Industry News

The Weekend’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

The discovery of more classified documents at President Joe Biden’s home in Wilmington, Delaware; 10 people are slain by a lone gunman at a Lunar New Year party in Monterey Park, California; the battle in congress to raise the U.S.’s debt ceiling; Biden is expected to name Jeff Zients his new chief of staff after Ron Klain exits the post; immigration and security at the U.S.-Mexico border; the international debate over arming Ukraine in its defense against Russia; and the NFL playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

RTDNA to Present “How to Win a Murrow” Webinar

The RTDNA is presenting a webinar on Tuesday, January 24 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET that answers the question: “Besides doing excellent work, are there things you can do to improve your chances at winning an Edward R. Murrow award?” The webinar is titled “How to Win a Murrow: Tips & Tricks Webinar – All you need to know to win an Edward R. Murrow Award. ” It is being presented by RTDNA director of awards programs Kate McGarrity, the RTDNA Awards committee, and experienced Murrow judges and winners. The RTDNA says, “We will answer your questions about the entry process, judging criteria, and how to put your best foot forward with your entries. See what’s new and different for 2023. Learn the secrets of putting together a compelling entry, the most common mistakes to avoid, and judges’ pet peeves. Anyone involved in the entry process will gain valuable insights to get you set up for success this entry season.” You can find out more and register here.

Industry News

Richard E. Wiley to Receive BFoA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Richard E. Wiley is a former chairman, commissioner, and general counsel of the Federal Communications Commission and one of the most prominent media and telecommunications lawyers. He will be honored with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America during the Golden Mike Award gala on Monday, March 6, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who has made invaluable contributions to the television and radio industries. BFoA chairman  Scott Herman says, “Dick’s commitment to fight for our industry in Washington has given broadcasters the opportunity to grow their business. His strong belief in our industry has extended to his support of the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation to help those in our business who need it most. We are honored to present him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.” Wiley comments, “I am honored to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from the Broadcasters Foundation. Since arriving at the FCC more than 50 years ago and co-founding our DC law firm almost 40 years ago, it’s been a privilege to work with broadcasters on landmark innovations including the development of high-definition TV. I’m proud to be a part of this great industry’s evolution, and to support the Foundation’s mission of providing a critical safety net for members of the broadcast profession.” The annual Golden Mike Award gala is a major fundraiser for the Broadcasters Foundation, the only charity devoted exclusively to helping broadcasters in acute need. For information, or to reserve a seat or table at the Golden Mike Award gala and fundraiser, please contact the Broadcasters Foundation at 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.

Industry News

Joe Madison to Receive Harriman Award from Red Cross

SiriusXM talk host Joe Madison will receive the Harriman Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service from the American Red Cross at the organization’s Leadership Awards Luncheon taking place in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. The Harriman Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service was established in 1973 by E. Roland and Gladys Harriman and is the highest recognition for volunteer service in the American Red Cross. It was designed to promote superior performance among all volunteers and demonstration of extraordinary accomplishments.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of January 16 – 20, 2023

The investigation into President Joe Biden’s possession of government documents by a special counsel was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the U.S. debt ceiling and the politics surrounding raising the limit to avoid default, followed by state of the U.S. economy under the Biden administration tied with Microsoft’s announcement of the layoff of 10,000 workers and Google’s laying off of 12,000 workers 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. You can see this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

WSJS, Winston-Salem Dealing with Effects of Tower Vandalism

According to a report from WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, Truth Broadcasting Corporation’s news/talk/sports WSJS-AM, Winston-Salem is off the air today (1/19) as it works to repair damage to three of its towers that’s taken place over the past five weeks. Truth Broadcasting owner Michael Carbone tells WXII-TV that when the first tower was damaged, they thought bad weather was the culprit. But, after the second tower was affected, they realized that it was intentional and done by someone who knew what they were doing. The report states that after the second tower was damaged “Truth Broadcasting then hired security, and then the morning after security left the third tower was damaged. Police say someone used a tool to cut through parts of the towers anchoring them to the ground. ‘The person who did this had a real good idea of what they were doing,’ Carbone said. ‘Because they picked the point that was the safest to do what they were going to do.’” Police continue to investigate but so far, they have not made any arrests. Carbone says they are working on another location for the WSJS transmitter and hope to return to the air in a few days.

Industry News

Triton Digital Ranks “Crime Junkie” Top U.S. Podcast for December

Triton Digital’s ranking of the top 100 U.S. podcasts from participating networks for the period of December 2022 based on weekly average downloads is published and audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” is again #1. At #2 again this month is NPR’s “NPR News Now,” followed by NPR’s “Up First” at #3, Wondery’s “Morbid” at #4, NBCUniversal News Group’s “Dateline NBC” at #5 and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #6. Podcasts from radio-related companies making the top 20 for the period include: Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” at #9 and Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” at #17. You can see the complete ranker of the top 100 podcasts here.

Industry News

FOX News Wraps 2022 as Tops in Multiplatform Views and Minutes

According to data from Comscore, FOX News Digital closed out 2022 as the top-performing news brand with multiplatform views and minutes. For the year, FOX News Digital secured more than 18 billion multiplatform views, over 34 billion multiplatform minutes and averaged 82.7 million monthly multiplatform unique visitors. FOX News states that it was also “the most engaged news brand on social media throughout 2022, according to Emplifi, reaching over 445 million social media interactions. FOX News Digital drove 179.7 million Facebook interactions, 49.6 million Twitter interactions and 215.9 million Instagram interactions. On YouTube, FOX News delivered its best year ever, driving over 3.4 billion views, finishing first in the news competitive set.” While FOX News Digital topped rival CNN.com in the multiplatform minutes and multiplatform views category, CNN.com was the leader in multiplatform unique visitors – the digital equivalent of cume – with 124.9 million compared to NYTimes.com’s 89 million and FOX News Digital’s 82.7 million.

Industry News

Veritonic Expands Sales and Product Teams

Audio research and analytics platform Veritonic announces that it welcomes Lindsay Beach, Kate Judge, and Casey Hartigan to the company as sales directors, and Madeline Ngo as head of product. Lindsay Beach joins Veritonic from iHeartMedia where she was VP of connections. Kate Judge was most recently with audio creative company SpokenLayer, and Casey Hartigan was most recently senior director of strategic partnerships at Nativo. Madeline Ngo joins Veritonic from Career.io/Talent Inc where she was director of product management/head of product. Veritonic founder and CEO Scott Simonelli comments, “At Veritonic, we remain committed to providing brands, agencies, and platforms with the technology and data they need to harness the tremendous power of audio, and that starts from within. Our employees are the heart and soul of our company and the value that we provide. We look forward to the contributions that Lindsay, Kate, Casey, and Madeline will bring to the utility and advancement of our platform moving forward.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (1/18) Hottest News/Talk Media Stories

The U.S. debt ceiling is reached today and the political battle over raising it; the special counsel investigation into President Joe Biden’s possession of government documents; the Supreme Court allows New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act to stand; the Biden administration’s softening on providing Ukraine with weapons needed to attack Russian positions in Crimea; the World Economic Forum taking place in Davos, Switzerland; Microsoft announces plans to lay off 10,000 workers; and the weeks of deadly storms that have battered and flooded California were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Ryan Edwards Moves to PM Drive at KOA, Denver

Radio personality Ryan Edwards moves from his role as co-host of KOA, Denver’s evening “Broncos Country Tonight” program with Benjamin Allbright to afternoon drive as part of “The KOA Sports Zoo” alongside hosts Dave Logan and Alfred Williams. Edwards began his radio career at Bonneville’s crosstown sports talk KKFN “104.3 The Fan” before joining iHeartMedia Denver and co-hosting “First & Ten at 10” on KDFD-AM “Orange & Blue 760.” Edwards says, “I am thrilled to join radio and football legends Dave Logan and Alfred Williams on ‘The KOA Sports Zoo.’ I look forward to bringing a fans’ perspective to the Denver Broncos and all things Denver sports.”

Industry News

Randi P’Pool Joins MIW Board of Directors

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), announces that it is elevating Randi P’Pool to its board of directors. P’Pool previously served three years as a volunteer on the MIW PR committee. She takes over for longtime board member and former national spokeswoman, Denyse Mesnik, who rises to the MIW advisory council. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “We are so lucky to have someone of Randi’s caliber join our board. Randi has worked diligently on the PR committee and has earned this board seat. Knowing Randi, I suspect we’ll get a lot done and have a whole lot of fun doing it! That said, I will miss working side-by-side with my dear friend and now advisory council member Denyse Mesnik. She has given immeasurably to this organization and can’t be thanked enough.”

Industry News

2023 Gracies Deadline Extended to January 23

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announces that the deadline to submit entries for the 48th Annual Gracie Awards is being extended through January 26, 2023 (11:59 pm ET). The regular deadline, with no additional fee, is January 19, 2023 (11:59 pm ET). The Gracie Awards, presented by AWMF, celebrate programming and individual achievement by, for and about women in television, radio/audio and digital media.  Submissions from all facets of media are encouraged. A full list of the categories can be found here. AWMF president Becky Brooks says, “As our largest fundraiser of the year, the Gracie Awards empower the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation to deliver on its promise of advancing all women in media by strengthening their connection, education and recognition in our industry.” The Gracie Awards Gala will be May 23 at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire hotel and the Gracie Awards Luncheon will be held on June 20 at the Cipriani 42nd Street, New York.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (1/17) Hottest News/Talk Media Stories

The cache of government documents in the possession of President Joe Biden and special counsel Robert Hur’s investigation into the matter; the federal debt limit will be reached on tomorrow and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen cautions “extraordinary measures” will be needed to pay the nation’s bills if congress doesn’t act; the House GOP prepares to begin impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for failing to secure the U.S.-Mexico border; the military assistance the U.S. is providing to Ukraine as Russia continues its attacks on the country; the World Economic Forum taking place in Davos, Switzerland; Elon Musk’s fraud trial for 2018 tweets about taking Tesla private; China’s population decline and its slowed economic growth; and the aftermath of the storms that have been battering California for the past month were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Kevin McCullough to Debut “That Kevin Show”

WNYM-AM, New York evening host Kevin McCullough re-brands his Saturday evening “Radio Night LIVE” program as “THAT KEVIN SHOW.” McCullough says the new show is airing on Salem Media Group’s WNYM “AM 970 The Answer” and is available via Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, GCN, BizTV, BizTalkRadio, CRN Digital, and USA Radio. McCullough says, “Through much of the fall of 2022, we did a significant deep dive into not just how much content we were making every week but how it could be more impactful, and after lots of creative brainstorming, hard work and a significant investment in resources and time, the Saturday night program will show just the beginning of the efforts and results… I am also intensely grateful for Jerry Crowley, Phil Boyce, and Cary Pahigian, for challenging me consistently to continue to improve, grow, and reach!”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (1/16) Hottest News/Talk Media Stories

The discovery of government documents in the possession of President Joe Biden and special counsel Robert Hur’s investigation into the matter; the federal debt limit will be reached on Thursday and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen cautions “extraordinary measures” will be needed to pay the nation’s bills; the celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday; Russia’s most recent attacks on the Ukraine city of Dnipro that’s claimed the lives of at least 40 civilians; and the ninth atmospheric river in three weeks brings more winter storms to the already deluged state of California were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

The Weekend’s Hottest News/Talk Media Stories

Still more government documents are found in the possession of President Joe Biden as special counsel Robert Hur investigates the matter; the federal debt limit will be reached on Thursday and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen cautions “extraordinary measures” will be needed to pay the nation’s bills; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is the subject of protests in Israel; the intensifying Russian missile offensive in Ukraine; the investigation into Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger; Brazil’s Supreme Court announces it will investigate former President Jair Bolsonaro for a possible connection to the recent riots; Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday; the intense rain storms soaking California; and the NFL’s Wild Card Weekend games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the January 14-15 weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Changes at WEEI, Boston

Audacy brings Boston sports radio personality Adam Jones aboard to co-host the afternoon drive program on WEEI-FM. The new show is called “Jones & Mego” featuring Jones, Meghan Ottolini, and Christian Arcand and debuts on January 30. Jones was most recently evening host at Beasley Media Group’s crosstown WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub.” Audacy Boston SVP and market manager Mike Thomas says, “This is the third run for Adam and I working together. He’s talented, opinionated, informed and funny. Miss a day and miss a lot. Afternoons on WEEI will be can’t-miss entertainment.” At the same time, Thomas announces that Ken Laird is being promoted from operations manager for the station to brand manager. He says, “Ken has stepped up and really proven himself as a leader this past year, and I’m very happy to elevate him in this new role. I know the best is yet to come.” Laird comments, “Working at WEEI, an iconic and influential brand, has been an honor dating back to my start here in 2002. To take on a brand manager role some 20 years later is both incredibly humbling and exciting. I can’t thank Mark Hannon and Mike Thomas enough for the guidance and opportunity they’ve given me. The sports radio ratings share in Boston is proof that the nation’s most passionate fans live here, and I’m ready for the challenge to work with this great staff to deliver the daily entertainment those fans crave.”

Industry News

Hersholt Retires from KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle; Calvert to AM Drive

Today (1/13) is the last day on the air for KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle morning drive news anchor Gregg Hersholt.  He’s retiring from Lotus Communications’ “Northwest Newsradio” after five decades on the air in Seattle. Hersholt says, “Thank you to those who have listened along the way and the many great people I have worked for. I feel truly blessed.” KNWN program director Rick Van Cise says, “Gregg gave every story he covered the importance it Hairstyle - Facedeserved. While his are big shoes to fill, we are pleased to announce the appointment of ‘Northwest Newsradio’ reporter Brian Calvert to the morning co-anchor post with Manda Factor. Brian’s engaging personality, news credibility and unique storytelling make him a great fit.” Calvert comments, “It’s been a thrill to be a part of one of the best morning teams ever in radio as a reporter, and now an honor to co-host the broadcast.”

Industry News

Al Morganti to Ink Deal to Remain with WIP, Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Business Journal’s Jeff Blumenthal reports that WIP, Philadelphia morning drive personality Al Morganti will remain with the Audacy sports talk station for the next five years to host a hockey podcast and host weekend programs. The 69-year-old Morganti is a long-time co-host of Angelo Cataldi’s morning drive show and with Cataldi retiring from the station after the Philadelphia Eagles’ season ends, it was unclear what role Morganti would play with the station. In his piece, Blumenthal notes that when Audacy revealed that Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie would be the new morning drive show, it stated Morganti would continue to work for the station in some capacity. Morganti will host the hockey podcast twice per week during the season and once per week during the off-season. As for hosting weekend shows, there’s no indication he’ll have a regularly scheduled show, but will fill in when needed. Morganti also works for NBC Sports Philadelphia as a pre-and post-game analyst.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Three to Executive Positions

iHeartMedia announces three executive promotions. Amy Leimbach rises from her SVP of sales position in the Phoenix market to region SVP of sales for the newly created Greater Texas Region. Steve Earnhart is upped from his area president for the Southwest Region to region SVP for the newly created Greater Arizona Region. And Breeanna Malik rises from region SVP of sales for the Greater Texas Region to executive vice president of unified partnerships. Division president Scott Hopeck says, “It’s rewarding when you can promote from within your organization. The strong track records of these leaders combined with their response to ongoing coaching and development have made these promotions easy decisions. I’m excited to see how Amy and Steve transform our organization with their creativity and their commitment to client success.” President of unified partnerships Michael Preacher says, “We’re extremely excited to welcome Breeanna to executive leadership on our team. Given her history of high performance, Breeanna’s creativity, attention to detail and collaborative skills are a perfect fit in our partnerships division.”

Industry News

Salem Ups Andy Massingill to Senior Director of Digital Sales

Salem Media Group announces that Andy Massingill is promoted to the position of senior director of digital sales. Salem Surround vice president and general manager Jon Latzer says, “Over the past three years, Andy has led his team to unprecedented revenue heights. His leadership across the Western Region played a significant factor in Salem’s overall revenue growth. In addition to Andy’s leadership for the Western Region, Andy will work closely with Chris Gould, SVP national programming and ministry relations and all our national ministry partners to better leverage our digital assets, generating more time with our quality audience while delivering outstanding results.” Massingill comments, “The last three years have been an incredible journey with Salem and the Western Region. I’m proud of our work, the work we will continue to do, and the relationships established across the board. I am very excited to work with Chris and our national ministry partners who are at the core fabric of what Salem stands for.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of January 9 – 13, 2023

The discovery of two caches of classified government documents in the possession of President Joe Biden and the appointing of a special counsel to investigate was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the first week of business of the Kevin McCarthy-led U.S. House, followed by the migrant issues at the U.S.-Mexico border and in Florida combined with Biden’s trip to Mexico City at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio 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 of the top news/talk radio stories here.

Industry News

Edison Research: Comedy Top Podcast Category in Q3 2022

Ranking the Top Podcast Genres for the third quarter of 2022, Edison Research says that Comedy remains the genre most consumed by weekly podcasts listeners, based on audience size. Edison says its research indicates that #2 genre was Society & Culture (up from #3 in Q2 2022); #3 was News (down from #2 in Q2 2022), followed by True Crime at #4, Sports at #5, Business at #6, Arts at #7, History at #8 (up from #11 in Q2 2022), Religion & Spirituality at #9 (up from #10 in Q2 2022) and Education at #10 (down from #9 in Q2 2022). Podcasts are classified according to the self-identified genre submitted by the podcast to Apple Podcast API. Nineteen genres are identified as having at least one percent reach among those in the U.S. age 18+ for Q3 2022.

Industry News

Salem Media Group and Triton Digital Expand Relationship

Triton Digital and Salem Media Group extended their relationship that’s been in place since 2012. In addition to using Triton’s Omny Studio podcast management platform, its programmatic supply-side platform and TAP (Triton Advertising Platform), Salem Media Group will turn to Podcast Metrics Demos+ to provide enhanced metrics, including person-level demographic, sociographic, media behavior, and purchase intent data to further inform podcast audience development and advertising decisions. Salem CEO David Santrella says, “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Triton Digital, which has helped drive a significant increase in digital revenue while delivering our engaging content to our growing audience. We’re looking forward to this next chapter together, gaining increased visibility and a more comprehensive understanding of the behaviors and demographics of our audiences.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (1/11) Hottest News/Talk Media Stories

The discovery of a second batch of classified documents found by President Joe Biden’s aides in a second location associated with the president; the debt ceiling and the threat of financial chaos and recession; the call by some Republicans in Congress for George Santos to resign his seat over falsehoods on his curriculum vitae while Speaker Kevin McCarthy supports him; the deadly floods in California; the FAA’s computer failure that upset air travel across the U.S.; the latest battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the city of Soledar; the latest report on global ocean temperatures and the threat of global warming; and the death of guitar great Jeff Beck after he contracted bacterial meningitis were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Tom Barnard and Hubbard Partner for Streaming Show and Podcast

According to a report from Bring Me The News, former KQRS-FM, Minneapolis morning personality and legendary Twin Cities radio host Tom Barnard is entering into a deal with Hubbard Broadcasting to host a daily morning program streaming on audio and video from 7:00 am to 10:00 am CT and available as a podcast that the company will produce, distribute and sell. Bring Me The News says, “Barnard will be joined by a co-host, producer, and a number of other guests and contributors. Barnard left KQRS on Dec. 23 after 37 years hosting 92 KQ’s Morning Show, which for a period in the ‘90s was the highest rated morning radio show in the entire country. As he prepared to leave the station, Barnard claimed in an interview with the Star Tribune he had been forced out the door at KQ by parent company Cumulus Media, which had described Barnard’s departure as a ‘retirement.’” Barnard’s new show is expected to debut sometime next month. On Monday of this week, KQRS launched its new morning show hosted by radio personality and former Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman.

Industry News

KSCO and KOMY, Santa Cruz Transmitters Damaged by Storm

Zwerling Broadcast System’s news/talk KSCO, Santa Cruz and sister KOMY sustained damage to their transmitter facilities on January 5. In the video above, narrated by KSCO/KOMY owner/GM Michael Zwerling, you can see the damage to the radio stations’ tower structures. Both stations are on the air while the damaged portions of the transmitter facilities are being repaired.

Industry News

Townsquare Media Shuts Down Sports Talk WYOS, Binghamton

Townsquare Media turned off the transmitter for WYOS-AM, Binghamton on December 28, apparently ending the station’s carriage of the sports talk format branded as “CBS Sports 1360.”According to a report by WITV-TV, Townsquare Binghamton general manager Mary Beth Walsh says “the CBS Sports Radio format was not supported by local advertising.” Townsquare submitted a special temporary authority filing with the FCC to be off air indicating an auxiliary transmitter failure. It says the company is working to return the signal to the air and will notify the FCC when it’s able to do so.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (1/10) Hottest News/Talk Media Stories

The matter of President Joe Biden having classified government documents in a think tank office from his vice presidential days; the deadly California floods; The U.S. House approves the creation of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government to investigate attacks on conservatives; the flap over reports that gas stoves are harmful to users’ health and the threat of a government ban; Russia’s claim that it has taken control of the Ukrainian city of Soledar; the death of pro-Trump duo “Diamond & Silk” member Lynette Hardaway; Tuesday evening’s return of the Golden Globes award show after a year off; and reaction to the publication of Prince Harry’s book, Spare, and his appearance on “60 Minutes” were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday (1/10), according to research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: RECEPTIONISTS AND GROUND INTELLIGENCE – Be nice to the human at the front desk (if there is still one).

By Walter Sabo
Producer/Host
Sterling on Sunday
Media Consultant

When thinking about the changes in the radio industry I’ve seen during my career, I’m dragged to memories of the lobby of WXLO-FM in New York (WOR’s FM sister).  The station was on the second floor of 1440 Broadway. WOR-AM was on the 24th and 23rd floors.  In technical terms, the place was a dump. Dirty linoleum. Ancient office furniture.  The original ceiling was spray painted black to hide the fact that it was not an acoustic drop down ceiling. Not one window in the place. BUT the signal was the best on the FM band. WXLO was the first station to hire me almost out of college. I needed a summer job between my junior and senior year but WXLO did not have summer jobs.  The general manager, Arthur Adler offered me a full time job which I accepted immediately.

For my on-boarding process Arthur walked me to the fluorescent sales area and pointed to an empty cubicle.  Then, he vanished. Next his secretary escorted me to the personnel department many flights up.  I was seated next to an official person who was gathering many forms for me to fill out. These forms included the all-important TUITION REIMBURSEMENT form which compelled RKO General (the station’s then-owner) to pay for my last semester in college. (I attended Rutgers at night and had the credits transferred to my diploma school, Syracuse University.) On the official person’s desk sat a three-ring binder wide opened to the KHJ (Los Angeles) TALENT page.  Wide open. Staring at me, beckoning, teasing me to look. What could I do? Robert W Morgan, morning man, HIGH five figures a year.  The Real Don Steele, PM drive mid-five figures. Every other jock was paid AFTRA scale.  It was a crash course in radio economics and I wasn’t even a legal adult.  But I digress. Now for the point.

A few days later the front door on the second floor was banging. The receptionist, a kind, timid person, hit the intercom key and asked who was knocking?  Even back then, at 40th and Broadway visitors were a high security issue. That door was locked for about a million good reasons. Who was at the door?  A “menacing” man in a fancy suit and perfect hair said his name, but the receptionist did not recognize him or his name. He repeated,  “I’m THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY.”  That’s what he said.  But he wasn’t. He was the vice president.  I learned a lot then too.

A receptionist is not just the gatekeeper to the business. He/she could be the gatekeeper to your career, or fortune. That is, of course, if the establishment you are visiting still has a receptionist.  My brother, the smart one, is a financial big shot. Highly respected, oddly humble. Companies come to him for funding. Executives seeking financial backing sit with his receptionist for an unusually long time. When the visitors are invited from the lobby to the conference room, they are ALL invited into the conference room – including the receptionist. The meeting starts with my brother asking the “receptionist” for her impressions of the guests.  Then it is revealed that the receptionist is actually a high ranking, decision-making executive.

The second floor receptionist at WXLO let her feelings about the boisterous vice president be known and said VP was not titled for long. Dumb companies have eliminated receptionists and instead greet visitors with touch tone wall phones and posted extensions directories.  The loss of ground intelligence is significant – especially if the station is located in a high-priced downtown office building designed to impress.

Plus a lot of executives waste time running to the door to get food orders. False economy.

Walter Sabo is a long-time radio industry consultant and thought leader.  He hosts and produces a network radio show titled “Sterling on Sunday” 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET.  www.waltersterlingshow.com.   walter@sabomedia.com