Industry News

Premiere Networks Personalities Named to BWIR’s Inaugural 30

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Black Women In Radio (BWIR), an organization committed to the historical preservation of America’s Black female broadcasters and their contributions to Black radio culture and digital media, revealed its Black Women in Radio Historic Collection and Oral History Project with the distinguished “Inaugural 30,” highlighting the impactful careers of 39 radio professionals, including Premiere Networks personalities Angela Yee, host of “Way Up with Angela Yee,” Shirley Strawberry, co-host of “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” and Carla Ferrell, program director/co-host of “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” and program director of “The Sweat Hotel with Keith Sweat.” BWIR revealed the collection and “The Inaugural 30” during the Radio Preservation Task Force Conference April 27-29, 2023 at the Library of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.  During the conference, attendees including Carla Ferrell met with Karine Jean-Pierre, the first Black woman to serve as White House Press Secretary, and White House Public Engagement Director Steve Benjamin. The “Inaugural 30” are pictured above with Jean-Pierre (at center).

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of May 8-12

The migrant problem at the U.S.-Mexico border was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and his CNN Town Hall appearance, followed by the debate in Washington over expanding the debt ceiling to allow the U.S. to borrow more 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

“The Bettor Angle” Joins BetQL Network

Audacy announces the launch of “The Bettor Angle,” a new show that “takes fans of BetQL Network behind the numbers and uncovers the stories that shape the games.” The program is hosted by Kate Constable andim Camron Smith and airs Saturdays from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET via the Audacy app and Twitch beginning May 13. BetQL Network brand manager Andrew Williams says, “‘The Bettor Angle’ is the latest example of the BetQL Network’s dedication to delivering top-quality Wagertainment to our listeners and viewers, seven days a week. Kate and Camron will take listeners behind the numbers and uncover the stories that shape the games. From injury reports to coaching strategies, they’ll help listeners understand the factors that can make or break their bets.”

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Urban One Unable to File First Quarter Operating Results

Urban One files a notification of late filing with the Securities Exchange Commission explaining the reason it has not filed its 2022 year-end 10-K (and other forms), as well as its first quarter 2023 10-K. The company says, “On April 7, 2023, Urban One, Inc. (the “Company”) announced that in connection with the preparation of its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s management, in consultationim with its independent registered public accounting firm, re-evaluated the Company’s accounting for the valuation of its investment interest in MGM National Harbor (the “MGM Interest”), which the Company sold for cash proceeds of approximately $136.8 million on April 21, 2023. After further review of the Company’s accounting for its MGM Interest, it was determined that adjustments are required to the Company’s financial statements as of January 1, 2021 and for each of the annual and interim periods ended December 31, 2021 and September 30, 2022 (the “Affected Periods”), due to understatements in the value of the MGM Interest… The Company’s management concluded that in light of the error described above, a material weakness exists in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting for the Affected Periods. The Company’s remediation plan with respect to such material weakness will be described in more detail in the 2022 Form 10-K. Due to the Company’s continued efforts in connection with the Restatement, preparation of the 2022 Form10-K and continued assessment of its internal controls, the Company is not able to finalize the financial statements and related information for inclusion in its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 (“2023 Q1 Form 10-Q”). Accordingly, the Company is unable to file its 2023 Q1 Form 10-Q within the prescribed time period.”

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Yesterday’s (5/10) Top News/Talk Media Stories

New York Congressman George Santos pleads not guilty to federal charges of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and lying on House financial forms; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump and his CNN Town Hall; the large number of asylum-seeking migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border as Title 42 expires; the debt ceiling negotiations between President Joe Biden and congressional leaders; Tucker Carlson’s planned return via Twitter; House Oversight chair James Comer’s investigation in to Biden family finances; and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Townsquare Media Q1 Revenue Rises 3%

Releasing its operating results for the first quarter of 2023, Townsquare Media reports net revenue of $103 million, an increase of 3% over the same period in 2022. The company reports in three segments – Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions, Digital Advertising, and Broadcast Advertising. The company says Digital Advertising revenue was $33.7 million (an increase of 15.4% over the same period in 2022), whileim Broadcast Advertising revenue was $45.9 million (down 4.8% over Q1 of 2022), and Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions revenue was $21.5 million (down 1.3% over Q1 of 2022). Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson says, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s first quarter results exceeded our previously issued guidance for both net revenue and Adjusted EBITDA, due primarily to the continued strength of our digital and local advertising platform and solutions… In the first quarter, we grew cash flow from operations to $9 million, due to the strong cash generation of many of our assets, and opportunistically repurchased more than $12 million of our Unsecured Senior Notes at a discount. We ended the quarter with a strong cash balance of $42 million and maintained our all-time low net leverage multiple of 4.29x. Our growth engine has been and will continue to be our digital solutions. We believe that our Digital First business model and strategy position us to navigate the current macro-economic environment better than most, and that our revenue, profit and cash flow results will be among the best in the local media industry, particularly when compared to 2019 pre-COVID financials given our growth in revenue and profit since 2019. Our confidence is directly tied to the Townsquare team’s efforts and talent, as well as our large, growing, and profitable digital platform which contributes more than half of Townsquare’s total net revenue and profit.”

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Yesterday’s (5/9) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The influx of migrants into the U.S., the end of Title 42, and President Joe Biden’s sending 1,500 troops to the Mexican border; E. Jean Carroll wins her sexual abuse and defamation civil suit against former President Donald Trump; former FOX News Channel star Tucker Carlson announces new Twitter show; New York Republican Congressman George Santos faces criminal charges from federal prosecutors; Biden to meet with congressional leaders on Friday over debt ceiling issue; the aftermath of the deadly weekend shooting in Texas; and Congressman James Comer’s allegations the Biden family is operating in the best interest of China were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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Jayne Miller to Host Weekend Show on WBAL-AM

Baltimore investigative reporter Jayne Miller – who retired from WBAL-TV, Baltimore last year after 40 years – is hosting a talk show on Hearst Television’s WBAL “NewsRadio 1090 AM and 101.5 FM.” The Saturday 11:00im am to 1:00 pm program will “take a closer look at a variety of issues important to the greater Baltimore area, leaning on her extensive network to bring Saturday listeners interviews with key newsmakers.” WBAL director of programming Jeff Wade states, “Jayne brings a wealth of knowledge to the microphone built on decades of experience asking the tough questions and holding those in power accountable. I’m excited for her to bring that same tenacity, inquisitive nature and passion to WBAL’s Saturday lineup.”

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Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Forced to Change Award Winners

After handing out honors at its annual awards gala over the weekend, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association is forced to take back three awards and give them to the rightful recipients. Two of the awards were in television categories but the third affected news/talk radio outlets. Seehafer Broadcasting’sim talk/AC/sports station WOMT-AM/W300EE, Manitowoc was named News Operation of the Year winner in Medium Market News and Talk Radio. Midwest Communications’ news/talk WTAQ, Green Bay was erroneously named the winner on Saturday night. The WBA says the stations have been informed and awards will be produced and delivered to the stations. WBA president Michelle Vetterkind says, “We are very sorry for the error. The points awarded for social/digital media categories were not attributed to the News Operation of the Year award calculation. In previous years, points for those categories did not go toward News Operation of the Year. That rule change was made for the 2022 contest but wasn’t incorporated into the tabulation process.”

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FNC Dedicates London Bureau to Slain Photojournalist

FOX News Channel dedicates its London bureau to its beloved cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski (pictured), who was killed last year after his vehicle was struck by incoming fire while news gathering in a village outside Kyiv, Ukraine. The attack critically injured FNC’s State Department correspondent Benjamin Hall and killedim Ukrainian journalist Oleksandra Kuvshynova. Zakrzewski covered nearly every international story for the network during his almost 20-year tenure and was based in London. In 2021, Zakrzewski notably played a key role in rescuing Afghan freelance associates and their families from the country following the withdrawal of U.S. forces there. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “Pierre was renowned throughout the media industry for his passionate storytelling and remarkable skill, and he was an all-around exceptional colleague. While we are still devastated by his loss, we are extremely proud to honor his legacy by dedicating and naming our London bureau after him.”

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Yesterday’s (5/8) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of the Texas mall shooting that took the lives of eight people and the vehicle attack that killed seven; President Joe Biden’s scheduled meeting with congressional leaders over the debt ceiling issue; the large number of migrants amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border awaiting the expiration of Title 42 and Biden’s order of 1,500 troops to the region; a panel in California recommends apology and reparations to Black Californians; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the protests in New York City over the choke-hold death of Jordan Neely, and Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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Panel Discussion to Tackle the Talk Media Industry’s Key Concerns

One of the most popular sessions at the annual TALKERS Conference is “The Big Picture” panel and this year’s planned installment of the discussion promises to continue in that tradition of perspective and pertinence.  The panel will be introduced by TALKERS associate publisher/media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison, Esq. and moderated by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison.  Panelists include (in alphabetical order): Arthur Aidala, Esq. founding partner, Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, PC/host, AM 970 The Answer, New York; Dr. Asa Andrew, CEO/host, The Doctor Asa Network; Lee Habeeb, host/producer, Our American Stories; Lee Harris, director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation; and Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC/chairman, Radio Hall of Fame.  One more panelist has yet to be named.  The issues that the session will cover include: the existential cultural, technological and financial issues facing radio and talk media; the medium’s role in the national political conversation and culture wars; the impact of artificial intelligence on intellectual property and creative originality; the evolution of ethics, justice and journalism in American society; and an examination of potential topics and concerns that will keep the medium vibrant as we move deeper into the 21st century. “It’s all about perspective,” says panel moderator Michael Harrison. “If we are to survive as an industry as well as a community, we have to step back and look at the big picture within which we operate… and it is getting bigger and bigger with each passing moment. We must avoid becoming smaller and smaller.”  More than 60 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a power-packed day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. TALKERS 2023 is nearing an advance sellout. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here. 

Industry News

Former Cuomo Aide to Host WABC Radio Show

Melissa DeRosa, who served as aide to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, is getting her own weekly radio show on WABC, New York. The New York Post reports that DeRosa, who has been serving as aim contributor to the Red Apple Media station, will host a Sunday talk show, although a firm start date has not been announced. Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis tells the Post, “She is one smart lady and she is one tough lady and you know how much I appreciate smart tough ladies.” DeRosa says her show will tackle “the major headlines driving national news and New York news. It will be a mix of insiders conversation but also I want it to have broader appeal to everyday New Yorkers.” Read the Post story here.

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Former L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva to Host Show on CRN

CRN Digital Talk Radio announces that former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva is hosting a new talk radio show titled, “The Resistance with Sheriff Alex Villanueva,” that will cover “a wide range of topicsim related to crime, law enforcement, public safety, homelessness and the failures of many of our elected officials.” The program debuts this evening (5/8) at 7:00 pm ET. CRN Digital Talk Radio CEO Michael Horn says, “We are thrilled to have Sheriff Villanueva join our lineup of hosts on CRN Digital Talk Radio. His experience and expertise in law enforcement and in public service make him a valuable addition in the talk media universe and we look forward to providing a platform for him to connect with the audience.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

At least nine people are killed in a shooting at a Texas outlet mall and seven others are killed by a vehicle hitting people outside a migrant shelter; the global COVID health emergency is declared over and Dr. Rochelle Walensky exits the CDC; the battle in Washington over the debt ceiling; investors remain nervous about regional banks after the failure of three; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the controversy over Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ accepting gifts from a prominent Republican donor; King Charles III is coronated; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine; experts’ concerns about generative Artificial Intelligence; and the large number of race horse deaths leading up to the Kentucky Derby were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Today’s Radio Talk Show Hosts Face Unique Challenges

A special panel addressing the career management issues facing today’s talk radio talent has been set for TALKERS 2023 which will take place on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. It’s always been difficult to forge a successful on-air career in radio – but today, it is particularly intense. Talk show hosts in 2023 must deal with integrating their on-air responsibilities with the multi-platform nature of modern media, fragmented pop culture, stifling budget restrictions, and highly distracted or corporately paralyzed management. This all plays out against the backdrop of controversy, political correctness, a dizzyingly non-stop news cycle and incessant technological change. The session titled, “Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career,” will be introduced by Ryan McCormick, managing partner, Goldman McCormick, PR and a syndicated talk show host in his own right; moderated by Heavy Hundred mainstay and the “Dean of Philadelphia Talk Radio,” Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia; and include panelists (in alphabetical order): super-agent, Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss Agency; Heavy Hundred member Mandy Connell,  KOA, Denver; Heavy Hundred member Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond; Heavy Hundred member Frank Morano, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Network, and Heavy Hundred member Martha Zoller, WDUN, Gainesville, Georgia.   More than 60 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a power-packed day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. TALKERS 2023 is nearing an advance sellout. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

Jay Philpott Joins Cumulus Appleton-Oshkosh as OM

Cumulus Media appoints Jay Philpott operations manager for the Appleton-Oshkosh, Wisconsin station group that includes news/talk WOSH-AM and four music brands. Philpott will also serve as PD and air talent forim classic hits WVBO-FM. Philpott comments, “I knew very quickly after speaking to and meeting with [regional VP] John Rowe that rejoining Cumulus in Appleton/Oshkosh was the right move for me. I am thrilled to work with the incredible programming team there, and to continue working with [SVP programming operations] John Dimick and [chief content officer] Brian Philips. Coming over from Minnesota for my third tour of Wisconsin radio, I’ll still be wearing purple… but only the stuff related to Prince! Here’s to continue making great radio that our listeners love!”

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Fred Toucher Could Return to WBZ-FM, Boston Soon

According to a story by Brandon Contes in Awful Announcing, WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” morning drive co-host Fred Toucher says he may get his doctor’s permission to go back on the air after anim extended absence for a chronic throat condition that led to a cancer scare. Toucher, who co-hosts the morning show with Rich Shertenlieb, says in a video he posted to Twitter, “I feel my voice is getting stronger. I think that if I go to the doctor on Monday, he is going to give me permission to go back on the air. So, what turned out as a big, big cancer scare, where I was given assurances that it was cancer in my throat, might turn out to be that I needed not to talk for a very long time.” Read the Awful Announcing piece here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of May 1-5

The negotiations between House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the Biden administration over spending cuts in exchange for raising the debt ceiling was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Fed’s raising of the benchmark interest rate, followed by the recent bank failures and Americans’ faith in the banking system 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.

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The Late Jim Thompson to Receive TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” Award

The late Jim Thompson, who lost his valiant struggle against throat cancer last August at the age of 75, has been named this year’s recipient of the TALKER S magazine Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service by a Broadcaster – also referred to as the “Humanitarian of the Year” award. Thompson served successfully as the president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America between 2009im and 2022 guiding the charitable organization to more than quadruple the amount of financial aid it distributes to radio and TV professionals in acute need from $400,000 to nearly $2 million last year. “I am very proud to have known Jim for nearly 40 years as a colleague and a friend,” said Scott Herman, chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Jim believed deeply in helping others and his passion and enthusiasm for life always lit up a room. He always saw the positive in every person and every situation.” Prior to his service to the industry as president of the BFoA, Thompson had been 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 19-station radio group concentrated on the East Coast. He began his broadcasting career as an account executive at KYW-TV, Philadelphia in 1971, where he rose to vice president and general manager. An innovator and visionary, Thompson created the Radio-Mercury Awards to encourage and reward excellence in radio creative. He served on the boards of the Radio Advertising Bureau and the Advertising Council, was vice chairman of the Pennsylvania State Broadcasters Association and a member of numerous committees, including the NAB Radio Futures Committee.  A member of the U.S. Army, Thompson served in Vietnam. The presentation will be made by talk show host Harry Hurley of WPG, Atlantic City at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island.

The Humanitarian of the Year honor is one of four awards presented annually by TALKERS at its annual national conference.  The others set for this year include the Freedom of Speech award to Tavis Smiley of KBLA Talk 1580, Los Angeles; the Woman of the Year award to Martha Zoller of WDUN, Gainesville, GA; and the award for Lifetime Achievement to Kraig T. Kitchin of Sound Mind, LLC.  All three will be in attendance to make their acceptances. Jim Thompson’s award will be accepted by Broadcasters Foundation of America president Tim McCarthy.

TALKERS 2023 is nearing an advance sellout. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

BIA Advisory Services: WTOP-FM Top Biller in 2022

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BIA Advisory Services announces that in the first edition of its Investing In Radio® Market Report for 2023, that the top billing radio station in 2022 was Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington ($69 million). It also reports that the total U.S. local radio over-the-air and digital revenue for 2022 topped $13.6 billion in 2022, an increase of 7.4% over the $12.6 billion total in 2021. Over-the-air advertising grew 2.2% to $11 billion (up from $10.7 billion in 2021) and digital income rose 35% to $2.6 billion (up from $1.9 billion in 2021). BIA VP of forecasting Nicole Ovadia says, “Looking at last year’s ad revenue results, it shows that radio is maintaining an important position in their local markets, particularly as it expands and improves its online digital presence. This year, we are making a particular effort to track the digital revenue of local radio stations and believe this breakout in our forecast will be valuable to everyone in the industry.” The BIA report notes that, aside from WTOP, “other all-news stations struggled.” Compared to last year’s list, Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFO-FM dropped to the number nine position and WCBS-AM, New York dropped to the 11th position. New to the top 10 list is Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta ($31.6 million).

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Newsmax TV to Debut Chris Plante Show

Newsmax announces that Newsmax TV is launching a new prime-time show hosted by talk media personality Chris Plante, beginning Monday (5/8) at 9:00 pm ET. The program is titled, “Chris Plante The Right Squad,”im and “will be an exciting panel show led by Plante and will include Newsmax veteran Jenn Pellegrino along with three other regular panelists.” Newsmax says, “A seasoned television journalist and syndicated radio host, each weekday night Plante will join with ‘The Right Squad’ as his team features strong analysis with dynamic conversation and debates. ‘The Right Squad’ will talk about the major events that are impacting America — and no topic will be off-limits.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy adds, “Chris Plante is an award-winning journalist who delivers fact-based news and opinion while keeping the conversation fun and interesting.” Plante hosts a Westwood One-syndicated radio talk show based at Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM, Washington, DC.

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Benztown + McVay Media Produces Train Derailment Podcast Series

Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks announces the launch of “Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine,” a limited series documentary podcast by creators, journalists, and co-hosts Jarid Watson, Priscillaim Watson, and Josh Miely. Priscilla Watson says, “What listeners will find compelling is the astounding level of control the railroad industry has over the economy, while local and state governments have no legal power to protect their citizens. As residents of the surrounding East Palestine area, living just 15 miles away, and as career content creators and multi-media journalists, we uncovered shocking evidence of industry-wide negligence and learned that derailments happen more often than one might think.”

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Yesterday’s (5/3) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Inflation and the Fed’s decision to raise interest rates another quarter point; PacWest bank’s falling stock and concerns about the state of the U.S. banking system; the U.S. debt ceiling and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s determination to get spending cuts in exchange for raising it; Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine after claiming Ukraine attempted a drone strike on the Kremlin to kill Vladimir Putin; the capture of the hospital shooter in Atlanta and the capture of the man suspected of shooting five to death near Houston; a whistleblower’s claim of possession of a document tying Joe Biden to a bribery scheme with a foreign national; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; immigration and President Joe Biden’s decision to send 1,500 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border; NYC subway chokehold death; and New York bans fossil fuels in new construction were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.