Industry News

Benztown Brings Director of Fire of Love to Valentine’s Day Radio

Benztown and National Geographic Documentary Films is making Sara Dosa, director of the Oscar-nominated film Fire of Love, available to radio stations tomorrow for a Valentine’s Day radio tour. The film tells the love story of intrepid French scientists Katia and Maurice Krafft, who died just as explosively as they lived – capturing the most spectacular imagery ever recorded of their greatest passion: volcanoes. The radio tour will fill up fast, so book your interview with director Sara Dosa now by reaching out to Crissy Whalin here.

Industry News

MRN Begins Coverage of 75th NASCAR Season and Daytona 500

This week begins the build-up to NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season and the 65th running of the Daytona 500 next Sunday (2/19). Motor Racing Network announces talent and coverage plans for the week in Daytona. Joining play-by-play veterans Alex Hayden and Jeff Striegle in the booth will be NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Rusty Wallace providing insight and analysis from his 25 years of competing at NASCAR’s highest level. They will be joined by expert pit reporters Steve Post, Kim Coon, and Dillon Welch. The familiar voices of Dave Moody, Mike Bagley and Kyle Rickey will call the action from high atop the Speedway’s 31-degree banked turns.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The U.S. military shoots down a fourth “unmanned object,” this time over Lake Huron and the pressure is on President Joe Biden to give details to the American people; former Vice President Mike Pence is subpoenaed by special counsel investigating Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election results; the 2024 presidential race and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s plans to challenge former President Donald Trump for the GOP nomination; the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria surpasses 36,000; the battle in Congress over the debt ceiling; the Russia-Ukraine war and the latter’s plea for more weapons to hold off Vladimir Putin’s troops; and the Chiefs top the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

LiveOne Reports Operating Results; Files to Spin-Out PodcastOne

LiveOne – parent company of audio services PodcastOne and Slacker – reports operating results for its third quarter of Fiscal 2023 and the first nine months of Fiscal 2023. At the same time, it announces that it is following through with its plan to spin-out PodcastOne into a separate company by filing an S-1 with the Securities Exchange Commission. For the company as a whole, LiveOne reports Q3 Fiscal 2023 revenue of $27.3 million – a decrease of 17% from the same period in Fiscal 2022. However, the company has reduced its net loss for the quarter from $11.8 million in Fiscal 2022 to $3.2 million. Its Audio Division that includes PodcastOne and Slacker produced record revenue of $22 million in Q3 Fiscal 2023 compared to $19.1 million in the same period in the prior year. LiveOne’s CEO and chairman Robert Ellin comments, “Over the past year, we have been laser focused on optimizing and streamlining our operations, led by our audio business, which includes Slacker Radio and PodcastOne. The combination of improving Contribution Margins, coupled with over $30 million in annual expense and overhead reduction, is resulting in record operating results. We are excited about the continued strong growth of paid memberships coming largely through B-to-B partnerships, including our nine-year relationship with Tesla. We expect our strong operating performance to continue for the foreseeable future led by our Audio Division and for it to collectively achieve revenue in excess of $88 million in Fiscal 2023 and generate more than $18 million in Adjusted EBITDA.”

Industry News

NYC Radio Committee Touts Success of Image Campaign

The New York City Radio Committee, a joint partnership of New York City radio broadcasters iHeartMedia, Spanish Broadcasting SystemSalem Media GroupMedia Co., Univision, and Audacy announce the completion of a successful campaign designed to promote the power of radio advertising agencies and advertising executives. The multi-media “Fall in Love with Radio” campaign ran from mid-September to the end of November during which more than 2,800 radio spots were broadcast on 21 of the most popular stations in NYC. The campaign included digital and social media marketing, trade press, and signage at venues during Advertising Week in New York City. According to independent brand lift analysis by DYNATA, ad professionals who saw or heard the campaign were 29% more likely to consider radio for their media campaigns compared to those that had not seen the campaign. Of those that saw the campaign, 82% said they were somewhat/extremely likely to consider using radio for their next campaign compared to 53% of respondents who did not see the campaign. Audacy New York market president and NYC Radio Committee chair Chris Oliviero says, “The outstanding results of the campaign prove when we tell our story, with data and creativity, that radio can substantially enhance its position with advertising professionals. While radio continues to earn its place as an essential part of any media plan, we still must communicate our benefits and invite more marketing partners to collaborate together. This innovative multi-platform outreach accomplished just that. My appreciation to all my colleagues in New York City, across several ownership groups, who came together with a commitment to make ‘Fall in Love with Radio’ a success.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of February 6 – 10, 2023

President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address and the Republican response 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.’s shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon and the diplomatic repercussions, followed by the debate in Congress over the United States’ debt ceiling 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. You can see this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

Beasley Philly Personalities on Road Trip to Phoenix

Radio personalities from Beasley Media Group’s Philadelphia cluster are driving to Arizona to deliver “Brotherly Love” ahead of the Super Bowl matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Pictured above as they leave Philadelphia for Arizona are (from left to right): WMMR evening jock Jacky Bam Bam, WPEN “97.5 The Fanatic” midday host Anthony “Cuz” Gargano, “Preston & Steve” producer CaseyBoy, and videographer Kyle Maack. Super Bowl Radio Row is always packed with radio personalities but most fly there early in the week. The Beasley personalities decided to make an adventure of it and document it on their stations’ websites and via social media. They began their drive west after collecting ‘Philly Things’ to bring good juju to The Birds. They carrying the ashes of three deceased Eagles fans in the car along with other “good luck charms” and memorabilia. They stopped at Arrowhead in Kansas City to hand out Philly snacks to Chiefs fans and they randomly met a Delaware County, Pennsylvania man while stopping to take a photo in front of the Philadelphia, Missouri sign. Tomorrow (2/10) Gargano will broadcast his “97.5 The Fanatic” show live from Radio Row in Arizona.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/8) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address and his efforts to protect Social Security and Medicare; the Chinese spy balloon, China’s military goals, and the state of U.S.-China relations; the battle in Congress over the debt ceiling; the tech industry’s obsession with AI and its effect on Wall Street; Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is hospitalized after feeling lightheaded; testimony before a House Oversight Committee hearing in the Twitter-Hunter Biden laptop matter; Volodymyr Zelensky’s addressing the EU Parliament seeking more weapons to fight Russia’s invasion; the ongoing investigation into Tyre Nichols’ death at the hands of Memphis police; the death toll hits 17,000 from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria; and the build-up to Super Bowl LVII were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WABC and Cousin Brucie to Recreate British Invasion

WABC-AM, New York announces that on September 7 of this year, radio legend “Cousin” Bruce Morrow – who hosts a weekend program on 77WABC – will recreate The Beatles’ British Invasion at 2:00 pm at the WABC Radio Studio as the station marks the 100th anniversary of WABC. The Red Apple Media station says, “Some 60 years ago Cousin Brucie was one of the first disc jockeys in the country to air The Beatles. The record changed the sound of rock and roll forever. State and city officials will be proclaiming WABC Radio Day in New York as Cousin Brucie replays the original vinyl Meet the Beatles album that made history. Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis will also dedicate the WABC Radio Studio in Cousin Brucie’s name.  TALKERS founder Michael Harrison comments, “Once again the strategists at WABC are maximizing their historic assets as having been both a successful talk station and music station over the years – personified by the remarkable Cousin Brucie – to play great music and talk about it as well. A powerful combination!”

Industry News

Dave Ramsey to Host Caller-Driven Entreleadership Podcast

Nationally syndicated radio host and Ramsey Solutions CEO Dave Ramsey is taking over as host of “The EntreLeadership Podcast” that is produced by the Ramsey Network. Ramsey Solutions says the podcast is “among the top business podcasts ever created.” Ramsey begins as host for the February 13 edition that will feature a new, caller-driven format in which he’ll “take calls from America’s small-business owners to help guide them through the unique challenges they face as leaders in business.” Ramsey says, “Thirty years ago, I started my business from a card table in my living room. I know how hard it is to grow a business and grow yourself. I’m more fired up than ever to come alongside leaders that are in the trenches, scratching and clawing to transform business as usual into the business they dreamed of. This show is everything you wanted to know about business and leadership, but you didn’t know who to ask.” Dave Ramsey is also the author of the #1 best-selling book, EntreLeadership.

Industry News

JVC Broadcast Flips WDYZ-AM, Orlando to Sports Talk

JVC Broadcasting announces the flip of WDYZ-AM, Orlando from a simulcast of its “Florida Man Radio” talk format to sports talk as “ESPN 660 – Orlando Sports Radio.” The station is airing ESPN Radio programming including “Keyshawn, JWill & Max” and “#Greeny” in late mornings. It will also air sports play-by-play and the Daytona 500 on February 19. JVC Florida director of programming Stevie DeMann says, “ESPN Radio offers the access to play-by-play, nationally known talent, and athletes that cannot be replicated. ‘ESPN 660 Orlando’ will air events like the Daytona 500 and the College Football Playoffs, giving radio listeners long-awaited access to these ‘must listen to’ sports, that previously were not available in Central Florida. We will have the largest selection of compelling sports content on ESPN 660 Orlando.”

Industry News

Salem Teams with Food For The Poor to Aid Turkey and Syria

Salem Radio Network is teaming with international relief agency Food For The Poor to provide aid to those in need in Turkey and Syria in the wake of Monday’s deadly earthquake. To achieve this, Food For The Poor is working with partners including MAP International (medicines and supplies), Brother’s Brother (medicines and supplies), Feed My Starving Children (rice casserole meals) and Water Mission (safe water). SRN talk show hosts and radio partners raising funds to provide assistance include Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt, Sebastian Gorka, Brandon Tatum, and Eric Metaxas.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address; the debt ceiling battle in Congress; the U.S. Navy releases photos of the recovery of the Chinese spy balloon; former President Donald Trump’s and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s campaigns for president in 2024; the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria surpasses 11,000; Ukraine’s search for support from the U.S. and European nations to counter Russia’s invasion; the move to ban TikTok in the U.S. combined with the expansion of AI technology; and LeBron James claims the NBA’s career scoring leader title were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

CB Cotton Joins FOX News Channel as Correspondent

Journalist CB Cotton joins FOX News Channel as a New York-based correspondent covering breaking news from the network’s headquarters. Cotton has been serving as a reporter for ABC affiliate KMGH-TV, Denver, Colorado where she was the station’s lead night side reporter focused on crime, justice, and law enforcement. During her tenure, she covered the city’s breaking news stories, including the Boulder King Soopers supermarket shooting and the December 2021 Marshall fire. She has also reported on alleged police misconduct, such as the violent arrest of Kyle Vinson in Aurora, the controversial apprehension of then-75-year-old Karen Garner in 2020 and the fallout surrounding the death of Elijah McClain following his 2019 arrest. Cotton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast and electronic journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is professionally fluent in Spanish and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Press Photographers Association.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/6) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Anticipation of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address to be delivered this evening; the aftermath of the U.S.’s shooting down a Chinese spy balloon over the weekend; the battle in Congress over solving the United States’ debt ceiling issue; the soaring death toll after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria; the House GOP investigation into the dealings of Hunter Biden; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and concerns about it leading to a wider war; the foiled attack by alleged neo-Nazis on Baltimore’s power grid; and the build-up to Super Bowl LVII were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WIBC-FM Personality Abdul-Hakim Shabazz to Run for Mayor

According to Indianapolis news/talk WIBC-FM’s website, station personality and political journalist Abdul-Hakim Shabazz will enter the race for mayor of Indianapolis in the Republican primary. Shabazz made the announcement on the “Kendall and Casey” program that airs in middays on the Urban One station. He said, “I spoke to a lot of Hoosiers, a lot of folks in Indianapolis, in part parts of the city, Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians for that matter and their eyes just lit up. A very nice lady, she donated $5. She said ‘Abdul, that’s all I can afford to give, I really want you to be mayor.’ It’s for people like that who are of limited mean, who don’t have a lot to give, and just want to feel better about where they live.” Shabazz is a weekend host on WIBC-FM and is founder and publisher of IndyPolitics.org. He formed an exploratory committee late last year to look into the feasibility of a campaign for mayor. He joins Pastor James Jackson on the GOP ticket in the May primary.

Industry News

Audacy Adds Two to Mets Broadcasts on WCBS-AM, New York

Audacy announces the addition of Keith Raad and Pat McCarthy to WCBS-AM’s flagship broadcast coverage of New York Mets baseball, beginning with the upcoming 2023 season. Raad will join as play-by-play and color commentator, teaming up with the voice of Mets’ radio, Howie Rose. McCarthy, the son of former Mets announcer Tom McCarthy, will serve as pregame and postgame host for broadcasts along with providing play-by-play for select games. Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero states, “As we round the bases towards Spring Training, we’re proud to officially welcome Keith Raad and Pat McCarthy to our popular coverage of Mets baseball alongside Mets Hall of Famer Howie Rose. Once again, the Mets offseason has created anticipation and optimism for the 2023 Amazins’ and we’re looking forward to being the audio home for every moment on-air and digitally.”

Industry News

The Weekend’s Top News/Talk Stories

The U.S. shoots down a Chinese spy balloon, icing the two countries’ diplomatic relations; President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech to be given on Tuesday; the battle in Congress over the United States’ debt ceiling; the 2024 presidential campaign launched by former President Donald Trump and the expected run to be announced by former South Carolina Governor and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley; embattled freshman Congressman George Santos is accused of sexual misconduct by a prospective staffer; Sunday night’s Grammy Awards; and a 7.8 magnitude earthquake kills close to 2,000 people in Turkey and Syria were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Stop Throwing Away Weekends

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host

Every radio sales presentation should start with one powerful number. This number – often found under the Sphinx – will dazzle any buyer, but is rarely revealed. The number is Homes Using Radio (HUR). Once upon a time it was part of the conversation. HUR shows how many people are using radio at any given time, a total number.

Studying hour-by-hour HUR reveals the most surprising fact: Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm is the second-most, listening-to-radio daypart after Monday – Friday morning drive. If a station suffers in total weekly audience, the first culprit is often squandering Saturday 10-3!

John Catisimatidis, owner of WABC, New York has taken the station from the depths of despair and turned it into a strong contender. His first act as owner was to dump the paid-for weekend programming and replace it with live, local shows. You could trace the ratings jump on WABC to the moment he placed live shows on Saturday midday.

Bart Walsh, a very successful Washington, DC general manager taught me the secret of Saturday midday. He explained that if Saturday midday’s share is higher than the station’s overall total week share, the next book will go up. If it is lower than the total share, the next book will go down. Amazingly this phenomenon has always proven to be true. I always paid attention to Bart because when he ran WKYS it had a higher percentage of profit than anything else owned by RCA and when he and Donnie Simpson ran it, the station was always #1, 12+.  Bart never expensed lunch – or anything else.

The puzzler is that weekends on radio are a built-in win. Americans love weekends. Weekends conjure good feelings and offer discretionary time. Smart stations tap the positive imagery of weekends. Imagine how easy and cheap it would be for a talk station to talk up weekends!

Become the go-to source of weekend activity information. Give away fun prizes that are all weekend related. Go shopping. Share information about local sales and retailer events. The result will be – guaranteed – a significant jump in Monday AM drive cume.

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

Industry News

Steve Sanchez Moves to Afternoons at KDWN, Las Vegas

Las Vegas talk radio host Steve Sanchez moves from the early evening daypart at Audacy’s news/talk KDWN-AM to afternoon drive beginning Monday (2/6). He moves from host of the 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm show to the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot currently held by Westwood One talk host Mark Levin. Sanchez says, “It is a thrill to be dominating my daypart in the format and I feel my audience growing exponentially right now. It’s a pleasure serving the Las Vegas market with the legendary station KDWN as my flagship.”

Industry News

Stan Norfleet Joins Sports Talk KBME-AM, Houston

iHeartMedia Houston announces that Stan Norfleet is joining KBME-AM, Houston “Sportstalk 790” as co-host of the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program “Next Up with Stan Norfleet & Chris Gordy” beginning February 13. He takes over for ND Kalu who is leaving broadcasting to focus on his growing real estate business. Norfleet was an NFL prospect who played football at the University of Virginia and Texas Southern University. Norfleet worked for the Houston Texans and the Houston Rockets before transitioning into broadcasting as a host, analyst, and sideline reporter. iHeartMedia Houston director of AM programming Bryan Erickson says, “Stan brings amazing passion to everything he does. He has strong local ties and we’re thrilled to add him to the team.” Norfleet comments, “It is a tremendous blessing and honor to join the renowned iHeartMedia Houston family. I have long been a fan and avid listener of ‘Sportstalk 790’ and respect the history and contributions of its personalities. My affinity for Space City spans nearly two decades and I look forward to connecting with old friends and new listeners in the market.”

Industry News

Clyde Bass to Lead iHeartMedia’s New Texas/Arkansas Area

iHeartMedia names Clyde Bass area president for its newly formed Texas/Arkansas Area. The region consists of more than 48 stations across 10 markets. Bass is responsible for all operations in Beaumont, Waco, Bryan, McAllen and Corpus Christi, Texas and Fayetteville, Fort Smith and Little Rock, Arkansas, along with Wichita, Kansas and Springfield, Missouri. iHeartMedia division president Nick Gnau says, “I am so excited to add Clyde’s leadership to an already strong cluster of markets in Texas. Clyde’s passion for our industry, his knowledge of our products and the success he has shown through many roles with iHeartMedia make him the perfect fit to lead this newly formed Area. I look forward to seeing these areas continue to succeed as one.” Bass most recently led the Arkansas Area. He comments, “It’s been my honor to be involved for the last 10 years with some of the legendary stations that I grew up listening to here in Arkansas, and now to be reunited as area president with the team in Texas makes me even more energized over what iHeartMedia provides to advertisers and listeners.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for the Week of January 30 – February 3

The state of the U.S. economy and the Fed’s raising of interest rates by a quarter point was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the negotiations in congress over the United States’ debt ceiling, followed by the investigations into the possession of classified government documents by President Joe Biden, former Vice President Mike Pence, and 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 Views

Is Eliminating AM Radio from EVs a Serious Threat to Talk Radio?

An in-depth article by automotive writer Dale Buss published today (2/2) in Forbes is adding volume to radio industry chatter about the seemingly ominous trend toward elimination of AM radio from the dashboard of electric cars based on the premise that the already-static-sensitive band’s listenability would be obliterated by these vehicles’ intense electromagnetic fields. The article titled, EV Makers Are Eliminating AM Radio, Infringing On Iconic Medium, quotes TALKERS founder Michael Harrison who also contributed to some of the piece’s “background” information and premises. In the article, Harrison supports the observation that the sale of EVs constitutes a small fraction of the current automotive marketplace and it will be years before they achieve a critical mass to impact the health of AM radio. In the meantime, Harrison asserted at this morning’s meeting of the TALKERS editorial board, “There are far more immediate existential threats to AM radio, not to mention FM radio, with which the broadcasting industry must contend.” He points out, “Relevance and identity! AM radio being dumped from dashboards is an innocuous thing to worry about. FM radio will be dumped from the dashboard as well… the entire idea of a radio-exclusive appliance is on the verge of obsolescence… and we’re not just talking about electric vehicles – we’re talking about all vehicles! We’re faced with an all-encompassing computer system at the fingertips and voice control of the driver and passengers.” Harrison continues, “In the meantime, today’s media consumers are savvy enough to know how to find their entertainment and information brands via the combination of Bluetooth and smartphone. Thus, the challenge facing both AM and FM radio – two increasingly irrelevant designations – is to maintain the importance, distinguishability and brand of the medium itself – R-A-D-I-O – and not let it get lost in an endless ocean of options available to the potential audience.” Read the Forbes piece here.

Industry News

“The Kalb Report” to Get NYFestivals Lifetime Achievement Award

New York Festivals Television & Film Awards/Radio Awards announces that it is honoring “The Kalb Report,” the public broadcasting series hosted by journalist Marvin Kalb, with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented at the Storytellers Gala on April 18. New York Festivals says this award recognizes prominent industry leaders, innovators, and driving forces in the broadcast industry whose accomplishments have advanced their field and made a lasting impression on the industry. “The Kalb Report” was created by Marvin Kalb in 1994 who partnered with former CBS Radio Network general manager Michael Freedman, who served as executive producer of the series for its entire 28-year run. (Freedman went on to become president of the National Press Club in 2020.) New York Festivals says, “During its nearly-three-decade run, the series has provided a forum for prominent newsmakers and journalists to discuss the news media’s impact on American democracy. The guest list included Supreme Court justices, civil rights icons, network news anchors, best-selling authors, members of Congress, and influential leaders from across the media landscape.” Trophy winning entries in the 2023 New York Festivals Radio Awards will be celebrated at the NYF Storytellers Gala on April 18 at the Centennial NAB Show in Las Vegas.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/1) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The state of the United States’ economy and the Fed’s decision to raise interest rates; the political battle in Congress to address the U.S.’s debt ceiling; the classified government documents in the possession of Joe Biden, Mike Pence and Donald Trump; Hunter Biden seeks criminal investigation into stolen data from his laptop; former President Trump’s 2024 campaign and former South Carolina Governor and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley’s expected bid for the White House in ’24; Trump’s potential legal issues in Georgia and New York; Ukraine’s plea for fighter jets is rejected by the U.S. and Germany as it tries to fend off Russia; the aftermath of the police beating death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis; artificial intelligence and the effects of the release of chatbot ChatGPT; and the brutal winter weather affecting parts of the country were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Andy Anderson Upped to Chief Revenue Officer at AURN

American Urban Radio Network announces that William “Andy” Anderson is promoted to chief revenue officer for the company. He’s been serving as president of sales for the past four years. AURN says, “With his extensive experience in the industry and a proven track record, Anderson will be leading the charge in maximizing revenue opportunities, product acquisitions and original content creations for the company. AURN CEO Chesley Maddox-Dorsey adds, “Andy’s success in developing a vision and providing strong leadership for growing company-wide activities and strategies focused on generating, maintaining and increasing revenue is unparalleled. This is a well-earned promotion.” The company adds that under Anderson’s tenure, it has seen its station affiliations grow, launched the AURNGAMING division and realized various digital expansions including podcasts and programmatic marketing.

Industry News

Nielsen to Market Edison Research Studies to Ad Agencies

Nielsen says that it will begin marketing Edison Research’s Share of Ear and Edison Podcast Metrics services to advertising agencies. Nielsen says, “Edison’s Share of Ear is a highly regarded and widely cited service that provides deep insights about the complete audio landscape, including broadcast radio, streaming, podcasting, downloaded audio, smart speakers and other sources of audio content… Edison Podcast Metrics measures persons-based listening estimates using frequently updated surveys to provide a complete view of the rapidly growing podcast audience.” Jon Kaiser is head of Nielsen’s agency and advertiser-direct businesses and he says, “The media landscape is evolving quickly and agencies have a vital need to understand how all the media puzzle pieces fit together. Edison’s insights are best-in-class and Nielsen is excited to work together with them to provide media planners and buyers with deep insights into the total audio landscape and the rapidly growing podcasting audience.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (1/31) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The efforts in Washington to come together to solve the U.S.’s debt ceiling issue; the classified government documents in the possession of Joe Biden, Mike Pence and Donald Trump; the aftermath of the police beating death of Tyre Nichols and the police brutality issue; the United States and Germany are declining to send fighter jets to Ukraine to help it fend off Russia’s invasion; nine states ask a federal judge in Texas to block the Barack Obama-era DACA program providing protection to immigrants brought to the U.S. as children; and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ continuing moves to dismantle diversity and inclusion initiatives at Florida’s universities were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

SiriusXM Adds Three Talk Shows to Urban View Channel

The satellite service announces that it is adding three new weekend programs to the schedule on its Urban View channel. Political consultant, writer, and commentator Shermichael Singleton hosts the Saturday 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm show. He’s a former contributing host of Vox Media’s “Consider It” and the host of “ScreenShare” on MSNBC’s Peacock. The program features diverse guests and conversations that “tackle the biggest issues in culture, entertainment, media, and politics.” Best-selling author, advocate, speaker, and strategist Reecie Colbert hosts the Saturday 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm program that addresses politics, culture, current events, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. And broadcaster, news analyst, business executive, college dean, university professor, lecturer, entrepreneur, and advocate Dr. Rashad Richey is host of the Sunday 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm hour that SiriusXM calls “your one-hour Sunday ‘all things’ political, social, and economic empowerment show!”