly accelerating technological and societal change as well as identifying the remarkable opportunities inherent in these developments. It will also provide participants with unique and powerful networking opportunities. The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $379. Take advantage of the early bird fee of $329 available until 5:00 pm ET on Friday, March 31. Because space will be limited and a sellout is anticipated, all registrations are non-refundable. You can see the list of in-person speakers and get registration and hotel information here.

Industry News

Audacy to Seek Reverse Stock Split

Audacy has filed a schedule 14a with the Securities Exchange Commission providing notice of its annual meeting of shareholders scheduled for May 24. At that meeting, shareholders will consider a number of proposals, including one to permit the board of directors to affect a reverse stock split of the company’s outstanding Class A and Class B Common Stock, at a ratio within a range between one-for-two and one-for-30. A reverse stock split reduces the number of shares that each shareholder owns but increases the value of each remaining share. Audacy says, “We are seeking shareholder approval for the authority to effectuate the reverse stock split as a means of increasing the share price of our Class A Common Stock to be at or above $1.00 per share in order to attempt to avoid delisting by the NYSE. We expect that the reverse stock split will increase the closing price per share of our Class A Common Stock to be above the $1.00 per share minimum price for the required number of days, thereby satisfying this listing requirement. However, there can be no assurance that the reverse stock split will have that effect, initially or in the future, or that it will enable us to maintain the listing of our Class A Common Stock on the NYSE. We are not aware of any present efforts by anyone to accumulate our Class A Common Stock, and the proposed reverse stock split is not intended to be an anti-takeover device.” Audacy was put on notice last August 1 that it was not in compliance with the minimum average closing price of $1.00 per share and faces delisting.

Uncategorized

Wisconsin Firm Attempting Counterpoint to Conservative Talk

A story in WisBusiness profiles the new statewide radio network in Wisconsin called Civic Media whose goal is to “offer a ‘counterpoint’ to conservative talk radio while elevating local and state-level issues.” Company CEO Sage Weil – described as “a successful software developer and a major Dem donor in the state” tells the publication that the “ongoing erosion” of local media is an obstacle that needs to be overcome. He says, “Civic Media’s mission is to refocus our attention on state and local issues, and we’re doing that by building a network across Wisconsin of hometown radio stations that are bringing as much local and state-based content to the airwaves as we possibly can.” The piece says that Civic Media has been acquiring radio stations, but it appears it is leasing at least some of them, such as WMDX-AM/W224EG, Madison “Mad Radio” which is owned by Good Karma Brands. Regardless, it is presenting programming on about a dozen stations with its eye on having about 20 stations in its network. Weil says the network is trying not to be positioned as liberal talk. “We don’t take sides as far as one political party over the other, except that our core values and mission … are around things like democracy, transparency and so on. It’s very difficult to be pro-democracy and not be voting for, you know, Democrats these days.” Read the whole story here.

Industry News

Compass Media Networks Ups Sousa to Director of Affiliate Sales

Compass Media Networks promotes Liane Sousa to the position of director of affiliate sales. New York-based Sousa joined the company in 2019 and Compass says she’ll continue to manage and affiliate content partnerships for morning shows including “DeDe in the Morning” and “Anna & Raven” as well as “The Baka Boyz” Monday – Friday show and numerous weekend mix shows. Liane has recently added “The Frank Ski Show with Nina Brown” and John Tesh’s “Intelligence For Your Life” to her portfolio. She says, “Thank you Peter, Hiram, Nancy, and Adam for your endless support and guidance. I’m so proud to be a part of Compass Media Networks’ talented team and deliver the best product lineup in our industry while serving the utmost value to our content partners and affiliates.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/27) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s rally in Waco, Texas and former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testifies in the hush money case being investigated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg; the deadly shooting at a Christian school in Nashville; the U.S. economy and the Fed’s inflation control policies; the Senate Banking Committee begins investigating the recent bank failures; U.S.-China relations; the Russia-Ukraine war and U.S. military assistance to Ukraine; protests in Israel force Benjamin Netanyahu to delay plans to overhaul Israel’s judiciary; and the protests in France over Emanuel Macron’s raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media this week, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Former Trump Supporters Issue Cease-and-Desist to FOX News

The legal team representing the former Arizona couple Ray and Robyn Epps sent a cease-and-desist letter to FOX News and FOX News Channel personality Tucker Carlson, demanding they “stop making up lies about Ray Epps and that they offer an on-air retraction.” Ray Epps (a now former supporter of Donald Trump) was at the Capitol on January 6 has been a focal point of Carlson’s January 6 show content in which Carlson has labeled Epps an undercover federal agent and a provocateur of the riots. Epps’ attorney Michael Teter says, “For years, Tucker Carlson and FOX News have targeted Ray Epps with malicious lies about his involvement in the events of January 6th. FOX News has chosen to promote fantasy over fact, exposing Ray and Robyn Epps to harassment, intimidation, and abuse. It is clear that Mr. Carlson and FOX News are uninterested in speaking the truth to their viewers… Recent revelations from the Dominion Voting lawsuit make clear that FOX News has zero qualms about lying to its viewers. The fictional story that Mr. Carlson and FOX News have told, and continue to tell, about Ray Epps is just one more example of this. It is time for Mr. Carlson and Fox News to stop the lies and to make amends.” The Epps are demanding “that Mr. Carlson and FOX News retract the claim that Mr. Epps was working for the FBI or any governmental entity when he attended the January 6th events and the claim that Mr. Epps acted as an instigator or provocateur of the insurrection. We expect that you will give the same airtime in retracting these falsehoods as you spent amplifying them. Further, Mr. Carlson and FOX News must issue a formal on-air apology for the lies you have spread about Mr. Epps.” The Epps’ are also providing notice of potential litigation regarding what they call FOX’s “defamatory conduct.”

Industry News

KBLA, Los Angeles Awards $20k to Minority Journalists

The Tavis Smiley-owned Los Angeles talk station KBLA “Talk 1580” donated $20,000 in scholarship money to the National Association of Black Journalists of Los Angeles (NABJLA) and the Minority Photo-Journalism Institute(MPJI). Smiley says, “The National Association of Black Journalists of Los Angeles and the Minority Photo-Journalism Institute are making a tangible difference in our community by helping students pursue careers in journalism and communications. KBLA ‘Talk 1580’ strongly believes in enlightening, empowering and encouraging tomorrow’s reporters, editors and potential talk radio hosts. Hopefully, our scholarships make a difference.” The scholarship donations were raised at KBLA’s February 28, 2023, Black History Month luncheon in tribute to Black legends in Los Angeles media.

Industry News

WTOP-FM, Washington Enters Partnership with WJLA-TV for Weather

A deal between Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington and Sinclair Broadcast Group’s WJLA-TV, Washington will see WJLA’s team of experienced meteorologists providing round-the-clock weather reports every 10 minutes on WTOP News. WTOP director of news Julia Ziegler says, “WTOP listeners rely on our traffic and weather reports on the 8s. We are excited to begin this partnership with our colleagues at WJLA and bring unprecedented live weather coverage to the DC region, especially on those days when it matters most.” The collaboration with WJLA restarts a longtime partnership between the two news stations. WJLA previously provided weather coverage on WTOP for more than 10 years.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The deadly tornadoes that hit Mississippi and the severe storms predicted for other part of the Southeast today; the protests in Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul the judicial system; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and his Saturday political rally in Waco, Texas; Russia’s Vladimir Putin reveals plans to station nuclear weapons in Belarus; and the NCAA Men’s and Women’s basketball tournaments were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

“105.7 The Fan” Brings Back “Baltimore Baseball Tonight”

Audacy sports talk outlet WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” announces the return of “Baltimore Baseball Tonight” to its program lineup with the new season coinciding with the Baltimore Oriole’s Opening Day on March 30. New to the “Baltimore Baseball Tonight” broadcast team is Ryan Ripken, son of baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. Ripken joins Bob Haynie – host of the midday “Vinny & Haynie” show – Baltimore Hall of Famer Mike Bordick, and longtime voice of Baltimore baseball Jim Hunter. 105.7 The Fan brand manager Chuck Sapienza comments, “We are thrilled to be bringing ‘Baltimore Baseball Tonight’ back to Baltimore baseball fans. The show was received so well last season, and we look forward to building off that momentum again this season. Adding Ryan to the team brings a critical young voice to the show, and his perspective having been a part of the organization and his deep family ties to the team are invaluable.” When the Orioles are home, the show is broadcast on-site at Pickles Pub near Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of March 20 – 24

The numerous legal battles facing former President Donald Trump, including the probable indictment in the Stormy Daniels hush money allegation was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank failure and concerns about the security of the global banking system, followed by the state of the U.S. economy and the Fed’s decision to raise interest rates again 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.

Job Opportunity

Smiley Audio Media and KBLA, Los Angeles Seek Director of Sales

KBLA Talk 1580/SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. is seeking a director of sales who can plan, direct, and coordinate the actual distribution or movement of service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas and goals, and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor customers’ preferences. Candidates can learn more details here.

Industry News

WEEI, Boston Host Suspended After Racist Remark

A number of media outlets are reporting on the incident that took place on the Wednesday edition of the “Greg Hill Show” on Audacy’s WEEI, Boston, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, that’s led to the suspension of co-host Chris Curtis. Hill, Courtney Cox and Curtis were discussing a local proposal to ban the 1.7-ounce liquor bottles commonly known as nips. When Cox asked about each host’s favorite nip and named several brands of liquor, Curtis replied, “I’d probably go Mina Kimes.” Nip is also a pejorative term for Japanese. Kimes is of Korean descent. When the Boston Globe reached out to Audacy for comment, the spokesperson declined to address it specifically but suggested Curtis meant to say Mila Kunis. Today, Curtis apologized on air and said he’s been suspended until next week. Curtis explained he didn’t intend to say Mina Kimes. “In a pathetic, failed attempt at a one-liner, I attempted to bring up Mila Kunis, which was not really that funny, sophomoric and sexist. But for reasons I don’t understand, I said Mina Kimes.”

Industry News

Late BFoA President Jim Thompson to Be Honored

Broadcast industry executive and former longtime president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, Jim Thompson, will be honored posthumously with the Chairman’s Award at the Broadcasters Foundation Breakfast on April 19 at the Wynn, Las Vegas. The Chairman’s Award is bestowed on an individual in recognition of their contribution to the broadcast industry. Thompson’s wife, Cindy, will accept the Award. BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “Jim made an impact on everyone who worked for or with him. He was always helping people in their careers and served as a mentor to many. His steadfast commitment to the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation was unwavering. It is fitting for us to honor his memory and contributions to our industry and the Broadcasters Foundation.” Thompson took the reins of the Broadcasters Foundation in 2008, following a distinguished career. He was president and CEO of Group W Radio, the second largest radio company in the country during his leadership, and along with Mike Craven was co-owner of Liberty Broadcasting, a nineteen-station radio group. He began his broadcasting career as an account executive at KYW-TV, Philadelphia in 1971, where he rose to VP and general manager.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/22) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The economy, the Fed’s move to increase interest rates again, and fears of a recession; the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank failure and the state of the banking industry; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. government’s move to ban TikTok; two staff members are injured in a shooting at a Denver high school; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the meeting between Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping; and the recent climate change report and the severe weather in Southern California were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Kraig T. Kitchin to Receive 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award

The TALKERS editorial board has announced the selection of renowned radio industry executive Kraig T. Kitchin as the 2023 recipient of the newly renamed Jim Bohannon Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement. Mr. Kitchin will be presented the honor at the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 convention on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island, NY.  In making the announcement, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison stated, “Although still a relatively young man, Kraig Kitchin’s illustrious career goes back decades and his positive contributions to the radio business – including the spoken word formats and some of its greatest talents including the late Rush Limbaugh – have been indelible and immeasurable.” Since 2008, Kitchin has been president of the talent management firm, Sound Mind, with a focused effort toward managing the businesses of high-profile radio and podcast personalities as well as production companies. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Oxford Road, a media placement agency specializing in audio advertising, with a focus on podcasts and audio integrations. The nine-year-old agency is a leader in the audio space on behalf of more than 50 clients. Kitchin also serves as chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame to which he was appointed in 2014. Since assuming the role, he has reinstituted national public voting for two of the six categories of induction and has doubled the voting participant panel. Under his leadership, more than 75 radio icons have been inducted. Prior to launching his own firm, Kitchin was one of the founders of Premiere Radio Networks, Inc., in 1987. The company grew to be the number one radio network in the country syndicating 90 radio programs and services to more than 4,600 radio affiliates, reaching 190 million listeners weekly. He started as executive vice president of sales and by 1998 at the age of 37, he assumed the role of president/COO, one of the youngest in the country to run a $300 multi-million-plus radio company. During his 10-year tenure at Premiere, Kitchin directed and oversaw all talk and music programming and services featuring the nation’s most popular personalities like Limbaugh, DelilahJim RomeGlenn BeckCasey KasemBill HandelRyan SeacrestBob (Kevoian) and Tom (Griswold)Steve HarveyWhoopi GoldbergBlair GarnerGeorge NooryMaria BartiromoJim CramerMatt Drudge, the late Art BellDonald TrumpBob Costas and others. In addition, he supervised Premiere Radio’s other properties: Mediabase 24/7, the industry’s leading music monitoring service, MJI Programming, and FOX Sports Radio. Kitchin started his career in station management at WFMK-FM in Lansing, MI, and KTYD-FM in Santa Barbara, CA before serving as sales manager of the Katz Radio Group Network in Los Angeles. Kitchin will be one of 60 industry leaders speaking at TALKERS 2023.  For more information, see story below.

Industry Views

The Power of Appealing to Aspiration

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

WABC - Bruce MorrowIt was a cruel trick. Hulu started streaming “For the People” from Shondaland Productions last month and I bit. It is a show about Manhattan, ambition and really well-tailored clothes. Then I looked at the more information tab and discovered that the show was cancelled… in 2018. Crushed. Two seasons on ABC. Cancelled.

Why have I fallen so hard for a show about the lawyers of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York? Two reasons: “For the People” is aspirational TV (at least to me) like, “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” Every character in “For the People” has an enviable 20s-in-Manhattan lifestyle. It is easy for me to embrace the warm pool fantasy of a good job, cool sushi bars, easy sex. I also miss a character in the show named Kate Littlejohn played by Susannah Flood. She says what needs to be said and does not care what people think of her in the workplace! That’s my aspiration too!

“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” is also aspirational (again, at least to me). The star, Guy Fieri, lives off the grid and off the menu. He eats any deep-fried dish he wants in the kitchen with the chef for free! I eat Lipitor. I aspire to be Guy Fieri, a man who has no negative consequences for his cardiac arrest diet.

When a show taps into your aspirations on any level, it becomes your show. Radio entertainment did that for you, that’s why you work in radio! You and I can do that for a listener. The founding Top 40 jocks tapped the aspirations of teens every day. Dewey Phillips on WHBQ, Alan Freed on 1010 WINS, Bruce Morrow on WABC and many more. What did they do? They said the names of their listeners for hours and hours, they formed an exclusive club of cool kids. These pioneers compelled their listener to buy the record, the ticket and come to the dance.

“Hey cousin, you’re captured.”  Bruce Morrow said that phrase MILLONS of times going into breaks. He captured the listener behind the velvet rope of coolness and that’s where they aspired to be and to remain.

The moment you share a story your listeners absolutely relate to, they will aspire to join your club. Say a listener’s name, and you instantly become a part of their personal history. Radio’s star making power is radio’s magic. Secretly, every listener wants to be a star, make their aspiration come true and you have a listener for life. Or, as the pedantic say… a P1!

Walter Sabo, consultant, can be contacted at Sabo Media: walter@sabomedia.com. Direct phone: 646-678-1110.  Check out www.waltersterlingshow.com. Meet Walter Sabo at TALKERS 2023 on June 2 at Hofstra University.

Industry News

Beasley Philly Recognizes Top Sellers

Beasley Media Group Philadelphia honored its top account executives of 2022 on March 14 during the cluster’s annual President’s Club dinner. Tim Graham was named the annual “President’s Club Champion,” marking his second overall annual win. In 2022, he achieved 111% of his annual budget and 174% of his digital budget. Beasley Philadelphia VP of sales Paul Blake says, “Tim is a two-time winner of our Annual President’s Club award. He just celebrated his 18th anniversary with our group and his vigor, focus and commitment to his personal excellence and his clients’ success have not wavered over those years. We all congratulate and celebrate Tim and his success!” Pictured above are (l-r): market manager Joe Bell, GSM Rob Keegan, Graham, GSM Bill Burns, and Blake.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/21) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The potential indictment of former President Donald Trump in the Stormy Daniels hush money matter and Trump’s call to his base to protest; the sniping between former President Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis; the U.S. economy, the Fed’s interest rate hikes, and the aftermath of the failure of Silicon Valley Bank; Xi Jinping’s trip to Russia to meet with Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit with Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine; the latest climate change report issued Monday concluding the planet is on pace for severe damage as a result of rising temperatures; the legal battle between Dominion Voting Systems and FOX News in the former’s $1.6 billion suit against the media outlet; and high winds and rain hit Southern California as the 12th atmospheric river hits the region were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network Debuts

Premiere Networks announces the launch of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network with the debut of “The Tudor Dixon Podcast.” Dixon was the 2022 Republican candidate for governor of Michigan. Premiere says, “The new podcast is focused on the important issues that affect the American way of life. From politics to parenting, Dixon – a businesswoman, breast-cancer survivor, and working mom of four girls – will dive deep into a wide variety of topics that touch our lives, while welcoming experts, insiders and headline makers for candid conversations.” Dixon comments, “I’m thrilled to take this leap into the podcasting world and am incredibly grateful to both Clay and Buck for encouraging and supporting me in this new venture. Listeners can expect to hear unique and unabashedly American stories not covered by the corporate media, as well as commentary from expert guests who will get to the truth about the issues impacting you and your family. I look forward to starting this new journey and bringing these stories to the forefront!”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/20) Top News Talk Media Stories

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s investigation into former President Donald Trump’s alleged hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels and his likely indictment; the latest climate change report issued Monday concludes the planet is on pace for severe damage as a result of rising temperatures; China’s Xi Jinping visits Vladimir Putin for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank failure and concerns about global banking troubles; Wyoming outlaws the abortion pill; the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War; and Miami Beach struggles with crowds and violence during Spring Break were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

KBLA Talk 1580 Founder Tavis Smiley to Be Honored

Prolific author and veteran talk media purveyor of current events with a focus on African American perspectives, Tavis Smiley, has been selected by the TALKERS editorial board to be the 2023 recipient of the highly prestigious Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech. The award is presented each year to a talk media practitioner whose work sets an example for the exercise and preservation of the First Amendment. Smiley, who has hosted shows on a diverse array of platforms such as BETCNNABCPBS, KABC Radio, and KGFJ Radio among others, joins such former recipient of the award as Rush LimbaughSean HannityBill O’ ReillyMark LevinMichael SavageGlenn BeckBob GrantThom HartmannAlan ColmesJoe MadisonKaren HunterAl FrankenBrian LambNorm PattizIan Freeman and others dating back to the origins of TALKERS in the late 1980s. Some 21 months ago, Smiley’s media company acquired an AM radio station in Los Angeles, the former hip hop legend KDAY, and transformed it into a new station and format – KBLA Talk 1580 – where he’s assembled an outstanding on-air staff, including himself, with the passionate mission of, as he puts it, “unapologetically serving people of color and who are politically progressive.” In making the announcement of this year’s recipient, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “This is our longest-running and most-important award. Mr. Smiley has risen to the enormous talk radio challenge of providing underserved African Americans and progressives with a major commercial platform in the nation’s second largest market with a worldwide reach. In today’s political environment and struggling AM radio industry, it doesn’t get any more ‘First Amendment’ than that.” Tavis Smiley will be presented the award at the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 convention on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island where he will be one of 60 talk media luminaries scheduled to speak.  For more information about TALKERS 2023, see the story below. 

Industry News

FOX News Digital Again Tops in Multiplatform Views

According to the latest data from Comscore, FOX News Digital finished February 2023 as the top-performing news organization in the competitive set in both multiplatform minutes and multiplatform views. This marks five consecutive months as the top news brand with multiplatform views and two straight years as number one with multiplatform minutes. While FOX News Digital – as well as NYTimes.com – still lags behind CNN.com in multiplatform unique visitors (97.4 million to CNN.com’s 117.7 million), it has improved 23% in that category since February of 2022 while CNN.com is down 8% during that period.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The aftermath of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the state of the global banking system; Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s case against former President Donald Trump in the Stormy Daniels matter and Trump’s suggestion his supporters “take to the streets” in protest; Wyoming outlaws the abortion pill; the GOP race for the nomination in ’24; Vladimir Putin visits Mariupol, Ukraine as the Russian invasion continues; China’s Xi Jinping travels to Moscow to visit Putin for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; and the first rounds of the NCAA basketball tournaments were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.